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WO2008116183A2 - Poignée ayant une surface d'accrochage variée - Google Patents

Poignée ayant une surface d'accrochage variée Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008116183A2
WO2008116183A2 PCT/US2008/057905 US2008057905W WO2008116183A2 WO 2008116183 A2 WO2008116183 A2 WO 2008116183A2 US 2008057905 W US2008057905 W US 2008057905W WO 2008116183 A2 WO2008116183 A2 WO 2008116183A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layered sheet
tube
grip
support surface
raised portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2008/057905
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2008116183A3 (fr
Inventor
Ben Huang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US11/689,452 external-priority patent/US7862445B2/en
Priority claimed from US11/838,670 external-priority patent/US7862446B2/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to JP2009554780A priority Critical patent/JP2010522047A/ja
Priority to CN200880009171A priority patent/CN101687110A/zh
Publication of WO2008116183A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008116183A2/fr
Publication of WO2008116183A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008116183A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/14—Handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/08—Handles characterised by the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/10—Handles with means for indicating correct holding positions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/14—Coverings specially adapted for handles, e.g. sleeves or ribbons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A63B2209/10—Characteristics of used materials with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener

Definitions

  • This application relates to an improved grip, in particular an improved grip for use with golf clubs.
  • Applicant has previously developed resilient grips which successfully reduce impact shock to the muscle and arm joints of a user and also provide a feeling of tackiness between a user's hands and the grip, improving upon prior art rubber grips. See, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,797,813 granted to Applicant on August 25, 1998, U.S. Patent No. 6,843,732 granted to Applicant on January 18, 2005, and U.S. Patent No. 6,857,971 granted to Applicant on February 22, 2005.
  • Applicant 's U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007-0004529 incorporated multiple two layer sheet pieces onto a backing layer. Such a structure facilitated embodiments of grips made according to the teachings of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007- 0004529 Al to accommodate additional multiple color combinations.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of making a grip for use with a golf club that includes the steps of providing a tube having a first end, a second end and a support surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends; providing a raised portion on the tube having an exposed surface and a connecting surface extending between the support surface and the exposed surface; providing a layered sheet comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the layered sheet configured to overlay the support surface and not the exposed surface; wrapping the layered sheet around the tube such that the layered sheet surrounds the support surface of the tube, leaving the exposed surface uncovered by the sheet; and adhering the inner layer of the layered sheet to the support surface, wherein an outer surface of the layered sheet and the exposed surface of the raised portion cooperate to define a gripping surface positioned to be gripped by a golfer.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of making a grip for use with a golf club including the steps of providing a tube having a first end, a second end and a support surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends; providing a plurality of raised portions on the tube, each of the plurality of raised portions having an exposed surface and a connecting surface extending between the support surface and the exposed surface; providing a layered sheet comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the layered sheet configured to overlay the support surface and not the exposed surfaces of the plurality of raised portions; wrapping the layered sheet around the tube such that the layered sheet contacts the support surface of the tube, so that at least two of the plurality of raised portions are separated by an outer surface of the layered sheet; and adhering the inner layer of the layered sheet to the support surface, wherein the outer surface of the layered sheet and the exposed surfaces of the plurality of raised portions cooperate to define a gripping surface positioned to be gripped by a golfer.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include a grip for use with a golf club including a tube having a first end, a second end and a support surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends.
  • the grip further includes a raised portion on the tube having an exposed surface and a connecting surface extending between the support surface and the exposed surface.
  • a layered sheet including an inner layer and an outer layer and configured to overlay the support surface and not the exposed surface is further included.
  • the layered sheet is desirably wrapped about the tube such that the layered sheet surrounds the support surface of the tube while leaving the exposed surface uncovered.
  • the inner layer of the layered sheet is desirably adhered to the support surface and an outer surface of said layered sheet and the exposed surface of the raised portion cooperate to define a gripping surface positioned to be gripped by a golfer.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include a grip for use with a golf club including a tube having a first end, a second end and a support surface extending at least partially between the first and second ends.
  • the grip desirably further includes a plurality of raised portions on the tube, each of which having an exposed surface and a connecting surface extending between the support surface and the exposed surface.
  • a layered sheet including an inner layer and an outer layer is provided wherein the layered sheet is configured to overlay the support surface and not the exposed surfaces of the plurality of raised portions.
  • the layered sheet is desirably wrapped about the tube such that the layered sheet contacts the support surface of the tube and so that at least two of the plurality of raised portions are separated by an outer surface of the layered sheet
  • the inner layer of the layered sheet is desirably adhered to the support surface such that the outer surface of the layered sheet and the exposed surfaces of the plurality of raised portions cooperate to define a gripping surface positioned to be gripped by a golfer.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include a tube preferably for use with a golf club grip wherein the tube includes a body having a first end, a second end including a cover, a support surface positioned between the first and second ends and a raised portion.
  • the raised portion extends outwards from the support surface and may be integrally formed with the support surface.
  • the cover may define a substantially closed outer surface and extends outwards from the support surface.
