Golf club, golf practice system, insert for golf club, and portable mobile terminal
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025541285
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-08-24
Abstract
Description
Golf club, golf practice system, golf club insert and mobile terminal
[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club for hitting a golf ball, a golf practice system using the golf club, an insert for a golf club, and a portable mobile terminal.
[0002] Conventionally, golf clubs such as woods, irons, hybrids, utilities, and putters have been known in which a shaft with a grip is connected to a head by a hosel. The hosel is, for example, detachably fixed to the shaft or the head. This structure makes it easy to replace the shaft or the head (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). Golf clubs without a hosel, i.e., golf clubs in which a shaft with a grip is connected to a head, have also been commonly known.
[0003] JP 2021-058337 A JP 2014-036894 A
[0004] In the case of a golf club with a hosel, vibrations generated in the head when hitting a golf ball are transmitted via the shaft to the palm of the user (golfer) holding the grip, and are perceived as part of the feel of the golf club. However, the hosel interposed between the shaft and the head can act to inhibit the transmission of such vibrations. Therefore, golf clubs with hosels have a problem in that they are less likely to provide a good feel when hitting a golf ball compared to golf clubs without hosels. The "feel" refers to the feeling or shot sensation experienced by the user when hitting a golf ball. A typical feel includes not only physical vibrations but also sensory comfort (feelings) of the impact, such as a sense of control, a sense of accomplishment, and so on. Furthermore, golf clubs without hosels also have a problem in that it is difficult to provide a good feel when hitting a golf ball without some kind of ingenuity.
[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, a golf practice system, a golf club insert, and a portable mobile terminal that can improve the feel of the shot. In addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the various configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which cannot be obtained with conventional technology.
[0006] The present invention can be realized in the following embodiments or application examples. The disclosed golf club solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. (1) The disclosed golf club includes a shaft formed in an axial shape, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, a hosel connecting the 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 fourth impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism is provided throughout the head, hosel, and shaft to enhance and convey to the user impact vibrations or impact sounds generated when the golf ball is struck on the striking surface.
[0007] (2) The disclosed golf practice system includes: a cup provided on a rolling surface (golf ball rolling surface) of a golf ball hit by a golf club described in (1) or (4) described below; a hitting area spaced from the cup and having the golf ball rolling surface; a rod-shaped pin that is inserted into and removed from the cup and serves as a marker for the cup; a first illuminator attached to the pin and irradiating a guide laser beam that indicates a straight line from the pin toward the hitting area; a first light receiver attached to the golf club and capable of receiving the guide laser beam from the first illuminator; a second illuminator attached to the golf club and irradiating a guide sub-laser beam from the golf club toward the pin; a second light receiver attached to the pin and capable of receiving the guide sub-laser beam from the second illuminator; and an indicator that receives the guide laser beam with the first light receiver and, when the second light receiver receives the guide sub-laser beam, displays that information.
[0008] (3) The disclosed golf practice system includes a golf practice machine having a cup provided on the rolling surface (golf ball rolling surface) of a golf ball hit by a golf club described in (1) or (4) described below, and a hitting area separated from the cup and having the golf ball rolling surface, wherein a user standing in the hitting area hits the golf ball with the golf club toward the cup; a cup unit attached to the cup and having a first detection means for detecting cup-in information of the golf ball and a first transmission device for transmitting the cup-in information to an external device; a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin that marks the cup and having a first imaging means for taking an image from the pin toward the hitting area, a second transmission device for transmitting first image data taken by the first imaging means to an external device, and a first irradiator for irradiating a guide laser beam from the pin toward the hitting area; and a hitting device attached to the golf club used by the user in the hitting area and detecting impact vibration / impact sound information related to the impact vibration emphasized by the impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism and the impact sound corresponding to the impact vibration. a club unit having a vibration / impact sound detection means, a second detection means built into the head and detecting impact information related to the impact of the golf ball, a second imaging means for capturing an image from the head forward, a second irradiator for irradiating a guide sub-laser light from the head forward, and a third transmission device for transmitting the impact vibration / impact sound information, the impact information, and second image data captured by the second imaging means to an external device; a first receiving device for receiving, as monitor information, at least one of the cup-in information transmitted from the first transmitting device, the first image data transmitted from the second transmitting device, and the impact vibration / impact sound information, the impact information, and the second image data transmitted from the third transmitting device; a control unit having a control device for generating guide information for providing guidance for the user's golf play based on the monitor information, and a fourth transmitting device for transmitting the guide information to an external device; a second receiving device for receiving the guide information transmitted from the fourth transmitting device, and a presenter for presenting guidance for golf play based on the guide information;It is equipped with
[0009] (4) The disclosed golf club is a golf club having a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a golf ball striking surface, a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, and is provided with an insert having a surface vibration member provided integrally from the striking surface of the head to the hosel and the shaft, and vibrating in plane upon impact with the golf ball and applying a reaction force to the golf ball. (5) The disclosed golf club insert is an insert provided on the striking surface of a golf club having a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a golf ball striking surface, a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, and is provided with a surface vibration member provided integrally from the striking surface of the head to the hosel and the shaft, and vibrating in plane upon impact with the golf ball and applying a reaction force to the golf ball.
[0010] (6) The disclosed golf club is the golf club described in (1) above, wherein the head has a weight member for changing the center of gravity of the head. (7) The disclosed golf club is also the golf club of (6) above, wherein the weight member is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the top surface of the head, and includes a drive source for moving the weight member, and a control unit for controlling the drive source so that the drive source rotates the weight member along the inner surface of the recess. (8) The disclosed golf club is also the golf club of (6) above, wherein the weight member is provided inside a linear recess formed in the top surface of the head, and includes a drive source for moving the weight member, and a control unit for controlling the drive source so that the drive source slides the weight member along the inner surface of the recess. (9) The disclosed portable mobile terminal is a portable mobile terminal that exchanges control signals with the control unit of the golf club described in (7) or (8) above, and is equipped with an input unit that inputs an instruction to move the weight member to a desired position, and a display unit that monitors and displays the position of the weight member that has moved in response to the movement instruction from the input unit.
[0011] According to the disclosed golf club, by providing an impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism, it is possible to enhance the impact vibration and impact sound generated in the head when hitting a golf ball, thereby improving the hitting feel.
[0012] The disclosed golf practice system can enhance the effectiveness of practice. Furthermore, the disclosed golf practice system includes, in the monitor information, impact vibration / sound information related to (enhanced) impact vibration / sound generated by the diaphragm member, making it possible to provide guidance based on the impact vibration / sound information. For example, the system can analyze the correlation between the impact vibration / sound information and impact information (other monitor information) (e.g., the relationship between the impact vibration or sound and the quality of the hit), present the analysis results, and accumulate the analysis results to provide feedback to the user. Furthermore, the system can visualize the impact vibration / sound information using numerical values, graphs, etc., and accumulate the impact vibration / sound information as big data.
[0013] Furthermore, the disclosed golf club and golf club insert can enhance the impact vibration and impact sound generated in the head when hitting a golf ball by providing a surface vibration member, thereby improving the feel of the impact. Furthermore, the disclosed mobile terminal can easily and visually adjust the position of the weight member.
[0014] (A) and (B) are perspective views of a golf club according to a first embodiment. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of a diaphragm member. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of a diaphragm member. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of a diaphragm member. (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of a diaphragm member. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of a diaphragm member. (A) to (F) are explanatory diagrams of modified hosels. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of modified heads and hosels having a frame structure. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of modified heads and hosels having a frame structure. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of modified heads and hosels having a frame structure. (A) to (F) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. (A) to (H) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. (A) to (E) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of a golf club. (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. (A) to (D) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. (A) to (D) are explanatory diagrams of modified diaphragm members. An explanatory diagram of a vibration transmitting rib. (A) to (F) are explanatory diagrams of other modified examples. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of a shaft equipped with a vibration emphasizing member. An explanatory diagram of yet another configuration example of an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of modified examples of Figures 22 (D) and (E). (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of a golf club equipped with a detachable weight. (A) to (E) are explanatory diagrams of yet another modified diaphragm member. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of yet another modified diaphragm member. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of modified golf clubs. (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of another modified golf club. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of yet another modified golf club. A block diagram for explaining the configuration of a golf practice system to which a golf club is applied. (A) to (D) are explanatory diagrams of modified vibration plate members. (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of modified vibration plate members. (A) to (D) are explanatory diagrams of a detachable unit. An explanatory diagram of a modified golf club. An enlarged view of the planar vibration member of Figure 36. An explanatory diagram of the golf club shown in Figure 36.44. An explanatory diagram of the golf club shown in FIG. 36. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams of modified golf clubs. (A) to (D) are explanatory diagrams of modified golf clubs. (A) to (E) are explanatory diagrams of modified golf clubs. An explanatory diagram of modified golf clubs. A perspective view for explaining modified golf clubs. An explanatory diagram for explaining modified golf clubs shown in FIG. 44. A processing block diagram of the golf club shown in FIGS. 44 and 45. (A) and (B) are explanatory diagrams for explaining modified golf clubs. (A) to (C) are explanatory diagrams of modified golf club heads.
[0015] [Explanation of the First Embodiment] [Basic Structure] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating a golf club 1 (putter) according to a first embodiment. The golf club 1 includes a head 3, a shaft 5, a hosel 4, and a grip 6. A striking surface 2 (face) for striking a golf ball is provided on the side of the head 3. The shaft 5 is formed in an axial (long, thin rod-like) shape, and one end (the lower end in Figure 1 ) of the shaft 5 is connected to the head 3. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft 5 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The grip 6, which is the part held by the user, is provided at the other end (the upper end in Figure 1 ) of the shaft 5. Like the shaft 5, the cross-sectional shape of the grip 6 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. While Figure 1 shows a pin-shaped head 3 as an example, the shape is not particularly limited and may be any well-known shape, such as a pin-shaped head, a mallet-shaped head, or a neo-mallet-shaped head.
[0016] 1A and 1B, a diaphragm member 200 is attached to the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 as an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism that conveys to the user the impact vibration or impact sound that occurs when a golf ball is struck on the striking surface 2. Note that in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the golf club 1 and diaphragm member 200 are shown exploded.
[0017] The golf club 1 in Fig. 1(A) has a crank-shaped hosel 4 that has two bent portions that bend toward the front of the head 3 (the side where the striking surface 2 is located) and is bent in a manner such that the upper side is positioned forward of the lower end on the head 3 side, whereas the golf club 1 in Fig. 1(B) has a straight shaft 5. The golf club 1 in Fig. 1(A) is such that the shaft 5 and head 3 are connected by a hosel 4 that has bent portions that bend toward the front of the head 3 (the side where the striking surface 2 is located).
[0018] The hosel 4 is a joint member that connects the lower end (one end) of the shaft 5 to the head 3. Connecting the lower end of the shaft 5 to the head 3 via the hosel 4 makes it easier to connect the lower end of the shaft 5 to the head 3 compared to a structure without a hosel. The shape of the hosel 4 is not particularly limited and may be any well-known shape. Regarding the connection structure between the head 3 and the shaft 5 of the golf club 1, any well-known structure may be applied, such as one in which the shaft 5 is connected to the head 3 via a crank-shaped hosel 4 as shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), one in which a straight shaft 5 is connected to the head 3, or one in which a crank-shaped shaft 5 is connected to the head 3.
[0019] <Flat Plate-Shaped Vibration Plate Member> The vibration plate member 200 is a plate member for emphasizing the impact vibrations that occur when a golf ball is struck, and its thickness, rigidity, shape, material, etc. are set to emphasize the impact vibrations. The vibration plate member 200 is an example of a planar vibration member formed in a planar shape that vibrates in a plane upon impact with the golf ball. In other words, it can be said that the golf club 1 has the vibration plate member 200 as a planar vibration member. The vibration plate member 200 in the golf club 1 of Figures 1(A) and (B) is formed of a thin flat plate that extends in a planar direction parallel to the striking surface 2.
[0020] The diaphragm member 200 may be attached integrally with the head 3 in a non-replaceable (non-detachable) state, or may be attached detachably (post-installable, separate) to the head 3. Any conventionally known method such as adhesive bonding, crimping, welding, or a joint may be used to attach the diaphragm member 200 to the head 3 in a non-detachable or detachable manner.
[0021] Fig. 2(A) is a side view of the golf club 1 in Fig. 1(B) as seen from the direction of arrow A, with the left side of the figure being the side on which the striking surface 2 of the head 3 is formed (front). As shown in Fig. 2(A), a head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the front side of the striking surface 2 of the head 3. The head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is the portion of the diaphragm member 200 that corresponds to the head 3. The head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is formed in a shape that covers part or all of the head 3. In other words, the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 functions as the striking surface 2.
[0022] According to this golf club 1, impact vibrations generated when hitting a golf ball are transmitted to the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism) and emphasized by the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism). Therefore, it is possible to emphasize (intensify) the vibrations transmitted from the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 to the user's palm via the grip 6, and the impact sound (sound) heard by the user. Because the diaphragm member 200 is provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, or the head 3 and shaft 5, the vibrations generated when hitting the golf ball are easily transmitted to the grip 6. Therefore, the feel and impact sound can be improved compared to existing golf clubs that do not have the diaphragm member 200 attached.
[0023] 2(B) shows a diaphragm member 200 having a head corresponding portion 200A attached to the front side of the head 3, and also a sub-diaphragm member 201. The sub-diaphragm member 201 is attached to the rear side of the head 3, opposite the front side. The sub-diaphragm member 201 is a plate member that has the same function as the diaphragm member 200 of emphasizing impact vibrations that occur when a golf ball is hit, and is provided as a plate member separate from the diaphragm member 200.
[0024] In this case, the impact vibrations generated when hitting the golf ball are transmitted to the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism) and emphasized by the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism), and are also transmitted to and emphasized by the sub-diaphragm member 201, thereby emphasizing the vibrations transmitted to the user's palm and the impact sound (acoustic sound) heard by the user, thereby improving the feel and sound of the impact.
[0025] <Hollow portion of head and diaphragm member> The golf club 1 shown in Figures 3(A) and (B) is a modified example of the golf club 1 shown in Figures 2(A) and (B), in which the head 3 has a hollow head hollow portion 202 (shown by the dashed line in the figures). The golf club 1 shown in Figure 3(A) has an opening 202A on the front side of the head 3 that communicates with the hollow head portion 202 and the outside, and a head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is attached so as to cover the opening 202A.
[0026] 3(B) has openings 202A, 202A' that communicate with head hollow portion 202 and the outside on both the front and back sides of head 3, and head-corresponding portion 200A of diaphragm member 200 and sub-diaphragm member 201 are attached so as to cover openings 202A, 202A'. Head 3 in FIG. 3(B) can also be said to have a drum-shaped structure in which both sides of the cavity of head hollow portion 202 (openings 202A, 202A') are covered by head-corresponding portion 200A of diaphragm member 200 and sub-diaphragm member 201.
[0027] In the golf club 1 of Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the hollow head portion 202 forms a resonance mechanism that emphasizes the impact sound generated when the golf ball is struck and transmits it to the outside through the opening 202A (and 202A'). That is, the golf club 1 of Figures 3(A) and 3(B) has the hollow head portion 202 that forms a resonance mechanism as an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism. Therefore, by using the hollow head portion 202 to emphasize the impact sound generated when the golf ball is struck, the impact sound (acoustic sound) heard by the user can be improved.
[0028] Furthermore, since the diaphragm member 200 (and sub-diaphragm member 201) is attached to the opening 202A (and 202A'), the hitting feel and hitting sound can be further improved. Note that in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the head hollow portion 202 forming the resonance mechanism may have a structure that does not have the opening 202A (and 202A').
[0029] Fig. 4(A) is a side view of the head 3, rectangular flat hosel 4, and shaft 5 of the golf club 1, with the left side in the figure being the front side of the head 3. The hosel corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 in Fig. 4(A) is attached to the front side of the hosel 4. The hosel corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 is formed in a shape that covers part or all of the hosel 4. The hosel corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 may be formed separately from the hosel 4, or may be formed integrally with the hosel 4.
[0030] In this case, impact vibrations generated when hitting a golf ball are transmitted from the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 to the hosel-corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 and are emphasized by the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism). As a result, it is possible to emphasize (intensify) the vibrations transmitted from the hosel-corresponding portion 200B and the shaft-corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 to the palm of the user through the grip 6, and the impact sound (sound) heard by the user. Therefore, it is possible to improve the feel and impact sound compared to existing golf clubs that do not have the diaphragm member 200 attached.
[0031] Figure 4(B) is a modified example of Figure 5(A). The golf club 1 of Figure 5(B) has a sub-diaphragm member 201 attached to the back side of the hosel 4 in addition to the diaphragm member 200 attached to the front side of the hosel 4. In this case as well, the impact vibrations generated when hitting a golf ball are transmitted from the head 3 to the diaphragm member 200 attached to the hosel 4 and emphasized by the diaphragm member 200, thereby emphasizing the vibrations transmitted to the palm of the user and the impact sound (acoustic sound) heard by the user, thereby improving the feel and sound of the impact.
[0032] 4(A) and 4(B), in addition to the diaphragm member 200 (and sub-diaphragm member 201) attached to the hosel 4, a sub-diaphragm member 201 may be attached to the head 3 as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B). In the diaphragm member 200 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the head corresponding portion, the hosel corresponding portion, and the shaft corresponding portion corresponding to the head 3, the hosel 4, and the shaft 5, respectively, may be formed from a single plate-like member, or each portion may be formed as a separate body or in whole or in part.
[0033] The golf club 1 shown in Figures 5(A) to (C) has a rectangular, flat hosel 4, and a diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism) attached to the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. In the diaphragm member 200 shown in Figures 5(A) to (C), a head corresponding portion 200A, a hosel corresponding portion 200B, and a shaft corresponding portion 200C are formed from a single plate-like member that extends across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. Note that each portion may be formed entirely or partially as a separate body.
[0034] The diaphragm member 200 in Fig. 5(A) is formed of a single plate-like member that extends from the head 3 through the hosel 4 to the front side of the shaft 5. The golf club 1 in Fig. 5(B) is configured such that, in addition to the diaphragm member 200, a sub-diaphragm member 201 is attached to the back side of the hosel 4, compared to the golf club 1 in Fig. 5(A).
[0035] <Bent Shape of Diaphragm Member> In addition, in the golf club 1 of Fig. 5(C), the diaphragm member 200 attached from the head 3 through the hosel 4 to the shaft 5 has a crank-like (S-shaped) bent shape when viewed from the side. Specifically, the diaphragm member 200 of Fig. 5(C) has a head-corresponding portion 200A attached to the back side of the head 3, a hosel-corresponding portion 200B attached to the front side of the hosel 4, and a shaft-corresponding portion 200C attached to the front side of the shaft 5, and the head-corresponding portion 200A and the hosel-corresponding portion 200B are connected via a bent portion.
[0036] 5(A) to 5(C) , impact vibrations generated when hitting a golf ball are transmitted to the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism) attached from the head 3 through the hosel 4 to the shaft 5 and enhanced by the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism), thereby enhancing the vibrations transmitted to the palm of the user and the impact sound (acoustic sound) heard by the user, thereby improving the feel and sound of the impact. Note that in FIG. 5(C) , the diaphragm member 200 may have rounded corners at its bent portions.
[0037] <Hosel Hollow Portion and Diaphragm Member> Figure 6(A) shows a modification of Figure 5(B), in which the head 3 has a head hollow portion 202 (shown by a dashed line in the figure) and an opening 202A, and the hosel 4 has a hollow hosel hollow portion 203 (shown by a dashed line in the figure) and a front opening 203A and a rear opening 203A'. In Figure 6(A), the diaphragm member 200 is attached so as to cover the opening 202A of the head hollow portion 202 and the front opening 203A of the hosel hollow portion 203. The sub-diaphragm member 201 is attached so as to cover the rear opening 203A of the hosel hollow portion 203.
[0038] Figure 6(B) is a modification of Figure 6(A). In Figure 6(A), the head hollow portion 202 and the hosel hollow portion 203 are formed separately and do not communicate with each other. In contrast, in Figure 6(B), the head hollow portion 202 and the hosel hollow portion 203 are communicated with each other. In the golf club 1 of Figures 6(A) and 6(B), the head hollow portion 202 and the hosel hollow portion 203, which form a resonance mechanism, emphasize the impact sound generated when hitting a golf ball, thereby improving the impact sound (acoustic sound) heard by the user. Furthermore, the diaphragm member 200 (and sub-diaphragm member 201) attached to the openings 202A, 203A (and 203A') further improves the feel and impact sound.
[0039] The golf club 1 in Figures 6(A) and (B) is an example of one that has both the diaphragm member 200 and the sub-diaphragm member 201 as in Figure 5(B), but even in the golf club 1 that has the diaphragm member 200 but does not have the sub-diaphragm member 201 as in Figure 5(A), it is possible to improve the feel and sound of impact by providing the head hollow portion 202 and hosel hollow portion 203 and openings 202A, 203A (and 203A') that form a resonance mechanism as in Figures 6(A) and (B).
