Golf club and insert for golf club

Abstract

To improve a hitting feel regarding a golf club and an insert for the golf club.SOLUTION: A golf club 1 of the disclosure comprises a head 3 that has a hitting surface 2 for hitting a golf ball, a shaft 5 that is formed like a shaft, a hosel 4 for connecting one end of the shaft 5 and the head 3 together, and a grip 6 that is provided at the other end of the shaft 5 so as to be held by a user. The hosel 4 is formed integrally with the head 3 and the shaft 5 in an unreplaceable state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club for hitting a golf ball and a golf club insert that is removably provided on the golf club. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known golf clubs such as woods, irons, hybrids, utilities, and putters in which a shaft with a grip is connected to a head by a hosel. The hosel is removably fixed to, for example, the shaft or head. This structure makes it easy to replace the shaft or head (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Further, golf clubs that do not have a hosel, that is, golf clubs in which a shaft with a grip is connected to a head, have also been generally known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-058337 [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-036894 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of a golf club with a hosel, the vibration generated in the head when hitting a golf ball is transmitted to the palm of the user (golfer) holding the grip via the shaft, and is recognized as part of the hitting feel of the golf club. On the other hand, the hosel interposed between the shaft and the head can act to inhibit the transmission of such vibration. Therefore, a golf club with a hosel has a problem in that it is difficult to obtain a good hitting feel compared to a golf club without a hosel. The hitting feel means the feeling or shot feeling that the user has when hitting a golf ball. A general hitting feel includes not only physical vibrations but also sensory comfort (feeling) of the operation, such as a feeling of hitting, a sense of moderation, and a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, even with golf clubs that do not have a hosel, it is difficult to obtain a good hitting feel unless some kind of ingenuity is used.

[0005] One of the objectives of the present invention was invented in light of the above-mentioned problems, and is to provide a golf club and a golf club insert that can improve the hitting feeling. In addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve an effect derived from each configuration shown in the "Description of the Invention" described later, which cannot be obtained by conventional techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention can be realized as the following disclosed aspects or application examples: The disclosed golf club and golf club insert solve at least a part of the above problems. (1) The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, a shaft formed in an axial shape, a hosel connecting one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided on the other end of the shaft to be held by a user, wherein the hosel is formed integrally with the head and the shaft in a non-replaceable manner.

[0007] (2) It is preferable that the hosel be formed in a plate shape having a constant thickness and extending in a planar direction parallel to the striking surface. (3) The hosel is preferably formed in a rectangular plate shape. (4) It is preferable that the hosel be formed in a bent plate shape that is curved so that the side closer to the striking surface is on the inside in a longitudinal cross section perpendicular to the striking surface.

[0008] (5) It is preferable that the hosel has a built-in vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated on the striking surface. (6) It is preferable that the hosel has a first cavity formed therein, and that an opening is formed to transmit reverberation from within the hosel to the outside of the hosel.

[0009] (7) It is preferable that the shaft has therein a second hollow portion formed in a hollow space and communicating with the first hollow portion. (8) It is preferable that the grip has therein a third hollow portion formed in a hollow space and communicating with the second hollow portion. (9) It is preferable that the grip is formed integrally with the shaft.

[0010] (10) It is preferable that the grip has a built-in vibration device that vibrates or a speaker that emits sound based on information detected by the vibration sensor. (11) It is preferable that the golf club be provided with a vibration transmission member that is formed in an elongated shape, has one end fixed to the head, is incorporated in the second hollow portion and the third hollow portion, and transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface to the grip, and an attachment member that is provided inside the third hollow portion and connects the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip.

[0011] (12) It is preferable that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extending direction of the grip. (13) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member is made of any one of a wire, a string, a rod member, and a linear elastic member. (14) It is preferable that the mounting member is formed in a film shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the grip.

[0012] (15) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration. (16) It is preferable that the head has therein a fourth cavity formed hollow and communicating with the first cavity. (17) It is preferable to further include an auxiliary vibration transmission member provided inside the fourth cavity for transmitting vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member.

[0013] (18) It is preferable that the head has a weight member for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head. (19) It is preferable that the head has a driving source for moving the weight member, the weight member is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in an upper surface of the head, and the driving source rotates the weight member along the inner circumferential surface of the recess.

[0014] (20) The disclosed golf club comprises a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, wherein the shaft has a hollow shaft cavity therein, and the grip has a hollow grip cavity therein that communicates with the shaft cavity, and the golf club further comprises a vibration transmission member formed in an elongated shape, one end of which is fixed to the head, and which is built into the shaft cavity and the grip cavity and transmits vibrations generated at the striking surface to the grip, and an attachment member provided inside the grip cavity and connecting the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip.

[0015] (21) It is preferable that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extending direction of the grip. (22) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member is made of any one of a wire, a string, a rod member, and a linear elastic member. (23) It is preferable that the mounting member be formed in a film shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip. (24) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration.

[0016] (25) It is preferable that the head has a hollow head cavity therein which communicates with the shaft cavity, and further comprises an auxiliary vibration transmission member provided inside the head cavity for transmitting vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member. (26) The disclosed golf club includes a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, wherein the shaft has a hollow shaft cavity therein, and the grip has a hollow grip cavity therein communicating with the shaft cavity, and further includes a vibration transmission member formed in an elongated shape and one end fixed to the head, which is built into the shaft cavity and the grip cavity and transmits vibrations generated at the striking surface to the grip, and an attachment member provided inside the grip cavity and connecting the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip, wherein the vibration transmission member contains a magnetic material, and a first pickup is provided adjacent to the vibration transmission member for detecting vibrations transmitted by the vibration transmission member and converting them into electrical signals.

[0017] (27) It is preferable that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extending direction of the grip. (28) It is preferable that the mounting member be formed in a film shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip. (29) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration.

[0018] (30) It is preferable that the head has a hollow head cavity therein which communicates with the shaft cavity, and is provided with an auxiliary vibration transmission member disposed inside the head cavity for transmitting vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member, the auxiliary vibration transmission member being configured to contain a magnetic material, and a second pickup being disposed adjacent to the auxiliary vibration transmission member for detecting vibrations transmitted by the auxiliary vibration transmission member and converting them into electrical signals.

[0019] (31) It is preferable that a first amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal detected by the first pickup is provided inside or outside the golf club. (32) It is preferable that a second amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal detected by the second pickup is provided inside or outside the golf club.

[0020] (33) The disclosed golf club includes a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, and further includes an insert provided on the striking surface and consisting of a planar vibration member formed in a plane that vibrates upon impact with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball.

[0021] (34) It is preferable that the planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape on the inside of the frame. (35) It is preferable that the string contains at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers. (36) It is preferable that the planar vibration member has a film member attached to the striking surface.

[0022] (37) It is preferable that the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film. (38) It is preferable that the planar vibration member is detachably provided on the head. (39) It is preferable that the head has a hollow head cavity. (40) It is preferable that the head has an internal head wire that is stretched inside the head cavity and is connected to the planar vibration member via a connecting wire.

[0023] (41) It is preferable that the shaft has a hollow shaft cavity formed therein. (42) It is preferable that the head has a wire in the shaft that is stretched inside the hollow portion of the shaft and is connected to the wire in the head. (43) It is preferable that the wire in the shaft is tensioned so as to connect the grip and the wire in the head, and transmits vibrations of the planar vibration member to the grip.

[0024] (44) The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, a shaft formed in an axial shape, a hosel connecting one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft to be held by a user, and a fin or plate member between the head and the hosel. (45) The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, a shaft formed in an axial shape, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft to be held by a user, and further comprises a fin or plate member between the head and one end of the shaft.

[0025] (46) It is preferable that the fin or plate member has a top surface on which an illumination member is disposed in a planar or chain-like manner. (47) It is preferable that a fin is provided on an upper surface of the head. (48) It is preferable that the fin has a top surface on which an illumination member is disposed in a planar or chain-like manner.

[0026] (49) It is preferable that an electric display member is provided on the upper surface of the head. (50) It is preferable that the display member is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying, in response to an external instruction, at least one piece of information among the launch direction of the golf ball and impact data when the golf ball hits the striking surface. (51) It is preferable to provide a controller having a rhythm box function for informing the player of the rhythm when the golf ball is hit, and a speaker for outputting one of a rhythmic sound and a synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller. (52) It is preferable that an adapter suited to the physique and hitting form of the user be removably attached to the underside of the head.

