US20120071258A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20120071258A1
Application number: US13/234,208
Authority: US
Inventors: Tetsuo Yamaguchi; Tomio Kumamoto
Original assignee: SRI Sports Ltd
Current assignee: Dunlop Sports Co Ltd
Priority date: 2010-09-17
Filing date: 2011-09-16
Publication date: 2012-03-22
Also published as: US20150111658A1; JP2012081250A; JP5814677B2; US20170128788A1

Abstract

A golf club of the present invention comprises at least one adjusting mechanism. In the golf club, at least two specifications can be adjusted independently of each other. Preferably, a head, a shaft, a grip, or a joined part therebetween has an adjusting mechanism (1). The head, the shaft, the grip, or the joined part has further other adjusting mechanism (2). Preferably, the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) can work independently of each other. The number of the adjusting mechanisms is not restricted. Since the plurality of specifications can be adjusted independently of each other, a degree of freedom of adjustability is improved. These adjusting mechanisms can improve accuracy of the adjustability. The specification capable of being adjusted is not restricted.

Description

The present application claims priority on Patent Application No. 2010-208923 filed in JAPAN on Sep. 17, 2010 and Patent Application No. 2011-166179 filed in JAPAN on Jul. 29, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf club. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf club having adjustability.

2. Description of the Related Art

Golf players select and use golf clubs suited to themselves. The number of golf clubs capable of being used during playing golf is 14 in respect of the Golf Rules. The golf players usually select 14 clubs and make a round.

However, a condition may be varied according to days even in the same golf player. Setting of a golf course also has an influence on selection of the golf club. Weather also has an influence on the selection of the golf club. In order to deal with a plurality of golf courses, it is advantageous to prepare changing golf clubs in addition to 14 clubs to be used. Similarly, in order to deal with weather change, it is advantageous to prepare changing golf clubs. In order to improve a degree of freedom of selection, it is advantageous to prepare changing golf clubs.

In the golf club having adjustability, a specification can be adjusted. One golf club having adjustability can be adjusted to a plurality of specifications. The adjustability can eliminate the use of the changing golf club.

A golf club having adjustability has been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-201433 discloses a golf club having a variable loft angle. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-267460 discloses a golf club having an adjustable face angle. US 2006/0293115 discloses a structure where a head is easily mounted and detached to and from a shaft. An embodiment in which a shaft axis inclined to a hosel axis is shown in FIG. 17 of US 2006/0293115. In the embodiment of FIG. 17 of US 2006/0293115, a loft angle, a lie angle, and a face angle are varied in relation to each other due to a circumferential position of a sleeve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It was found that there is room for improvement in the adjustability in the conventional technique.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf club having excellent adjustability.

A golf club of the present invention comprises at least one adjusting mechanism. In the golf club, at least two specifications can be adjusted independently of each other.

Preferably, a head, a shaft, a grip, or a joined part therebetween has an adjusting mechanism (1). The head, the shaft, the grip, or the joined part has further other adjusting mechanism (2). Preferably, the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) can work independently of each other. The joined part means a joined part between the head and the shaft, and a joined part between the shaft and the grip.

Preferably, the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) is located at a place other than a hosel part.

Preferably, the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) are located at places other than a hosel part.

Preferably, all the adjusting mechanisms are located at places other than a hosel part.

Preferably, in the golf club, the two or more specifications selected from a loft angle, a lie angle, a face angle, a face area, a position of a center of gravity of a head, a swingweight, a club length, a position of a center of gravity of a club, a frequency of the club, a club weight, a head shape, a head volume, a head weight, a flex of a shaft, a flex point of a shaft, a torque of the shaft, flexural rigidity distribution of the shaft, torsional rigidity distribution of the shaft, a shaft weight, weight distribution of the shaft, a position of a center of gravity of the shaft, a length of the shaft, a grip outer diameter, a grip weight, a position of a center of gravity of a grip, a grip length, a specification of a face groove, a face progression, a moment of inertia of the head, a moment of inertia of the club, a coefficient of restitution of the head to a ball, and a friction coefficient of the head to the ball can be adjusted independently of each other.

The number of the specifications capable of being adjusted independently of each other may be equal to or greater than 3, and furthermore equal to or greater than 4.

Preferably, the plurality of specifications includes one or more specific specifications selected from a loft angle, a lie angle, a club length, and a club weight. An adjustment range is equal to or greater than a width corresponding to two-number clubs in all the specific specifications.

A golf club set of the present invention comprises the plurality of golf clubs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head provided with an adjusting mechanism M1 (front member changing mechanism);

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the head ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining change of the front member;

FIG. 4 is a view of the head ofFIG. 1, as viewed from a sole side;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the head provided with an adjusting mechanism M2 (face plate changing mechanism);

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining change of a face plate,

FIG. 7 is a view showing a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M3 (club length adjusting mechanism);

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining adjustment of a club length,

FIG. 9 is a view showing a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M4 (lie angle adjusting mechanism);

FIG. 10 is a view of the golf club ofFIG. 9, as viewed from a sole side;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the golf club ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along line Cs1-Cs1 ofFIG. 11, a cross sectional view taken along line Cs2-Cs2, and a cross sectional view taken along line Cs3-Cs3;

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining adjustment of a lie angle;

FIG. 14 is a view showing a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M4 and an adjusting mechanism M5;

FIG. 15 is a view of the golf club ofFIG. 14, as viewed from a sole side;

FIG. 16 is a view showing a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M4, an adjusting mechanism M5, and an adjusting mechanism M6;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M6;

FIG. 18 is a view of a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M7;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the golf club ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the golf club ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sleeve used for the golf club ofFIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of a first sleeve;

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of a second sleeve;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club head provided with an adjusting mechanism M8;

FIG. 25 is a view for explaining change of a back member;

FIG. 26 is a view showing a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M9;

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view ofFIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of the golf club taken along line F28-F28 ofFIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a view showing a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M10;

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an exploded view ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of other golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M10;

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club head provided with an adjusting mechanism M1 and an adjusting mechanism M11;

FIG. 34 is a view of the head ofFIG. 33, as viewed from a crown side;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of a head provided with an adjusting mechanism M12;

FIG. 36 is an exploded view of a club provided with an adjusting mechanism M6 and an adjusting mechanism M10;

FIG. 37 is a bottom view of a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M13;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a golf club head provided with an adjusting mechanism M14;

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of the head ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of the head ofFIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a plan view of a golf club head provided with an adjusting mechanism M15;

FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view taken along line F41-F41 ofFIG. 41; and

FIG. 43 is a bottom view of the head ofFIG. 41.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described below in detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

An adjusting mechanism in the present invention satisfies the Golf Rules defined by Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Saint Andrews (R&A). That is, the adjusting mechanism in the present invention satisfies requirements specified in “1b adjustability” in “1 Club” of “Appendix II design of club” defined by R&A. The requirements defined by the “1b adjustability” are the following items (i), (ii), and (iii):

(i) the adjustment cannot be readily made;

(ii) all adjustable parts are firmly fixed and there is no reasonable likelihood of them working loose during a round; and

(iii) all configurations of adjustment conform with the Rules.

FIG. 1 shows ahead2. Thehead2 is provided with an adjusting mechanism M1 capable of being used for the present invention. Preferably, the adjusting mechanism M1 is used with other adjusting mechanisms independent of each other.

Although not shown in the drawings, a golf club provided with thehead2 is provided with thehead2, a shaft and a grip. Thehead2 is a wood type golf club head.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of thehead2. Thehead2 has afront member4, aback member6, and a connectingmember8. Thefront member4 is connected to theback member6 by the connectingmember8. Thefront member4 is connected to theback member6 in a state where no gap substantially exists. Thehollow head2 is completed by the connection.

Thefront member4 has aface surface10. Thefront member4 has thewhole face surface10. Although not shown in the drawings, thefront member4 has a screw hole into which the connectingmember8 is screwed, and a thick part for forming the screw hole. Thefront member4 is approximately cup-shaped as a whole. Although illustration is omitted, face grooves are formed in theface surface10.

Theback member6 has ahosel part12. Thehosel part12 has ashaft hole14. Theback member6 has a throughhole16 through which the connectingmember8 passes, and athick part18 for forming the throughhole16. The throughhole16 is formed on each of a toe side and heel side of thehead2. Thethick part18 is also formed on each of the toe side and heel side of thehead2. Positions of the throughhole16 andthick part18 are not restricted.

Theback member6 has a protrudingpart20. In the embodiment, a plurality of (two) protrudingparts20 is provided. The protrudingparts20 protrude forward from an opening part of theback member6. The protrudingparts20 facilitate position adjustment of thefront member4. The protrudingparts20 facilitate screwing between thefront member4 and theback member6.

The heel side throughhole16 is formed on the heel side from theshaft hole14. The heel sidethick part18 is formed on the heel side from theshaft hole14. The disposal can contribute to shortening of a length of the throughhole16. The disposal can contribute to lessening of a volume of thethick part18. The disposal can contribute to miniaturizing of a screw mechanism.

The connectingmember8 is a screw. Thefront member4 is connected to theback member6 by the connectingmember8.

Thehead2 has the adjusting mechanism M1. The adjusting mechanism M1 is a screwing mechanism between thefront member4 and theback member6. The adjusting mechanism M1 can change thefront member4.

A changing front member E4 is shown with thehead2 inFIG. 3. A changing front member E41 and other changing front member E42 are shown as the changing front member E4 inFIG. 3. The changing front member E41 and the changing front member E42 can be connected to theback member6 by the connectingmember8. A golf club with an adjusting function includes thehead2 and the at least one changing front member E4.

For example, a loft angle (real loft angle) is changed by changing thefront member4 to the changing front member E4. For example, a face angle is changed by changing thefront member4 to the changing front member E4.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M1 include a loft angle, a face angle, a face area, and a face progression. Each of these specifications can be independently adjusted in the adjusting mechanism M1. Furthermore, in the adjusting mechanism M1, a coefficient of restitution of the head to a ball, and a friction coefficient of the head to the ball can be adjusted. The coefficient of restitution of the head to the ball can be adjusted by, for example, changing the front member to another changing front member having rigidity different from that of the front member. The friction coefficient of the head to the ball can be adjusted by, for example, changing the front member to another changing front member having a face surface having surface roughness different from that of the front member.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M1 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 1a) a loft angle is changed and a face angle is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 1b) a loft angle is changed and a face angle is also changed;

(adjustment 1c) a loft angle is not substantially changed but a face angle is changed;

(adjustment 1d) a face area is changed, and a loft angle and a face angle are not varied; and

(adjustment 1e) a face progression is changed, and a loft angle and a face angle are not varied.

Although the adjusting mechanism M1 is applied to the wood type golf club head, the adjusting mechanism M1 may be used also for other type golf clubs (iron type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of ahead30 provided with an adjusting mechanism M2 according to other embodiment.FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of thehead30. Although not shown in the drawings, a golf club provided with thehead30 is provided with a shaft and a grip. Thehead30 is an iron type golf club head. Preferably, the adjusting mechanism M2 is used with other adjusting mechanism.

Thehead30 has aface plate32, ahead body34, and a connectingmember36. Theface plate32 is connected to thehead body34 by the connectingmember36. Theface plate32 is connected to thehead body34 in a state where no gap substantially exists. Thehead30 having a cavity38 (seeFIG. 6) formed in a back face is completed by the connection. In thehead30, a plane p1 provided on a back surface of theface plate32 is brought into surface contact with a plane p2 provided on a front surface of the head body34 (seeFIG. 6).

Theface plate32 has aface surface40. Theface plate32 has thewhole face surface40. Although not shown in the drawings, theface plate32 has a screw hole into which the connectingmember36 is screwed. Theface plate32 is a plate-shaped as a whole. Facegrooves42 are formed in theface surface40.

Thehead body34 has ahosel part44. Thehosel part44 has ashaft hole46. Thehead body34 has a throughhole48 through which the connectingmember36 passes. The throughhole48 is formed on each of a toe side and heel side of thehead body34. A position of the throughhole48 is not restricted.

The connectingmember36 is a screw. Theface plate32 is connected to thehead body34 by the connectingmember36.

Thehead2 has an adjusting mechanism M2. The adjusting mechanism M2 is a screwing mechanism between theface plate32 and thehead body34. The adjusting mechanism M2 can change theface plate32.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a changing face plate E32 with a cross sectional view of thehead30. A first changing face plate E321 and a second changing face plate E322 are shown as the changing face plate E32 inFIG. 6. The changing face plate E32 can be connected to thehead body34 by the connectingmember36. A golf club with an adjusting function includes thehead30 and at least one changing face plate E32.

For example, a loft angle (real loft angle) is changed by changing theface plate32 to the changing face plate E32. For example, a specification of the face groove is changed by changing theface plate32 to the changing face plate E32.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M2 include a loft angle, a specification of the face groove, a face progression, and a friction coefficient of a head to a ball. Each of these specifications can be independently adjusted in the adjusting mechanism M2.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M2 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 2a) a loft angle is changed, and a specification of a face groove is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 2b) a loft angle is changed, and a specification of a face groove is also changed;

(adjustment 2c) a loft angle is not substantially changed, and a specification of a face groove is changed; and

(adjustment 2d) a face progression is changed, and specifications of a loft angle and a face groove are not changed.

