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Title:
AN IMPROVED CONNECTOR
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2013/180582
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a connector including a first shaft. The shaft includes a central portion, a first spring associated with one end of the central portion, and a second spring associated with another end of the central portion. One of the springs is right handed, and the other spring is left handed.

Inventors:
MOORE SIMON GARRY (NZ)
Application Number:
PCT/NZ2013/000093
Publication Date:
December 05, 2013
Filing Date:
May 31, 2013
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PUKU LTD (NZ)
International Classes:
F16B7/14; A63B53/16; F16C3/03
Foreign References:
US20110306438A12011-12-15
JP2005036951A2005-02-10
US7871337B22011-01-18
Other References:
DATABASE WPI Week 197619, Derwent World Patents Index; AN 1976-E3548X
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
TUCK, Jason et al. (Private Bag 3140Hamilton, 3240, NZ)
Download PDF:
Claims:
THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. A connector including: a first shaft including: a central portion; a first spring associated with one end of the central portion; and a second spring associated with another end of the central portion, wherein one of the springs is right handed, and the other spring is left handed.

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein each spring has a structure which expands when rotational or linear force is applied in one direction, and contracts when rotational or linear force is applied in the opposite direction. 3. The connector of either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second springs are helical springs.

4. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector is configured to be received by a hollow second shaft, with an inner diameter less that the external diameter of at least one of the springs while force is not being applied to it. 5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the external diameter of the central portion is less than the external diameter of the springs.

6. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connector is configured to receive a second shaft, with an external diameter greater than the external diameter of at least one of the springs while force is not being applied to it. 7. The connector of claim 6, wherein the internal diameter of the central portion is greater than the internal diameter of the springs.

8. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the first spring and second spring include at least one anti-pull feature.

9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the anti-pull feature is a projection configured to be received by a recess on a part to be connected to the connector.

10. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first spring and second spring include at least one anti-rotation feature.

11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the anti-rotation feature is a projection configured to be received by a recess on a part to be connected to the connector.

Description:
AN IMPROVED CONNECTOR

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

i t' nn to New Zealand Pate. This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relat i on w

toH herein by reference. Application Number 600369, the entire contents of which are incorporaiea

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a connector. In particular, the present invention re

connector used to attach two shafts to each other.

embodiments described in the context of golf clubs are not intended to be l i mit i ng.

enables club fitters and players to customise a club to an individual s requi

use or destructive and/or highly complicated techniques.

Numerous attempts have been made to provide a mechanism for achiev i ng th i s wh i le also complying with the Rules of Golf.

Appendix II 1(b) of the Rules of Golf currently stipulates:

"The following requirements apply to all permissible methods of adjustment , (i) the adjustment cannot be readily made;

(ii) all adjustable parts are firmly fixed and there is no reasonable likel i hood of them working loose during a round; and

(Hi) all configurations of adjustment conform with the Rules.

During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means". One such mechanism is described in New Zealand Patent No. 551189. The mechanism includes a shaft to which a helical wire spring is attached. The shaft and springs fits within an external sleeve. In use, the spring biases against the internal surface of the external sleeve to cause a friction fit. To move the external sleeve with respect to the shaft, a tool is passed through the sleeve to connect with the spring. The spring is then twisted causing the circumference of the spring to lessen, thus disengaging the spring from the internal surface of the sleeve. This enables the sleeve to be moved with respect to the shaft. Upon release of the spring, the material memory of the spring causes it to revert to its original larger circumference and press against the sleeve.

While this is an effective adjustment mechanism, there remains room for improvement in certain applications. The mechanism, whilst strong in one direction of rotation, is weaker in the counter direction. This counter direction weakness can be compensated for to a degree by increasing the strength of the spring, but this can make adjustment more difficult, and the parts heavier and more costly.

Further, it is possible to 'cheat' the mechanism in some embodiments by squeezing the head end of the mechanism and turning it manually to provide some shaft adjustment.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. All references, including any patents or patent applications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the reference states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms parts of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a connector including: a first shaft including: a central portion; a first spring associated with one end of the central portion; and a second spring associated with another end of the central portion, wherein one of the springs is right handed, and the other spring is left handed.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a connector as substantially described above, characterised by the steps of a) applying a rotational force to the central portion, altering the diameter of the springs away from their natural diameter; b) moving a second shaft along the central portion and springs while applying the rotational force in order to position the shafts relative to each other, and c) releasing the rotational force from the central portion allowing the springs to return towards their natural diameter thereby providing a friction fit between the shafts.

Preferably applying rotational force to the central portion includes: engaging the central portion with an engagement tool; and applying a rotational force to the central portion with the engagement tool.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kitset which includes at least two shafts, one of which is at least partially hollow, wherein one of the shafts includes: a central portion; a first spring associated with one end of the central portion; and a second spring associated with another end of the central portion, wherein one of the springs is right handed, and the other spring is left handed; and an engagement tool configured to engage the central portion in order to apply rotational force to same.