[0027] (53) The disclosed insert for a golf club is an insert that is removably attached to a striking surface of a golf club having a shaft, a head having a striking surface for a golf ball attached to one end of the shaft, and a grip attached to the other end of the shaft, and has a surface vibration member formed in a planar shape that vibrates upon impact with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball. (54) It is preferable that the planar vibration member of this insert has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape on the inside of the frame.

[0028] (55) It is preferable that the string of the insert contains at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers. (56) It is preferable that the surface vibration member of this insert has a film member attached to the striking surface. (57) It is preferable that the film member of this insert includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film. (58) It is preferable that the surface vibration member of the insert is configured as a vibration member having a gong structure provided on the head by a hanging structure. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the disclosed golf club, by providing the hosel integrally between the head and shaft in a non-replaceable manner, vibrations generated in the head when hitting a golf ball can be efficiently transmitted to the shaft, improving the feel of the hit.

[0030] In addition, according to the disclosed golf club, even without providing a hosel, by incorporating various innovations into the golf club, the vibrations generated in the head when hitting a golf ball can be efficiently transmitted to the shaft, improving the feel of the hit.

[0031] In addition, according to the disclosed golf club insert, by providing the insert on the head striking surface of a golf club that does not have a hosel, the vibrations generated in the head when striking can be efficiently transmitted to the shaft, improving the feel of the hit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating a golf club as a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1(A) to 1(C) are perspective views illustrating types of golf club heads according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 6(A) to 6(F) are perspective views illustrating modified examples of the hosel of the golf club according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 13(A) to 13(D) are perspective views illustrating modified examples of the hosel of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13(A) to 13(E) are side views illustrating modified examples of the hosel of the golf club according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views illustrating an internal structure of a golf club according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 13(A) and 13(B) are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 13(A) and 13(B) are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 13(A) and 13(B) are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 13(A) and 13(B) are perspective views for explaining modified examples of the golf club head according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 13(A) to 13(E) are perspective views illustrating modified examples of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 17] 13(A) to 13(H) are top views for explaining modified examples of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 18] 13(A) and 13(B) are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. [Figure 19] 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a golf club as a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club according to a third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a net member of a golf club according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club as a third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a golf club as a fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] 13(A) and 13(B) are perspective views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fourth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a golf club as a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a processing block diagram applied to a golf club as a fifth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 13(A) is a partial perspective view showing a golf club as a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13(B) is a partial perspective view showing a modified example of the golf club as the sixth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a processing block diagram applied to a golf club as a sixth embodiment. [Figure 39] 13(A) and 13(B) are side views for explaining golf clubs as modifications of the first to sixth embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] [I. Description of the First Embodiment] [1.Basic structure] Fig. 1(A) is a perspective view illustrating a golf club 1 (putter) according to a first embodiment. This golf club 1 includes a head 3, a hosel 4, a shaft 5, and a grip 6. A striking surface 2 (face) for striking a golf ball is provided on the side of the head 3. As shown in Fig. 1(B), the hosel 4 and the head 3 may be provided so as to be flush with the striking surface 2 (to form the same plane). In the following examples of various ways of providing the hosel 4 and the head 3, it goes without saying that the hosel 4 and the head 3 may also be provided so as to be flush with the striking surface 2 as shown in Fig. 1(B). Figures 2(A) to (C) are perspective views illustrating types of putter heads 3. The shape of the head 3 may be a pin type as shown in Figure 2(A), a mallet type as shown in Figure 2(B), or a neo-mallet type as shown in Figure 2(C).

[0034] The shaft 5 is formed in an axial shape (long, thin rod shape), and one end (the lower end in FIG. 1) of the shaft 5 is connected to the head 3 via a hosel 4. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft 5 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. A grip 6, which is held by the user, is provided at the other end (the upper end in FIG. 1) of the shaft 5. Like the shaft 5, the cross-sectional shape of the grip 6 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0035] The hosel 4 extends in a plane direction parallel to the striking surface 2 and is formed in a plate shape having a certain thickness. The hosel 4 is formed integrally with the head 3 and the shaft 5 in a state where it cannot be replaced, for example. The shaft 5 may be connected to an end face of the hosel 4 as shown in FIG. 3(A), or may be connected to the plate surface of the hosel 4 as shown in FIG. 3(B). The thickness of the hosel 4 (dimension in the plate thickness direction) can be set independently of the thickness of the shaft 5. When the shaft 5 is thicker than the thickness of the hosel 4, the cross-sectional area of ​​the lower end of the shaft 5 may be reduced as shown in FIG. 3(C).

[0036] The width of the hosel 4 as viewed from the front can also be set independently of the thickness of the shaft 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(D), the width of the hosel 4 may be set to be approximately the same as the thickness of the shaft 5. Alternatively, the hosel 4 may be formed in a shape in which the width is smaller only at the upper end connected to the shaft 5. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(E), the width of the upper end of the hosel 4 may be set to be approximately the same as the thickness of the shaft 5. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3(F), the upper end of the hosel 4 may be made thinner than the shaft 5.

[0037] The direction of the hosel 4 fixed to the head 3 is set so as to extend in a planar direction parallel to the striking surface 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the hosel 4 may be disposed parallel to the striking surface 2. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the flat hosel 4 may be disposed tilted at an angle (for example, with the upper part tilted toward the striking surface 2). In addition, the shape of the lower end of the shaft 5 fixed to the hosel 4 may be crank-shaped, straight, or bent (curved) as shown in FIG. 4(A).

[0038] The shape of the hosel 4 may be formed into a flat plate or a curved plate. When the hosel 4 is formed into a flat plate, it may be formed into a rectangular plate or a polygonal (triangular or pentagonal) plate as shown in FIG. 4(A). When the hosel 4 is formed into a curved plate, it may be curved so that the side closer to the striking surface 2 is on the inside in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface 2, as shown in FIG. 4(C), or it may be curved so that the side closer to the striking surface 2 is on the outside. An example of a side view of the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 4(C) is shown in FIG. 5(A).

[0039] The hosel 4 may be formed in a flat irregular quadrilateral shape. Fig. 4(D) and Fig. 5(B) are diagrams showing the hosel 4 formed in a flat irregular quadrilateral shape imitating the side shape of a horseshoe. The irregular quadrilateral shape of the hosel 4 shown in Fig. 5(B) has a lower side 51 in contact with the upper surface of the head 3, a first side side 52, a second side side 53, and an upper side 54 that is not parallel to the lower side 51. The first side side 52 is formed to form an angle A with the lower side 51 that is 40 degrees or more and less than 50 degrees. The second side side 53 is formed to form an angle B with the lower side 51 that is 120 degrees or more and less than 130 degrees.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5C, the shaft 5 may have built-in telescopic mechanisms 55 and 56. One telescopic mechanism 55 is a mechanism that can expand and contract in the extension direction of the shaft 5 (the vertical direction in the figure) and is a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the head 3 with the grip 6 as a reference. Similarly, the other telescopic mechanism 56 is a mechanism that can expand and contract in a direction perpendicular to the telescopic mechanism 55 (the horizontal direction in the figure) and is a mechanism for adjusting the horizontal position of the head 3. Also, the hosel 4 may have built-in telescopic mechanism 57. The telescopic mechanism 57 is a mechanism that can expand and contract in the vertical direction in the figure and is a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the head 3.

[0041] Furthermore, a slide mechanism 58 may be built into the connection portion between the hosel 4 and the head 3. The slide mechanism 58 is a mechanism for adjusting the horizontal position of the hosel 4 relative to the head 3 (or the horizontal position of the head 3 relative to the hosel 4). The sliding direction by the slide mechanism 58 may be the left-right direction in the figure, or may be a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Of course, as described above, the positions of the hosel 4 and the head 3 can be adjusted so as to be flush with the striking surface 2 as shown in FIG. 5(D). Also, the positions of the hosel 4 and the head 3 can be adjusted so as to be flush with the surface 2' opposite the striking surface 2 (this surface 2' can also be the striking surface 2) as shown in FIG. 5(E). Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the surface opposite the striking surface 2 can also be used as the striking surface.

[0042] As described above, by extending the flat hosel 4 with a constant thickness parallel to the striking surface 2, the vibration of the striking surface 2 is converted into the surface vibration (membrane vibration) of the hosel 4. This allows the vibration to be efficiently transmitted to the shaft 5 and grip 6, allowing the user to feel accurate and delicate vibration. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0043] The head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6 may be integrally formed. The grip 6 may be formed separately from the other members 3 to 5. Figs. 6(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 are integrally formed. Such a golf club 1 may be formed, for example, by casting, or may be formed by seamlessly joining the individual parts formed separately by welding or fusion. In other words, the hosel 4 may be formed integrally with the head 3 and shaft 5 in a non-replaceable state.

