Golf clubs

JPWO2026074706A5Active Publication Date: 2026-09-09ATSUMI REAL ESTATE & CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025546162
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-04
Publication Date
2026-09-09
Estimated Expiration
2044-10-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional golf club grips do not effectively transmit and emphasize the vibrations generated during a hit, affecting the overall hitting feel, which includes physical vibrations and sensory comfort.

Method used

The golf club incorporates an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism in the grip, utilizing structures such as fiber layers, truss bodies, honeycomb structures, or thin plate pieces to enhance vibration transmission from the shaft to the user's palm, improving the hitting feel.

Benefits of technology

The impact vibration emphasizing mechanism enhances the transmission of vibrations to the user's palm, thereby improving the sensory experience and comfort during a golf swing.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The disclosed golf club 1 comprises an axially shaped shaft 5, a head 3 provided at one end of the shaft 5 and having a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball, and a grip 6 provided at the other end of the shaft 5 and held by a user. In this golf club 1, the grip 6 has a striking vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A that emphasizes and transmits to the user vibrations that are generated when the golf ball is struck with the striking surface and transmitted through the shaft 5.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club for striking a golf ball. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a golf club is composed of a head, a shaft, and a grip. Some golf clubs are also known that include a hosel between the head and the shaft to connect the head and the shaft. When hitting a golf ball, vibrations generated in the head are transmitted via the shaft to the palm of the user (golfer) holding the grip. Previously, efforts have been made to improve grip comfort and reduce the impact of ball vibrations transmitted to the palm of the user by improving the grip material, structure, shape, etc. (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 06-039040 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-125285 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The 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. Here, the feel refers to the sensation or shot that the user experiences when hitting the golf ball. A typical feel includes not only physical vibrations but also the sensory comfort of the operation, such as the feel of the impact, the sense of control, and the sense of accomplishment. However, conventional grips do not take into consideration a structure that efficiently transmits vibrations to the palm, leaving room for improvement in terms of hitting feel.

[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 with an improved hitting feel. 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. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention can be realized as the following disclosed aspects or application examples: The disclosed golf club solves at least part of the above 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, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft and held by a user, wherein the grip has an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism that emphasizes the vibrations that are generated when the golf ball is struck with the striking surface and transmitted through the shaft and transmits them to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the disclosed golf club, by providing the grip with an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism, the vibrations generated when hitting a golf ball can be emphasized and transmitted to the palm of the user, improving the hitting feel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating a golf club as an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2(A) is a cross-sectional view (vertical end view) taken along the line AA showing the grip according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2(B) is an enlarged view of the inner part shown in FIG. 2(A). [Figure 3]10(A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a grip according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the grip according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] 4(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a grip according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 4(B) is an explanatory view of the inner part (honeycomb structure) of FIG. 4(A) as viewed from the arrow B. FIG. [Figure 5] 5(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a modified example of the grip according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow CC in FIG. 5(A). [Figure 6] 10(A) to 10(C) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a grip according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] 10(A) to 10(C) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a grip according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 8] 8(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a grip according to a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 8(B) is a perspective view of an inner part (thin plate piece) of FIG. 8(A). [Figure 9] 9A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a grip according to the seventh embodiment, FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow DD in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the grip according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 10] 10(A) is a longitudinal sectional view of a grip according to an eighth embodiment, and FIG. 10(B) is a sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 10(A). [Figure 11] 11(A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a grip according to a ninth embodiment, and FIG. 11(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line FF in FIG. 11(A). [Figure 12] 10(A) to 10(E) are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the grip for explaining modified examples of the vibrating member. [Figure 13] (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a grip according to the tenth embodiment, (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow GG in Figure 13(A), and (C) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the grip according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a grip according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 15] 10(A) to 10(C) are explanatory diagrams of a configuration for accommodating electrical components. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet-shaped sensor. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a configuration in which an adhesive layer is provided around the periphery of a shaft. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a module to which electrical equipment is attached. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example in which electrical equipment is attached to a sheet-like member that forms the outer periphery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1(A) and 1(B) are perspective views illustrating a golf club 1 (putter) according to an embodiment. This golf club 1A or 1B includes at least a head 3, a shaft 5, and a grip 6. The golf club 1B shown in FIG. 1(B) has a hosel 4 between the head 3 and the shaft 5, while the golf club 1A shown in FIG. 1(A) is the same as the golf club 1A except that it does not have the hosel 4. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the golf clubs 1A and 1B will be collectively referred to as "golf club 1," regardless of whether they have the hosel 4 or not. Note that the golf club 1 of this embodiment is not limited to a putter, and may be any type of club, such as a driver or an iron.

[0010] The shaft 5 is formed in an axial shape (a long, thin rod shape), and one end (the lower end in FIG. 1) thereof is connected to the head 3. In the golf club 1A, the lower end of the shaft 5 is directly connected to the head 3, while in the golf club 1B, the lower end of the shaft 5 is indirectly connected to the head 3 via a hosel 4. A striking surface 2 (face) for striking a golf ball is provided on the side of the head 3.

[0011] A grip 6 is provided at the other end of the shaft 5 (the upper end in FIG. 1 ). The grip 6 is the part that is held by the user. When a golf ball is struck, vibrations generated in the head 3 are transmitted via the shaft 5 to the palm of the user holding the grip 6. The user perceives this vibration as part of the feel of the golf club 1. Here, the feel of the hit refers to the sensation or shot feeling that the user has when striking the golf ball. A typical feel of the hit includes not only physical vibrations but also the comfortableness (feeling) of the sensory operation, such as the feel of the hit, the sense of control, and the sense of accomplishment. The golf club 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that it has an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 1) in the grip 6. The impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A is a structure for emphasizing and transmitting to the user the vibrations (impact vibrations) that are generated in the head 3 when the golf ball is struck with the striking surface 2 and transmitted via the shaft 5. Here, the "vibrations" that are emphasized by the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A include not only the vibrations of the structure that constitutes the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A itself, but also the vibrations of the air around the structure that constitutes the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A (air vibrations). In the following description, the axial direction of the shaft 5 is indicated by the symbol D1, and the radial direction of the shaft 5 is indicated by the symbol D2.

[0012] In the golf club 1 of this embodiment, the shape of the grip 6 is not limited. The shape of the grip 6 may be any shape, such as a tapered type in which the dimension (diameter) in the radial direction D2 increases toward the upper end (grip end side) and decreases toward the lower end (head side), a non-tapered type in which the dimension (diameter) in the radial direction D2 is constant, or a pistol type in which a portion of the grip end side protrudes. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which the grip 6 has a non-tapered shape.

[0013] The shapes and structures of the shaft 5 and the hosel 4 are not limited. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the shaft 5 and the hosel 4 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Here, the cross-sectional shape is a cross-section of the shaft 5 cut in the radial direction D2. The shape of the shaft 5 may be any shape, such as a rod shape extending linearly along the axial direction D1 as shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) or a shape in which the lower end on the head 3 side is bent like a crank. The shape of the hosel 4 may be any shape, such as a crank shape with a bend as shown in FIG. 1(B), a linear shape without a bend, or a rectangular flat plate.