[0040] <Modifications of Hosel Shape> The golf clubs 1 in Figures 7(A) to (F) are modifications of the shape of the hosel 4. The golf club 1 in Figure 7(A) has a hosel 4 that is trapezoidal (or substantially triangular) when viewed from the front, and a vibration plate member (not shown) is attached to the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5.
[0041] The golf club 1 in Fig. 7(B) has a semicircular hosel 4 that is semicircular (or arc-shaped) when viewed from the front, and a vibration plate member (not shown) is attached to the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. The golf club 1 in Fig. 7(C) has a trapezoidal hosel 4, and differs from Fig. 8(A) in that the front surface of the hosel 4 is located behind the front surface (striking surface 2) of the head 3 (it is not flush). The golf club 1 in Fig. 7(C) can also have a vibration plate member (not shown) attached to the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5.
[0042] The diaphragm member 200 (and the sub-diaphragm member 201) can be attached in the above-described manner even if the hosel 4 of each golf club 1 has the shape shown in Figures 7(A) to (C). Figures 7(A) to (C) are merely examples, and the hosel 4 may have any shape, size, or thickness. In other words, regardless of the shape, size, or thickness of the hosel 4, by attaching the diaphragm member 200 (and the sub-diaphragm member 201), it is possible to improve the feel and sound of impact.
[0043] 7(D) to 7(E) are connected to a crank-shaped shaft 5 bent forward of the head 3. In this case, the diaphragm member 200 spanning the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 is formed in a crank shape such that the shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 is bent forward of the head 3 relative to the golf club 1, so as to follow the crank shape of the shaft 5. Note that the structure connecting the hosel 4 and the shaft 5 may be any well-known structure.
[0044] <Head / Hosel Frame Structure> FIG. 8 is a front view of the golf club 1, showing the head 3 and the hosel 4 in cross section.
[0045] In the golf club 1 shown in Fig. 8, the head 3 and the hosel 4 have frame structures 3F and 4F that surround the peripheral edges of the head-corresponding portion 200A and the hosel-corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200. The frame structures 3F and 4F in Fig. 8 are integrally formed. In this case, the diaphragm member 200 surrounded by the frame structures 3F and 4F emphasizes the impact vibrations and impact sound generated when hitting a golf ball, thereby improving the feel and impact sound. Furthermore, because the head 3 and the hosel 4 are formed as a frame body, it is easy to achieve a lightweight design.
[0046] The golf club 1 illustrated in Figures 9(A) and (B) has a hosel 4 that is trapezoidal (or approximately triangular) when viewed from the front. In the golf club 1 of Figure 9(A), the hosel 4 has a frame structure 4F, while in the golf club 1 of Figure 9(B), both the head 3 and the hosel 4 have frame structures 3F, 4F. In the golf club 1 of Figure 9(A), the diaphragm member 200 is provided across the head 3, the hosel 4, and the shaft 5, and the hosel 4 having the frame structure 4F surrounds the peripheral portion of the hosel corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200. In the golf club 1 of Figure 9(B), the diaphragm member 200 is provided from the head 3 through the hosel 4 to the shaft 5, and the head 3 and hosel 4 having the frame structures 3F, 4F surround the peripheral portions of the head corresponding portion 200A and the hosel corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200.
[0047] The golf club 1 shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B) is a modified example in which the shape of the hosel 4 is different from that of the golf club 1 shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), and has a semicircular hosel 4. In the golf club 1 shown in Figure 10(A), the hosel 4 has a frame structure 4F, and in the golf club 1 shown in Figure 10(B), both the head 3 and the hosel 4 have frame structures 3F, 4F.
[0048] The golf clubs 1 of Figures 9(A), (B) and 10(A), (B) all have the same effects as the golf club 1 of Figure 8. Figure 11 shows a golf club 1 in which the head 3 having frame structures 3F, 4F and the hosel 4 are integrally formed with the shaft 5 in a non-replaceable manner. In this case, too, the same effects as the golf club 1 of Figure 8 are achieved.
[0049] 12(A) to 12(F) show examples of a golf club 1 provided with a truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member 200S formed in a truncated cone shape in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. Each truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member 200S in Fig. 12(A) to 12(F) is attached with the large diameter side of the truncated cone shape facing the back side of the head 3.
[0050] The golf club 1 in Fig. 12(A) does not have a hosel 4, and a truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member 200S is attached to the back side of the head 3. The golf club 1 in Fig. 12(B) has a hosel 4, and a truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member 200S is attached to the back side of the hosel 4. In this case, the impact sound can be particularly emphasized in the direction in which the larger diameter side of the truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member 200S faces (the back side of the head 3).
[0051] The golf club 1 of Fig. 12(C) differs from the golf club 1 of Fig. 12(A) in that an enclosure 200E is provided to surround the periphery of the truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member 200S. Fig. 12(D) shows two truncated cone-shaped diaphragm members 200S, 200S' arranged coaxially. The structures of Fig. 12(C) and (D) can further emphasize the impact sound.
[0052] Fig. 12(E) shows an example of a golf club 1 in which a dome-shaped diaphragm member 200S formed in a dome shape is provided in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. In the golf club 1 of Fig. 12(E), the dome-shaped diaphragm member 200S is attached to the back side of the head 3. The dome-shaped diaphragm member 200S is attached in an orientation that forms a convex toward the back side of the head 3. In this case, the impact sound can be particularly emphasized in the direction in which the convexity of the dome-shaped diaphragm member 200S faces (the back side of the head 3).
[0053] The golf club 1 in Fig. 12(F) has a diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, as well as a diaphragm member 200S that combines a truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member and a dome-shaped diaphragm member. That is, the diaphragm member 200S has a dome-shaped diaphragm member (shown by a dashed line in the figure) and a truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member that extends from the periphery of the dome-shaped diaphragm member in a truncated cone shape. The diaphragm member 200S in Fig. 12(F) is attached to the back side of the head 3 with the larger diameter side of the truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member and the convex portion of the dome-shaped diaphragm member facing the back side of the head 3. In this case, the combination of the two types of diaphragm members can further emphasize the impact sound.
[0054] 13A to 13H are explanatory diagrams of a golf club 1 having a diaphragm member 200Q formed in the shape of a curved, bent plate in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. Each curved diaphragm member 200Q, 200Q' is curved in an arc, and the vibration of the arc-shaped curved surface enhances the impact vibration and impact sound. It is well known that utilizing the vibration of such a curved surface can improve the sound based on the vibration (improving the volume and audibility).
[0055] The golf clubs 1 in Figures 13(A) to (C) and (G) have an L-shaped head 3 when viewed from the side. The golf clubs 1 in Figures 13(D), (E) and (H) have a U-shaped head 3 when viewed from the side, and Figure 17(F) has an L-shaped head 3 and hosel 4 when viewed from the side. In the golf club 1 in Figure 17(F), the head 3 and hosel 4 are assembled in a U-shape when viewed from the side.
[0056] The curved diaphragm member 200Q in Figures 13(A) to (C) is attached in a position extending toward the back side of the head 3, and is formed in a bent plate shape that is curved upward or downward in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface 2 (a surface when the head 3 is viewed from the side). The curved diaphragm member 200Q in Figures 13(A) and (C) is curved upward in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface 2. The curved diaphragm member 200Q in Figure 13(B) is curved downward in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface 2.
[0057] The golf club 1 in Figures 13(D) and (E) is an example of a configuration in which two curved diaphragm members 200Q, 200Q' are provided on the back side of the head 3, and the golf club 1 in Figure 13(F) is an example of a configuration in which two curved diaphragm members 200Q, 200Q' are provided on both the back side and the back side of the head 3. Each diaphragm member 200Q, 200Q' is attached in a position that extends toward the back side of the head 3, and is formed in a bent plate shape that is curved upward or downward in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface 2. The golf club 1 in Fig. 13(H) has the same configuration as the golf club 1 in Fig. 13(F) except that curved diaphragm members 200Q, 200Q' are attached to a head 3 that is U-shaped in side view, but differs from the golf club 1 in Fig. 13(D) in that the curved diaphragm members 200Q, 200Q' are arranged spaced apart from each other. The combination of the posture, dimensions, curvature, etc. of each diaphragm member 200Q, 200Q' can be freely set without being limited to the examples in Figs. 13(D) to (F), (H).
[0058] The golf club 1 shown in Figure 13(G) combines the truncated cone diaphragm member 200S illustrated in Figure 12(A) with the curved diaphragm member 200Q described above. Combining two different types of diaphragm members can further improve impact sound. Figures 14(A) to 14(C) show modified examples of the bending direction of the curved diaphragm member 200Q. Figures 14(A) to 14(C) are plan views of the head 3 viewed from above, with the left side of the page being the front side (forward).
[0059] The golf club 1 shown in Figures 14(A) to (C) has a diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, as well as a curved diaphragm member 200Q that is curved in one (or the other) direction in the width direction in a horizontal plane when the head 3 is viewed from above. The head 3 of Figures 14(A) and (B) is provided with two curved diaphragm members 200Q, 200Q'. The golf club 1 shown in Figure 14(C) has a combination of the truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member 200S illustrated in Figure 12(A) and the curved diaphragm member 200Q described above. Note that in Figure 14(B), the curved diaphragm members 200Q, 200Q' may be formed integrally.
[0060] <Modifications of Bent Plate-Shaped Diaphragm Members> Figures 15(A) to 15(E) are plan views showing modifications of curved diaphragm member 200Q, with the left side of the page being the front side (forward). Figures 15(A) to 15(C) show modifications of curved diaphragm member 200Q, in which curved diaphragm member 200Q is attached to the rear side of head 3, with the curved diaphragm member 200Q having an arc-like shape that convex toward the rear side of head 3 in a horizontal plane when viewed from above. Figure 15(A) shows curved diaphragm member 200Q attached to the rear side of head 3, with rib 200R provided between curved diaphragm member 200Q and the rear side of head 3, in a direction that intersects with the arc. Rib 200R reinforces curved diaphragm member 200Q and improves vibration transmission.
[0061] Fig. 15(B) shows an example in which a curved diaphragm member 200 is attached to a recess 3X recessed in the upper surface of the head 3. Fig. 15(C) shows an example in which the recess 3X to which the curved diaphragm member 200Q is attached in Fig. 19(B) is covered with a lid 3Y.
[0062] FIG. 15(D) shows a head 3 having a curved diaphragm member 200Q attached to the rear side of the head 3. The curved surface of the curved diaphragm member 200Q has a concave arc extending toward the rear side of the head 3 in a horizontal plane viewed from above. In FIG. 15(D), a rib 200R extending along the arc is attached to the curved surface of the curved diaphragm member 200Q. One or more ribs 200R may be attached. The ribs 200R are arranged, for example, in a vertical direction. That is, the number of ribs 200R may be one or more. FIG. 15(E) shows a head 3 having a mallet shape with a sole portion 3W extending toward the flat side, and a head-corresponding portion 200A of the curved diaphragm member 200Q attached to the upper surface of the sole portion 3W.
[0063] <Horn-Type Resonance Structure; Dome-Type Resonance Structure> Figures 16(A) and (B) illustrate a golf club 1 according to a second embodiment, showing a cross-sectional side view of the head 3 and hosel 4. The golf club 1 shown in Figure 16(A) includes a diaphragm member 200 extending from the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. In addition, the golf club 1 includes a horn-shaped conduit 206 formed in a hollow portion 202 of the head 3 and hosel 4, and an opening 206A communicating with the conduit 206. The conduit 206 and the opening 206A are configured as a resonance mechanism (horn-type resonance mechanism, phonograph-type resonance mechanism) that emphasizes the impact sound generated within the conduit 206 when the golf ball is struck and transmits it to the outside through the opening 206A. The conduit 206 has an R-shaped shape with a wider diameter toward the opening 206A, which provides excellent acoustic characteristics and further improves the impact sound.
[0064] 16(B) includes a diaphragm member 200 extending from the head 3 to the hosel 4 to the shaft 5, and also includes a dome-shaped (spherical) conduit 206 formed in the hollow portion 202 of the head 3 and the hosel 4, and an opening 206A communicating with the conduit 206. The conduit 206 and the opening 206A are configured as a resonance mechanism (dome-shaped resonance mechanism) that emphasizes the impact sound generated within the conduit 206 when the golf ball is struck and transmits it to the outside through the opening 206A. In this case, the impact sound can be improved by resonating the impact sound through the dome-shaped conduit 206.
[0065] The golf club 1 shown in FIG. 17A has a cylindrical diaphragm member 200T in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17B, the golf club 1 may have a plate-like diaphragm member 200U extending horizontally from the rear side of the head 3. The plate-like diaphragm member 200U can be attached to the head 3 by bending an end of the plate-like diaphragm member 200U into an L-shape and fixing the L-shaped bent portion to the rear side of the head 3. In addition to the above, the plate-like diaphragm member 200U can also be attached to the head 3 by inserting an end of the plate-like diaphragm member 200U into the rear side of the head 3, welding an end of the plate-like diaphragm member 200U to the rear side of the head 3, or integrally molding the plate-like diaphragm member 200U with the head.
[0066] Fig. 17(C) is a top view of Fig. 17(B). As shown in Fig. 17(C), a plurality of plate-like diaphragm members 200U of different lengths are arranged side by side in the width direction of the head 3 on the rear side of the head 3. In other words, the number of plate-like diaphragm members 200U may be one or more. In the cases of Figs. 17(B) and (C), a structure is used in which the plate-like diaphragm member 200U supported in a cantilevered manner on the rear side of the head 3 is vibrated, and sound can be generated by the vibration of the plate-like diaphragm member 200U, like the musical instrument marimba.
[0067] 18A and 18B, a spoiler 204 can be provided between the curved diaphragm member 200Q and the head 3. The spoiler 204 is detachable from the golf club 1 and can be retrofitted. In other words, by retrofitting the spoiler 204 to an existing golf club, it is possible to improve the impact vibration and impact sound.
[0068] 19(A) to 19(D) are examples of the shape of an additional diaphragm member 200N that can be attached to the golf club 1 in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, and are views of the additional diaphragm member 200N as viewed from the side. The center of gravity can be adjusted by attaching a weight to these additional diaphragm members 200N, or a blade can be detachably attached to the additional diaphragm member 200N. The shapes of the additional diaphragm members 200N in FIGS. 19(A) to 19(D) are examples of shapes that can improve impact vibration and impact sound.
[0069] Shapes that can improve impact vibration and impact sound include a C-shape (steel drum shape) as shown in FIG. 19(A), a V-shape as shown in FIG. 19(B), a shape combining a V-shape with a horizontally extending plate as shown in FIG. 19(C), and a C-shape with a sole portion (lower surface) extending horizontally toward the rear of the head 3 as shown in FIG. 19(D). Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 19(B), a detachable weight or blade member 200X may be attached to the end of the additional diaphragm member 200N. The member 200X can adjust the center of gravity of the golf club 1. The member 200X can set a center of gravity on the back side of the head 3 in addition to the original center of gravity of the golf club 1 (double balance). This makes it easier to hit the ball through the follow-through.
[0070] 20A to 20D show a diaphragm member 200 in which a hosel corresponding portion 200B and a shaft corresponding portion 200C are integrally formed with the shaft 5 and the hosel 4 in a state where they cannot be replaced. By integrating the diaphragm member 200 with the hosel 4 and the shaft 5, impact vibrations generated when hitting a golf ball can be transmitted directly to the shaft 5.
[0071] In FIG. 20A , a diaphragm member 200 integrated with a shaft 5 and a hosel 4 is detachably attached to a frame-shaped head 3. The head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is disposed with gaps on both the left and right sides relative to the frame-shaped head 3, and both gaps are blocked by plate members 200Y. Because the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is disposed apart from the head 3, impact vibrations generated upon impact with a golf ball can be efficiently guided to the shaft 5 without being dispersed to the head 3. Note that, as shown in FIG. 27B (described later), the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 may be disposed without gaps on both the left and right sides relative to the frame-shaped head 3. Note that the plate member 200Y may be a diaphragm member. That is, a diaphragm member made of a different material from the diaphragm member 200 integrated with the hosel 4 and the shaft 5 is disposed in place of the plate member 200Y. In this case, different types of diaphragm members can be combined.
[0072] 20(B) shows a diaphragm member 200 integrated with a hosel 4 and a shaft 5 that is detachably attached to a frame-shaped head 3, with both left and right sides of the upper surface of a head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 being closed with cover members 200Z. Also, a front cover member 200K that covers the entire front surface of the head 3 may be detachably attached to the front side of the head 3 so as to overlap the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 from the front.
[0073] In Figure 20(C), the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 integrated with the hosel 4 and shaft 5 is formed in a circular shape. In the case of a circular shape, the attachment angle relative to the head 3 can be adjusted. In this case, a locking mechanism is provided that fixes the attachment angle relative to the head 3 at the adjusted angle after adjusting it. In the golf club 1 of Figure 20(D), the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 integrated with the hosel 4 and shaft 5 is formed in a rectangular shape.
[0074] 20(A) to 20(D), the golf club 1 has a structure in which the hosel corresponding portion 200B and the shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 are integral with the shaft 5 and / or hosel 4, and the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is detachably attached to the separate head 3, so that the diaphragm member 200 can be freely combined with the head 3. The diaphragm member 200 can be freely attached and detached to the head 3 in the same manner as changing a cartridge (cassette tape). In other words, the golf club 1 can be configured as an assembly-type golf club in which the user freely selects and assembles various parts, such as the diaphragm member 200, face (striking surface), weight, balance, insert, hosel, and sub-diaphragm member 201, with respect to the head 3.
[0075] 20(A) to 20(D) may have a structure in which the hosel corresponding portion 200B and the shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 are integrated with the crank-shaped hosel 4 / shaft 5, not limited to a straight shaft. An insert may be disposed on the front surface of the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200, or an insert may be built into the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200. The head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 may be formed integrally with the insert, or the insert may be detachably attached. The shape of the diaphragm member 200 is not limited to the example shown in the drawings and can be freely chosen.
[0076] <Vibration Transmission Rib; Fan Ribs> Figure 21 shows a golf club 1 according to a third embodiment, which includes a vibration transmission rib 210 as an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism. As shown in Figure 21, the vibration transmission rib 210 extends in a rib-like manner from the head 3 to the shaft 5, and transmits impact vibrations generated when a golf ball is hit from the head 3 to the shaft 5. The vibration transmission rib 210 is a ridge-like convex portion extending from the head 3 to the front surface of the shaft 5, and is formed to emphasize the impact vibrations.
[0077] The golf club 1 in Fig. 21 is provided with a vibration transmission rib 210 on a golf club 1 having a hosel 4. More specifically, the vibration transmission rib 210 has a plurality of branches 210A attached to the head 3 and the hosel 4, and a trunk 210B extending along the axial direction of the shaft 5 and connected to the branches 210A at the lower end of the shaft (for example, shaped like the ribs of a fan). By providing the vibration transmission rib 210, the impact vibration transmitted to the palm of the user is increased, thereby improving the feel of the impact.
[0078] Other modified examples are shown in Figures 22(A) to (F) and Figures 23(A) and (B). The golf club 1 shown in Figure 22(A) has a diaphragm member 200 extending across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. In addition, the bowl-shaped (bell-shaped) head 3 has a structure in which the opening 202A on the upper surface of the hollow head portion 202 is closed with a lid-type diaphragm member 200D. In this case, the impact sound generated when the striking surface 2 of the head 3 strikes a golf ball resonates within the hollow head portion 202 and is emitted to the outside through the opening 202A, and the impact vibration is emphasized by the diaphragm members 200 and 200D. It is not necessary to provide the lid-type diaphragm member 200D that closes the opening 202A. In this case, the effect of emphasizing the impact sound within the hollow head portion 202 can still be achieved.
[0079] 22(B) shows a configuration in which, in addition to a vibration plate member (not shown) provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, a fin 5X is provided between the hosel 4 and the head 3. The fin 5X is provided as a thin plate-like or film-like vibration plate member, and the impact vibration can also be emphasized by the fin 5X. The fin 5X may be detachably attached to the golf club 1 (head 3). In this case, the impact vibration can be emphasized by attaching the fin 5X to an existing golf club.
[0080] 22(C) has, in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, the hosel 4, and the shaft 5, an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism including a sound collector 220 attached to the back side of the head 3 to collect impact sounds, an impact sound propagation tube 221 that propagates the impact sounds collected by the sound collector 220, and an earphone unit 222 that transmits the impact sounds propagated through the impact sound propagation tube 221 to the user. In this case, the user can clearly hear the impact sounds collected by the sound collector 220 from the earphone unit 222. Note that a wireless structure may be used in which the impact sound propagation tube 221 is not provided, and the sound collector 220 and the earphone unit 222 are wirelessly connected, and the impact sounds collected by the sound collector 220 are transmitted to the earphone unit 222 via wireless communication.
[0081] The sound collector 220, the impact sound propagation tube 221, and the earphone unit 222 may be detachably attached to the golf club 1 (head 3). In this case, the sound collector 220, the impact sound propagation tube 221, and the earphone unit 222 can be freely attached to an existing golf club.
