WO2011090501A1

WO2011090501A1 - Adjustable golf implement

Info

Publication number: WO2011090501A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/038511
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aaron M. Gentes
Original assignee: Gentes Aaron M
Priority date: 2010-01-25
Filing date: 2010-06-14
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Also published as: US20120302365A1

Abstract

Golf implements and methods of adjusting golf implements are provided. In some aspects, a golf implement may be a putter and a user may be capable of initially setting the lie angle of the putter. In other aspects, a golf implement may be a putter and a user may be capable of adjusting the putter between numerous lie angles, hi still other aspects, a method of adjusting a golf implement may include adjusting a putter between multiple lie angles, hi further aspects, a golf implement may be a putter including a shaft, a plurality of necks, and a head. Such a putter may provide a user with a variety of playability options.

Description

ADJUSTABLE GOLF IMPLEMENT

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/336,631, filed January 25, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to golf implements and, more particularly, to golf clubs such as putters.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The United States Golf Association (USGA) has strict regulations with respect to golf clubs. For example, the USGA regulates club configuration, club length, club lie angle, etc. With respect to club configuration and club length, the shaft of the club must be one-piece, thereby eliminating any two-piece or telescoping shaft. With respect to club lie angle, the lie angle for all clubs, except a putter, must be permanently set. Lie angle may be defined as the angle between a horizontal plane (e.g., the ground, a flat bottom surface of the club head, etc.) and the shaft of the club as the shaft descends toward the club head. A putter lie angle may be adjustable, but the lie angle must be established by more than a friction set and no gaps may be present in the bonding appendage, which effectively eliminates any controlled looseness potentially serving as a means to bend the putter to a given lie angle. Additionally, the lie angle of the putter must be at least ten degrees off of vertical in either direction, thereby prohibiting the shaft from being positioned in a twenty degree sector centered on vertical. SUMMARY

[0004] In one example, a golf implement is provided.

[0005] In another example, an adjustable golf implement is provided.

[0006] In yet another example, a golf putter with an adjustable lie angle is provided.

[0007] In still another example, a golf putter is provided and includes a shaft, a head, and a neck coupled to and between the shaft and the head. A lie angle of the head may be adjustable.

[0008] In a further example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a neck including a first end and a second end, wherein the neck is coupled to the shaft at the first end, and a head including a golf ball striking portion, a cavity, a first aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, a second aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, and a fastener, wherein the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity and the fastener is positioned in one of the first and second apertures to engage the neck, and wherein adhesive is injected into the other one of the first and second apertures and the adhesive flows into the cavity to engage the neck to adhere the neck to the head.

[0009] In yet a further example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a neck coupled to the shaft, and a head including a golf ball striking portion, wherein the neck is adapted to couple to the head in a plurality of positions and the neck is movable from one of the plurality of positions to another one of the plurality of positions.

[0010] In still a further example, a method of adjusting a golf implement is provided and includes coupling a shaft to a first end of a neck, coupling a second end of the neck to a head in a first position, the head including a golf ball striking portion, uncoupling the second end of the neck from the head, moving the neck relative to the head from the first position to a second position different than the first position, and recoupling the second end of the neck to the head with the neck in the second position.

[0011] In another example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a plurality of necks, each of the plurality of necks including a first end, a second end, and a curved portion between the first and second ends, wherein the plurality of necks are adapted to be coupled, one at a time, to the shaft via first ends, and wherein the curved portions have different sized radii relative to one another, and a head including a golf ball striking portion, wherein the plurality of necks are adapted to be coupled, one at a time, to the head via second ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Fig. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary adjustable golf implement, such as a putter, including a shaft, a neck, and a head;

[0013] Fig. 2 is a front view of the putter shown in Fig. 1 with a restricted lie angle sector and multiple lie angles represented;

[0014] Fig. 3 is a top front perspective view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0015] Fig. 4 is a bottom rear perspective view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0016] Fig. 5 is a top rear exploded view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1; [0017] Fig. 6 is a top view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1;

[0018] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7— 7 in Fig. 6;

[0019] Fig. 8 is a side view of the neck of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0020] Fig. 9 is an end view of a portion of the neck shown in Fig. 8;

[0021] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10— 10 in Fig. 6 with the head of the adjustable golf implement shown without the neck inserted therein and with fasteners in a loosened or unsecured position;

[0022] Fig. 11 is cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 10 shown with the neck inserted into the head of the adjustable golf implement, adhesive applied to adhere the neck to the head, and fasteners in a fastened or secured position;