[0044] The head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6 may each be hollow (having a cavity therein) or solid (having no cavity therein). FIGS. 7(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 are hollow. Here, the hosel 4 has a hosel cavity 8 (first cavity) formed therein. Similarly, the shaft 5 has a shaft cavity 9 (second cavity) formed therein, and the head 3 has a head cavity 7 (fourth cavity) formed therein. Each of the head cavity 7 and the shaft cavity 9 communicates with the hosel cavity 8.

[0045] 8(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the inside of the hosel 4 is formed to be hollow and the insides of the head 3 and shaft 5 are formed to be solid. Also, Figs. 9(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the insides of the hosel 4 and shaft 5 are formed to be hollow and the inside of the head 3 is formed to be solid. The cavity may be formed in any of the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6.

[0046] By providing a cavity inside the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, grip 6, etc., the vibration of the striking surface 2 is converted into the vibration of the air inside the cavity. This allows the vibration of the striking surface 2 to be transmitted to the user not only as a physical vibration but also as sound. In other words, the user can confirm the vibration of the striking surface as sound, and the hitting feeling can be improved. In addition, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 7(B), 8(B), and 9(B), an opening 11 may be formed that communicates the internal space of the hosel cavity 8 with the outside of the hosel 4, or a head opening 12 may be formed that communicates the internal space of the head 3 with the outside. This makes it possible to increase the sound that reaches the user's ears, and further improve the hitting feeling. The opening 11 and the head opening 12 may be located on the side where the striking surface 2 is formed (front side), on the opposite side (rear side), or on the side. Note that only one of the openings 11 and 12 may be provided, or the openings 11 and 12 may not be present (the openings 11 and 12 may not be formed).

[0047] [2. Vibration transmission components] A vibration transmission member 20 may be built into the golf club 1. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal structure of a golf club 1 with a vibration transmission member 20 built in. Inside the golf club 1, not only a hosel cavity 8 and a shaft cavity 9 but also a grip cavity 10 is provided. The grip cavity 10 is a hollow (third hollow portion) formed inside the grip 6 and communicates with the shaft cavity 9. The upper end of the grip 6 is closed by a grip upper end plate 21.

[0048] The vibration transmission member 20 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in an elongated shape, and is provided inside the hosel cavity 8, the shaft cavity 9, and the grip cavity 10. Specific examples of the vibration transmission member 20 include wires (e.g., steel wires or piano wires), strings (e.g., strings made by weaving various fibers), rod members (e.g., rod members made of rod-shaped metal or wood), linear elastic members (e.g., linear elastic members made of rubber or resin), and elongated coil springs.

[0049] One end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the lower end in FIG. 10) is fixed to the head 3 via a fixture 22. Meanwhile, the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the upper end in FIG. 10) is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the grip 6 via a grip inner plate 23 and a grip inner fixture 24 (attachment member). As shown in FIG. 10, a mass member 26 that serves as a weight for amplifying vibration may be attached to the vibration transmission member 20. The position of the mass member 26 may be fixed relative to the vibration transmission member 20, or may be movable (the fixed position may be adjustable). In addition, it may be possible to add a mass member 26 according to the user's preference, for example.

[0050] Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the hosel 4 and shaft 5, but also transmitted to the grip 6 via the vibration transmission member 20. In this way, by incorporating the vibration transmission member 20 in the shaft 5, the vibration transmission path can be increased, and the vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0051] The grip inner plate 23 and grip inner fixture 24 (mounting member) provided at the other end (upper end in FIG. 10) of the vibration transmission member 20 may be provided so that their positions in the extension direction of the grip 6 can be adjusted by an electric or manual adjustment mechanism (not shown). This allows the tension of the vibration transmission member 20 to be adjusted, and vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. The grip inner plate 23 may be formed in a membrane shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip 6 (for example, a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grip 6). By forming the grip inner plate 23 in a membrane shape, the grip inner plate 23 can be subjected to planar vibration (membrane vibration), and vibration transmission efficiency can be improved.

[0052] 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a golf club 1 incorporating a vibration transmission member 20 and an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. A head cavity 7 is provided inside the head 3 of this golf club 1, and the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached inside the head cavity 7. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20. Similar to the vibration transmission member 20, specific examples of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 include a wire, a string, a rod member, a linear elastic member, a long coil spring, etc.

[0053] An end of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 at the head tip portion 31 (left side in FIG. 11) is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head tip side fixture 33. Additionally, an end of the head base portion 32 (right side in FIG. 11) is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head base side fixture 34. An intermediate portion of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head inner plate 35 and a head inner fixture 36. Additionally, the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the head inner fixture 36 are fastened together with a fastening portion 37. A hole is drilled in the head inner plate 35, into which the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is loosely inserted. The position of the head inner plate 35 is set, for example, in the vicinity of the striking surface 2.

[0054] One end (lower end in FIG. 11) of the vibration transmission member 20 is fixed to the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 via a connecting metal fitting 27. The other end (upper end in FIG. 11) of the vibration transmission member 20 may be structured as shown in FIG. 10, or may be fixed to the grip upper end plate 21 via a grip upper end side fixture 28. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the middle part of the vibration transmission member 20 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the grip 6 via a grip inner plate 23 and a grip inner fixture 24. In addition, the vibration transmission member 20 and the grip inner fixture 24 are bound together by a binding part 25. The grip inner plate 23 is provided with a hole through which the vibration transmission member 20 is loosely inserted. Two pairs of the grip inner plate 23 and the grip inner fixture 24 are provided.

[0055] Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the hosel 4 and shaft 5, but also transmitted to the grip 6 via the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the vibration transmission member 20. In this way, by incorporating the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 in the head 3, the vibrations transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 can be amplified, and the vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0056] 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal structure of a golf club 1 provided with three pairs of vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30. By providing a plurality of vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 in this way, vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. This provides a good hitting feel to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0057] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a structure for making the position of the other end (upper end in Fig. 13) of the vibration transmission member 20 adjustable in the extending direction of the grip 6. Here, the vibration transmission member 20 is composed of any one of a wire, a string, a linear elastic member, and a long coil spring. A motor 43 and a winding device 44 are provided at the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. A pinion 42 is rotatably attached to the motor 43.

[0058] Furthermore, a rack 41 meshing with a pinion 42 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the grip hollow portion 10. The pinion 42 is urged upward against the rack 41 by a urging member (e.g., a spring or rubber) not shown. The pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41 by rotating the motor 43 and winding up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 with a winding device 44. Furthermore, the pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41 by unwinding the motor 43. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration is transmitted can be easily adjusted in the extension direction of the grip 6, and the vibration can be transmitted to the grip 6 efficiently.

[0059] In addition, instead of the motor 43, a manually operated winding device 44 may be used. The winding device 44 may be provided so as to be rotated from the outside using a tool such as a Phillips head screwdriver or a flat head screwdriver. In this case, the pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41 by manually rotating the winding device 44 to wind up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. Also, the pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41 by rewinding the winding device 44 in the reverse direction. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration is transmitted can be easily adjusted manually in the extension direction of the grip 6, and the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6.

[0060] [3. Head] 14(A) and (B) are perspective views for explaining modified examples of the head 3. As shown in these figures, the head 3 may have a built-in weight member 61 for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head 3. In this case, the position of the center of gravity may be changed by making the attachment state (position and angle) of the weight member 61 adjustable. In addition, the attachment state of the weight member 61 may be manually adjustable by the user, or a weight motor 62 (drive source) for moving the weight member 61 may be provided.

[0061] 14(A) is a perspective view showing two sets of weight members 61 and a weight motor 62 built into the upper surface of the head 3. The weight members 61 are made of a material with a density different from that of the material constituting the head 3, and are provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the upper surface of the head 3. The weight motor 62 moves the weight members 61 in the rotational direction along the inner peripheral surface of the recess, thereby changing the position of each weight member 61. With this configuration, the position of the weight members 61 can be easily changed to move the center of gravity of the head 3, providing a good hitting feel.

[0062] 14(B) is a perspective view showing weight members 61 provided inside linear recesses recessed into the top surface of the head 3. The weight motor 62 changes the position of each weight member 61 by sliding the weight members 61 along the inner peripheral surface of the recesses. Even with this configuration, the position of the weight members 61 can be easily changed to move the center of gravity of the head 3, providing a good hitting feel.