  • the raised portion includes an exposed surface and a connecting surface extending between the support surface and the exposed surface.
  • the raised portion also extends along the body to form a finger zone on the body. There is no slot in the underside of the cover, leaving the support surface adjacent the cover exposed.
  • the raised portion is integrally formed with the cover such that the exposed support surface adjacent the cover is adjacent the connecting surface of the raised portion.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure include a grip preferably for use with a golf club wherein the grip includes a tube having a body with a first end, a second end including a cover, a support surface positioned between the first and second ends and a raised portion extending outwards from the support surface.
  • the raised portion may be integrally formed with the support surface and the cover may define a substantially closed outer surface and may extend outwards from the support surface.
  • the raised portion includes an exposed surface and a connecting surface extending between the support surface and the exposed surface.
  • the raised portion may also extend along the body to form a finger zone on the body.
  • the grip further includes a layered sheet including an inner layer and an outer layer. The sheet is configured to overlay the support surface and not the exposed surface of the raised portion.
  • the layered sheet is wrapped about the tube such that the layered sheet contacts the support surface of the tube and the inner layer of the layered sheet may be adhered to the support surface.
  • the outer surface of the layered sheet and the exposed surface of the raised portion cooperate to define a gripping surface positioned to be gripped by, for example, a golfer.
  • the outer surface of the layered sheet and at least a portion of the outer surface of the cover extend outwardly substantially the same distance.
  • the raised portion and the cover are integrally fo ⁇ ned such that they cooperate to form the end of the grip and the end region of the gripping surface.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club incorporating a grip according to some embodiments
  • FIG. 2 is a rear view of a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 is a rear view of a tube according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the tube shown in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 8 in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 9 in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of an embodiment of a layered sheet according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated 1 1-11 in FIG. 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated 12-12 in FIG. 12;
  • FIG. 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a mold which may be utilized in forming a layered sheet of a grip according to some embodiments;
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 14 in FIG. 13;
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of an exemplary pattern that may be formed by the mold shown in FIGS. 13 and 14;
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of another exemplary pattern that may be formed by the mold shown in FIGS. 13 and 14;
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a multi-sectional sheet being coupled to a backing sheet according to some embodiments;
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a layered sheet of a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 19-19 in FIG. 18;
  • FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 20 in FIG. 19.
  • FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a portion of a method of making a sheet according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 22 is a top view of a portion of the schematic view shown in FIG.21;
  • FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing an apparatus for use in a portion of a method of making a sheet according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 24 in FIG.22;
  • FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 25 in FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 26A is a SEM image at 100 times magnification of a cross-section of a sheet made according to a method of some embodiments
  • FIG. 26B is a SEM image at 500 times magnification of a portion of the cross-section shown in FIG. 26A:
  • FIG. 27A is a SEM image at 100 times magnification of a cross-section of a sheet made according to a method of the prior art
  • FIG. 27B is a SEM image at 500 times magnification of a portion of the cross-section shown in FIG. 27A;
  • FIG. 28 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line 28- 28 in FIG. 24;
  • FIG. 29 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a painted sheet
  • FIG. 30 is a front view of a layered sheet of a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 31 shows the top and bottom edges of a layered sheet being skived;
  • FIG. 32 is a rear view showing adhesive being applied to a layered sheet of a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 33 is a front view showing adhesive being applied to the exterior of a tube according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 34 is a side elevational view showing a step in wrapping and adhering a layered sheet to a tube
  • FIG. 35 is a side elevational view showing another step in wrapping a layered sheet around a tube
  • FIG.36 is a side elevational view showing a layered sheet after it has been adhered to a tube according to some embodiments
  • FIG. 37 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 34;
  • FIG. 38 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 35;
  • FIG. 39 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 39-39 of FIG. 36;
  • FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 40 in FIG. 38;
  • FIG. 41 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 41 in FIG. 39;
  • FIG. 42 is an enlarged view of a step in making a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 43 a front elevational view showing a tube according to some embodiments;
  • FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of the tube shown in FIG. 43;
  • FIG. 45 is a rear elevational view of the tube shown in FIG. 43;
  • FIG. 46 is a front view of a layered sheet for use with the tube shown in
  • FIG. 43
  • FIG. 47 is a side elevational view of a grip after the layered sheet shown in FIG. 46 has been adhered to the tube shown in FIG. 43.
  • FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a golf club incorporating a grip according to some embodiments; 10066] FIG. 49 is a front view of a grip according to some embodiments;
  • FIG. 50 is a rear view of a tube according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 51 is a side view of the tube shown in FIG. 50;
  • FIG. 52 is a front view of the tube shown in FIG. 50;
  • FIG. 53 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 53-53 of FlG. 51 ;
  • FIG. 54 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 54-54 of FIG. 52;
  • FIG. 55 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 55 in FIG. 53;
  • FIG. 56 is a front view of an embodiment of a layered sheet according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 57 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated 57-57 in FIG. 56;
  • FIG. 58 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated 58-58 in FIG. 56;
  • FIG. 59 is a front view of a layered sheet of a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 60 shows the bottom edge of a layered sheet being skived
  • FIG. 61 shows a first side edge of a layered sheet being skived
  • FIG. 62 shows a second side edge of the layered sheet shown in FIG. 61 being skived
  • FIG. 63 is a rear view showing adhesive being applied to a layered sheet of a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 64 is a front view showing adhesive being applied to the exterior of a tube according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 65 is a side elevational view showing a step in wrapping and adhering a layered sheet to a tube
  • FIG. 66 is a side elevational view showing another step in wrapping a layered sheet around a tube
  • FIG. 67 is a side elevational view showing a layered sheet after it has been adhered to a tube according to some embodiments;
  • FIG. 68 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 68-68 of FIG. 65;
  • FIG. 69 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 69-69 of FIG. 66;
  • FIG. 70 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 70-70 of FIG. 67;
  • FIG. 71 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 71 in FIG. 69;
  • FIG. 72 is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated 72 in FIG. 70;
  • FIG. 73 illustrates the use of a nozzle in connection with the enlarged view shown in FIG. 72;
  • FIG. 74 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 74-74 in FIG. 67;
  • FIG. 75 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line 75-75 in FIG. 49;
  • FIG. 76 illustrates the use of a nozzle in connection with the enlarged view shown in FIG. 75;
  • FIG. 77 is a side view of a tube according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 78 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 78-78 of FIG. 77;
  • FIG. 79 is a rear view of a layered sheet of a grip according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 80 is a horizontal sectional view of a layered sheet being wrapped around a tube according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 81 is a partial cross-sectional view of a layered sheet bonded to a tube and a raised portion thereof according to some embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a grip G attached to the shaft S of a golf club GC.
  • FIG.2 shows the grip G in greater detail.
  • Embodiments of grip G include a resilient mounting tube T and a layered member or sheet L wrapped about the tube T.
  • the mounting tube T includes raised portions R which define one or more exposed surfaces E.
  • Desirably tube T includes a tubular body 48 with one or more raised portions R.
  • the grip defines a gripping surface GS.
  • the gripping surface GS includes an outer surface of layered sheet L and an exposed surface E of the raised portion R of the tube T. (See, e.g., FIG. 2).
  • Tube T includes a first end 2 and a second end 4.
  • Tube T further includes a hollow inner cavity 3 configured to correspond to the outer shape of the shaft GS of a golf club GC.
  • An opening 6 and a ring 8 are formed at the first end 2 while the second end 4 of tube T is formed with a cover 10 substantially closing the second end 4.
  • Tube T has a support surface 12 extending generally between cover 10 and ring 8.
  • tube T is formed of a resilient material such as a natural or synthetic rubber or plastic.
  • the rubber might include a mixture of synthetic rubber, for example EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) and natural rubber.
  • the ratio of synthetic rubber to natural rubber is approximately 2 to 3.
  • tube T may be formed in a mold (not shown).
  • raised portion R is integrally formed on tubular body 48.
  • tubular body 48 and raised portion R may comprise the same material. If this is the case, forming the raised portion(s) R merely requires creating the inverse of the raised portion(s) R in the mold. In such cases, the material is selected to enhance the properties desired for the raised portion R while balancing the desired properties for tubular body 48. In some instances, it may be desired to control the durometer, tackiness, resistance to torque, durability, color, or other property of raised portion R to enhance certain properties of completed grip G.
  • a connecting surface 46 forms an angle ⁇ with a line tangent to the intersection of connecting surface 46 of raised portion R and support surface 12 of tube T.
  • Connecting surface 46 desirably extends between support surface 12 and exposed surface E.
  • angle ⁇ is in the range of approximately 75 and 105 degrees.
  • angle ⁇ is in the range of approximately 75 and 150 degrees.
  • angle ⁇ is approximately 90 degrees. Friction may be enhanced on raised portion R by forming ridges or valleys in various patterns (not shown) on surface E of raised portion R. In some embodiments, the patterns are formed as raised portion R is molded.
  • the patterns are applied by altering surface E of portion R after the molding process, such as by grinding surface E.
  • raised portion R is formed separately from tubular body 48 and is attached to tubular body 48 through bonding, adhesive or other mechanisms known to those of skill in the art to form tube T. Separately fonning portion R may facilitate using a different material to form raised portion R than is used to form tubular body 48. In embodiments where multiple raised portions are desired ⁇ see, e.g., FIG. 43), separately forming one or more of the portions allows for a wide variety of different materials to be incorporated into the grip. It is also possible for some portions to be formed integrally with tubular body 48 while others are attached after tube T is molded.
  • Raised portion R is generally configured with a thickness t R while tubular body 48 is generally configured with a thickness t ⁇ .
  • the thickness t R of portion R may be generally constant along its entirety.
  • thickness t ⁇ of tubular body 48 varies along the length of tubular body 48 and the ratio of t R to ty also varies.
  • thickness tn of tubular body 48 near first end 2 is larger than thickness t ⁇ 2 near second end 4.
  • the ratio of t R to tj near first end 2 is approximately 1 to 1.