[0082] The golf club 1 in Figure 22(D) has, in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, an impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism including a pickup 230 that detects impact vibrations and converts them into an electrical signal, an amplifier unit 231 that amplifies the impact sound based on the electrical signal detected by the pickup 230, and a speaker 232 that outputs the amplified impact sound. The amplifier unit 231 and the speaker 232 constitute a "speaker unit." The pickup 230 (shown by a dashed line in the figure), the amplifier unit 231 (shown by a dashed line in the figure), and the speaker 232 are attached to the back side of the head 3. In this case, the impact vibrations are converted into an electrical signal and the impact sound can be electrically amplified and output from the speaker unit, allowing the impact sound to be output more clearly.
[0083] 22(E) is a modification of FIG. 22(D), in which, in addition to the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, a pickup 230 (shown by a dashed line in the figure), an amplifier section 231 (shown by a dashed line in the figure), and a speaker 232 (shown by a dashed line in the figure) are provided in the hollow head section 202 of the head 3. The pickup 230, amplifier section 231, and speaker 232 may be detachably attached to the golf club 1 (head 3). In this case, the pickup 230, amplifier section 231, and speaker 232 can be freely attached to an existing golf club.
[0084] The head 3 shown in Figure 22(F) has a front side having the striking surface 2 formed from a thin plate, and by reducing the thickness of the plate on the striking surface 2 side, the striking vibration is emphasized. As shown in Figure 22(F), by detachably mounting batteries 3E on both sides of the head 3 and wiring power lines from the batteries 3E as appropriate, it is possible to add various electrical functions to the head 3. Examples of electrical functions that can be added to the head 3 include LED lights, electric decorations, lasers, sensors, testers, and communication functions.
[0085] 23A and 23B are explanatory diagrams of a golf club 1 in which, in addition to a vibration plate member (not shown) provided throughout the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, a vibration emphasizing member is attached to the shaft 5, and are radial cross-sectional views of the shaft 5. The vibration emphasizing member is a member that emphasizes and transmits to the user the impact vibrations that occur when a golf ball is struck on the striking surface 2, and is provided on the circumferential surface around the axis of the shaft 5, extending in the axial direction of the shaft 5.
[0086] 23A, a vibration-enhancing member 5A is provided on the inner peripheral surface of a hollow shaft 5. The vibration-enhancing member 5A is formed, for example, from a coating film formed by plating the inner peripheral surface of the shaft 5 with, for example, rhodium, copper, or gold. When carbon fiber is used as the vibration-enhancing member 5A, for example, a plurality of carbon fibers extending along the axial direction of the shaft 5 can be bundled together and formed into a shape that fits along the inner or outer peripheral surface of the shaft 5.
[0087] 23(B), a vibration-enhancing member 5B is provided on the outer peripheral surface of a hollow shaft 5. The vibration-enhancing member 5B is formed, for example, from a coating film formed by plating the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 5 with, for example, rhodium, copper, or gold. When using carbon fiber as the vibration-enhancing member 5B, for example, a plurality of carbon fibers extending along the axial direction of the shaft 5 can be bundled together and formed into a shape that fits along the inner or outer peripheral surface of the shaft 5.
[0088] 23(A) and 23(B) may be made of any material that enhances impact vibration, and may be made of various metals such as rhodium, copper, alloys, pure gold, carbon fiber, etc. When carbon fiber is used, for example, a plurality of carbon fibers extending along the axial direction of the shaft 5 may be bundled together and formed into a shape that fits along the inner or outer peripheral surface of the shaft 5.
[0089] 24 has a vibration plate member (not shown) provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, as well as an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism, which includes a vibration sensor 300 attached to the head 3 to detect vibrations occurring on the striking surface 2, and an actuator 301 that vibrates based on an electrical signal output from the vibration sensor 300, and the vibration of the actuator 301 is transmitted to the user via the vibration plate member 200. In this case, since the vibration generated by the electrical drive is transmitted to the user in addition to the actual impact vibration, the impact vibration can be emphasized.
[0090] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the embodiments can be freely combined. Furthermore, the shape of the golf club 1 (shape, size, thickness, etc. of the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5) is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and any well-known shape may be used.
[0091] For example, the attachment position of the shaft 5 to the head 3 (or hosel 4) is not limited to that shown in the figure. Specifically, the position of the shaft 5 in the front-to-rear direction of the head 3 may be anywhere, such as a position on the front side of the head 3, a position on the rear side, or a position intermediate between the front and rear sides. The position of the shaft 5 in the width direction of the head 3 may be anywhere, such as one end side, near the center, the other end, a position on the rear side, or a position intermediate between the front and rear sides of the head 3.
[0092] For example, as shown in Figure 25 (A), in a golf club 1 having a shaft 5, a hosel 4, and a head 3, in addition to a diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, the hosel 4, and the shaft 5, a pickup 230, an amplifier section 231, and a speaker 232 attached to the back side of the hosel 4 can be provided.
[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 25 (B), in a golf club 1 having a shaft 5, a hosel 4, and a head 3, in addition to a diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, the hosel 4, and the shaft 5, a hosel hollow portion 203 of the hosel 4 and a head hollow portion 202 of the head 3 are provided in communication with each other, and a speaker 232 can be attached within the hosel hollow portion 203, so that the hosel hollow portion 203 can be used as a speaker box and the impact sound output by the speaker 232 can be emitted from an opening 203A.
[0094] As a modification, the golf club 1 shown in Figures 22(D) and 22(E) may be configured to output an electronic sound from an electronic sound source based on an electrical signal detected by the pickup 230. The tone of the electronic sound may be, for example, the tone of an electronic drum. In other words, an electronic drum may be attached to the golf club 1. In addition, a radio, a smartphone, or the like may be detachably attached to the golf club 1.
[0095] <Plastic Model Style> The golf club 1 can be configured as an assembly-type golf club in which the user freely selects and assembles various parts, such as the diaphragm member 200, striking surface (face), weight, balance, insert, hosel, and sub-diaphragm member 201, with respect to the shaft 5, hosel 4, and head 3, in other words, as a plastic model-type golf club. Here, the insert may be formed integrally with the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200, for example, or may be separate from the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200. The head 3 and the striking surface may be formed integrally or separately. The striking surface may be formed integrally with the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200, or may be separate.
[0096] For example, the golf club 1 in Figures 26(A) and (B) has a diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, and a weight 3Z detachably attached to the rear side of the frame-shaped head 3. The golf club 1 in Figure 26(A) has weights 3Z detachably attached to both sides of the rear side of the head 3. The golf club 1 in Figure 26(B) has a diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, and a weight 3Z detachably attached to the rear side of the head 3, extending rearward in a planar shape from the rear side. Note that the size, shape, and number of weights 3Z are not limited to those described above and may be any. When a diaphragm member 200 is provided, the number may be one or more. When a plurality of diaphragm members 200 are provided, diaphragm members 200 of various shapes can be freely combined.
[0097] 27(A) and 27(B) show a modified structure in which the hosel-corresponding portion 200B and the shaft-corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 are integrated with the hosel 4 and the shaft 5, and the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the striking surface 2 of the head 3.
[0098] The golf club 1 in Fig. 27(A) is the same as that in Fig. 20(B) above, except that a cover member 200Z is not provided and the upper edge of the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is formed flush with the upper surface of the head 3. The golf club 1 in Fig. 27(B) is the same as that in Fig. 20(A) above, except that a plate member 200Y is not provided and the diaphragm member 200 is provided without a gap in the width direction relative to the frame-shaped head 3.
[0099] The golf club 1 in Figure 27 (C) has a structure in which the shaft corresponding portion 200C of the vibration plate member 200 is integrated with the shaft 5, and the head corresponding portion 200A and the hosel corresponding portion 200B of the vibration plate member 200 are attached to both the head 3 and the hosel 4.
[0100] The golf club 1 in Figures 27(D) and (E) is a modified structure in which the hosel corresponding portion 200B and the shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 are integrated with the hosel 4 and the shaft 5, and the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the striking surface 2 of the head 3. In Figure 27(D), the outline of the upper part of the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is semicircular when viewed from the front, and the upper part of the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 protrudes above the upper part of the head 3. In the golf club 1 in Figure 27(E), the outline of the upper part of the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is semicircular when viewed from the front, but does not protrude above the upper part of the head 3, and the periphery (top, bottom, and both sides) of the diaphragm member 200 is surrounded by the frame-shaped head 3.
[0101] As described above, the shape (contour, thickness, etc.) of the diaphragm member 200 may be any shape. The diaphragm member 200 may be any shape, such as a thin plate, a relatively thick plate, or an extremely thin film-like member. Furthermore, the various modified examples described above may be combined as appropriate.
[0102] The material used for the diaphragm member 200 is not particularly limited. Any substance capable of enhancing the impact vibration / impact sound may be appropriately selected as the material. Examples include various metals such as steel, alloy, pure gold, rhodium, and copper; pottery, ceramic, plastic, urethane, synthetic resins such as synthetic rubber; natural rubber (natural resin, rubber); wood; natural fibers (gut (cow or sheep intestines)); synthetic fibers (nylon fiber, polyester fiber); leather, Japanese paper, polyacetal, PET, glass, aluminum fiber, chemical fiber, resin, polypropylene, aluminum, copper, nanocellulose, paper, and polyester. The diaphragm member 200 may also be coated to enhance the impact vibration / impact sound.
[0103] The diaphragm member 200 is not limited to being formed from a single material, but can be formed by combining a plurality of materials including the various materials exemplified above. Furthermore, the diaphragm member 200 is not limited to being formed from a single plate-like member, but can be formed into a planar (membrane-like) shape by combining (weaving) rod- or string-like members, for example.
[0104] Figure 28(A) is a modified example of Figure 27(A), and is the same as the previous example, except that the head 3 has a wall surface that covers the front side as the striking surface 2, and the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the back side of the striking surface 2. In this case, the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 can be attached to and detached from the head 3 by inserting it from above the head 3 (similar to changing a cassette tape).
[0105] The golf club 1 in Fig. 28(B) differs from the golf club 1 in Fig. 28(A) above in that the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is built into the head 3. As a modification of the golf club 1 in Fig. 32(B), the head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 may be exposed on the front side as a striking surface.
[0106] The golf club 1 shown in Figures 29(A) and (B) has a structure in which, in addition to a vibration plate member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, a horn-shaped or dome-shaped conduit 206 is hollowed out and formed in the head 3.
[0107] Furthermore, the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 may have any known shapes and can be freely combined. For example, the golf club 1 according to the various embodiments and modifications described above is not limited to the one in which the head 3 is connected to a straight shaft 5 via a straight hosel 4 as shown in FIG. 1B, but can also be applied to the one in which the head 3 is connected to a straight shaft 5 via a crank-shaped hosel 4 as shown in FIG. 1A, or the one in which the crank-shaped shaft 5 is connected to the head 3 via a rectangular, flat hosel 4. The bending direction of the crank-shaped shaft 5 or hosel 4 is not limited to bending toward the front side, and may be, for example, bending toward one side in the width direction as shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C.
[0108] 31A and 31B are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which hollows are formed inside the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. Although not shown, the golf club 1 is provided with a vibration plate member 200 extending across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. Here, the hosel 4 has a hosel cavity 8 formed therein, which is hollow. Similarly, the shaft 5 has a shaft cavity 9 (shaft hollow portion) formed therein, which is hollow, and the head 3 has a head cavity 7 formed therein, which is hollow. The head cavity 7 and the shaft cavity 9 each communicate with the hosel cavity 8.
[0109] By providing cavities within the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, grip 6, etc., vibrations of the striking surface 2 are converted into vibrations of the air within the cavities. This allows the vibrations of the striking surface 2 to be transmitted to the user not only as physical vibrations but also as sound. In other words, the user can hear the vibrations of the striking surface as sound, improving the feel on impact. As shown by the dashed lines in Figure 31(B), an opening 11 may be formed that connects the internal space of the hosel cavity 8 to the outside of the hosel 4, a head opening 12 may be formed that connects the internal space of the head 3 to the outside, or a shaft opening 13 may be formed that connects the internal space of the shaft 5 to the outside. This increases the volume of sound reaching the user's ears, further improving the feel on impact. The openings 11-13 may be located on the side where the striking surface 2 is formed (the front side), the opposite side (the back side), or a side.
[0110] The hosel cavity 8, head cavity 7, and shaft cavity 9, which communicate with the openings 11 to 13, may be configured as a resonance chamber (resonance mechanism) that emphasizes the impact sound generated in the cavities 7, 8, and 9 when hitting a golf ball and transmits it to the outside through the openings 11, 12, and 13. In this way, the sound reaching the user's ears can be made louder, further improving the feel on impact.
[0111] 31(A) and 31(B), only one of the openings 11 to 13 may be provided, or none of the openings 11 to 13 may be provided (openings 11 to 13 may not be formed). Also, instead of all of the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, a hollow interior may be selectively formed in one or more of the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5.
[0112] For example, the interior of the hosel 4 may be hollow and the interiors of the head 3 and the shaft 5 may be solid, the interior of the head 3 may be hollow and the interiors of the hosel 4 and the shaft 5 may be solid, or the interior of the shaft 5 may be hollow and the interiors of the head 3 and the hosel 4. Alternatively, the interiors of the head 3 and the shaft 5 may be hollow and the interior of the hosel 4 may be solid, the interiors of the hosel 4 and the shaft 5 may be hollow and the interior of the head 3 may be solid, or the interiors of the head 3 and the hosel 4 may be hollow and the interior of the shaft 5 may be solid.
[0113] <Golf Practice System> [1. System Configuration] Next, a golf practice system that employs the above-described golf club 1 will be described. In the golf practice system described below, as an example, a golf club 1 having a vibration plate member 200 provided throughout the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 as an impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism will be used. However, any of the various golf clubs 1 described above may be used in this golf practice system. In other words, the impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism provided in the golf club 1 employed in this golf practice system is not limited to a "vibration plate member," and may be any of the above-described types of impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanisms. In other words, the golf club 1 used in the golf practice system may be the golf club 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 31 above, or may be a golf club 1 described below with reference to FIGS. 33 to 48.
[0114] 32 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a golf practice system. This golf practice system S includes a golf practice machine T for putting practice. As is well known, putting in golf is the act of hitting a golf ball with a golf club (typically a "putter") to put the ball into a hole called a cup (cup-in). Note that the golf practice machine T is not limited to putting practice using a putter, but can also be used for swing practice using golf clubs other than putters, such as drivers and irons.
[0115] The practice machine T is provided with a cup area T1 in which a cup C is provided on the golf ball rolling surface, and a hitting area T2, which is provided away from the cup C and has a golf ball rolling surface and serves as a hitting position for the user. The practice machine T may be, for example, a practice green, in which case the cup C is recessed relative to the golf ball rolling surface of the cup area T1. As another example, the practice machine T may be a golf practice mat. In this case, the cup C is not recessed, but is provided as a predetermined area (flat surface) on the golf ball rolling surface. In addition, in the case of a golf practice mat, the cup C may be formed as a shallow depression on the mat. In other words, the cup C is not limited to a hole, as long as it is a target position for inserting the golf ball into the cup. The following description will focus on the case in which the cup C is a hole recessed relative to the golf ball rolling surface.
[0116] The training machine T is a facility for a user (golfer) standing in a hitting area T2 to practice putting by hitting a ball B toward a cup C provided in a cup area T1 with a golf club 1. The golf ball rolling surface is the surface on which the hit ball B rolls, and is the floor surface of the cup area T1 and the hitting area T2.
[0117] In this embodiment, the directions used in explaining the golf training system S are defined as follows: Using the user putting in the hitting area T2 as a reference, the direction from the user toward the cup C is "front" (marked "F" in the figure), and the opposite side of "front" is "back" (marked "B" in the figure), and "left" and "right" (marked "L" and "R" in the figure) are defined based on "front." In addition, "up" and "down" (marked "U" and "D" in the figure) are defined based on the direction in which gravity acts.
[0118] As shown in Figure 32, a cup C provided in a cup area T1 of a training machine T is positioned forward of a hitting area T2. A pin P made of a rod-shaped member is erected on the cup C. The pin P serves as a marker for the cup C to a user in the hitting area T2.
[0119] The golf practice system S in Figure 32 is provided with a cup unit 250 attached to the cup C, a pin unit 500 attached to the pin P, a club unit 700 attached to the golf club 1, and a photography unit 600 arranged in the hitting area T2.
[0120] In addition to these units 250, 500, 600, and 700, the system S also includes a control unit 350 that manages the system S, and a terminal device 400 owned by the user. The devices 250, 350, 400 to 700 in the system S are connected via a wireless communication network so that they can exchange data, and can operate in cooperation with each other. The wireless communication network is a network that complies with well-known wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (registered trademark).
[0121] The outline of this system S is that the control unit 350 generates guide information for providing guidance to the user's golf play based on monitor information acquired by the units 250, 500, 600, and 700, the control unit 350 transmits the guide information to the terminal device 400, etc., and the terminal device 400, etc. provides guidance based on the guide information in advance (in advance) before the user hits the ball, for example. In other words, in this system S, the devices 250, 350, 400 to 700 work together via a network to provide interactive guidance to the user's golf practice.
[0122] The guide is advice to the user regarding golf play, model plays, etc. Specifically, examples of advice and model plays include hitting form, swing rhythm of the golf club, ball launch direction, timing, etc.
[0123] The monitor information acquired by the units 250, 500, 600, and 700 in this system S is the measurement results regarding the user's golf play. The monitor information includes multiple video data, cup-in information, ball hitting information, impact vibration / impact sound information accompanying the impact of the ball, golf club head angle, etc. The cup unit 250, pin unit 500, club unit 700, and photographing unit 600 are monitor information sources that provide the monitor information to the control unit 350.
[0124] <Cup Unit> The cup unit 250 is built into (attached to) the cup C and is a mechanism provided to provide monitor information on the cup C to the control unit 350. The cup unit 250 includes a first control device (referred to as the "control device" in the figure) 251, a first sensor (first detection means, referred to as the "sensor" in the figure) 252, and a first communication device (first transmission device, referred to as the "communication device" in the figure) 253. The first control device 251 is an electrical control device configured to include a processor, a storage device, etc. that control the cup unit 250.
[0125] A first sensor 252 and a first communication device 253 are connected to the first control device 251 so as to be able to send and receive data. The first sensor 252 is a detection means provided to detect cup-in information indicating that the golf ball B has gone into the cup C. The first sensor 252 is, for example, an impact sensor that detects the impact of the golf ball B falling into the cup C.
[0126] The first communication device 253 is a wireless communication device connected to the control unit 350 (external) via a wireless communication network. The cup unit 250 can transmit a detection signal (cup-in information) of the first sensor 252 to the control unit 350 (external) via the first communication device 253, and can receive information from the external device.
[0127] In addition, the cup unit 250 includes additional devices such as a camera 255 for capturing images of the area around the cup C, an audio device 256 including an amplifier, speaker, and microphone, a lighting device 257, a laser illuminator 258, and a power supply (not shown) for supplying power. These devices 251 to 258, as well as various other devices not shown, may be detachably attached to the cup unit 250 or may be integrally provided with the cup unit 250. Sensors may also be provided, such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an air pressure sensor (pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (sound pressure sensor), a direction sensor, a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor (ambient light sensor), a human presence sensor, an anemometer, a wind vane, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, and a snow depth meter (such as a snow depth meter based on laser reflection or images captured by a camera).
[0128] That is, cup C can be configured as a multi-functional "AI cup" that automatically detects whether golf ball B has gone into the cup, outputs sound, performs predetermined functions in response to predetermined voice input such as "Alexa (registered trademark)," "OK Google (registered trademark)," or "Hey Siri (registered trademark)," emits light, and individually identifies ball B. When identifying ball B that has fallen into cup C using cup unit 250, it is preferable to brighten the inside of cup C using a light source (illumination means, lighting device 257 in FIG. 32 ) in cup unit 250 (cup C). This improves the identification ability when identifying ball B that has fallen into cup C using camera 255 of cup unit 250.
[0129] <Pin Unit> The pin unit 500 is attached to the pin P and is a mechanism provided to provide the control unit 350 with monitor information about the surroundings of the pin P. The pin unit 500 includes a second control device (referred to as "control device" in the figure) 501, a first camera (first photographing means, referred to as "camera" in the figure) 502, a second communication device (second transmission device, referred to as "communication device" in the figure) 503, a first illuminator (referred to as "laser" in the figure) 504, and a second light receiver (referred to as "light receiver" in the figure) 505.
[0130] The second control device 501 is an electrical control device including a processor, a storage device, etc. that controls the pin unit 500. The second control device 501 is connected to a first camera 502, a second communication device 503, a first illuminator 504, and a second light receiver 505 so as to be able to exchange data.
[0131] The first camera 502 is an image sensor provided to capture video (first video data) around the pin P. In this embodiment, the first camera 502 is a capturing device that captures video at least from the pin P toward the hitting area T2. As an example, the first camera 502 may be configured as a "360-degree camera" that can capture video in all directions, 360 degrees, in the vertical and horizontal directions, centered on the pin P. Note that the first camera 502 is not limited to a 360-degree camera, and may also be a camera that captures a range narrower than 360 degrees. The first camera 502 may also be configured as a 3D camera.