Although the adjusting mechanism M2 is applied to the iron type golf club head, the adjusting mechanism M2 may be used also for other type golf clubs (wood type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 7 shows agolf club50 according to other adjusting mechanism. Thegolf club50 is provided with ahead52, ashaft54, asleeve56, and a grip (not shown). Thehead52 is a wood type golf club head. Theshaft54 is tube-shaped.

As described later, thegolf club50 has an adjusting mechanism M3. Preferably, thegolf club50 has other adjusting mechanisms independent of each other, with the adjusting mechanism M3.

Thegolf club50 has a plurality of connectingmembers58. Thegolf club50 of the embodiment has three connecting members58 (seeFIG. 7). Thegolf club50 has a first connectingmember581, a second connectingmember582, and a third connectingmember583 as the connectingmembers58.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of thegolf club50. A section of a hosel portion is shown inFIG. 8. A left side (configuration S1) ofFIG. 8 shows a state where the first connectingmember581 is used. A center (configuration S2) ofFIG. 8 shows a state where the second connectingmember582 is used. A right side (configuration S3) ofFIG. 8 shows a state where the third connectingmember583 is used.

Thehead52 has ahosel hole60. Thesleeve56 is inserted into thehosel hole60. A cross sectional shape of thehosel hole60 corresponds to a cross sectional shape of an outer surface of thesleeve56.

Thesleeve56 has ashaft hole62 and ascrew hole63. Theshaft hole62 is opened upward. Thescrew hole63 is downwardly opened.

As shown inFIG. 8, a tip part of theshaft54 is inserted into theshaft hole62. Thesleeve56 is fixed to the tip part of theshaft54. Thesleeve56 is bonded to the tip part of theshaft54.

Anouter surface66 of thesleeve56 has a portion having a noncircular cross sectional shape. In the embodiment, theouter surface66 of thesleeve56 has a hexagonal cross sectional shape. Meanwhile, thehosel hole60 also has a noncircular (hexagonal) cross sectional shape. Rotation of thesleeve56 to thehosel hole60 is regulated by these noncircular cross sectional shapes.

The outer surface of thesleeve56 and thehosel hole60 may have a circular cross sectional shape. Regulation of relative rotation can be also achieved by only the connectingmember58.

The connectingmember58 has a head part r1, an axis part r2, and a screw part r3. The axis part r2 is provided between the head part r1 and the screw part r3.

The plurality of connectingmembers58 has different lengths. The different lengths are achieved by a difference in the length of the axis part r2.

As shown inFIG. 8, the screw part r3 of the connectingmember58 is connected to thescrew hole63 of thesleeve56. Withdrawal of thesleeve56 from theshaft hole62 is prevented by the screw connection.

As shown inFIG. 8, an insertion length Ls (seeFIG. 8) of thesleeve56 to theshaft hole62 is varied depending on the connectingmember58 to be used. A club length is changed due to the variation.

Thegolf club50 has an adjusting mechanism M3. The adjusting mechanism M3 is an changing mechanism of a shaft insertion length.

For example, the club length is changed by the adjusting mechanism M3. For example, a swingweight is changed by the adjusting mechanism M3. Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M3 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 3a) a club length is changed, and a swingweight is not substantially varied; and

(adjustment 3b) a club length is changed, and a swingweight is also changed.

Examples of means for realizing the (adjustment 3a) include reducing a weight of a longer connectingmember58. Examples of the means include using a material having smaller specific gravity for a longer connectingmember58, and reducing an outer diameter of an axis part r2 of a longer connectingmember58.

Although the adjusting mechanism M3 is applied to the wood type golf club, the adjusting mechanism M3 may be used also for other type golf clubs (iron type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 9 shows agolf club70 according to other adjusting mechanism.FIG. 10 is a view of thegolf club70, as viewed from a sole side.FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a vicinity of a hosel of thegolf club70.FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view in each of positions shown inFIG. 11. Thegolf club70 is provided with ahead72, ashaft74, asleeve76, a connecting member78 (seeFIG. 11), and a grip (not shown). Thehead72 is a wood type golf club head. Theshaft74 is tube-shaped.

As described later, thegolf club70 has an adjusting mechanism M4. Preferably, thegolf club70 has further other adjusting mechanism independent of the adjusting mechanism M4.

Thehead72 has ahosel part73. Thehosel part73 has a sleeve insertion hole75 (seeFIG. 11).

Thesleeve76 is bonded to theshaft74. Thesleeve76 has ascrew hole77. Thescrew hole77 is formed in abottom surface79 of thesleeve76.

Furthermore, thegolf club70 has a plurality of sleeve supporting members80 (seeFIG. 11). Thegolf club70 has a firstsleeve supporting member801, a secondsleeve supporting member802, and a thirdsleeve supporting member803 as thesleeve supporting members80.

The connectingmember78 is a screw. The connectingmember78 has a head part r1 and a screw part r3 (seeFIG. 11). Aconcave part81 for axially rotating the connectingmember78 is formed in the head part r1 of the connecting member78 (seeFIG. 10). Theconcave part81 has a noncircular cross sectional shape.

The connectingmember78 is screw-connected to thescrew hole77. Retention of theshaft74 is achieved by the screw connection.

Thegolf club70 has the adjusting mechanism M4. The adjusting mechanism M4 can adjust a lie angle. Thegolf club70 of the embodiment can be adjusted to three lie angles. The lie angle is adjusted by changing a direction of a shaft axis line. Thesleeve insertion hole75 does not disturb adjustment of the lie angle.

A shaft axis line in the case of a first lie angle is represented by reference character LS (seeFIGS. 9 and 11). A shaft axis line in the case of a second lie angle is represented by reference character LF. A shaft axis line in the case of a third lie angle is represented by reference character LU.

Thehead72 has a plurality of holding holes h1. In the embodiment, thehead72 has a first holding hole h11, a second holding hole h12, and a third holding hole h13.FIG. 11 shows profile lines of the holding holes h1, as viewed from the lower side of thehead72, in addition to a cross sectional view of thegolf club70. A central axis line of the first holding hole h11 coincides with the shaft axis line LS. A central axis line of the second holding hole h12 coincides with the shaft axis line LF. A central axis line of the third holding hole h13 coincides with the shaft axis line LU.

Each of the holding holes h1 is positioned so that a central axis line of (the head part r1 of) the connectingmember78 coincides with a position of any one of the plurality of shaft axis lines.

As shown inFIG. 11, the plurality of holding holes h1 is mutually and partially overlapped. Adjustment interval of the lie angle can be reduced by the partial overlapping. The lie angle can be delicately adjusted by the partial overlapping.

Thehead72 has a plurality of insertion holes h2. Into the insertion holes h2, (the screw part r3 of) the connectingmember78 is inserted. In relation to the position of the section, the insertion holes h2 do not appear in the cross sectional view ofFIG. 11. In the embodiment, thehead72 has a first insertion hole h21, a second insertion hole h22, and a third insertion hole h23. The profile lines of the insertion holes h2, as viewed from the lower side of thehead72 are also shown. A central axis line of the first insertion hole h21 coincides with the shaft axis line LS. A central axis line of the second insertion hole h22 coincides with the shaft axis line LF. A central axis line of the third insertion hole h23 coincides with the shaft axis line LU.

As shown inFIG. 11, the plurality of insertion holes12 is mutually and partially overlapped. Adjustment interval of the lie angle can be reduced by the partial overlapping. The lie angle can be delicately adjusted by the partial overlapping.

The holding hole h1 and the insertion hole h2 are continuous. A diameter of the holding hole h1 is greater than that of the insertion hole h2. A bump surface d1 exists on a boundary between the holding hole h1 and the insertion hole h2. The bump surface d1 abuts on a bump surface d2 of the connectingmember78.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, thesleeve supporting member80 has a throughhole88 and anouter surface90. A throughhole88 of a firstsleeve supporting member801 corresponds to the shaft axis line LS. A throughhole88 of a secondsleeve supporting member802 corresponds to the shaft axis line LF. A throughhole88 of a thirdsleeve supporting member803 corresponds to the shaft axis line LU.

Anouter surface90 of thesleeve supporting member80 is a screw. A screw (female screw)92 capable of being connected to the screw (male screw) of theouter surface90 is formed in an inner surface of the sleeve insertion hole75 (seeFIG. 11). Thesleeve supporting member80 is fixed to thesleeve insertion hole75 by screw connection. The screw connection may be absent. For example, theouter surface90 of thesleeve supporting member80 may have a noncircular cross sectional shape, and the cross sectional shape of the inner surface of thesleeve insertion hole75 abutting on theouter surface90 also may correspond to the cross sectional shape of theouter surface90. In this case, rotation of thesleeve supporting member80 to thesleeve insertion hole75 is prevented due to the noncircular cross sectional shape.

Thesleeve supporting member80 supports thesleeve76 along a predetermined axial direction. Simultaneously, thesleeve supporting member80 disturbs relative rotation of thesleeve76 and thesleeve insertion hole75.

FIG. 13 shows states of three lie angles. A left side (configuration S4) ofFIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view when the shaft axis line LU is employed. In this case, the thirdsleeve supporting member803 of the plurality ofsleeve supporting members80 is used. The holding hole h13 is used as the holding hole h1. The insertion hole h23 is used as the insertion hole h2. In the configuration S4, the lie angle is comparatively upright. That is, the lie angle is comparatively great.

A center (configuration S5) ofFIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view when the shaft axis line LS is employed. In this case, the firstsleeve supporting member801 of the plurality ofsleeve supporting members80 is used. The holding hole h11 is used as the holding hole h1. The insertion hole h21 is used as the insertion hole h2.

A right side (configuration S6) ofFIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view when the shaft axis line LF is employed. In this case, a secondsleeve supporting member802 of the plurality ofsleeve supporting members80 is used. The holding hole h12 is used as the holding hole h1. The insertion hole h22 is used as the insertion hole h2. In the configuration S6, the lie angle is comparatively flat. That is, the lie angle is comparatively small.

In thegolf club70, support of thesleeve76 in each of the lie angles (each of the shaft axis lines) is achieved by thesleeve supporting member80 and the holding hole h1. The support of thesleeve76 in each of the lie angles may be achieved by only thesleeve supporting member80. The support of thesleeve76 in each of the lie angles may be achieved by only the holding hole h1. In respect of alleviating dimensional accuracy of the hosel part, the support of thesleeve76 in each of the lie angles is preferably achieved by either thesleeve supporting member80 or the holding hole h1. In respect of alleviating the dimensional accuracy of the hosel part, a resin is also preferably used as a material of thesleeve supporting member80. Thesleeve supporting member80 made of the resin is suitable for supporting thesleeve76 while being deformed so as to absorb a dimensional gap.

In thegolf club70, rotation stopping of thesleeve76 is achieved by thesleeve supporting member80 and the connectingmember78. The rotation stopping of thesleeve76 may be achieved by only thesleeve supporting member80. The rotation stopping of thesleeve76 may be achieved by only the connectingmember78. When the connectingmember78 is made to function as the rotation stopping of thesleeve76, the connectingmember78 is preferably tightened by a force received from a ball at hitting the ball. When the connectingmember78 is made to function as the rotation stopping of thesleeve76, the holding hole h1 and the head part r1 preferably have a noncircular cross sectional shape, to prevent relative rotation of the holding hole h1 and the head part r1.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show agolf club100 according to other adjusting mechanism.FIG. 15 is a view, as viewed from a sole side. Thegolf club100 is provided with ahead102, ashaft74, asleeve76, a connecting member78 (seeFIG. 15), and a grip (not shown). Thehead102 is a wood type golf club head. Theshaft74 is tube-shaped.

Thehead102 has the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M4. The description of the adjusting mechanism M4 is omitted.

Furthermore, thehead102 has an adjusting mechanism M5. The adjusting mechanism M5 is a center-of-gravity position adjusting mechanism. Thehead102 has aweight body104 and a disposing hole Wh as the adjusting mechanism M5. As shown inFIG. 15, in the embodiment, a plurality of disposing holes Wh are formed. These disposing holes Wh are formed in a sole106 of thehead102.

The disposing hole Wh is a screw hole. Theweight body104 is a screw. Theweight body104 is screwed into the disposing holes Wh. The position of the center of gravity of the head is adjusted depending on the disposing hole Wh in which theweight body104 is located.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M5 include a position of a center of gravity of a head and a moment of inertia of the head.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M5 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 5a) Although a distance of a center of gravity is changed, a depth of the center of gravity is not substantially varied, and a height of the center of gravity is not also substantially varied;

(adjustment 5b) All of a distance of a center of gravity, a depth of the center of gravity, and a height of the center of gravity are varied; and

(adjustment 5c) A distance of a center of gravity is changed; any one of a depth of the center of gravity and a height of the center of gravity is varied; and the other is not substantially varied.

As shown inFIG. 15, in the embodiment, the plurality of disposing holes Wh is substantially aligned along a toe-heel direction. That is, a central axis line SP1 of a first disposing hole Wh1, a central axis line SP2 of a second disposing hole Wh2, and a central axis line SP3 of a third disposing hole Wh3 are aligned along the toe-heel direction. In the embodiment, when disposal of theweight body104 is changed, a distance of a center of gravity is mainly varied by the disposal, and a depth of the center of gravity is hardly varied. Specifically, when an amount of variation of the depth of the center of gravity is defined as Cd (mm) and an amount of variation of the distance of a center of gravity is defined as Cs (mm), a ratio (Cd/Cs) is preferably equal to or less than 0.2, and more preferably equal to or less than 0.1. In this case, the distance of the center of gravity can be selectively adjusted. It is useful to selectively adjust the distance of the center of gravity in order to adjust the direction of the face in impact.

