Golf club

Abstract

The technical objective of the present invention is to provide a golf club which makes it possible to easily strike a ball with the center of the face of the head. To this end, the golf club of the present invention comprises: a shaft; and a head provided at the lower end of the shaft, wherein the longitudinal centerline of the shaft passes through the center of the head.

Description

Golf club

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club.

[0002] Generally, golf is a game in which players compete for superiority based on the number of strokes taken to hit a ball that is at rest on a course with a golf club and put it into a designated hole.

[0003] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional golf club.

[0004] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a conventional golf club (1) comprises a shaft (3), a head (2) that is connected to the lower end of the shaft (3) via a hosel (6) and actually strikes the ball, and a grip (4) that is provided at the upper end of the shaft (3) and provides a grip sensation to the user's hand. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the lower end of the shaft (3) is eccentrically provided to one edge of the head (2) via the hosel (6). Thus, when a golfer hits a ball with the golf club (1), the ball is struck by the face of the head (2) and moves.

[0005] However, conventional golf clubs provide a technical configuration in which the lower part of the shaft (3) is eccentrically mounted on one edge of the head (2) through the hosel (6), so the center of gravity of the head (2) is not located on the longitudinal centerline of the shaft (3), and thus there is a problem of inefficiency in power transmission in which the force applied to the shaft (3) is not transmitted to the ball in direct proportion even when swinging toward the ball with the shaft (3).

[0006] In addition, conventional golf clubs have a problem in that they have a complex swing mechanism in which the golf swing is basically divided into at least two swings due to the misalignment between the longitudinal centerline of the shaft (3) and the center of gravity of the head (2).

[0007] To elaborate on the complex swing mechanism, which is one of the issues, it is as follows.

[0008] The longitudinal centerline of the shaft must be directed toward the ball, and separately, the center of the club head face must also be directed toward the ball. These two swings must be executed in harmony so that the power generated during the swing is properly transferred to the ball and it flies straight.

[0009] To direct the shaft toward the ball, you need to drop the golf club towards the ball after lifting it up during the backswing. To ensure the center of the clubface points toward the ball, you must rotate the clubface back 90 degrees to be parallel with the ball, as it had twisted about 90 degrees from a horizontal position during the backswing. Finally, to send the ball straight, you must finish by extending the clubface forward toward the ball. When these two or three movements align well, you can strike the ball powerfully and send it in the intended direction.

[0010] However, unfortunately, it is not easy to consistently execute these two or more movements in harmony. If the harmony is disrupted during the swing, the ball is not struck properly and flies erratically. This can result in fat shots, top shots, slices, or severe hooks. Additionally, a shank may occur when the ball strikes the shaft instead of the head. Many beginner golfers struggle to hit the ball properly, and even intermediate and advanced golfers often make baffling mistakes; the reason for this is a structural issue with golf clubs where the longitudinal centerline of the shaft does not align with the center of gravity of the head.

[0011] In sports like tennis or table tennis, where the racket is formed by a single axis, there is the difficulty of hitting a fast-flying ball; however, because the swing is simple and easy and the ball can be easily hit in the center of the racket, players rarely make the kind of absurd mistakes that golfers do.

[0012] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a golf club that can simplify the swing so that the ball can be easily struck on the sweet spot, which is the center of the face of the head.

[0013] To achieve the above objective, a golf club according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a shaft; and a head provided at the lower end of the shaft; wherein the longitudinal centerline of the shaft passes through the center (or center of gravity) of the head.

[0014] A golf club according to the embodiment of the present invention described above may further include a shaft mounting portion that mounts the lower end of the shaft to the head such that the longitudinal centerline of the shaft passes through the center (or center of gravity) of the head.

[0015] For example, the shaft mounting portion may include a shaft connecting member that is inclined on the upper surface of the head and connects by inserting the lower end of the shaft.

[0016] For example, the shaft connecting member may be formed as a single body together with the head.

[0017] The shaft connecting member can be formed into a single body with the head through casting or forging.

[0018] As another example, the shaft connecting member can be fixed to the upper surface of the head by welding.

[0019] As another example, the shaft mounting portion may include a fixing portion provided on the head; and a shaft connecting member in which one end is connected to the fixing portion and the lower end of the shaft is inserted and connected to the other end.

[0020] For example, the fixed portion may include: a first branch portion in which the lower portion is fixed to one side of the upper surface of the head; a second branch portion in which the lower portion is fixed to the other side of the upper surface of the head; and a bonded portion in which the upper portion of the first branch portion and the upper portion of the second branch portion are joined together and the shaft connecting member is fixed to the upper portion.