[0014] Next, a configuration example of the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A will be described. In the golf club 1 of Fig. 1, the grip 6 includes a grip member 60. The grip member 60 is attached to the outer periphery (reference numeral 5A in Fig. 2) of the upper end side (other end side) of the shaft 5, and is a member to be held by the hand of the user. In the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 1, the grip member 60 has an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A.

[0015] <Ultrafine resin fiber layer> Fig. 2(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA for explaining an example (first embodiment) of the grip 6, and shows the grip 6 in Fig. 1 as a cross section (longitudinal section) taken along the axis of the shaft 5. As shown in Fig. 2(A), the shaft 5 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder having a hollow portion 5B. 2(A), the grip member 60 is provided with an inner portion 61 as an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A. The inner portion 61 is disposed between an outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60 and the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5, and is a portion that transmits vibration from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. More specifically, the inner portion 61 is provided so that one portion (outer portion) contacts the outer periphery 62 and the other portion (inner portion) contacts the outer periphery 5A. The outer peripheral portion 62 is a portion of the grip member 60 that is gripped by the user's hand, and is a portion that is disposed outside the inner portion 61 in the radial direction D2.

[0016] The inner part 61 according to the first embodiment is composed of a fiber layer in which ultrafine resin fibers are intertwined three-dimensionally. The fiber layer constituting the inner part 61 is a layer (mat, cushion) that is wound around the entire outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 and has a thickness in the radial direction D2 of the shaft 5, and extends in the axial direction D1 at the upper end side of the shaft 5. The dimension of the inner part 61 in the axial direction D1 is set so as to overlap with an area that can be contacted by the palm of the user when holding the grip 6.

[0017] This inner portion 61 is configured to contact the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 at its inner circumferential surface 61A located inside in the radial direction D2, and to contact the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60 at its outer circumferential surface 61B located outside in the radial direction D2. The inner part 61 forms a transmission path that transmits vibrations generated when a golf ball is hit from the shaft 5 to the palm of the user. That is, vibrations generated in the head 3 when a golf ball is hit are transmitted from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 through the inner part 61 to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. The inner part 61 is attached to the shaft 5 by a known method such as adhesion or fitting. The inner part 61 may be attached to the shaft 5 in a detachable manner, or may be fixed in a non-detachable manner.

[0018] FIG. 2(B) is an enlarged view of a portion of the inner portion 61 surrounded by a dashed-dotted circle 61C in FIG. 2(A). As shown in FIG. 2(B), the inner portion 61 is formed by a large number of ultrafine resin fibers 61D irregularly intertwined. Each ultrafine resin fiber 61D is a resin fiber, e.g., a fine fiber with a small diameter and a short fiber length. These ultrafine resin fibers 61D are intertwined three-dimensionally and irregularly to form a fiber layer constituting the inner portion 61. Well-known techniques can be applied to form a fiber layer using the ultrafine resin fibers 61D. Such a fiber layer formed by intertwining ultrafine resin fibers 61D three-dimensionally can be said to be an "Airweave (registered trademark)" type inner portion 61. Each of the ultrafine resin fibers 61D is made of a material that can improve vibration transmission performance. In order to improve vibration transmission performance, the ultrafine resin fibers 61D are preferably made of resin fibers with high rigidity (firmness), such as polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers, metal fibers, or plant fibers.

[0019] <About the outer periphery> The outer peripheral portion 62 of the grip member 60 shown in FIG. 2(A) is formed of a separate member from the inner portion 61. The outer peripheral portion 62 is made of, for example, a member (exterior portion) that encases the outer peripheral surface 61B of the inner portion 61. The exterior portion that constitutes the outer peripheral portion 62 is made of, for example, a sheet-like member that is wound around the outer peripheral surface 61B of the inner portion 61. As another example, the exterior portion that constitutes the outer peripheral portion 62 may be made of a molded member (cover member) that is molded into a shape that encases the outer peripheral surface 61B of the inner portion 61. The material used for the outer circumferential portion 62 (exterior portion) is preferably one that has gripping properties (ease of gripping) when held by the user and does not interfere with the transmission of vibrations from the inner portion 61 to the palm. In addition, the outer circumferential portion 62 (exterior portion) is preferably breathable from the viewpoint of ensuring gripping properties. Materials used for the outer periphery 62 (exterior portion) may include, but are not limited to, rubber (natural rubber), synthetic rubber, TPR (thermoplastic rubber) compound, elastomer (resin material), polyurethane, leather, artificial leather (PU leather), EVA foam, plant fiber, animal fiber, ceramic, cork, metal fiber, felt, cellulose nanofiber, cellulose, biomass plastic, metal, or a composite material of multiple materials including the above-mentioned materials. Furthermore, wire (metal, etc.) may be disposed within the outer periphery 62 (exterior portion). Furthermore, the outer periphery 62 (exterior portion) may be composed of multiple layers. For example, the outer periphery 62 (exterior portion) may be composed of a rubber layer (sheet) surrounding a metal layer.

[0020] As another example, the outer peripheral portion 62 of the grip member 60 may be configured with a coating layer applied to the outer peripheral surface 61B of the inner portion 61. The coating layer is formed by applying a coating agent to the entire outer peripheral surface 61B of the inner portion 61. The coating agent may be a coating agent that has gripping properties and physical properties that do not interfere with the transmission of vibrations from the inner part 61 to the palm. The coating layer may be made of, for example, polyurethane coating.

[0021] The exterior or coating layer that forms the outer periphery 62 may be subjected to a surface treatment to improve grip and breathability. Surface treatments may include soft mucous polymer treatment, adhesive treatment, textured treatment, dot-shaped embossing, perforation treatment, slit formation treatment, anti-slip treatment (such as application of an anti-slip agent), etc.

[0022] The vibration transmission performance and grip comfort can be adjusted by adjusting the material and thickness of the exterior or coating layer that forms the outer periphery 62. Grip comfort refers to, for example, the "hardness" or "softness" that the user feels in the palm of their hand when gripping the device. Furthermore, the color and design of the outer peripheral portion 62 can be freely set. Since the outer peripheral portion 62 constitutes part of the appearance of the golf club 1, it is preferable that each user can freely set the color and design of the outer peripheral portion 62 according to their own preferences. The outer periphery 62 may also be configured with tape (grip tape) wound around it.

[0023] The grip member 60 described above has an inner portion 61, which serves as an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A and is made up of a fiber layer in which ultrafine resin fibers 61D are three-dimensionally intertwined, so that vibrations generated in the head 3 when a golf ball is struck are emphasized in the inner portion 61 and transmitted to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. Therefore, in the golf club 1 having the grip 6 according to the first embodiment, vibrations transmitted through the shaft 5 when the golf ball is struck with the striking surface 2 can be emphasized by the inner portion 61 (impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A) and transmitted to the palm of the user. This improves the feel of hitting the golf club 1. Furthermore, since it has an outer circumferential portion 62 that encases the outer circumferential surface 61B of the inner portion 61, the vibration transmission performance and grip comfort can be adjusted by setting the material and thickness of the exterior portion or coating layer that forms the outer circumferential portion 62.

[0024] <Truss type> 3(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining another example (second embodiment) of the grip 6. The grip 6 according to the second embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the first embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has an inner portion 63 that constitutes the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, and therefore, a description of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate. The inner part 63 is made of a truss structure in which a plurality of triangular truss bodies 63A are provided along the axial direction D1 of the shaft 5, forming a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 to the outer periphery part 62.

[0025] The truss body 63A is composed of three members assembled into a triangular shape when viewed from the radial direction D2, and is arranged so that the vertex portions 63B of the three shapes contact the inner peripheral surface 62A of the outer peripheral portion 62, and the base portion 63C opposite the vertex portions 63B contacts the outer peripheral portion 5A of the shaft 5. The truss body 63A may be attached directly to the shaft 5, or may be attached indirectly via a mesh member layer or fiber layer (not shown). The truss body 63A is attached to the shaft 5 by a well-known method such as welding, adhesive bonding, screwing, or fitting. The truss body 63A may be attached to the shaft 5 in a detachable manner, or may be fixed in a non-detachable manner. A plurality of truss bodies 63A are arranged side by side in the axial direction D1, and the truss bodies 63A adjacent to each other in the axial direction D1 are in contact with each other. The plurality of truss bodies 63A arranged side by side in the axial direction D1 are formed integrally, for example. As another example, the plurality of truss bodies 63A arranged side by side in the axial direction D1 may be formed as separate bodies. The plurality of truss bodies 63A arranged side by side in the axial direction D1 are provided around the entire circumference of the outer periphery 5A. The truss body 63A is made of an appropriate material that has vibration transmissibility and rigidity that can maintain formability as a structure, such as, but not limited to, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), metal, carbon, glass fiber, wood, fiberboard, particle board, oriented strand board, or a composite material of multiple types of materials including the above-mentioned materials.

[0026] FIG. 3(B) shows a modified example of the grip 6 according to the second embodiment, which has the same configuration as the grip 6 according to the second embodiment except that it has an inner portion 64 that constitutes the impact vibration emphasis mechanism 6A. This inner part 64 has the same configuration as the inner part 63 of the second embodiment, except that adjacent truss bodies 64A in the axial direction D1 are spaced apart from each other. The multiple truss bodies 64A arranged side by side in the axial direction D1 are provided around the entire outer periphery 5A. In this case, the area on the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 where the inner part 64 is provided includes contacting surfaces of the truss bodies 64A and non-contacting surfaces of the truss bodies 64A. The non-contacting surfaces of the truss bodies 64A are the gaps between adjacent truss bodies 64A in the axial direction D1.

[0027] According to the inner portion 63 or 64 of the second embodiment described above, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted from the shaft 5 through the truss body 63A or 64A in an intensified manner to the outer circumferential portion 62 of the grip member 60. Therefore, the golf club 1 having the grip 6 (inner portion 63 or 64) of the second embodiment also provides an improved hitting feel. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. The truss bodies 63A and 64A may be formed by combining three shaft-shaped members in a triangular shape, or may be formed by assembling annular (collar-shaped) members extending around the axis of the shaft 5 so as to form a triangle when viewed from the radial direction D2. Furthermore, the above-mentioned ultrafine resin fibers may be filled in gaps where the truss bodies 63A and 64A are not provided in the inner portions 63 and 64. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the truss bodies 63A and 64A.

[0028] <Honeycomb type> Fig. 4(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining another example (third embodiment) of the grip 6. The grip 6 according to the third embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the first embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has an inner portion 65 that constitutes the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, and explanations of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate. Fig. 4(B) is an explanatory view of the inner portion 65 as seen from the arrow B in Fig. 4(A), with some parts omitted. The inner portion 65 has a honeycomb structure in which wall portions 65A forming a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 to the outer periphery portion 62 are assembled in a honeycomb shape.

[0029] The inner portion 65 forming the honeycomb structure shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) has a structure in which a plurality of hexagonal columnar spaces defined by wall portions 65A are arranged without gaps. 4(A) and (B), the wall portion 65A is disposed in a position along the radial direction D2, with the outer edge 65B of the wall portion 65A contacting the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer circumferential portion 62 and the inner edge 65C contacting the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. In other words, the inner portion 65 (honeycomb structure) can be said to have a hexagonal columnar space extending along the radial direction D2. The wall portion 65A may be directly attached to the shaft 5 or may be indirectly attached via a mesh layer or fiber layer (not shown). The wall portion 65A is attached to the shaft 5 by a well-known method such as welding, adhesive bonding, screwing, or fitting. The wall portion 65A may be detachably attached to the shaft 5 or may be permanently fixed thereto.

[0030] Wall portion 65A forming the honeycomb structure of inner portion 65 is formed using an appropriate material that has vibration transmissibility for transmitting impact vibrations and rigidity for maintaining the moldability of the structure. Examples of materials that can be used for wall portion 65A include, but are not limited to, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), metal, carbon, glass fiber, wood, fiberboard, particle board, oriented strand board, and composite materials of multiple types of materials including the above-mentioned various materials. In this inner portion 65, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted to the outer peripheral portion 62 of the grip member 60 through the wall portion 65A forming the honeycomb structure.

[0031] The inner portion 66 shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) is a modified example of the grip 6 according to the third embodiment. It has the same configuration as the inner portion 65 shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), except that the wall portion 66A forming the honeycomb structure is disposed along the axial direction D1. In this case, the honeycomb structure in the inner portion 66 has a hexagonal columnar space extending along the axial direction D1. The outer edge 66B of the wall portion 66A contacts the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer circumferential portion 62, and the inner edge 66C contacts the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. The wall portion 66A may be directly attached to the shaft 5 or may be indirectly attached via a mesh layer or fiber layer (not shown). The wall portion 66A may be attached to the shaft 5 by a known method such as welding, adhesive bonding, screwing, or fitting. The wall portion 66A may be detachably attached to the shaft 5 or may be permanently fixed thereto.

[0032] The wall 66A of the honeycomb structure is made of an appropriate material that has the vibration transmissibility to transmit impact vibrations and the rigidity to maintain the moldability of the structure. The material of the wall 66A may be, for example, but is not limited to, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), metal, carbon, glass fiber, wood, fiberboard, particle board, oriented strand board, or a composite material of multiple types of materials including the above-mentioned materials. In this inner portion 66, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted to the outer peripheral portion 62 of the grip member 60 through the wall portion 66A forming the honeycomb structure.

[0033] According to the inner portion 65 or 66 of the third embodiment described above, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted from the shaft 5 through the wall portion 65A or 66A forming the honeycomb structure to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in an emphasized state at the wall portion 65A or 66A. Therefore, the hitting feel is improved even in the golf club 1 having the grip 6 (inner portion 65 or 66) of the third embodiment. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described ultrafine resin fibers may be filled in gaps where the wall portions 65A, 66A are not provided in the inner portions 65, 66. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the wall portions 65A, 66A.

[0034] <Brush type> 6(A) to 6(C) are longitudinal cross-sectional views for explaining another example (fourth embodiment) of the grip 6. The grip 6 according to the fourth embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the first embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has inner portions 67, 67′, 67″ that form the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, and therefore a description of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate. These inner portions 67, 67', 67'' are made of a brush-type structure in which a plurality of bristle members 67A, 67A', 67A'' are implanted on the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 and form a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 to the outer periphery portion 62. Each of the bristle members 67A, 67A', 67A'' is provided around the entire axis of the outer periphery 5A, and one end 67B contacts the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer periphery portion 62, and the other end 67C contacts the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5, as shown in FIG.