Although the adjusting mechanism M5 is applied to the wood type golf club head, the adjusting mechanism M5 may be used also for other type golf clubs (iron type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 16 shows agolf club110 according to other adjusting mechanism. Thegolf club110 is provided with ahead102, ashaft74, asleeve76, a connecting member78 (not shown), and agrip112.

Thehead102 has the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M4 and adjusting mechanism M5. The descriptions of the adjusting mechanism M4 and the adjusting mechanism M5 are omitted.

Thegrip112 has amain body114, a weight body Wg, and a holdingbody118. Furthermore, thegrip112 has acover120.

The holdingbody118 has ascrew hole122. The holdingbody118 is disposed medially in theshaft74. The holdingbody118 is bonded to an inner surface of theshaft74.

The weight body Wg is detachably mounted to the holdingbody118. The mounting/demounting is achieved by a screw mechanism.

Themain body114 is made of rubber. Aconcave part124 is formed in a vicinity of a back end part of themain body114. Theconcave part124 is a circumferential groove. Thecover120 has aconvex part126 corresponding to theconcave part124. Theconvex part126 is a flange. Themain body114 made of rubber can be deformed, to fit theconvex part126 into theconcave part124. Thecover120 is detachably mounted.

Thegrip112 has a weight adjusting mechanism as an adjusting mechanism M6. The weight adjusting mechanism is achieved by changing the weight body Wg. The swingweight can be adjusted by changing the weight body Wg to other weight body Wg having a weight different from that of the weight body Wg. For example, the swingweight is lightened by changing a first weight body Wg1 to a second weight body Wg2 having a weight greater than that of the first weight body Wg1. For example, the swingweight is weighted by changing the first weight body Wg1 to a third weight body Wg3 having a weight smaller than that of the first weight body Wg1. The adjusting mechanism M6 has at least two weight bodies Wg having weights different from each other.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M6 include a swingweight, a moment of inertia of a club, a grip weight, and a position of a center of gravity of a grip.

Although the adjusting mechanism M6 is applied to the wood type golf club head, the adjusting mechanism M6 may be used also for other type golf clubs (iron type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 18 shows agolf club130 according to other adjusting mechanism.FIG. 19 is an exploded view of thegolf club130.FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of thegolf club130.

As described later, thegolf club130 has an adjusting mechanism M7. Preferably, thegolf club130 further has other adjusting mechanism independent of the adjusting mechanism M7.

Thegolf club130 has ahead132, ashaft134, a sleeve Sv, ascrew cylinder135, and a connectingmember136. Thescrew cylinder135 is fixed to a tip of theshaft134. A grip (not shown) is mounted to a back end of theshaft134.

Thehead132 has ahead body138 and an engagingmember140. Thehead body138 has ahosel hole142 into which the sleeve Sv is inserted, and a throughhole144 into which the connectingmember136 is inserted. The throughhole144 penetrates a bottom part of thehosel hole142. Thehead body138 has asole hole146 opened in a sole (seeFIG. 20). Thesole hole146 is continuous with thehosel hole142 via the throughhole144.

The engagingmember140 is fixed to the head body138 (seeFIG. 20). The fixing method is not restricted, and examples thereof include bonding, welding, fitting, and a combination thereof. The engagingmember140 is introduced into thehosel hole142 from an upper side opening of thehosel hole142. The engagingmember140 is fixed to the bottom part of thehosel hole142.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the sleeve Sv.FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the sleeve Sv.

The sleeve Sv has ashaft insertion hole150 and alower side hole152. Theshaft insertion hole150 is opened to an upper side. Thelower side hole152 is opened to a lower side. Thelower side hole152 is disposed on a lower side of theshaft insertion hole150.

The sleeve Sv has anengaging part162. Theengaging part162 has a convex part t1. A plurality of convex parts t1 is aligned in the circumferential direction. The convex parts t1 are equally disposed in the circumferential direction. The convex parts t1 are disposed at every 30 degrees.

Although not shown in the drawings, an engaging surface capable of being engaged with theengaging part162 of the sleeve Sv is formed in an inner surface of the engagingmember140. A cross sectional shape of the engaging surface corresponds to that of an outer surface of theengaging part162. Rotation of the sleeve Sv to thehosel hole142 is prevented by engagement between the engaging surface (inner surface) of the engagingmember140 and theengaging part162.

Theshaft insertion hole150 is a screw hole. That is, theshaft insertion hole150 is a female screw.

Thescrew cylinder135 is approximately cylindrical-shaped as a whole. An outer surface of thescrew cylinder135 is a screw. The outer surface of thescrew cylinder135 is a male screw. Aninner surface154 of thescrew cylinder135 is a circumferential surface. Anouter surface156 of theshaft134 is bonded to theinner surface154 of thescrew cylinder135.

As shown inFIG. 20, theshaft insertion hole150 of the sleeve Sv is screw-connected to thescrew cylinder135. Theshaft134 is fixed to the sleeve Sv by the screw connection.

Retention of the sleeve Sv is achieved by the screw connection. As shown inFIG. 20, thelower side hole152 of the sleeve Sv is screw-connected to the connectingmember136. Withdrawal of the sleeve Sv is prevented by the screw connection. An axial force caused by the screw connection brings ahosel end face158 into close contact with abump surface160 of the sleeve Sv. In order to collateralize the axial force, a clearance K1 exists between a tip of the connectingmember136 and a bottom surface of thelower side hole152 in a state where the screw connection is completed (seeFIG. 20).

In the embodiment, a first sleeve Sv1 and a second sleeve Sv2 are prepared as the sleeve Sv (seeFIG. 19). The sleeve Sv1 and the sleeve Sv2 are mutually changeable. As described above, this is because the sleeve Sv is detachably mounted to the shaft134 (screw cylinder135) by the screw mechanism.

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the first sleeve Sv1. As shown inFIG. 22, an axis line h1 of theshaft insertion hole150 is inclined to an axis line z1 of the sleeve Sv. The inclination angle θ1 is a maximum value of an angle between the axis line h1 and the axis line z1. The axis line z1 of the sleeve Sv is substantially equal to an axis line of thehosel hole142.

FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of the second sleeve Sv2. As shown inFIG. 23, the axis line h1 of theshaft insertion hole150 is not inclined to the axis line z1 of the sleeve Sv. The axis line h1 of theshaft insertion hole150 coincides with the axis line z1 of the sleeve Sv.

Although not shown in the drawings, other sleeve Sv having an inclination angle θ2 different from the inclination angle θ1 may be used.

Variation of the sleeve Sv is not restricted to the inclination angle of theshaft insertion hole150. For example, other sleeve Sv in which a position of theshaft insertion hole150 is changed may be also used. For example, other sleeve Sv in which theshaft insertion hole150 of the second sleeve Sv2 is moved in parallel may be used. In this case, although the axis line z1 is parallel to the axis line h1, the axis line z1 does not coincide with the axis line h1.

The adjusting mechanism M7 of the embodiment is a sleeve changing mechanism. In the adjusting mechanism M7, one or more specifications selected from a loft angle, a lie angle, and a face angle are adjusted by changing the sleeve Sv.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M7 include a face progression, a lie angle, a loft angle, a face angle, a swingweight, a club length, a position of a center of gravity of a club, a frequency of the club, a moment of inertia of the club, a flex point of a shaft, a torque of the shaft, flexural rigidity of the shaft, torsional rigidity of the shaft, a shaft weight, weight distribution of the shaft, a position of a center of gravity of the shaft, and a length of the shaft.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M7 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 7a) although a lie angle is changed, a loft angle and a face angle are not substantially varied;

(adjustment 7b) although a loft angle and a face angle are changed, a lie angle is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 7c) although a club length is changed, a loft angle, a face angle, and a lie angle are not substantially varied;

(adjustment 7d) although a flex point of a shaft is changed, a loft angle, a face angle, and a lie angle are not substantially varied;

(adjustment 7e) although a face progression is changed, a loft angle, a face angle, and a lie angle are not substantially varied; and

(adjustment 7f) although a distance of a center of gravity (a distance between a shaft axis line and a center of gravity of a head) is changed, a loft angle, a face angle, and a lie angle are not substantially varied.

When the inclination angle θ1 of the sleeve Sv is 0 degree, the shaft can be changed without varying the loft angle, the lie angle, and the face angle.

A plurality of sleeves Sv in which the inclination angle θ1 is 0 degree and positions of the shaft insertion holes150 are different from each other may be prepared. In this case, the axis line of theshaft insertion hole150 can be moved in parallel by changing the sleeve Sv. In this case, the adjustment 7e and the adjustment 7f are possible.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of ahead170 used for a golf club according to other adjusting mechanism.FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of thehead170. Although not shown in the drawings, the golf club is provided with thehead170, and a shaft, and a grip. Thehead170 is a wood type golf club head.

As described later, thehead170 has an adjusting mechanism M8. Preferably, the golf club having thehead170 is further provided with other adjusting mechanism independent of the adjusting mechanism M8.

Thehead170 has afront member172, aback member174, and a connectingmember176. Thefront member172 is connected to theback member174 by the connectingmember176. Thefront member172 is connected to theback member174 in a state where no gap substantially exists. Thehollow head170 is completed by the connection.

Thefront member172 has aface surface178. Thefront member172 has thewhole face surface178. Although not shown in the drawings, thefront member172 has a screw hole into which the connectingmember176 is screwed, and a thick part for forming the screw hole. Thefront member172 has ahosel part180. Thehosel part180 has ashaft hole182. Although illustration is omitted, face grooves are formed in theface surface178.

A back part of thefront member172 has an opening. An extendingpart181 capable of supporting anedge part179 of theback member174 from an inner side is formed in an edge of the opening. The extendingpart181 facilitates position adjustment of theback member174 to thefront member172.

Although not shown in the drawings, theback member174 has a through hole through which the connectingmember176 passes and a thick part for forming the through hole.

The connectingmember176 is a screw. Thefront member172 is connected to theback member174 by the connectingmember176.

Thehead170 has the adjusting mechanism M8. A structure of the adjusting mechanism M8 is similar to the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M1. The adjusting mechanism M8 is a screwing mechanism. The adjusting mechanism M8 can change theback member174.

A changing back member E8 is shown with thehead170 inFIG. 24. A changing back member E81 and other changing back member E82 are shown as the changing back member E8 inFIG. 25. The changing back member E81 and the changing back member E82 can be connected to thefront member172 by the connectingmember176. A golf club with an adjusting function includes thehead170 and at least one changing back member E8.

For example, a head shape is changed by changing theback member174 to the changing back member E8. For example, a position of a center of gravity is changed by changing theback member174 to the changing back member E8. For example, a head volume is changed by changing theback member174 to the changing back member E8. A coefficient of restitution of a head to a ball can be varied by changing theback member174 to the changing back member E8.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M8 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 8a) a head shape is changed, and a position of a center of gravity of a head is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 8b) a head volume is changed, and a position of a center of gravity of a head is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 8c) a position of a center of gravity is changed, and a head shape is not varied;

(adjustment 8d) a moment of inertia is changed, and a head shape is not varied; and

(adjustment 8e) two or more adjustments selected from a head shape, a head volume, and a position of a center of gravity of a head, and a moment of inertia are changed.

It is preferable that a head weight is not varied in the adjusting mechanism MB in respect of maintaining the swing weight.

Although the adjusting mechanism M8 is applied to the wood type golf club, the adjusting mechanism MB may be used also for other type golf clubs (iron type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 26 shows a vicinity of a grip of a golf club according to other adjusting mechanism. The golf club has a head (not shown), ashaft190, and agrip192. The head is mounted to one end part of theshaft190. Thegrip192 is mounted to the other end part of theshaft190.

As described later, the golf club has an adjusting mechanism M9. Preferably, the golf club has other adjusting mechanism independent of the adjusting mechanism M9.

FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view ofFIG. 26.FIG. 28 is a cross sectional view of a golf club taken along line F28-F28 ofFIG. 27.

As shown inFIGS. 27 and 28, theshaft190 is tube-shaped. The inside of theshaft190 is a cavity.

Thegrip192 has an innerside grip member194 and an outerside grip member196. The innerside grip member194 has a cylindricalshaft insertion part198. As shown inFIGS. 27 and 28, theshaft190 is inserted into theshaft insertion part198.

The innerside grip member194 has anend part200. Anend face202 of theshaft190 abuts on theend part200. A throughhole203 is formed in a center of theend part200.

The outerside grip member196 has afirst division body204 and asecond division body206. Thefirst division body204 is semitube-shaped. Thesecond division body206 is also semitube-shaped. The tubular outerside grip member196 is formed by thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206. As shown inFIG. 28, abump part210 is formed in an edge of thefirst division body204. As shown inFIG. 28, abump part212 is formed in an edge of thesecond division body206. A shape of thesecond division body206 is the same as that of thefirst division body204 except for a shape of the bump part.