A spring should be understood to mean a resilient device which returns to its original shape - particularly diameter - after being twisted or pushed or pulled. It is envisaged that the present invention may have particular application to structures which expand when rotational or linear force is applied in one direction, and contract when rotational or linear force is applied in the opposite direction.

Preferably the springs are helical springs. Helical springs have an inherent bias to their structure which causes them to return to a natural diameter after having been adjusted away from this diameter by the application of force.

However, it should be appreciated that other spring types may be used with the present invention, for example a volute spring or other rolled material configurations.

Reference to the natural diameter of a spring should be understood to mean the diameter of the spring it is biased towards when released from external forces. Where the connector is to be inserted into a hollow shaft, the natural diameter should be understood to refer to the exterior diameter of the spring biased to expand outwardly. Conversely, where the connector is to receive a shaft through the springs, the natural diameter is the interior diameter of the spring biased to retract inwardly.

Reference to handedness of a spring should be understood to be defined by the expansion of the diameter of a spring when held at one end and the distal end is rotated in a particular direction.

In the context of a helical spring, this may be determined by the orientation of the helix forming the spring. Generally, a right handed spring is one that, when viewed along its axis, a clockwise screwing motion moves the helix away from the observer (and would thus expand when fixed at the distal end and turned in an anti-clockwise direction). If the helix moves towards the observer then it is a left handed spring.

In a preferred embodiment the central portion includes an engagement portion.

An engagement portion should be understood to be any means configured to interact with the engagement tool to assist in applying rotational force to the first shaft. It should be appreciated that the connector may include more than one engagement portion located in positions other than the central portion.

Examples of the engagement portion will be provided in the discussion below.

In a preferred embodiment the second shaft is configured to fit over the first shaft. Preferably at least a portion of the second shaft is hollow, with an inner diameter less that the external diameter of at least the second spring while force is not being applied to it.

In this embodiment the first spring may be right handed. In use, as the first spring is positioned at the entrance to the second shaft the unbiased diameter of the spring is too great to enter the shaft. By pushing on the first shaft, or twisting it in a clockwise direction against the second shaft, the diameter of the first spring is reduced, and the second shaft may be slid over the first spring.

It should be appreciated that applying the force to the first shaft in order to adjust the diameter of the first spring may include applying a rotational force to the central portion. It is envisaged that in one embodiment the diameter of both of the springs relative to the second shaft may be such that the second shaft may be slid over both of the springs in one direction by the application of linear force, but require the application of rotational force to the central portion in order to reposition the shafts in the opposite direction.

However, in another embodiment rotational force may be required to reposition the shafts in both directions. In this embodiment, once the second shaft reaches the second spring as it is being positioned over the first shaft it can progress no further. In order to reduce the diameter of the second (left handed) spring a clockwise rotation is required. However, holding the second spring and twisting it anti-clockwise will cause the first spring to expand and prevent sliding of the shafts relative to each other. Overcoming this may require insertion of the engagement tool through the second spring to engage with the central portion. In such an embodiment, the engagement portion may be a shaped aperture, with the tip of the tool shaped accordingly.

In another embodiment, the engagement portion may include a projection which extends from the central portion towards the opening of at least one of the springs. In doing so, the length of the tool may be reduced - enabling it to be stored more easily.

It should be appreciated that while it may be desirable to require the use of the tool in some embodiments, this is not intended to be limiting. For example, the projection may be configured to extend beyond the shaft and include a gripping portion which enables a user to apply rotational force to the central portion using their hand or fingers. Clockwise rotation of the central portion effectively applies an anticlockwise force to the other end of the second spring, while still applying a clockwise rotational force to the first spring.

In either case, moving the shafts apart requires engaging the tool with the central portion in order to reduce the diameter of the second spring.

It should be appreciated that if the handedness of the springs were reversed the same principles would apply.

It may be seen how the present invention may be applied to a golfing context in order to require ^ the use of a tool (although it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may be applied in other situations where a tool is not needed or desired). In this case the cheat of gripping the mechanism at the exposed end will not work as the application of force in one direction in order to loosen one spring will simply increase the locking effect of the other spring. The greater the force applied, the greater the locking effect.

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the first spring and second spring include at least one anti-pull feature. Reference to an anti-pull feature should be understood to mean any feature configured to interact with a feature on the second shaft to assist in preventing movement of the shafts relative to each other along their lengths. In particular, the anti-pull features may inhibit this movement on the application of linear force in a particular direction unless an additional step is performed. Preferably the anti-pull feature is a projection configured to be received by a recess on the second shaft - although it should be appreciated that alternative arrangements are also considered.