[0132] The second communication device 503 is a wireless communication device connected to the control unit 350 (external) via a wireless communication network. Via the second communication device 503, video data captured by the first camera 502 can be transmitted to the control unit 350 (external) and information can be received from the external.
[0133] The first illuminator 504 is a light source that emits guide laser light that indicates a straight line from the pin P toward the hitting area T2. The straight line indicates the rolling trajectory of the ball B. The trajectory of the laser light functions as a guide line that indicates the trajectory of the ball B. Here, the trajectory of the ball B is the trajectory that connects the cup C to a predetermined hitting position. The second light receiver 505 is a light receiving element (sensing device) that receives (detects) the guide laser light (guide sub-laser light) from the second illuminator 705 provided in the club unit 700 described below.
[0134] In addition, the pin unit 500 may be provided with additional devices such as an audio device 506 including an amplifier, speaker, and microphone, a lighting device 507, a power supply (not shown) for supplying power, a laser illuminator, and an automatic operation mechanism for automatically adjusting various aspects of image capture by the first camera 502 (e.g., focusing, brightness adjustment, tracking of a subject, switching of image capture direction, etc.), which may be detachable from or integral with the pin unit 500. Furthermore, the pin unit 500 may be provided with sensors 508, such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an air pressure sensor (pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (sound pressure sensor), a direction sensor, a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor (ambient light sensor), a human presence sensor, an anemometer, a wind vane, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow depth meter (such as a snow depth meter based on laser reflection or an image captured by a camera), etc.
[0135] That is, the pin P can be configured as a multi-functional "AI pin" that automatically captures surrounding images, outputs audio, performs predetermined functions in response to predetermined voice input such as "Alexa (registered trademark)," "OK Google (registered trademark)," or "Hey Siri (registered trademark)," emits light, and individually identifies the ball B. When identifying the ball B that has fallen into the cup C using the camera 502 of the pin unit 500, it is preferable to illuminate the inside of the cup C using a light source (illumination means, the lighting device 257 in FIG. 32 ) attached to the cup unit 250 (cup C) as described above or the lighting device 507 of the pin unit 500. This improves the identification ability when identifying the ball B that has fallen into the cup C using the first camera 502 or the camera 255 of the cup unit 250.
[0136] Furthermore, for example, in poor visibility or when practicing golf at night (night golf), the light-emitting function (lighting device 507) attached to the pin unit 500 can be used to enhance the identification of the pin P (i.e., to provide the pin P with a lighthouse function). The lighting provided by the lighting device 507 attached to the pin P provides, for example, illumination, neon, lights, spotlights, rotating spotlights, mirror balls, LED lighting, etc. around the pin P. The lighting device 507 attached to the pin P lights up when, for example, a human presence sensor included in the sensor 508 of the pin unit 500 detects a person approaching the pin P. This lighting function can be switched on and off.
[0137] <Club Unit> The club unit 700 is attached to the golf club 1 and is a mechanism provided to provide monitor information around the golf club 1 to the control unit 350. As described above, the golf club 1 has the diaphragm member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. In other words, the club unit 700 can be mounted on any of the golf clubs 1 described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 31 and the golf clubs 1 described below with reference to FIGS. 33 to 48.
[0138] The club unit 700 includes a third control device (referred to as "control device" in the figure) 701, a second camera (second photographing means, referred to as "camera" in the figure) 702, a third communication device (third transmission device, referred to as "communication device" in the figure) 703, a second sensor (second detection means, referred to as "sensor" in the figure) 704, a second illuminator (referred to as "laser" in the figure) 705, a display device (referred to as "display" in the figure) 706, an acoustic device 707, a first light receiver (referred to as "light receiver" in the figure) 708, an illumination device 709, and an impact vibration / impact sound sensor (referred to as "sensor #2" in the figure) 710.
[0139] The third control device 701 is an electrical control device configured to include a processor, a storage device, etc. that controls the club unit 700. Each of the elements 702 to 710 is connected to the third control device 701 so that data can be exchanged. The second camera 702 is an image sensor provided to capture an image (second image data) of the surroundings of the club 1. In this embodiment, the second camera 702 is an imaging means that captures an image at least from the head of the club 1 toward the front.
[0140] The second sensor 704 is a detection means for detecting impact information relating to the impact of the golf ball as one piece of monitor information. The second sensor 704 is, for example, an impact sensor that detects impact data when the golf ball is hit with the striking surface, and an angle sensor that detects the angle of the head when hitting the golf ball, and is built into the head 3 (see FIG. 1A, etc.).
[0141] The impact vibration / impact sound sensor 710 is attached to the diaphragm member 200 (impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism) provided on the golf club 1, and is a detection means for detecting, as one piece of monitor information, impact vibration / impact sound information relating to the impact vibration / impact sound emphasized by the diaphragm member 200. As described above, the diaphragm member 200 emphasizes the impact vibration generated when a golf ball is struck, and can emphasize (increase) the vibration transmitted to the palm of the user through the shaft 5 and the grip 6, and the impact sound heard by the user (i.e., the impact sound corresponding to the impact vibration).
[0142] The impact vibration / impact sound sensor 710 is configured as a vibration sensor that detects impact vibrations (emphasized by the diaphragm member 200) generated in the diaphragm member 200 when a golf ball is struck, for example. Alternatively, the impact vibration / impact sound sensor 710 is configured as a pickup that detects impact sounds (emphasized by the diaphragm member 200) generated in the diaphragm member 200 when a golf ball is struck. Alternatively, the impact vibration / impact sound sensor 710 may be configured as a combination of a vibration sensor and a pickup. The impact vibration / impact sound sensor 710 may be built into the diaphragm member 200 or disposed in the vicinity of the diaphragm member 200, for example. The impact vibration / impact sound sensor 710 may also be built into the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, or grip 6.
[0143] The second irradiator 705 is a light source that emits a guide laser beam forward from the head of the golf club 1. The trajectory of the laser beam functions as a guide line that indicates the trajectory of the ball B. Here, the trajectory of the ball B is a trajectory that is approximately perpendicular to the striking surface of the head and extends linearly forward from the striking surface.
[0144] The display device 706 is a display device that displays visual information. An example of the display device 706 is an LCD. The audio device 707 is an audio input / output device that includes an amplifier, a speaker, and a microphone and reproduces audio signals and inputs voice. The first light receiver 708 is a light receiving element (sensing device) that receives (detects) the guide laser light from the first irradiator 504 provided in the pin unit 500.
[0145] The third communication device 703 is a wireless communication device connected to the control unit 350 (external) via a wireless communication network. Via the third communication device 703, the video data captured by the second camera 702 and the detection signal of the second sensor 704 can be transmitted to the control unit 350 (external) and information can be received from the external.
[0146] In addition, the club unit 700 is provided with a lighting device 709, a power source for supplying power (not shown), and an automatic operation mechanism for automatically operating various adjustments related to image capture by the second camera 702 (for example, focusing, adjusting brightness, tracking the subject, switching the image capture direction, etc.), which are detachable from the club unit 700 or are integral with the club unit 700. In addition, sensors such as a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an air pressure sensor (pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (sound pressure sensor), a direction sensor, a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor (ambient light sensor), a human sensor, an anemometer, a wind vane, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow depth meter (such as a snow depth meter based on laser reflection or an image captured by a camera), etc. may also be provided.
[0147] That is, the golf club 1 can be configured as an "AI club" with multiple functions, such as automatically capturing images of the surrounding area, detecting hitting information, emitting laser light, outputting sound, operating in response to voice command input, and emitting light. The lighting provided by the lighting device 709 attached to the golf club 1 provides, for example, illumination, neon, lights, spotlights, rotating spotlights, mirror balls, LED lighting, etc., around the golf club 1. The lighting device 709 attached to the golf club 1 turns on, for example, when a human presence sensor mounted on the golf club 1 detects a person approaching the golf club 1. This lighting function can be switched on and off.
[0148] <Photography unit> The photography unit 600 is attached to the hitting area T2 of the golf training machine, and is a mechanism provided to capture images of the user standing in the hitting area T2 and the user's surroundings, and provide the image data as monitor information to the control unit 350 and devices within the system S, including the terminal device 400.
[0149] 37 includes multiple cameras 602. Specifically, the multiple cameras 602 include a left camera 602L (one of the third imaging means) and a right camera 602R (one of the third imaging means) provided on both the left and right sides of the hitting area T2, a rear camera 602B (one of the third imaging means) provided behind the hitting area T2, and a head-mounted head camera 602H (fourth imaging means) worn on the user's head.
[0150] The left and right cameras 602L, 602R and the rear camera 602B are imaging means for capturing images (third image data) of the user from both the left and right sides and from behind. The head camera 602H is imaging means for capturing images (fourth image data) of the user's line of sight while practicing golf. The image data captured by the imaging unit 600 is transmitted via a communication device 601 (fifth transmission device) to devices within the system S, such as the control unit 350 and the terminal device 400. The imaging unit 600 includes a control device (not shown) that allows various adjustments related to imaging by the camera 602 (for example, focusing, adjusting brightness, tracking the subject, switching the imaging direction, etc.).
[0151] <Control Unit> The control unit 350 is a computer that controls and manages the system S. The control unit 350 is installed in an arbitrary location, such as near the training aircraft T or at a system base remote from the training aircraft T.
[0152] The control unit 350 includes a control device 351, a receiving device (first receiving device, referred to as "receiving device" in the figure) 352, a first transmitting device (fourth transmitting device, referred to as "transmitting device" in the figure) 353, and a storage device 354. The receiving device 352 and the transmitting device 353 are devices for sending and receiving data to and from the outside via a wireless communication network.
[0153] The control unit 350 receives, as monitor information, various types of video data and sensor detection data acquired by the units 250, 500, 600, and 700 in the system S via the receiving device 352. The control device 351 is a device that generates predetermined guide information based on the above monitor information, and is, for example, a processor that has a software program for generating guide information implemented therein. The guide information is information that provides the user with guidance on the above golf play.
[0154] The storage device 354 is a storage for storing various data. The storage device 354 is provided with a temporary storage device for temporarily saving received monitoring information, as well as a database in which a history of monitoring information over a certain period is accumulated in association with ID information for each user. The history of monitoring information is data that is treated as so-called "big data."
[0155] In addition to the monitor information, various other information is stored in the storage device 354. Examples of other information stored in the storage device include training machine information regarding the slope and turf texture of the golf training machine T on which the system S is used, and personal information regarding the user's age, gender, golfing ability, etc. When generating guide information, the control device 351 may take into account not only the received monitor information but also the above history and other information. This increases the amount and variety of information taken into account when generating guide information, making it possible to provide the user with higher quality guidance.
[0156] The transmitting device 353 transmits the guide information generated by the control device 351 to the terminal device 400. Furthermore, the transmitting device 353 may transmit the guide information to at least one of the cup unit 250, the pin unit 500, the club unit 700, and the photographing unit 600 (i.e., any device in the system S) in addition to or instead of the terminal device 400. Note that the various functions of the control unit 350, including the guide information generation process in the control device 351, may be provided by cloud computing using computing services on a cloud environment (Internet environment).
[0157] <Terminal Device> The terminal device 400 is a portable information terminal device that can be carried by a user. The terminal device 400 includes a fourth control device (referred to as the "control device" in the figure) 401, a display 402 (presenter, referred to as the "display (presenter)" in FIG. 32), a fourth communication device (second receiving device, referred to as the "communication device" in the figure) 403, and an input device 404. The fourth control device 401 is an electrical control device configured to include a processor, a storage device, and the like, which implements a software program for overall control of the terminal device 400.
[0158] The fourth communication device 403 is a wireless communication device connected to the control unit 350 (external) via a wireless communication network. Through the fourth communication device 403, it is possible to receive guide information from the control unit 350 and transmit various information to the external.
[0159] The display 402 is an example of a presenting device that displays (presents) a guide based on the guide information to the user using some kind of visual image, such as a moving image or a still image. An example of the display 402 is an LCD. The input device 404 is, for example, a touch panel sensor, a button switch, or the like.
[0160] Examples of presenters other than the display 402 include an audio device 405 that outputs sound, a light-emitting lighting device (not shown), and a vibration generating mechanism (not shown) that generates vibrations. When an audio device is used as a guide presenter, guidance for golf play is presented by, for example, music, voice, electronic sounds, sound effects, or some other sound. When a lighting device is used as a guide presenter, guide displays or support content are presented by flashing light or changing the light color. In the case of a vibration generating mechanism, guidance for golf play is presented by vibration.
[0161] In addition, various sensors may be built into the terminal device 400. Examples of the sensors include a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a GPS, a biometric authentication sensor, a radar sensor, an air pressure sensor (pressure sensor), a temperature and humidity sensor, a microphone (sound pressure sensor), a direction sensor, a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor (ambient light sensor), an image sensor (camera 406), a vital sensor, a pulse sensor, a body temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a blood pressure sensor, a distance sensor, a tilt sensor, a terrain sensor, a human presence sensor, an anemometer, a wind vane, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, and a snow depth meter (such as a snow depth meter based on laser reflection or an image captured by a camera).
[0162] Portable devices used for the terminal device 400 include portable information terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet devices, and wearable devices that can be worn by the user. Alternatively, a well-known golf rangefinder that uses a laser to measure the distance from the user to a target may be used as the terminal device 400. From the viewpoint of achieving both golf play and display visibility, it is preferable to use a wearable device as the terminal device 400.
[0163] Examples of wearable devices include smart glasses, eyeglass-type wearable devices, smart watches, etc. Among wearable devices, head-mounted wearable devices such as smart glasses and eyeglass-type wearable devices are more preferable because they allow the user to view guide displays and support content displays without stopping their hands while playing golf.
[0164] When a head-mounted wearable terminal is used as the terminal device 400, the head camera 602H of the photographing unit 600 is configured by a camera 406 equipped on the head-mounted wearable terminal used as the terminal device 400. In addition, the terminal device 400 may include an audio device (audio input / output device) 405 including earphones, headphones, a microphone, etc.
[0165] The terminal device 400 can be executablely equipped with an application program for executing the functions of the control unit 350 (such as the overall management function of the system S and the function of generating and providing guide information). In this case, the terminal device 400 can perform the overall management function of the system S and the function of generating and providing guide information together with the control unit 350 or in place of the control unit 350.
[0166] [2. Control] Next, a specific example of control for providing a guide in the present system S will be described. In the control unit 350, the control device 351 constantly receives, as monitor information, video data acquired from the camera 255 of the cup unit 250, the first camera 502 of the pin unit 500, the cameras 602L, 602R, 602B, and 602H of the photographing unit 600, and the second camera 702 of the club unit 700, cup-in information from the first sensor 252 of the cup unit 250, impact information from the impact sensor and angle data from the angle sensor included in the second sensor 704 of the club unit 700, and impact vibration / impact sound information from the impact vibration / impact sound sensor 710 of the club unit 700.
[0167] The control device 351 stores the received video data, cup-in information, impact information, angle data, and impact vibration / sound information (monitor information) in a storage device and accumulates it as big data, and based on this monitor information, generates guide information to provide guidance to the user on their golf play.
[0168] <Providing Guidance> First, an example of control for providing guidance (instructions) for golf play will be described. The control device 351 analyzes acquired video data using well-known image analysis technology to calculate play situation estimation data. The play situation estimation data is data estimated from the video. The estimated data includes, for example, the user's current position, the user's posture before swinging, head-up analysis, head-up check, the user's line of sight, head position, stance, distance to the pin P, and the like. The play situation estimation data allows the control unit 350 to grasp (estimate) the play situation based on the monitor information.
[0169] The control device 351 generates guide information based on the calculated play situation estimation data and sample (model play) data. The guide information is advice (guide) for achieving a better hit based on the current play situation (the user's current position, the user's posture before swinging, head-up analysis, head-up check, the user's line of sight, head position, stance, distance to the pin P, etc.).
[0170] Specifically, tips for playing golf, such as a sample swing trajectory, a sample form, swing rhythm, ball launch direction, standing position, foot width, and accurate impact, are presented using images, photographs, videos, audio, rhythmic sounds, character strings, etc. In addition, the playing form of a master or expert golfer, for example, a professional golf player, can also be presented as a model play.
[0171] Model data that serves as a reference for guiding golf play, and various video, image, and audio data for generating guide information are stored in advance in the storage device 354. Examples of the model data include the user's posture before swinging, the user's line of sight, head position, stance, body movement, and golf club trajectory.
[0172] The control device 351 transmits the generated guide information to the terminal device 400. The terminal device 400 outputs guide content for golf play based on the guide information from the display device 402 and the sound device 405. The destination of the guide information may be the terminal device 400, the display device 706 and the sound device 707 of the club unit 700, the other units 250 and 500, etc.
[0173] The guide content is at least one of a guide video and a guide audio. The guide video may include the user's eye position during the swing, head position, posture, head-up analysis, head-up check, hitting form, golf club stroke trajectory, head angle, ball launch angle, head speed, hitting strength, swing tempo, glove path (trajectory), putter face direction (angle), etc.
[0174] The guide audio may be a metronome sound (including music, voice, or other rhythmic sounds) that guides the swing rhythm of the golf club, advice (audio comments) for improving golf play, etc. Also, the device may be connected to an interactive online golf lesson service via the Internet.
[0175] As a guide for playing golf, predicted results from the current playing situation may be presented, such as predicted ball trajectory, predicted swing trajectory, predicted form, etc.
[0176] When generating the guide information, the control device 351 can take into account monitor information accumulated as big data, practice field information regarding the slope and turf grain of the green, and personal information regarding the user's age, gender, physique, constitution, height, weight, golfing skills, etc. Taking various information into account can improve the accuracy of the golf play guidance provided by the guide information. Furthermore, by incorporating the user's golf play information history into the guide information, the user's "habits" can be more easily reflected, making it possible to provide personalized golf play guidance. Furthermore, the control device 301 may have a function (generation AI) that learns various collected and accumulated data and automatically generates guide information.
[0177] <Guidance by Laser Light> In the present system S, a laser light (guide laser light) is emitted from the first illuminator 504 of the pin unit 500 toward the hitting area T2. Meanwhile, a first light receiver 708 is provided in the club unit 700 of the golf club 1 used by a user of the hitting area T2. Therefore, when the user stands in an appropriate position with respect to the pin unit 500, the first light receiver 708 of the club unit 700 receives the laser light from the first illuminator 504. When the first light receiver 708 receives the guide laser light, a display in the system S displays that fact.
[0178] Examples of the indicator include the indicator 402 of the terminal device 400 and the display device 706 of the club unit 700. When the first light receiver 708 receives the guide laser light, a notification to that effect may be given by audio output from a speaker in the system S. Examples of speakers in the system S include the audio device 405 of the terminal device 400, the audio device 256 of the cup C, the audio device 506 of the pin P, the audio device 707 of the club unit 700, etc.
[0179] Furthermore, a laser beam (guide sub-laser beam) is emitted from the second illuminator 705 of the club unit 700. When the user is standing in an appropriate position relative to the pin P, the laser beam from the second illuminator 705 is emitted toward the pin P (pin unit 500). Meanwhile, the pin unit 500 is provided with a second light receiver 505. Therefore, when the user is standing in an appropriate position relative to the pin unit 500, the second light receiver 505 of the pin unit 500 receives the laser beam from the second illuminator 705 of the club unit 700.
[0180] When the second light receiver 505 receives the guide sub-laser beam, a display in the system S displays that fact. Examples of the display include the display 402 of the terminal device 400 and the display device 706 of the club unit 700. Furthermore, when the second light receiver 505 receives the guide sub-laser beam, a speaker in the system S may output a sound to notify that fact. Examples of speakers in the system S include the audio device 405 of the terminal device 400, the audio device 256 of the cup C, the audio device 506 of the pin P, the audio device 707 of the club unit 700, etc.
[0181] As described above, when the first light receiver 708 receives the guide laser beam, the display in the system S displays that fact, and when the second light receiver 505 receives the guide sub-laser beam, the display in the system S displays that fact, so that the user can confirm through the display that he or she is standing in the appropriate position relative to the pin unit 500. The display content may be anything as long as it informs the user that he or she is standing in the appropriate position relative to the pin unit 500. The respective trajectories of the laser beam from the first light receiver 708 and the laser beam from the second light receiver 505 function as guide lines indicating the trajectory of ball B, so that the user can understand the launch direction of ball B after standing in the appropriate position relative to the pin unit 500. Therefore, a visual guide regarding putting (hitting ball B) can be provided to the user.
[0182] Furthermore, using the first illuminator 504 of the pin unit 500 and the second illuminator 705 of the club unit 700, it is possible to present guide light in both directions, using laser light from the front and laser light from the rear. Bidirectional guide light can provide more reliable guidance. The irradiation angle between the first illuminator 504 of the pin unit 500 and the second illuminator 705 of the club unit 700 can be automatically adjusted based on the analysis results of the monitor information and video data described above. This allows for the direction of the laser light to be adjusted, enabling accurate guidance that reflects the current playing situation.