In the outerside grip member196, thebump part210 of thefirst division body204 abuts on thebump part212 of thesecond division body206. Thebump part210 is in mesh with thebump part212. The outerside grip member196 has an overlapping part in which thefirst division body204 overlaps thesecond division body206. Thebump part210 and thebump part212 form the overlapping part in which thefirst division body204 overlaps thesecond division body206. A thickness of the outerside grip member196 is set constant in the whole circumference of the circumferential direction, including the overlapping part. In the outerside grip member196, no gap exists in a portion in which thefirst division body204 abuts on thesecond division body206. The cylindrical outerside grip member196 is formed by a combination of thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206.

Anouter surface214 of theshaft insertion part198 is covered with the outerside grip member196. At least a part of theouter surface214 is covered with the outerside grip member196. Preferably, the wholeouter surface214 is covered with the outerside grip member196.

Aninner surface216 of the outerside grip member196 includes aninner surface218 of thefirst division body204 and aninner surface220 of thesecond division body206. Theinner surface218 of thefirst division body204 is applied to theouter surface214 of theshaft insertion part198. Theinner surface220 of thesecond division body206 is also applied to theouter surface214 of theshaft insertion part198.

As shown inFIG. 27, the innerside grip member194 has a firstannular part222 extending outside in the radial direction from a grip-end side end of theshaft insertion part198, and a firstcylindrical part224 extending to a head side from a radial outer side edge of the firstannular part222. The firstannular part222 is a single annular portion. The firstcylindrical part224 is a single cylindrical portion. A firstconcave part226 having the firstannular part222 formed as a bottom is formed by the firstannular part222 and the firstcylindrical part224.

As shown inFIG. 27, the innerside grip member194 has a secondannular part228 extending outside in the radial direction from a head side end of theshaft insertion part198, and a secondcylindrical part230 extending to a grip end side from a radial outer side edge of the secondannular part228. The secondannular part228 is a single annular portion. The secondcylindrical part230 is a single cylindrical portion. A secondconcave part232 having the secondcylindrical part230 formed as a bottom is formed by the secondannular part228 and the secondcylindrical part230.

As shown inFIG. 27, the outerside grip member196 has a grip-end side end234. Each of thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 has the grip-end side end234. The grip-end side end234 is inserted into the firstconcave part226. The grip-end side end234 is covered with the firstcylindrical part224. The grip-end side end234 is protected by the firstcylindrical part224. Since the grip-end side end234 is not exposed to the outside, the grip-end side end234 is hardly turned up. Therefore, thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 are hardly peeled off.

The outerside grip member196 has ahead side end236. Each of thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 has thehead side end236. Thehead side end236 is inserted into the secondconcave part232. Thehead side end236 is covered with the secondcylindrical part230. Thehead side end236 is protected by the secondcylindrical part230. Since thehead side end236 is not exposed to the outside, thehead side end236 is hardly turned up. Therefore, thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 are hardly peeled off.

The whole innerside grip member194 is integrally formed. The firstannular part222 and the firstcylindrical part224 are integrated with theshaft insertion part198. The secondannular part228 and the secondcylindrical part230 are integrated with theshaft insertion part198.

An innercircumferential surface238 of the innerside grip member194 is bonded to anouter surface240 of theshaft190 by a double-stick tape. The innerside grip member194 is mounted to theshaft190 in the same way as a general grip.

Theinner surface216 of the outerside grip member196 is bonded to theouter surface214 of theshaft insertion part198 by a double-stick tape. In other words, theinner surface218 of thefirst division body204 is bonded to theouter surface214 by a double-stick tape, and theinner surface220 of thesecond division body206 is bonded to theouter surface214 by a double-stick tape.

For example, a procedure for applying the outerside grip member196 to theshaft insertion part198 of the innerside grip member194 is as follows:

(1b) A double-stick tape is applied to theinner surface218 of thefirst division body204. A double-stick tape is applied to theinner surface220 of thesecond division body206;

(2b) Any one of thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 is applied to theshaft insertion part198; and

(3b) The other of thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 is applied toshaft insertion part198. At this time, thebump part210 is meshed with thebump part212.

In the steps (2b) and (3b), the grip-end side end234 is inserted into the firstconcave part226, and thehead side end236 is inserted into the secondconcave part232. The grip-end side end234 is inserted into the firstconcave part226 while the firstcylindrical part224 is turned up. Thehead side end236 is inserted into the secondconcave part232 while the secondcylindrical part230 is turned up.

A method for removing thefirst division body204 is as follows. Thefirst division body204 is removed by turning up the firstcylindrical part224 or the secondcylindrical part230, and pulling the grip-end side end234 or thehead side end236. A method for removing thesecond division body206 is the same as that of thefirst division body204. Thus, thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 are easily removed. Thefirst division body204 and thesecond division body206 are changeable.

The adjusting mechanism M9 is a changing mechanism for the outer side grip member. In the adjusting mechanism M9, a position of a center of gravity of the club and a swingweight can be adjusted by changing the outer side grip member to the

division bodies

204 and206 having different weights in relation to each other. A grip weight can be changed without varying a grip outer diameter by changing specific gravity of the

division bodies

204 and206. An outer diameter of thegrip192 is changed by changing thicknesses of the

division bodies

204 and206.

A material of the innerside grip member194 is not restricted. Preferably, the material of the innerside grip member194 is rubber. Examples of the rubber include crude rubber (specific gravity: 0.91 to 0.93), styrene-butadiene rubber (specific gravity: 0.92 to 0.97), EPDM (specific gravity: 0.86 to 0.87), isoprene rubber (0.92 to 0.93), and a mixture thereof. In respect of formability, ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) are preferable. When the innerside grip member194 is rubber, the firstcylindrical part224 and the secondcylindrical part230 can be turned up.

A material of the outerside grip member196 is not restricted. Preferably, the material of the outerside grip member196 is rubber. Examples of the rubber include crude rubber (specific gravity: 0.91 to 0.93), styrene-butadiene rubber (specific gravity: 0.92 to 0.97), EPDM (specific gravity: 0.86 to 0.87), isoprene rubber (0.92 to 0.93), and a mixture thereof. In respect of formability, ethylene-propylene diene rubber (EPDM) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) are preferable. In respect of facilitating weight adjustment, rubber blended with a metal powder having specific gravity equal to or greater than 10 is preferable, and rubber blended with a metal powder having specific gravity equal to or greater than 15 is more preferable. Examples of the metal powder include a tungsten alloy powder.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M9 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 9a) a thickness of a grip (grip outer diameter) is changed, and a swingweight is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 9b) a thickness of a grip is changed, and a swingweight is also changed;

(adjustment 9c) a grip weight and a swingweight are changed, and a thickness of a grip is not substantially varied; and

(adjustment 9d) a grip weight and a swingweight are changed, and a thickness of a grip is also changed.

FIG. 29 shows a vicinity of a grip end of a golf club provided with an adjusting mechanism M10 according to other embodiment. The golf club has a head (not shown), ashaft250, and agrip252. The head is mounted to one end part of theshaft250. Thegrip252 is mounted to the other end part of theshaft250.

Preferably, the golf club is further provided with other adjusting mechanism independent of the adjusting mechanism M10.

Although a groove is formed in an outer surface (grip grasping surface) of thegrip252, the description of the groove is omitted inFIGS. 29 to 32.

FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view ofFIG. 29.FIG. 31 is an exploded view ofFIG. 29.

Thegrip252 has agrip body252aand two extendingmembers252b. The two extendingmembers252bare mounted to a back end of thegrip body252a.

Thegrip body252ais fixed to a back end part of theshaft250 by a double-stick tape. A bonding method using the double-stick tape is the same as a usual grip bonding method.

The first extendingmember252bis mounted to the back end of thegrip body252a. The second extendingmember252bis mounted to a back end of the first extendingmember252b.

Anouter surface252a1 of thegrip body252ais substantially steplessly connected to anouter surface252b1 of the extendingmember252b. Furthermore, theouter surfaces252b1 of the extendingmembers252bare substantially steplessly connected to each other. Agrasping surface252mis formed by theouter surface252a1 and the twoouter surfaces252b1.

Thegrip body252ahas a rubber part g3 and a hard base h3. A material of the rubber part g3 is rubber.

The hard base h3 is provided medially in the rubber part g3. The hard base h3 is covered with the rubber part g3. Theouter surface252a1 of thegrip body252ais an outer surface of the rubber part g3.

As shown inFIGS. 30 and 31, the hard base h3 has a screw hole sc3. The hard base h3 has a cylinder part h31 and a bottom face part h32. An inner surface of the cylinder part h31 is the screw hole sc3. The screw hole sc3 is opened upward.

The hard base h3 is fixed to the rubber part g3. The fixing method is not restricted, and for example, is bonding using an adhesive.

The first extendingmember252bis located between thegrip body252aand the second extendingmember252b. The first extendingmember252bhas a rubber part g4 and a hard connector h4. A material of the rubber part g4 is rubber. An upper part of the hard connector h4 is covered with the rubber part g4.

The hard connector h4 is provided medially in the rubber part g4. Theouter surface252b1 of the extendingmember252bis an cuter surface of the rubber part g4.

The hard connector h4 has a cylindrical part h41 and a columnar part h42 (seeFIG. 30). An inner surface of the cylindrical part h41 is a screw hole sc4 (female screw). An outer surface of the columnar part h42 is a male screw. The cylindrical part h41 is disposed coaxially with the columnar part h42. The columnar part h42 has an exposed part ex2 exposed from the rubber part g4 (seeFIG. 31). At least a part of the columnar part h42 is the exposed part ex2. The exposed part ex2 protrudes downward.

The columnar part h42 (male screw) is screwed into the screw hole sc3 (female screw) of thegrip body252afor connection between the first extendingmember252band thegrip body252a. The columnar part h42 of the second extendingmember252bis screwed into the screw hole sc4 of the first extendingmember252bfor connection between the extendingmembers252b.

All the extendingmembers252bare common. The screw hole sc3 is similar to the screw hole sc4.

An axial length of the exposed part ex2 is shorter than that of the screw hole sc3. Therefore, a clearance K1 exists between the bottom face part h32 and the columnar part h42 in a state where thegrip body252ais connected to the extendingmember252b(seeFIG. 30). The clearance K1 prevents a gap from occurring in a boundary between theouter surface252a1 of thegrip body252aand theouter surface252b1 of the extendingmember252b.

The axial length of the exposed part ex2 is shorter than that of the screw hole sc4. Therefore, a clearance K2 exists between an end face of the columnar part h42 and a bottom surface of the cylindrical part h41 in a state where the extendingmembers252bare connected to each other (seeFIG. 30). The clearance K2 prevents a gap from occurring in a boundary between theouter surfaces252b1 of the extendingmembers252b.

The second extendingmember252bis located on a grip back end side rather than the first extendingmember252b. The second extendingmember252bis a back most extendingmember252b.

The second extendingmember252bis the same as the above-mentioned first extendingmember252b. Therefore, the description of the second extendingmember252bis omitted.

Thus, in the embodiment, thegrip body252acan be joined to the extendingmember252bby screw connection. Furthermore, the extendingmembers252bcan be joined to each other by screw connection.

In the embodiment, the extendingmember252bis detachably mounted. The extendingmember252bis removed by rotating the extendingmember252band releasing the screw connection. A grip length can be adjusted by mounting/demounting the extendingmember252b.

In the embodiment, the case where the number of the extendingmembers252bis 2 is shown. The grip length can be further changed by changing the number of the extendingmembers252b. The grip length can be shortened when the number of the extendingmembers252bis 0. The number of the extendingmembers252bmay be 1.

The number of the extendingmembers252bmay be equal to or greater than 3. Since a joining structure of the extendingmembers252bis the same, the number of the extendingmembers252bto be joined can be freely selected.

Thus, the adjusting mechanism M10 according to the embodiment is a grip length adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism M10 is also a club length adjusting mechanism.

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of agrip260 according to other embodiment using the adjusting mechanism M10. Thegrip260 has agrip body252a, an extendingmember252b, and an extendingmember260b. Thegrip body252ais used for the above-mentionedgrip252. The extendingmember252bis also used for the above-mentionedgrip252.

The extendingmember260bhas a rubber part g5 and a hard connector h4. The hard connector h4 of the extendingmember260bis the same as that of the above-mentioned extendingmember252b. A difference between the extendingmember252band the extendingmember260bis only a length of the rubber part.

A length of a rubber part g4 of the extendingmember252bis shown by a double pointed arrow L1 inFIG. 32. A length of a rubber part g5 of the extendingmember260bis shown by a double pointed arrow L2 inFIG. 32. The length L1 is different from the length L2. In the embodiment, a length of thegrip260 can be adjusted by selecting any one of the extending

members

252band260b.

A material of the hard base is harder than that of a grip grasping surface. Certainty of the connection and rigidity of the inner part of the grip can be improved by using the hard base. A material of the hard base is preferably a metal or a resin, and more preferably the metal. Examples of the resin include a thermoplastic resin and a carbon fiber reinforced resin. In respect of processability, preferable examples of the resin include nylon, polyether block amide copolymer (PEBAX), and polycarbonate. Examples of the metal include stainless steel, an aluminium alloy, and a titanium alloy. In respect of a swingweight, a high specific gravity metal (specific gravity: equal to or greater than 12) such as tungsten and a tungsten alloy can be also used.