[0063] [4. Effects] (1) The golf club 1 of the present invention comprises a head 3, a shaft 5, a hosel 4, and a grip 6. The head 3 has a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball. The shaft 5 is formed in an axial shape. The hosel 4 connects one end of the shaft 5 to the head 3 integrally in a non-replaceable manner. The grip 6 is provided on the other end of the shaft 5 and is held by a user. By forming the hosel 4 integrally with the head 3 and the shaft 5 in this manner and in a non-replaceable manner, it is possible to suppress attenuation of vibrations passing through the hosel 4, and to efficiently transmit the vibrations to the grip 6. This further improves the feel of the impact.

[0064] (2) The hosel 4 is formed in a plate shape having a constant thickness and extending in a planar direction parallel to the striking surface 2. By extending the planar hosel 4 with a constant thickness parallel to the striking surface 2 in this manner, the vibration of the striking surface 2 is converted into planar vibration (membrane vibration) of the hosel 4. This allows the vibration to be efficiently transmitted to the shaft 5 and grip 6, allowing the user to feel accurate and delicate vibration. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0065] (3) The hosel 4 of the present invention can be formed into a rectangular flat plate shape, for example, as shown in Figures 2(A) to (C), 3(A) to (F), and 4(A) to (B). By forming the hosel 4 into a rectangular flat plate shape in this way, it is possible to improve the vibration transmission efficiency with a simple configuration. Therefore, the hitting feeling can be further improved.

[0066] (4) The hosel 4 of the present invention can be formed into a bent plate shape, for example as shown in Figures 4(C) and 5(A), so that the side closer to the striking surface 2 is on the inside in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the striking surface 2. This shape improves the vibration transmission efficiency while allowing the connection position between the shaft 5 and the hosel 4 to be closer to the striking surface when viewed from above. This makes it possible to provide a good hitting feel. It is also possible to position the golf ball on an extension of the shaft 5 when it contacts the striking surface 2.

[0067] The hosel 4 of the present invention may be formed in a planar shape of a trapezoid imitating the side shape of a horseshoe, as shown in Fig. 4(D) and Fig. 5(B), for example. This trapezoid has a lower side 51 in contact with the upper surface of the head 3, a first side 52 that forms an angle of 40 degrees or more and less than 50 degrees with the lower side 51, a second side 53 that forms an angle of 120 degrees or more and less than 130 degrees with the lower side 51, and an upper side 54 that connects the first side 52 and the second side 53 and is not parallel to the lower side 51. In this way, by adopting a planar shape of a trapezoid imitating the side shape of a horseshoe as the shape of the hosel 4, it is possible to provide a good hitting feel while ensuring the strength and rigidity of the hosel 4.

[0068] (5) The hosel 4 of the present invention may have a hosel hollow portion 8 (first hollow portion) formed therein, as shown in, for example, Figs. 7 to 9. By forming such a hosel hollow portion 8 inside the hosel 4, sound can be generated in the hosel hollow portion 8. This allows the user to confirm the vibration of the striking surface 2 as sound, and the hitting feel can be further improved. In addition, by forming an opening 11 for transmitting the reverberation sound of the hosel hollow portion 8 to the outside of the hosel 4, the sound heard by the user can be increased, further improving the hitting feel and allowing the hitting sound to be fully confirmed.

[0069] (6) The shaft 5 of the present invention may have a hollow shaft cavity 9 (second cavity) formed therein and communicating with the hosel cavity 8 (first cavity), as shown in, for example, Figures 7 and 9. By forming such a shaft cavity 9 inside the shaft 5, vibrations can also be reverberated in the shaft cavity 9, and the sound heard by the user can be amplified. This can further improve the feel and sound of the impact.

[0070] (7) The grip 6 of the present invention may have a grip cavity 10 (third cavity) formed in a hollow space communicating with the shaft cavity 9 (second cavity) as shown in, for example, Figures 10 to 13. By forming such a grip cavity 10 in the grip 6, the grip cavity 10 can also resonate vibrations, and the sound heard by the user can be amplified. This can further improve the feel and sound of the impact.

[0071] (8) The grip 6 of the present invention can be formed integrally with the shaft 5, for example, as shown in Figs. 10 to 13. If the shaft 5 and the grip 6 were separate members, vibrations would be attenuated as they passed through the joint between them, and the vibrations transmitted to the grip 6 would be reduced. To address this issue, the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are formed integrally, which allows the vibrations to be transmitted to the grip 6 efficiently. This further improves the feel of the impact.

[0072] (9) As shown in FIG. 10, for example, the golf club 1 of the present invention may be provided with a vibration transmission member 20 that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in an elongated shape, one end of which is fixed to the head 3, and is built into the shaft hollow portion 9 (second hollow portion) and the grip hollow portion 10 (third hollow portion). In addition, a grip inner plate 23 and a grip inner fixing member 24 (mounting member) that connect the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 to the grip 6 may be applied inside the grip hollow portion 10 (third hollow portion). In this way, by building the vibration transmission member 20 into the shaft 5 and the grip 6, the vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation, and the hitting feeling can be further improved.

[0073] (10) For example, as shown in Fig. 13, an attachment member (pinion 42, motor 43, and winding device 44 in Fig. 13 or a manually operated winding device 44) that connects the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 to the grip 6 may be provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extension direction of the grip 6. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration of the vibration transmission member 20 is transmitted can be adjusted, and the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. This can further improve the hitting feel. 10 may be provided so that the position of the grip inner plate 23 and the grip inner fixture 24 (mounting member) in the extension direction of the grip 6 can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (not shown). This makes it possible to adjust the tension of the vibration transmission member 20, and the vibration can be transmitted to the grip 6 efficiently.

[0074] (11) The vibration transmission member 20 of the present invention can be formed of any one of a wire, a string, a rod member, and a linear elastic member. This allows the vibration transmission member 20 to be realized with a simple configuration, and the vibration transmission efficiency can be easily improved. Therefore, the hitting feeling can be further improved.

[0075] (12) In addition, the grip inner plate 23 (attachment member) of the present invention can be formed in a membrane shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip 6. By forming the grip inner plate 23 (attachment member) in a membrane shape, it is possible to cause planar vibration (membrane vibration), thereby improving the vibration transmission efficiency. Therefore, the hitting feeling can be further improved.

[0076] (13) As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, a mass member 26 that acts as a weight for amplifying vibration may be attached to the vibration transmission member 20 of the present invention. By providing the mass member 26, the vibration of the vibration transmission member 20 can be easily amplified, or the damping of the vibration can be suppressed, thereby improving the vibration transmission efficiency. Therefore, the hitting feeling can be further improved.

[0077] (14) The head 3 of the present invention may have a head cavity 7 (fourth cavity) formed in a hollow space that communicates with the hosel cavity 8 (first cavity). By forming such a head cavity 7 inside the head 3, the head cavity 7 can also resonate vibrations, and the sound heard by the user can be amplified. This can further improve the hitting feel.

[0078] (15) For example, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the golf club 1 of the present invention may be provided with an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is provided inside the head cavity 7 (fourth cavity). By incorporating the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 in the head 3 in this manner, vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 without attenuation, further improving the feel of the hit.

[0079] (16) As shown in Figures 14(A) and (B), a weight member 61 for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head 3 can be applied to the head 3 of the present invention. By changing the mounting position and mounting angle of such weight member 61, the center of gravity of the head 3 can be easily moved, and a good hitting feel can be provided.

[0080] (17) As shown in FIG. 14(A), a weight motor 62 may be provided as a drive source for moving the weight member 61. In this case, the weight member 61 is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the upper surface of the head 3, for example. The weight motor 62 drives and rotates the weight member 61 along the inner peripheral surface of the recess. With this configuration, the center of gravity of the head 3 can be easily adjusted using the weight motor 62. This can further improve the hitting feel.

[0081] [5. Modifications] The above-mentioned examples according to the first embodiment are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified in these examples. Each configuration of the examples according to the first embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, they can be selected as necessary, or can be combined appropriately.

[0082] For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a vibration sensor 81 that detects vibrations occurring on the striking surface 2 may be built into the hosel 4. The vibration sensor 81 may be attached to the outer surface of the hosel 4 or may be built into it. If a hosel cavity 8 is formed inside the hosel 4, the vibration sensor 81 may be disposed inside the cavity. By detecting vibrations with the vibration sensor 81, the magnitude and waveform of vibrations in the vicinity of the vibration source (striking surface 2) can be objectively captured, and the hitting feel can be further improved. In addition, the magnitude and waveform of vibrations can be analyzed, and the analytical results can be utilized to improve the effectiveness of golf practice. Information detected by the vibration sensor 81 may be transmitted to a computer (not shown), for example, via a wireless or wired connection.