[0183] <Feedback of Current Analysis Results> Furthermore, the control device 351 can provide feedback on the play results after the hit is completed based on the results of analyzing the video data. In this case, the control device 351 identifies the swing made by the user in the video based on the results of analyzing the video data, analyzes the identified swing, and tracks the hit golf ball B in the video to analyze the movement of the golf ball B. Here, analyzing and evaluating the swing includes analyzing the user's form and analyzing the movement of the golf club (head).
[0184] Examples of analysis items for the user's form include the user's eye position, head position, posture, head-up analysis, and head-up check. Examples of analysis items for the golf club (head) movement include the golf club stroke trajectory, head angle, head speed, impact strength, putter face angle, ball launch angle, club path (in-out / out-in movement of the club head at impact), swing tempo, swing flow, and club head flow.
[0185] Examples of analysis items for the movement of the golf ball B include the speed of the golf ball B, the launch angle (launch direction) of the golf ball B, and the flight distance of the golf ball B. The control device 351 calculates analysis result data for each of the above items by analyzing the video data, and generates the calculated various analysis result data as practice support information. The analysis result data generated as support information is used as information for displaying the analysis results and evaluation of the golf play for each of the above items.
[0186] The control device 351 transmits the analysis result data generated as support information to the terminal device 400. The fourth control device 401 of the terminal device 400 displays the analysis results and evaluation of the golf play for each of the above items on the display 402 as practice support content based on the received analysis result data (support information). In other words, feedback on the golf play results is provided. Such feedback contributes to improving the user's golfing technique. Furthermore, visualizing one's own play as numerical values and images also contributes to improving the enjoyment of golf.
[0187] Examples of golf play analysis results displayed as support content on the display 402 are listed below. Examples of support content include the speed of golf ball B, the launch angle (launch direction) of golf ball B, the flight distance of golf ball B, the number of rotations of ball B, the rotation direction of ball B, the rotation speed, ball quality, the quality of rotation, a video recording the user's form during the swing, a series of high-speed photographs of the user's form during the swing, the user's eye position during the swing, the position and posture of the head, head-up analysis, head-up check, the golf club stroke trajectory, the measured head angle, the measured head speed, the measured strength of the impact, the swing tempo, the swing flow, and the flow of the club head. The golf club stroke trajectory includes the so-called glove path. The head angle includes the orientation (angle) of the putter face.
[0188] Feedback on the golf play result is not limited to the visual feedback described above, but may also be provided by audio information (i.e., auditory feedback). Specifically, auditory feedback refers to the transmission of the analysis results of the golf play by audio. Specifically, audio such as "Nice shot," "Out of alignment," "Hooked," "Open," "Out of alignment n degrees (n is any number)," "Hooked n degrees (n is any number)," and "Open alignment n degrees (n is any number)" may be output in response to the user's swing. These audio feedbacks can be provided in combination with the visual feedback described above.
[0189] In this case, a database storing various voice data (audio data) used for auditory feedback is provided in the storage device 354 of the control unit 350. Based on the calculated various analysis result data, the control device 351 extracts voice data to be provided to the user from the database and generates practice support information including this voice data.
[0190] The terminal device 400 outputs audio based on the transmitted audio data. For example, headphones or earphones can be used to output the audio. Note that the audio output is not limited to the terminal device 400, and may be performed by an audio device of any device within the system S.
[0191] <Banner Advertisement> The control device 351 may generate banner advertisement display information in conjunction with providing the above-mentioned guide information or providing feedback on the golf play results, and transmit the banner advertisement display information to the terminal device 400 of the user.
[0192] The banner advertisement display information is information for displaying a banner advertisement video (a small advertisement displayed in a part of the screen). In this case, the terminal device 400 displays the banner advertisement in association with the provision of guide information or feedback on the golf play results. The banner advertisement may be displayed on any display device in the system S as well as the terminal device 400.
[0193] The control device 351 may generate advertising audio output information instead of or in addition to the banner advertising display information and transmit it to the terminal device 400 of the user. In this case, the terminal device 400 outputs the advertising audio in association with feedback on the golf play results. The content of the output video and audio is not limited to advertising, and may be any video or audio (e.g., ASMR).
[0194] In addition, the content provided from the control unit 350 to the terminal device 400 and other devices 250, 500, 700 in this system S is not limited to the above. For example, audio and video guidance for "prize presentation," advertising video and audio, points awarded at stores and websites, miles, mileage, stay mileage, discount tickets, service coupons, music, audio support, lighting effects, etc. may be provided.
[0195] In this case, a database that stores a large amount of information (including advertising video signals) relating to advertising videos, advertising audio, points awarded at stores or websites, music, audio support, lighting effects, etc. is provided in the storage device 354 of the control unit 350. For example, in response to a cup-in, the control unit 350 extracts information relating to advertising videos, advertising audio, points awarded at stores or websites, miles, mileage, stay mileage, discount tickets, service coupons, music, audio support, lighting effects, etc. from the database and transmits it to the terminal device 400.
[0196] The support audio is audio that enhances the user's enjoyment of playing golf, specifically, cheers, cheers, applause, etc. from the gallery. The lighting effect is an effect that enhances the user's enjoyment of playing golf by controlling the on / off, color, brightness, etc. of the light source devices in the system S. The lighting may provide illumination, neon, lights, spotlights, rotating spotlights, mirror balls, LED lighting, etc. The lighting effect may be accompanied by music playback. The user can select a desired music genre or song, such as disco, gravure music, classical music, pop music, or enka. In the lighting effect, the control of the light source device may be changed depending on the selected music genre.
[0197] The timing for providing banner advertising videos, advertising audio, music, etc. is not limited to when the ball goes in the cup. Advertising videos, advertising audio, music, radio broadcasts, movies, etc. can be provided at any time during practice using the training device T. The provision of "music" mentioned above includes playing music based on a playlist of desired music genres or songs created by the user, as well as playing music selected by a DJ (disc jockey). The user may be able to request desired songs from the DJ's selection. The music provided may also be so-called "karaoke." In this case, the user can sing along with the karaoke performance.
[0198] The user can arbitrarily switch on / off the playback of audio and video such as advertising videos, advertising audio, music, radio broadcasts, movies, television, video distribution services, etc. In other words, the user can individually select, for example, from the terminal device 400, whether or not the various contents described above are provided.
[0199] In addition, a competitive game function, a putting game, an approach game, and the like linked to the acquired monitor information may be provided by the terminal device 400. When the user's terminal device 400 is a wearable device (head-mounted wearable device) that is worn on the head, such as smart glasses or an eyeglass-type wearable device, the above-mentioned various guide displays and images of the support content are superimposed on the real world and displayed on the display 402 of the terminal device 400. In this way, by providing guide displays and support content as AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), or MR (Mixed Reality), the user's enjoyment of playing golf can be further enhanced.
[0200] If the user's terminal device 400 is a wearable device (head-mounted wearable device) that is worn on the head, such as smart glasses or an eyeglass-type wearable device, the display 402 of the terminal device 400 can be used to play audio and video such as advertising videos, advertising audio, music, radio broadcasts, and movies, as well as browse websites and various file documents while playing golf or moving between courses. In other words, while playing golf, the user can have an auditory and visual experience or perform auditory and visual tasks separate from golf. The user can select the various guide displays and support content described above from the terminal device 400 as appropriate and receive the support content in the desired combination.
[0201] Furthermore, the analysis results of the video data and the generated support information may be accumulated as big data in the storage device of the control device 351 (control unit 350). By storing the analysis results of the video data and the generated support information as big data in the control unit 350, a data platform that aggregates golf play information can be provided. Big data can be shared among multiple golf training machines.
[0202] In the golf practice system S shown in FIG. 32 , a display (monitor) 1M for the user is disposed in the hitting area T2. This monitor 1M is an example of a display device for displaying various information and is installed near the user. The monitor 1M is equipped with a control device 901, a display device 902, a communication device 903, an input device 904, an audio device 905, a camera 906, sensors 907, a lighting device 908, and the like. Sensors that may be provided include, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an air pressure sensor (pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (sound pressure sensor), a direction sensor, a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor (ambient light sensor), a human presence sensor, an anemometer, a wind vane, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow depth meter (such as a snow depth meter based on laser reflection or images captured by a camera), and the like.
[0203] In other words, the monitor 1M functions as one of the devices within the practice system S, and can be configured as a multi-functional AI device that can work in conjunction with other devices within the system S, display various information to the user, output audio, perform specified functions in response to specified voice input such as "Alexa (registered trademark)," "OK Google (registered trademark)," or "Hey Siri (registered trademark)," and emit light.
[0204] The monitor 1M may display the various guides described above, support content, video and still images of the user's form, weather, current news, the user's score, ranking, etc. The monitor 1M allows the user to easily check the visual information provided by the system S. In addition, the monitor 1M functions as one element of the golf practice system S in cooperation with other devices in the system S. For example, the user may use the monitor 1M to connect to an interactive online golf lesson service via the Internet.
[0205] Furthermore, an electronic scoreboard 800 (display) may be installed at any location within the golf practice system S (for example, behind the cup area T1). The electronic scoreboard 800 is an example of a display for displaying various information within the golf practice system S, and is preferably a large display device, for example, from the viewpoint of ensuring visibility. However, the size of the electronic scoreboard 800 is not particularly limited. The electronic scoreboard 800 may be configured as an information terminal device equipped with attached mechanisms such as a control device 801, a display device 802, a communication device 803, an input device 804, an audio device 805, a camera 806, a sensor 807, and an illumination device 808, and can function as one of the devices constituting the system S.
[0206] The sensor 807 may include, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric authentication sensor, an air pressure sensor (pressure sensor), a temperature sensor, a microphone (sound pressure sensor), a direction sensor, a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor (ambient light sensor), a human presence sensor, an anemometer, a wind vane, an infrared sensor, an infrared camera, a snow depth meter (such as a snow depth meter based on laser reflection or images captured by a camera), etc. In other words, the electronic bulletin board 800 functions as one of the devices in the practice system S, and can be configured as a multi-functional AI device that cooperates with other devices in the practice system S, displays various information to the user, outputs audio, performs predetermined functions in response to predetermined voice input such as "Alexa (registered trademark)," "OK Google (registered trademark)," or "Hey Siri (registered trademark)," and emits light.
[0207] The display of various information on the electronic scoreboard 800 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 350. The electronic scoreboard 800 is not limited to being controlled by the control unit 350, but may be controlled by any of the cup unit 250, the control unit 350, the terminal device 400, the pin unit 500, the photographing unit 600, or the club unit 700 in the system S. The electronic scoreboard 800 may display the above-mentioned various guide displays and support content. In addition to the above-mentioned guides and content, any information such as weather, current news, user scores, rankings, etc. may be displayed on the electronic scoreboard 800. Furthermore, a projector may be provided instead of or in addition to the electronic scoreboard 800. The projector can project images into the system S using projection mapping.
[0208] The cameras installed in the golf practice system S may all be configured as 3D cameras. Furthermore, each device in the golf practice system S may be configured to share its own power status (e.g., remaining battery power) and operating status (meters).
[0209] Furthermore, because the camera units 600 are positioned to surround the user standing in the hitting area T2, the camera units 600 can capture a full-body (all-around) image of the user. This image information can be used to obtain measurement data when customizing golf wear, golf caps, golf shoes, golf clubs, and other clothing, accessories, and tools. This image information can also be used to create icons, avatars, and characters (two-dimensional and three-dimensional characters) for users to use on social networking sites on the Internet. The created avatars can be used in three-dimensional virtual spaces constructed on computers, such as the Metaverse.
[0210] 3. Effects and Advantages The golf training system S of this embodiment has the above-described configuration and therefore provides the following effects and advantages.
[0211] According to the present system S, at least one of the following is acquired as monitor information: cup-in information from the first sensor 252 of the cup unit 250; video data taken from the pin P toward the hitting area T2 (rearward) by the first camera 502 of the pin unit 500; video data taken from the head toward the front by the second camera 702 of the club unit 700; hit data and head angle data detected by the second sensor 704 of the club unit 700; and hit vibration / hit sound information detected by the hit vibration / hit sound sensor of the club unit 700. The control unit 350 grasps the current playing situation based on the monitor information and generates guide information for providing guidance to the user's golf play according to the playing situation. The terminal device 400 provides the user with guidance according to the guide information in advance (in advance) before the user hits the ball.
[0212] Guidance is provided based on monitor information obtained from multiple monitor information sources (cup unit 250, pin unit 500, club unit 700) located in front (cup C side) and behind (hitting area T2 side) of the training machine T. The types of monitor information include multiple types, including video data, hitting information, vibration information, and cup-in information. Therefore, highly accurate guidance is provided that takes into account multiple factors, thereby improving the effectiveness of training.
[0213] Here, since the monitor information includes impact vibration / impact sound information related to the (enhanced) impact vibration / impact sound generated by the diaphragm member 200, it is possible to provide guidance based on the impact vibration / impact sound information. For example, the correlation between the impact vibration / impact sound information and the impact information (other monitor information) (e.g., the relationship between the impact vibration or impact sound and the quality of the impact) can be analyzed and the analysis results can be presented, or the analysis results can be accumulated and fed back to the user. Furthermore, the impact vibration / impact sound information can be visualized using numerical values, graphs, etc., and the impact vibration / impact sound information can be accumulated as big data.
[0214] Furthermore, it is possible to present guide light in both directions, using the first illuminator 504 of the pin unit 500 and the second illuminator 705 of the club unit 700, with laser light from the front and laser light from the rear. This allows for more accurate guidance than a structure in which guide light is irradiated in one direction from the golf club.
[0215] 33A and 33B are side views of a golf club 1. The golf club 1 shown in FIG. 33A is provided with a diaphragm member 200 that extends from the head 3 through the hosel 4 to the shaft 5. The hosel 4 has two bent portions, forming a bent shape in which the upper end on the shaft 5 side is located forward of the lower end on the head 3 side. Here, the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the striking surface 2 of the head 3, and the hosel-corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the surface facing the front of the hosel 4. The shaft-corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the surface facing the front of the shaft 5. In other words, the diaphragm member 200 can be retrofitted to the golf club 1, and is also detachable from the golf club 1.
[0216] The golf club 1 shown in Figure 33(C) is a perspective view of the golf club 1 in Figure 33(A), showing the golf club 1 and the diaphragm member 200 exploded. Not only in the golf club 1 shown in Figure 33(A), but in any golf club 1, the thickness of the diaphragm member 200 can be set appropriately, and it may be thicker or thinner. Also, the golf club 1 may be provided with the diaphragm member 200 and a balance member (weight). Also, the balance of the golf club 1 may be adjusted by the weight of the diaphragm member 200. In this case, the diaphragm member 200 also serves as a balance adjustment function (weight).
[0217] In the golf club 1 shown in Figure 33(B), the head 3 is formed with a thinner thickness on the side where the striking surface 2 is located. By forming the striking surface 2 of the head 3 with a thinner thickness, the striking surface 2 itself of the head 3 functions to enhance the impact vibrations and impact sound generated when striking a golf ball. In other words, the striking surface 2 of the head 3 functions as the diaphragm member 200. In other words, the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is formed integrally with the head 3 and cannot be replaced. This also improves the feel and impact sound compared to existing golf clubs. Note that the golf club 1 shown in Figure 33(B) may have a weight attached to the head 3 to adjust the balance.
[0218] Moreover, the golf club 1 shown in Fig. 33(D) is an exploded perspective view showing a modification of the golf club 1 shown in Fig. 33(C). The golf club 1 shown in Fig. 33(D) differs from the golf club 1 shown in Fig. 33(C) in that the hosel 4 extends linearly, but the rest of the configuration is the same.
[0219] 34(A) also has a diaphragm member 200 that extends from the head 3 through the hosel 4 to the shaft 5. The head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 has a first surface that is attached to the striking surface 2 of the head 3, and the hosel-corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 has a second surface that extends upward from the first surface 200A. The hosel-corresponding portion 200B (second surface) of the diaphragm member 200 is formed integrally with the hosel 4.
[0220] The hosel 4 has two bent portions and is formed in a bent shape in which the upper end portion on the shaft 5 side is located forward of the lower end portion on the head 3 side. The head-corresponding portion 200A (first surface portion) of the diaphragm member 200 is the striking surface of the head 3 and also functions as a so-called insert.
[0221] 34(A) in that a head corresponding portion (first surface portion) 200A of the diaphragm member 200 and a hosel corresponding portion (second surface portion) 200B of the diaphragm member 200 are formed as separate members, but the rest is the same. Note that a shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the front surface of the shaft 5, and the head corresponding portion 200A, the hosel corresponding portion 200B, and the shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 are connected to each other.
[0222] The hosel 4 of the golf club 1 shown in Figure 34 (C) has two bent portions, forming a bent shape in which the upper end on the shaft 5 side is located forward of the lower end on the head 3 side, and has a triangular thin plate portion 4T standing upright from the top surface of the head 3. The head corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 has a first surface portion attached to the striking surface 2 of the head 3. The hosel corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 has a second surface portion attached to the front surface of the thin plate portion 4T of the hosel 4. In other words, the hosel corresponding portion 200B (second surface portion) of the diaphragm member 200 has a fin-like portion made of a triangular thin plate provided between the head 3 and the hosel 4.
[0223] The second surface portion (fin-shaped portion) which is the hosel corresponding portion 200B of the diaphragm member 200 may be provided integrally with the thin plate portion 4T of the hosel 4, or may be detachable (post-installable) from the thin plate portion 4T of the hosel 4. In this case, the head corresponding portion 200A (first surface portion) of the diaphragm member 200 also functions as a so-called insert. The head corresponding portion 200A (second surface portion) of the diaphragm member 200 functions as a so-called fin.
[0224] The thickness of the thin plate-like portion 4T may be set thin so that the thin plate-like portion 4T itself functions as a fin-like portion. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 34(C), the illumination member 4E may be disposed in a planar or chain-like manner on the top surfaces of the second surface portion 200B (head-corresponding portion, fin-like portion) and the thin plate-like portion 4T. The illumination member 4E may be disposed on only one of the second surface portion 200B and the thin plate-like portion 4T.
[0225] The shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 is attached to the front surface of the shaft 5, and the head corresponding portion 200A, the hosel corresponding portion 200B, and the shaft corresponding portion 200C of the diaphragm member 200 are connected to each other. In Figures 34(A) to 34(C), the shape (neck shape) of the hosel 4 is not limited to the example shown in the drawings, and well-known shapes such as a straight neck, a gooseneck, and a crank neck can be freely applied.
[0226] 35(A) has a vibration plate member 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, and a detachable unit 70 detachably attached to the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10. The detachable unit 70 has a main body portion 70A and a hollow portion 70B formed inside the main body portion 70A. The main body portion 70A is a cylindrical member that extends in the direction (axial direction) of the extension of the shaft 5 and conforms to the inner circumferential shapes of the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10.
[0227] The main body 70A of the detachable unit 70 may have any shape as long as it is cylindrical and conforms to the inner circumferential shape of the shaft hollow 9 and the grip hollow 10, and a hollow portion 70B is formed therein. As an example, as shown in FIG. 35(B), the main body 70A has a framework structure combining multiple longitudinal beams 70V extending along the axial direction of the shaft 5 and multiple horizontal beams 70H along a cross section in the axial direction. Each longitudinal beam 70V is spaced apart from each other between an upper end 70U and a lower end 70D. Each horizontal beam 70H is disposed perpendicular to each longitudinal beam 70V. The vertical beams 70V and the horizontal beams 70H form a lattice-like framework structure.
[0228] The main body 70A (detachable unit 70) functions as a reinforcing member that reinforces the strength of the shaft 5 from the inner peripheral surface side. By using the main body 70A (detachable unit 70) to reinforce the strength of the shaft 5, the thickness of the peripheral surface of the shaft 5 (the peripheral surface surrounding the shaft hollow portion 9) can be made thinner. This makes it easier for the shaft 5 to transmit vibrations, and therefore the vibrations transmitted to the grip 6 can be strengthened.
[0229] As a modified example of the main body 70A (detachable unit 70) shown in Figure 35 (B), the horizontal beam 70H may be omitted and the main body 70A may be configured with one or more vertical beams 70V. Note that the shape of the main body 70A is not limited to the above-mentioned frame structure, but may also be a tubular structure surrounded by walls. Furthermore, the shape is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may also be a rectangular tubular shape.
[0230] The detachable unit 70 shown in Figures 35(A) and (B) has a cylindrical shape that conforms to the inner circumferential shapes of the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10, and can be considered a cartridge type that is inserted into and removed from the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10. In this case, the golf club 1 can be considered to have a dual structure with the detachable unit 70 built in. Figure 35(C) shows a modified example of the shape of the detachable unit 70. The detachable unit 70 shown in Figure 35(C) has a capsule-like shape with both the upper and lower ends being approximately hemispherical. The detachable unit 70 shown in Figure 35(D) is a modified capsule-like shape, with the lower end (one end) being curved and more pointed than the upper end (the other end).
