Apparatus for assembling and curing golf clubs
US6006805A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53091
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for first reliably and accurately aligning the shafts of golf clubs in consistent orientation relative to corresponding club heads during assembly thereof, and second for performing inductive curing on the aligned golf club. A golf club is supported in an address position in a combination alignment/inductive cure station. The club shaft is supported by an inclined V-shaped channel, and the club head is supported in a club head support which includes a gel-filled trough for conforming to the sole of the club head. The leading edge of the club head is aligned against two substantially vertical alignment posts extending from the club head support, and reference graphics on the shaft are used in combination with an alignment panel to visually obtain the desired relative orientation of the shaft and club head. The club is then clamped in place, and an inductive heating element heats the joint of the shaft and club head to activate a bonding agent. A separate cold air cooling member returns the golf club joint to an operator handable temperature for speed of production.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.