[0083] Also, a vibration device 82 that vibrates based on information on vibrations detected by the vibration sensor 81 may be built into the grip 6. If a grip cavity 10 is formed inside the grip 6, the vibration device 82 may be disposed inside the grip. The vibration device 82 may function to directly amplify and output the vibrations detected by the vibration sensor 81, for example. By amplifying the vibrations with the vibration device 82, it is possible to increase the vibrations that are actually transmitted to the user, further improving the feel of the hit.

[0084] Also, a speaker 82A that emits a sound based on information on the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 81 may be built into the grip 6. If a grip cavity 10 is formed inside the grip 6, a speaker 82A including an amplifier may be disposed inside the grip. The speaker 82A may function to amplify and output the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 81 as sound, for example. In this way, when a golf ball is hit with one of the striking surfaces of the golf club, the vibration at that time is detected by the vibration sensor 81 and can be heard as sound from the speaker 82A. At this time, the hollow shaft 5 functions as a speaker box, amplifying and outputting the sound related to the vibration. As a result, the golf club 1 can function as a kind of electronic musical instrument. Of course, both the vibration device 82 and the speaker 82A may be attached to the grip 6.

[0085] 16(A) and 16(B), thin plate-like fins 13 may be provided upright on the top surface of the head 3. The fins 13 are thin plate-like or hollow plate-like parts that function to amplify vibrations generated in the head 3 or the hosel 4. The number of fins 13 may be set appropriately according to the size of the head 3 or the hosel 4, and may be one or more. The fins 13 may be arranged on the side closer to the striking surface 2 or on the side farther from the striking surface 2 based on the position of the hosel 4 to which the shaft 5 is connected.

[0086] As shown in Figures 16(A) and (B), the height of the fin 13 may be set to be the same (or approximately the same) as that of the hosel 4. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 16(C), (D), and (E), the height of the fin 13 may be made different from that of the hosel 4, and may be set to, for example, about half that of the hosel 4. In this manner, the size relationship (thickness, height, depth) between the hosel 4 and the fin 13 can be appropriately set. Furthermore, the fin 13 disposed near the hosel 4 may be formed integrally with the hosel 4 or may be formed separately.

[0087] Also, an illumination member 13B including, for example, an LED or a fluorescent material may be disposed on the top surface 13A of the fin 13. Alternatively, an illumination member 4B similar to the illumination member 13B may be disposed on the top surface 4A of the hosel 4. The illumination members 4B, 13B may be, for example, one or more, and may be disposed in a planar shape, or in a row or chain shape. In this way, the trajectory of the head 3 can be sufficiently confirmed even during practice in the dark. The illumination member 4B may be omitted.

[0088] As the shape of the fin 13, a curved shape (crescent shape) in top view as shown in Figs. 17(A), (B), and (C) or a wave shape in top view as shown in Figs. 17(D), (E), and (F) can be used. Of course, the shape of the fin 13 can be a combination of curved and wave shapes, and other shapes in top view can also be used. When using such a shape of the fin 13, the hosel 4 can also be curved or wave shape at the same time. By using a curved or wave shape in top view, a fluctuation effect is generated, giving the user a sense of balance.

[0089] 17(G) and (H), the longitudinal direction of the head 3 may be formed so as to coincide with the swing direction of the head 3 (see the solid or dashed arrow) when viewed from above, and a U-shaped fin 13 may be provided on the upper surface of the head 3. The number of fins 13 may be one or more. It is preferable that the orientation of the fin 13 is set so that the U-shape opens toward the striking surface 2 when viewed from above. The positions of the hosel 4 and the head 3 may be flush with the striking surface 2 as shown in FIGS. 17(C), (F), and (H).

[0090] 18(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the internal structure of the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 16(A). By providing fins 13 on the upper surface of the head 3, vibrations can be easily amplified. Furthermore, when multiple fins 13 (these fins 13 may be linear, curved, or wavy in top view), the vibrations can resonate between them and be further amplified. Therefore, a structure can be provided that provides the user with a good hitting feel and sound, and has the same effect as the above embodiment.

[0091] [II. Description of the Second Embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it relates to a golf club 1 that does not have a hosel 4. In the golf club 1 of the second embodiment, the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are formed to be hollow, and a vibration transmission member 20 is provided in these hollow portions.

[0092] That is, the vibration transmission member 20 is built into the golf club 1 that does not have a hosel 4. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the golf club 1 with the vibration transmission member 20 built in. Inside this golf club 1, not only a shaft hollow portion 9 (second hollow portion) but also a grip hollow portion 10 (third hollow portion) is provided. The grip hollow portion 10 is a hollow portion formed inside the grip 6 and communicates with the shaft hollow portion 9. The upper end of the grip 6 is closed by a grip upper end plate 21.

[0093] The vibration transmission member 20 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in a long shape, and is provided inside the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10. Specific examples of the vibration transmission member 20 include wires (e.g., steel wires or piano wires), strings (e.g., strings made by weaving various types of fibers), rod members (e.g., rod members made of rod-shaped metal or wood), linear elastic members (e.g., linear elastic members made of rubber or resin), and long coil springs.

[0094] One end of the vibration transmission member 20 (lower end in FIG. 19) is fixed to the head 3 via a fixture 22. Meanwhile, the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 (upper end in FIG. 19) is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the grip 6 via a grip inner plate 23 and a grip inner fixture 24 (attachment member). As shown in FIG. 19, a mass member 26 serving as a weight for amplifying vibration may be attached to the vibration transmission member 20. The position of the mass member 26 may be fixed relative to the vibration transmission member 20, or may be movable (the fixed position may be adjustable). In addition, the mass member 26 may be added, changed, or replaced according to the user's preference, for example.

[0095] Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the shaft 5, but also transmitted to the grip 6 via the vibration transmission member 20. In this way, by incorporating the vibration transmission member 20 in the shaft 5, the vibration transmission path can be increased, and the vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0096] The grip inner plate 23 and grip inner fixture 24 (mounting member) provided at the other end (upper end in FIG. 19) of the vibration transmission member 20 may be provided so that their positions in the extension direction of the grip 6 can be adjusted by an electric or manual adjustment mechanism (not shown). This allows the tension of the vibration transmission member 20 to be adjusted, and vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. The grip inner plate 23 may also be formed in a membrane shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip 6 (for example, a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grip 6). By forming the grip inner plate 23 in a membrane shape, the grip inner plate 23 can be subjected to planar vibration (membrane vibration), and vibration transmission efficiency can be improved.

[0097] 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a golf club 1 incorporating a vibration transmission member 20 and an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. A head cavity 7 (fourth cavity) is provided inside the head 3 of this golf club 1, and the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached inside the head cavity 7. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20. Similar to the vibration transmission member 20, specific examples of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 include a wire, a string, a rod member, a linear elastic member, and a long coil spring.

[0098] An end of the head tip portion 31 (left side in FIG. 20) of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head tip side fixture 33. Additionally, an end of the head base portion 32 (right side in FIG. 20) is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head base side fixture 34. An intermediate portion of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head inner plate 35 and a head inner fixture 36. Additionally, the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the head inner fixture 36 are fastened together with a fastening portion 37. A hole is drilled in the head inner plate 35, into which the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is loosely inserted. The position of the head inner plate 35 is set, for example, in the vicinity of the striking surface 2.

[0099] One end (lower end in FIG. 20) of the vibration transmission member 20 is fixed to the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 via a connecting metal fitting 27. The other end (upper end in FIG. 20) of the vibration transmission member 20 may have a structure as shown in FIG. 19 or as shown in FIG. 20, and may be fixed to the grip upper end plate 21 via a grip upper end side fixture 28. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the middle part of the vibration transmission member 20 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the grip 6 via a grip inner plate 23 and a grip inner fixture 24. In addition, the vibration transmission member 20 and the grip inner fixture 24 are bound by a binding part 25. The grip inner plate 23 is provided with a hole through which the vibration transmission member 20 is loosely inserted. Two pairs of the grip inner plate 23 and the grip inner fixture 24 are provided.

