JP7731475B2 - Golf club with hosel insert and related method - Google Patents

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,240, filed January 23, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/254,081, filed November 11, 2015, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/282,786, filed May 20, 2014. U.S. Patent Application No. 14/282,786 is a continuation-in-part of (i) U.S. Patent Application No. 13/795,653, filed March 12, 2013; (ii) U.S. Patent Application No. 13/429,319, filed March 24, 2012; (iii) U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,663, filed May 10, 2012; (iv) U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,675, filed May 10, 2012; and (v) U.S. Patent Application No. 13/735,123, filed January 7, 2013.

U.S. Patent Application No. 13/429,319 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/590,232, filed January 24, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/529,880, filed August 31, 2011. U.S. Patent Application Nos. 13/468,663 and 13/468,675 are continuations-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/429,319. Similarly, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,677 is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/429,319.

Meanwhile, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/735,123 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,663, filed May 10, 2012, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,675, filed May 10, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,677, filed May 10, 2015.

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/107,240, 62/254,081, 14/282,786, 13/795,653, 13/429,319, 13/468,663, 13/468,675, 13/735,123, 13/468,677, 61/590,232, and 61/529,880 are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and more specifically to golf coupling mechanisms and related methods.

Some sports, such as golf, require equipment with selectable or customizable features to suit individual characteristics or preferences. For example, the recommended club shaft type, club head type, and/or club head loft or lie angle may vary based on individual characteristics such as skill, age, or height. However, once assembled, golf clubs typically have a fixed, unalterable coupling mechanism between their golf club shaft and golf club head. Therefore, when determining the right equipment for an individual, an unnecessarily large number of golf clubs with such fixed coupling mechanisms must be available to try various combinations of club shafts, club heads, loft angles, and/or lie angles. Additionally, if an individual's characteristics or preferences change, they cannot adjust their golf equipment to accommodate such changes. While adjustable coupling mechanisms may be configured to provide flexibility in variably configuring various features of such golf clubs, they may result in instability leading to a lack of cohesion or stress concentrations in the coupling between the golf club head and golf club shaft. In light of the above, further developments in golf coupling mechanisms and related methods will enhance the usability and adjustability of golf clubs.

The present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following detailed description of example embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

1 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head having a golf coupling mechanism according to an example of the present disclosure. 2 shows a top perspective view of a golf club head having the golf coupling mechanism of FIG. 1; 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head taken along section line III-III of FIG. 2, illustrating the golf coupling mechanism with the shaft sleeve inserted into the shaft receiver; 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and golf coupling mechanism taken along section line IV-IV of FIG. 2. 1 shows a side view of a shaft sleeve separated from a golf club head. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve taken along section line VI-VI in FIG. 5. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve taken along the section line VII-VII in FIG. 5. 2 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 with the shaft sleeve removed from the golf club head and the shaft receiver shown from above; 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along section line III-III of FIG. 2 with the shaft sleeve removed from the golf club head. 10 shows a side view of a portion of a sleeve coupler set of a shaft sleeve. 1 shows a side perspective view of a portion of a receiver coupler set of a shaft receiver. 11 shows a side view of a portion of a sleeve coupler set of a shaft sleeve similar to the shaft sleeve of FIGS. 1-7 and 10. FIG. 12 shows a side perspective view of a portion of a receiver coupler set of a shaft receiver similar to the shaft receiver of FIGS. 1-4, 8-9 and 11. FIG. 14 shows a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism in a first configuration, taken along section line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4; 14 shows a cross-sectional top view of the golf coupling mechanism in a second configuration taken along section line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4; 14 shows a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism in the third configuration taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 with the shaft sleeve removed from the golf coupling mechanism. 14 shows a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism in the fourth configuration taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 with the shaft sleeve removed from the golf coupling mechanism. 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method that may be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf coupler mechanism according to the present disclosure. 19 shows a comparison of the stagnant drag wake area of each hosel of different golf club heads 1910 and 1920. 20 shows a chart of drag as a function of open face angle for the hosel diameter of the golf club head of FIG. 19. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head having a golf coupling mechanism according to one embodiment. 22 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve of the golf coupling mechanism of the golf club head separated from the golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve taken along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22 according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. 22 illustrates a side view of a shaft sleeve body of a shaft sleeve separated from a shaft sleeve cap of the shaft sleeve according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. 22 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. 22 shows an elevational view of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment. 28 illustrates an exemplary operation of preparing a shaft sleeve according to the embodiment of FIG. 27. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head having a golf coupling mechanism according to one embodiment. 30 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve of the golf coupling mechanism of the golf club head separated from the golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 taken along line XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 30. 30 illustrates a side view of a shaft sleeve body of a shaft sleeve separated from a shaft sleeve cap of the shaft sleeve according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. 30 shows a side view of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. 30 shows a top angled view of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. 33B shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve cap according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 taken along line XLVV-XLVV of FIG. 33B. 30 shows a top view of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. 30 shows a top view of a shaft sleeve body separated from a golf head according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment. 36 illustrates an exemplary operation of preparing a shaft sleeve according to the embodiment of FIG. 35.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show general structures, and descriptions and details of known features and technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. In addition, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference symbols in different drawings refer to the same elements.

When used in this specification and claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily denote a particular sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in orders other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly described or inherent in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "above," and "below," when used in this specification and claims, are used for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that terms used in this specification and claims are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that, for example, embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are operable in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupled," and the like should be understood broadly and mean the connection of two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. The connection (whether mechanical or otherwise) may be for any length of time, for example, permanent, semi-permanent, or only momentary.

The absence of words such as "detachably" or "removable" near words such as "coupled" does not imply that the subject connection is or is not detachable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are "integrated" if they contain identical components. As defined herein, two or more elements are "disintegrated" if they contain different components.

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head has a club head body including a sole portion including a sole lower end, a top portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion opposite the rear portion, and a hosel. The front portion also has a striking face. The golf club head also has a shaft sleeve insertable into the hosel and configured to couple a golf club shaft to the hosel. The hosel may have a hosel bore configured to receive the shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve, in turn, has (i) a shaft bore configured to receive an end of the golf club shaft, (ii) a shaft sleeve body having a sleeve body outer wall and at least one coupler on the sleeve body outer wall, and (iii) a shaft sleeve cap configured to couple to the shaft sleeve body. When the golf club head is in an address position with the shaft sleeve secured within the hosel, the shaft sleeve center of gravity may be located at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of approximately 46 millimeters or less relative to the sole lower end.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may have a mid-region, the shaft sleeve body may have a sleeve body wall, and the sleeve body wall may have a mid-region thickness of approximately 0.020 inches in the mid-region.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may have a coupler region, and the shaft sleeve body may have a sleeve body wall, and the sleeve body wall may have a coupler region thickness that varies from a maximum thickness of the sleeve body wall to a minimum thickness of the sleeve body wall in the coupler region, and the maximum thickness of the sleeve body wall may be about 0.75 inches or less, and the minimum thickness of the sleeve body wall may be about 0.020 inches or more.

In these or other embodiments, the hosel bore may have at least one receiver configured to engage with at least one coupler, and when the hosel bore receives the shaft sleeve, the at least one coupler may engage with the at least one receiver to limit rotation of the shaft sleeve relative to the hosel.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap may be removably coupled to the shaft sleeve body.

In these or other embodiments, the at least one coupler may include a plurality of couplers, and the plurality of couplers may include a first coupler and a second coupler, and the coupler length of the first coupler may be different from the coupler length of the second coupler.

In these or other embodiments, at least one coupler may have a coupler length that may be greater than or equal to about 0.260 inches and less than or equal to about 0.38 inches.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may have a receiving groove, the shaft sleeve cap may have a protrusion, and the receiving groove may be configured to receive the protrusion when the shaft sleeve body is mated with the shaft sleeve cap.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap may have at least one slit and a cap wall, and the at least one slit may be configured to allow the cap wall to compress axially.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap may have a cap hole and one or more ribs extending into the cap hole, and the one or more ribs may center the golf club shaft within the shaft hole when the shaft hole receives the end of the golf club shaft.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve may have a shaft sleeve mass of approximately 4.5 grams, the shaft sleeve body may have a shaft sleeve body mass of approximately 4.1 grams or less, and/or the shaft sleeve cap may have a shaft sleeve cap mass of approximately 0.3 grams or more and approximately 1.0 grams or less.

In these or other embodiments, the golf club head may have a fastener configured to couple the shaft sleeve to the hosel, and when the shaft sleeve cap is coupled with the shaft sleeve body and the fastener secures the shaft sleeve to the hosel, the golf club head may have an assembled club head mass of about 199 grams or less.

In these or other embodiments, the golf club head may have a fastener configured to couple the shaft sleeve to the hosel, and when the shaft sleeve cap is coupled with the shaft sleeve body and the fastener secures the shaft sleeve to the hosel, the golf club head may have an assembled club head mass, the shaft sleeve may have a shaft sleeve mass, and the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the assembled club head mass may be about 2.2% or less.

In these or other embodiments, the golf club head may have a disassembled club head mass, the shaft sleeve may have a shaft sleeve mass, and the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the disassembled club head mass may be about 2.2% or less.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance relative to the sole lower end may be greater than or equal to approximately 45.3 millimeters.

In these or other embodiments, when the shaft sleeve body is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap, the shaft sleeve has a shaft sleeve height, which may be greater than or equal to about 1.78 inches and less than or equal to about 1.82 inches. When the shaft sleeve body is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap, the shaft sleeve has a shaft sleeve body height, which may be greater than or equal to about 1.529 inches and less than or equal to about 1.569 inches, and/or when the shaft sleeve body is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap, the shaft sleeve has a shaft sleeve cap height, which may be greater than or equal to about 0.46 inches and less than or equal to about 0.50 inches.

A further embodiment includes a golf club head. The golf club head has a club head body including a sole portion including a lower end of the sole, a top portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion opposite the rear portion, and a hosel. The front portion has a striking face. The golf club head also has a shaft sleeve insertable into the hosel and configured to couple a golf club shaft to the hosel. The hosel may have a hosel bore configured to receive the shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve may have (i) a shaft bore configured to receive an end of the golf club shaft, (ii) a shaft sleeve body having a sleeve body outer wall and at least one coupler on the sleeve body outer wall, and (iii) a shaft sleeve cap configured to be coupled to the shaft sleeve body. The shaft sleeve body may further have an intermediate region and a sleeve body wall. The shaft sleeve may have a shaft sleeve mass of approximately 4.3 grams. In these embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may have a shaft sleeve body mass of approximately 3.8 grams or less. The shaft sleeve cap may also have a cap hole and one or more ribs that fit into the cap hole, such that when the shaft hole receives the end of the golf club shaft, the one or more ribs can center the golf club shaft within the shaft hole. In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap may be removably coupled to the shaft sleeve body. Furthermore, when the golf club head is in the address position with the shaft sleeve secured within the hosel, the shaft sleeve center of gravity may be located at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of approximately 43.5 millimeters or more and approximately 47 millimeters or less relative to the sole lower end.

Another embodiment includes a method. The method may include preparing a shaft sleeve. The preparing the shaft sleeve may include preparing a shaft sleeve body and preparing a shaft sleeve cap. The shaft sleeve may be configured to be insertable into a hosel of a golf club head and to couple a golf club shaft to the hosel. Similarly, the golf club head may include a golf club head body and a hosel. The golf club head body may have a sole portion including a lower end of the sole, a top portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, and a front portion opposite the rear portion. The front portion may have a striking surface. The hosel may also have a hosel bore configured to receive the shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve may also have (i) a shaft bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft, (ii) a shaft sleeve body having a sleeve body outer wall and at least one coupler on the sleeve body outer wall, and (iii) a shaft sleeve cap configured to be coupled to the shaft sleeve body. When the golf club head is in an address position with the shaft sleeve secured within the hosel, the shaft sleeve center of gravity may be located at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of approximately 46 millimeters or less relative to the sole lower end.

Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be described in the figures, claims, and/or this specification.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a golf club head 101 having a golf coupling mechanism 1000 according to one example of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the golf club head 101 having the golf coupling mechanism 1000. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 101 along line III-III in FIG. 2, showing the golf coupling mechanism 1000 with the shaft sleeve 1100 inserted into the shaft receiver 3200. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 101 and golf coupling mechanism 1000 along line IV-IV in FIG. 2.