  • the ratio of t R to U near first end 2 is in the range of approximately 2 to 1 to 1 to 2.
  • the ratio of t R to tj near second end 4 is approximately 1 to 1.5. In some embodiments the ratio of t R to tj near second end 4 is in the range of approximately 2 to 1 to 1 to 3. Even larger ratios of up to approximately 1 to 3 and even up to approximately 1 to 4, or more, are also possible.
  • raised portion R fo ⁇ n s a bar having a width w and extends generally from first end 2 to second end 4 of tube T.
  • width wi near first end 2 is less than width W 2 near second end 4.
  • the ratio of W 1 to W 2 is approximately 1 to 1.5.
  • the ratio of wi to w 2 is in the range of approximately 1 to 1 to 1 to 3. Even larger ratios of up to approximately 1 to 4 and even up to approximately 1 to 5, or more, are also possible.
  • the width w remains substantially constant along the length of tube T and the ratio of W
  • raised portion R is shown having a gradual increase along the length of tube T in the illustrated embodiment, other shapes and sizes are also possible for the raised portion.
  • raised portion R may have a varying width w that changes numerous times along the length of tube T.
  • raised portion R may be shaped like an ellipse such that its width w varies from a minimum to a maximum and back down to a minimum distance moving along tube T. (See, e.g., FIG. 43).
  • the bar shape of raised portion R is particularly useful to provide increased resistance to deformation forces, such as rotation torque, to the gripping surface GS while maximizing the use of the layered sheet L in the gripping surface GS.
  • raised portion R Increasing the size of raised portion R and changing its location, such as shown in FIG.43, will allow increased manipulation of the properties of gripping surface GS.
  • One or more raised portions R help stabilize the gripping surface GS while maintaining beneficial properties of the layered grip such as tackiness and shock absorption.
  • the underside of cover 10 is formed with a downwardly extending slot 14 which wraps substantially circumferentially around tube T.
  • the terms “downwardly, “ “downwards,” etc. are used to refer to the direction extending from the second end 4 toward the first end 2 of the tube T.
  • the terms “upwardly,'” “upwards,” etc. are used to refer to the direction extending from the first end 2 toward the second end 4 of the tube T. Similar conventions are used to refer to the other portions of grip G that are discussed herein, for example the layered sheet L discussed in greater detail below.
  • Slot 14 is formed by a lip 16 extending downwardly from cover 10.
  • Lip 16 defines an inner surface 18 facing support surface 12 of tube T, a lower surface 20 facing downwardly from cover 10, and an outer surface 22 facing away from support surface 12 of tube T. Downwardly extending lip 16 extends over a portion 24 of support surface 12 of tube T.
  • the upper most portion of slot 14 is defined by an inner, upper, downwardly facing surface 26.
  • lip 16 is fo ⁇ ned so as to resist flexing away from support surface 12 of tube T.
  • Slot 14 is configured to receive, for example, the top region of layered sheet L.
  • raised portion R has an upper region 28 disposed adjacent slot 14.
  • lower surface 20 of lip 16 is configured to extend just above upper region 28 of portion R. As shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, lower surface 20 of lip 16 is configured contact upper region 28 of portion R. In some embodiments, lower surface 20 of lip 16 is configured to overlap a small amount of raised portion R, enclosing upper region 28 of portion R within slot 14. In other embodiments, raised portion R extends further into slot 14 and, in some embodiments, upper region 28 is integrally formed with inner upper surface 26 of slot 14. In some embodiments, inner surface 18 of lip 16 is formed separate from raised portion R to facilitate insertion of, for example, the top region of a layered sheet.
  • lip 16 is integrally formed with portion R.
  • slot 14 extends around only a portion of the circumference of tube T.
  • lip 16 may extend beyond exposed surface E of raised portion R to accentuate cover 10.
  • inner surface 18 may be formed substantially flush with exposed surface E.
  • outer surface 22 may be formed substantially flush with exposed surface E to form a substantially smooth interface.
  • ring 8 of tube T may be formed with an upwardly extending slot 30 defined by a portion 32 of support surface 12 of tube T and lip 34 extending upwardly from ring 8 and preferably wrapping substantially circumferentially around tube T.
  • Lip 34 defines an inner surface 36 facing tube T, an upper surface 38 facing upward from ring 8, and an outer surface 40 facing away from support surface 12 of tube T.
  • Upwardly extending lip 34 extends over portion 32 of support surface 12 of tube T.
  • the lower most portion of slot 30 is defined by an inner, lower, upwardly facing surface 42.
  • lip 34 may flex outward from tube T, in many embodiments it resists remaining in a fully flexed position in which it lays flat, thereby fully exposing tube T support surface 12.
  • outer surface 40 tapers toward inner surface 36, or inner surface 36 tapers toward outer surface 40 such that upper surface 38 is comparatively narrow and in some embodiments is an annular point extending substantially circumferentially around tube T.
  • Slot 30 receives, for example, the bottom region of a layered sheet.
  • raised portion R has a lower region 44 disposed adjacent slot 30.