[0231] 35(A) to 35(D) may be detachably attached with its lower end in contact with the hosel 4, or may be built into the shaft cavity 9 and the grip cavity 10 with its upper end spaced apart above the hosel 4. The detachable unit 70 shown in Figures 35(A) to 35(D) may have its upper end spaced apart above the grip cavity 10 or the shaft cavity 9. The upper end of the detachable unit 70 may be located at the upper end of the grip cavity 10 or the shaft cavity 9, or may be spaced apart below the upper end of the grip cavity 10 or the shaft cavity 9.
[0232] The outer peripheral surface of the detachable unit 70 may or may not be in contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10. If the outer peripheral surface of the detachable unit 70 is not in contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10, a resin ring may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the detachable unit 70 to close the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft hollow portion 9 and the grip hollow portion 10, for example.
[0233] The detachable unit 70 may have various electrical devices 72 built in, such as a pickup, an amplifier, a speaker, a microphone, an actuator, a communication device, a battery, a motor, etc. For example, if a sensor is provided in the detachable unit 70, it is possible to detect information inside the shaft 5. Specifically, if a vibration sensor is provided in the detachable unit 70, it is possible to detect vibration information inside the shaft 5. This information inside the shaft 5 can be, for example, one of the pieces of information handled by the above-mentioned golf practice system.
[0234] The diaphragm member 200 may have a structure that easily generates sound in response to impact, i.e., a percussion instrument-type structure. In this case, the diaphragm member 200 can have the structure of various percussion instruments, such as a steel pan, gong, drum, drum, or cymbal. The diaphragm member 200 may be retrofitted to the golf club 1 or may be pre-installed on the golf club 1 (a genuine product). In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the shapes (neck shapes) of the hosel 4 and shaft 5 are not limited to those described above, and well-known shapes such as a straight neck, gooseneck, or crank neck can be freely applied. In the above-described embodiments and modifications, the golf club is not limited to a putter, and any type of golf club, such as an iron or driver, may be used.
[0235] Figures 36 to 39 show a golf club 1 characterized by a surface vibration member (insert) provided on the striking surface 2 of the head 3. As shown in Figure 36, this golf club 1 comprises a head 3, a hosel 4, a shaft 5, and a grip 6. The side of the head 3 is provided with a striking surface (face) 2 that strikes the golf ball. The striking surface 2 is equipped with an insert, as an impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism 200, made of a surface vibration member 15 that vibrates on impact 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 little force, thereby increasing the flight distance. The surface vibration can improve the feel on impact.
[0236] As shown in FIG. 37 , the face vibration member 15 includes a net member 16 formed by weaving strings 19 into a net-like shape inside a frame 18 at the head-corresponding portion of the face vibration member 15, and a membrane member 17 attached from the striking surface 2 of the head 3, through the front surface of the hosel 4, to the front surface of the shaft 5. The head-corresponding portion (200A) of the membrane member 17 is provided to cover the front surface of the net member 16, and a hosel-corresponding portion (200B) and a shaft-corresponding portion (200C) of the membrane member 17 extend from the head-corresponding portion (200A) of the membrane member 17 along the hosel 4 and shaft 5. The net member 16 has a structure similar to that of a tennis racket, for example. This allows for efficient application of a reaction force to the ball. Preferably, the net member 16 and the membrane member 17 are individually detachable from the striking surface 2 of the head 3.
[0237] 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), while the membrane member 17 includes at least one of metal plates, resin plates, rubber films, and leather films. This allows the net member to be manufactured inexpensively by reusing existing strings (such as tennis strings or rubber belts), and by reusing existing membrane products (such as drum membranes or the rubber membranes of table tennis rackets). Furthermore, the net member 16 and membrane member 17 can be integrally formed to have a structure similar to the striking surface of a table tennis racket, or the net member 16 can be made by stretching drum skin across a frame material.
[0238] The insert may also be made of metal. In this case, the insert may be formed in a lattice pattern like the cover of a grating. The net member 16 constituting the surface vibration member 15 (insert) may be formed of a net-like (mesh-like) net member (mesh member) using resin fibers such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) or ultrafine resin fibers. A specific example of a mesh member using fiber-reinforced plastic or ultrafine resin fibers is a mesh member made by weaving strings made of fiber-reinforced plastic into a flat net-like (mesh-like) shape. Another specific example is a mesh member made by three-dimensionally intertwining ultrafine resin fibers. In a golf club 1 having a surface vibration member (insert) using a mesh member, vibrations generated when hitting a golf ball tend to be amplified by the surface vibration member. This improves the feel of the impact.
[0239] The insert may have a structure similar to that of a gong. That is, the striking surface 2 of the insert may have a suspended structure, and when a golf ball hits the striking surface 2 with this gong structure, a sound similar to that of a gong may be produced. If the net member 16 is made of a drum skin stretched across a frame material, or if the striking surface 2 of the insert has a gong structure, a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the drum skin or the vibration of the insert with the gong structure may be provided, for example, within the golf club head or integral with or adjacent to the insert, and the vibration of the drum skin or the insert with the gong structure may be amplified and output as sound from a speaker.
[0240] The surface vibration member 15 is detachably attached to the head 3. This allows it to be attached or detached according to the user's preference. The surface vibration member 15 can also be attached to an existing golf club. Similar to the head cavity 7 described above, a head cavity 7 may be provided by forming the inside of the head 3 hollow. For example, as shown in Figures 36 and 38, the head cavity 7 may be formed inside the head main body 14, with an opening provided on its side. 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 resonate inside the head cavity 7, improving the feel on impact.
[0241] An internal head wire (auxiliary vibration transmission member) 30 may also be attached inside the head cavity 7. The internal head wire 30 is stretched inside the head cavity 7 and connected to the surface vibration member 15 via a connecting wire 40. This not only transmits the surface vibration of the surface vibration member 15 through the shaft 5 and grip 6, but also amplifies the vibration of the internal head wire 30, improving the feel when hitting the ball.
[0242] 38, a shaft hollow portion 9 may be provided by forming the interior of the shaft 5 hollow, similar to the shaft hollow portion 9 described above. With this configuration, the surface vibration can be reverberated inside the shaft hollow portion 9 as well, improving the feel on impact. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 38, a wire 20W may be provided inside the shaft hollow portion 9. The wire 20W is stretched inside the shaft hollow portion 9 and connected to the wire 30 inside the head. With this configuration, the surface vibration of the surface vibration member 15 can be transmitted through the hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6, and can also be amplified as vibration of the wire 20W inside the shaft, improving the feel on impact.
[0243] 39, the wire 20W in the shaft may be tensioned so as to connect the grip 6 and the wire 30 in the head. In other words, the upper end of the wire 20W in the shaft may be fixed inside the grip 6 so that the vibration of the surface vibrating member 15 is transmitted not only through the shaft 5 and the grip 6 but also as vibration of the wire 20W in the shaft. With this configuration, the vibration can be transmitted efficiently to the grip, further improving the feel on impact.
[0244] 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 may sound as an audio notification, or the tone of the chime, gong, or buzzer may be different or the sound may be different depending on whether the golf ball hits the sweet spot or not. In this case, a sensor is provided to detect whether the golf ball has hit the sweet spot or whether it has missed the sweet spot, and based on the detection information from this sensor (or these sensors), the sound of the chime, gong, or buzzer is output from a speaker via an amplifier, or as audio.
[0245] Also, a mechanism may be provided that detects the vibration of the surface vibration member 15, electrically amplifies it, and produces sound. A specific example of this mechanism is a structure in which the surface vibration member 15 is formed into a net-like shape by weaving string-like metal (magnetic) material, and a pickup coil arranged close to the surface vibration member 15 converts the vibration of the surface vibration member 15 into an electrical signal, which is then amplified by an amplifier to produce sound.
[0246] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 39, the inner surface of the insert can be directly connected to the auxiliary vibration transmission member (wire 30 inside the head). In this way, the vibrations in the insert are transmitted directly to the wire 30 inside the head, thereby improving the transmission efficiency and contributing to an improved feel when hitting the ball.
[0247] As shown in Figure 40(A), in a golf club 1 with a hosel, a net member 16 of a planar vibration member 15 (insert) may be provided from the striking surface 2 of the head 3 to the hosel 4 and shaft 5. In this case, a wider area for planar vibration can be ensured, making it easier to further emphasize the vibration. Although not shown, a membrane member 17 may be provided to cover the entire surface of the net member 16.
[0248] As shown in Figure 40(B), in a golf club 1 with a hosel, a net member 16 of a planar vibration member 15 (insert) may be provided from the striking surface 2 of the head 3 to the hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6. Although not shown, a membrane member 17 may be provided to cover the entire surface of the net member 16. In this case, a wider area for planar vibration can be ensured, and the user directly touches the planar vibration member 15 with the grip 6, making it easier to further emphasize the vibration. When the above-mentioned gong structure is adopted in the golf club 1 of Figures 40(A) and (B), the portion of the planar vibration member 15 corresponding to the head, i.e., the portion provided on the striking surface 2 of the head 3, has a gong structure (hanging structure).
[0249] 40(A) and (B) show an exploded view of the golf club 1 and the surface vibration member 15. In the golf club 1 of Figures 40(A) and (B), the shape of the hosel 4 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, and well-known shapes such as a straight neck, gooseneck, crank neck, trapezoidal shape, rectangular shape, etc. can be freely applied.
[0250] In the golf club 1 shown in Figures 40(A) and (B), the net member 16 constituting the surface vibration member 15 (insert) may be formed of a net-like (mesh-like) net member (mesh member) using resin fibers such as fiber-reinforced plastic or ultrafine resin fibers. A specific example of a mesh member using resin fibers such as fiber-reinforced plastic or ultrafine resin fibers is a mesh member made by weaving strings made of fiber-reinforced plastic into a flat net-like (mesh-like) shape. Another specific example is a mesh member made of a mat body in which ultrafine resin fibers are intertwined in a three-dimensional mesh shape. A surface vibration member 15 using a mesh member made of such resin fibers tends to easily transmit vibrations. This can improve the feel of the impact.
[0251] In the golf club 1 shown in Figure 41 (A), the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 are formed from a framework 1F. The framework 1F is made up of framework (framework, frame) members that define the outlines of the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. A vibration plate member 200 is attached to the front-facing surface of the framework 1F, extending across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5. Note that only parts of the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 may be formed from the framework. For example, the hosel 4 and shaft 5, excluding the head 3, may be formed from the framework.
[0252] The vibration plate member 200 may be extended to the grip 6, which is not shown. In the illustrated example, the frame body 1F made up of two members forms the hosel 4 and the shaft 5, but the frame body 1F forming the hosel 4 and the shaft 5 may be made up of a single member or two or more members.
[0253] In the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 41(B), the hosel 4 and shaft 5 are each formed from a strip-shaped member 4G, 5G. Each strip-shaped member 4G, 5G is a plate member extending in a strip-like shape in the axial direction of the golf club 1. A vibration plate member 200 is attached across the head 3, hosel 4 (strip-shaped member 4G), and shaft 5 (strip-shaped member 5G). Note that only the head 3, hosel 4, or shaft 5 may be formed from a strip-shaped member. Since the hosel 4 and shaft 5 are formed from strip-shaped members 4G, 5G, vibrations are easily transmitted. Note that the vibration plate member 200 may extend to the grip 6 (not shown).
[0254] In the golf club 1 shown in Figure 41(C), the upper portion of the shaft 5 forms an enlarged portion that is wider in diameter than the remaining portions. This enlarged portion functions as the grip 6. In other words, the golf club 1 shown in Figure 41(C) has a structure in which the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are integrated. A diaphragm member 200 is attached to this golf club 1, extending across the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6. In this diaphragm member 200, the portion corresponding to the grip 6 forms an enlarged portion that is wider in width than the remaining portions.
[0255] Because the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are integrated, vibrations are more easily transmitted to the grip 6 than in a structure in which the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are separate. In addition, the upper part of the shaft 5 forms a widened portion, which allows the thickness of the gripping member (urethane, etc.) provided on the grip 6 to be thinner. This makes it easier for vibrations to be transmitted to the user's hand.
[0256] In the golf club 1 shown in Figure 41(C), the upper portion of the shaft 5 forms an enlarged portion that is wider in diameter than the remaining portions. This enlarged portion functions as the grip 6. In other words, the golf club 1 shown in Figure 41(C) has a structure in which the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are integrated. A diaphragm member 200 is attached to this golf club 1, extending across the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6. In this diaphragm member 200, the portion corresponding to the grip 6 forms an enlarged portion that is wider in width than the remaining portions.
[0257] The golf club 1 shown in Figure 41(D) is a modified version of the golf club 1 shown in Figure 41(B), in which the upper portion of the shaft 5 made of a strip-shaped member 5F forms an enlarged portion with a larger diameter than the remaining portions. This enlarged portion functions as the grip 6. A diaphragm member 200 is attached to this golf club 1, extending across the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6. In this diaphragm member 200, the portion corresponding to the grip 6 forms an enlarged portion with a larger width dimension than the remaining portions.
[0258] 41(A) to (D) are depicted as having a flat plate shape, but are not limited to this and may have any shape, such as a cylindrical shape (cylindrical, square cylindrical) that surrounds the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6 (golf club 1). Also, the strip-shaped members 4W and 5W in FIGS. 41(B) and (D) above are not limited to having a flat plate shape and may be formed into a cylindrical shape such as a curved semi-cylinder or a square tube.
[0259] In the golf club 1 of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the shape of the grip 6 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings and may be any shape. Furthermore, in the golf club 1, the shaft 5 and the grip 6 may be integrally formed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 42(A), the diameters of the shaft 5 and the grip 6 may be the same. Furthermore, the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 42(B) has the same diameters of the shaft 5 and the grip 6, similar to the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 42(A), and the grip 6 is provided with a grip member 6G that covers the periphery of the grip 6. The grip member 6G is a hand member that is gripped by the user of the golf club 1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 42(C), the diameter of the grip 6 may be larger than the diameter of the shaft 5. In this case, the grip 6 is easier to hold.
[0260] The grip member 6G is made of a material that fits softly to the user's hand. Specific examples include rubber (natural rubber), elastomer (resin material), fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), ultrafine resin fibers, and metal. While the grip member 6G is clearly shown in FIG. 42(B) in comparison with FIG. 42(A), the grip 6 of the golf club 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples may be provided with the grip member 6G.
[0261] As the grip member 6G using resin fibers such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) or ultrafine resin fibers, a net-like (mesh-like) net member (mesh member) using resin fibers such as fiber-reinforced plastic or ultrafine resin fibers can be used. A specific example of a mesh member using fiber-reinforced plastic or ultrafine resin fibers is a mesh member made by weaving strings made of fiber-reinforced plastic into a flat net-like (mesh-like) shape. Another specific example is a mesh member made by intertwining ultrafine resin fibers in a three-dimensional manner. A sheet-like cover may be further provided around the net member (mesh member). In a golf club 1 having a grip member 6G using a mesh member, vibrations from the shaft 5 tend to be easily transmitted to the user's hand through the grip member 6G. This improves the feel of the impact.
[0262] The material used for the grip 6 may be rubber (natural rubber), elastomer (a resin material), fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), ultrafine resin fibers, metal, or the like. Note that these materials are merely examples, and the materials used for the grip 6 and the grip member 6G are not limited to these. The materials used for each part of the golf club 1 (head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, grip 6) may be any material, such as various metals such as stainless steel, titanium, mild steel, bronze, aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum, and copper, as well as carbon, plastic, nanocellulose, carbon nanofiber, Japanese paper, leather, polyacetal, PET, glass, aluminum fiber, chemical fiber, resin, polypropylene, nanocellulose, and polyester.
[0263] A reinforcing member for reinforcing the strength of the shaft 5 may be built into the detachable unit 70. A reinforcing member 73 with a truss structure is built into the detachable units 70 and 71 shown in Figure 42(D). A reinforcing member for reinforcing the strength of the shaft 5 may be built into the shaft hollow portion 9 of the shaft 5 instead of the detachable units 70 and 71. A reinforcing member 74 with a truss structure is built into the shaft hollow portion 9 of the shaft 5 shown in Figure 42(E).
[0264] Furthermore, the thickness (wall thickness) of the shaft 5 may be reduced to facilitate transmission of vibrations to the user's hand gripping the grip 6 through the shaft 5. In this case, the shaft 5 itself can be said to function as a vibration plate member. Also, by providing the shaft 5 with thick and thin portions, vibration transmission may be ensured in the thin portions, while strength may be ensured in the thick portions.
[0265] In the golf club 1 according to each embodiment and modification, the axial dimension (length) of the hosel 4 is not limited. That is, the ratio of the hosel 4 to the shaft 5 is free. For example, the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 43 has a larger ratio of the length of the hosel 4 to the shaft 5 than the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 1(A) or the like. The diaphragm member 200 is provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5.
[0266] As a modification of the golf club 1 described above, the diaphragm member 200 may be extended to the head 3, the hosel 4, the shaft 5, and the grip 6. In addition, the golf club 1 may be provided with the various functions listed below. The various functions may include an image system, a vital data detection function, a smartphone-equipped function, a smartphone function, a communication function, an AI function, a smart speaker function, a display function, a touch panel function, a speech function (conversation function), a GPS function, a beacon function, and the like.
[0267] In addition, when the head corresponding portion 200A of the vibration plate member 200 is provided on the striking surface 2 of the head 3, milling (grooving) may be performed on the surface (face surface, striking surface) of the head corresponding portion 200A of the vibration plate member 200 that strikes the golf ball.
[0268] Furthermore, when the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200 is provided on the striking surface 2 of the head 3, the loft angle (the degree of inclination of the club face) can be adjusted or changed by varying the thickness of the upper and lower portions of the head-corresponding portion 200A of the diaphragm member 200. The diaphragm member 200 may be painted or coated. Any known type of paint may be used.
[0269] <Vibration Sensor> The above-described modified golf club 1 may be equipped with various electrical devices, sensors, a control device (controller), a battery, etc. The golf club 1 described below with reference to Figures 44 to 48 is equipped with a vibration plate member (impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism) 200 provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, as well as various electrical devices, sensors, a control device (controller), a battery, etc.
[0270] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a golf club 1 according to a modified example. The golf club 1 shown in FIG. 44 includes a diaphragm member 200 extending from the head 3 to the hosel 4 to the shaft 5. The golf club 1 and the diaphragm member 200 are shown exploded. As shown in FIG. 44 , in addition to the diaphragm member 200 extending from the head 3 to the hosel 4 to the shaft 5, the golf club 1 includes a vibration sensor 95 built into the hosel 4 to detect vibrations. The vibration sensor 95 may be attached to the outer surface of the hosel 4 or may be built into the hosel 4. If a hosel cavity 8 is formed inside the hosel 4, the vibration sensor 95 may be disposed inside the hosel 4. By detecting vibrations with the vibration sensor 95, the magnitude and waveform of vibrations near the vibration source (striking surface 2) can be objectively determined, further improving the feel of the impact. Furthermore, the magnitude and waveform of vibrations can be analyzed, and the analysis results can be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of golf practice. Information detected by the vibration sensor 95 may be transmitted to a computer (not shown) via, for example, a wireless or wired connection.
[0271] Furthermore, a vibration device 96 (actuator) that vibrates based on information about vibrations detected by the vibration sensor 95 may be built into the hosel 4. When a hosel cavity 8 is formed inside the hosel 4, the vibration device 96 may be disposed inside the hosel cavity 8. The vibration device 96 may function to directly amplify and output the vibrations detected by the vibration sensor 95, for example. By amplifying the vibrations with the vibration device 96, it is possible to increase the vibrations that are actually transmitted to the user, further improving the feel when hitting the ball.
[0272] Furthermore, a speaker 96A that emits sound based on vibration information detected by the vibration sensor 95 may be built into the hosel 4. If a hosel cavity 8 is formed inside the hosel 4, a speaker 96A including an amplifier may be disposed inside the hosel cavity 8. The speaker 96A may function, for example, to amplify and output the vibrations detected by the vibration sensor 95 as sound. As a result, when a golf ball is hit with one of the striking surfaces of the golf club, the vibrations are detected by the vibration sensor 95 and are output as sound from the speaker 96A. In this case, the hollow hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6 function as a speaker box, amplifying and outputting the sound related to the vibrations. As a result, the golf club 1 can function as a kind of electronic musical instrument.
[0273] 44 , another vibration device 97 (actuator) and speaker 97A may be built into the grip 6. The vibration device 97 and speaker 97A are disposed, for example, inside the grip cavity 10 in the grip 6. Like the vibration device 96 and speaker 96A described above, the vibration device 97 and speaker 97A function to directly amplify and output the vibrations detected by the vibration sensor 95, or to directly amplify and output the vibrations detected by the vibration sensor 95 as sound. By generating vibrations or outputting sound within the grip 6, the vibrations and sound actually transmitted to the user can be made even larger, further improving the feel of the impact.
[0274] <Transmitter> The golf club 1 shown in Fig. 44 may further include a transmitter 101 for transmitting information detected by the vibration sensor 95 to an external device. The transmitter 101 is built into, for example, the hosel 4. If a hosel cavity 8 is formed inside the hosel 4, the transmitter 101 may be disposed inside the hosel cavity 8. The information detected by the vibration sensor 95 can be transmitted to an external device such as a computer (not shown) via the transmitter 101, for example, by wireless connection or wired connection.