[0023] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12— 12 in Fig. 6;

[0024] Fig. 13 is a top rear perspective view of another exemplary adjustable golf implement including a neck and a head;

[0025] Fig. 14 is a top rear exploded view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 13 with a plurality of plates exploded from the head;

[0026] Fig. 15 is a top view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 13;

[0027] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16— 16 in Fig. 15;

[0028] Fig. 17 is a rear view of one of the plates of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 14;

[0029] Fig. 18 is a front view of one of the plates shown in Fig. 14; [0030] Fig. 19 is a front view of another one of the plates shown in Fig. 14;

[0031] Fig. 20 is a front view of yet another one of the plates shown in Fig.

14;

[0032] Fig. 21 is a side view of a plurality of necks useable with a further exemplary adjustable golf implement;

[0033] Fig. 22 is a top front exploded view of the plurality of necks shown in Fig. 21 and a head of the further exemplary adjustable golf implement;

[0034] Fig. 23 is a right side view of still a further exemplary adjustable golf implement including a neck and a head;

[0035] Fig. 24 is a right side view of yet another exemplary adjustable golf implement including a neck and a head; and

[0036] Fig. 25 is a top front exploded view of the putter shown in Fig. 24.

[0037] Before any independent features and embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] With reference to Fig. 1, an exemplary adjustable golf implement 20 is illustrated. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the adjustable golf implement 20 is a golf club such as, for example, a putter 20. This illustrated exemplary golf implement 20 has adjustable capabilities (described in greater detail below) that may be applicable to a variety of types of golf implements including the illustrated exemplary putter 20 and other types of golf clubs. For example, the adjustable capabilities may be used in fairway woods, irons, wedges, hybrid clubs, various types of putters other than that illustrated, or any other type of golf implement. Hereinafter, the golf implement will be referred to as a putter, however, it should be understood that the illustrations and description utilized herein in association with a putter are not intended to be limiting upon the present invention.

[0039] Referring now to Fig. 2, the putter 20 has the capability of adjusting a lie angle Ω thereof. A lie angle Ω of a putter 20 is defined as the angle between a horizontal plane H (e.g., a ground surface, a flat bottom surface of a putter head, etc.) and a shaft 22 of the putter 20 as it descends toward a putter head 28. The United States Golf Association (USGA) prohibits the lie angle Ω of a putter 20 from falling within ten degrees of either side of vertical V. Thus, the restricted lie angle comprises a twenty degree sector Φ centered on vertical V.

[0040] Referring now to Figs. 1 -4, the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the putter 20 includes a shaft 22, a hand grip 24, a neck 26, and a head 28. The hand grip 24 is coupled to a top end of the shaft 22 and a bottom end of the shaft 22 is coupled to the neck 26. The shaft 22 is hollow at its bottom end and is appropriately sized to receive a reduced diameter end 30 of the neck 26. The neck 26 inserts into the hollow end of the shaft 22 until the bottom end of the shaft 22 abuts a lip 32 defined by a transition from the reduced diameter end 30 of the neck 26 to the remainder of the neck 26. To ensure a secure connection between the shaft 22 and the neck 26, an adhesive or other bonding agent may be used to adhere the bottom end of the shaft 22 to the reduced diameter end 30 of the neck 26.

[0041] Referring now to Figs. 3-8, the neck 26 has a generally L-shape comprising a coupling portion 34 oriented generally perpendicularly to the reduced diameter end 30 and a curved portion 36 between the coupling portion 34 and the reduced diameter end 30. The curved portion 36 of the neck 26 has a constant radius and said radius may have any appropriate dimension. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the radius may be 1.0 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, or any other appropriate dimensions.