  • upper surface 38 of lip 34 is configured to extend just below lower region 44 of portion R. As shown in FIG. 9, in some embodiments, upper surface 38 of lip 34 is configured contact lower region 44 of portion R. In some embodiments, upper surface 38 of lip 34 is configured to overlap a small amount of raised portion R, enclosing lower region 44 of portion R within slot 30. In other embodiments, raised portion R extends further into slot 30 and, in some embodiments, lower region 44 is integrally formed with inner lower surface 42 of slot 30. In some embodiments, inner surface 36 of lip 34 is formed separate from raised portion E to facilitate insertion of, for example, the bottom region of a layered sheet. In some embodiments, lip 34 is integrally formed with portion R. To assist in installation of a layered sheet, in some embodiments tube T will be formed with centering notches (not shown) disposed on an outer surface of cover 10, ring 8 and/or both.
  • layered sheet L has a thickness t L (FIG. 12) and includes an outer surface 174 and an inner layer 50 having its outer face bonded to the inner face of an outer layer 52.
  • Outer layer 52 in some embodiments, comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, that polymer comprises polyurethane. Additional materials such as waterproofing coatings may be incorporated on outer surface 174. Similarly, other materials such as fabric meshes may be incorporated into outer layer 52.
  • Inner layer 50 may be fabricated of a fibrous material including, for example, wool, polyester, nylon, or mixtures thereof.
  • a nylon polyester fibrous material such as felt is used.
  • some of outer layer 52 may permeate inner layer 50.
  • inner layer 50 may comprise a polymer, such as, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
  • EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
  • Outer layer 52 may provide a cushioned grasp for a golfer's hands on a golf club and may enhance the golfer's grip by providing increased tackiness between the golfer's hands and the grip.
  • Inner layer 50 may provide strength to outer layer 52 and serve as a means for attaching the bonded-together layered sheet L to the tube T.
  • the outer surface of inner layer 50 in some embodiments is bonded to the inner surface of outer layer 52.
  • bonding is intended to have a broad meaning, including commonly understood definitions of bonding, adhering, fixing, attaching, sewing, coupling, and gluing.
  • the foregoing terms have their ordinary meaning.
  • the material used in the outer layer may penetrate some distance into the inner layer.
  • polyurethane is used in outer layer 52, such polyurethane is preferably coagulated to define pores, as shown, for example, in FIG. 26A.
  • the polyurethane may be coagulated and bonded directly to inner layer 50 or may be first coagulated on an intermediary layer (not shown) and later attached to inner layer 50.
  • Layered sheet L may include centering notches (not shown) positioned at the top region A and/or the bottom region B of the layered sheet indicating a middle point between a first side region Ci and a second side region C 2 . Centering notches may assist in the application of layered sheet L to tube T to form grip G. As shown in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, side regions Ci and C 2 are not skived, reducing the cost of manufacturing those embodiments.
  • Friction enhancing pattern 54 may take any of a number of forms or combinations thereof. For example, two such patterns 54a and 54b are shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively.
  • mold M forms logos, designs, insignias and other marks (not shown) in outer layer 52.
  • Mold M in one embodiment includes a heated platen 56 formed with a cavity 58. Platen 56 is provided with depending protrusions 60 that engage outer surface 174 of layered sheet L so as to fonn depressed friction enhancing pattern 54, as seen in FIG. 14.
  • Friction enhancing pattern 54 may also be applied to the other layered sheets described below.
  • other patterns may be formed on or in outer layer 52. These patterns may also incorporate stamped visual indicia, including designs or logos, on layered sheet L.
  • stamped visual indicia is ink stamped onto outer layer 52 using a suitable ink known to those of skill in the art. The ink in some implementations is waterproof, heat resistant and formulated to resist degradation when coming into contact with a lubrication fluid or solvent used to apply completed grip G over the end of golf club shaft CS (FIG. 1). It is to be understood that the figures herein presented are representative only and many other patterns and stamps may be used with embodiments of the grip disclosed herein.
  • a multi-segment single panel as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,843,732, incorporated herein in its entirety, may also be applied to tube T as described herein, hi some embodiments, raised portion R on tube T facilitates attachment of the multi-segment single panel disclosed in the '732 patent to tube T without first skiving some or all of the side regions of the panel.
  • FIGS. 17 through 20 depict additional embodiments of a layered sheet Ll wherein a layered sheet 64 includes cutouts corresponding to layered inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74.
  • Sheet 64 and inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 are arranged on a backing sheet 76.
  • sheet 64 is cut, sliced, and or otherwise removed and separated from a larger starting sheet of material (not shown).
  • Sheet 64 may also be fo ⁇ ned according to other practices well known to those of skill in the art.
  • Inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 are fo ⁇ ned by similar means.
  • Sheet 64 and inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 may include materials of one or more differing properties and may be positioned to maximize the benefit of one or more of those properties. For example, there may be locations of increased wear on grip G during use. Cutouts may be strategically placed in these areas of increased wear and corresponding inserts may be placed in those areas. These inserts may include materials of increased strength, durability, durometer, etc., which may make them better suited to absorb the forces imparted to those areas of the grip. As those of skill in the art will appreciate from the foregoing, these inserts may have different levels of tackiness. As will be further understood, the inserts could be selected based on tackiness, hi some embodiments where it would be advantageous to have even greater durability in certain areas, raised portion R may be formed to fill these areas, replacing one or more of the inserts.