In this embodiment, the golf coupling mechanism 1000 includes a shaft sleeve 1100 configured to be coupled to the end of a golf club shaft, such as the golf club shaft 102 (FIG. 1). FIG. 5 shows a side view of the shaft sleeve 1100 separated from the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1). FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve 1100 taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. In this example, the shaft sleeve 1100 includes a shaft bore 3120 configured to receive the end of the golf club shaft 102. The shaft sleeve 1100 also includes a sleeve axis 5150 extending from the sleeve upper end 1191 to the sleeve lower end 3192 along the longitudinal centerline of the shaft sleeve 1100. In this example, the sleeve outer wall 3130 is a right angle cylinder, and the sleeve outer wall 3130 abuts the shaft bore 3120 within the sleeve outer wall 3130, such that at least a portion of the sleeve outer wall 3130 is substantially parallel to the sleeve axis 5150. In other words, in this embodiment, the sleeve axis 5150 is the center of the sleeve outer wall 3130. In this example, the shaft bore 3120 extends coaxially with the shaft bore axis 6150 and is angled relative to the sleeve axis 5150, and is therefore non-coaxial with the sleeve axis 5150. In this example, the shaft bore axis 6150 is angled from the sleeve axis 5150 by about 0.5 degrees, although there may be instances where such an angle is between about 0.2 degrees and about 4 degrees relative to the sleeve axis 5150. Thus, in this embodiment, the shaft bore 3210 and the sleeve outer wall 3130 are not concentric. However, there may be other embodiments in which the shaft hole axis 6150 may be substantially collinear with the sleeve axis 5150, such that the sleeve outer wall 3130 and the shaft hole 3120 may be substantially concentric.

The shaft sleeve 1100 has a sleeve coupler set 3110 having one or more couplers protruding from the sleeve outer wall 3130. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve 1100 taken along line VII-VII in Figure 5, cutting the sleeve coupler set 3110. Figures 3 to 7 show different views of the sleeve coupler set 3110 protruding from the sleeve outer wall 3130. In this embodiment, the sleeve coupler set 3110 has sleeve couplers 3111, 3112, 5116, and 7115 protruding from the sleeve outer wall 3130, with sleeve coupler 3112 positioned opposite sleeve coupler 3111 and sleeve coupler 7115 positioned opposite sleeve coupler 5116 along the outer periphery 7191 of the sleeve outer wall 3130. As can be seen in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the sleeve coupler set 3110 forms alternating concave and convex surfaces on the outer periphery 7191.

The sleeve couplers of the sleeve coupler set 3110 have arcuate surfaces configured to limit rotation of the shaft sleeve 1100 relative to the golf club head 101 when the shaft sleeve 1100 is inserted into and secured to the shaft receiver 3200. For example, as seen in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, (a) sleeve coupler 3111 has a curved arcuate surface 3151 over the entire outer region of sleeve coupler 3111, (b) sleeve coupler 3112 has a curved arcuate surface 3152 over the entire outer region of sleeve coupler 3112, (c) sleeve coupler 5116 has a curved arcuate surface 5156 over the entire outer region of sleeve coupler 5116, and (d) sleeve coupler 7115 has a curved arcuate surface 7155 over the entire outer region of sleeve coupler 7115.

The golf coupling mechanism 1000 also includes a shaft receiver 3200 configured to receive the shaft sleeve 1100, as seen in Figures 3-4. Figure 8 shows a top view of the golf club head 101 with the shaft sleeve 1100 removed from the golf club head 101, showing the shaft receiver 3200 from above. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of the golf club head 101 with the shaft sleeve 1100 removed from the golf club head 101, taken along line III-III in Figure 2, showing a side cross section of the shaft receiver 3200.

While in this example, the shaft receiver 3200 is integral with the hosel 1015 of the club head 101, there may be embodiments in which the shaft receiver 3200 is separate from the hosel 1015 and may be coupled to the hosel 1015 by one or more fastening methods, such as, for example, adhesive, a threaded mechanism, and/or a bolt or rivet. In the same or other embodiments, the terms hosel and shaft receiver may be used interchangeably. There may also be embodiments in which the golf club head 101 has a head hole in its crown or top portion rather than in the hosel 1015. In such embodiments, the shaft receiver 3200 may also be part of or coupled to such a head hole.

The shaft sleeve 1100 is configured to be inserted into the shaft receiver 3200 and may be subdivided into several portions. For example, the shaft sleeve 1100 has a sleeve insert portion 3160 bounded by a sleeve outer wall 3130 and configured to reside within the shaft receiver 3200 when the shaft sleeve 1100 is secured within the shaft receiver 3200. In this embodiment, the shaft sleeve 1100 also has a sleeve top portion 3170 configured to remain outside the shaft receiver 3200 when the shaft sleeve 1100 is secured within the shaft receiver 3200. However, there may be other examples that lack the sleeve top portion 3170 and/or have a shaft sleeve similar to the shaft sleeve 1100 but configured to be inserted entirely into the shaft receiver 3200.

The shaft receiver 3200 has a hosel outer wall 3240 and a receiver inner wall 3230 configured to abut the sleeve insert 3160 and sleeve outer wall 3130 of the shaft sleeve 1100 when inserted into the shaft receiver 3200. The shaft receiver 3200 also has a receiver coupler set 3210 configured to engage with the coupler set 3110 of the shaft sleeve 1100 and limit rotation of the shaft sleeve 1100 relative to the shaft receiver 3200. As shown in FIG. 8 , in this embodiment, the receiver coupler set 3210 has receiver couplers 3213, 3214, 8217, and 8218 recessed in the receiver inner wall 3230, with receiver coupler 3213 facing receiver coupler 3214 and receiver coupler 8218 facing receiver coupler 8217.

The receiver couplers of the receiver coupler set 3210 in the shaft receiver 3200 have arcuate surfaces that are complementary to the arcuate surfaces of the sleeve coupler set 3110 of the shaft sleeve 1100. For example, (a) the receiver coupler 3213 has an arcuate surface 3253 that is curved throughout the interior region of the receiver coupler 3213 (FIG. 8), and the arcuate surface 3253 of the receiver coupler 3213 is complementary to the arcuate surface 3151 of the sleeve coupler 3111 (FIG. 7), and (b) the receiver coupler 3214 has an arcuate surface 3254 that is curved throughout the interior region of the receiver coupler 3214 (FIG. 8), and the arcuate surface 3254 of the receiver coupler 3214 is complementary to the arcuate surface 3152 of the sleeve coupler 3112 (FIG. 7). ), (c) the receiver coupler 8217 has a curved arcuate surface 8257 throughout the interior region of the receiver coupler 8217 (FIG. 8), and the arcuate surface 8257 of the receiver coupler 8217 is complementary to the arcuate surface 7155 of the sleeve coupler 7115 (FIG. 7); and (d) the receiver coupler 8218 has a curved arcuate surface 8258 throughout the interior region of the receiver coupler 8218 (FIG. 8), and the arcuate surface 8258 of the receiver coupler 8218 is complementary to the arcuate surface 5156 of the sleeve coupler 5116 (FIG. 7).

In this embodiment, the arcuate surfaces of the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 are curved throughout their respective sleeve couplers and receiver couplers. FIG. 10 shows a side view of a portion of the shaft sleeve 1100 and the sleeve coupler set 3110. FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of a portion of the shaft receiver 3200 and the receiver coupler set 3210. As can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 10, in this embodiment, the arcuate surface 5156 of the sleeve coupler 5116 has a horizontal radius of curvature 7176, the arcuate surface 3151 of the sleeve coupler 3111 has a horizontal radius of curvature 7171, the arcuate surface 3152 of the sleeve coupler 3112 has a horizontal radius of curvature 7172, and the arcuate surface 7155 of the sleeve coupler 7115 has a horizontal radius of curvature 7175. Also in this embodiment, the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler set 3110 has a vertical tapering that reduces in thickness toward the sleeve lower end 3192 of the shaft sleeve 1100 and toward the sleeve axis 5150 (FIGS. 5-6). For example, as seen in FIG. 10, the arcuate surface 5156 of the sleeve coupler 5116 has a vertical tapering 10186, the arcuate surface 3151 of the sleeve coupler 3111 has a vertical tapering 10181, and the arcuate surface 3152 of the sleeve coupler 3112 has a vertical tapering 10182. Although not shown in FIG. 10, the arcuate surface 7155 of the sleeve coupler 7115 also has a vertical tapering similar to the vertical tapering 10186 of the sleeve coupler 5116.

With regard to the receiver coupler set 3210 of the shaft receiver 3200, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 11, in this embodiment, the arcuate surface 8258 of the receiver coupler 8218 has a horizontal radius of curvature 8278 that is complementary to the horizontal radius of curvature 7176 of the sleeve coupler 5116 (FIGS. 7 and 10), the arcuate surface 3253 of the receiver coupler 3213 has a horizontal radius of curvature 8273 that is complementary to the horizontal radius of curvature 7171 of the sleeve coupler 3111 (FIG. 7), the arcuate surface 3254 of the receiver coupler 3214 has a horizontal radius of curvature 8274 that is complementary to the horizontal radius of curvature 7172 of the sleeve coupler 3112 (FIG. 7), and the arcuate surface 8257 of the receiver coupler 8217 has a horizontal radius of curvature 8277 that is complementary to the horizontal radius of curvature 7175 of the sleeve coupler 7115 (FIG. 7).

Also, in this embodiment, the arcuate surface of receiver coupler set 3210 has a vertical tapering that is complementary to the vertical tapering of the arcuate surface of sleeve coupler set 3110. For example, as seen in FIG. 11, arcuate surface 8258 of receiver coupler 8218 has a vertical tapering 11288 that is complementary to vertical tapering 10186 (FIG. 10) of sleeve coupler 5116, arcuate surface 3253 of receiver coupler 3213 has a vertical tapering 11283 that is complementary to vertical tapering 10181 (FIG. 10) of sleeve coupler 3111, and arcuate surface 3254 of receiver coupler 3214 has a vertical tapering 11284 that is complementary to vertical tapering 10182 (FIG. 10) of sleeve coupler 3112. Although not shown in FIG. 11, the arcuate surface 8257 of the receiver coupler 8217 also has a vertical tapering similar to the vertical tapering 11288 of the receiver coupler 8218 and complementary to the vertical tapering of the sleeve coupler 7115.

In this embodiment, the vertical tapering of the arcuate surfaces of sleeve coupler set 3110 is substantially linear and decreases in a substantially straight line, as can be seen in the profile views of vertical tapering 10181 and 10182 of sleeve couplers 3111 and 3112 in FIG. 10. Similarly, the vertical tapering of the arcuate surfaces of receiver coupler set 3210 is substantially linear, as can be seen in the profile views of vertical tapering 11283 and 11284 of receiver couplers 3213 and 3214 in FIG. 11. In the same or other examples, the substantially linear vertical tapering of the arcuate surfaces of sleeve coupler set 3110 and receiver coupler set 3210 may be considered to include a large or infinite vertical radius of curvature that results in a substantially straight line.

However, other embodiments may be possible in which the vertical tapering of the sleeve coupler and/or receiver coupler need not be linear. Figure 12 shows a side view of a portion of a shaft sleeve 12100 having a sleeve coupler set 12110. Figure 13 shows a side perspective cross-sectional view of a shaft receiver 13200 having a receiver coupler set 13210.

Shaft sleeve 12100 may be similar to shaft sleeve 1100 (FIGS. 1-7, 10), and shaft receiver 13200 may be similar to shaft receiver 3200 (FIGS. 3-4, 8, 10). However, sleeve coupler set 12110 differs from sleeve coupler set 3110 by having vertical tapering that is not linear. For example, sleeve coupler set 12110 may have vertical tapering 12186, 12181, and 12182 that are curved rather than linear, and have corresponding vertical radii of curvature. Similarly, receiver coupler set 13210 has vertical tapering 13288, 13283, and 13284 that are curved rather than linear, and have corresponding vertical radii of curvature that are complementary to the radii of curvature of sleeve coupler set 12110. Thus, the sleeve couplers of sleeve coupler set 12110 and the receiver couplers of receiver coupler set 13120 are curved horizontally and vertically, respectively, across their corresponding surface areas. For example, any horizontal line tangent to any point on the entire surface of sleeve coupler 12116 is not tangent to any other point on the entire surface of sleeve coupler 12116. In the same or other embodiments, the entire surface of each sleeve coupler of sleeve coupler set 12110 and the entire surface of each receiver coupler of receiver coupler set 13120 are curved across and in all directions, respectively.

The different sleeve couplers and receiver couplers of the present disclosure may have corresponding curvatures within specific ranges. For example, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 10, the horizontal radii of curvature 7171, 7172, 7175, and 7176 of the sleeve coupler set 3110 are each approximately 0.175 inches (4.45 millimeters (mm)), although there may be embodiments in which the radii may range from approximately 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) to approximately 0.225 inches (5.715 mm). With reference to FIGS. 8 and 11, the horizontal radii of curvature 8273, 8274, 8277, and 8278 of the receiver coupler set 3210 may be complementary to or the same as or similar to the horizontal radii of curvature 7171, 7172, 7175, and 7176 (FIGS. 7 and 10), respectively. Additionally, the horizontal radii of curvature of sleeve coupler set 12110 and receiver coupler set 13210 in the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13 may also be similar to those described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 for sleeve coupler set 3110 and/or receiver coupler set 3210.