[0042] With particular reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 includes an annular channel 38 spaced in from a coupling end 40 of the neck 26. Between the annular channel 38 and the coupling end 40 of the neck 26, the neck 26 defines a plurality of axial grooves 42 spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the neck 26 and in communication with the annular channel 38. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the neck 26 defines seven semi-circular shaped grooves 42. Alternatively, any number and any shape of grooves 42 may be defined in the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0043] Referring now to Figs. 3-7 and 10, the head 28 includes a golf ball striking member 44, a rear mount 46, and a body 48 extending between the ball striking member 44 and the rear mount 46. A cavity 50 is defined through the rear mount 46 along a substantially horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the ball striking member 44. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cavity 50 is cylindrical in shape and has a substantially circular cross-section taken along a vertical plane. The cavity 50 is appropriately sized to facilitate insertion of the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 into the cavity 50. In some embodiments, an inner surface 52 of the cavity 50 may be knurled. In other embodiments, the inner surface 52 of the cavity 50 may be smooth. A plurality of apertures 54 are defined in the rear mount 46 and are in communication with the cavity 50. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the apertures 54 are threaded and are capable of threadably receiving set screws 56. In addition, the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes three set screw apertures 54 defined in the rear mount 46. One of the set screw apertures 54A is defined vertically through the mount 46 from a bottom surface of the head 28 to the cavity 50 and the other two set screw apertures 54B, 54C are horizontally defined through the mount 46, one of which is defined from a left side of the mount 46 to the cavity 50 and the other of which is defined from a right side of the mount 46 to the cavity 50. The illustrated set screw apertures 54 are all centrally aligned along the same vertical plane. Alternatively, any number of apertures 54 may be defined in the mount 46 and in communication with the cavity 50. Also, in the alternative, other types of apertures may be defined in the mount 46 for receiving fasteners other than set screws. Additionally, in the alternative, apertures defined in the mount 46 may have any orientation relative to each other. That is, apertures defined in the mount 46 may not be centrally aligned along the same vertical plane. Remrning to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, one set screw 56 may be threadably movable within each of the set screw apertures 54, via an appropriate tool, toward and away from the cavity 50.

[0044] With particular reference to Figs. 4, 5, and 7, the head 28 also defines a plate cavity 58 and includes a plate 60 positionable in the plate cavity 58. The plate cavity 58 is defined in a rear of the mount 46, extends only a portion of the way through the mount 46, and is in communication with the cavity 50. The plate cavity 58 is larger than the cavity 50 and may have any shape. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plate cavity 58 is substantially square in shape with rounded corners and the plate 60 is shaped complementary to the plate cavity 58. Alternatively, the plate cavity 58 and the plate 60 may have any shape with the shapes of the plate cavity 58 and plate 60 being complementary. In other embodiments, the plate cavity 58 and the plate 60 may have any shape and the shapes of the plate cavity 58 and the plate 60 may be different. Returning to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plate 60 includes a front surface 62, a rear surface 64, and an edge 66. The front and rear surfaces 62, 64 of the plate 60 are substantially planar and smooth.

[0045] With reference to Figs. 5-7 and 10-12, adjustment and assembly of the neck 26 and head 28 will be described. Initially, the head 28 is positioned flat with the bottom surface contacting a ground surface, and the shaft 22 is coupled to the neck 26. A user grips the hand grip 24 of the putter 20, inserts the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 into the cavity 50 until the annular channel 38 aligns with the set screw apertures 54, and stands in a comfortable and/or appropriate putting stance. The action of the user moving into said stance causes the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 to rotate within the cavity 50 and, upon the user arriving at said stance, the coupling portion 34 comes to rest within the cavity 50 in a desired position. As indicated above, the shaft 22 of the putter 20 must be angled at least ten degrees to either side of vertical. Accordingly, the user's putting stance must position the shaft 22 at least ten degrees to the right or left side of vertical (depends whether the user is right or left handed). With the shaft 22 and neck 26 located in the desired position, one of the set screws 56 is inserted and threaded into its set screw aperture 54 until it engages and secures the neck 26 and shaft 22 relative to the head 28. The set screw apertures 54 are aligned with the annular channel 38, which results in the tightened set screw 56 being positioned in and engaging the neck 26 in the annular channel 38. A second set screw 56 may be inserted and threaded into its set screw aperture 54 similarly to the first set screw 56 if the user desires additional securement of the neck 26 and shaft 22 to the head 28. In any event, at least one of the set screw apertures 54 should remain open. Next, a user injects adhesive 68 or another appropriate bonding agent into the one or more open set screw apertures 54. Since the set screw apertures 54 are aligned with the annular channel 38, the adhesive 68 flows into the annular channel 38, around the annular channel 38 (see Fig. 11), and into the grooves 42 (see Fig. 12) due to their communication with the annular channel 38. A user continues to inject adhesive 68 into the set screw aperture(s) 54 until adhesive 68 begins to flow from ends of the grooves 42 and into the plate cavity 58. The remaining set screw or screws 56 are inserted and threaded into their respective set screw apertures 54 while the adhesive 68 is still wet and the plate 60 is positioned in the plate cavity 58 where it is secured in place by the adhesive 68 that previously flowed into the plate cavity 58. After the adhesive 68 dries, the shaft 22 and neck 26 are permanently secured to the head 28. With particular reference to Fig. 11 , the shaft 22 is secured at lie angle Ω, which is outside the USGA restricted twenty degree sector. Thus, this illustrated and described exemplary putter 20 facilitates an initial one-time lie angle adjustment of a putter and a permanent fixed putter thereafter in accordance with USGA regulations.

[0046] With reference to Figs. 13-20, another exemplary putter 120 is illustrated. Components of the putter 120 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 similar to components of the putter 20 illustrated in Figs. 1-12 are identified with the same reference number and an " ' ". Differences between the two putters will be described herein in detail.

[0047] With continued reference to Figs. 13-20, a threaded aperture 122 is defined in the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and is capable of receiving a threaded fastener 124. The threaded aperture 122 and threaded fastener 124 may have any appropriate configuration as long as they are shaped complementary to one another to facilitate threadable connection of the fastener 124 to the neck 26'.

[0048] With particular reference to Fig. 14, the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the head 26' includes a plurality of plates 160. The plurality of plates 160 are interchangeably connectable to the head 28' and facilitate lie angle adjustability of the putter 120. The illustrated exemplary embodiment includes three plates 160, however, it should be understood that the head 28' may include any number of plates 160 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. The plate cavity 158 and plates 160 have a different shape than the plate cavity 58 and plate 60 illustrated in Figs. 1-12. More particularly, the plate cavity 158 and plates 160 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 generally have a "shield" shape comprised of a square shape on an upper portion and an inverted triangular shape on a lower portion. This complementary "shield" shape between the plates 160 and the plate cavity 158 ensures that the plates 160 may be inserted into the plate cavity 158 in only a single orientation. Similarly to the plate cavity 58 illustrated in Figs. 1-12, the plate cavity 158 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 is larger than and is in communication with the cavity 50' defined through the rear mount 46'. [0049] With continued reference to Fig. 14 and additional reference to Figs. 17-20, a plate aperture 170 is defined through each of the plates 160 and includes a rear aperture portion 172 and a front aperture portion 174. The rear aperture portion 172 of each plate 160 faces a rear of the head 28' and, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, has a countersunk shape complementary to the shape of the fastener head to enable the fastener head to be level with a rear surface 164 of each plate 160. The front aperture portion 174 of each plate 160 has a shape complementary to the shape of the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' such that the front aperture portion 174 of each plate 160 may receive the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' when the neck 26' is inserted into the cavity 50'. More particularly, with reference to Figs. 18-20, the front aperture portions 174 have peripheries comprising a plurality of alternating projections 176 and recesses 178 complementarily shaped to receive alternating grooves 42' and projections 180 defined around the periphery of the coupling end 40' of the neck 26'.

[0050] It should be understood that the illustrated shapes of the front aperture portions 174 of the plurality of plates 160 and the complementarily shaped coupling end 40' of the neck 26' are exemplary of a wide variety of possible shapes, and the front aperture portions 174 and the coupling end 40' may assume any shape and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0051] The front aperture portions 174 include similarly shaped peripheries on all the plates 160, however, the front aperture portions 174 are at different rotational positions relative to each other. That is, a first plate 160A illustrated in Fig. 18 has its front aperture portion 174 at a first angle γ relative to a vertical reference axis VX, a second plate 160B illustrated in Fig. 19 has its front aperture portion 174 at a second angle γ + λ relative to the vertical reference axis VX, and a third plate 160C illustrated in Fig. 20 has its front aperture portion 174 at a third angle γ + 2λ relative to the vertical reference axis VX. The front aperture portion 174 of the second plate 160B is rotated λ degrees relative to the front aperture portion 174 of the first plate 160A and the third plate 160C is rotated another λ degrees relative to the front aperture portion 174 of the second plate 160B.

[0052] It should be understood that the reference line R from which the angles are measured is arbitrarily selected and other points around the front aperture portions 174 may be selected to define angles, however, what is important is that the selected reference line R is the same line on all of the front aperture portions 174 of the plates 160.

[0053] It should also be understood that the angles γ, γ + λ, and γ + 2λ, and the degree values of γ and λ may be any value and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, the rotational differences between the front aperture portions 174 of the plurality of plates 160 may be at a fixed rotational increment. For example, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the rotational increment from one plate 160 to another plate 160 is the angle λ. This fixed increment of rotation between the first plate 160 A, the second plate 160B, the third plate 160C, and any subsequent plates means the neck 26' may be rotated and secured to the head 28' at increments of angle λ. In some exemplary embodiments, angle λ may be 2 degrees. In other exemplary embodiments, angle λ may be four degrees.

[0055] Alternatively, the rotational increment between plates 160 may not be fixed. For example, the rotational increment from a first plate to a second plate may be angle λ and the rotational increment from the second plate to a third plate may be an angle different than angle λ.

[0056] It should be understood that the rotational increments between plates 160 may vary at any rotational value and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, angle λ between the first plate and the second plate may be four degrees and the different angle between the second plate and the third plate may be two degrees.

[0057] It should also be understood that the plurality of plates 160 may include plates 160 accommodating both right handed golfers and left handed golfers. The illustrated exemplary plates 160 shown in Figs. 18-20 are adapted to provide various lie angles Ω for right handed golfers. The putter 120 may include additional plates 160 having front aperture portions 174 configured to receive the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and provide various lie angles Ω for left handed golfers.

[0058] With continued reference to Figs. 13-20, adjustment and assembly of the putter 120 will be described. Initially, the head 28' is positioned flat with the bottom surface contacting a ground surface and the shaft (not shown) is coupled to the neck 26'. A user grips the hand grip of the putter 120, inserts the coupling portion 34' of the neck 26' into the cavity 50', and stands in a comfortable and/or appropriate putting stance. The action of the user moving into said stance causes the coupling portion 34' of the neck 26' to rotate within the cavity 50' and, upon the user arriving at said stance, the coupling portion 34' comes to rest within the cavity 50' in a desired position. As indicated above, the shaft of the putter 120 must be angled at least ten degrees to either side of vertical. Accordingly, the user's putting stance must position the shaft at least ten degrees to one side of vertical. With the shaft and neck 26' located in the desired position, only one of the plurality of plates 160 will have a front aperture portion 174 appropriately oriented to receive the end of the neck 26'. Thus, the appropriate plate 160 is selected and inserted into the plate cavity 158, where the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' inserts into the complementarily shaped front aperture portion 174 of the selected plate 160. Engagement between the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and the front aperture portion 174 of the plate 160 inhibits the neck 26' from rotating relative to the head 28'. The fastener 124 is then inserted through the plate aperture 170 and into the aperture 122 defined in the neck 26'. Completely tightening the fastener 124, as shown in Figs. 13 and 16, rigidly secures the neck 26' to the head 28' and inhibits movement of the neck 26' and shaft relative to the head 28'.

[0059] It may be desirable, for a variety of reasons, to readjust the position of the shaft and neck 26' relative to the head 28'. The exemplary putter 120 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 enables a user to perform such readjustment. Initially, to readjust the position of the shaft and neck 26' relative to the head 28', the fastener 124 is unthreaded from the neck 26' and the plate 160 is removed from the plate cavity 158. With the plate 160 disengaged from the coupling end 40' of the neck 26', the shaft and neck 26' are free to rotate relative to the head 28'. A user may reposition the shaft relative to the head 28', which results in the neck 26' rotating within the cavity 50' defined in the mount 46'. When the shaft and neck 26' are repositioned, a second plate 160 is selected that has an appropriately oriented front aperture portion 174 to receive the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and the second plate 160 is inserted into the plate cavity 158 to engage the coupling end 40' of the neck 26'. The fastener 124 is then completely rethreaded into the aperture 122 defined in the neck 26' to, once again, rigidly secure the shaft and neck 26' to the head 28' at a new lie angle. This sort of readjustment may be performed as many times as desired. Thus, this illustrated and described exemplary putter 120 facilitates continuous and substantially unlimited lie angle adjustment of a putter in accordance with USGA regulations.

[0060] With continued reference to Figs. 8, 9, 14, and 18-20, the putter 120 may be configured to prevent the shaft of the putter 120 from securing to the head in the restricted twenty degree lie angle sector centered on vertical. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, such a capability is achieved by the complementary shapes of the front aperture portions 174 of the plates 160 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26'. More particularly, the front aperture portions 174 have a feature 182 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' has a similarly shaped feature 184. These features 182, 184 of the front aperture portions 174 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' ensure that the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' inserts into each plate 160 in only one orientation. The putter 120 does not include plates having front aperture portions capable of receiving the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' when the shaft and neck 26' are positioned in the restricted twenty degree lie angle sector. Thus, the plates 160 prevent the shaft and neck 26' from coupling to the head 28' in the restricted twenty degree lie angle sector. The illustrated exemplary configurations of the front aperture portions 174 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' are only a portion of the many examples of configurations for preventing the shaft and neck 26' from being secured in the restricted lie angle sector. The front aperture portions 174 and coupling end 40' of the neck 26' are capable of having such different configurations and being within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0061] With reference to Figs. 21 and 22, another exemplary putter 220 is illustrated. Components of the putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 similar to components of the putters 20, 120 illustrated in Figs. 1-20 are identified with the same reference number and an " " ". Differences of the putter 220 will be described herein in detail.

[0062] The illustrated exemplary putter 220 includes a plurality of necks 226 interchangeably connectable to the head 28". The necks 226 may be connected to the head in any of the manners described herein and other alternative manners. With particular reference to Fig. 21, the curved portions 236 of the necks 226 have different radii relative to one another. As illustrated, neck 226 A includes the largest radius Rl, neck 226C includes the smallest radius R3, and neck 226B includes a radius R2 between the largest and smallest radii Rl, R3. The radii Rl, R2, R3 may be any dimension and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, radius Rl may be 1.5 inches, radius R2 may be 1.25 inches, and radius R3 may be 1.0 inch.

[0063] The putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 has adjustable capabilities to provide a golfer with a variety of playability options. In some instances, the putter 220 may be adjusted to accommodate or adjust a golfer's pattern of misses, thereby correcting a deficiency in the golfer's putting stroke. The putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 provides such adjustability by manipulating the radius of the neck 226. When the radius value of the neck is adjusted, playing characteristics of the putter 220 are impacted. Specifically, as the radius value of the neck increases, leverage works to slow the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact with a golf ball. Conversely, decreasing the radius value of the neck increases the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact. [0064] As an example, a golfer may initially connect neck 226B to the head 28". With the neck 226B connected to the head 28", the golfer may consistently pull or push putts when the putter 220 includes the neck 226B connected to the head 28". Thus, the golfer may desire to remedy the push or pull phenomenon by adjusting the putter 220. When the golfer wishes to correct a pull, the golfer may connect neck 226A to the head 28". Neck 226A has radius Rl, which is larger than the radius R2 of neck 226B. With the neck 226A connected to the head 28", the putter 220 is in an anti-pull condition. As described above, the neck 226A slows the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact with a golf ball, thereby decreasing the propensity of pulling the golf ball. Conversely, when the golfer wishes to correct a push occurring when neck 226B is connected to the head 28", the golfer may connect neck 226C to the head 28". Neck 226C has radius R3, which is smaller than radius R2 of neck 226B. With the neck 226C connected to the head 28", the putter 220 is in an anti-push condition. As described above, the neck 226C increases the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact with a golf ball, thereby decreasing the propensity of pushing the golf ball.

[0065] With reference to Fig. 23, another exemplary putter 320 is illustrated. Components of the putter 320 illustrated in Fig. 23 similar to components of the putters 20, 120, 220 illustrated in Figs. 1-22 are identified with the same reference number and an " "' ". Differences of the putter 320 will be described herein in detail.

[0066] The putter 320 illustrated in Fig. 23 includes another exemplary neck 326 having a different shape than the necks illustrated in Figs. 1-22. More particularly, the neck 326 does not include a curved portion, but rather includes a straight angled portion 386 extending between the reduced diameter end 30"' and the coupling portion 34"' of the neck 326. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the straight angled portion 386 of the neck 326 extends at about a forty-five degree angle relative to the horizontal top surface 388 of the body 48"'. Alternatively, the straight angled portion 386 of the neck 326 may extend at many other angles relative to the horizontal top surface 388 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0067] It should be understood that the putter 320 illustrated in Fig. 23 is capable of having all the characteristics, functions, and capabilities of the other putters described herein and illustrated in Figs. 1-22. For example, the neck 326 of the putter 320 is capable of connecting to the head 28"' in any of the manners described herein and other alternative manners. Also, for example, the putter 320 is capable of including multiple plates 160"' to provide continuous and substantially unlimited adjustment capabilities. Further, for example, the putter 320 is capable of having numerous interchangeable necks, each of which has a different sized straight angled portion 386, for providing a golfer with a variety of playability options.

[0068] It should also be understood that the putter 220 described and illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 may include a neck 326 similar to that illustrated in Fig. 23 in addition to the plurality of necks 226 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 or in place of one of the plurality of necks 226. As indicated above, the putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 may include any number of necks and the necks may have any configurations including curved portions, straight angled portions, or any other shaped portions. [0069] With reference to Figs. 24 and 25, another exemplary putter 420 is illustrated. Components of the putter 420 illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25 similar to components of the putters 20, 120, 220, 320 illustrated in Figs. 1-23 are identified with the same reference number and an " "" ". Differences of the putter 420 will be described herein in detail.

[0070] The illustrated exemplary putter 420 includes a head 428 having a different configuration than the heads of the putters illustrated in Figs. 1-23 and a neck 426 coupled to the head 428. It should be understood that the putter 420 illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25 is capable of having all the characteristics, functions, and capabilities of the other putters described herein and illustrated in Figs. 1-23. For example, the head 428 of the putter 420 is capable of connecting to any of the necks described herein and other alternative necks. Also, for example, the putter 420 is capable of including multiple plates 160"" to provide continuous and substantially unlimited adjustment capabilities. Further, for example, the putter 420 is capable of having numerous interchangeable necks for providing a golfer with a variety of playability options. Such interchangeable necks may be any combination of necks including curved portions, straight angled portions, or any other configured portions.

[0071] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The descriptions were selected to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although particular constructions of the present invention have been shown and described, other alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A golf implement comprising:

a shaft;

a neck including a first end and a second end, wherein the neck is coupled to the shaft at the first end; and

a head including

a golf ball striking portion,

a cavity,

a first aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, a second aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, and a fastener;

wherein the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity and the fastener is positioned in one of the first and second apertures to engage the neck; and wherein adhesive is injected into the other one of the first and second apertures and the adhesive flows into the cavity to engage the neck to adhere the neck to the head.

2. The golf implement of claim 1 , wherein the golf implement is a putter.

3. The golf implement of claim 1 , wherein the neck generally has an L- shape with the first end of the neck positioned substantially perpendicular to the second end of the neck.

4. The golf implement of claim 1 , wherein the golf ball striking portion is positioned near a front of the head, and the cavity is spaced apart from the golf ball striking portion and defined near a rear of the head.

5. The golf implement of claim 1 , wherein the cavity includes a longitudinal extent that extends in a substantially horizontal direction.

6. The golf implement of claim 5, wherein the golf ball striking portion includes a longitudinal extent, and wherein the longitudinal extent of the cavity is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the golf ball striking portion.

7. The golf implement of claim 1, wherein the first and second apertures include longitudinal extents, and wherein the longitudinal extents of the first and second apertures are substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the cavity.

8. The golf implement of claim 7, wherein the first aperture is defined in the head from a bottom surface of the head to the cavity, and wherein the second aperture is defined in the head from one of a right side or a left side of the head to the cavity.

9. The golf implement of claim 1 , wherein the head further comprises a second fastener, and wherein the second fastener is positioned in the other one of the first and second apertures to engage the neck.

10. The golf implement of claim 1, wherein the neck defines an annular channel and a groove, and wherein the annular channel is spaced from the second end of the neck and the groove extends from the annular channel to the second end of the neck, and wherein the annular channel and the groove are positioned in the cavity when the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity.

11. The golf implement of claim 10, wherein the annular channel is aligned and in fluid communication with the first and second apertures when the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity.

12. The golf implement of claim 11 , wherein, when adhesive is injected into the other one of the first and second apertures, the adhesive flows into the annular channel and into the groove toward the second end of the neck.

13. The golf implement of claim 12, wherein the groove is one of a plurality of grooves extending from the annular channel to the second end of the neck and the plurality of grooves are positioned in the cavity when the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity, and wherein, when adhesive is injected into the other one of the first and second apertures, the adhesive flows into the annular channel and into the plurality of grooves toward the second end of the neck.

14. The golf implement of claim 12, wherein the cavity is a first cavity, the head further including

a second cavity defined in a rear of the head, in fluid communication with the first cavity, and having a larger size than the first cavity, and

a plate positionable in the second cavity.

15. The golf implement of claim 14, wherein the adhesive flows from the groove into the second cavity and engages the plate when the plate is positioned in the second cavity to adhere the plate to the head in the second cavity.

16. A golf implement comprising:

a shaft;

a neck coupled to the shaft; and

a head including a golf ball striking portion, wherein the neck is adapted to couple to the head in a plurality of positions and the neck is movable from one of the plurality of positions to another one of the plurality of positions.

17. The golf implement of claim 16, wherein the golf implement is a putter.

18. The golf implement of claim 16, wherein the neck includes a first end adapted to couple to the shaft and a second end adapted to couple to the head in the plurality of positions.

19. The golf implement of claim 18, wherein the head defines a cavity, and wherein the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity and moveable within the cavity when the neck is moved from one of the plurality of positions to another one of the plurality of positions.

20. The golf implement of claim 19, wherein the head further comprises a plurality of plates interchangeably engageable with the second end of the neck when the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity, wherein one of the plurality of plates engages the second end of the neck when the neck is in the one of the plurality of positions and another one of the plurality of plates engages the second end of the neck when the neck is in the another one of the plurality of positions.

21. The golf implement of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of plates defines a plate aperture therethrough adapted to receive the second end of the neck.

22. The golf implement of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of plate apertures are complementarily shaped with the second end of the neck.

23. The golf implement of claim 21 , wherein the second end of the neck is receivable in only one of the plurality of plate apertures at each of the plurality of positions of the neck.

24. The golf implement of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of plates are interchangeably coupled to the second end of the neck with a fastener, and wherein the fastener is insertable through the plurality of plate apertures to interchangeably couple the plurality of plates to the second end of the neck.

25. The golf implement of claim 20, wherein the plurality of plates are interchangeably coupled to the second end of the neck with a fastener.

26. The golf implement of claim 25, wherein the fastener is a threaded fastener and a threaded aperture is defined in the second end of the neck, and wherein the threaded fastener threads into and from the threaded aperture in the neck to interchangeably couple the plurality of plates to the neck.

27. The golf implement of claim 20, wherein the cavity is a first cavity of the head, the head further including a second cavity defined in the head, in fluid communication with the first cavity, and having a larger size than the first cavity, and wherein the plurality of plates are interchangeably positionable in the second cavity where the plurality of plates interchangeably engage the second end of the neck.

28. The golf implement of claim 27, wherein the plurality of plates and the second cavity are complimentarily shaped.

29. The golf implement of claim 27, wherein each of the plurality of plates is interchangeably positioned in the second cavity in only a single orientation.

30. The golf implement of claim 18, wherein the neck includes a curved portion between the first and second ends of the neck.

31. The golf implement of claim 18, wherein the neck includes a straight angled portion between the first and second ends of the neck.

32. A method of adjusting a golf implement, the method comprising: coupling a shaft to a first end of a neck;

coupling a second end of the neck to a head in a first position, the head including a golf ball striking portion;

uncoupling the second end of the neck from the head; moving the neck relative to the head from the first position to a second position different than the first position; and

recoupling the second end of the neck to the head with the neck in the second position.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein coupling a second end of the neck to a head further comprises

inserting the second end of the neck into a cavity defined in the head, moving the neck to the first position,

providing a plurality of plates,

selecting one of the plurality of plates, and

engaging the second end of the neck with the selected one of the plurality of plates, wherein engagement between the second end of the neck and the selected one of the plurality of plates inhibits movement of the neck relative to the selected one of the plurality of plates and the head to maintain the neck in the first position.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein coupling a second end of the neck to a head further comprises securing the selected one of the plurality of plates to the neck with a fastener.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein uncoupling the second end of the neck from the head further comprises

unsecuring the fastener from the neck, and

disengaging the selected one of the plurality of plates from the neck.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein recoupling the second end of the neck to the head further comprises

selecting a second one of the plurality of plates,

engaging the second end of the neck with the selected second one of the plurality of plates, wherein engagement between the second end of the neck and the selected second one of the plurality of plates inhibits movement of the neck relative to the selected second one of the plurality of plates and the head to maintain the neck in the second position, and

securing the selected second one of the plurality of plates to the neck with the fastener.

37. A golf implement comprising:

a shaft;

a plurality of necks, each of the plurality of necks including a first end, a second end, and a curved portion between the first and second ends, wherein the plurality of necks are adapted to be coupled, one at a time, to the shaft via first ends, and wherein the curved portions have different sized radii relative to one another; and a head including a golf ball striking portion, wherein the plurality of necks are adapted to be coupled, one at a time, to the head via second ends.

38. The golf implement of claim 37, wherein the head defines a cavity therein, and wherein the second ends of the plurality of necks are positionable in the cavity, one at a time, to couple the plurality of necks to the head.

39. The golf implement of claim 37, wherein the plurality of necks include a first neck, a second neck, and a third neck, and wherein the first neck includes a first curved portion having a first radius of 1 inch, the second neck includes a second curved portion having a second radius of 1.25 inches, and the third neck includes a third curved portion having a third radius of 1.5 inches.