  • cutouts may be formed and correspondingly shaped inserts may be used in those locations with different colors.
  • sheet 64 or inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 may include one or more friction enhancing patterns such as those shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 prior to being formed into layered sheet Ll , or may be manipulated to include these patterns after being formed into layered sheet Ll .
  • the patterns may be formed when the components are cut from the larger starting sheets or they may be formed in a separate step. These different colors may be used on cutouts with the same physical properties. Cutouts having the same physical properties may also share the same color.
  • backing sheet 76 is an adhesive coated plastic.
  • the adhesive used is generally strong enough to maintain the relative positions of sheet 64 and inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74; however, it is generally removable prior to bonding the layered sheet Ll to tube T.
  • backing sheet 76 is removed after sheet 64 and inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 have been joined.
  • backing sheet 76 may comprise a thin layer of material intended to remain in grip G.
  • a thin sheet of fibrous material or other strength material may be used and permanently joined or bonded to the backs of sheet 64 and inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74.
  • intersections 78 may include one or more adhesives to bond or join the sides of inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 to the sides of sheet 64.
  • an adhesive with a chemical fo ⁇ nula toluene (CH 5 CH 3 ), ethyl acetate (C 4 H 8 O 2 ), methyl ethyl ketone (C 4 H 8 O), and acetone (C 3 H 6 O) may be used between the backs of sheet 64 inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 and the top of backing layer 76 and along at least a portion of the intersections 78. At least a portion of the intersection between the outer layers may be a polymer deposit. If the outer layers comprise polyurethane, the deposit may also comprise polyurethane.
  • layered sheet Ll is placed in a mold similar to mold M described above to impart a friction enhancing pattern on outer surface 174 thereof.
  • the outer portion of one or more of intersections 78 of layered sheet Ll may be heated by corresponding depending projections from the mold. Such heating can heat the outer surface of sheet 64 and inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 to bond the same to each other.
  • Such a technique is particularly effective in coupling sheet 64 to inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 when the outer layer of each comprises polyurethane.
  • deposits of adhesive may be inserted along the intersection on the surface of the components of the layered sheet or within the intersections to enhance the effectiveness of the bond between sheet 64 and inserts 66, 68, 70, 72, 74.
  • FIGS. 21 through 30 there is shown a method of forming a sheet 80 having an inner layer and an outer layer that can be shaped into another layered sheet L2.
  • a supply roll 82 of substrate 84 has a top surface 86 and a bottom surface 88.
  • substrate 84 includes a fibrous material, for example felt or other fabrics, which may include wool, polyester, nylon, or mixtures thereof.
  • substrate 84 comprises a fabric including nylon and polyester. From the supply roll 82, substrate 84 is moved horizontally to the left below a first polyurethane dispensing machine 90.
  • the first dispensing machine 90 preferably continually deposits a first region of liquid polyurethane 92, for example polyester or polyether dissolved in dimethyl formahide (DMF), onto top surface 86 of substrate 84 to form first web 94.
  • the first dispensing machine 90 preferably uses a nozzle, sprayer or the like to deposit the first polyurethane region 92 and preferably uses a blade to control the thickness of the first polyurethane region 92.
  • First polyurethane region 92 has a top surface 96 and a bottom surface 98.
  • a second polyurethane dispensing machine 100 deposits a second liquid polyurethane region 102 onto at least a portion of top surface 96 of first polyurethane region 92 to form a second web 104.
  • Second polyurethane region 102 has a top surface 106.
  • Second web 104 is then moved into a water bath 108 contained in a first tank 110.
  • polyurethanes 92 and 102 will coagulate so as to form a coagulated region 1 12 on substrate 84.
  • Coagulated region 112 and substrate 84 cooperate to form sheet 80 wherein the coagulated region forms the outer layer and the substrate forms the inner layer.
  • Coagulated region 1 12 has a top surface 144 and a bottom surface 1 14.
  • the coagulation time of the polyurethane will be determined by the desired thickness of coagulated region 1 12, with a thin region requiring less time to coagulate than a thick region.
  • the coagulation process bonds bottom surface 1 14 of coagulated region 1 12 to top surface 86 of substrate 84 so as to fix coagulated region 1 12 to substrate 84.
  • This bond interface 1 16 is shown in FIG. 26A.
  • a pair of rollers 1 18 and 120 are positioned within tank 1 10 to carry sheet 80 horizontally and then upwardly out of water bath 108 over roller 122. Sheet 80 is then moved horizontally to the right between a pair of squeezing rollers 124.