[0100] Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the shaft 5, but also transmitted to the grip 6 via the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the vibration transmission member 20. In this way, by incorporating the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 in the head 3, the vibrations transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 can be amplified, and the vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0101] 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal structure of a golf club 1 provided with three pairs of vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30. By providing a plurality of vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 in this way, vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. This provides a good hitting feel to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

[0102] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example for making the position of the other end (upper end in Fig. 22) of the vibration transmission member 20 adjustable in the extending direction of the grip 6. Here, the vibration transmission member 20 is composed of any one of a wire, a string, and a linear elastic member. A motor 43 and a winding device 44 are provided on the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. A pinion 42 is rotatably attached to the motor 43.

[0103] Furthermore, a rack 41 that meshes with a pinion 42 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the grip hollow portion 10. The pinion 42 is urged upward relative to the rack 41 by a urging member (not shown, for example, a spring or rubber). By rotating the motor 43 and winding up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 with a winding device 44, the pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41. By rewinding the motor 43, the pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41.

[0104] In addition, instead of the motor 43, a manually operated winding device 44 may be used. The winding device 44 may be provided so as to be rotated from the outside using a tool such as a Phillips head screwdriver or a flat head screwdriver. In this case, the pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41 by manually rotating the winding device 44 to wind up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. Also, the pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41 by rewinding the winding device 44 in the reverse direction. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration is transmitted can be easily adjusted manually in the extension direction of the grip 6, and the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6.

[0105] [III. Description of the Third Embodiment] The third embodiment relates to a golf club 1 characterized by an insert provided on the striking surface 2 of the head 3. As shown in FIG.

[0106] A striking surface (face) 2 for striking a golf ball is provided on the side of the head 3. The striking surface 2 is provided with an insert consisting of a planar vibration member 15 formed in a planar shape that vibrates when it collides with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball. This makes it possible to efficiently apply a reaction force to the ball with a small force, thereby increasing the flight distance. The face vibration improves the feel of the impact.

[0107] As shown in Figure 24, the surface vibration member 15 has a net member 16 formed by weaving strings 19 into a net shape inside a frame 18, and a membrane member 17 that covers the entire surface of the net member 16 and is attached to the striking surface 2. This net member 16 has a structure similar to that of a tennis racket, for example. This makes it possible to efficiently apply a reaction force to the ball. It is preferable that each of the net member 16 and the membrane member 17 be individually detachable from the striking surface 2 of the head 3.

[0108] The strings 19 constituting the net member 16 include at least one of natural fibers (gut (cow gut, sheep intestines)), synthetic fibers (nylon fibers, polyester fibers), and elastic fibers (natural rubber fibers, synthetic rubber fibers), and the membrane member 17 includes at least one of metal plates, resin plates, rubber films, and leather films. In this way, the net member can be realized at low cost by reusing existing strings (tennis strings, rubber belts, etc.), and the membrane member can be realized at low cost by reusing existing membrane products (drum membranes, rubber membranes of table tennis rackets, etc.). Furthermore, the net member 16 and the membrane member 17 can be formed integrally to have a structure similar to the hitting surface structure of a table tennis racket, or the net member 16 can be made by stretching the skin of a drum across a frame material. The insert can also be made of metal. In this case, the insert can be formed in a lattice shape like the cover of a grating.

[0109] The insert may have a structure similar to that of a gong, i.e., the striking surface 2 of the insert is made of a raised structure, so that when a golf ball hits the striking surface 2 of this gong structure, a sound similar to that of a gong is produced. If a drum skin is stretched across a frame material as the net member 16, or if the insert striking surface 2 is made into a gong structure, a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the drum skin or the vibration of the gong-structured insert can be provided, for example, inside the golf club head or integral with or in close proximity to the insert, and the vibration of the drum skin or the vibration of the gong-structured insert can be amplified and output as sound from a speaker.

[0110] The surface vibration member 15 is provided detachably to the head 3. This allows the user to remove or attach it according to their preference. The surface vibration member 15 can also be attached to an existing golf club. Similarly to the head cavity 7 in the first embodiment, the head 3 may be provided with a hollow head cavity 7 formed inside. For example, as shown in Figs. 23 and 25, the head cavity 7 may be formed inside the head main body 14, and an opening may be provided on the side of the head cavity 7. The surface vibration member 15 (net member 16, film member 17) is attached so as to cover the opening of the head main body 14. This allows the surface vibration of the surface vibration member 15 to reverberate inside the head cavity 7, improving the hitting feel.

[0111] An internal head wire (auxiliary vibration transmission member) 30 may be attached inside the head cavity 7. The internal head wire 30 is stretched inside the head cavity 7 and connected to the planar vibration member 15 via a connection wire 40. This makes it possible to amplify the planar vibration of the planar vibration member 15 as vibration of the internal head wire 30, improving the feel of the impact.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 25, a shaft hollow portion 9 may be provided by forming the inside of the shaft 5 hollow, similarly to the shaft hollow portion 9 in the first embodiment. With this configuration, the surface vibration can be reverberated inside the shaft hollow portion 9 as well, improving the feel on impact. As shown in FIG. 25, a wire 20 may be provided inside the shaft hollow portion 9. The wire 20 is stretched inside the shaft hollow portion 9 and connected to a wire 30 inside the head. With this configuration, the surface vibration of the surface vibration member 15 can be amplified as vibration of the wire 20 inside the shaft, improving the feel on impact.

[0113] 26, the wire 20 in the shaft may be stretched so as to connect the grip 6 and the wire 30 in the head. In other words, the upper end of the wire 20 in the shaft may be fixed to the inside of the grip 6 so as to transmit the vibration of the planar vibration member 15 to the grip 6. With this configuration, the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip, further improving the feel on impact.

[0114] When hitting a ball with a golf club, if the golf ball hits the striking surface 2 of the insert and hits the sweet spot on the striking surface 2, a chime, gong or buzzer may sound as an electronic sound, or a voice may be used to notify the user, or the tone of the chime, gong or buzzer may be different or the voice may be changed depending on whether the sweet spot is hit or not. In this case, a sensor is provided that detects whether the golf ball has hit the sweet spot, or a sensor is provided that detects whether the golf ball has deviated from the sweet spot, and based on the detection information from this sensor (or these sensors), the chime, gong or buzzer sound is output from a speaker via an amplifier, or as a voice.

[0115] Of course, it is also possible to apply a golf club having an insert head according to this third embodiment to a golf club having a hosel as in the first embodiment. That is, an insert as shown in Figures 23 and 24 can be attached to the head of a golf club with a hosel on the hitting surface. Also, as shown in Figure 25, the inner surface side of the insert can be directly connected to the auxiliary vibration transmission member (wire 30 in the head), and in this way, vibrations in the insert are directly transmitted to the wire 30 in the head, which improves transmission efficiency and contributes to an improvement in the hitting feel.

[0116] [IV. Description of the Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment relates to a golf club 1 having a fin or plate member 86. The golf club 1 shown in Fig. 27 includes a head 3 having a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball, a shaft 5 formed in an axial shape, a hosel 4 connecting one end of the shaft 5 to the head 3, and a grip 6 provided at the other end of the shaft 5 and held by a user. In addition, a fin or plate member 86 is provided between the head 3 and the hosel 4.

[0117] The fin or plate member 86 is a flat member and is fixed so as to connect the head 3 and the hosel 4 in a direction substantially parallel to the striking surface 2. The fin or plate member 86 shown in Fig. 27 is formed in a triangular flat plate shape and is stretched between the top surface of the head 3 and the end surface of the hosel 4. Although Fig. 27 shows only one fin or plate member 86, the number of fins or plate members 86 is not limited, and multiple fins or plate members 86 may be provided.

[0118] The golf club 1 shown in Fig. 28(A) and (B) does not have a hosel 4. That is, these golf clubs 1 include a head 3 having a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball, a shaft 5 formed in an axial shape, and a grip 6 provided at the other end of the shaft 5 and held by a user. The head 3 is connected to one end of the shaft 5. In addition, one (or more) fin or plate member 86 is provided between the head 3 and the shaft 5. With this configuration, the fin or plate member 86 vibrates in a plane when striking a golf ball, improving the hitting feeling, and also reinforcing the attachment strength of the head 3 to the shaft 5 or the hosel 4. As shown in Fig. 27, Fig. 28(A) and (B), an illumination member 86B including an LED or a fluorescent material may be provided on the top surface 86A of the fin or plate member 86. In this way, the trajectory of the head 3 can be sufficiently confirmed even during practice in the dark.