[0275] <Rhythm Box Function> The golf club 1 shown in FIG. 44 may include a controller 100 having a rhythm box function that provides rhythm when the golf ball is hit and a synthetic voice generation function. The controller 100 is built into, for example, the hosel 4. If a hosel cavity 8 is formed inside the hosel 4, the controller 100 may be disposed inside the hosel cavity 8. A speaker 96A is connected to the output side of the controller 100. By using either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller 100, one of the rhythm sound generated by the controller 100 and the synthetic voice can be output from the speaker 96A when the golf ball is hit. Note that various operations such as turning the rhythm box function and the synthetic voice generation function of the controller 100 on and off, adjusting the volume, and so on can be input from an indicator (not shown). The indicator may be built into the golf club 1. Alternatively, the indicator may be configured as an external device (e.g., a smartphone) connected via a wireless connection. Furthermore, the various functions of the controller 100 may be configured by an external device (for example, a smartphone) connected via a wireless connection.
[0276] The golf club 1 shown in Fig. 45 is a modified example of the golf club 1 shown in Fig. 44, and illustrates a configuration in which a vibration sensor 95', a vibration device 96', and a speaker 96A' are built into the shaft 5. In other words, the vibration sensor 95, the vibration device 96, the speaker 96A, the transmitter 101, and the controller 100 built into the hosel 4 may be built into the shaft 5.
[0277] Without being limited to this, all or part of the vibration sensor, vibration device, speaker, transmitter, and controller may be built into the shaft 5. That is, the vibration sensor, vibration device, speaker, transmitter, and controller may be built into only one of the hosel 4 and the shaft 5, or they may be built into both. Also, some of the vibration sensor, vibration device, speaker, transmitter, and controller may be built into one of the hosel 4 and the shaft 5, and the rest may be built into the other of the hosel 4 and the shaft 5 (distributed or combined). Also, all or part of the vibration sensor, vibration device, speaker, transmitter, and controller may be built into the grip 6.
[0278] Furthermore, a liquid crystal display 102 (display device, electric display member) may be attached to each of the golf clubs 1 shown in Figures 44 and 45 (display function). The liquid crystal display 102 is disposed, for example, on the upward-facing surface of the head 3 and connected to the output side of the controller 100. In this case, the liquid crystal display 102 can display the vibration data detected by the vibration sensors 95, 95' as numerical values, graphs, etc.
[0279] The liquid crystal display 102 may also display the launch direction of the golf ball. In this case, the controller 100 transmits an instruction signal for displaying the launch direction of the golf ball to the liquid crystal display 102 based on an instruction input from an indicator (see reference numeral 103 in FIG. 46 ), and controls the liquid crystal display 102 to display the launch direction of the golf ball. The indicator 103 (FIG. 46 ) is an input means for inputting an instruction for the launch direction of the golf ball.
[0280] The display on the LCD display 102 may be an arrow indicating the direction of launch of the golf ball, or a series of multiple circles. In this case, the circles may become smaller as they approach the tip indicating the direction. This configuration not only improves the feel of the shot, but also allows the LCD display 102 to freely display the direction of launch of the golf ball, improving convenience. The indicator 103 and the controller 100 can also be substituted with a smartphone. In this case, it is preferable to use a wireless line for connecting the controller 100 and the LCD display 102. The instructions input to the indicator 103 may be input by, for example, the user of the golf club 1, a trainer, or an assistant (caddie).
[0281] Furthermore, with regard to the above-mentioned display function, one or more impact sensors 104 (see Figure 46) 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 104 and collected by the controller 100, and the impact data can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 102 as numerical values, graphs, etc.
[0282] For example, if both the rhythm box function and the display function are provided, a changeover switch SW may be used to instruct switching between the two functions, as shown in Fig. 46. In this case, when the switch SW is switched to connect to the liquid crystal display 102, the hitting direction and impact data converted into numerical values and graphs are displayed on the liquid crystal display 102, and when the switch SW is switched to connect to the speakers 96A, 96A', one of the rhythm sounds and the synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller 100 is output from the speakers 96A, 96A'.
[0283] When the switch SW is switched to connect to both the liquid crystal display 102 and the speakers 96A, 96A', the hitting direction and quantified and graphed hitting data are displayed on the liquid crystal display 102, and either rhythmic sounds or synthesized voices are output from the speakers 96A, 96A'.
[0284] In each golf club 1 shown in Figures 44 and 45, the mounting positions of the vibration sensor 95, vibration device 96, speaker 96A, transmitter 101, controller 100, vibration sensor 95', vibration device 96', speaker 96A', LCD display 102, vibration device 97, and speaker 97A are not limited to the examples shown in the figures and may be any positions on the golf club 1.
[0285] <Adapter> Figures 47(A) and (B) are side views illustrating yet another modified example of the golf club 1 described above. Figures 47(A) and (B) show an example of a golf club 1 having a crank-shaped hosel 4 as shown in Figure 1(A), but the shape of the hosel 4 is not limited to this. The golf club 1 shown in Figures 47(A) and (B) has adapters 3A and 3B, which will be described below, in addition to a diaphragm member (not shown) provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5.
[0286] One of a plurality of adapters 3A, 3B is detachably attached to the underside of the head 3 of the golf club 1. A plurality of types of these adapters 3A, 3B are prepared, differing, for example, in shape, mass, center of gravity, etc. For example, the adapter 3A shown in Fig. 47(B) is used when it is desired to increase the lie angle L compared to the adapter 3B shown in Fig. 47(A).
[0287] It is envisioned that the user of the golf club 1 or an instructor (trainer) will select one of the adapters 3A, 3B and attach it to the underside of the head 3. The adapters 3A, 3B are preferably attached to the underside of the head 3 via an easily detachable locking structure (clip) or fastening structure (screw), etc. By using the adapter 3A, 3B that is suited to 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 the effect of practice can be improved.
[0288] The lie angle L refers to the angle between the shaft 5 and the horizontal plane when the striking surface 2 of the head 3 is viewed horizontally from the front, and is the angle toward the user relative to the shaft 5. The examples of Figures 47(A) and (B) can be applied to any of the golf clubs 1 described above, and in that case, it goes without saying that the configuration other than the adapters 3A and 3B and their attachment method is the same as that of each embodiment.
[0289] <Weight Member> Figures 48(A) and 48(B) are perspective views illustrating modified examples of the head 3. The golf club 1 shown in Figures 48(A) and 48(B) has a vibration plate member (not shown) provided across the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5, as well as a weight member 61, described below. As shown in Figures 48(A) and 48(B), the head 3 may incorporate a 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. Furthermore, 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.
[0290] 48A is a perspective view showing two sets of weight members 61 and a weight motor 62 built into the top surface of the head 3. The weight members 61 are made of a material with a different density from the material constituting the head 3 and are provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the top surface of the head 3. The weight motor 62 moves the weight members 61 in the rotational direction along the inner circumferential 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 feel on impact.
[0291] 48(B) is a perspective view showing a configuration in which weight members 61 are provided inside linear recesses formed in the top surface of the head 3. A weight motor 62 changes the position of each weight member 61 by sliding the weight members 61 along the inner circumferential 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 feel on impact.
[0292] The movement of the weight member 61 may be controlled using the user's smartphone. Figure 48 (C) is a processing block diagram illustrating a processing configuration for controlling the movement of the weight member 61 using the user's smartphone. The weight motor 62 is connected to a motor control unit 63 so as to be able to send and receive data. The motor control unit 63 is a computer device (control unit) for controlling the weight motor 62 so that the weight motor 62 moves the weight member 61.
[0293] The motor control unit 63 is wirelessly connected to a smartphone 65 via a communication unit 64 to enable data communication. The smartphone 65 is a portable mobile terminal that a user uses to instruct the movement of the weight member 61, and transmits and receives control signals to and from the motor control unit 63 of the golf club 1. The smartphone 65 is provided with a touch input type display 65A.
[0294] The display 65A functions as an input unit for inputting an instruction to move the weight member 61 to a desired position, and also functions as a display unit for displaying on a monitor the position of the weight member 61 moved in response to the instruction. The wireless connection between the smartphone 65 and the motor control unit 63 may be based on a well-known wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).
[0295] An example of movement control of the weight member 61 using the smartphone 65 will be described. First, a connection is established between the smartphone 65 and the motor control unit 63. After the connection is established, the motor control unit 63 controls the weight motor 62 to move the weight member 61 to a predetermined initial position, and also supplies the smartphone 65 with current position information of the weight member 61.
[0296] After moving the weight member 61 to a predetermined initial position, the user can input a command to move the weight member 61 from the smartphone 65. When a command to move is input from the smartphone 65, the motor control unit 63 controls the weight motor 62, and the weight motor 62 moves the weight member 61.
[0297] The smartphone 65 can monitor and display on the display 65A an image showing the position of the weight member 61 that has been moved in response to a movement instruction, based on the current position information of the weight member 61 supplied from the motor control unit 63. The user can check the current position of the weight member 61 and give an instruction to move the weight member 61 on the display 65A of the smartphone 65.
[0298] When a movement instruction to move the weight member 61 to a desired position is input by the user from the smartphone 65, an instruction signal is transmitted from the smartphone 65 to the motor control unit 63. The motor control unit 63 controls the weight motor 62 based on the instruction signal to move the weight member 61. When the weight member 61 moves, position information of the weight member 61 is supplied to the smartphone 65 via the motor control unit 63, and the current position of the weight member 61 is updated on the display 65A of the smartphone 65. In this case, the position of the weight member 61 can be adjusted easily and visually easily using the smartphone 65.
[0299] The following appendices are provided regarding the above embodiments. [Appendix 1] A golf club comprising: a shaft formed in an axial shape; a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for striking a golf ball; a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft to the head; and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft and held by a user, wherein an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism is provided throughout the head, the hosel, and the shaft for emphasizing and transmitting to the user impact vibrations or impact sounds generated when the golf ball is struck against the striking surface. [Appendix 2] The golf club according to Appendix 1, wherein the impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism has a planar vibrating member formed in a planar shape that vibrates planarly upon impact with the golf ball. [Appendix 3] The golf club according to Appendix 2, wherein the planar vibrating member is a vibrating plate member that emphasizes the impact vibrations generated when the golf ball is struck. [Appendix 4] The golf club according to Appendix 3, wherein the impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism includes a sub-diaphragm member attached to the head and / or the hosel in addition to the diaphragm member, for emphasizing the impact vibration generated when the golf ball is struck. [Appendix 5] The golf club according to Appendix 3, wherein the diaphragm member is formed of a flat plate extending in a plane parallel to the striking surface. [Appendix 6] The golf club according to Appendix 3, further including a truncated conical diaphragm member formed in a truncated cone shape. [Appendix 7] The golf club according to Appendix 3, further including a dome-shaped diaphragm member formed in a dome shape. [Appendix 8] The golf club according to Appendix 3, further including a dome-shaped diaphragm member formed in a dome shape and a truncated conical diaphragm member extending in a truncated cone shape from the periphery of the dome-shaped diaphragm member. [Appendix 9] The golf club according to Appendix 3, further including a curved diaphragm member formed in a curved plate shape. [Supplementary Note 10] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 3, further comprising a curved diaphragm member attached in a position extending toward the opposite side of the striking surface, and formed in a bent plate shape that is curved upward or downward in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface. [Supplementary Note 11]The golf club according to Supplementary Note 3, further comprising a plate-like diaphragm member formed of a flat plate extending in a planar direction perpendicular to the striking surface. [Supplementary Note 12] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 3, further comprising a curved diaphragm member attached to a surface facing away from the striking surface, and formed like a bent plate that is curved so as to be convex or concave toward the side opposite the striking surface when viewed from above the head. [Supplementary Note 13] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 3, further comprising a cylindrical diaphragm member formed in a cylindrical shape around an axis along the width direction of the head. [Supplementary Note 14] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 3, characterized in that the head and the hosel each have a frame structure that surrounds the peripheral edges of a head-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member and a hosel-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member. [Supplementary Note 15] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 14, characterized in that the head and the hosel are formed integrally with the shaft in a non-replaceable manner. [Appendix 16] The golf club according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the head-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member is formed integrally with the head and is not replaceable. [Appendix 17] The golf club according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the hosel-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member is formed integrally with the hosel and is not replaceable. [Appendix 18] The golf club according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the hosel-corresponding portion and the shaft-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member are formed integrally with the hosel and the shaft and are not replaceable. [Appendix 19] The golf club according to Appendix 3, characterized in that the hosel-corresponding portion and the shaft-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member are formed integrally with the hosel and the shaft and are not replaceable, and the head-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member is detachably attached to the area of the head that forms the hitting surface. [Supplementary Note 20] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the head has a hollow head portion formed in a hollow shape and an opening portion communicating with the hollow head portion, and further has a resonance mechanism that emphasizes the impact sound generated when the golf ball is hit in the hollow head portion and transmits it to the outside through the opening portion. [Supplementary Note 21]The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the head has a hollow head hollow portion, the hosel has a hosel hollow portion communicating with the head hollow portion and an opening communicating with the hosel hollow portion, and further comprises a resonance mechanism that emphasizes the impact sound generated in the hosel hollow portion when the golf ball is hit and transmits it from the opening to the outside. [Supplementary Note 22] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 20 or 21, wherein the resonance mechanism has a horn-shaped duct. [Supplementary Note 23] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 20 or 21, wherein the resonance mechanism has a lid-type vibration plate member attached so as to cover the opening. [Supplementary Note 24] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism has a vibration transmission rib that extends in the form of a rib from the head to the hosel and the shaft, and transmits the impact vibration generated when the golf ball is hit from the head to the shaft via the hosel. [Supplementary Note 25] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 24, characterized in that the vibration transmitting rib has a plurality of branches attached to the head and a trunk portion extending along the axial direction of the shaft and connected to the plurality of branches at the one end side of the shaft. [Supplementary Note 26] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a sound collector attached to the head for collecting the impact sound; an impact sound propagation tube for propagating the impact sound collected by the sound collector; and an earphone unit for transmitting the impact sound propagated through the impact sound propagation tube to a user. [Supplementary Note 27] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a pickup for detecting the impact vibration generated when the golf ball is hit and converting it into an electric signal; and a speaker unit attached to a surface of the head facing away from the striking surface for amplifying and outputting the impact sound based on the electric signal converted by the pickup. [Supplementary Note 28] The head has a hollow head hollow portion formed in a hollow shape and an opening portion communicating with the head hollow portion,The golf club according to Supplementary Note 27, wherein the pickup is attached to the head and the speaker unit is attached within the hollow portion of the head, and the hollow portion of the head acts as a speaker box, and the impact sound output by the speaker unit is emitted from the opening. [Supplementary Note 29] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising: a pickup that detects the impact vibration generated when the golf ball is hit and converts it into an electrical signal; and a speaker unit that is attached to a surface of the hosel facing away from the striking surface, for amplifying and outputting the impact sound based on the electrical signal converted by the pickup. [Supplementary Note 30] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 29, wherein the head has a hollow head hollow portion, the hosel has a hosel hollow portion communicating with the head hollow portion and an opening communicating with the hosel hollow portion, the pickup is attached to the head and the speaker portion is attached within the hosel hollow portion, and the hosel hollow portion serves as a speaker box and the impact sound output by the speaker portion is emitted from the opening. [Supplementary Note 31] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the shaft has a hollow shaft hollow portion therein, and further has an opening that connects the internal space of the shaft hollow portion with the outside and transmits reverberant sound within the shaft to the outside. [Supplementary Note 32] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 31, wherein the shaft hollow portion is configured as a resonance mechanism that emphasizes the impact sound generated within the shaft hollow portion when the golf ball is struck and transmits it from the opening to the outside. [Supplementary Note 33] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that a vibration emphasizing member is provided on the circumferential surface around the axis of the shaft, extending in the axial direction of the shaft and emphasizing and transmitting to the user impact vibrations generated when the golf ball is impacted on the striking surface. [Supplementary Note 34] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 33, characterized in that the shaft has a hollow shaft portion formed therein, and the vibration emphasizing member is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft portion. [Supplementary Note 35]The golf club according to Supplementary Note 33 or 34, wherein the vibration emphasizing member is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. [Supplementary Note 36] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the diaphragm member has a first surface portion provided on the striking surface of the head and a second surface portion provided on the hosel. [Supplementary Note 37] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 36, wherein the second surface portion has a fin-shaped portion made of a thin plate provided between the head and the hosel. [Supplementary Note 38] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the diaphragm member has a fin-shaped portion made of a thin plate provided between the head and the hosel. [Supplementary Note 39] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 37 or 38, wherein an illumination member is arranged in a planar or chain-like manner on the top surface of the fin-shaped portion. [Supplementary Note 40] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 37 or 38, wherein the fin-shaped portion is provided upright on the upper surface of the head. [Appendix 41] The golf club according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the head-corresponding portion of the planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net-like shape inside the frame. [Appendix 42] The golf club according to Appendix 41, characterized in that the strings include at least one of natural fiber, synthetic fiber, and elastic fiber. [Appendix 43] The golf club according to Appendix 41, characterized in that the planar vibration member has a film member attached to the striking surface. [Appendix 44] The golf club according to Appendix 43, characterized in that the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film. [Appendix 45] The golf club according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the head-corresponding portion of the planar vibration member is detachably provided on the head. [Appendix 46] The golf club according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the head has a head cavity formed with a hollow interior. [Supplementary Note 47] The golf club according to Supplementary Note 46, wherein the head has an internal wire that is stretched inside the head cavity and connected to the planar vibration member via a connecting wire. [Supplementary Note 48]A golf club according to Appendix 47, characterized in that the shaft has a hollow shaft cavity formed inside. [Appendix 49] A golf club according to Appendix 48, characterized in that the head has an internal wire in the shaft that is stretched inside the hollow shaft cavity and connected to the internal head wire. [Appendix 50] A golf club according to Appendix 49, characterized in that the internal shaft wire is stretched so as to connect the grip and the internal head wire, and transmits vibrations of the planar vibration member to the grip. [Appendix 51] A golf club according to Appendix 2, characterized in that the planar vibration member is formed of a mesh member made of a string made of resin fiber woven into a flat net, or a mesh member made of a mat body made of fine resin fiber entangled in a three-dimensional mesh. [Appendix 52] The golf club according to Appendix 1, characterized in that: the shaft has a hollow first cavity therein; the grip has a hollow second cavity therein that communicates with the first cavity; and a detachable unit is built into the first cavity and the second cavity, extends in the axial direction of the shaft, has a cylindrical shape that follows the inner circumferential shapes of the first cavity and the second cavity, and has a main body having a hollow portion therein; and the detachable unit is detachably attached. [Supplementary Note 53] A cup provided on a rolling surface of a golf ball (golf ball rolling surface) hit by a golf club according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 52, 55 to 67, and 75 to 78; a hitting area spaced from the cup and having the golf ball rolling surface; a rod-shaped pin that is inserted into and removed from the cup and serves as a marker for the cup; a first illuminator attached to the pin and irradiating a guide laser beam that indicates a straight line from the pin toward the hitting area; a first light receiver attached to the golf club and capable of receiving the guide laser beam from the first illuminator; a second illuminator attached to the golf club and irradiating a guide sub-laser beam from the golf club toward the pin; and a second light receiver attached to the pin and capable of receiving the guide sub-laser beam from the second illuminator.a display that displays, when the first light receiver receives the guide laser light and the second light receiver receives the guide sub-laser light, a message to that effect. [Supplementary Note 54] A golf training machine comprising: a cup provided on a rolling surface (golf ball rolling surface) of a golf ball hit by a golf club according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 52, 55 to 67, and 75 to 78; and a hitting area spaced apart from the cup and having the golf ball rolling surface, wherein a user standing in the hitting area hits the golf ball with the golf club toward the cup; a cup unit attached to the cup, the cup unit having first detection means for detecting cup-in information of the golf ball and a first transmission device for transmitting the cup-in information to an external device; a pin unit attached to a rod-shaped pin that marks the cup, the pin unit having first image capturing means for capturing an image from the pin toward the hitting area, a second transmission device for transmitting first image data captured by the first image capturing means to an external device, and a first irradiator for irradiating a guide laser beam from the pin toward the hitting area; a club unit including: an impact vibration / impact sound detection means attached to the golf club used by the user in the hitting area, the impact vibration / impact sound detection means detecting impact vibration / impact sound information relating to the impact vibration emphasized by the impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism and the impact sound corresponding to the impact vibration; a second detection means built into the head detecting impact information relating to the hitting of the golf ball; a second imaging means capturing an image forward from the head; a second irradiator irradiating a guide sub-laser light forward from the head; and a third transmission device transmitting the impact vibration / impact sound information, the impact information, and second image data captured by the second imaging means to an external device;A golf practice system comprising: a control unit having a first receiving device that receives, as monitor information, at least one of the cup-in information transmitted from the first transmitting device, the first video data transmitted from the second transmitting device, and the impact vibration / impact sound information, the impact information, and the second video data transmitted from the third transmitting device, a control device that generates guide information for providing guidance for the user's golf play based on the monitor information, and a fourth transmitting device that transmits the guide information to an external device, and a terminal device portable by the user, the terminal device having a second receiving device that receives the guide information transmitted from the fourth transmitting device and a presenter that presents guidance for golf play based on the guide information. [Appendix 55] The golf club according to Appendix 1, wherein the grip is provided with a grip member made of a mesh member formed from resin fibers in a net shape. [Appendix 56] The golf club according to Appendix 1, wherein the grip is provided with an electric display member on the top surface of the head. [Appendix 57] The golf club according to appendix 56, characterized in that the display member is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying at least one piece of information from an external instruction, such as the direction of launch of the golf ball and impact data when the golf ball hits the striking surface. [Appendix 58] The golf club according to appendix 1, characterized in that it is provided with a controller having a rhythm box function that notifies the rhythm when the golf ball is launched, and a speaker that outputs one of a rhythm sound generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller and a synthetic voice. [Appendix 59] The golf club according to appendix 1, characterized in that an adapter suited to the physique and hitting form of the user is detachably attached to the underside of the head. [Appendix 60] A golf club comprising a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a golf ball striking surface, a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft,A golf club comprising an insert having a planar vibration member integrally provided from the striking surface of the head through the hosel and the shaft, the planar vibration member vibrating in plan upon impact with the golf ball and applying a reaction force to the golf ball. [Appendix 61] The golf club according to Appendix 60, wherein the planar vibration member is integrally provided from the striking surface of the head through the hosel, the shaft and the grip. [Appendix 62] The golf club according to Appendix 60 or 61, wherein the head-facing portion of the planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape inside a frame provided on the head. [Appendix 63] The golf club according to Appendix 62, wherein the strings include at least one of natural fiber, synthetic fiber and elastic fiber. [Appendix 64] The golf club according to Appendix 60, wherein the planar vibration member has a film member attached to the striking surface. [Appendix 65] The golf club according to appendix 64, characterized in that the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film. [Appendix 66] The golf club according to appendix 60, characterized in that the surface vibration member has a vibration member having a gong structure attached to the head by a hanging structure. [Appendix 67] The golf club according to appendix 59 or 60, characterized in that the surface vibration member is formed from a mesh member made of a string made of resin fiber woven into a flat net shape, or a mesh member made of a mat body made of fine resin fibers entangled in a three-dimensional mesh shape. [Supplementary Note 68] An insert for a golf club that includes a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a golf ball striking surface, a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, the insert comprising a surface vibration member that is integrally provided from the striking surface of the head through the hosel and the shaft, that vibrates in a plane upon impact with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball. [Supplementary Note 69]The golf club insert according to Appendix 68, characterized in that the surface vibration member is provided integrally from the striking surface of the head to the hosel, the shaft, and the grip. [Appendix 70] The golf club insert according to Appendix 68 or 69, characterized in that the head-corresponding portion of the surface vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape inside a frame provided on the head. [Appendix 71] The golf club insert according to Appendix 70, characterized in that the strings include at least one of natural fiber, synthetic fiber, and elastic fiber. [Appendix 72] The golf club insert according to Appendix 68, characterized in that the surface vibration member has a film member attached to the striking surface. [Appendix 73] The golf club insert according to Appendix 72, characterized in that the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film. [Appendix 74] The golf club insert according to Appendix 68, characterized in that the surface vibration member has a vibrating member having a gong structure attached to the head by a hanging structure. [Appendix 75] The golf club insert according to Appendix 68, characterized in that the planar vibration member is formed of a mesh member made of strings made of resin fibers woven into a flat net, or a mesh member made of a mat body made of fine resin fibers intertwined in a three-dimensional mesh. [Appendix 76] The golf club according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the head has a weight member for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head. [Appendix 77] The golf club according to Appendix 76, characterized in that the weight member is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the top surface of the head, and is equipped with: a drive source for moving the weight member; and a control unit for controlling the drive source so that the drive source rotates the weight member along the inner circumferential surface of the recess. [Appendix 78] The golf club according to appendix 76, characterized in that the weight member is provided inside a linear recess formed in the top surface of the head, and the golf club further comprises: a drive source for moving the weight member; and a control unit for controlling the drive source so that the drive source slides the weight member along the inner peripheral surface of the recess. [Appendix 79]A portable mobile terminal that transmits and receives control signals to and from the control unit of the golf club described in Appendix 77 or 78, comprising: an input unit that inputs an instruction to move the weight member to a desired position; and a display unit that monitors and displays the position of the weight member moved in response to the movement instruction from the input unit.