  • squeezing rollers 124 compress sheet 80 so as to force a major portion of the DMF disposed within pores 126 downwardly through substrate 84. Referring to FIG. 26A, the bottom end of a sufficient number of the pores are in contact with top surface 86 of substrate 84 to permit fluid flow from the pores through substrate 84. Referring again to FIG. 21, sheet 80 is then moved downwardly through one or more cleaning water bath tanks 128 (only one of which is shown), wherein the temperature of the water is sufficiently high to displace more DMF from the pores, with such DMF being replaced by water 130 contained in tank 128. From tank 128, sheet 80 passes through another pair of squeezing rollers 132 to squeeze more of the DMF out of the pores to be replaced with water 130.
  • sheet 80 is passed through a heating chamber (not shown) which drives out any water remaining within pores 126 so that such water is replaced by air.
  • substrate 84 includes a flexible temporary support for the polyurethane during the wet coagulation process described above. Such a temporary support would be configured to be removed from bottom surface 1 14 of coagulated polyurethane region 1 12 after sheet 80 is formed.
  • bond interface 116 is desirably relatively weak to facilitate separation of coagulated region 1 12 from substrate 84.
  • One temporary support includes a smooth, flexible nylon cloth and is available from the Ho Ya Electric Bond Factory, Xin Xing Ind. Area. Xin Feng W. Rd., Shi Jie Town Dong Guan City, Guan Dongzhou, China. Other materials include fluid- permeable textiles such as cotton or a synthetic cloth such as polyester.
  • the temporary support would have the fluid-passing characteristics and smooth top surface of nylon cloth allowing the DMF and water to be squeezed out of the polyurethane pores and allowing the coagulated polyurethane to be readily stripped off such temporary support.
  • Removing substrate 84 from coagulated polyurethane region 1 12 provides for use of coagulated polyurethane region 112 alone or provides the opportunity to use an alternative substrate.
  • a polymer substrate such as ethylene- vinyl acetate (EVA).
  • EVA substrate may include an adhesive coating to bond the EVA substrate to coagulated polyurethane region 1 12.
  • EVA having an adhesive coating covered by a protective paper is sold by the aforementioned Ho Ya Electric Bond Factory.
  • dispensing machine 100 includes a first housing 134 having a first dispensing nozzle 136. Housing 134 is connected to perpendicular rail 138 extending along the Y axis as illustrated. Rail 138, in turn, is connected to parallel rails 140 extending along the X axis as illustrated. Dispensing machine 100 is configured to allow first web 94 of substrate 84 and first polyurethane region 92 to pass beneath nozzle 136, preferably at a constant pace, along the X axis (see FIGS. 21 and 22). First polyurethane region 92 may provide a base region for the second polyurethane region 102.
  • second polyurethane region 102 may extend completely through first polyurethane region 92 to be in contact with substrate 84.
  • Dispensing machine 100 is preferably further configured to move nozzle 136 in one or both of the X and Y directions.
  • nozzle 136 may be configured to start and stop depositing second polyurethane 102 as desired.
  • the movement of nozzle 136 in the X and Y directions and the start/stop feature of the nozzle 136 provides for the ability to create a unique appearance which may include random or semi-random patterns 142 in second web 104 and, in turn, in sheet 80 (see FIG. 22).
  • web 94 is moved beneath a stationary nozzle 136 to create a pattern.
  • nozzle 136 could be fixed along the X axis and the pace with which web 94 is moved under nozzle 136 can be varied. Similarly, nozzle 136 could be fixed along the Y axis and web 94 can be shifted along the Y axis instead. Alternatively, nozzle 136 can be moved in both directions.
  • dispensing machine 100 may include two, three or more nozzles for dispensing third, forth, etc. polyurethane regions. Such additional nozzles may be included in the same housing, separate housings or a combination thereof. It is also possible to include additional dispensing machines on separate rails to introduce still further variation in the application of the polyurethane regions.
  • top surface 144 of coagulated region 112 includes pattern 142 because first polyurethane 92 and second polyurethane 102 each include at least one contrasting characteristic.
  • the contrasting characteristic is color.
  • first polyurethane 92 defines a first color 146
  • second polyurethane 102 defines a second color 148.
  • pattern 142 on top surface 144 of coagulated region 112 includes a first region 150 and a second region 152 defined by first color 146 of first polyurethane 92 and second color 148 of second polyurethane 102, respectively.
  • the two polyurethanes 92 and 102 are coagulated onto substrate 84 in first water bath 108.
  • the application of second polyurethane 102 onto a portion of top surface 96 of first polyurethane 92 prior to coagulation allows for the polyurethanes to mix and integrate below top surface 96 of the first polyurethane region such that coagulation of the polyurethanes forms the single coagulated region 112 (see FIGS. 26A and 26B).
  • each of the polyurethanes substantially maintains its original characteristics.
  • the contrast in one or more characteristics of the polyurethanes creates pattern 142. Though the characteristics remain substantially distinct, there may be some blending along the interface of the two polyurethanes.
  • top surface 96 of first polyurethane region 92 cooperates with top surface 106 of second polyurethane region 102 to form substantially smooth top surface 144 of coagulated region 1 12. Contrasting colors 146 and 148 on surface 144 cooperate to create pattern 142. If the first polyurethane is red and the second polyurethane is white, the process discussed above would result in a coagulated polyurethane region with distinct red and white regions, rather than a single blended pink region. Though the contrasting characteristics of first 92 and second 102 polyurethanes remain substantially distinct, the polyurethane structure below top surface 144 is preferably seamless between the different polyurethanes with a preferably continuous pore structure throughout (see FIGS. 26A and 26B).