[0119] [V. Description of the Fifth Embodiment] In the fifth embodiment, pickups 20A, 30A (first pickup 20A, second pickup 30A) are built into a golf club 1 equipped with a vibration transmission member 20 and an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 to detect these vibrations. The first pickup 20A is a sensor that detects the vibration of the vibration transmission member 20 and converts it into an electric signal, and is provided in a position close to the vibration transmission member 20. Similarly, the second pickup 30A is a sensor that detects the vibration of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and converts it into an electric signal, and is provided in a position close to the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. These pickups 20A, 30A generate electric signals corresponding to the vibration of the vibration transmission members 20, 30, like an electric guitar, for example.

[0120] The golf club 1 shown in FIG. 29 includes a hosel hollow portion 8, a shaft hollow portion 9, a grip hollow portion 10, a vibration transmission member 20, and a first pickup 20A. The vibration transmission member 20 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in an elongated shape and is provided inside the hosel hollow portion 8, the shaft hollow portion 9, and the grip hollow portion 10. A specific example of the vibration transmission member 20 is a wire (for example, a linear member containing a magnetic material such as a steel wire or a piano wire). The vibration transmission member 20 is attached in the same manner as described in the above embodiment.

[0121] 30 includes a hosel cavity 8, a shaft cavity 9, a grip cavity 10, a vibration transmission member 20, an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30, a first pickup 20A, and a second pickup 30A. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20, and is provided inside the head cavity 7. A specific example of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a wire similar to that of the vibration transmission member 20 (for example, a linear member containing a magnetic material such as a steel wire or piano wire). The vibration transmission members 20, 30 are attached in the same manner as described in the above embodiment.

[0122] The electric signal detected by the first pickup 20A is amplified by an amplifier 90A built into the golf club 1 and transmitted to a speaker 91A, as shown in FIG. 36. The electric signal detected by the second pickup 30A may be amplified by the same amplifier 90A and transmitted to the speaker 91A. Alternatively, the electric signal may be amplified by an amplifier 90B separate from the amplifier 90A, or the amplified electric signal may be transmitted to a speaker 91B separate from the speaker 91A. The speakers 91A and 91B output the input electric signal as sound. As a result, a hitting sound is output from the speakers 91A and 91B. This hitting sound can be adjusted by changing the amplification characteristics of the amplifiers 90A and 90B. If necessary, a filter may be interposed before and after the amplifiers 90A and 90B to remove noise and unnecessary frequency components from the electric signal.

[0123] In the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 29, the vibration generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 is not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the hosel 4 and the shaft 5, but also transmitted to the grip 6 via the vibration transmission member 20. By incorporating the vibration transmission member 20 in the golf club 1, the vibration of the striking surface 2 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation. Therefore, a good hitting feeling can be provided to the user, and the hitting feeling can be improved compared to existing golf clubs. In addition, the vibration of the vibration transmission member 20 is detected by the first pickup 20A, and this vibration is converted into an electric signal, which is amplified by the amplifier 90A and then output as sound from the speaker 91A. As a result, the hitting sound is output together with the above-mentioned hitting feeling, and the synergistic effect thereof can provide the user with a good hitting feeling.

[0124] In the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 30, not only is the vibration transmission member 20 built into the hosel cavity 8 and the shaft cavity 9, but the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is built into the head cavity 7 (fourth cavity). By building the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 into the head 3 in this way, the vibration generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 without attenuation, and the hitting feeling can be further improved. In addition, the vibration of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is detected by the second pickup 30A, and a sound corresponding to this vibration is output from the speakers 91A, 91B. As a result, a hitting sound is output together with the hitting feeling, and the synergistic effect thereof can provide the user with a good hitting feeling.

[0125] In particular, when the vibration transmission member 20 and the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 are provided, the pickups 20A and 30A detect the vibrations transmitted through the vibration transmission member 20 and the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30, and the electric signals resulting from the respective vibrations are amplified by the amplifiers 90A and 90B, appropriately filtered, and emitted as hitting sounds from the speakers 91A and 91B. This provides the user with an even better hitting feeling.

[0126] The speakers 91A, 91B can be shared, and the amplifiers 90A, 90B can also be shared if necessary. As shown in Fig. 31, in a golf club 1 having a plurality of vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30, the pickups 20A, 30A may be provided separately for each vibration transmission member 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission member 30, or may be shared.

[0127] 32, in a golf club 1 that does not have a hosel 4, a first pickup 20A may be provided near the vibration transmission member 20. Also, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 35, in a golf club 1 that does not have a hosel 4, a first pickup 20A may be provided near the vibration transmission member 20 and a second pickup 30A may be provided near the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. Also, as shown in FIG. 34, in a golf club 1 that has a planar vibration member 15, the planar vibration member 15 and a head internal wire 30 (auxiliary vibration transmission member) may be connected by a connection wire 40 and a third pickup 40A may be provided near the connection wire 40. The third pickup 40A is a sensor having the same function as the other pickups 20A and 30A. That is, the electrical signal detected by the third pickup 40A is amplified by an amplifier 90C built into the golf club 1, as shown in FIG. 36, and is transmitted to a speaker 91C. In this case, the speakers 91A to 91C can be shared, and the amplifiers 90A to 90C can also be shared if necessary. As shown in Fig. 34, in a golf club 1 having a plurality of connection wires 40, a pickup 40A may be provided separately for each connection wire 40, or a pickup 40A may be shared.

[0128] These golf clubs 1 also provide the same actions and effects as those described for the golf club 1 having the hosel 4. Of course, in these examples, the speakers 91A-91C can be shared, and the amplifiers 90A-90C can also be shared as necessary. In addition, in those having a plurality of vibration transmission members 20, auxiliary vibration transmission members 30, and connecting wires 40, the pickups 20A, 30A, 40A may be provided separately for each vibration transmission member 20, auxiliary vibration transmission member 30, and connecting wire 40, or may be shared.

[0129] In this embodiment, the amplifiers 90A-90C and the speakers 91A-91C may be replaced by a smartphone or a computer (information terminal, etc.). In this case, the speakers 91A-91C may be in the form of earphones or headphones that are worn by the user's ears. The connection between each of the pickups 20A, 30A, 40A and the amplifiers 90A-90C may be wired or wireless. Similarly, the connection between the amplifiers 90A-90C and the speakers 91A-91C may be wired or wireless.

[0130] [VI. Description of the Sixth Embodiment] In the sixth embodiment, a liquid crystal display 100 is provided on the top surface of the head 3 of the golf club 1 as an electric display member capable of indicating the direction in which the golf ball is to be launched. The liquid crystal display 100 is configured as, for example, a color liquid crystal display and is capable of displaying color images. The liquid crystal display 100 can be applied to a golf club 1 with a hosel 4 as shown in Fig. 37(A), or can be applied to a golf club 1 without a hosel 4 as shown in Fig. 37(B).

[0131] As shown in Fig. 38, the liquid crystal display 100 is connected to an indicator 102 (input device) via a controller 101. When an instruction for display is given by the indicator 102, this instruction is transmitted to the liquid crystal display 100 via the controller 101, and the launch direction of the golf ball is displayed on the liquid crystal display 100. In this embodiment, the other components are almost the same as those in the previously described embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0132] The display on the liquid crystal display 100 may be an arrow indicating the direction in which the golf ball will be launched, or a series of multiple circles. In this case, the circles may be made smaller as they approach the tip indicating the direction. This configuration not only improves the hitting feel, but also allows the liquid crystal display 100 to freely display the direction in which the golf ball will be launched, improving convenience.

[0133] The indicator 102 and the controller 101 can be replaced by a smartphone. In this case, it is preferable to use a wireless line for connecting the controller 101 and the liquid crystal display 100. The instructions input to the indicator 102 may be input by, for example, the user of the golf club 1, an instructor (trainer), or an assistant (caddie).

[0134] In this embodiment, in addition to displaying the direction in which the golf ball is to be hit on the liquid crystal display 100, a rhythm box function that notifies the user of the rhythm at the time of hitting the golf ball can also be installed. In this case, a controller 101 having either a rhythm box function that notifies the user of the rhythm at the time of hitting the golf ball or a synthetic voice generating function, and a speaker 100A that outputs either the rhythm sound or the synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generating function of the controller 101 are provided (see FIG. 38).

[0135] Furthermore, one or more impact sensors 103 can be provided within the head 3, and when a golf ball hits the striking surface 2, the impact data can be detected by the impact sensors 103 and collected by the controller 101. The impact data can then be converted into numerical values, graphs, etc. and displayed on the liquid crystal display 100 (see Figure 38).

[0136] Furthermore, if it is possible to detect the difference in impact data between the sweet spot and other places on the striking surface 2, the impact data when the golf ball hits the sweet spot and when it does not can be displayed as numerical values ​​or graphs on the liquid crystal display 100 via the controller 101. In this case, it is preferable that the numerically converted or graphed impact data is displayed after the launch direction of the golf ball is displayed. Alternatively, the launch direction and the impact data may be displayed alternately at a predetermined cycle.

[0137] [VII.Others] 39(A) and (B) are side views for explaining modified examples of the golf club 1 described in the first to sixth embodiments. One of a plurality of adapters 3A and 3B is detachably attached to the lower surface side of the head 3 of the golf club 1. A plurality of types of these adapters 3A and 3B, which differ, for example, in shape, mass, center of gravity, etc., are prepared. For example, the adapter 3A shown in FIG. 39(B) is used when it is desired to increase the lie angle L more than the adapter 3B shown in FIG. 39(A). Although FIGS. 39(A) and (B) show an example of the golf club 1 without a hosel 4, the presence or absence of the hosel 4 is not important.

[0138] It is assumed that the user of the golf club 1 or an instructor (trainer) will select one of the adapters 3A and 3B and attach it to the underside of the head 3. The adapters 3A and 3B are preferably attached to the underside of the head 3 via an easily detachable locking structure (clip) or fastening structure (screw). By using the adapters 3A and 3B suitable for the physique and hitting form of the user of the golf club 1, it becomes easier to optimize the swing trajectory of the golf club 1, and it becomes possible to improve the effect of practice. The lie angle L refers to the angle of the shaft 5 relative to the horizontal plane when the hitting surface 2 of the head 3 is viewed horizontally from the front, and is the angle on the user's side relative to the shaft 5. As mentioned above, the examples of Figures 39(A) and (B) can be applied to any of the golf clubs described in the first to sixth embodiments, and in that case, it goes without saying that the configuration other than the adapters 3A, 3B and their mounting method is the same as that of each embodiment.

[0139] The vibration sensor 81, vibrating device 82, and speaker 82A described in the first embodiment with reference to Fig. 15 can be applied to any of the second to sixth embodiments. Furthermore, the various vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 shown in the first and second embodiments can of course be applied to the golf clubs of the third, fourth, and sixth embodiments. Furthermore, the insert described in the third embodiment can of course be provided on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 of the first, second, fourth to sixth embodiments.

[0140] Also, like the fourth embodiment, it goes without saying that in the first to third, fifth and sixth embodiments, one or more fins or plate members 86 can be provided between the head 3 and one end of the shaft 5 or the hosel 4. Furthermore, in each of the first to sixth embodiments, a putter is shown as an example of the golf club 1, but the present invention can also be applied to other golf clubs (wood, hybrid, utility, etc.). In each of the first to sixth embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same members. Furthermore, although a battery for a circuit for amplifying the signals detected by the sensor or pickup and outputting them through a speaker is not shown, it may be provided inside or outside the golf club as necessary. When part of the above circuit is used in a smartphone, the battery for the smartphone also serves as the battery for the above circuit.

[0141] A switch SW1 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 36) may be provided in the circuit shown in FIG. 36. The switch SW1 is provided, for example, between the pickups 20A, 30A, 40A and the amplifiers 90A, 90B, 90C, or between the amplifiers 90A, 90B, 90C and the speakers 91A, 91B, 91C. When the switch is on, the sound based on the detection information from the pickups 20A, 30A, 40A or the sensor is amplified by the amplifiers 90A, 90B, 90C and output from the speakers 91A, 91B, 91C. On the other hand, when the switch is off, such sound is not output. The on / off state of the switch SW1 can be appropriately selected by the user. For example, the switch SW1 is located so as to be operable from the outer surface of the golf club 1. Alternatively, the switch SW1 is used, which can be switched on / off by wireless communication.

[0142] In addition, a change-over switch SW2 is inserted in the circuit shown in FIG. 38. When the switch SW2 is switched to connect to the liquid crystal display 100, the liquid crystal display 100 displays the hitting direction and quantified and graphed impact data. When the switch SW2 is switched to connect to the speaker 100A, the speaker 100A outputs either a rhythmic sound or a synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller 101. When the switch SW2 is switched to connect to both the liquid crystal display 100 and the speaker 100A, the liquid crystal display 100 displays the hitting direction and quantified and graphed impact data, and the speaker 100A outputs either a rhythmic sound or a synthetic voice.

[0143] Of course, when switch SW2 is set to the so-called off state, which means that neither liquid crystal display 100 nor speaker 100A is connected, no display is produced on liquid crystal display 100 and no rhythmic sound or synthesized voice is output from speaker 100A. In FIG. 38, when only the liquid crystal display 100 is provided, the switch SW2 may be an on-off switch. Furthermore, the golf club 1 can be manufactured using a variety of techniques in addition to or in place of the usual golf club manufacturing techniques. For example, the part can be manufactured using a 3D printer, a seamless welding method, a casting method, or an appropriate combination of these methods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1. Golf club (putter) 2,2′ Striking surface (face) 3 Head 3A,3B Adapter 4 Hosel 4A Top surface 4B Lighting components 5 Shaft 6 Grip 7 Head cavity (fourth cavity) 8 Hosel cavity (first cavity) 9 Shaft cavity (second cavity) 10 Grip cavity (third cavity) 11 Opening 12 Head opening 13. Finn 13A Top surface 13B Lighting components 14 Head body 15-plane vibration member 16 Net material 17 Membrane members 18 Frames 19 String 20 Vibration transmission member (wire inside shaft) 20A 1st Pickup 21 Grip top plate 22 Fixtures 23 Grip inner plate (mounting part) 24 Grip internal fixing device (mounting part) 25 Binding section 26 Mass members 27 Connection fittings 28 Grip upper end fixing device 30 Auxiliary vibration transmission member (wire inside head) 30A 2nd Pickup 31 Head tip 32 Head base end 33 Head tip fixing device 34 Head base end fixing device 35 Head inner plate 36 Head internal fixture 37 Binding section 40 Connecting Wires 40A 3rd Pickup 41 Rack 42 Pinion 43 Motor 44 Winding device (mounting member) 51 Bottom 52 First side 53 Second side 54 Top 55 Telescopic mechanism 56 Telescopic mechanism 57 Telescopic mechanism 58 Slide mechanism 61 Weight member 62 Weight motor (drive source) 81 Vibration Sensor 82 Vibration device 82A Speaker 86 Fins or plate members 86A Top 86B Lighting components 90A, 90B, 90C Amplifiers 91A, 91B, 90C Speakers 100 LCD display 100A speaker 101 Controller 102 Indicator 103 Shock Sensor SW1, SW2 switches

Claims

1. a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball; A shaft formed in an axial shape; a hosel connecting one end of the shaft and the head; a grip provided on the other end of the shaft and held by a user; A thin plate-like fin having a curved or wavy shape in top view is provided on the top surface of the head. A golf club characterized by:

2. A head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball; A shaft formed in an axial shape; a grip provided on the other end of the shaft and held by a user; A thin plate-like fin having a curved or wavy shape in top view is provided on the top surface of the head. A golf club characterized by:

3. A plurality of the fins are provided 3. The golf club according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The fin has a U-shape in a top view that opens toward the striking surface.

4. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are arranged in a first and second direction.

5. The fins extend in a direction parallel to the striking surface when viewed from above.

5. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are arranged in a first and second direction.

6. An illumination member is disposed on the top surface of the fin.

6. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein the first and second surfaces are arranged in a first and second direction.

7. The head has a head hollow portion formed in a hollow shape, The hosel has a hosel hollow portion communicating with the head hollow portion and an opening portion communicating with the hosel hollow portion.

2. The golf club of claim 1.

8. The head has a head hollow portion formed in a hollow shape and an opening portion communicating with the head hollow portion.

3. The golf club according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The hosel has a built-in vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated on the striking surface, The information detected by the vibration sensor is transmitted to a computer, or the grip has a built-in vibration device that vibrates or a speaker that emits sound based on the information detected by the vibration sensor.

2. The golf club of claim 1.

10. The head has a built-in vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated on the striking surface, The information detected by the vibration sensor is transmitted to a computer, or the grip has a built-in vibration device that vibrates or a speaker that emits sound based on the information detected by the vibration sensor.

3. The golf club according to claim 1 or 2.

Images