A material of the hard connector is harder than that of a grip grasping surface. Certainty of the connection and rigidity of the inner part of the grip can be improved by using the hard connector. A material of the hard connector is preferably a metal or a resin, and more preferably the metal. Examples of the resin include a thermoplastic resin and a carbon fiber reinforced resin. In respect of processability, preferable examples of the resin include nylon, polyether block amide copolymer (PEBAX), and polycarbonate. Examples of the metal include stainless steel, an aluminium alloy, and a titanium alloy. In respect of a swingweight, a high specific gravity metal (specific gravity: equal to or greater than 12) such as tungsten and a tungsten alloy can be also used.

The rubber which is a material of the rubber part is not restricted. The rubber is preferably a rubber elastic body made of vulcanized rubber or the like. It should be understood that a thermoplastic elastomer is also included in the rubber. In respect of low slidability or the like, crude rubber (specific gravity: 0.91 to 0.93), styrene-butadiene rubber (specific gravity: 0.92 to 0.97), EPDM (specific gravity: 0.86 to 0.87), isoprene rubber (specific gravity: 0.92 to 0.93), and a mixture thereof are preferable.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M10 include a club length, a position of a center of gravity of a club, a frequency of the club, a moment of inertia of the club, a grip weight, a position of a center of gravity of a grip, and a grip length.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M10 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 10a) a grip length and a club length are changed, and a swingweight is also changed; and

(adjustment 10b) a grip length and a club length are changed, and a swingweight is not substantially varied.

The club length is extended by mounting the extending member. The extension of the club length increases the swingweight. On the other hand, an effect of so-called counter balance is caused by mounting the extending member. The counter balance decreases the swingweight. The setoff of both the club length and the swingweight can be promoted by setting a weight and length of the extending member. The promotion can suppress increase of the swingweight while increasing the club length. Furthermore, variation of the swingweight can be substantially eliminated while increasing the club length.

In all the specifications described in the present application, the term “is not substantially varied” means an amount of variation of less than 10%. The term “is not substantially varied” for the swingweight means variation equal to or less than ±1 point. The swingweight is a 14 inch form. The swingweight is also referred to as swing balance.

FIG. 33 is an exploded perspective view of ahead268.FIG. 34 is a view of thehead268, as viewed from a crown side. Thehead268 is provided with an adjusting mechanism M11 in addition to the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M1. Although not shown in the drawings, a golf club provided with thehead268 is provided with thehead268, a shaft, and a grip. Thehead268 is a wood type golf club head.

In the embodiment, the adjusting mechanism M1 is used as a loft angle adjusting mechanism. On the other hand, the adjusting mechanism M11 is used as a face angle adjusting mechanism.

A constitution of thehead268 is the same as that of the above-mentionedhead2 except for existence of the adjustingintermediate member270. The same portions of thehead268 as those of thehead2 are designated by the same reference numerals as those of thehead2, and the repeated description is omitted.

The adjusting mechanism M11 has the adjustingintermediate member270 and a changing adjusting intermediate member (not shown). The adjustingintermediate member270 is disposed between thefront member4 and theback member6. Thefront member4, the adjustingintermediate member270, and theback member6 are connected to each other in a state where no gap substantially exists. The adjustingintermediate member270 is fixed with the adjustingintermediate member270 sandwiched between thefront member4 and theback member6. The fixation is achieved by screw connection of the connectingmember8.

The adjustingintermediate member270 is a ring-shaped member. The adjustingintermediate member270 has a protruding part272 (seeFIG. 33). The protrudingpart272 protrudes toward thefront member4. The protrudingpart272 facilitates position adjustment of the adjustingintermediate member270 and thefront member4.

A face angle can be adjusted by varying a plane shape (seeFIG. 34) of the adjustingintermediate member270. The face angle can be adjusted by changing the adjustingintermediate member270 to other adjusting intermediate member which is not shown.

Thus, thehead268 has the plurality of (two) adjusting mechanisms M1 and M11. The plurality of adjusting mechanisms M1 and M11 can be adjusted independently of each other. In thehead268, the loft angle and the face angle can be adjusted independently of each other.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M11 include a face angle and a loft angle. The face angle and the loft angle can be adjusted by only the adjusting mechanism M11 without using the adjusting mechanism M1.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M11 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 11a) a face angle is changed, and a loft angle is also varied;

(adjustment 11b) a face angle is changed, and a loft angle is not substantially varied; and

(adjustment 11c) a loft angle is changed, and a face angle is not substantially varied.

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of ahead280 provided with an adjusting mechanism M12. Although not shown in the drawings, a golf club provided with thehead280 is provided with thehead280, a shaft, and a grip. Thehead280 is a wood type golf club head.

Thehead280 has afront member282, aback member284, and a connectingmember8. Thefront member282 is connected to theback member284 by the connectingmember8. Thefront member282 is connected to theback member284 in a state where no gap substantially exists.

Thefront member282 has aface surface286. Thefront member282 has thewhole face surface286. Although not shown in the drawings, thefront member282 has a screw hole into which the connectingmember8 is screwed. Thefront member282 further has athick part288 for forming the screw hole. Twothick parts288 are provided at two positions.

Thefront member282 has a plate-shapedface part285, an upper side backward extendingpart287, and a lower side backward extendingpart289. Both the twothick parts288 are provided in the lower side backward extendingpart289.

Thefront member282 may not have the upper side backward extendingpart287 and the lower side backward extendingpart289. That is, the wholefront member282 may be plate-shaped. In this case, thethick part288 can be eliminated. In this case, the screw hole can be formed in the plate-shapedfront member282.

Theback member284 has ahosel part290. Thehosel part290 has ashaft hole292. Theback member284 has a throughhole294 through which the connectingmember8 passes and athick part296 for forming the throughhole294. Thethick part296 is formed on each of the toe side and heel side of a sole of thehead280.

Theback member284 has aprotruding part298. In the embodiment, a plurality of (two) protrudingparts298 are provided. The protrudingparts298 protrude forward from an opening part of theback member284. The protrudingparts298 facilitate position adjustment of thefront member282. The protrudingparts298 facilitate screwing between thefront member282 and theback member284.

The connectingmember8 is a screw. Thefront member282 is connected to theback member284 by the connectingmember8. The protrudingparts298 improve certainty of the connection.

Thehead2 has the adjusting mechanism M12. The adjusting mechanism M12 is similar to the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M1. A main difference between the adjusting mechanism M12 and the adjusting mechanism M1 is a shape of the front member. Thefront member282 has a shape formed by cutting a toe portion and heel portion of the above-mentioned front member4 (seeFIG. 2). Thefront member282 does not close the whole opening part of theback member284. A hollow part of thehead280 is opened to the outside on the toe side of thefront member282. Furthermore, the hollow part of thehead280 is opened to the outside on the heel side of thefront member282.

The adjusting mechanism M12 can change thefront member282. For example, a loft angle (real loft angle) is changed by changing thefront member282. For example, a face angle is changed by changing thefront member282.

Examples of specifications capable of being adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M12 include a loft angle, a face angle, a face area, and a face progression. Each of these specifications can be independently adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M12. Furthermore, a coefficient of restitution of the head to a ball, and a friction coefficient of the head to the ball can be adjusted by the adjusting mechanism M12. The coefficient of restitution of the head to the ball can be adjusted by, for example, changing the front member to a changing front member having rigidity different from that of the front member. The friction coefficient of the head to the ball can be adjusted by, for example, changing the front member to a changing front member having a face surface having surface roughness different from that of the front member.

In the adjusting mechanism M12, a shape of the front member is simplified as compared with the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M1. A mold for the front member can be manufactured at low cost by the simplification. The simplification of the shape reduces a manufacture cost of the front member.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M12 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 12a) a loft angle is changed, and a face angle is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 12b) a loft angle is changed, and a face angle is also changed;

(adjustment 12c) a loft angle is not substantially changed, and a face angle is changed;

(adjustment 12d) a face area is changed, and a loft angle and a face angle are not varied; and

(adjustment 12e) a face progression is changed, and a loft angle and a face angle are not varied.

Although the adjusting mechanism M12 is applied to the wood type golf club head, the adjusting mechanism M12 may be used also for other type golf clubs (iron type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 37 is a view of agolf club310 having an adjusting mechanism M13, as viewed from a sole side. Theclub310 has ahead312. The adjusting mechanism M13 is a modification example of the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M4. The adjusting mechanism M13 can adjust a real loft angle in addition to a lie angle. Although the number of positions of the shaft axis line capable of being selected is 3 in the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M4, the number of positions of the shaft axis line capable of being selected is 5 in the adjusting mechanism M13.

A reference shaft axis line is represented by reference character LS1 (seeFIG. 37). A second shaft axis line is represented by reference character LF1. A third shaft axis line is represented by reference character LU1. A fourth shaft axis line is represented by reference character LP1. A fifth shaft axis line is represented by reference character LM1.

Although the number of the holding holes h1 is 3 in the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M4, the number of the holding holes h1 is 5 in the adjusting mechanism M13. That is, thehead312 has five holding holes h1. In the embodiment, thehead312 has a first holding hole h11, a second holding hole h12, a third holding hole h13, a fourth holding hole h14, and a fifth holding hole h15. A constitution of thegolf club310 is the same as that of the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M4 (golf club70) except that the five holding holes h1 are formed; a space is secured so that the positions of the five kinds of shaft axis lines are allowed; and five kinds of sleeve supporting members80 (described above) are provided.

The lie angle can be adjusted to three kinds by the adjusting mechanism M13. The three kinds of lie angles are achieved by the reference shaft axis line LS1, the second shaft axis line LF1, and the third shaft axis line LU1. Furthermore, in the adjusting mechanism M13, the real loft angle can be adjusted to three kinds. The three kinds of real loft angles are achieved by the reference shaft axis line LS1, the fourth shaft axis line LP1, and the fifth shaft axis line LM1. The real loft angle is increased in the fourth shaft axis line LP1 as compared with the reference shaft axis line LS1. The real loft angle is decreased in the fifth shaft axis line LM1 as compared with the reference shaft axis line LS1.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of ahead320 having an adjusting mechanism M14.FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of thehead320.FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of thehead320.

Thehead320 has afront member322 and aback member324. As shown inFIGS. 39 and 40, theback member324 has anengagement protruding part326. Theengagement protruding part326 has an engaginggroove328 and an inclined surface330 (see an enlarged part ofFIG. 40). Theengagement protruding part326 is formed in each of crown part and a sole part of the head320 (seeFIG. 40). On the other hand, thefront member322 has an inner extendingpart332. The inner extendingpart332 is fitted into agroove328 of theengagement protruding part326. Thefront member322 is connected to theback member324 by engagement between theengagement protruding part326 and the inner extendingpart332. In the connected state, the outer surface of thefront member322 is almost smoothly continuous with the outer surface of theback member324.

Thefront member322 is detachably mounted to theback member324. In the case of mounting, theengagement protruding part326 of theback member324 is press fitted into an opening part of thefront member322. In the press fitting, a tip of the inner extendingpart332 can slide on a surface of theinclined surface330. The sliding can facilitate the press fitting. The crown part and sole part of theback member324 are compressed toward the inner side of the head in the case of press fitting if needed.

In the case of removal, the crown part and sole part of theback member324 are compressed toward the inner side of the head, to release engagement between the engaginggroove328 and the inner extendingpart332. Thefront member322 can be removed from theback member324 by the release. The adjusting mechanism M14 can change theback member324.

Plastic deformation of theback member324 is required for mounting/demounting. In respect of facilitating the mounting/demounting, a material of theback member324 may be fiber-reinforced plastic.

For example, a position of a center of gravity is changed by changing theback member324. For example, a head volume is changed by changing theback member324.

Examples of adjustments of the specifications by the adjusting mechanism M14 include the following adjustments:

(adjustment 14a) a head shape is changed, and a position of a center of gravity of a head is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 14b) a head volume is changed, and a position of a center of gravity of a head is not substantially varied;

(adjustment 14c) a position of a center of gravity is changed, and a head shape is not varied;

(adjustment 14d) a moment of inertia is changed, and a head shape is not varied; and

(adjustment 14e) two or more selected from a head shape, a head volume, a position of a center of gravity of a head, and a moment of inertia are changed.

It is preferable that a head weight is not varied in the adjusting mechanism M14 in respect of maintaining a swingweight.

Although the adjusting mechanism M14 is applied to the wood type golf club, the adjusting mechanism M14 may be used also for other type golf clubs (iron type, utility type, and putter type golf clubs or the like).

FIG. 41 is a plan view of ahead340 having an adjusting mechanism M15.FIG. 42 is a cross sectional view taken along line F42-F42 ofFIG. 41.FIG. 43 is a bottom view of thehead340. Thehead340 has afront member342, aback member344, and aspacer346. A crown part of thefront member342 is rotatably joined to a crown part of theback member344. Ahinge348 is used for the joining.

Thespacer346 is interposed between thefront member342 and theback member344. Thespacer346 is located in thehead340. However, a bottom surface of thespacer346 is exposed to the outside. The bottom surface of thespacer346 constitutes a part of a sole surface of thehead340.

Thehinge348 allows rotation of thefront member342 to theback member344. The rotation can adjust a real loft angle. On the other hand, when thehead340 is used, the rotation is fixed. The fixation is achieved by ascrew member350. Thescrew member350 passes through thespacer346, and connects thefront member342 to theback member344.