It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the anti-pull feature may be configured according to the desired change in diameter of the spring relative to the second shaft. It is envisaged that the anti-pull features may complement the friction provided by the springs, and provide feedback to the user adjusting the shafts through the sound and feel of the anti-pull features passing each other..

In a preferred embodiment at least one of the first spring and second spring include at least one anti-rotation feature. Reference to an anti-rotation feature should be understood to mean any feature configured to interact with a feature on the second shaft to assist in preventing rotation of the shafts relative to each other.

Preferably the anti-rotation feature is a projection configured to be received by a recess on the second shaft - although it should be appreciated that alternative arrangements are also considered.

It is envisaged that the anti-rotation feature may assist in aligning the shafts and/or maintaining the orientation of the shafts relative to one another where this is desirable, and further reduce wear on the shafts due to repeated rotation relative to each other.

It should be appreciated that discussion of the second shaft fitting over the first shaft is not intended to be limiting, as an alternative embodiment in which the second shaft is inserted into the first shaft is also contemplated. In this embodiment the interior surface of the springs provides the friction fit against the exterior of the second shaft.

The principles discussed above will apply, although the configuration and location of a number of features will effectively be reversed.

For example, the central portion may include an engagement portion such as a hexagonal exterior which may be engaged by a spanner to apply rotational force. However, it is envisaged that the central portion in this embodiment may not use a specialised tool - it may be gripped by a hand of the user (which is a tool in its own right). Further, as it is envisaged that a connector with this configuration is unlikely to be used in a golfing context where it is desirable to avoid the "cheat", it may not be essential that the central portion be used to release the connector.

Multiple engagement portions may be positioned at the distal ends of the springs away from the central portion, and require two handed operation to perform a turn at each of these points in order to release the connector. It is envisaged that this may act as a safety feature to ensure that release is deliberate.

Preferably the diameter of the central portion is different to that of the springs while force is not being applied to them. In the embodiment where the second shaft is positioned over the springs, it is envisaged that the external diameter of the central portion is less than the external diameter of the springs, and the inner diameter of the second shaft. In an alternative embodiment, the inner diameter of the central portion may be greater than the internal diameter of the springs, and the external diameter of the second shaft.

It should be appreciated that while it is envisaged that the connector of the present invention may permit variable adjustment of the position of the two shafts relative to each other, this is not intended to be limiting. The connector may be configured to provide a single locking position, or multiple locking positions at fixed points, for example through the use of varying diameters on one or more of the shafts which only create a friction fit at those points, or the positioning of anti-pull features.

Preferably at least the first spring and second spring are made of a material having a balance of stiffness and elasticity. For example, the springs may be made of fibre-reinforced nylon, carbon fibre, ABS plastic, a polycarbonate, or titanium. It should be appreciated that these examples are not intended to be limiting and that other suitable materials known to a person skilled in the art may be used for the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment the central portion, first spring, and second spring are made in a single piece. It is envisaged that this may assist in enhancing the strength of the adjustment mechanism by removing mechanical connections which could otherwise present points of weakness. This may also assist in ease of assembly.

It should further be appreciated that the shaft including the springs and central portion may extend beyond at least one of the springs. Further, either shaft may be attached to other objects as desired - for example a golf club handle, shaft, or head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary connector system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2b is a view of an exemplary tool for use with the exemplary connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector according to another

embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary connector according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of an exemplary connector in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary connector in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector in accordance with an

alternative embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a connector (generally indicated by arrow 1) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The connector 1 includes a first shaft 2. A first end portion of the first shaft 2 includes a central portion 3. At the distal end of the first end portion a helical slot forms a right handed spring 4. On the other side of the central portion 3 a further helical slot forms a left handed spring 5.

The first shaft 2 is configured to be received by a second shaft 6. The first shaft includes anti-rotation projections 7 configured to be received by grooves 8 in the second shaft. The first shaft further includes anti-pull rings 9 configured to be received by anti- pull recesses 10.

In operation, the first shaft 2 may be pushed into the second shaft 6. Pushing applies a linear force to the springs 4 and 5, compressing them and reducing their diameter in order to allow passage through the second shaft 6.

On removal of the force, the diameter of each of the springs 4 and 5 expands, creating a friction fit between the exterior of the first shaft 2 and the interior of the second shaft 6. The anti-pull rings 9 engage with the anti-pull recesses 10 and further assist in maintaining the position of the shafts 2 and 6 relative to each other. Once the springs 4 and 5 are positioned within the second shaft 6, pulling the first shaft 2 will cause them to expand and resist movement. Further, holding the end 11 of the shaft away from the first end portion and rotating the first shaft 2 in order to compress the right handed spring 4 will cause the left handed spring 5 to expand and enhance the locking effect.

FIG. 2a shows a cross-sectional view of a connector 200 having a similar configuration to the connector 1 of FIG. 1. The connector 200 includes a first shaft 201 engaged with the second shaft 202.

The interior of the central portion 203 includes a hexagonal engagement portion 204.

FIG. 2b shows a tool 205 configured to engage with the engagement portion 204. The tool 205 includes a handle 206, a tool shaft 207, and a hexagonal tool portion 208. It should be appreciated that the hexagonal tool portion 208 may extend further up the tool shaft 207 if desired.

Returning to FIG. 2a, the tool 205 may be inserted through first shaft aperture 209 or second shaft aperture 210 in order to engage with the engagement portion 204. This will likely depend on the application of the connector 200. For example, if the first shaft 201 is, or connects to, the shaft of a golf club while the second shaft 203 forms a grip, the first shaft aperture 209 is unlikely to be accessible.

Assuming that the second shaft aperture 210 is accessible, the tool passes through the aperture 210 and engages with the engagement portion 204. Rotating the tool in a clockwise direction will compress the right handed spring 211. Further, rotating the central portion 203 in a clockwise direction effectively rotates the left handed spring 2 2 in an anti-clockwise direction when viewed from the central portion 203 towards the aperture 210 of the first shaft 201 - compressing the left handed spring 212.

This simultaneous compression of the springs 211 and 212 allows the first shaft 201 to be withdrawn from the second shaft 203.

FIG. 3a illustrates a connector (generally indicated by arrow 300) having a similar configuration to that illustrated in FIG. 2a. In this embodiment, the connector 300 includes a projection 301 which is fixed in place at the central portion 302, and extends through the aperture 303.

In this embodiment, the tool 304 does not need to be inserted into the aperture as far as the central portion 302. Rather, it simply needs to engage with an engagement point 305 at the end of the projection 301. This enables the tool 304 to take a much more compact form.

FIG. 3b illustrates the connector 300 of FIG. 3a, where the projection 301 is replaced with a sliding projection 305. The sliding projection allows the engagement point 305 to be maintained in a consistent relationship with a second shaft, or grip 307, while remaining engaged with the central portion 302.

FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b illustrate a connector (generally indicated by arrow 400) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Conceptually, the connector 400 operates in a similar manner to that of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b. However, in this embodiment a second shaft (not illustrated in FIG. 4a, 401 in FIG. 4b) is received by the connector 400, rather than fitting over it.

The connector 400 includes a first shaft 402 having a right handed spring 403 at a first end 404, a central portion 405, and a left handed spring 406 at a second end 407.

In operation, the connector 400 may be pulled onto the second shaft by the first end 404.

Pulling the connector in this manner applies a linear force to the springs 403 and 406, tensioning them and increasing their inner diameter in order to allow passage of the second shaft.

On removal of the force, the inner diameter of each of the springs 403 and 406 contracts, creating a friction fit between the interior of the connector 400 and the exterior of the second shaft. Once the springs 403 and 406 are positioned on the second shaft, pulling the second shaft 401 will cause them to contract. This contraction will increase the friction fit between the interior of the springs 403 and 406 and the exterior of the second shaft 402 and thus resist movement of the second shaft 401. Further, holding the second shaft 401 and rotating the connector 400 about the other end 407 (or vice versa) to release one of the springs will cause the other spring to contract and enhance the locking effect.

In order to release both springs 403 and 406, two options are available.

Firstly, rotational force may be applied to the central portion 405. In the embodiment illustrated the central portion 405 has a hexagonal shape configured to engage with a tool such as a spanner in order to assist with the application of force. However, it should be appreciated that other shapes are envisaged - or that a tool may not be required, with the central portion 405 simply being grasped by a user's hand.

Secondly, the user may be required to apply rotational force in opposite directions at the first end 404 and second end 407 simultaneously. It is envisaged that in such an embodiment, the central portion 405 may be made difficult to grasp (e.g. by the removal of the hexagonal shape, or shortening the distance between the springs 403 and 406.

This simultaneous expansion of the springs 403 and 406 allows the second shaft 401 to be withdrawn from the connector 400.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector 500 having a similar configuration to the connector 1 of FIG. 1.

The connector 500 includes a first shaft 501. The first shaft 501 includes a first right handed spring 503, and a left handed spring 503, separated by a central portion 504. The interior of the central portion 504 includes a first hexagonal engagement portion 505.

At the distal end of the left handed spring 503 is a second right handed spring 506, and an associated second engagement portion 507.

In operation, a tool (not illustrated) similar to that shown in FIG. 2b, but with a hexagonal profile along its shaft may be inserted into the second engagement portion 507, rotated to compress the second right handed spring, and through pushed through to the first engagement portion 505. Rotation of the tool at this time will compress the springs 502 and 503 in the manner described with reference to FIG. 2a, and allow the connector 500 to be removed from, or inserted into, a hollow shaft (not illustrated).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.