[0300] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Golf club (putter) 2, 2' Striking surface (face) 3 Head 4 Hosel 5 Shaft 6 Grip 9 Shaft hollow portion (shaft hollow portion) 13 Shaft opening 15 Surface vibration member (impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism) 200 Vibration plate member (impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism) 201 Sub-vibration plate member 202 Head hollow portion 202A Opening 203 Hosel hollow portion 203A Opening 206 Pipe 206A Opening 210 Vibration transmission rib 220 Sound collector 221 Impact sound transmission tube 222 Earphone portion 230 Pickup 231 Amplifier portion (speaker portion) 232 Speaker (speaker portion) 300 Vibration sensor 301 Actuator 250 Cup unit 251 First control device 252 First sensor (first detection means) 253 First communication device (first transmission device) 255 Camera 256 Acoustic device 257 Lighting device 258 Laser irradiator 350 Control unit 351 Control device 352 Receiving device (first transmission device) 353 Transmitting device (fourth transmission device) 354 Storage device 400 Terminal device 401 Fourth control device 402 Display (presenter) 403 Fourth communication device (second receiving device) 404 Input device 405 Acoustic device 406 Camera 500 Pin unit 501 Second control device 502 First camera (first photographing means) 503 Second communication device (second transmission device) 504 First irradiator 505 Second light receiver 506 Acoustic device 507 Lighting device 508 Sensor 600 Photography unit 601 Communication device 602 Camera 700 Club unit 701 Third control device 702 Second camera (second photographing means) 703 Third communication device (third transmitting device) 704 Second sensor (second detecting means) 705 Second illuminator (second illuminator) 706 Display device 707 Sound device 708 First light receiver 709 Lighting device 710 Vibration sensor (vibration detecting means) 800 Electronic scoreboard 801 Control device 802 Display device 803 Communication device 804 Input device 805 Sound device 806 Camera 807 Sensor 808 Lighting device 901 Control device 902 Display device 903 Communication device 904 Input device 905 Sound device 906 Camera 907 Sensor 908 Lighting device S Golf practice systemT Practice Machine T Golf Practice Machine T1 Cup Area T2 Hitting Area
Claims
1. a shaft formed in an axial shape; a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for striking a golf ball; a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft and the head; a grip provided at the other end of the shaft to be held by a user, an impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism that emphasizes and transmits to the user impact vibrations or impact sounds generated when the golf ball is struck on the striking surface is provided across the head, the hosel, and the shaft; the impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism has a surface vibration member formed in a plane shape that vibrates upon impact with the golf ball, the surface vibration member is a vibration plate member that enhances the impact vibration generated when the golf ball is hit, The vibration plate member extends over the head, the hosel, and the shaft. A golf club characterized by:
2. The impact vibration / impact sound emphasizing mechanism has a sub-diaphragm member attached to the head and / or the hosel in addition to the diaphragm member, which emphasizes the impact vibration generated when the golf ball is hit.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
3. The diaphragm member is formed of a flat plate extending in a plane direction parallel to the striking surface.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
4. Further, the diaphragm member is formed in a truncated cone shape.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
5. The device further includes a dome-shaped diaphragm member formed in a dome shape.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
6. The speaker further comprises a dome-shaped diaphragm member formed in a dome shape and a truncated cone-shaped diaphragm member extending in a truncated cone shape from the periphery of the dome-shaped diaphragm member.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
7. Further, the diaphragm member has a curved surface formed in a curved plate shape.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
8. The vibration plate member further includes a curved surface-shaped vibration plate member that is attached in a position extending toward the opposite side of the striking surface and that is formed into a curved plate shape that is curved upward or downward in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
9. The vibrating plate further includes a plate-shaped vibrating plate member formed of a flat plate extending in a plane direction perpendicular to the striking surface.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
10. The head further includes a curved vibration plate member attached to a surface facing away from the striking surface, the curved vibration plate member being formed in a bent plate shape that is curved so as to be convex or concave toward the side opposite the striking surface when viewed from above.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
11. The head further includes a cylindrical vibration plate member formed in a cylindrical shape around an axis along the width direction of the head.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
12. The head and the hosel each have a frame structure surrounding a peripheral portion of the head-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member and a peripheral portion of the hosel-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
13. The head and the hosel are integrally formed with the shaft in an irreplaceable manner.
13. The golf club of claim 12.
14. The head-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member is integrally formed with the head in a non-replaceable manner.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
15. The hosel-corresponding portion of the diaphragm member is integrally formed with the hosel in a non-replaceable manner.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
16. The hosel corresponding portion and the shaft corresponding portion of the diaphragm member are formed integrally with the hosel and the shaft, respectively, in an irreplaceable manner.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
17. the hosel corresponding portion and the shaft corresponding portion of the diaphragm member are integrally formed with the hosel and the shaft in an irreplaceable manner, The head corresponding portion of the diaphragm member is detachably attached to the region of the head that forms the striking surface.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
18. the head has a hollow head portion formed in a hollow shape and an opening portion communicating with the hollow head portion, The head further includes a resonance mechanism that emphasizes the impact sound generated when the golf ball is hit in the hollow portion of the head and transmits the impact sound to the outside through the opening.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
19. the head has a hollow head 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, The hosel further includes a resonance mechanism that emphasizes the impact sound generated when the golf ball is struck within the hollow portion of the hosel and transmits the impact sound to the outside through the opening.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
20. The resonance mechanism has a horn-shaped conduit.
20. The golf club according to claim 18 or 19.
21. The resonance mechanism has a lid-type diaphragm member attached so as to cover the opening.
20. The golf club according to claim 18 or 19.
22. The impact vibration / impact sound enhancement mechanism has a vibration transmission rib extending from the head to the hosel and the shaft in a rib shape, and transmitting the impact vibration generated when the golf ball is hit from the head to the shaft via the hosel.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
23. The vibration transmission rib has a plurality of branches attached to the head and a trunk extending along the axial direction of the shaft and connected to the plurality of branches on the one end side of the shaft.
23. The golf club of claim 22.
24. a sound collector attached to the head for collecting the impact sound; an impact sound propagation tube that propagates the impact sound collected by the sound collector; and an earphone unit that transmits the impact sound transmitted through the impact sound transmission tube to a user.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
25. a pickup that detects the impact vibrations generated when the golf ball is hit and converts the vibrations into an electrical signal; a speaker unit attached to the surface of the head facing away from the striking surface, for amplifying and outputting the striking sound based on the electrical signal converted by the pickup.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
26. the head has a hollow head portion formed in a hollow shape and an opening portion communicating with the hollow head portion, The pickup is attached to the head, and the speaker unit is attached inside the hollow portion of the head, and the hollow portion of the head functions as a speaker box, and the impact sound output by the speaker unit is emitted from the opening.
26. The golf club of claim 25.
27. a pickup that detects the impact vibrations generated when the golf ball is hit and converts the vibrations into an electrical signal; a speaker unit attached to a surface of the hosel facing away from the striking surface, for amplifying and outputting the striking sound based on the electrical signal converted by the pickup.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
28. the head has a hollow head 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, The pickup is attached to the head, and the speaker unit is attached in the hosel hollow portion, and the hosel hollow portion functions as a speaker box, and the impact sound output by the speaker unit is emitted from the opening.
28. The golf club of claim 27.
29. The shaft has a hollow shaft portion formed therein, Furthermore, the shaft has an opening that communicates the internal space of the hollow shaft portion with the outside and transmits reverberation within the shaft to the outside of the shaft.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
30. The hollow shaft portion is configured as a resonance mechanism that emphasizes the impact sound generated when the golf ball is hit within the hollow shaft portion and transmits it to the outside through the opening.
30. The golf club of claim 29.
31. A vibration emphasizing member is provided on the circumferential surface around the axis of the shaft, extending in the axial direction of the shaft, for emphasizing and transmitting to the user impact vibrations generated when the golf ball is impacted on the impact surface.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
32. The shaft has a hollow shaft portion formed therein, The vibration enhancing member is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion of the shaft.
32. The golf club of claim 31.
33. The vibration enhancing member is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft.
33. A golf club according to claim 31 or 32.
34. The diaphragm member is a first surface portion provided on the striking surface of the head; a second surface portion provided on the hosel; 2. The golf club according to claim 1.
35. The second surface portion has a fin-shaped portion made of a thin plate provided between the head and the hosel.
35. The golf club of claim 34.
36. The diaphragm member has a fin-shaped portion made of a thin plate provided between the head and the hosel.
2. The golf club according to claim 1.
37. 37. The golf club according to claim 35 or 36, wherein an illumination member is arranged in a plane or chain shape on the top surface of the fin-shaped portion.
38. 37. The golf club according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the fin-like portion is provided upright on an upper surface of the head.
39. 2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the head-corresponding portion of said planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape inside a frame.
40. 40. The golf club of claim 39, wherein the laces include at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers.
41. 40. The golf club of claim 39, wherein the surface vibration member includes a film member attached to the striking surface.
42. 42. The golf club according to claim 41, wherein the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film.
43. 2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the head-corresponding portion of the planar vibration member is detachably provided on the head.
44. 2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the head has a hollow head cavity formed therein.
45. 45. The golf club according to claim 44, wherein the head has an internal wire that is stretched inside the head cavity and connected to the planar vibration member via a connecting wire.
46. 46. The golf club according to claim 45, wherein the shaft has a hollow shaft cavity formed therein.
47. 47. The golf club of claim 46, wherein the head includes a wire in the shaft that is stretched inside the shaft cavity and connected to the wire in the head.
48. 48. The golf club according to claim 47, wherein the wire in the shaft is stretched so as to connect the grip and the wire in the head, and transmits vibrations of the planar vibrating member to the grip.
49. 2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the surface vibration member is formed of a mesh member made of a string of resin fibers woven into a flat net, or a mesh member made of a mat body made of fine resin fibers intertwined in a three-dimensional mesh shape.
50. The shaft has a first hollow cavity therein, and the grip has a second hollow cavity therein that is in communication with the first hollow cavity, a detachable unit including a main body portion that is housed in the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion, extends in the axial direction of the shaft, has a cylindrical shape that conforms to the inner circumferential shapes of the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion, and has a hollow portion formed therein; The detachable unit is detachably attached 2. The golf club of claim 1.
51. a cup provided on a rolling surface of a golf ball (golf ball rolling surface) hit by the golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 50; a hitting area spaced apart from the cup and having the golf ball rolling surface; a rod-shaped pin that is inserted into and removed from the cup and serves as a marker for the cup; a first irradiator attached to the pin for irradiating a guide laser beam in a straight line from the pin toward the hitting area; a first light receiver attached to the golf club and capable of receiving the guide laser light from the first irradiator; a second irradiator attached to the golf club and irradiating a guide sub-laser beam from the golf club toward the pin; a second light receiver attached to the pin and capable of receiving the guide sub-laser light from the second irradiator; and an indicator that indicates that the first light receiver receives the guide laser beam and the second light receiver receives the guide sub-laser beam. A golf practice system characterized by:
52. a golf training device including a cup provided on a rolling surface of a golf ball (golf ball rolling surface) hit by the golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 50, and a hitting area spaced apart from the cup and having the golf ball rolling surface, wherein a user standing in the hitting area hits the golf ball with the golf club toward the cup; a cup unit attached to the cup, the cup unit having a first detecting means for detecting cup-in information of the golf ball and a first transmitting device for transmitting the cup-in information to an external device; a pin unit having a first image capturing means attached to a rod-shaped pin that serves as a marker for the cup, capturing an image from the pin toward the hitting area, a second transmission device that transmits the first image data captured by the first image capturing means to an external device, and a first irradiator that irradiates a guide laser beam from the pin toward the hitting area; a club unit including: an impact vibration / impact sound detection means attached to the golf club used by the user in the hitting area, the impact vibration / impact sound detection means detecting impact vibration / impact sound information relating to the impact vibration emphasized by the impact vibration / impact sound emphasis mechanism and the impact sound corresponding to the impact vibration; a second detection means built into the head detecting impact information relating to the hitting of the golf ball; a second imaging means capturing an image forward from the head; a second irradiator irradiating a guide sub-laser light forward from the head; and a third transmission device transmitting the impact vibration / impact sound information, the impact information, and second image data captured by the second imaging means to an external device; a control unit including: a first receiving device that receives, as monitor information, at least one of the cup-in information transmitted from the first transmitting device, the first video data transmitted from the second transmitting device, and the impact vibration / impact sound information, the impact information, and the second video data transmitted from the third transmitting device; a control device that generates guide information for providing guidance for the user's golf play based on the monitor information; and a fourth transmitting device that transmits the guide information to an external device; a terminal device portable by the user, the terminal device having a second receiving device that receives the guide information transmitted from the fourth transmitting device, and a presenter that presents a guide for playing golf based on the guide information; A golf practice system comprising:
53. The grip is provided with a mesh member made of resin fibers formed into a net shape.
2. The golf club of claim 1.
54. 2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein an electric display member is provided on the top surface of the head.
55. 55. The golf club of claim 54, wherein the electric display member is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying at least one piece of information of the launch direction of the golf ball and impact data when the golf ball hits the striking surface in response to an external instruction.
56. 2. The golf club of claim 1, further comprising: a controller having a rhythm box function for providing rhythm when the golf ball is hit; and a speaker for outputting one of a rhythm sound and a synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller.
57. 2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein an adapter adapted to the user's physique and hitting form is detachably attached to the underside of the head.
58. A golf club comprising a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a golf ball striking surface, a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, an insert having a surface vibration member that is integrally provided from the hitting surface of the head to the hosel and the shaft, and that vibrates in a surface upon impact with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball; A golf club characterized by:
59. 59. The golf club according to claim 58, wherein the surface vibration member is provided integrally from the striking surface of the head to the hosel, the shaft, and the grip.
60. 60. The golf club according to claim 58 or 59, wherein the head-corresponding portion of said planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape inside a frame provided on said head.
61. 61. The golf club of claim 60, wherein the laces include at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers.
62. 59. The golf club of claim 58, wherein the face vibration member comprises a film member attached to the striking surface.
63. 63. The golf club according to claim 62, wherein said film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film.
64. 59. The golf club of claim 58, wherein the surface vibrating member comprises a vibrating member having a gong structure attached to the head by a hanging structure.
65. 59. A golf club according to claim 57 or 58, characterized in that the surface vibration member is formed of a mesh member made by weaving strings made of resin fibers into a flat net, or a mesh member made of a mat body made by intertwining fine resin fibers into a three-dimensional mesh.
66. An insert provided on a hitting surface of a golf club including a shaft, a head provided on one end of the shaft and having a hitting surface for hitting a golf ball, a hosel connecting the one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided on the other end of the shaft, 1. A golf club insert comprising: a surface vibration member that is integrally provided from the striking surface of the head to the hosel and the shaft, and that vibrates in a surface upon impact with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball.
67. 67. The insert for a golf club according to claim 66, wherein the surface vibration member is provided integrally from the striking surface of the head to the hosel, the shaft, and the grip.
68. 68. A golf club insert according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the head-corresponding portion of the planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape inside a frame provided on the head.
69. 69. The golf club insert of claim 68, wherein said laces comprise at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers.
70. 67. The golf club insert of claim 66, wherein the face vibration member comprises a membrane member attached to the striking face.
71. 71. The insert for a golf club according to claim 70, wherein said film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film.
72. 67. The insert for a golf club according to claim 66, wherein the surface vibration member comprises a vibration member having a gong structure attached to the head by a hanging structure.
73. 67. A golf club insert as described in claim 66, characterized in that the surface vibration member is formed of a mesh member made by weaving strings made of resin fibers into a flat net, or a mesh member made of a mat body made by intertwining fine resin fibers into a three-dimensional mesh.
74. 2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the head has a weight member for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head.
75. the weight member is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the top surface of the head, a drive source that moves the weight member; a control unit that controls the drive source so that the drive source rotates the weight member along the inner circumferential surface of the recess.
75. The golf club of claim 74.
76. the weight member is provided inside a linear recess formed in the top surface of the head, a drive source that moves the weight member; a control unit that controls the drive source so that the drive source slides the weight member along the inner circumferential surface of the recess.
75. The golf club of claim 74.
77. A portable mobile terminal for transmitting and receiving control signals to and from the control unit of the golf club according to claim 75 or 76, an input unit for inputting an instruction to move the weight member to a desired position; a display unit that monitors and displays the position of the weight member that has been moved in response to the movement instruction from the input unit. A portable mobile terminal characterized by: