Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Club or club support
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-05
2001-05-15
Chapman, Jeanette (Department: 3632)
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Club or club support
C473S318000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231456
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to sporting equipment. More specifically, the invention relates to golf clubs. Most specifically, the invention relates to a vibration damping insert configured to be inserted into the shaft of a golf club.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The shafts of golf clubs are often made from tubular bodies of metal or composite materials. When a ball is struck with the golf club, the shaft is prone to vibration. Such vibrations can influence play of the game, and can also be uncomfortable for the player. As a consequence, various attempts have been made to dampen the vibration of golf club shafts. In some instances, devices or coatings have been applied to the exterior of the shaft. In other instances, insert members are placed within a hollow shaft. One specific insert member comprises a rigid central member having a strip of polymeric foam wound thereabout. Any vibration damping insert should be low in cost, easy to fabricate and simple to use. Also, any vibration damping device should not adversely affect the balance or play of the club.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a low cost, easy to fabricate and easy to use vibration damping insert which may be utilized with golf club shafts, as well as other shafts and handles or items in which vibration must be damped.
The vibration damping insert of the invention is configured to be disposed within a tubular shaft such as a golf club shaft and includes a central core rod member and a plurality of circumferentially spaced fins extending radially outwardly from and substantially coextensive with the rod member. When inserted into the hollow shaft, the insert serves to effectively dampen vibration transmission to the user upon impact of the club with a golf ball.
According to a further feature of the invention, the central core rod member is formed as a separate member from the fins and is formed of a first material having a relatively high durometer hardness, and the fins are formed of a second material having a relatively low durometer hardness. This dual hardness aspect of the insert facilitates the formation of the insert and augments the damping action of the insert.
According to a further feature of the invention, the insert is formed in an extrusion process in which the second material forming the fins is extruded over the first material forming the central core rod. This specific formation technique facilitates the ready and inexpensive formation of the insert. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the insert is formed in a coextrusion process in which the fins are extrudingly formed simultaneously with the extruding formation of the central core rod.
According to a further feature of the invention, each fin includes a relatively stiff portion proximate the central core rod and a relatively flexible portion proximate the radially outward end of the fin. This specific construction facilitates the insertion of the insert into the shaft and accommodates the typical tapered configuration of the shaft.
According to a further feature of the invention, the flexible radially outward portion of each fin is delineated and defined by a hinge line proximate the outward portion of the fin about which the fin may readily fold to accommodate the tapered configuration of the shaft.
According to a further feature of the invention, the core rod member includes a tubular main body portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced lobes extending radially outwardly from the main body portion; the fins form a part of an annular outer body including a tubular main body portion positioned in surrounding relation to the tubular main body portion of the core rod; the fins extend radially outwardly from the outer body main body portion; and each fin extends along and encapsulates a respective lobe and extends radially outwardly beyond the respective lobe. This specific construction facilitates the formation of the insert and augments the damping action of the insert. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the core rod member has a durometer hardness in the range of 95-100 and the outer body has a durometer hardness in the range of 80-85.
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Rennie Graham
Sobkow William J.
Chapman Jeanette
Varma Sneh
Young & Basile P.C.
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