[0035] The inner portions 67, 67', 67'' differ in the orientation of the hair-like members 67A, 67A', 67A''. In the inner portion 67 shown in FIG. 6(A), each hair-like member 67A is provided with its outer side in the radial direction D2 tilted upward in the axial direction D1. In the inner portion 67' shown in FIG. 6(B), each hair-like member 67A' is provided with its outer side in the radial direction D2 tilted downward in the axial direction D1. In the inner portion 67'' shown in FIG. 6(C), each hair-like member 67A'' is provided with its outer side extending in the radial direction D2.

[0036] The bristle members 67A, 67A', 67A" are made of an appropriate material that can ensure vibration transmission. Materials used for the bristle members 67A, 67A', 67A" include, but are not limited to, chemical fibers such as nylon, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl chloride, metal fibers, animal fibers such as pig bristles and horse bristles, and plant fibers such as fern, palm, and pulp.

[0037] According to the inner portion 67, 67', 67" having the brush-type structure described above, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted through the bristle members 67A, 67A', 67A" to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in a state where they are emphasized by the bristle members 67A, 67A', 67A" . Therefore, the golf club 1 having the inner portion 67, 67', 67" according to the fourth embodiment described above can improve the hitting feel. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the inner portions 67, 67', 67'', the gaps where the hair-like members 67A, 67A', 67A'' are not provided may be filled with the ultrafine resin fibers. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the hair-like members 67A, 67A', 67A''. The hair-like members 67A, 67A', 67A'' may be implanted on the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer circumferential portion 62, with their tips coming into contact with the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5.

[0038] <Pole type> 7(A) to 7(C) are longitudinal cross-sectional views for explaining another example (fifth embodiment) of the grip 6. The grip 6 according to the fifth embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the first embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has inner portions 68, 68′, 68″ that form the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, and therefore a description of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate. These inner portions 68, 68', 68'' are pole-type structures in which a plurality of rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A'' are provided on the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 and form transmission paths for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 to the outer periphery portion 62. Each of the rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A'' is provided around the entire axis of the outer periphery 5A, and one end 68B contacts the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer periphery portion 62, and the other end 68C contacts the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5, as shown in FIG.

[0039] The inner parts 68, 68', 68" have different attitudes of the rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A". In the inner part 68 shown in Figure 7(A), each rod-shaped member 68A is provided with an attitude in which the outer side in the radial direction D2 is inclined upward in the axial direction D1. In the inner part 68' shown in Figure 7(B), each rod-shaped member 68A' is provided with an attitude in which the outer side in the radial direction D2 is inclined downward in the axial direction D1. In the inner part 68" shown in Figure 7(C), each rod-shaped member 68A" is provided with an attitude in which it extends in the radial direction D2.

[0040] The rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A" are made of an appropriate material that can ensure vibration transmission. The rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A" may be made of, for example, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), metal, carbon, glass fiber, wood, fiberboard, particle board, oriented strand board, or a composite material of multiple types of materials including the above-mentioned materials, but are not limited to these.

[0041] According to the inner portions 68, 68', 68" having the above-described pole-type structures, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted through the rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A" to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in an emphasized state by the rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A". Therefore, the golf club 1 having the inner portions 68, 68', 68" according to the fifth embodiment described above can improve the hitting feel. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the inner portions 68, 68', 68'', the above-mentioned ultrafine resin fibers may be filled in gaps where the rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A'' are not provided. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A''. The rod-shaped members 68A, 68A', 68A'' may be provided on the inner peripheral surface 62A of the outer peripheral portion 62, with their tips coming into contact with the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5.

[0042] <Rib type (thin plate piece)> 8(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining another example (sixth embodiment) of the grip 6. The grip 6 according to the sixth embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the first embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has an inner portion 69 that constitutes the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, and therefore, a description of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate. The inner portion 69 is made of a thin plate piece 69A that forms a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 to the outer periphery portion 62. 8(A) has a surface that extends in the radial direction D2 and around the axis of the shaft 5. In the inner part 69 shown in FIG. 8(A), a plurality of thin plate pieces 69A are arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction D1 of the shaft 5. Specifically, as shown in the perspective view of Figure 8(B), each thin plate piece 69A has a ring shape extending outward in the radial direction D2 from the outer periphery 5A in a flange-like manner, with one end 69B contacting the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer periphery portion 62 and the other end 69C contacting the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. Note that there may be only one thin plate piece 69A, but it is preferable to provide multiple thin plate pieces 69A in order to improve the efficiency of vibration transmission. Furthermore, each thin plate piece 69A is not limited to a ring shape as long as it is a thin plate extending outward in the radial direction D2 from the outer periphery 5A in a flange-like manner.

[0043] Each thin plate piece 69A can be formed as a separate member from the shaft 5 and attached (post-attached) to the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. In this case, each thin plate piece 69A is attached to the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 using a fixing means such as screwing, welding, or adhesive. As another example, each thin plate piece 69A can be formed integrally with the shaft 5 (integrally molded). The thin plate pieces 69A are made of an appropriate material that can ensure vibration transmission, such as, but not limited to, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), metal, carbon, wood, fiberboard, particle board, oriented strand board, or a composite material of multiple types of materials including the above-mentioned materials.

[0044] According to this inner portion 69, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted through the thin plate pieces 69A that make up the inner portion 69 to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in an emphasized state by the thin plate pieces 69A. Therefore, the golf club 1 having the inner portion 69 according to the sixth embodiment described above can improve the hitting feel. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the inner portion 69, adjacent thin plate pieces 69A vibrate and resonate with each other, thereby further enhancing the vibration. This inner portion 69 can be said to have a resonant structure. Each thin plate piece 69A may be provided with one or more through holes to reduce the weight. Furthermore, the above-mentioned ultrafine resin fibers may be filled in gaps where no thin plate pieces 69A are provided in the inner portion 69. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the thin plate pieces 69A.

[0045] <Fin type (thin plate piece)> 9(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining another example (seventh embodiment) of the grip 6. The grip 6 according to the seventh embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the sixth embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has an inner portion 70 that constitutes the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, and therefore, a description of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate. The inner portion 70 is made of a thin plate piece 70A that forms a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 to the outer periphery portion 62, and the thin plate piece 70A has a surface extending in the axial direction D1 and the radial direction D2 of the shaft 5.

[0046] 9(B) is a cross-sectional view (horizontal cross-sectional view) of the inner portion 70 taken along the line DD. As shown in FIG. 9(B), a plurality of thin plate pieces 70A are arranged spaced apart from one another around the axis of the shaft 5. Specifically, the plurality of thin plate pieces 70A are formed in a thin plate shape (fin shape) extending radially from the outer periphery 5A when viewed from the axial direction D1, with one end 70B contacting the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer periphery portion 62 and the other end 70C contacting the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. Note that there may be only one thin plate piece 70A, but it is preferable to provide a plurality of thin plate pieces 70A in order to improve the efficiency of vibration transmission.

[0047] Each thin plate piece 70A can be formed as a separate member from the shaft 5 and attached (post-attached) to the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. In this case, each thin plate piece 70A is attached to the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 using a fixing means such as screwing, welding, or adhesive. As another example, each thin plate piece 70A can be formed integrally with the shaft 5 (integrally molded). Thin plate piece 70A is made of an appropriate material that can ensure vibration transmission, such as, but not limited to, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), metal, carbon, glass fiber, wood, fiberboard, particle board, oriented strand board, or a composite material of multiple materials including the above-mentioned materials.

[0048] According to this inner portion 70, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted through the thin plate pieces 70A that make up the inner portion 70 to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in an emphasized state by the thin plate pieces 70A. Therefore, the golf club 1 having the inner portion 70 according to the seventh embodiment described above can improve the hitting feel. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the inner portion 70, adjacent thin plate pieces 70A vibrate and resonate with each other, thereby further enhancing the vibration. This inner portion 70 can be said to have a resonant structure. 9(B) shows an example of the configuration of the inner portion 70 in which each thin plate piece 70A is provided along the axial direction D1 of the grip 6, but an inner portion 70′ according to a modified example may be configured as shown in FIG. 9(C) in which a plurality of thin plate pieces 70A′ are provided along the axial direction D1 of the grip 6. Note that some elements such as the outer peripheral portion 62 are omitted in FIG. 9(C). Each of the thin plate pieces 70A, 70A' may be provided with one or more through holes to reduce the weight. Furthermore, the above-mentioned ultrafine resin fibers may be filled in gaps where the thin plate pieces 70A, 70A' are not provided in the inner portion 70. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the thin plate pieces 70A, 70A'.

[0049] <Tuning fork type> 10(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining another example (eighth embodiment) of the grip 6. The grip 6 according to the eighth embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the first embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has an inner portion 71 that constitutes the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, and therefore, a description of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate. This inner portion 71 includes a rising portion 71B that rises in the radial direction D2 from the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5, and an extending portion 71C that is connected to the rising portion 71B, extends in the axial direction D1 of the shaft 5, and is arranged to contact the outer periphery portion 62, and is composed of a vibration member 71A that forms a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A to the outer periphery portion 62.

[0050] 10(A), a rod-shaped rising portion 71B is provided on the lower end side (opposite the grip end) of the shaft 5 relative to the upper end thereof, and an extension portion 71C is connected to the outer end of the rising portion 71B located on the outer side in the radial direction D2. The extension portion 71C is a rod-shaped part that extends from the outer end of the rising portion 71B to one side in the axial direction D1 (here, the upper end side). The extension portion 71C is provided so as to contact the inner circumferential surface 62A of the outer circumferential portion 62.

[0051] Fig. 10(B) is a cross-sectional view (horizontal cross-sectional view) taken along the line EE of the inner part 71. As shown in Fig. 10(B), two vibrating members 71A are arranged approximately 180° apart around the axis of the shaft 5. The two vibrating members 71A arranged in this manner are symmetrical (facing each other) with respect to the shaft 5, and can be said to be arranged in a tuning fork shape.

[0052] According to this inner portion 71, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60 through the vibrating member 71A constituting the inner portion 71. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in an enhanced state by the vibrating member 71A. Therefore, the golf club 1 having the inner portion 71 according to the eighth embodiment described above can improve the hitting feel. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the inner part 71, the two vibrating members 71A vibrate and resonate with each other, thereby further enhancing the vibration. This inner part 71 can be said to have a resonant structure. Furthermore, the above-mentioned ultrafine resin fibers may be filled in gaps where the vibrating member 71A is not provided in the inner portion 71. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the thin plate pieces 70A, 70A'.

[0053] <Octopus-shaped> FIG. 11(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining another example (ninth embodiment) of the grip 6, and FIG. 11(B) is a cross-sectional view (horizontal cross-sectional view) taken along the line FF in FIG. 11(A). While the inner part 71 according to the eighth embodiment has a tuning-fork-type structure having two vibrating members 71A, the inner part 72 according to the ninth embodiment has three or more (e.g., eight) vibrating members 72A arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the shaft 5, as shown in Figures 11(A) and (B). The multiple vibrating members 72A arranged in this manner can be said to be provided in a so-called octopus-like shape from the shaft 5. Like the vibrating member 71A described above, each vibrating member 72A includes a rising portion 72B and an extending portion 72C connected to the rising portion 72B, and forms a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A to the outer periphery 62.

[0054] According to this inner portion 72, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60 through the vibrating members 72A that make up the inner portion 72. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in an emphasized state by the vibrating members 72A. Therefore, the golf club 1 having the inner portion 72 according to the ninth embodiment described above can improve the hitting feel. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in the inner part 72, adjacent vibrating members 72A vibrate and resonate with each other, thereby further enhancing the vibration. This inner part 72 can be said to have a resonating structure. Furthermore, the above-mentioned ultrafine resin fibers may be filled into gaps in the inner portion 72 where the vibrating member 72A is not provided. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the vibrating member 72A.

[0055] 12(A) and 12(B) show modified examples of the vibration members 71A and 72A of the eighth and ninth embodiments. The vibration member 73A shown in Figure 12(A) has a rising portion 73B provided on the upper end side (grip end side) of the shaft 5, and the extension portion 73C extends from the outer end of the rising portion 73B to the other side in the axial direction D1 (here, the lower end side). The vibration member 74A shown in Figure 12(B) has a raised portion 74B provided on both the upper end side (grip end side) of the shaft 5 and the lower end side of the shaft 5, and an extension portion 74C provided to connect the outer ends of the raised portions 74B on the upper end side and the lower end side. Also, although not shown, both a vibration member having an extension portion extending to the upper end side, such as vibration member 71A, and a vibration member having an extension portion extending to the lower end side, such as vibration member 73A, may be provided. These structures also provide the same effects as the golf club 1 of the eighth and ninth embodiments. Furthermore, the ultrafine resin fibers may be filled in gaps where no vibrating member is provided. The ultrafine resin fibers may be provided in contact with or not in contact with the vibrating member.

[0056] Note that each of the vibrating members 71A to 74A can be formed as a separate member from the shaft 5 and attached (post-installed) to the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. In this case, each of the vibrating members 71A to 74A is attached to the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5 using a fixing means such as screwing or welding. As another example, each of the vibrating members 71A to 74A can be formed integrally with the shaft 5 (integrally molded). The vibrating members 71A to 74A are made of an appropriate material that can ensure vibration transmission. The material of the thin plate piece 69A can be, for example, but is not limited to, plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), metal, carbon, glass fiber, wood, fiberboard, particle board, oriented strand board, or a composite material of multiple types of materials including the above-mentioned materials. The dimensions of each of the vibrating members 71A to 74A, such as thickness and length, may be set appropriately. Furthermore, the shape of each of the vibrating members 71A to 74A is not limited to the example shown in the figure. Each of the vibrating members 71A to 74A is not limited to a member having a circular cross section, and may be a member having a cross section of any shape, such as a polygonal or arc shape. For example, Figures 12(C) and 12(D) show examples of vibrating members 171 to 173 with various shapes as variations in the shape of the vibrating member. Furthermore, the shape of the vibration member is not limited to grips with a circular cross section, but can be applied to grips with various cross sections, such as an odesser type, and can be formed into a shape suited to the cross section of the grip.

[0057] <frp> FIG. 13(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view for explaining another example (tenth embodiment) of the grip 6, and FIG. 13(B) is a cross-sectional view (horizontal cross-sectional view) taken along the line HH in FIG. 13(A). The grip 6 of the tenth embodiment has a common configuration with the grip 6 of the first embodiment, except that the grip member 60 has an inner portion 75 that forms an impact vibration emphasis mechanism 6A, and descriptions of the common elements will be omitted as appropriate.

[0058] The inner part 75 is configured to include a plastic layer 75A made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP). The plastic layer 75A is a cylindrical member made of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), and forms a transmission path for transmitting vibration from the outer periphery 5A to the outer periphery part 62. The plastic layer 75A is provided so that an inner periphery surface 75B contacts the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5, and an outer periphery surface 75C contacts the outer periphery part 62. The inner part 75 is attached to the shaft 5 by a well-known method such as bonding or fitting. The inner part 75 may be attached to the shaft 5 in a detachable manner, or may be fixed in a non-detachable manner.

[0059] In the grip member 60 having this inner portion 75, the outer peripheral portion 62 can be formed of an exterior portion (such as a sheet-like member, a molded member, or a coating layer) similar to that of the grip member 60 of the first embodiment described above. From the viewpoints of gripping properties such as feel and softness and lightweight design, it can be said that a configuration using a sheet-like member or a coating layer is particularly preferable for the outer peripheral portion 62 of the inner portion 75 having the FRP plastic layer 75A.

[0060] With this inner portion 75, vibrations generated in the head 3 when hitting a golf ball are transmitted through the plastic layer 75A constituting the inner portion 75 to the outer periphery 62 of the grip member 60. Here, the vibrations are transmitted to the outer periphery 62 in a state where they are emphasized by the plastic layer 75A. Therefore, the golf club 1 having the inner portion 75 according to the tenth embodiment described above can improve the feel on impact. In addition, the same effects as those of the golf club 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, with the inner portion 75, the effects of forming the plastic layer 75A from FRP can be obtained, namely, improved vibration transmission, weight reduction, and ensured hardness. 13(C), an intervening layer 75D made of a mesh member, fiber, or the like may be provided between the FRP plastic layer 75A and the shaft 5. A structure in which an intervening layer 75D made of a mesh member, fiber, or the like is provided on the inside and an FRP plastic layer 75A is provided on the outside thereof is a structure that imitates a barrier bar at the entrance and exit of a coin parking lot (an opening and closing bar that opens and closes the entrance and exit of a parking lot), that is, it can also be called a "parking lot barrier bar type structure."

[0061] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the grip 6 (eleventh embodiment). This grip 6 has, as an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A, a large-diameter portion 76 formed such that the diameter of the other end (upper portion) of the shaft 5 is larger than the diameter of the remaining portion. In this case, rather than attaching a grip member to the shaft 5, the large-diameter portion 76, which is a part of the shaft 5, functions as the grip 6. It can be said that the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are integrally formed. The large-diameter portion 76 has a larger surface area than the other portions of the shaft 5, and therefore it is easy to emphasize vibration. Furthermore, by making the wall thickness of the large-diameter portion 76 thinner, vibration can be further emphasized. The size, design, and shape of the large-diameter portion 76 can be freely determined. Therefore, the golf club 1 having the large diameter portion 76 according to the eleventh embodiment as the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A can improve the feel when hitting. The large diameter portion 76 may be provided with an outer circumferential portion 62 (exterior portion), i.e., the large diameter portion 76 may be wrapped with tape, covered with a sheet or cover (sack), or provided with a coating layer. In this case, too, the transmission characteristics of the impact vibration can be adjusted by setting the thickness of the outer circumferential portion 62 and selecting the material.

[0062] <Electrical system> The golf club 1 according to each of the above-described embodiments may have built-in electrical devices such as a sensor, a computer, and a battery. 15(A) to 15(C) are vertical cross-sectional views for explaining a configuration example in which an electric device is built into the grip 6. FIG. FIG. 15(A) shows an example of a configuration in which a sensor (detection device) 80, a computer (communication device) 81, and a battery 82 are built into the hollow portion 5B of the shaft 5.

[0063] The sensor 80 may include, for example, a vibration sensor that detects vibrations emphasized by the impact vibration emphasis mechanism 6A, a grip strength sensor that measures the grip strength of the grip 6, a speed sensor that detects the backstroke speed, follow stroke speed, overall stroke speed, etc., an impact sensor that measures the impact at the time of hitting the ball, an impact sensor that detects the shock at the time of hitting the ball, and a vital sensor that detects various vital information such as pulse, heart rate, body temperature, water content, blood pressure, and oxygen content, but is not limited to these.

[0064] The computer 81 includes a sensor processing device that processes the detection signal of the sensor 80, a communication device that communicates with an external device (for example, a smartphone) via a wired or wireless connection, etc. The battery 82 supplies power to the sensor 80 and the computer 81. In this manner, when the sensor 80, computer 81, and battery 82 are built in, various information, including vibrations detected by the sensor 80 of the golf club 1, can be transmitted to an external device (e.g., a smartphone) via the computer 81. The external device can visualize the various information by displaying the transmitted information and analysis results based on the information (impact force, vibration, swing speed, swing angle, swing trajectory, shaft trajectory, head trajectory, pendulum data, swing amplitude, stroke time, various numerical values, waveforms, number of pads, vital data, etc.) on a display device. The external device can manage the transmitted information (data management). That is, an application program that manages, analyzes, stores, and utilizes the transmitted information is implemented in the external device. The functions of the external device for managing, analyzing, storing, and utilizing the transmitted information can also be realized by AI functions implemented in the external device. The vibrations detected by the sensor 80 may also be output as sound from an external speaker (e.g., a smartphone speaker) or earphones. These audiovisual outputs can be used for swing checks and hitting sound checks. The connection between the computer 81 and an external device may be a wireless connection using existing technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi, or may be a wired connection. Various information, including vibrations detected by the sensor 80 of the golf club 1, may be transmitted to a computer on a communication network that provides a data center, cloud server, platform, etc., and managed by that computer.

[0065] 15(B) shows an example of a configuration in which a sensor 80, a computer 81, and a battery 82 are built into an internal space 60B of the grip member 60. In this case, the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A is provided in a part of the grip member 60, and the other part of the grip member 60 where the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A is not provided forms the internal space 60B. The sensor 80, the computer 81, and the battery 82 can be housed in this internal space 60B. FIG. 15(C) shows a configuration example in which an end cap 83 is provided at the upper end (so-called grip end) of the grip member 60, and the end cap 83 contains a sensor 80, a computer 81, and a battery 82. 15(A) to 15(C) may be combined as appropriate. That is, the sensor 80, the computer 81, and the battery 82 may be distributed and disposed at two or more locations inside the shaft 5, the internal space 60B of the grip member 60, and the end cap 83. A display 84 may also be provided to display information detected by the sensor 80 (see, for example, FIG. 15(C)).

[0066] Furthermore, the sensor 80, the computer 81, and the battery 82 may be provided at a location other than the grip 6, or may be provided separately on the grip 6 and at a location other than the grip 6. Furthermore, at least one of the sensor 80, the computer 81, and the battery 82 may be built into the golf club 1. Although not shown in detail, the grip 6 may be provided with a camera, a laser (radar), or the like as a sensor 80. Furthermore, the grip 6 may be equipped with various electrical devices such as a microphone, a speaker, and a GPS. The trajectory and swing can be analyzed using information detected by cameras and lasers and sent to an external device for use in a virtual golf device (Trackman function).

[0067] <Sheet-type sensor> 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a grip 6 equipped with a thin sheet-like sensor 90, which is a variation of the sensor 80. The sheet-like sensor 90 is provided so as to wrap around the grip 6 at the outer periphery 62. Any known method may be used to attach the sheet-like sensor 90 to the golf club 1. For example, the sheet-like sensor 90 may be attached using a hook-and-loop fastener. For example, the sheet-like member that forms the outer periphery 62 may itself be configured as the sheet-like sensor 90. As one example, the sheet-like sensor 90 may be configured such that the sheet-like member that forms the outer periphery 62 is formed by weaving conductive fibers, and various information (for example, the above-mentioned vital information) can be detected by passing a weak current through the conductive fibers. Other examples of sheet-type sensors 90 include a sheet-shaped sensor attached to the outer periphery 62 (tape type, bandage type, sticker type), or a small sensor attached to the outer periphery 62 with a tape member. Furthermore, if a metal wire is disposed within the outer peripheral portion 62, the metal wire may be used for transmitting electrical signals. The sheet-like sensor is not limited to the grip 6 having the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A like the golf club 1 of this embodiment, but can also be applied to a grip that does not have the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A. The sheet-like sensor 90 may be wrapped around a part of the grip 6 .

[0068] <weight> FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a grip 6 incorporating a weight 91. In the grip 6 shown in FIG. 17, the weight 91 is incorporated in the internal space 60B of the grip member 60 described in FIG. 14(B). The weight 91 is a member for changing the position of the center of gravity of the grip 6. In this case, the position of the center of gravity can be changed by adjusting the attachment state (position, angle, number) of the weight 91. The attachment state of the weight 91 may be manually adjusted by the user, or a weight motor 92 (drive source) for moving the weight 91 may be provided. The weight 91 is movable, for example, in the axial direction D1 within the internal space 60B of the grip member 60. The weight 91 can be attached to any location on the grip 6. The weight 91 can be attached to any location on the golf club 1, not just the grip 6. The shape and weight of the weight 91 can be freely set. The battery 82 may also be used as the weight.

[0069] <Other> The structure of the inner part in the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A according to each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example and is not limited thereto. For example, a net-like (mesh-like) net member (mesh member) made of resin fibers such as fiber-reinforced plastic or ultrafine resin fibers can be used as the inner part. A specific example of a mesh member made of fiber-reinforced plastic or ultrafine resin fibers is a mesh member made by weaving strings made of fiber-reinforced plastic into a flat net (mesh-like). The inner part can be formed by winding such a mesh member one or more times around the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. Another example of the structure of the inner part may be a structure (praying mantis egg structure) in which a sponge layer (porous layer) that combines elasticity and stiffness that allows vibration transmission is formed using, for example, rubber, polyurethane, resin, etc. For example, the inner part 61 may be formed of a sponge layer (porous layer) made of rubber, polyurethane, resin, etc. and having many spaces (gaps) inside. Alternatively, the inner part may be formed of a fine fiber layer in which a material such as rubber or polyurethane is formed into fine fibers and the fine fibers made of the material such as rubber or polyurethane are irregularly and three-dimensionally entangled.

[0070] Another example of the structure of the inner part may be a structure using a hollow straw member (straw structure). Furthermore, in the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A according to each embodiment, the outer peripheral portion 62 may not be provided on the inner portion, and the user may directly grip the outer peripheral surface of the inner portion. As another example of the inner part, it may be configured by a bag filled with air or liquid. As another example of the inner part, a rigid frame structure may be applied in which a pair of pillars are provided spaced apart in the axial direction D1 and erected from the shaft 5, and a beam is installed at the ends of the pair of pillars opposite the shaft 5 (ends on the outer side in the radial direction D2). In this case, the pillars and the beam form a transmission path for transmitting the vibration transmitted to the shaft 5 to the palm.

[0071] The inner part of the impact vibration emphasis mechanism 6A may be formed integrally with the shaft 5, or may be formed separately from the shaft 5 (added later) and be detachable from the shaft 5. If the inner part is formed separately from the shaft 5 (added later), the inner part may be fixed to the shaft 5 by welding, screwing, adhesive, adhesive tape, or the like. Also, as shown in FIG. 18 , an adhesive layer 102 for adhering the impact vibration emphasis mechanism 6A (inner part) to the shaft 5 may be provided on the outer periphery 5A of the shaft 5. Providing the adhesive layer 102 simplifies the process of attaching the inner part to the shaft 5 and improves the attachability of the inner part to the shaft 5 (ease of attachment, difficulty in removal after attachment). The adhesive layer 102 can be provided in the impact vibration emphasis mechanism 6A (inner part) according to each of the above embodiments.

[0072] The user can select the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A according to each of the above-described embodiments according to their preference. That is, the vibration transmission characteristics (waveform of the transmitted vibration) may differ depending on the structure of the inner part of the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A according to each embodiment. Therefore, it is recommended that the user use a grip 6 that exhibits vibration transmission characteristics according to their preference. Furthermore, the detailed structure of the inner part of the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A according to each of the above-described embodiments can be personalized (tuned for each individual) according to the hitting feel and the way in which the impact vibration is received by each user. Furthermore, the components of the grip 6 can be freely combined. For example, the user can freely select the material, design, shape, and the like.

[0073] Furthermore, in the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A according to each of the above-described embodiments, the inner part may have a multi-layer structure of two or more layers. In this case, inner parts of the same structure may be multiplexed, or inner parts of different structures may be combined. Another example of the impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A may be an impact vibration emphasizing mechanism in which a portion (portion near the upper end) of the hollow shaft 5 is formed to be thinner than the remaining portion of the shaft 5. In this case, the vibration can be emphasized by the thinner wall thickness of the shaft 5. In this case, the transmission characteristics of the impact vibration can be adjusted by adjusting the thickness of the shaft 5. Also, an outer periphery 62 (exterior portion) may be provided on the portion (portion near the upper end) of the shaft 5 that forms the grip 6. In other words, the portion (portion near the upper end) of the shaft 5 that forms the grip 6 may be wrapped with tape, covered with a cover member, or provided with a coating layer. In this case, the transmission characteristics of the impact vibration can be adjusted by setting the thickness of the outer periphery 62 or selecting the material.

[0074] The golf club 1 of this embodiment is not limited to a putter, but may be any type such as a driver or iron. 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, polyester, wood, cork, and FRP. The materials used for the inner and outer parts are not limited to those mentioned above, and it is preferable to use a material for the inner part that can enhance vibration transmission, and for the outer part, it is preferable to use a material that does not hinder vibration transmission and has good grip (comfortable grip).

[0075] The impact vibration emphasizing mechanism 6A according to each of the above-described embodiments can be used not only for golf clubs, but also for other sports equipment such as baseball bats, tennis rackets, and table tennis rackets. 19, a module 100 for mounting electrical equipment such as a sensor, computer, battery, camera, laser, radar, microphone, and speaker may be attached to the grip 6 on the side (head side, lower side) opposite to the upper end (grip end). The module 100 incorporates various electrical equipment including a sensor, computer, battery, camera, laser, radar, microphone, speaker, GPS, and the like. By attaching this module 100 to the grip 6, electrical equipment can be mounted on the grip 6. The module 100 may be detachable from the grip 6. The placement of the module 100 is not limited to that shown in the figure and may be in any location. It is preferable that the camera, laser, and microphone included in the module 100 are provided so as not to interfere with the area held by the grip 6. It is also possible to provide some of the electrical equipment described above outside the module 100.

[0076] Furthermore, various electrical equipment including sensors, computers, batteries, cameras, lasers, radar, microphones, speakers, etc. may be incorporated into the sheet-like member forming the outer periphery 62 of the grip 6. FIG. 20 shows an example of a configuration in which electrical equipment 101 including a battery that supplies power and a computer that processes the output signal of the sheet-like sensor 90 is incorporated into a sheet-like sensor 90, which is an example of the sheet-like member forming the outer periphery 62 of the grip 6. The location of the electrical equipment 101 is not limited to that shown in the figure and may be in any location. Note that the camera, laser, and microphone included in the electrical equipment 101 incorporated into the sheet-like member are preferably arranged so as not to interfere with the area held by the grip 6. The above-mentioned modules and sheet-like members (detection devices) for attaching various sensors such as vibration sensors, and electrical equipment such as computers, batteries, cameras, lasers, radars, microphones, and speakers to the golf club 1 may be arranged not only on the grip 6 (including the grip 6 according to this embodiment and other existing grips) but also on any location on the golf club 1, such as any location on the shaft 5. In other words, the detection device is provided on the shaft 5 near the grip 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1, 1A, 1B Golf Club 2. Striking surface 3 heads 4 Hosel 5 shaft 5A outer circumference 5B Hollow part 6 Grip 6A Impact vibration enhancement mechanism 60 Grip material 60B interior space 61 Inner part 61A Inner surface 61B Outer surface 61D ultra-fine resin fiber 62 Outer periphery 62A Inner surface 63 Inner part 63A Truss body 63B apex 63C bottom 64 Inner part 64A Truss body 65,66 Inner part (honeycomb structure) 65A,66A wall 65B Outer edge 65C inner edge 67 Inner part (brush-type structure) 67A Hair-like member 67B One end 67C Other end 68 Inner part (pole-type structure) 68A Rod-shaped member 68B One end 68C Other end 69 Inner part 69A Thin plate piece 69B One end 69C Other end 70 Inner part 70A thin plate piece 70B One end 70C Other end 71,72 Inner part 71A~74A Vibration member 71B~74B Standing part 71C~74C Extension part 75 Inner part 75A plastic layer 75B inner surface 75C Outer surface 76 Large diameter section 80 Sensors (detection devices) 81 Computers (communication devices) 82 Battery 83 End cap 84 Display 90 Sheet-type sensor 91 weight 92 Weight motor 100 modules 101 Electrical equipment 102 Adhesive layer< / frp>

Claims

1. A golf club comprising a shaft formed in an axial shape, a head provided on one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, and a grip provided on the other end of the shaft for being held by the user, The grip includes a grip member provided on the outer circumference of the other end of the shaft and held by the user. The grip member serves as a vibration amplification mechanism that amplifies the vibrations generated when the golf ball is struck on the striking surface and transmitted through the shaft, and transmits them to the user. The outer periphery that is grasped by the user, Between the outer periphery and the outer periphery of the shaft, there is an inner portion provided such that a part of it contacts the outer periphery and the other part contacts the outer periphery, which transmits the vibration from the outer periphery to the outer periphery, The outer periphery is formed from a separate material from the inner portion and encloses the inner portion. The inner portion extends in the axial direction of the shaft so as to overlap with the area where the user's palm can come into contact with the grip when the user is holding the grip, at the upper end of the shaft. A golf club characterized by the following features.

2. The inner portion is composed of a fiber layer in which ultrafine resin fibers are intertwined three-dimensionally and irregularly. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

3. The inner portion consists of a truss-type structure in which a plurality of triangular truss bodies are provided in the axial direction of the shaft, forming a transmission path for transmitting the vibration from the outer circumference to the outer circumference. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

4. The inner portion consists of a honeycomb structure in which the wall portions forming a transmission path for transmitting the vibration from the outer periphery to the outer periphery are assembled in a honeycomb shape. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

5. The inner portion consists of a brush-type structure in which a plurality of bristle-like members are provided on the outer circumference of the shaft, forming a transmission path for transmitting the vibration from the outer circumference to the outer circumference. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

6. The inner portion consists of a pole-type structure in which a plurality of axial members forming a transmission path for transmitting vibrations from the outer circumference to the outer circumference are provided on the outer circumference of the shaft. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

7. The inner portion consists of a plurality of thin plate pieces that form a transmission path for transmitting the vibration from the outer periphery to the outer periphery. The thin plate piece has surfaces that extend in the radial direction of the shaft and around the axis of the shaft, and is arranged spaced apart in the axial direction of the shaft. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

8. The inner portion consists of a plurality of thin plate pieces that form a transmission path for transmitting the vibration from the outer periphery to the outer periphery. The plurality of thin plate pieces have surfaces that extend in the axial direction and radial direction of the shaft, and are arranged spaced apart around the axis of the shaft. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

9. The inner portion comprises a vibrating member including a rising portion that rises from the outer circumference in the radial direction of the shaft, and an extended portion that is connected to the rising portion, extends in the axial direction of the shaft, and is provided to contact the outer circumference. The vibrating member forms a transmission path that transmits the vibration from the outer circumference to the outer circumference. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

10. The two vibrating members are arranged approximately 180° apart around the axis of the shaft. The golf club according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a golf club.

11. Multiple vibrating members are arranged radially at equal intervals around the shaft, when viewed from the axial direction. The golf club according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a golf club.

12. The inner portion is composed of a plastic layer made of fiber-reinforced plastic. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

13. The outer periphery consists of an outer covering that encloses the outer surface of the inner portion. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

14. The exterior portion includes a sheet-like member wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the inner portion. The golf club according to claim 13, characterized in that...

15. The exterior portion consists of a coating layer applied to the outer surface of the inner portion. The golf club according to claim 13, characterized in that...

16. A detection device is provided which includes at least a vibration sensor for detecting the vibrations amplified by the impact vibration amplification mechanism. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

17. The detection device further includes a vital sensor for detecting the user's vital information. A golf club as described in claim 16, characterized in that it is a golf club.

18. A communication device is provided that transmits the information detected by the aforementioned detection device to an external device. A golf club as described in claim 16, characterized in that it is a golf club.

19. A display unit is provided to show the information detected by the aforementioned detection device. A golf club as described in claim 16, characterized in that it is a golf club.

20. The detection device is built into the hollow shaft. A golf club as described in claim 16, characterized in that it is a golf club.

21. A detection device, which includes at least a vibration sensor for detecting the vibrations amplified by the impact vibration amplification mechanism, is built into the grip member. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

22. The detection device is a sheet-shaped sensor wound around the outer circumference of the grip member. A golf club as described in claim 16, characterized in that it is a golf club.

23. The sheet-like sensor is constructed including conductive fibers. The golf club according to claim 22, characterized in that...

24. A weight is incorporated into the aforementioned grip member. A golf club as described in claim 1, characterized in that it is a golf club.

25. The weight is movable within the grip member in the axial direction of the shaft. The golf club according to claim 24, characterized in that...

26. The detection device is provided on the shaft near the grip. A golf club as described in claim 16, characterized in that it is a golf club.