As previously mentioned, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, the vertical tapering of the sleeve coupler set 3110 (FIG. 10) and the receiver coupler set 3210 (FIG. 11) can include a nearly infinite vertical radius of curvature, thereby resulting in a substantially straight line. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the vertical tapering of the sleeve coupler set 12110 (FIG. 12) and the receiver coupler set 13210 (FIG. 13) includes a more pronounced vertical radius of curvature. As an example, the vertical radius of curvature of the vertical tapering 12186 of the sleeve coupler 12116 (FIG. 12) is approximately 0.8 inches (20.32 mm), although embodiments may have a range of approximately 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm). The vertical radius of curvature of other similar portions of the sleeve coupler set 12110 may also be within the same range described for the vertical tapering 12186. Additionally, the vertical radius of curvature of the receiver coupler set 13210 (FIG. 13) may be complementary to or similar to the vertical radius of curvature described for the sleeve coupler set 12110 (FIG. 12).

In some examples, the arcuate surfaces of the sleeve coupler and/or receiver coupler may comprise portions of geometric structures. For example, the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler 12116 (FIG. 12) may comprise a quadric surface, and the arcuate surface of the receiver coupler 13218 (FIG. 13) may comprise a quadric surface complementary to the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler 12116. In such examples, the quadric surfaces of the sleeve coupler 12116 and the receiver coupler 13218 may comprise, for example, portions of a paraboloid or a hyperboloid. Some examples may have sleeve couplers and receiver couplers whose quadric surfaces may comprise portions of a degenerate quadric surface, such as a portion of a cone. Such examples may be similar to those of FIGS. 10-11 relating to the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3200.

10-11 and 12-13, the arcuate surfaces of the sleeve couplers of sleeve coupler sets 3110 (FIG. 10) and/or 12110 (FIG. 12) and the arcuate surfaces of the receiver couplers of receiver coupler sets 3210 (FIG. 11) and/or 13210 (FIG. 13) may be configured to be continuously curved, for example, without any bending points. In the same or other embodiments, such arcuate surfaces may also be configured to be borderless (except for their respective outer peripheries). For example, the entire surface area of sleeve coupler 5116 (FIG. 10) is borderless with respect to any portion of its total surface area within its outer periphery. In addition, the entire surface area of receiver coupler 8218 (FIG. 11) is also borderless with respect to any portion of its total surface area within its outer periphery. Similar borderless characteristics are also common to sleeve coupler 12110 (FIG. 12) and receiver coupler 13218 (FIG. 13). The above characteristics maximize the contact area when the sleeve coupler is fixed to the receiver coupler, limiting rotation of the shaft sleeve relative to its corresponding shaft receiver.

3-7 and 10, the sleeve coupler set 3110 protrudes from the upper portion of the sleeve outer wall 3130. Similarly, as seen in FIGS. 3-4, 8-9 and 11, the receiver coupler set 3210 is recessed into the upper portion of the receiver inner wall 3230. However, there may be other embodiments in which the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 may be located in different locations. For example, the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 may be located in or towards the lower or middle portions of the shaft sleeve 1100 and the shaft receiver 3200, respectively. In the same or other embodiments, the shapes of the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 may be reversed, such that the sleeve coupler set 3110 is recessed into the sleeve outer wall 3130 and the receiver coupler set 3210 protrudes from the receiver inner wall 3230. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

As can be seen in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3, the golf coupling mechanism 1000 also includes a locking fastener 3400 configured to secure the shaft sleeve 1100 to the shaft receiver 3200. In this embodiment, the locking fastener 3400 includes a bolt configured to couple with the sleeve lower end 3192 of the shaft sleeve 1100 through a passage in the bottom of the shaft receiver 3200. The locking fastener 3400 is configured to couple with the sleeve lower end 3192 via a thread mechanism. As the thread mechanism is tightened, the locking fastener 3400 is configured to pull the shaft sleeve 1100 toward the bottom end of the shaft receiver 3200, thereby securing the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler set 3110 against the arcuate surface of the receiver coupler set 3210.

In examples such as this embodiment, the combined total mass of the golf club head 101 body, shaft sleeve 1100, and securing fasteners 3400 may be referred to as the assembled club head mass, while the mass of the golf club head 101 body without the shaft sleeve 1100 and securing fasteners 3400 may be referred to as the disassembled club head mass.

In this embodiment, the locking fastener 3400 has a retaining element 3450. The retaining element 3450 is coupled to the locking fastener 3400 and limits or at least prevents the locking fastener 3400 from completely disengaging from the shaft receiver 3200 when the locking fastener 3400 is separated from the shaft sleeve 1100. The retaining element 3450 is disposed within the shaft receiver 3200 and includes a washer coupled around the threads of the locking fastener 3400. In this embodiment, the retaining element 3450 may be configured to flexibly engage the threads of the locking fastener 3400, for example, to allow the locking fastener 3400 to be positioned along the threads of the locking fastener 3400 by forcing the locking fastener 3400 into the retaining element 3450, and to substantially remain in position once positioned along the threads of the locking fastener 3400, for example. Thus, the retaining element 3450 can retain the end of the locking fastener 3400 within the shaft receiver 3200 after the shaft sleeve 1100 is removed from the shaft receiver 3200, and can allow insertion of the end of the locking fastener 3400 into the sleeve lower end 3192. In some examples, the retaining element 3450 can comprise a material, such as a nylon material or other plastic material, that is more flexible than the material of the locking fastener 3400.

In other examples, the hole through which the locking fastener 3400 enters the shaft receiver 3200 may include threads that correspond to the threads of the locking fastener 3400, and such threads may thereby function as a retaining element. In these other examples, the retaining element 3450 may be omitted.

When the shaft sleeve 1110 is secured within the shaft receiver 3200 by the securing fasteners 3400, the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 are configured so that at least a majority of their respective arcuate surfaces are secured relative to one another. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-11, when secured relative to one another, at least a majority of the entire surface of the sleeve coupler 5116 and a majority of the entire surface of the receiver coupler 8218 contact each other, restricting rotation of the shaft sleeve 1100 relative to the shaft receiver 3200. As another example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-12, when secured relative to one another, a majority of the entire surface of the sleeve coupler 12116 and a majority of the entire surface of the receiver coupler 13218 also contact each other, restricting rotation. In the same or another example, the contact area defined by the interface between an individual sleeve coupler of sleeve coupler set 3110 (FIG. 10) or 12110 (FIG. 12) and an individual receiver coupler of receiver coupler set 3210 (FIG. 11) or 13210 (FIG. 13) may be about 51% to about 95% of the total surface of the individual receiver coupler or individual sleeve coupler. In some embodiments, such contact area may be even greater, such as substantially approximating or equal to the total surface of the individual receiver coupler and/or individual sleeve coupler. In some instances, when an arcuate surface of a sleeve coupler of sleeve coupler set 3110 (FIG. 10) or 12110 (FIG. 12) is secured against an arcuate surface of a receiver coupler of receiver coupler set 3200 (FIG. 11) or 13210 (FIG. 13), normal forces may act against each other across their respective contact areas.

In this embodiment, when the locking fastener 3400 secures the shaft sleeve 1100 within the shaft receiver 3200, the sleeve top portion 3170 remains outside the shaft receiver 3200, and the locking of the sleeve coupler set 3110 to the receiver coupler set 3210 causes the lower end 3171 of the sleeve top portion 3170 to be spaced apart from the upper end of the shaft receiver 3200. This built-in space alleviates manufacturing tolerances and ensures that the sleeve coupler set 3110 can be properly secured to the receiver coupler set 3210.

In the same or other examples, a portion of one or more sleeve couplers of the sleeve coupler set 3110 may protrude beyond the upper end of the shaft receiver 3200. There may be instances where one or more sleeve couplers of the sleeve coupler set 3110 may extend beyond the lower end of one or more receiver couplers of the receiver coupler set 3210. In other examples, one or more receiver couplers of the receiver coupler set may extend beyond the lower end of one or more sleeve couplers of the sleeve coupler set 3110. Some of the above-described features may be designed into the golf coupling mechanism 1000 to relax required manufacturing tolerances while still allowing for proper fixation of the sleeve coupler set 3110 relative to the receiver coupler set 3210.

Figure 14 shows a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 in configuration 1400, as viewed along line XIV-XIV in Figure 4. The golf coupling mechanism 1000 is shown in configuration 1400 in Figures 3-4 and 14, with sleeve couplers 3111, 7115, 3112 and 5116 (Figure 7) of sleeve coupler set 3110 coupled to receiver couplers 3213, 8217, 3214 and 8218 (Figure 8) of receiver coupler set 3210, respectively. As described above, because the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) is non-coaxial with the sleeve axis 5150 of the shaft sleeve 1100, the configuration 1400 of FIG. 14 can have a first lie angle and a first loft angle between the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) and the shaft receiver 3200 (FIGS. 3-4, 8-9) and/or between the shaft 102 (FIG. 1) and the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1).

15 shows a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 of configuration 1500, taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4. In configuration 1500, sleeve couplers 3112, 5116, 3111, and 7115 (FIG. 7) of sleeve coupler set 3110 are coupled to receiver couplers 3213, 8217, 3214, and 8218 (FIG. 8), respectively, of receiver coupler set 3210. As noted above, because the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) is non-coaxial with the sleeve axis 5150 of the shaft sleeve 1100, configuration 1500 of FIG. 15 can have a second lie angle and a second loft angle between the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) and the shaft receiver 3200 (FIGS. 3-4, 8-9) and/or between the shaft 102 (FIG. 1) and the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1).

16 shows a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 of configuration 1600, taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4. In configuration 1600, sleeve couplers 7115, 3112, 5116, and 3111 (FIG. 7) of sleeve coupler set 3110 are coupled to receiver couplers 3213, 8217, 3214, and 8218 (FIG. 8), respectively, of receiver coupler set 3210. As noted above, because the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) is non-coaxial with the sleeve axis 5150 of the shaft sleeve 1100, configuration 1600 of FIG. 16 includes a third lie angle and a third loft angle between the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) and the shaft receiver 3200 (FIGS. 3-4, 8-9) and/or between the shaft 102 (FIG. 1) and the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1).

17 shows a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 of configuration 1700, taken along line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4. In configuration 1700, sleeve couplers 5116, 3111, 7115, and 3112 (FIG. 7) of sleeve coupler set 3110 are coupled to receiver couplers 3213, 8217, 3214, and 8218 (FIG. 8), respectively, of receiver coupler set 3210. As noted above, because the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) is non-coaxial with the sleeve axis 5150 of the shaft sleeve 1100, configuration 1700 of FIG. 17 includes a fourth lie angle and a fourth loft angle between the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) and the shaft receiver 3200 (FIGS. 3-4, 8-9) and/or between the shaft 102 (FIG. 1) and the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1).

Depending on the angle of the shaft hole axis 6150 relative to the sleeve axis 5150 and the sleeve coupler set 3110, different lie angle and loft angle alignments may be achieved with the configurations shown in FIGS. 14-17. For example, in this embodiment, as seen in FIG. 6, the angle between the shaft hole axis 6150 and the sleeve axis 5150 orients the lower portion of the shaft hole 3120 toward the sleeve coupler 3111 so that the shaft 102 (FIG. 1) is tilted toward the sleeve coupler 3112 when inserted into the shaft sleeve 1100.

Thus, in configuration 1400 (FIG. 14), the first lie angle may have a smaller lie angle, and the first loft angle may have a neutral or intermediate loft angle. By way of example, the first lie angle may be set to tilt the grip end of the shaft 102 toward the heel portion of the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1) by approximately 0.2 degrees to approximately 4 degrees, thereby reducing the lie angle of the golf club in configuration 1400. The neutral first loft angle in this example does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1400.

In configuration 1500 (FIG. 15), the second lie angle may have a larger lie angle, and the second loft angle may have a neutral or intermediate loft angle, which may be similar to or equal to the first loft angle of configuration 1400 (FIG. 14). By way of example, the second lie angle may be set to tilt the grip end of the shaft 102 toward the toe of the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1) by approximately 0.2 degrees to approximately 4 degrees, thereby increasing the lie angle of the golf club in configuration 1500. The neutral second loft angle in this embodiment does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1500.

In configuration 1600 (FIG. 16), the third loft angle may have a smaller loft angle, and the third lie angle may have a neutral or intermediate lie angle. By way of example, the third loft angle may be set to tilt the grip end of the shaft 102 toward the rear of the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1) by approximately 0.2 degrees to approximately 4 degrees, thereby reducing the loft angle of the golf club in configuration 1600. The neutral third lie angle in this example does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1600.

In configuration 1700 (FIG. 17), the fourth loft angle may have a larger loft angle, and the fourth lie angle may have a neutral or intermediate lie angle, which may be similar to or equal to the third lie angle of configuration 1600 (FIG. 16). By way of example, the fourth loft angle may be set to tilt the grip end of the shaft 102 toward the front or striking face of the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1) by approximately 0.2 degrees to approximately 4 degrees, thereby increasing the loft angle of the golf club in configuration 1700. The neutral fourth lie angle in this embodiment does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1700.

In other embodiments, other lie angle and loft angle relationships may be configured by changing the angle and/or orientation of the shaft bore axis 6150 (FIG. 6) relative to the sleeve axis 5150 (FIG. 6) of the shaft sleeve 1100. Furthermore, as can be seen in FIGS. 14-17, the sleeve couplers 3111, 3112, 5116, and 7115 are symmetrical to one another, and the receiver couplers 3213, 3214, 8217, and 8218 are also symmetrical to one another. In different embodiments, only opposing sleeve couplers and receiver couplers may be symmetrical to one another, such that only two (rather than four) different lie angle and loft angle combinations are possible.

The various features described above with respect to the golf coupler mechanism of FIGS. 1-17 may also provide several performance advantages to the golf club in which the golf coupler mechanism is used, when compared to other golf club heads with adjustable shaft coupling mechanisms. For example, because fewer parts are required and/or because the receiver coupler set 3210 is located only toward the upper end of the shaft receiver 3200 (FIG. 3), the hosel diameter 1031 of the hosel 1015 (FIG. 1) can be kept minimal and/or relatively similar to the hosel diameter of a corresponding standard golf club head. In some examples, as seen in FIG. 8, the hosel diameter 1031 at the receiver upper end 1032 may be less than about 20 mm, such as about 0.55 inches (about 14 mm), or about 0.53 inches (about 13.46 mm). Additionally, the upper wall thickness 9250 (FIGS. 8-9) of the shaft receiver 3200 can be minimized, as shown at the receiver upper end 1032 of the shaft receiver 3200. For example, the upper wall thickness 9250 may be about 0.035 inches (about 0.9 mm) or less, such as about 0.024 inches (about 0.61 mm).

As can be seen in FIG. 8 , in this embodiment, the upper wall thickness 9250 varies in thickness along the receiver upper end 1032, with the receiver upper end 1032 including at least one hosel upper wall thinned portion 8252 and at least one hosel upper wall thickened portion 8251. When measured radially relative to the center point of the hosel diameter 1031, the hosel upper wall thickened portion 8251 at the receiver upper end 1032 can have a thickness of approximately 2.3 mm or less. When measured radially relative to the center point of the hosel diameter 1031, the hosel upper wall thinned portion 8252 at the receiver upper end 1032 can have a thickness of approximately 0.9 mm or less. In this example, when measured radially relative to the center point of the hosel diameter 1031, the hosel upper wall thickened portion 8251 can be approximately 1.27 mm or less, and the hosel top wall thinned portion 8252 can be approximately 0.64 mm or less.

As discussed above, minimizing the hosel diameter 1031 can improve the aerodynamics of the golf club head 101 by reducing the aerodynamic drag of the hosel 1015. FIG. 19 compares the stagnation drag wake areas 1911 and 1921 of the hosels of golf club heads 1910 and 1920. Golf club head 1910 has a hosel diameter of approximately 0.5 inches, while golf club head 1920 has a larger hosel diameter of approximately 0.62 inches. In some examples, golf club head 1910 may be similar to golf club head 101 ( FIGS. 1-4 , 8-9 ). As can be seen in FIG. 19 , the larger hosel diameter of club head 1920 creates a larger stagnation drag wake area 1921 downstream of the hosel, resulting in higher aerodynamic drag values when compared to the smaller stagnation drag wake area 1911 of club head 1910. FIG. 20 shows a chart of drag as a function of open face angle for the hosel diameters of golf club heads 1910 and 1920. In some examples, club head 1910 may also include a golf club shaft having a reduced shaft thickness, such as a shaft thickness of approximately 0.335 inches (approximately 8.5 mm). In the same or other examples, at open face orientations of 50 degrees or less, this difference in hosel diameter may result in a lower drag resistance of golf club head 1910 of approximately 0.1 pounds or less when compared to the greater drag of golf club head 1920. In the same or other examples, the drag of golf club head 1910 may range from approximately 1.2 pounds at a nearly square orientation to approximately 0.2 pounds at an open face orientation of approximately 50 degrees.

In the same or other embodiments, the mass and/or mass ratio of the golf coupler mechanisms of FIGS. 1-17 may be minimized for each golf club head when compared to other golf club heads having adjustable shaft coupling mechanisms. For example, in the example where golf club head 101 (FIGS. 1-4, 8-9) comprises a driver-type golf club head, the various elements of club head 101 may have mass properties similar to those shown in Table 1 below.

In such an example, the mass ratio of the assembled golf coupler mechanism 1000 to the club head 101 may be very low, as shown in Table 2 below.

For example, in other examples where the golf club head 101 (FIGS. 1-4, 8-9) comprises a fairway wood-type golf club head, the various elements of the club head 101 may have mass properties similar to those shown in Table 3 below.

In such an example, the mass ratio of the assembled golf coupler mechanism 1000 to the club head 101 may be very low, as shown in Table 4 below.

There may be instances where the above-described mass, size, and/or location characteristics may provide advantages and/or flexibility regarding the mass distribution and/or center of gravity (CG) location of the golf club head. For example, shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 (FIG. 1) of shaft sleeve 1100 may be configured to be located at shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 (FIG. 1).

In some examples, such as embodiments in which the club head 101 (FIGS. 1-4, 8-9) has a driver-type golf club head, the shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 (FIG. 1) of the shaft sleeve 1100 may be configured to be positioned at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 less than approximately 50 mm above the outer sole lower end 10141 of the sole 1014 of the driver-type club head 101. In the same or other examples, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be less than approximately 46.2 mm above the outer sole lower end 10141. In the same or other examples, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be less than approximately 43.7 mm above the outer sole lower end 10141. The shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 of the shaft sleeve 1100 may also be configured in some embodiments to be positioned at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1059 (FIG. 1) less than about 0.59 inches (about 15 mm) above the assembled club head center of gravity 1050 (FIG. 1) of the driver-type assembled golf club head 101. In the same or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be at least about 7.6 mm greater than the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 of the driver-type club head 101.

In other examples, such as embodiments in which the club head 101 (FIGS. 1-4, 8-9) comprises a fairway wood-type golf club head, the shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 (FIG. 1) of the shaft sleeve 1100 may be configured to be located at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 less than about 35.6 mm above the outer sole lower end of the sole 1014 of the fairway wood-type club head 101. In the same or other examples, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be less than about 1.35 inches (about 34.3 mm) above the outer sole lower end 10141 of the sole 1014 of the fairway wood-type club head 101. The shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 of the shaft sleeve 1100 may also be configured, in some embodiments, to be located at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1059 (FIG. 1) less than about 19 mm above the assembled club head center of gravity 1050 (FIG. 1) of the fairway wood-type assembled golf club head 101. In the same or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be at least approximately 16.5 mm greater than the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 of the fairway wood-type club head 101.

In this example, as seen in FIG. 1 , the hosel 1015 has a hosel axis 1016 extending along the longitudinal centerline of the hosel 1015. The hosel axis 1016 defines a hosel lie angle 1018 relative to a lower horizontal axis 1019. The lower horizontal axis 1019 is horizontally tangent to the sole lower end 10141. In some embodiments, the hosel lie angle 1018 may be, for example, approximately 58 degrees. In this embodiment, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 and the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 extend vertically from the lower horizontal axis 1019.

The club head 101 also has a crown height vertical distance 1018 that extends perpendicular to the top of the crown 1017 and relative to the sole bottom end 10141. For example, in some embodiments in which the club head 101 has a driver-type golf club head, the crown height vertical distance 1018 may be at least approximately 59.7 mm relative to the sole bottom end 10141. In the same or other embodiments, the assembled club head CG vertical distance may be less than approximately 33 mm relative to the sole bottom end 10141.

1, in some instances, the receiver upper end 1032 is configured to reside at the top of the hosel 1015 and remain below the top of the crown 1017 of the golf club head 101. In the same or other embodiments, the hosel 1015 may not have a cylindrical outer upper portion, and the crown 1017 may transition to a substantially circular outer periphery at the receiver upper end 1032 of the hosel 1015 without defining a cylindrical outer shape for the hosel 1015. Such a feature may allow the center of gravity of the shaft sleeve 1100 to be closer to the center of gravity of the assembled golf club head 101.

Returning to the figures, FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of a method 18000 that may be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf coupler mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the golf coupler mechanism may be similar to the golf coupler mechanism 1000 of FIGS. 1-11 and 14-16 or the golf coupler mechanism of FIGS. 12-13.

Method 18000 includes block 18100 for providing a shaft sleeve for coupling to an end of a golf club shaft and including a sleeve arcuate coupler set. In some examples, the shaft sleeve may be similar to shaft sleeve 1100 (FIGS. 1-7, 10, 14-16) and/or shaft sleeve 12100 (FIG. 12). The golf club shaft may be similar to golf club shaft 102 (FIGS. 1, 5). In the same or other examples, the sleeve arcuate coupler set may be similar to sleeve coupler set 3110 (FIGS. 3-7, 10, 14-17) and/or sleeve coupler set 12110 (FIG. 12).

Block 18200 of method 18000 includes providing a shaft receiver of the golf club head having a receiver arcuate coupler set configured to mate with a sleeve arcuate coupler set of the shaft sleeve. In some examples, the shaft receiver may be similar to shaft receiver 3200 (FIGS. 3-4, 8-9, 11, 14-17) and/or shaft receiver 13200 (FIG. 13). The receiver arcuate coupler set may be similar to receiver coupler set 3210 (FIGS. 3-4, 8-9, 11, 14-17) and/or receiver coupler set 13210 (FIG. 13).

Block 18300 of method 18000 includes providing a locking fastener configured to secure the shaft sleeve to the shaft receiver. In some examples, the locking fastener may be similar to locking fastener 3400 (Figures 3-4). The locking fastener may be configured to pull the shaft sleeve toward the shaft receiver, locking the sleeve arcuate coupler set relative to the receiver arcuate coupler set.

In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of method 18000 may be combined into a single block, performed simultaneously, and/or the order of such blocks may be changed. For example, in some embodiments, block 18200 and block 18300 may be combined, if desired. In the same or other examples, some of the blocks of method 18000 may be subdivided into several sub-blocks. As an example, block 18100 may include a sub-block for forming a horizontal radius of curvature of the arcuate surface of a sleeve coupler of a sleeve arcuate coupler set and a sub-block for forming a vertical tapering of the arcuate surface of a sleeve coupler of a sleeve arcuate coupler set. There may be examples in which method 18000 may include additional or different blocks. As an example, method 18000 may include another block for preparing a golf club head for a shaft receiver of block 18200 and/or another block for preparing a shaft for a shaft sleeve of block 18100. Additionally, there may be examples in which method 18000 may include only some of the steps described above. For example, block 18300 may be optional in some implementations. Other variations of method 18000 may be implemented without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Slot Cap Golf Coupling Mechanism Referring back to the previous figures, FIG. 21 shows a front perspective view of a golf club head 21101 having a golf coupling mechanism 211000, according to one embodiment. In many embodiments, the golf coupling mechanism 211000 may include a shaft sleeve 211100 configured to couple to an end of a golf club shaft, such as golf club shaft 21102. In various embodiments, the golf club head 21101 may be similar to golf club head 101 (FIG. 1), the golf coupling mechanism 211000 may be similar to golf coupling mechanism 1000 (FIG. 1), and/or the golf club shaft 21102 may be similar to or identical to golf club shaft 102 (FIG. 1). Thus, the golf coupling mechanism 211000 may include a shaft sleeve 211100 and a shaft receiver 213200. Alternatively, shaft sleeve 211100 may be similar to shaft sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1) and/or shaft receiver 213200 may be similar to shaft receiver 3200 (FIG. 3).

Referring again to the previous figures, FIG. 22 shows a side view of the shaft sleeve 211100 separated from the golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. Meanwhile, FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve 211100 along line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22 according to the embodiment of FIG. 21.

22, the shaft sleeve 211100 includes a shaft sleeve body 22103 and a shaft sleeve cap 22104. Additionally, in many embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 can include a sleeve coupler set 223110 having one or more couplers protruding from the sleeve body outer wall 223130, and the shaft receiver 213200 (FIG. 21) can include a receiver coupler set configured to engage the sleeve coupler set 223110 of the shaft sleeve 211100 and limit rotation of the shaft sleeve 211100 relative to the shaft receiver 213200. In these or other embodiments, the sleeve coupler set 213110 can be similar to sleeve coupler set 3110 (FIG. 3), the sleeve body outer wall 223130 can be similar to sleeve outer wall 3130 (FIG. 3), and/or the receiver coupler set can be similar to receiver coupler set 3210 (FIG. 3). As described in more detail below, in many embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may have a ferrule and may be operable to couple the shaft sleeve body 22103 with the golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21).

23, the shaft sleeve 211100 may have (i) a shaft bore 233120 configured to receive the end of a golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21), (ii) a locking fastener hole 23105 at the sleeve body lower end 233192, (iii) a bore bottom surface 23111, and/or (iv) a shaft sleeve upper end 231191. The locking fastener hole 23105 may be configured to receive a locking fastener (not shown) to secure the shaft sleeve 211100 to the shaft receiver 213200 (FIG. 21). Additionally, the bore bottom surface 23111 may comprise the bottom surface (e.g., the deepest surface) of the shaft bore 232120. In many embodiments, shaft hole 233120 may be similar to shaft hole 3120 (FIG. 3), locking fastener hole 23105 may be similar to or identical to a hole configured to receive locking fastener 3400 (FIG. 3), sleeve body lower end 233192 may be similar to or identical to sleeve lower end 3192 (FIG. 3), the locking fastener may be similar to or identical to locking fastener 3400 (FIG. 3), and/or shaft sleeve upper end 231191 may be similar to or identical to sleeve upper end 1191 (FIG. 3).

Furthermore, when the shaft sleeve body 22103 is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap 22104, the shaft sleeve 211100 may have a shaft sleeve height 23119, a shaft sleeve body height 23120, a shaft sleeve cap height 23121, and a shaft sleeve cap upper height 23122. The shaft sleeve height 23119 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body lower end 233192 to the shaft sleeve upper end 231191, measured approximately perpendicular to the sleeve body lower end 233192. Meanwhile, the shaft sleeve body height 23120 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body lower end 233192 to the upper end of the shaft sleeve body 22103, measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 23119. The shaft sleeve cap height 23121 may refer to the distance from the bottom of the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to the shaft sleeve upper end 231191, measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 23119. Furthermore, the shaft sleeve cap top height 23122 may refer to the difference between the shaft sleeve height 23119 and the shaft sleeve body height 23120.

For example, the shaft sleeve height 23119 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.78 inches and less than or equal to approximately 1.82 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve height 23119 may be approximately 1.8 inches.

Furthermore, the shaft sleeve body height 23120 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.527 inches and less than or equal to approximately 1.567 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 23120 may be approximately 1.547 inches.

Furthermore, the shaft sleeve cap height 23121 may be approximately 0.43 inches and less than or equal to approximately 0.47 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve cap height 23121 may be approximately 0.45 inches.

Meanwhile, for example, the shaft sleeve cap top height 23122 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.23 inches and less than or equal to approximately 0.27 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 23122 may be approximately 0.25 inches.

In some embodiments, the locking fasteners (not shown) for insertion into the locking fastener holes 23105 may comprise titanium-coated steel. Additionally, the locking fasteners may have a locking fastener mass. The locking fastener mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 2.7 grams.

Referring to the next drawing, FIG. 24 shows a side view of the shaft sleeve body 22103 separated from the shaft sleeve cap 22104 (FIG. 22) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. The shaft sleeve body 22103 may be associated with one or more regions 24106. For example, the region 24106 may include a fastener region 24107, an intermediate region 24108, a coupler region 24109, and a cap interface region 24110.

The fastener region 24107 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body 22103 located between the sleeve body lower end 233192 and the hole bottom surface 23111 (FIG. 23). Meanwhile, the coupler region 24109 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body located from the lowest point of the sleeve coupler set 223110 (e.g., the point of the sleeve coupler set 223110 closest to the sleeve body lower end 233192 (FIG. 23)) to the highest point of the sleeve coupler set 223110 (e.g., the point of the sleeve coupler set 223110 farthest from the sleeve body lower end 233192). Meanwhile, the intermediate region 24108 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body 22103 between the fastener region 24107 and the coupler region 24109. The cap interface region 24110 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body 22103 that is on the opposite side of the coupler region 24109 from the intermediate region 24108.

When the golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21) is swung and/or manipulated to strike a golf ball, the fastener region 24107 and the coupler region 24109 may be subjected to high stresses, while the intermediate region 24108 and/or the cap interface region 24110 may be subjected to lower stresses than the high stresses experienced by the fastener region 24107 and the coupler region 24109.

Securing the shaft sleeve 211100 (FIG. 21) to the shaft receiver 213200 (FIG. 21) with a locking fastener can help offset high stresses in the fastener region 24107. Additionally, due to the high stresses that may be experienced in the coupler region 24109, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 may have solid lobes configured to add additional thickness to the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body 22103. Thus, the couplers strengthen the sleeve body wall in the coupler region 24109, which can offset these high stresses in the coupler region 24109. The couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 can be tapered (e.g., linearly or curvedly) and have a maximum thickness at the end of the coupler region 24109 farthest from the sleeve body lower end 233192 (e.g., where the coupler region 24109 connects to the cap interface region 24110) and a minimum thickness at the end of the coupler region 24109 closest to the sleeve body lower end 233192 (FIG. 23) (e.g., where the coupler region 24109 connects to the intermediate region 24108). For example, the maximum thickness can be approximately 0.75 inches thick. The minimum thickness can be approximately 0.020 inches thick. In many embodiments, tapering the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 (FIG. 22) can provide continuity (e.g., a smooth transition in thickness) between the intermediate region 24108 and the cap interface region 24110.

In some embodiments, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 may be symmetrical in profile. The length of the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 may be approximately 0.38 inches or less (e.g., a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103) or approximately 0.26 inches or more (e.g., another portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103).

In some embodiments, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 may be asymmetric in profile such that a first portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103 is longer than another portion (e.g., a portion directly opposite or 180 degrees opposite the first portion). The length of the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 may be about 0.38 inches or less (e.g., a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103) or about 0.260 inches or more (e.g., another portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103). In many embodiments, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 (FIG. 22) may be longest at the portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103 closest to the sleeve axis of the shaft sleeve body 22103, at the end of the coupler region 24109 farthest from the sleeve body lower end 233192 (e.g., where the coupler region 24109 connects with the cap interface region 24110). The sleeve axis may be similar to or the same as the sleeve axis 5150 (FIG. 5). In other words, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 223110 (FIG. 22) may be longest at the portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103 that intersects a plane having the sleeve axis and extending generally perpendicular to the sleeve body lower end 233192.

On the other hand, because the intermediate region 24108 experiences lower stress when the golf club head 21101 is swung and/or manipulated to strike a golf ball, the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body may be thinner in the intermediate region 24108 than in part or all of the coupler region 24109, and/or the intermediate region 24108 may have holes or recesses to reduce weight. For example, the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body 22103 in the intermediate region 24108 may have a thickness (e.g., average thickness) of approximately 0.020 inches.

Returning now to FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the shaft hole 233120 may have a width (e.g., diameter) of approximately 0.346 inches. In these embodiments, the width may have an average width and/or may be approximately constant throughout the shaft hole 233120.

In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 can have etched channels 23112 in the shaft bore 233120 to provide a more suitable surface area for epoxy bonding the golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21) to the shaft sleeve body 22103. The etched channels 23112 can be located in the coupler region 24109 (FIG. 24) and/or in part or all of the intermediate region 24108 (FIG. 24), such as in the half of the intermediate region 24108 (FIG. 24) closer to the coupler region 24109 (FIG. 24).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 may have a receiving groove 23113 (e.g., an undercut notch). As described in more detail below, the receiving groove 23113 may communicate with and interlock with a protrusion 25114 (FIG. 25) on the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to secure the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to the shaft sleeve body 22103. Thus, in many embodiments, the receiving groove 23113 may complement the protrusion 25114 (FIG. 25). In some embodiments, the receiving groove 23113 may be located in the cap interface region 24110 (FIG. 24). In many embodiments, the receiving groove 23113 may be located at the interface between the cap interface region 24110 (FIG. 24) and the coupler region 24109 (FIG. 24).

Referring now to the previous drawings, FIG. 25 shows a side view of the shaft sleeve cap 22104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 22103 (FIG. 22) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21.

In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may have a cap wall 25115. Further, the cap wall 22115 may have a protrusion 25114 and one or more slits 25116.

The protrusion 25114 may have a lip extending from the cap wall 25115, for example, at the end of the cap wall 25115. Thus, the protrusion 25114 may have a width (e.g., diameter) that is greater than the width (e.g., diameter) of the remainder of the cap wall 25115 and/or the shaft hole 233120.

On the other hand, the slits 25116 can allow the cap wall 25115 (e.g., the protrusions 25114) to (e.g., temporarily) elastically compress (e.g., axially) and be drawn toward itself when the shaft sleeve cap 22104 is coupled to and separated from the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). Thus, the protrusions 25114 can be positioned within and outside the receiving grooves 23113 ( FIG. 23 ) to couple and separate the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to and from the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). In these embodiments, the protrusions 25114 can operate as a locking feature to lock or snap the shaft sleeve cap 22104 in place.

The shaft sleeve cap 22104 may also be operable to provide damping (e.g., vibration and/or stress reduction) between the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) and the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). For example, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may function as a "shaft pillow" by increasing the concentricity of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) within the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). In many embodiments, the concentricity of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) within the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ) may be strongly correlated with the durability of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ). Thus, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may prevent breakage of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) and extend the overall life of the golf club head 21101 ( FIG. 21 ).

Referring to the previous drawings, FIG. 26 shows an elevation view of the shaft sleeve cap 22104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 22103 (FIG. 22) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21. In many embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may have a cap hole 26116, a cap hole width 26117, and one or more alignment features 26118. In some embodiments, the shaft hole 233120 (FIG. 23) may also have a cap hole width 26117. The cap hole width 26117 may refer to the width (e.g., diameter) of the cap hole 26116. In these embodiments, the width may have an average width (e.g., average diameter).

The cap hole width 26117 can be greater than the width (e.g., diameter) of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ). A difference between the cap hole width 26117 and the width of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) can lead to shaft orientation misalignment. Therefore, to prevent misalignment of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ), the alignment features 26118 may protrude from the inner surface of the cap hole 26116. The distance that the alignment features 26118 extend from the inner surface of the cap hole 26116 may be at least sufficient to collectively provide an effective width (e.g., diameter) within the cap hole 26116 that is approximately equal to or less than the width of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ). The cap hole width 26117 is greater than the effective width of the cap hole 26116 resulting from the alignment features 26118. Additionally, the cap hole width 26117 may be similar to or the same as the width of the shaft hole 233120 (FIG. 23). Thus, when the golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21) is installed into the shaft sleeve cap 22104 and shaft sleeve body 22103 (FIG. 23), the aligning feature 26118 is operable to approximately center the golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21) within the cap hole 26116 and about the aforementioned sleeve axis.

22, the shaft sleeve body 22103 may comprise any suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 may comprise a metal or metal alloy (e.g., an aluminum alloy). In these examples, the aluminum alloy may include approximately 70% or more aluminum and approximately 75% or less aluminum. In more specific examples, the aluminum alloy may include approximately 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, or 75% aluminum. Similarly, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may comprise any suitable material configured to allow the cap wall 25115 (FIG. 25) to resiliently compress, as described above. For example, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may include a polymeric material.

In many embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 can have a shaft sleeve body mass, and the shaft sleeve cap 22104 can have a shaft sleeve cap mass. Additionally, the shaft sleeve 211100 can have a shaft sleeve mass that includes a shaft sleeve body mass and a shaft sleeve cap mass. The shaft sleeve mass can be similar to the sleeve mass described above with respect to sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be approximately 4.3 grams or greater. Further, the shaft sleeve body mass may be approximately 3.3 grams or greater and approximately 3.8 grams or less. Furthermore, the shaft sleeve cap mass may be approximately 0.5 grams or greater and approximately 1.0 grams or less. In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be approximately 0.5 grams less than the mass of sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1). Further, the shaft sleeve mass combined with the securing fastener mass may be approximately 7 grams or greater. Thus, in various embodiments, shaft sleeve 211100 can provide a weight advantage over shaft sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 21, golf club head 21101 may have a disassembled club head mass and an assembled club head mass. The disassembled club head mass may be similar to the disassembled club head mass described above with respect to golf club head 101 (FIG. 1), and the assembled club head mass may be similar to the assembled club head mass described above with respect to golf club head 101 (FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the disassembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 185 grams and less than or equal to about 205 grams. In these or other embodiments, the disassembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 192 grams.

In some embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 188 grams and less than or equal to about 213 grams. In these or other embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 199 grams.

Furthermore, the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the disassembled club head mass may be approximately 2.0%, 2.2%, or 2.4% or less; the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the assembled club head mass may be approximately 1.95%, 2.16%, or 2.35% or less; the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass and the securing fastener mass to the disassembled club head mass may be approximately 3.4%, 3.6%, or 3.8% or less; and/or the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass and the securing fastener mass to the assembled club head mass may be approximately 3.3%, 3.5%, or 3.7% or less.