[0021] The above-mentioned fixing part may be made of a metal material.

[0022] As another example, the fixing member may include a fixing hole formed to be recessed from the upper surface of the head to the center (or center of gravity) of the head, into which the shaft connecting member is fitted and fixed.

[0023] As another example, the above fixing part may include a fixing bracket that is fixed in a manner that overlaps the upper surface of the head across the rear surface of the head, and in which the shaft connecting member is fixed to the part fixed to the upper surface of the head.

[0024] The face of the head may have equal areas on its left and right sides with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the shaft.

[0025] For example, the head may have a circular shape when viewed toward its face.

[0026] As another example, the head may have an elliptical shape with a long axis extending left and right when viewed directly toward its face.

[0027] As another example, the head may have a hollow shape.

[0028] As another example, the shaft connecting member may be provided to penetrate the head in a direction toward the center (or center of gravity) of the head.

[0029] As described above, the golf club according to the embodiment of the present invention can have the following effects.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a golf club comprises a shaft and a head, and the shaft is provided with a technical configuration in which its longitudinal centerline passes through the center (or center of gravity) of the head. Thus, unlike conventional golf clubs, the swing can be simplified into a single swing without being divided into a shaft swing and a head swing. This simplification of the swing makes it much easier to hit the ball on the center of the head's face. Furthermore, unlike conventional golf clubs, there is no need to rotate the head 90 degrees; since the backswinged head only needs to be advanced toward the ball to make contact, the straightness of the ball after impact can be improved.

[0031] For reference, the sweet spot is the point where a perpendicular line drawn from the center of the head (or center of gravity) to the face (the surface where the ball is struck) meets, and it may correspond to the center of the face.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional golf club.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 is a drawing of the golf club in Figure 5 cut along the line VI-VI.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a golf club according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 is a drawing of the head of the golf club of Figure 8 viewed from the front where the face is placed.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal section showing the interior of the head of the golf club of FIG. 8.

[0042] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a golf club according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 12 is a drawing of the head of the golf club of FIG. 11 viewed from the front where the face is placed.

[0044] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal section showing the interior of the head of the golf club of FIG. 11.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]

[0048] A golf club (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a shaft (110), a head (120), and a grip (130), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0049] The shaft (110) is a component that forms the long main body of the golf club (100) of the present invention. This shaft (110) may be made of a metal material. In particular, the shaft (110) is designed such that its longitudinal centerline (C10) passes through the center (or center of gravity) (C20) of the head (120), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The head (120) is a component that actually strikes the ball. This head (120) may be provided at the lower end of the shaft (110), as shown in FIG. 2. For reference, golf clubs (100) are classified into woods, irons, putters, etc. For example, woods have a round and plump head and are used to hit the ball onto the fairway or to hit it for distance; irons, the lower the number, fly the ball low and far and are used to hit the green (target); and putters have a relatively thin head and are used to roll the ball on the green.

[0051] The grip (130) is a component for providing a gripping sensation to the user's hand. This grip may be provided on the upper part of the shaft (110), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] Therefore, since the longitudinal centerline (C10) of the shaft (110) passes through the center (or center of gravity) (C20) of the head (120), the swing can be simplified into a single swing without being divided into a shaft swing and a head swing like conventional golf clubs, and this simplification of the swing makes it much easier to hit the ball at the center of the face (121) of the head (120), and since there is no need to rotate the head 90 degrees like in conventional golf clubs, and it is only necessary to advance the backswinged head (120) toward the ball to hit it, the straightness of the ball after impact can be improved.

[0053] Furthermore, the golf club (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a shaft mounting portion (140) as shown in FIG. 2. The shaft mounting portion (140) may mount the lower end of the shaft (110) to the head (120) such that the longitudinal centerline (C10) of the shaft (110) passes through the center (or center of gravity) (C20) of the head (120).

[0054] Specifically, the shaft mounting portion (140) may include a shaft connecting member (141) as shown in FIG. 2. The shaft connecting member (141) may be provided at an angle on the upper surface of the head (120) (the "topline" in the case of a putter head, or the "crown" in the case of a wood head) and may be connected by inserting the lower portion of the shaft (110).

[0055] In particular, the shaft connecting member (141) can be formed as a single body together with the head (120) so as to be firmly fixed to the head (120). For example, the shaft connecting member (141) can be formed as a single body with the head (120) through casting or forging.

[0056] Meanwhile, the face (121) of the head (120) can have equal areas on its left and right sides relative to the longitudinal centerline (C10) of the shaft (110), as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, since the left and right sides have equal areas, the design error and manufacturing error of the head (120) can be reduced.

[0057]

[0058] Hereinafter, a golf club (200) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] The golf club (200) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is identical to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, except for the method of fixing the shaft connecting member (241) to the head (120) as shown in FIG. 3, so it will be described mainly below.

[0061] The shaft connecting member (241) can be fixed to the top surface of the head (120) (the "topline" in the case of a putter head, and the "crown" in the case of a wood head) by welding (W10), as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, since it is fixed by welding (W10), the manufacturing cost can be lowered compared to the technology of making the shaft connecting member (241) integral with the head (120) by casting or forging.

[0062]

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a golf club (300) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] The golf club (300) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is identical to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, except for the shaft mounting portion (340), as shown in FIG. 4, so it will be described mainly therein.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the shaft mounting portion (340) may include a fixing portion (342) and a shaft connecting member (341). The fixing portion (342) may be provided on the head (120). One end of the shaft connecting member (341) may be connected to the fixing portion (342), and the lower end of the shaft (110) may be inserted into and connected to the other end. For example, the fixing portion (342) may be made of a metal material.

[0067] Specifically, the fixed portion (342) may include a first branch portion (342a), a second branch portion (342b), and a bonded portion (342c), as illustrated in FIG. 4. The lower end of the first branch portion (342a) may be fixed to one side of the upper surface of the head (120) (in the case of a putter head, the "topline"; in the case of a wood head, the "crown"), and the lower end of the second branch portion (342b) may be fixed to the other side of the upper surface of the head (120). The bonded portion (342c) may be formed by combining the upper end of the first branch portion (342a) and the upper end of the second branch portion (342b), and a shaft connecting member (341) may be fixed to the upper end of the bonded portion (342c). Accordingly, as the center portion of the upper part of the face (121) of the head (120) is opened through the first and second branch portions (342a) (342b), it is possible to prevent the ball from hitting the fixed portion (342) even if the ball hits the upper part of the face (121) of the head (120) when striking the ball.

[0068] Furthermore, the lower part of the first branch (342a) and the lower part of the second branch (342b) can be fixed to the upper surface of the head (120) as a single body through casting or forging, or fixed through welding.

[0069]

[0070] Hereinafter, a golf club (400) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the golf club of FIG. 5 cut along the line VI-VI.

[0072] The golf club (400) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is identical to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, except for the fixed part (442), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, so it will be described mainly therein below.

[0073] The fixing part (442) may be a fixing hole (442a) as shown in FIG. 6. The fixing hole (442a) may be formed to be recessed from the top surface of the head (120) (in the case of a wood head, the "crown") to the center (or center of gravity) (C20) of the head (120), and a shaft connecting member (441) may be fitted into and fixed therein.

[0074] Accordingly, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the shaft connecting member (441) can be connected simply by forming a fixing hole (442a) without using a separate member, so the manufacturing cost of the fixing technology through casting or forging or the fixing technology through welding can be significantly reduced, and the fixing can be made more robust as the shaft connecting member (441) is inserted and fixed up to the center (or center of gravity) (C20) of the head (120).

[0075]

[0076] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7, a golf club (500) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0077] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The golf club (500) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is identical to the third embodiment of the present invention described above, except for the fixed part (542), as shown in FIG. 7, so it will be described mainly below.

[0079] The fixing part (542) may be a fixing bracket (542a) as shown in FIG. 7. The fixing bracket (542a) may be fixed in a manner that is attached to the upper surface of the head (120) (the "topline" in the case of a putter head, the "crown" in the case of a wood head) across the rear of the head (120), and a shaft connecting member (541) may be fixed to the part of the fixing bracket (542a) that is fixed to the upper surface of the head (120).

[0080] Furthermore, the fixed bracket (542a) can be fixed to the head (120) by welding or bolting.

[0081] Accordingly, according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the fixing bracket (542a) can wrap around the rear of the head (120) to sufficiently support the impact of the ball applied to the face (121) of the head (120).

[0082]

[0083] Hereinafter, a golf club (600) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a golf club according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a view of the head of the golf club of FIG. 8 looking toward the front where the face is placed, and FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the interior of the head of the golf club of FIG. 8.

[0085] The golf club (600) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is identical to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, except for the head (620), as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, so it will be described mainly therein below.

[0086] Before explaining, the golf club (600) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has a technical configuration that improves the efficiency and directionality of striking by ensuring that the extension line of the shaft (110) meets the center (or center of gravity) (C20 in FIG. 10) of the face (621) of the head (620), as shown in FIG. 10, just like the first embodiment of the present invention described above. This technical configuration can be applied to golf clubs such as irons, woods (see 600 in FIG. 8), and drivers.

[0087] The head (620), which is a component of this type of golf club, may have a circular shape when viewed toward its face (621), as shown in FIG. 9. Therefore, since the face (621) forms a uniform radius overall, the ball can be struck stably in the center of the face (621) upon impact. In particular, for a driver, where the ball is placed on a tee rather than the ground and struck, the striking surface can be made into a perfect circle to increase the concentration of the center and provide psychological stability to the golfer striking the ball. For reference, the head of an iron may have a front design similar to that of a wood head (see 620 in FIG. 9), although not shown.

[0088] Furthermore, the head (620) may have a hollow shape, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Thus, if the interior of the head (620) is hollow, such as in the hollow portion (S60), the face (621) can be made thinner, and the thin face (621) can bend and bounce back like a trampoline, thereby transferring greater energy to the ball, and thanks to this repulsive force, the distance of the ball can be increased, and if the interior of the head (620) is hollow, a significant amount of spare weight is created, allowing the center (or center of gravity) of the head (620) to be optimized.

[0089] Additionally, the shaft connecting member (641) of the shaft mounting portion (640) may be provided to penetrate the head (620) in a direction toward the center (or center of gravity) (C20) of the head (620), as shown in FIG. 10. Furthermore, the head (620) and the shaft connecting member (641) may be formed as a single body through metal 3D printing.

[0090]

[0091] Hereinafter, a golf club (700) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a golf club according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a view of the head of the golf club of FIG. 11 looking toward the front where the face is placed, and FIG. 13 is a longitudinal section view showing the interior of the head of the golf club of FIG. 11.

[0093] The golf club (700) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is identical to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, except for the head (720), as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, so it will be described mainly below.

[0094] Before explaining, the golf club (700) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention has a technical configuration that improves the efficiency and directionality of striking by ensuring that the extension line of the shaft (110) meets the center (or center of gravity) (C20 in FIG. 13) of the face (721) of the head (720), as shown in FIG. 12, just like the first embodiment of the present invention described above. This technical configuration can be applied to golf clubs such as irons, woods (see 700 in FIG. 11), and drivers.

[0095] The head (720), which is a component of this type of golf club, may have an elliptical shape with a long axis extending to the left and right when viewed toward its face (721), as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, since the face (721) forms the same long axis to the left and right, the ball can be stably covered by the left and right sides of the face (721) when struck. Additionally, the head (720) having this elliptical shape may be beneficial to golfers who find the circular head (see 620 in FIG. 9) burdensome. Furthermore, in the case of a wood, which has a head (720) smaller than a driver, it is used for tee shots as well as hitting from the ground; therefore, while it is difficult with a circular head (see 620 in FIG. 9), it is possible with an elliptical head (720 in FIG. 12). In particular, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the wood with an elliptical head (720) does not differ significantly from the conventional wood when striking a ball placed on the ground because the lower part has a design similar to the conventional wood. For reference, the iron head may have a front design similar in shape to the wood head (see 720 in FIG. 12), although not shown.

[0096] Furthermore, the head (720) may have a hollow shape, as illustrated in FIG. 13. Thus, if the interior of the head (720) is hollow, such as in the hollow portion (S70), the face (721) can be made thinner, and the thin face (721) can bend and bounce back like a trampoline, thereby transferring greater energy to the ball, and thanks to this repulsive force, the distance of the ball can be increased, and if the interior of the head (720) is hollow, a significant amount of spare weight is created, allowing the center (or center of gravity) of the head (720) to be optimized.

[0097] Additionally, the shaft connecting member (741) of the shaft mounting portion (740) may be provided to penetrate the head (720) in a direction toward the center (or center of gravity) (C20) of the head (720), as shown in FIG. 13. In particular, the shaft connecting member (741) may be provided inclined on the upper surface of the head (720). Furthermore, the head (720) and the shaft connecting member (741) may be formed as a single body through metal 3D printing.

[0098]

[0099] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] The present invention relates to a golf club and has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. With a golf club, shaft; and A head provided at the lower end of the above shaft; Includes, The above shaft is, The longitudinal centerline passes through the center of the head. Golf club.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above golf club is, A shaft mounting portion that mounts the lower end of the shaft to the head such that the longitudinal centerline of the shaft passes through the center of the head. including more Golf club.

3. In Paragraph 2, The shaft mounting portion above is, A shaft connecting member provided at an angle on the upper surface of the head and connected by inserting the lower end of the shaft. including Golf club.

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