Agroove352 opened downward and aprotruding part354 extending downward are formed in an edge of a lower end of the front member342 (a lower end of a face part). Similarly, agroove352 opened downward and aprotruding part354 extending downward are formed in an edge of a front end of a sole part of theback member344. On the other hand, agroove356 opened upward and aprotruding part358 extending upward are formed in a front edge of a lower surface of thespacer346. Similarly, agroove356 opened upward and aprotruding part358 extending upward are formed in a back edge of the lower surface of thespacer346.

As shown in an enlarged part ofFIG. 42, the protrudingpart354 is fitted into thegroove356 in the back edge of the lower surface of thespacer346, and theprotruding part358 is fitted into thegroove352. The protrudingpart354 is fitted into thegroove356 also in the front edge of the lower surface of thespacer346, and theprotruding part358 is fitted into thegroove352. Fixation of thespacer346 is achieved by these fittings.

A real loft angle can be varied by a thickness and shape of thespacer346. The real loft angle can be adjusted by changing thespacer346.

[Specification]

In the present invention, the specification capable of being adjusted is not restricted. Examples of the specification include a loft angle, a lie angle, a face angle, a face area, a position of a center of gravity of a head, a swingweight, a club length, a position of a center of gravity of a club, a frequency of the club, a club weight, a head shape, a head volume, a head weight, a flex of a shaft (shaft hardness), a flex point of a shaft, a torque of the shaft, flexural rigidity distribution of the shaft, torsional rigidity distribution of the shaft, a shaft weight, weight distribution of the shaft, a position of a center of gravity of the shaft, a length of the shaft, a grip outer diameter, a grip weight, a position of a center of gravity of a grip, a grip length, a specification of a face groove, a face progression, a moment of inertia of the head, a moment of inertia of the club, a coefficient of restitution of the head to a ball, and a friction coefficient of the head to the ball.

In the present invention, at least two specifications can be adjusted independently of each other. More preferably, all the specifications capable of being adjusted can be adjusted independently of each other.

The specification includes a specification according to the head, a specification according to the shaft, a specification according to the grip, and a specification according to the whole club.

Examples of the specification according to the head include a loft angle, a lie angle, a face angle, a face area, a position of a center of gravity of a head, a head shape, a head volume, a head weight, a face progression, a moment of inertia of the head, a coefficient of restitution of the head to a ball, and a friction coefficient of the head to the ball. Examples of the position of the center of gravity of the head include a distance of a center of gravity (a distance between a shaft axis line and a center of gravity of the head), a depth of the center of gravity, and a sweet spot height besides an actual (three-dimensional) position of a center of gravity of the head.

Examples of the specification according to the shaft in the specifications include a flex of a shaft, a flex point of a shaft, a torque of the shaft, flexural rigidity distribution of the shaft, torsional rigidity distribution of the shaft, a shaft weight, weight distribution of the shaft, a position of a center of gravity of the shaft, and a length of the shaft.

Examples of the specification according to the grip in the specifications include a grip outer diameter, a grip weight, a position of a center of gravity of a grip, and a grip length.

Examples of the specification according to the whole club in the specifications include a swingweight, a club length, a position of a center of gravity of a club, a frequency of the club, a club weight, and a moment of inertia of the club.

In respect of improving the degree of freedom of adjustment, an adjustment range in a specific specification is preferably equal to or greater than a range corresponding to two-number clubs. The range corresponding to two-number clubs is as follows. The specific specification is one or more selected from a loft angle, a lie angle, a club length, and a club weight.

[Range Corresponding to Two-number Clubs]

Loft angle: 6 degrees

Lie angle: 1 degree

Club length: 1 inch

Club weight: 14 g

[Adjusting Mechanism]

The golf club of the present invention has one or more adjusting mechanisms. The adjusting mechanism is not restricted. The adjusting mechanism can adjust the specification. One adjusting mechanism can adjust one or more specifications. One adjusting mechanism may be able to adjust two or more specifications. Two or more specifications adjusted by one adjusting mechanism may be adjusted so as to be interlocked with each other, and may be independently adjusted without being interlocked with each other.

Preferably, the golf club has a plurality of adjusting mechanisms. Preferably, two or more specifications can be adjusted independently of each other by the plurality of adjusting mechanisms.

Preferably, the adjusting mechanism can adjust the specification according to the head without changing the whole head. Preferably, the adjusting mechanism can adjust the specification according to the grip without changing the whole grip. Preferably, the adjusting mechanism can adjust the specification according to the shaft without changing the whole shaft.

The adjusting mechanisms described in the embodiment can be independent from each other. That is, when the plurality of adjusting mechanisms is provided in a single golf club, the plurality of adjusting mechanisms can function without being interlocked with each other. The independence between the adjusting mechanisms improves the degree of freedom of adjustment.

Two or more adjusting mechanisms selected from the above-mentioned adjusting mechanisms M1 to M15 can be set in a single golf club. The two or more adjusting mechanisms can be set in the single golf club within the technical level of a person skilled in the art except that it is particularly difficult to provide the two or more adjusting mechanisms.

The head may have a plurality of adjusting mechanisms. In this case, the degree of freedom of adjustment of the specification according to the head is improved. The shaft may have a plurality of adjusting mechanisms. In this case, a degree of freedom of adjustment of the specification according to the shaft is improved. The grip may have a plurality of adjusting mechanisms. In this case, a degree of freedom of adjustment of the specification according to the grip is improved.

When a plurality of adjusting mechanisms independent of each other is provided, the specification adjusted by one adjusting mechanism and the specification adjusted by other adjusting mechanism can be adjusted independently of each other. The independence between the specifications improves the degree of freedom of adjustability.

Even if the number of the adjusting mechanisms is 1, the plurality of specifications may be adjusted independently of each other. For example, the face angle and the loft angle can be independently adjusted in the adjusting mechanism M1. That is, in setting a direction of the face surface of thefront member4, the loft angle can be also varied without varying the face angle, and the face angle can be also varied without varying the loft angle. In addition, the loft angle and the face angle can be also varied independently of each other.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 17 of the above-mentioned US 2006/0293115, the loft angle, the lie angle, and the face angle are varied in relation to each other due to the circumferential position of the sleeve. In this case, the three specifications cannot be adjusted independently of each other. The non-independence reduces the degree of freedom of adjustability. The present invention can solve the problem.

A material of the head (or the head body) is not restricted. Preferable examples of the material include a titanium alloy, stainless steel, an aluminium alloy, a magnesium alloy, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and a combination thereof. A manufacturing method of the head is not restricted, and examples thereof include forging, casting, pressing, and a combination thereof. The head may be made of a plurality of combined materials. A structure of the head body is not restricted.

A material of the shaft is not restricted. Examples of the material of the shaft include carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and a metal. A so-called carbon shaft and steel shaft can be suitably used. A structure of the shaft is not restricted.

A material of the sleeve is not restricted. Preferable examples of the material include a titanium alloy, stainless steel, an aluminium alloy, a magnesium alloy, and a resin. It is preferable that the resin has excellent mechanical strength. For example, the resin is preferably a resin referred to as an engineering plastic or a super-engineering plastic. As described above, the engaging member may be integrally formed with the head body. In respect of a balance between strength and lightweight, for example, the aluminium alloy and the titanium alloy are more suitable.

A material of the engaging member is not restricted. Preferable examples of the material include a titanium alloy, stainless steel, an aluminium alloy, a magnesium alloy, and a resin. It is preferable that the resin has excellent mechanical strength. For example, the resin is preferably a resin referred to as an engineering plastic or a super-engineering plastic. As described above, the engaging member may be integrally formed with the head body.

A material of the connecting member (screw) is not restricted. Preferable examples of the material include a titanium alloy, stainless steel, an aluminium alloy, and a magnesium alloy.

A material of thesleeve supporting member80 is not restricted. Preferable examples of the material include a titanium alloy, stainless steel, an aluminium alloy, and a magnesium alloy besides the above-mentioned resin.

The specifications can be measured by known measuring devices. Examples of the measuring devices for the loft angle, the lie angle, and the face angle include a golf club head gauge manufactured by Sheng Feng Iron Enterprise Co. Some typical specifications may be described in a product catalog.

A combination of the specifications capable of being adjusted is not restricted. The number of the specifications capable of being adjusted is not restricted. The number is preferably equal to or greater than 3, and more preferably equal to or greater than 4.

A golf club A having the adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the loft angle and the adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the distance of a center of gravity is effective in a situation where a mistake of pulling a ball using a short iron is apt to occur, for example. In this case, the mistake can be resolved by increasing the loft angle and lengthening the distance of a center of gravity. The golf club A is effective in a situation where a mistake of opening a face of the short iron is apt to occur, for example. In this case, the mistake can be resolved by increasing the loft angle and shortening the distance of a center of gravity. In a condition where a wind is strong and a ball is apt to be pulled, adjustment for decreasing the loft angle and increasing the distance of a center of gravity is effective.

A golf club B having the adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the loft angle and the adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the club length is effective in increasing a flight distance. An example of effective adjustment in this case is adjustment for lengthening the club length to increase the head speed and increasing the loft angle to increase a launch angle. The golf club B is effective in improving controllability. An example of effective adjustment in this case is adjustment for shortening the club length to decrease the flight distance and increasing the loft angle to increase the launch angle. In this case, a ball having a high trajectory to tend to stop at a fall spot can be achieved. Since adjustment for decreasing the loft angle and lengthening the club length can achieve a low launch angle and improvement in the head speed, the adjustment is effective in improving the total flight distance including a run. Since adjustment decreasing the loft angle and shortening the club length can achieve a low launch angle and decrease in the head speed, the adjustment is effective when the run is desired to be increased by a low hit ball.

A golf club C having the adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the loft angle and the adjusting mechanism capable of adjusting the swingweight is effective in improving controllability. As an example of effective adjustment in this case, the swingweight is increased to stabilize a swing, and the loft angle is increased to increase the launch angle. Alternatively, the swingweight is decreased to increase the head speed, and the loft angle is increased to increase the launch angle. In this case, a ball having a high trajectory to tend to stop at a fall spot can be achieved. Since adjustment for decreasing the loft angle and increasing the swing balance can achieve a low launch angle and a stable (slow) swing, the adjustment is effective in obtaining a low trajectory having excellent directivity. Since adjustment for decreasing the loft angle and decreasing the swing balance can achieve a low launch angle and improvement in a head speed, it is effective in increasing a run by a low trajectory to increase the total flight distance.

An impact force caused by hitting concentrates on the hosel part. Strength is required for the hosel part. Since a weight of the hosel part is increased when the adjusting mechanism is located in the hosel part, a degree of freedom of design of the center of gravity of the head is reduced. It is preferable that the hosel part has a light weight. In respect of strength of the hosel part and reduction in a weight of the hosel part, the following constitution (a) is preferable; the following constitution (b) is more preferable; and the following constitution (c) is still more preferable:

(a) the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) is located at a place other than the hosel part;

(b) the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) are located at places other than the hosel part; and

(c) all the adjusting mechanisms are located at places other than the hosel part.

The adjusting mechanisms M3, M4, M7, and M13 are located in the hosel part in the embodiments. The adjusting mechanisms M1, M2, M5, M6, M8, M9, M10, M11, M12, M14, and M15 are located at places other than the hosel part.

Examples in which the adjusting mechanism located at a place other than the hosel part is combined with the adjusting mechanism located in the hosel part include examples 2 to 11 to be described later. Examples in which the adjusting mechanisms located at places other than the hosel part are combined with each other include examples 1 and 12 to 28 to be described later.

Examples of the constitution (a) include the following constitutions (a1) to (a5):

(a1) the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the grip;

(a2) the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the shaft;

(a3) the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the joined part between the shaft and the grip;

(a4) the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the sole of the head; and

(a5) the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the head other than the hosel part.

In respect of adjusting a mounting angle of the shaft to the head, the other of the adjusting mechanism (1) or the adjusting mechanism (2) may be located in the hosel part in each of the constitutions (a1), (a2), (a3), (a4), and (a5).

Examples of the constitution (b) include the following constitutions (b1) to (b8):

(b1) the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) are located in the grip;

(b2) the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) are located in the shaft;

(b3) the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) are located in the head other than the hosel part;

(b4) the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) are located in the sole of the head;

(b5) the adjusting mechanism (1) is located in the shaft, and the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the grip;

(b6) the adjusting mechanism (1) is located in the shaft, and the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the head other than the hosel part;

(b7) the adjusting mechanism (1) is located in the grip, and the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the head other than the hosel part; and

(b8) the adjusting mechanism (1) is located in the grip, and the adjusting mechanism (2) is located in the sole of the head.

The specification of the shaft can be adjusted by changing the shaft. However, a cost of the shaft is high. Golf players request desired adjustment of other specifications without changing the shaft preferred by the golf players themselves. In these respects, it is preferable that the adjusting mechanism (1) and the adjusting mechanism (2) involve no shaft change. It is more preferable that all the adjusting mechanisms involve no shaft change.

On the other hand, a sleeve is preferably used in a golf club having a changeable shaft. The sleeve is used in the adjusting mechanisms M4 and M7, for example. As shown in the adjusting mechanism M4, the sleeve is typically bonded to the shaft. The shaft is detachably mounted to the head by using the sleeve, to facilitate the change of the shaft. A large impact force from hitting acts on the sleeve. In respect of ensuring fixation of the sleeve, it is preferable that the sleeve is supported by surface contact in the whole circumferential direction (360 degrees). The sleeve is supported by the surface contact in the whole circumferential direction in the adjusting mechanism M4 and the adjusting mechanism M7. Of these, in the adjusting mechanism M4, thesleeve supporting member80 is brought into surface contact with thesleeve76 in the whole circumferential direction.

In a golf club set having the plurality of the golf clubs described above, advantages of the clubs are synergistically combined, and thereby the golf club set having excellent adjustability can be achieved.

As exemplified above, the golf club having the two or more specifications capable of being adjusted independently enables adjustments corresponding to situations such as course setting, weather, and a condition of a player. A combination of specifications other than the above description enables adjustments corresponding to various situations.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be clarified by examples. However, the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited way based on the description of the examples. The following adjusting mechanisms are the same as those described in the above-mentioned embodiment unless particularly described.

Example 1

A head having the adjusting mechanism M1 (face angle adjusting mechanism) and the adjusting mechanism M5 (a head-center-of-gravity position adjusting mechanism) was produced. Afront member4 andback member6 of the head were produced by a lost-wax precision casting using a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). A material of a connecting member8 (screw) was a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). A screw hole into which a weight body104 (screw) of the adjusting mechanism M5 was screwed was formed in a sole of theback member6, and was produced by NC processing. A shaft (carbon shaft) and a grip were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to example 1. The golf club was a number three wood golf club.

Example 2

A golf club having the adjusting mechanism M1 (face angle adjusting mechanism), the adjusting mechanism M4 (lie angle adjusting mechanism), the adjusting mechanism M5 (a head-center-of-gravity position adjusting mechanism), and the adjusting mechanism M6 (swingweight adjusting mechanism) was produced. The adjusting mechanism M4 was added to a hosel part of the back member of the example 1, and a grip with the adjusting mechanism M5 shown inFIG. 17 was mounted in place of the grip of the example 1. A material of asleeve76 was an aluminium alloy. A material of asleeve supporting member80 was an aluminium alloy. A golf club of example 2 was obtained in the same manner as in the example 1 as for the rest.

Comparative Example 1

A head of comparative example 1 was obtained in the same manner as in the example 1 except that the head did not have all the adjusting mechanisms. The head was obtained by welding afront member4 to aback member6. The same shaft and grip as those of the example 1 were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to the comparative example 1.

Comparative Example 2

The same structure as that of the above-mentioned adjusting mechanism M7 (seeFIG. 20) was formed in theback member6 of the example 1. The same front member as that of the example 1 was welded to the back member, to obtain a head. The screw groove of the inner surface of the sleeve Sv in the adjusting mechanism M7 was removed, to form a circumferential surface. The sleeve Sv was bonded to the tip part of the same shaft as that of the example 1. That is, the shaft was directly bonded to the inner surface of the sleeve Sv without using thescrew cylinder135. A shaft insertion hole was inclined to ahosel hole142 as in the above-mentioned sleeve Sv1 (to seeFIG. 22). The inclination angle θ1 (seeFIG. 22) was set to 1.0 degree. A material of the sleeve Sv was an aluminium alloy. A material of an engagingmember140 was a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). Furthermore, the same grip as that of the example 1 was mounted, to obtain a golf club according to comparative example 2. In the golf club, the shaft can be detachably mounted to the head by a screw mechanism. In the golf club, a loft angle, a lie angle, and a face angle are varied in relation to each other by a relative position relation in a circumferential direction between the sleeve Sv and the hosel hole.

An evaluation test was performed by tester's actual hitting using these clubs. The tester had a driver head speed of about 40 m/s, and was a slicer (the tester was apt to slice a ball). Specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 1.

TABLE 1

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
1	2-1	2-2	1	2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	16.5	17.5
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	5	5
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	58.5	59.5
Distance of	35	35	35	33	33
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42.5	42.5	42.5	42.5	42.5
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D1	D0
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	54	53
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	20	23
Backspin amount	3200	3500	2800	3000	3300
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	500	200
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	176	165	184	190
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	+5	0

In “directivity” in Table 1 and each of the following Tables, “+” means that the direction is deviated to the right side from the target direction, and “−” means that the direction is deviated to the left side from the target direction. In “side spin” in Table 1 and each of the following Tables, a positive value means slice rotation, and a negative value means hook rotation.

The example 1 can be adjusted to the specification of the comparative example 1 shown in Table 1. The example 1 was adjusted to the specification shown in Table 1, and an evaluation test thereof was performed.

The example 2 can be adjusted to the specification of the comparative example 1 shown in Table 1. The example 2 was adjusted to the specification shown in Table 1, and an evaluation test thereof was performed.

A club having a state of comparative example 2-1 was produced using the comparative example 2, and an evaluation test thereof was performed. Next, a club having a state of comparative example 2-2 was produced by varying a relative position relation in a circumferential direction between a sleeve Sv (shaft) and a hosel hole, and an evaluation test thereof was performed.

As shown in Table 1, since a loft angle, a lie angle, and a face angle are varied in relation to each other in the comparative example 2, the adjustment was insufficient. Therefore, the slice was insufficiently resolved, and the flight distance was also relatively short. The examples 1 and 2 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 3

A head having the adjusting mechanism M1 (face angle adjusting mechanism) and the adjusting mechanism M4 (lie angle adjusting mechanism) was produced. Afront member4 andback member6 of the head were produced by a lost-wax precision casting using a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The adjusting mechanism M4 was provided in a hosel part of theback member6. A shaft (carbon shaft) and a grip were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to example 3. The golf club was a number three wood golf club.

Comparative Example 3

A head of comparative example 3 was obtained in the same manner as in the comparative example 1 except that the specification was changed to the specification of Table 2. The same shaft and grip as those of the example 1 were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to comparative example 3.

Comparative Example 4

A head of comparative example 4 was obtained in the same manner as in the comparative example 2 except that the specification was changed to the specification of Table 2. In the golf club, a shaft is detachably mounted to a head by a screw mechanism. In the golf club, a loft angle, a lie angle, and a face angle are varied in relation to each other by a relative position relation in a circumferential direction between a sleeve Sv and a hosel hole.

An evaluation test was performed by tester's actual hitting using these clubs. The tester had a driver head speed of about 40 m/s, and was a slicer (the tester was apt to slice a ball). Specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 2.

TABLE 2

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	3-1	3-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	16.5	16.5
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	5	6
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	59	59
Distance of	30	30	30	30	30
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	42	42
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D1	D1
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	54	54
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	20	20
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	3000	3000
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	500	200
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	184	190
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	+5	0
Variable				Face	Face
mechanism				angle	angle
				Lie	Lie
				angle	angle

The golf club of the example 3 was adjusted to a specification of example 3-1 shown in Table 2 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example 3 was adjusted to a specification of example 3-2 shown in Table 2 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated.

A club having a state of comparative example 4-1 was produced using the comparative example 4, and an evaluation test thereof was performed. Next, a club having a state of comparative example 4-2 was produced by varying a relative position relation in a circumferential direction between a sleeve Sv (shaft) and a hosel hole, and an evaluation test thereof was performed.

As shown in Table 2, since a loft angle, a lie angle, and a face angle are varied in relation to each other in the comparative example 4, the adjustment was insufficient. Therefore, the slice was insufficiently resolved, and the flight distance was also relatively short. The example 3 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 4

A head having the adjusting mechanism M1 (loft angle adjusting mechanism) and the adjusting mechanism M4 (lie angle adjusting mechanism) was produced. Afront member4 andback member6 of the head were produced by a lost-wax precision casting using a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The adjusting mechanism M4 was provided in a hosel part of theback member6. A shaft (carbon shaft) and a grip were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to example 4. The golf club was a number three wood golf club.

The example 4 was compared with the comparative examples 3 and 4. The specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 3.

TABLE 3

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	4-1	4-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	17	16
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	3	3
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	59	59.5
Distance of	30	30	30	30	30
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	42	42
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D1	D1
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	54	54
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	20	18
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	3100	2800
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	700	500
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	175	180
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	+8	+5
Variable				Loft	Loft
mechanism				angle	angle
				Lie	Lie
				angle	angle

The golf club of the example 4 was adjusted to a specification of example 4-1 shown in Table 3 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example 4 was adjusted to a specification of example 4-2 shown in Table 3 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. The example 4 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 5

A head having the adjusting mechanism M1 (face angle adjusting mechanism), the adjusting mechanism M4 (lie angle adjusting mechanism), and the adjusting mechanism M5 (head-center-of-gravity position adjusting mechanism) was produced. Afront member4 andback member6 of the head were produced by a lost-wax precision casting using a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). A screw hole of the adjusting mechanism M5 was formed in a sole part of theback member6. The screw hole was produced by NC processing. The adjusting mechanism M4 was provided in a hosel part of theback member6. A shaft (carbon shaft) and a grip were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to example 5. The golf club was a number three wood golf club.

The example 5 was compared with the comparative examples 3 and 4. The specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 4.

TABLE 4

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	5-1	5-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	16.5	16.5
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	5	6
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	59	59
Distance of	30	30	30	27	25
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	42	42
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D1	D1
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	54	54
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	20	20
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	3000	3000
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	500	200
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	188	195
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	+0	−5
Variable				Face	Face
mechanism				angle	angle
				Lie	Lie
				angle	angle
				Dis-	Dis-
				tance	tance
				of cen-	of cen-
				ter of	ter of
				gravity	gravity

The golf club of the example 5 was adjusted to a specification of example 5-1 shown in Table 4 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example was adjusted to a specification of example 5-2 shown in Table 4 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. The example 5 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 6

A head having the adjusting mechanism M1 (loft angle adjusting mechanism), the adjusting mechanism M4 (lie angle adjusting mechanism), and the adjusting mechanism M5 (head-center-of-gravity position adjusting mechanism) was produced. Afront member4 andback member6 of the head were produced by a lost-wax precision casting using a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). A screw hole of the adjusting mechanism M5 was formed in a sole part of theback member6. The screw hole was produced by NC processing. The adjusting mechanism M4 was provided in a hosel part of theback member6. A shaft (carbon shaft) and a grip were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to example 6. The golf club was a number three wood golf club.

The example 6 was compared with the comparative examples 3 and 4. The specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 5.

TABLE 5

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	6-1	6-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	17	16
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	3	3
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	59	59.5
Distance of	30	30	30	27	25
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	42	42
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D1	D1
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	54	54
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	20	18
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	3100	2800
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	700	500
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	175	180
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	+0	−5
Variable				Loft	Loft
mechanism				angle	angle
				Lie	Lie
				angle	angle
				Dis-	Dis-
				tance	tance
				of cen-	of cen-
				ter of	ter of
				gravity	gravity

The golf club of the example 6 can be adjusted to the specification of the comparative example 3. The golf club of the example 6 was adjusted to a specification of example 6-1 shown in Table 5 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example 6 was adjusted to a specification of example 6-2 shown in Table 5 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. The example 6 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 7

A head having the adjusting mechanism M1 (face angle adjusting mechanism) and the adjusting mechanism M3 (club length adjusting mechanism) was produced. Afront member4 andback member6 of the head were produced by a lost-wax precision casting using a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The adjusting mechanism M3 was provided in a hosel part of theback member6. A shaft (carbon shaft) and a grip were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to example 7. The golf club was a number three wood golf club.

The example 7 was compared with the comparative examples 3 and 4. The specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 6.

TABLE 6

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	7-1	7-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	16.5	16.5
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	5	6
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	58.5	58.5
Distance of	30	30	30	30	30
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	41.5	43
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D4	D9
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	52.5	54
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	20	20
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	2800	3000
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	500	200
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	186	190
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	0	+5
Variable				Face	Face
mechanism				angle	angle
				Club	Club
				length	length

The golf club of the example 7 can be adjusted to the specification of the comparative example 3. The golf club of the example 7 was adjusted to a specification of example 7-1 shown in Table 6 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example 7 was adjusted to a specification of example 7-2 shown in Table 6 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. The example 7 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 8

A head having the adjusting mechanism M1 (loft angle adjusting mechanism) and the adjusting mechanism M3 (club length adjusting mechanism) was produced. Afront member4 andback member6 of the head were produced by a lost-wax precision casting using a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The adjusting mechanism M3 was provided in a hosel part of theback member6. A shaft (carbon shaft) and a grip were mounted to the head, to obtain a golf club according to example 8. The golf club was a number three wood golf club.

The example 8 was compared with the comparative examples 3 and 4. The specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 7.

TABLE 7

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	8-1	8-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	17	15.5
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	3	3
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	58.5	58.5
Distance of	30	30	30	30	30
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	41.5	41.5
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D4	D9
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	52	52
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	22	18
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	3200	2800
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	700	500
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	172	175
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	+0	+0
Variable				Loft	Loft
mechanism				angle	angle
				Club	Club
				length	length

The golf club of the example 8 can be adjusted to the specification of the comparative example 3. The golf club of the example 8 was adjusted to a specification of example 8-1 shown in Table 7 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example 8 was adjusted to a specification of example 8-2 shown in Table 7 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Also in the test, the example 8 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 9

The example 9 was compared with the comparative examples 3 and 4. The specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 8.

TABLE 8

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	9-1	9-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	16.5	16.5
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	5	6
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	59	59
Distance of	30	30	30	27	25
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	41.5	43
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D1	D1
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	52.5	54
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	20	20
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	2800	3000
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	300	100
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	190	192
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	−5	+0
Variable				Face	Face
mechanism				angle	angle
				Club	Club
				length	length
				Balance	Balance
				Dis-	Dis-
				tance	tance
				of cen-	of cen-
				ter of	ter of
				gravity	gravity

The golf club of the example 9 can be adjusted to the specification of the comparative example 3. The golf club of the example 9 was adjusted to a specification of example 9-1 shown in Table 8 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example 9 was adjusted to a specification of example 9-2 shown in Table 8 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Also in the test, the example 9 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 10

The example 10 was compared with the comparative examples 3 and 4. The specifications and evaluation results of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 9.

TABLE 9

Specifications and evaluation results
of examples and comparative examples

Compar-	Compar-	Compar-
ative	ative	ative	Exam-	Exam-
example	example	example	ple	ple
3	4-1	4-2	10-1	10-2

Loft angle (°)	16.5	17.5	15.5	17	15.5
Face angle (°)	3	5	1	3	3
Lie angle (°)	58.5	58	59	58.5	58.5
Distance of	30	30	30	27	25
center of
gravity (mm)
Club length (inch)	42	42	42	41.5	41.5
Balance	D1	D1	D1	D1	D1
Ball initial speed	53	52.5	53	53	53
(m/s)
Launch angle (°)	20	23	17	22	18
Backspin amount	3200	3500	3000	3200	2800
(rpm)
Side spin amount	1500	1000	2000	700	500
(rpm)
Flight distance	170	160	165	175	178
(yard)
Directivity (yard)	+25	+10	+40	−5	+0
Variable				Loft	Loft
mechanism				angle	angle
				Club	Club
				length	length
				Balance	Balance
				Dis-	Dis-
				tance	tance
				of cen-	of cen-
				ter of	ter of
				gravity	gravity

The golf club of the example 10 can be adjusted to the specification of the comparative example 3. The golf club of the example 10 was adjusted to a specification of example 10-1 shown in Table 9 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. Furthermore, the golf club of the example 10 was adjusted to a specification of example 10-2 shown in Table 9 using the adjusting mechanism, and was evaluated. The example 10 had excellent adjustability, and provided good results in resolution of slice and a flight distance.

Example 11

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M7 and the adjusting mechanism M8 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M7 was provided with two sleeves Sv having the inclination angle θ1 of 0 degree. Positions of shaft insertion holes150 were made different between the two sleeves Sv. In the first sleeve Sv, an axis line of theshaft insertion hole150 was coaxial with a central axis line of a sleeve outer surface. On the other hand, in the second sleeve Sv, the axis line of the shaft insertion hole deviated from the central axis line of the sleeve outer surface. That is, in the second sleeve Sv, the shaft insertion hole was eccentric.

The adjusting mechanism M8 was provided with two changing back members E8 having different positions of centers of gravity.

In the golf club according to the example 11, a face progression could be changed by changing the sleeve Sv. A lie angle, a face angle, and a loft angle were not varied by changing the sleeve Sv. Furthermore, in the golf club, a position of a center of gravity of a head could be changed by changing the changing back members E8. In the golf club, the face progression and the position of the center of gravity of the head could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 12

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M1 and the adjusting mechanism M9 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M1 was provided with two changing front members E4 which are different only in the loft angles.

The adjusting mechanism M9 was provided with two outerside grip members196 having different thicknesses.

In the golf club according to the example 12, a loft angle could be changed by changing the changing front member E4. A face angle was not varied by changing the changing front member E4. Furthermore, in the golf club, a thickness of a grip could be changed by changing the outerside grip member196. In the golf club, the loft angle and the thickness of the grip could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 13

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M1 and the adjusting mechanism M10 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M1 was provided with two changing front members E4 which are different only in the face angles.

The adjusting mechanism M10 was provided with one extendingmember252b.

In the golf club according to the example 13, a face angle could be changed by changing the changing front member E4. A loft angle was not varied by changing the changing front member E4. Furthermore, in the golf club, a club length could be changed by mounting/demounting the extendingmember252b. The face angle and the club length could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 14

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M1 and the adjusting mechanism M11 was produced. An exploded perspective view of a head according to example 14 is the same as that of thehead268 shown inFIGS. 33 and 34.

In the example 14, a front member can be changed, and an adjusting intermediate member can be also changed. A face angle and a loft angle can be adjusted by changing only the front member. The face angle and the loft angle can be adjusted by changing only the adjusting intermediate member. Furthermore, various adjustments are enabled by combining the front members with the adjusting intermediate members.

Example 15

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M1 and the adjusting mechanism M6 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M1 was provided with two changing front members E4 which are different only in the face angles (seeFIG. 3).

The adjusting mechanism M6 was provided with a plurality of weight bodies Wg having different weights in relation to each other (seeFIG. 17).

In the golf club according to the example 15, a face angle could be changed by changing the changing front member E4. Furthermore, in the golf club, a swingweight could be changed by changing and mounting/demounting the weight body Wg. The face angle and the swingweight could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 16

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M1 and the adjusting mechanism M8 was produced.

A head according to the example 16 was the same as the above-mentioned head170 (seeFIGS. 24 and 25).

In the example 16, a plurality offront members172 shown inFIG. 24 was prepared as the adjusting mechanism M1. The plurality offront members172 had different face angles in relation to each other. Furthermore, in the example 16, a plurality ofback members174 having different volumes in relation to each other was prepared as the adjusting mechanism M8.

In the golf club according to the example 16, a face angle could be changed by changing thefront member172. Furthermore, in the golf club, a head volume (a depth of a center of gravity and a moment of inertia of the head) could be changed by changing theback member174. The face angle and the head volume (the depth of a center of gravity and the moment of inertia of the head) could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 17

The adjusting mechanism M1 was provided with two front members E4 which are different only in the face angles (seeFIG. 3).

The adjusting mechanism M10 was provided with two extendingmembers252bhaving an identical shape in relation to each other (seeFIG. 31).

In the golf club according to the example 17, a face angle could be changed by changing the changing front member E4. Furthermore, in the golf club, a club length (swingweight) could be changed by the number of the mounted extendingmembers252b. The face angle and the club length (swingweight) could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 18

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M5 and the adjusting mechanism M6 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M5 was provided with one weight body104 (seeFIG. 14).

In the golf club according to the example 18, a position of a center of gravity of a head could be changed by changing a position of theweight body104. Furthermore, In the golf club, a swingweight could be changed by changing and mounting/demounting the weight body Wg. The position of the center of gravity of the head and the swingweight could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 19

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M5 and the adjusting mechanism M8 was produced.

A basic structure of a head according to the example 19 was set as shown inFIG. 24. Furthermore, a plurality of disposing holes Wh (seeFIG. 15) was formed in a front member172 (seeFIG. 24) of the head. That is, the adjusting mechanism M5 was provided in thefront member172. The adjusting mechanism M5 may be provided in the back member174 (seeFIG. 24). That is, a plurality of disposing holes Wh (seeFIG. 15) may be formed in theback member174.

The adjusting mechanism M5 was provided with one weight body104 (seeFIG. 14).

The adjusting mechanism M8 was provided with a plurality ofback member174 having different volumes (seeFIG. 24).

In the golf club according to the example 19, a position of a center of gravity of the head could be changed by changing a position of theweight body104. Furthermore, in the golf club, a head volume could be changed by changing theback member174. The position of the center of gravity of the head and the head volume could be adjusted independently of each other.

On the other hand, the position of the center of gravity of the head was also varied by the adjusting mechanisms M5, and was also varied by the adjusting mechanisms M8. Therefore, the position of the center of gravity of the head could be variously adjusted. That is, a high degree of freedom was achieved in adjustment of the position of the center of gravity of the head.

Example 20

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M5 and the adjusting mechanism M9 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M5 was provided with one weight body104 (seeFIG. 14).

The adjusting mechanism M9 was provided with a plurality of outerside grip members196 having different thicknesses (seeFIGS. 27 and 28).

In the golf club according to the example 20, a position of a center of gravity of a head could be changed by changing a position of theweight body104. Furthermore, in the golf club, a thickness of a grip could be changed by changing the outerside grip member196. In the golf club, the position of the center of gravity of the head and the thickness of the grip could be adjusted independently of each other.

Example 21

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M5 and the adjusting mechanism M10 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M5 was provided with one weight body104 (seeFIG. 14).

In the golf club according to the example 21, a position of a center of gravity of a head could be changed by changing a position of theweight body104. Furthermore, in the golf club, a club length (grip length and swingweight) could be changed by the number of the mounted extendingmembers252b. The position of the center of gravity of the head and the club length (grip length and swingweight) were adjusted independently of each other.

Example 22

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M6 and the adjusting mechanism M8 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M8 was provided with a plurality ofback members174 having different shapes (seeFIGS. 24 and 25).

In the golf club according to the example 22, a swingweight was changed by mounting/demounting and changing the weight body Wg. Furthermore, in the golf club, a head shape could be changed by changing theback member174. The swingweight and the head shape were adjusted independently of each other.

Example 23

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M6 and the adjusting mechanism M9 was produced.

In the golf club according to the example 23, a swingweight was changed by mounting/demounting and changing the weight body Wg. Furthermore, in the golf club, a grip outer diameter was changed by changing the outerside grip member196. The swingweight and the grip outer diameter were adjusted independently of each other.

Example 24

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M6 and the adjusting mechanism M10 was produced.

FIG. 36 is an exploded view of a grip part of the golf club according to the example 24. The golf club has the above-mentioned grip252 (seeFIG. 31). Furthermore, the golf club has two weight bodies Wg.

A first weight body Wg1 has ahead part300 and abody part302. Thehead part300 is a disk-shaped. Thebody part302 is a male screw. Thehead part300 is coaxial with thebody part302. A second weight body Wg2 has ahead part300 and abody part306. Thebody part306 is a male screw. Thehead part300 is coaxial with thebody part306. An axial length of thebody part302 is different from that of thebody part300. The difference causes a weight difference between the weight body Wg1 and the weight body Wg2.

The

body parts

302 and306 of the weight body Wg conforms to a screw hole sc4 of the extendingmember252b. The

body parts

302 and306 can be screwed into the screw hole sc4.

The adjusting mechanism M10 in the example 24 is the same as that of the embodiment ofFIG. 30. On the other hand, the adjusting mechanism M6 in the example 24 is different from that of the embodiment ofFIG. 17. The adjusting mechanism M6 includes the weight body Wg and the extendingmember252bas shown inFIG. 36. A swingweight can be adjusted by mounting any of the weight bodies Wg to the extendingmember252b. The swingweight can be adjusted by presence or absence of the mounted weight body Wg.

In the golf club according to the example 24, the swingweight was changed by mounting/demounting and changing the weight body Wg. Furthermore, in the golf club, the swingweight and a club length were changed by the number of the mounted extendingmembers252b. In the example 24, the club length can be adjusted. In the example 24, the swingweight could be variously adjusted by a combinations of the extendingmember252band the weight body Wg.

Example 25

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M8 and the adjusting mechanism M9 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M8 was provided with twoback members174 having different positions of centers of gravity (seeFIGS. 24 and 25).

A position of a center of gravity of a head was changed by changing theback member174 in the golf club according to the example 25. Furthermore, in the golf club, a grip outer diameter was changed by changing the outerside grip member196. The position of the center of gravity of the head and the grip outer diameter were adjusted independently of each other.

Example 26

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M8 and the adjusting mechanism M10 was produced.

In the golf club according to the example 26, a position of a center of gravity of a head was changed by changing theback member174. Furthermore, in the golf club, a swingweight and a club length were changed by the number of the mounted extendingmembers252b. The position of the center of gravity of the head and the swingweight (club length) were adjusted independently of each other.

Example 27

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M6 and the adjusting mechanism M12 was produced.

The adjusting mechanism M12 was provided with a plurality offront members282 having different loft angles in relation to each other (seeFIG. 35).

In the golf club according to the example 27, a swingweight was changed by changing the weight body Wg. Furthermore, in the golf club, a loft angle was changed by changing thefront member282. The swingweight and the loft angle were adjusted independently of each other.

Example 28

A golf club provided with the adjusting mechanism M10 and the adjusting mechanism M12 was produced.

In the golf club according to the example 28, a club length (swingweight) was changed by the number of the mounted extendingmembers252b. Furthermore, in the golf club, a loft angle was changed by changing thefront member282. The club length (swingweight) and the loft angle were adjusted independently of each other.

The combination of the adjusting mechanisms is not restricted to the combinations in these examples. The number of the combinations of the adjusting mechanisms is not also restricted. For example, any two selected from the adjusting mechanisms M1 to M12 can be combined. Any three selected from the adjusting mechanisms M1 to M12 can be combined.

The invention described above can be applied to all golf clubs such as a wood type, utility type, hybrid type, iron type, and putter type golf clubs.

The description hereinabove is merely for an illustrative example, and various modifications can be made in the scope not to depart from the principles of the present invention.