Meanwhile, the golf club head 21101 can have an assembled club head CG associated with an assembled club head CG vertical distance, and the shaft sleeve 211100 can have a shaft sleeve CG associated with an assembled club head CG vertical distance. In these embodiments, the assembled club head CG can be similar to or identical to the assembled club head CG 1050 (FIG. 1), the assembled club head CG vertical distance can be similar to or identical to the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 (FIG. 1), the shaft sleeve CG can be similar to or identical to the shaft sleeve CG 1032 (FIG. 1), and/or the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance can be similar to or identical to the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance can be approximately 0.010 inches (approximately 0.254 mm) or more and approximately 0.050 inches (approximately 1.27 mm) less than the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 (FIG. 1). For example, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance may be approximately 44.9 millimeters or more from the bottom end of the sole of the golf club head 21101 and approximately 46 millimeters or less from the bottom end of the sole of the golf club head 21101. In certain examples, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance may be approximately 44.9 millimeters or more, approximately 45.0 millimeters or more, approximately 45.1 millimeters or more, approximately 45.2 millimeters or more, approximately 45.3 millimeters or more, approximately 45.4 millimeters or more, approximately 45.5 millimeters or more, approximately 45.6 millimeters or more, approximately 45.7 millimeters or more, approximately 45.8 millimeters or more, approximately 45.9 millimeters or more, or approximately 46.0 millimeters or more from the bottom end of the sole of the golf club head 21101. In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 211000 may be about 44.9 millimeters or less, about 45.0 millimeters or less, about 45.1 millimeters or less, about 45.2 millimeters or less, about 45.3 millimeters or less, about 45.4 millimeters or less, about 45.5 millimeters or less, about 45.6 millimeters or less, about 45.7 millimeters or less, about 45.8 millimeters or less, about 45.9 millimeters or less, or about 46.0 millimeters or less from the sole lower end of the golf club head 41101. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be 44.9 millimeters from the sole lower end of the golf club head 41101. The sole lower end may be similar to or identical to the sole lower end 10141 (FIG. 1).

Referring to the previous drawings, FIG. 27 shows a flowchart of a method 27000 according to one embodiment. In many embodiments, method 27000 may include a method of manufacturing a golf club head, where one or more components of the golf club head are similar to or identical to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21).

Method 27000 may include operation 27001 of providing a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve may be similar to or identical to shaft sleeve 211100 (FIG. 21). FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary operation 27001 according to the embodiment of FIG. 27.

For example, in FIG. 28, operation 27001 may include operation 28001 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a shaft sleeve body. The shaft sleeve body may be similar to or identical to shaft sleeve body 22103 (FIG. 22).

Further, operation 27002 may include operation 28002 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a shaft sleeve cap. The shaft sleeve cap may be similar to or identical to shaft sleeve cap 22104 (FIG. 22).

Referring again now to FIG. 27, method 27000 may include operation 27002 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a golf club head. The golf club head may be similar to or identical to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21). In some embodiments, operation 27001 may be performed before operation 27002, and vice versa. In other embodiments, operation 27001 and operation 27002 may be performed substantially simultaneously.

Further, method 27000 may include operation 27003 of inserting the shaft sleeve into a hosel bore of the golf club head. The hosel bore may be similar to or identical to the hosel bore described above with respect to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21).

Method 2700 may also include operation 27004 of inserting a golf club shaft into the shaft hole. The golf club shaft may be similar to or identical to golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21), and the shaft hole may be similar to or identical to shaft hole 233120 (FIG. 23).

Method 2700 may alternatively include operation 27005, inserting a shaft sleeve cap into the shaft bore. In some embodiments, operation 27004 may be performed before operation 27005, or vice versa. In other embodiments, operations 27004 and 27005 may be performed substantially simultaneously. In further embodiments, operation 27003 may be performed before operation 27004 and/or operation 27005, and vice versa. In many embodiments, one or more of operations 27001-27003 may be performed before one or more of operations 27004-27005, or vice versa.

Furthermore, method 27000 may include operation 27006 of securing the shaft sleeve to a hosel of the golf club head with a fastener. The hosel may be similar to or the same as the hosel described above with respect to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21), and the fastener may be similar to or the same as the fastener described above with respect to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21).

Solid Ribbed Cap Coupling Mechanism Referring to the previous drawings, FIG. 29 shows a front perspective view of a golf club head 41101 having a golf coupling mechanism 411000, according to one embodiment. In many embodiments, the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may include a shaft sleeve 411100 configured to couple to an end of a golf club shaft, such as golf club shaft 41102. In various embodiments, the golf club head 41101 may be similar to golf club head 101 (FIG. 1), the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be similar to golf coupling mechanism 1000 (FIG. 1), and/or the golf club shaft 41102 may be similar to or identical to golf club shaft 102 (FIG. 1). Thus, the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may include a shaft sleeve 411100 and a shaft receiver 413200. Alternatively, shaft sleeve 411100 may be similar to shaft sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1) and/or shaft receiver 413200 may be similar to shaft receiver 3200 (FIG. 3).

Referring again to the previous figures, FIG. 30 shows a side view of the shaft sleeve 411100 separated from the golf club head 21101 (FIG. 29) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29, while FIG. 31 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve 411100 along line XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 30 according to the embodiment of FIG. 29.

30, the shaft sleeve 411100 includes a shaft sleeve body 42103 and a shaft sleeve cap 42104. Additionally, in many embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 can include a sleeve coupler set 423110 having one or more couplers protruding from the sleeve body outer wall 423130, and the shaft receiver 413200 (FIG. 29) can include a receiver coupler set configured to engage the sleeve coupler set 423110 of the shaft sleeve 411100 and limit rotation of the shaft sleeve 411100 relative to the shaft receiver 413200. In these or other embodiments, the sleeve coupler set 413110 can be similar to sleeve coupler set 3110 (FIG. 3), the sleeve body outer wall 423130 can be similar to sleeve outer wall 3130 (FIG. 3), and/or the receiver coupler set can be similar to receiver coupler set 3210 (FIG. 3). As described in more detail below, in many embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap 42104 may have a ferrule and may be operable to couple the shaft sleeve body 42103 with the golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29).

31 , the shaft sleeve 411100 may have (i) a shaft bore 433120 configured to receive the end of a golf club shaft 41102 ( FIG. 29 ), (ii) a locking fastener hole 43105 at the sleeve body lower end 433192, (iii) a bore bottom 43111, (iv) a cap hole 42110 configured to receive the end of the golf club shaft 41102 and couple to the shaft bore 433120, and/or (v) a shaft sleeve upper end 431191. The locking fastener hole 43105 may be configured to receive a locking fastener (not shown) to secure the shaft sleeve 411100 to the shaft receiver 413200 ( FIG. 29 ). Additionally, the bore bottom 43111 may comprise the bottom surface (e.g., deepest surface) of the shaft bore 432120. In many embodiments, shaft hole 433120 may be similar to shaft hole 3120 (FIG. 3), locking fastener hole 43105 may be similar to or identical to a hole configured to receive locking fastener 3400 (FIG. 3), sleeve body lower end 433192 may be similar to or identical to sleeve lower end 3192 (FIG. 3), locking fastener may be similar to or identical to locking fastener 3400 (FIG. 3), and/or shaft sleeve upper end 431191 may be similar to or identical to sleeve upper end 1191 (FIG. 3).

Furthermore, when the shaft sleeve body 42103 is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap 42104, the shaft sleeve 411100 may have a shaft sleeve height 43119, a shaft sleeve body height 43120, a shaft sleeve cap height 43121, and a shaft sleeve cap upper height 43122. The shaft sleeve height 43119 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body lower end 433192 to the shaft sleeve upper end 431191, measured approximately perpendicular to the sleeve body lower end 433192. Meanwhile, the shaft sleeve body height 43120 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body lower end 433192 to the upper end of the shaft sleeve body 42103, measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 43119. The shaft sleeve cap height 43121 may refer to the distance from the bottom of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 to the shaft sleeve upper end 431191, measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 43119. Furthermore, the shaft sleeve cap top height 43122 may refer to the difference between the shaft sleeve height 43119 and the shaft sleeve body height 43120.

For example, the shaft sleeve height 43119 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.78 inches and less than or equal to approximately 1.82 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve height 43119 may be approximately 1.8 inches.

Furthermore, the shaft sleeve body height 43120 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.529 inches and less than or equal to approximately 1.569 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 43120 may be approximately 1.549 inches.

Furthermore, the shaft sleeve cap height 43121 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.46 inches and less than or equal to approximately 0.50 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve cap height 43121 may be approximately 0.48 inches.

Meanwhile, for example, the shaft sleeve cap top height 43122 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.23 inches and less than or equal to approximately 0.27 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 43122 may be approximately 0.25 inches.

In some embodiments, the locking fasteners (not shown) for insertion into the locking fastener holes 23105 may comprise titanium-coated steel. Additionally, the locking fasteners may have a locking fastener mass. The locking fastener mass may be approximately 2.7 grams or greater.

Referring to the next drawing, FIG. 32 shows a side view of the shaft sleeve body 42103 separated from the shaft sleeve cap 42104 (FIG. 30) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. The shaft sleeve body 42103 may be associated with one or more regions 44106. For example, the region 44106 may have a fastener region 44107, an intermediate region 44108, a coupler region 44109, and a cap interface region 44110.

The fastener region 44107 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body 42103 located between the sleeve body lower end 433192 and the hole bottom surface 43111 (FIG. 31). Meanwhile, the coupler region 44109 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body located from the lowest point of the sleeve coupler set 423110 (e.g., the point of the sleeve coupler set 423110 closest to the sleeve body lower end 433192 (FIG. 31)) to the highest point of the sleeve coupler set 423110 (e.g., the point of the sleeve coupler set 423110 farthest from the sleeve body lower end 433192). Meanwhile, the intermediate region 44108 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body 42103 between the fastener region 44107 and the coupler region 44109. The cap interface region 44110 may refer to a portion of the shaft sleeve body 42103 that is on the opposite side of the coupler region 44109 from the intermediate region 44108. With further reference to FIG. 32, the cap interface region 44110 (FIG. 32) may further include an upper ring 44115 (FIG. 32).

When the golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29) is swung and/or manipulated to strike a golf ball, the fastener region 44107 and the coupler region 44109 may be subjected to high stresses, while the intermediate region 44108 and/or the cap interface region 44110 may be subjected to lower stresses than the high stresses experienced by the fastener region 44107 and the coupler region 44109.

Securing the shaft sleeve 411100 (FIG. 29) to the shaft receiver 413200 (FIG. 29) with a locking fastener can help offset high stresses in the fastener region 44107. Additionally, due to the high stresses that may be experienced in the coupler region 44109, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may have solid lobes configured to add additional thickness to the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body 42103. Thus, the couplers strengthen the sleeve body wall in the coupler region 44109, which can offset these high stresses in the coupler region 44109. The couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 can be tapered (e.g., linearly or curvedly) and have a maximum thickness at the end of the coupler region 44109 farthest from the sleeve body lower end 433192 (e.g., where the coupler region 44109 connects with the cap interface region 44110) and a minimum thickness at the end of the coupler region 44109 closest to the sleeve body lower end 433192 (FIG. 31) (e.g., where the coupler region 44109 connects with the intermediate region 44108). For example, the maximum thickness can be approximately 0.75 inches thick. The minimum thickness can be approximately 0.020 inches thick. In many embodiments, tapering the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 (FIG. 30) can provide continuity (e.g., a smooth transition in thickness) between the intermediate region 44108 and the cap interface region 44110.

In some embodiments, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may be symmetrical in profile. The length of the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may be approximately 0.38 inches or less (e.g., a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103) or approximately 0.26 inches or more (e.g., another portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103).

In some embodiments, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may have an asymmetrical profile such that a first portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 is longer than another portion (e.g., a portion directly opposite or 180 degrees opposite the first portion). The length of the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may be approximately 0.38 inches or less (e.g., a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103) or approximately 0.260 inches or more (e.g., another portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103). In many embodiments, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 (FIG. 30) may be longest at the portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 closest to the sleeve axis of the shaft sleeve body 42103, at the end of the coupler region 44109 (FIG. 32) farthest from the sleeve body lower end 433192 (e.g., where the coupler region 44109 connects with the cap interface region 44110). The sleeve axis may be similar to or the same as the sleeve axis 5150 (FIG. 5). In other words, the couplers of the sleeve coupler set 423110 (FIG. 30) may be longest at the portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 that intersects a plane having the sleeve axis and extending generally perpendicular to the sleeve body lower end 433192.

On the other hand, because the intermediate region 44108 is subjected to lower stress when the golf club head 41101 is swung and/or manipulated to strike a golf ball, the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body may be thinner in the intermediate region 44108 than in part or all of the coupler region 44109, and/or the intermediate region 44108 may have holes or recesses to reduce the weight of the intermediate region 44108. For example, the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body 42103 in the intermediate region 44108 may have a thickness (e.g., average thickness) of approximately 0.020 inches.

Returning now to FIG. 31 , in some embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 42103 may have a width (e.g., outer diameter). The outer diameter of the shaft sleeve body 42103 may be greater than or equal to about 0.405 inches and less than or equal to about 0.445 inches. In a particular example, the outer diameter of the shaft sleeve body may be 0.425 inches.

In some embodiments, the shaft hole may have a width (e.g., diameter) (FIG. 31). The diameter of the shaft hole 433120 may decrease from the middle of the shaft hole to the hole bottom 43111. The diameter of the hole cap may be similar to or the same as the diameter of the middle shaft hole 433130. The diameter of the hole bottom 43150 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.320 inches and less than or equal to approximately 0.360 inches. In a particular example, the diameter of the hole bottom may be 0.340 inches. The diameter of the middle shaft hole 433130 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.326 inches and less than or equal to 0.366 inches. In a particular example, the diameter of the middle shaft hole 433130 may be 0.346 inches. The diameter of the cap hole 42115 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.326 inches and less than or equal to 0.366 inches. In a particular example, the diameter of the cap hole 42115 may be 0.346 inches.

In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 42103 can have etched channels 43112 in the shaft bore 433120 to provide a more suitable surface area for epoxy bonding the golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29) to the shaft sleeve body 42103. The etched channels 43112 may be located in the coupler region 44109 (FIG. 32) and/or in part or all of the intermediate region 44108 (FIG. 32), such as, for example, in the half of the intermediate region 44108 (FIG. 32) closer to the coupler region 44109 (FIG. 32).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 42103 may have a receiving groove 43113 (e.g., an undercut notch). As described in more detail below, the receiving groove 43113 (FIG. 31) may communicate with and interlock with a protrusion 45114 (FIG. 33) on the shaft sleeve cap 42104 to secure the shaft sleeve cap 42104 to the shaft sleeve body 42103. Thus, in many embodiments, the receiving groove 43113 (FIG. 34) on the shaft sleeve body 42103 may complement the protrusion 45114 (FIG. 33). In some embodiments, the receiving groove 43113 may be located in the cap interface region 44110 (FIG. 32). In many embodiments, the receiving groove 43113 (FIG. 35B) may be located at the interface between the cap interface region 44110 (FIG. 32) and the coupler region 44109 (FIG. 32) (see also FIG. 31).

Referring now to the previous figures, FIG. 33A shows an upright side view of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 30) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. FIG. 33B shows an angled top view of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 30) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. FIG. 34 shows a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 taken along line XLV-XLV of FIG. 33A according to the embodiment of FIG. 29. The shaft sleeve cap 42104 may further include a cap wall 45040 (FIG. 33A). The cap wall may include an outer cap wall 45115 at one end of the cap wall and an inner cap wall 45120 opposite the outer cap wall.

Referring to FIG. 33A, the shaft sleeve cap 42104 may have an upper cap region 45050 and a lower cap region 45060. The upper cap region 45050 may have an upper ring 45045 at the top of the upper cap region 45050 and a lower edge shelf 45055 at the bottom of the upper cap region 45050. The upper cap region 45050 increases in diameter from top to bottom to the lower edge shelf 45055. The lower cap region 45060 has a smaller outer diameter than the upper cap region 45050.

The lower cap region 45060 may have a protrusion 45114 protruding from the outer cap wall 45115. The protrusion 45114 may have a lip extending from the outer cap wall 45115 (FIG. 34). Accordingly, the protrusion 45114 may have a width (e.g., diameter) 45300 that is greater than the width 45200 of the remainder of the cap wall of the lower cap region 45060 and/or the diameter of the shaft hole 43120 (FIGS. 33A and 34). The width 45400 of the lower end shelf 45055 of the upper cap region 45050 is greater than the width 45300 of the protrusion 45114 of the lower cap region 45060 (FIG. 34).

The lower cap region 45060 of the shaft sleeve cap 41204 fits within the cap interface region 44110 and coupler region 44109 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 32). In one embodiment, the protrusion 45114 of the lower cap region 45060 of the shaft sleeve cap 41204 may be positioned within and outside of the receiving groove 43113 (FIG. 34) to couple and separate the shaft sleeve cap 41204 to the shaft sleeve body 42103. The receiving groove 43113 (FIG. 34) may complement the protrusion 45114 (FIG. 33) of the lower cap region 45060. In these embodiments, the protrusion 45115 may operate as a locking feature or may snap into place between the receiving groove 43113 (FIG. 34) of the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 32). In some embodiments, the protrusion 45115 can extend at an upward angle, allowing the shaft sleeve cap 41204 to bend when installed within the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 32). With further reference to FIG. 32, when the shaft sleeve cap 41204 is installed within the shaft sleeve body 42103, the lower end shelf 45055 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 installs above the upper ring 44115 in the cap interface region of the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 32).

The shaft sleeve cap 42104 may have a shaft bore 43120 (FIG. 33B). The shaft bore diameter 43130 is constant throughout both the upper cap region 45050 and the lower cap region 45060 (FIG. 34). The combination of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 (upper and lower regions) with the cap interface region 44110 and coupler region 44109 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 prevents epoxy seepage during the assembly process.

The shaft sleeve cap 42104 may have one or more ribs 45202. The one or more ribs 45202 protrude or extend parallel to one another within the shaft bore 43120 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 along the inner cap wall 45120 from the upper cap region 45050 to the lower cap region 45060 (FIG. 33B). The ribs 45202 can provide additional sealing and can securely couple the shaft sleeve cap 41204 to the shaft sleeve body 42103. The ribs 45202 can further provide secure alignment of the golf club shaft 41102 within the shaft sleeve 411100.

The shaft sleeve cap 42104 provides stability compared to the shaft sleeve body 42103 without the shaft sleeve cap 42104. The combination of (1) the overall design of the shaft sleeve cap 42104, (2) the rib 45202 on the inner cap wall 45120 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104, (3) the protrusion 45115 on the outer cap wall 45115 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104, (4) the receiving groove 43113 in the shaft sleeve body 42103, and (5) the decreasing bore diameter from the middle of the shaft bore to the bottom surface 43111 of the shaft sleeve body 42103, individually or in any combination thereof, allows the golf club shaft 41102 to be centered within both the upper and lower portions of the shaft sleeve 411100, providing improved stability for the shaft 41102 of FIG. 29. Alignment increases the concentricity of the golf club shaft, reducing stress on the shaft during the swing of the golf club head and upon impact with the golf ball.

These elements, alone or in combination, also provide damping (e.g., vibration) and stress reduction between the golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29) and the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 29). For example, the shaft sleeve cap 42104 may function as a "shaft pillow" by increasing the concentricity of the golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 30) within the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 31). In many embodiments, the concentricity of the golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29) within the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 30) may be strongly correlated with the durability of the golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 31). Thus, (1) the ribs 45202 on the inner cap wall 45120 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104, (2) the protrusions 45115 on the outer cap wall 45115 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104, (3) the receiving grooves 43113 in the shaft sleeve body 42103, and (4) the decreasing bore diameter from the middle of the shaft bore to the bore bottom surface 43111 of the shaft sleeve body 42103, individually or in any combination thereof, can enable the shaft sleeve cap 42104 to prevent breakage of the golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29) and increase the overall lifespan of the golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29).

Referring again to FIG. 30 , the shaft sleeve body 42103 may comprise any suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 may comprise a metal or metal alloy (e.g., an aluminum alloy). In these examples, the aluminum alloy may comprise greater than or equal to about 70% aluminum and less than or equal to about 75% aluminum. In more specific examples, the aluminum alloy may comprise approximately 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, or 75% aluminum.

The shaft sleeve cap 42104 may comprise any suitable material configured to allow the cap wall 25115 (FIG. 25) to resiliently compress as described above. For example, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may comprise a polymeric plastic material. The polymeric plastic material may be a thermoplastic material or a soft polymeric plastic according to the Shore D durometer scale. The soft polymeric plastic may be 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 or less on the Shore D durometer scale. The soft polymeric plastic may be 55 or less on the Shore D durometer scale. The polymeric plastic material may be comprised of polystyrene, vinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polymethacrylate, rubber, polycarbonate, synthetic rubber, or copolymers thereof.

In many embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 42103 can have a shaft sleeve body mass, and the shaft sleeve cap 42104 can have a shaft sleeve cap mass. Additionally, the shaft sleeve 411100 can have a shaft sleeve mass that includes a shaft sleeve body mass and a shaft sleeve cap mass. The shaft sleeve mass can be similar to the sleeve mass described above with respect to sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be about 4.0 grams or more, about 4.1 grams or more, about 4.2 grams or more, about 4.3 grams or more, about 4.4 grams or more, about 4.5 grams or more, about 4.6 grams or more, about 4.7 grams or more, about 4.8 grams or more, about 4.9 grams or more, or about 5.0 grams or more. Further, the shaft sleeve body mass may be about 4.2 grams or more and about 4.8 grams or less. The shaft sleeve body mass may be 4.5 grams. Furthermore, the shaft sleeve cap mass may be about 3.8 grams or more, about 3.9 grams or more, about 4.0 grams or more, about 4.1 grams or more, about 4.2 grams or more, about 4.3 grams or more, or about 4.4 grams or more. The shaft sleeve cap mass may be about 0.1 grams or more and about 0.7 grams or less. In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be about 0.4 grams less than the mass of sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1). Additionally, the shaft sleeve mass, combined with the securing fastener mass, may be approximately 7.2 grams or greater. Thus, in various embodiments, shaft sleeve 411100 may offer a weight advantage over shaft sleeve 1100 (FIG. 1).

With reference to FIG. 29, the golf club head 41101 may have a disassembled club head mass and an assembled club head mass. The disassembled club head mass may be similar to the disassembled club head mass described above with respect to the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1), and the assembled club head mass may be similar to the assembled club head mass described above with respect to the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the disassembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 185 grams and less than or equal to about 205 grams. In these or other embodiments, the disassembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 192 grams.

In some embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 188 grams and less than or equal to about 213 grams. In these or other embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 199 grams.

Furthermore, the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the disassembled club head mass may be approximately 2.0%, 2.2%, or 2.4% or less. The ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the assembled club head mass may be approximately 1.95%, 2.16%, or 2.35% or less; the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass and securing fastener mass to the disassembled club head mass may be approximately 3.4%, 3.6%, or 3.8% or less; and/or the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass and securing fastener mass to the assembled club head mass may be approximately 3.3%, 3.5%, or 3.7% or less.

Meanwhile, the golf club head 41101 can have an assembled club head CG associated with an assembled club head CG vertical distance, and the shaft sleeve 411100 can have a shaft sleeve CG associated with an assembled club head CG vertical distance. In these embodiments, the assembled club head CG can be similar to or identical to the assembled club head CG 1050 (FIG. 1), the assembled club head CG vertical distance can be similar to or identical to the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 (FIG. 1), the shaft sleeve CG can be similar to or identical to the shaft sleeve CG 1032 (FIG. 1), and/or the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance can also be similar to or identical to the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159, measured from the bottom of the club head (FIG. 1).

In many embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the shaft sleeve 411100 (FIG. 31) may be approximately 0.052 inches (approximately 1.32 mm) or more and 0.092 inches (approximately 2.34 mm) or less than the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the shaft sleeve 211100 (FIG. 23). The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the shaft sleeve 411100 (FIG. 31) may be approximately 0.042 inches (approximately 1.07 mm) or more and 0.062 inches (approximately 1.58 mm) or less than the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 (FIG. 1). The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be approximately 43.5 mm or more from the bottom end of the sole of the golf club head 41101 and approximately 47.0 mm or less from the bottom end of the sole of the golf club head 41101. In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 from the lower end of the sole of the golf club head 41101 is about 43.5 millimeters or more, about 43.6 millimeters or more, about 43.7 millimeters or more, about 43.8 millimeters or more, about 43.9 millimeters or more, about 44.0 millimeters or more, about 44.1 millimeters or more, about 44.2 millimeters or more, about 44.3 millimeters or more, about 44.4 millimeters or more, about 44.5 millimeters or more, about 44.6 millimeters or more, about 44.7 millimeters or more, about 44.8 millimeters or more, about 44.9 millimeters or more, about 45.0 millimeters or more, about 45.1 millimeters or more, about 45.2 millimeters or more, about 45.3 millimeters or more, about 45.4 millimeters or more, about 45.5 millimeters or more, about 45.6 millimeters or more, about 45.7 millimeters or more, about 45.8 millimeters or more, about 45.9 millimeters or more, about 46.0 millimeters or more, about 46.1 millimeters or more, about 46.2 millimeters or more, about 46.3 millimeters or more, about 46.4 millimeters or more, about 46.5 millimeters or more, about 46.6 millimeters or more, about 46.7 millimeters or more, about 46.8 millimeters or more, about 46.9 millimeters, or about 47.0 millimeters or more. In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 from the lower end of the sole of the golf club head 41101 is about 43.5 mm or less, about 43.6 mm or less, about 43.7 mm or less, about 43.8 mm or less, about 43.9 mm or less, about 44.0 mm or less, about 44.1 mm or less, about 44.2 mm or less, about 44.3 mm or less, about 44.4 mm or less, about 44.5 mm or less, about 44.6 mm or less, about 44.7 mm or less, about 44.8 mm or less, about 44.9 mm or less, about 45.0 mm or less The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be 45.3 mm or less, about 45.1 mm or less, about 45.2 mm or less, about 45.3 mm or less, about 45.4 mm or less, about 45.5 mm or less, about 45.6 mm or less, about 45.7 mm or less, about 45.8 mm or less, about 45.9 mm or less, about 46.0 mm or less, about 46.1 mm or less, about 46.2 mm or less, about 46.3 mm or less, about 46.4 mm or less, about 46.5 mm or less, about 46.6 mm or less, about 46.7 mm or less, about 46.8 mm or less, about 46.9 mm or less, or about 47.0 mm or less. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be 45.3 mm from the sole lower end of the golf club head 41101. The sole lower end may be similar to or identical to the sole lower end 10141 (FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be approximately 32.0 millimeters or more, approximately 32.1 millimeters or more, approximately 32.3 millimeters or more, approximately 32.4 millimeters or more, approximately 32.5 millimeters or more, approximately 32.6 millimeters or more, approximately 32.7 millimeters or more, approximately 32.8 millimeters or more, approximately 32.9 millimeters or more, approximately 33.0 millimeters or more, approximately 33.1 millimeters or more, approximately 33.2 millimeters or more, approximately 33.3 millimeters or more, approximately 33.4 millimeters or more, approximately 33.5 millimeters or more, approximately 33.6 millimeters or more, approximately 33.7 millimeters or more, approximately 33.8 millimeters or more, approximately 33.9 millimeters or more, approximately 34.0 millimeters or more, approximately 34.1 millimeters or more, approximately 34.2 millimeters or more, approximately 34.3 millimeters or more, approximately 34.4 millimeters, or approximately 34.5 millimeters or more from the lower end of the sole of the golf club head 41101. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be approximately 32.0 millimeters or less, approximately 32.1 millimeters or less, approximately 32.3 millimeters or less, approximately 32.4 millimeters or less, approximately 32.5 millimeters or less, approximately 32.6 millimeters or less, approximately 32.7 millimeters or less, approximately 32.8 millimeters or less, approximately 32.9 millimeters or less, approximately 33.0 millimeters or less, approximately 33.1 millimeters or less, approximately 33.2 millimeters or less, approximately 33.3 millimeters or less, approximately 33.4 millimeters or less, approximately 33.5 millimeters or less, approximately 33.6 millimeters or less, approximately 33.7 millimeters or less, approximately 33.8 millimeters or less, approximately 33.9 millimeters or less, approximately 34.0 millimeters or less, approximately 34.1 millimeters or less, approximately 34.2 millimeters or less, approximately 34.3 millimeters or less, approximately 34.4 millimeters or less, or approximately 34.5 millimeters or less from the lower end of the sole of the golf club head 41101. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism may be 33.6 millimeters from the bottom end of the sole of the golf club head 41101.

Referring to the previous drawings, FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of a method 47000 according to one embodiment. In many embodiments, method 47000 may include a method of manufacturing a golf club head of one or more components of the golf club head. The golf club head may be similar to or identical to golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29).

Method 47000 may include operation 47001 of providing a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve may be similar to or identical to shaft sleeve 411100 (FIG. 30). FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary operation 47001 according to the embodiment of FIG. 36.

For example, in FIG. 36, operation 47001 may include operation 48001 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a shaft sleeve body. The shaft sleeve body may be similar to or identical to shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 37).

Further, operation 47002 may include operation 48002 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a shaft sleeve cap. The shaft sleeve cap may be similar to or identical to shaft sleeve cap 42104 (FIG. 38).

Referring again now to FIG. 36, method 47000 may include operation 47002 of providing (e.g., manufacturing) a golf club head. The golf club head may be similar to or identical to golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29). In some embodiments, operation 47001 may be performed before operation 47002, and vice versa. In other embodiments, operation 47001 and operation 47002 may be performed substantially simultaneously.

Further, method 47000 may include operation 47003 of inserting the shaft sleeve into a hosel bore of the golf club head. The hosel bore may be similar to or identical to the hosel bore described above with respect to golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29).

Method 4700 may also include operation 47004 of inserting a golf club shaft into the shaft hole. The golf club shaft may be similar to or identical to golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29), and the shaft hole may be similar to or identical to shut hole 433120 (FIG. 31).

Method 47000 may alternatively include operation 47005, inserting a shaft sleeve cap into the shaft bore. In some embodiments, operation 47004 may be performed before operation 47005, or vice versa. In other embodiments, operations 47004 and 47005 may be performed substantially simultaneously. In further embodiments, operation 47003 may be performed before operation 47004 and/or operation 47005, and vice versa. In many embodiments, one or more of operations 47001-47003 may be performed before one or more of operations 47004-47005, or vice versa (FIG. 37).

Furthermore, method 47000 may include operation 47006 of securing the shaft sleeve to a hosel of the golf club head with a fastener. The hosel may be similar to or the same as the hosel described above with respect to golf club head 41101 (FIG. 31), and the fastener may be similar to or the same as the fastener described above with respect to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 31).

While golf coupling mechanisms and related methods have been described herein with reference to particular embodiments, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, there may be embodiments in which sleeve coupler set 3110 (FIGS. 3-7, 10, 14-17), sleeve coupler set 12110 (FIG. 12), sleeve coupler set 223110 (FIG. 22), and/or sleeve coupler set 411100 have only two sleeve couplers, and embodiments in which receiver coupler set 3210 (FIGS. 3-4, 8-9, 11, 14-17), receiver coupler set 13210 (FIG. 13), the receiver coupler set of shaft receiver 213200 (FIG. 21), and/or the receiver coupler set of shaft receiver 413200 (FIG. 29) have only two receiver couplers. In such embodiments, only two configurations may be possible between the shaft sleeve and shaft receiver, and the golf coupler set may allow adjustment between two lie angles or two loft angles. Of course, there may also be embodiments having sleeve coupler sets with three, five, six, seven, eight, or more sleeve couplers and receiver coupler sets with three, five, six, seven, eight, or more receiver couplers, correspondingly increasing the number of possible lie angle and loft angle combinations.

Such variations and other further examples have been set forth in the foregoing description. Other permutations of different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims herein, and drawings are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure. The scope of this application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

The golf coupling mechanisms and related methods described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of certain of these embodiments is not necessarily intended to be an exhaustive description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment and may disclose alternative embodiments.

Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to particular embodiments. However, any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims, unless such benefit, advantage, solution, or element is specifically expressly stated in such claim.

Because the Rules of Golf are subject to change frequently (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be eliminated or modified, by golf standards associations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and American Golf Association (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may or may not conform to the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Although the above examples may be described in relation to driver-type golf clubs, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as fairway wood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs. Alternatively, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

Furthermore, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not made available to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiment and/or limitation (1) is not explicitly claimed in the claims and (2) is a potential equivalent of an explicit element and/or limitation in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (17)

A golf club head,
a club head body having a sole portion including a lower end of the sole, a top portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion opposite the rear portion, the front portion including a hitting surface, and a hosel;
a shaft sleeve insertable into the hosel and configured to couple a golf club shaft with the hosel;
a locking fastener configured to couple to a lower sleeve end of the shaft sleeve to secure the shaft sleeve within the hosel;
the hosel has a hosel bore configured to receive the shaft sleeve;
The shaft sleeve is
a shaft bore configured to receive an end of the golf club shaft;
a shaft sleeve body having an outer sleeve wall and a receiving groove;
a shaft sleeve cap configured to be coupled to the shaft sleeve body, the shaft sleeve cap including a cap hole, a cap wall, and a lip extending outwardly from the cap wall, the interior surface of the cap hole including one or more ribs extending into the cap hole, the lip of the shaft sleeve cap engaging the receiving groove of the shaft sleeve body;
an upper end portion of the sleeve;
a lower end portion of the sleeve;
a sleeve axis extending longitudinally between the upper end and the lower end of the sleeve,
The shaft sleeve body further comprises:
a first coupler recessed into the outer wall of the sleeve;
a second coupler recessed into the outer wall of the sleeve;
a third coupler recessed into the outer wall of the sleeve;
a fourth coupler recessed into the outer wall of the sleeve,
the first coupler includes a first arcuate surface that curves across the first coupler;
the second coupler includes a second arcuate surface that curves across the second coupler;
the third coupler includes a third arcuate surface that curves across the third coupler;
the fourth coupler includes a fourth arcuate surface that curves across the fourth coupler;
the shaft hole further comprises a shaft hole axis;
The sleeve outer wall and the shaft hole are non-coaxial.
Golf club head. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the shaft hole axis and the sleeve axis define a loft angle and a lie angle therebetween. a first coupler position defining a first loft angle and a first lie angle between the shaft bore axis and the sleeve axis;
a second coupler position defining a second loft angle and a second lie angle between the shaft bore axis and the sleeve axis;
a third coupler position defines a third loft angle and a third lie angle between the shaft bore axis and the sleeve axis;
The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein a fourth coupler position defines a fourth loft angle and a fourth lie angle between the shaft bore axis and the sleeve axis. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the first coupler position is configured to reduce the first lie angle by between 0.2 degrees and 4 degrees. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the second coupler position is configured to increase the second lie angle by between 0.2 degrees and 4 degrees. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the third coupler position is configured to reduce the third loft angle by between 0.2 degrees and 4 degrees. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the fourth coupler position is configured to increase the fourth loft angle by between 0.2 degrees and 4 degrees. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the first loft angle remains in a neutral direction. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein the second loft angle remains in a neutral direction. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the third lie angle remains in a neutral direction. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the fourth lie angle remains in a neutral direction. The shaft sleeve is
a fifth coupler recessed in the outer wall of the sleeve and having a fifth arcuate surface, the fifth arcuate surface being curved across the fifth coupler;
2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising: a sixth coupler recessed in the outer wall of the sleeve and having a sixth arcuate surface, the sixth arcuate surface being curved across the sixth coupler. the shaft sleeve cap has at least two ribs;
The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the at least two ribs are configured to securely couple to the shaft sleeve cap and center the shaft sleeve cap. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the one or more ribs are parallel to one another along the inner surface of the cap hole. A golf club head,
a club head body having a sole portion including a lower end of the sole, a top portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion opposite the rear portion, the front portion including a hitting surface, and a hosel;
A golf coupling mechanism,
a shaft sleeve configured to be coupled to an end of a golf club shaft and the hosel;
a shaft receiver of the golf club head configured to receive the shaft sleeve;
The shaft sleeve is
a shaft bore configured to receive the end of the golf club shaft;
a shaft sleeve body having an outer sleeve wall and a receiving groove;
a shaft sleeve cap configured to be coupled to the shaft sleeve body, the shaft sleeve cap including a cap hole, a cap wall, and a lip extending outwardly from the cap wall, the interior surface of the cap hole including one or more ribs extending into the cap hole, the lip of the shaft sleeve cap engaging the receiving groove of the shaft sleeve body;
an upper end portion of the sleeve;
a lower end portion of the sleeve;
a sleeve shaft extending longitudinally between the upper end and the lower end of the sleeve;
A coupler set,
a first coupler recessed into the outer wall of the sleeve;
a second coupler recessed into the outer wall of the sleeve;
a third coupler recessed into the outer wall of the sleeve;
a fourth coupler recessed in the outer wall of the sleeve;
the shaft hole has a shaft hole axis;
the first coupler includes a first arcuate surface that curves across the first coupler;
the second coupler includes a second arcuate surface that curves across the second coupler;
the third coupler includes a third arcuate surface that curves across the third coupler;
the fourth coupler includes a fourth arcuate surface that curves across the fourth coupler;
The shaft receiver includes:
a fifth coupler protruding from the inner wall of the receiver;
a sixth coupler protruding from the inner wall of the receiver;
a seventh coupler protruding from the inner wall of the receiver;
an eighth coupler protruding from the inner wall of the receiver;
the fifth coupler includes a fifth arcuate surface that curves across the fifth coupler;
the sixth coupler includes a sixth arcuate surface that curves across the sixth coupler;
the seventh coupler includes a seventh arcuate surface that curves across the seventh coupler;
the eighth coupler includes an eighth arcuate surface that curves across the eighth coupler;
The sleeve outer wall and the shaft hole are non-coaxial.
Golf club head. the shaft sleeve cap has at least two ribs;
The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the at least two ribs are configured to securely couple to the shaft sleeve cap and center the shaft sleeve cap. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the one or more ribs are parallel to one another along the inner surface of the cap hole.