  • FIG. 26A is a 100 times magnification of a cross-section of a sample coagulated sheet 80 taken along the line 26-26 in FIG. 25.
  • FIG. 26A shows substrate 84, in the sample a polyester nylon fabric, with its top surface 86 bonded to bottom surface 1 14 of coagulated polyurethane region 1 12 along bond interface 1 16.
  • Top surface 144 is generally smooth.
  • the structure is desirably substantially seamless on both the top surface 144 between first region 150 and second region 152 and substantially seamless inside coagulated region 1 12 where first polyurethane 92 interfaces with second polyurethane 102. It is apparent that the structure is not just seamless and not just coagulated, but the two polymers polymerize with each other to fo ⁇ n coagulated region 112.
  • coagulated region 112 is a polymerized region.
  • Coagulated region 1 12 preferably includes a plurality of generally vertically extending pores 126, top surface 144, and bottom surface 1 14. Pores 126 generally form substantially throughout coagulated region 1 12 including in the regions where first polyurethane 92 interfaces with second polyurethane 102 between top 144 and bottom 114 surfaces.
  • polyurethane is preferred to form the coagulated region, other liquid polymers having contrasting characteristics may be used.
  • the polymers will be combined while in their liquid states and allowed to polymerize together.
  • the structure of polymerized region 112 will preferably be seamless while maintaining the contrasting characteristics at least on outer surface 144 of polymerized region 112.
  • FIG. 26B is a 500 times magnification of a portion of the cross-section shown in FIG. 26A.
  • first 92 and second 102 polyurethanes are coagulated together to form coagulated region 1 12 with a substantially seamless structure between first color region 150 and second color region 152 and between the polyurethanes inside coagulated region 1 12.
  • FIGS. 26A and 26B may be contrasted with a prior art method of using paint to create a sheet with multiple colors, as shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B.
  • a single polyurethane region 154 is coagulated onto a substrate 156 to form a sheet 158 including a coagulated region 160 having a top surface 168 and a bottom surface 170.
  • a paint 162 having a top surface 164 and a bottom surface 166 would be applied to top surface 168 of coagulated polyurethane region 160 where desired.
  • the polyurethane was coagulated prior to application of the paint and the paint would form a thin separate region over the surface of the coagulated polyurethane.
  • Embodiments created according to the above description allow for the manufacture of grips having regions of contrasting characteristics wherein the structure of the region is seamless.
  • a red polyurethane having a desired level of tackiness and durometer may be used in conjunction with a blue polyurethane having the same desired level of tackiness and durometer.
  • the sheet formed from the two materials would include a uniquely colored pattern and a seamless structure having a substantially uniform level of tackiness and durometer.
  • second polyurethane 102 Due to the movement of nozzle 136 relative to web 94 during the application of second polyurethane 102 onto top surface 96 of first polyurethane 92, as discussed above, differing amounts of second polyurethane 102 are applied in different areas or regions. As the polyurethanes mix, second polyurethane 102 settles into first polyurethane 92.
  • coagulated region 1 12 defines a total thickness tp o i y ⁇ between its top surface 144 and its bottom surface 1 14.
  • second polyurethane 102 extends from top surface 144 into coagulated region 1 12 with a thickness tpoiy 2 -
  • the ratio of tp O ] y2 to tp o i y ⁇ may vary, depending on a number of factors including the speed with which web 94 passes below nozzle 136, the flow rate of second polyurethane 102 from nozzle 136, and the rate of movement of nozzle 136 in the X and Y directions.
  • the maximum and, preferably, the average ratio of t Po ] y2 to tp o i y ⁇ in some regions is at least 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, and/or 1 to 2. In some regions, the ratio is 1 to 1 where second polyurethane 102 extends from top surface 144 to bottom surface 1 14. In some embodiments, the ratio varies in different regions of sheet 80.
  • coagulated region 1 12 is generally porous. This porous region has a total thickness tp 0r0 us ⁇ between top surface 144 and bottom surface 114 of coagulated region 1 12.
  • second polyurethane 102 extends from top surface 144 into porous coagulated region 1 12 with a maximum thickness t Poious2 .
  • the ratio of tpoious2 to tporousT may vary.
  • the maximum and, preferably, the average ratio of tp orO us 2 to tp orous ⁇ in some regions is at least 1 to 50, 1 to 40, 1 to 30, 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, and/or 1 to 2.
  • the ratio is 1 to 1 where second polyurethane 102 extends through porous coagulated region 1 12 from top surface 144 to bottom surface 114.
  • the ratio varies in different regions of sheet 80.
  • Pattern 142 shown in the figures is an example of the patterns achievable with Applicant ' s method of making the polyurethane sheet. Other patterns are also possible.
  • nozzle 136 is held steady as second polyurethane 102 is applied to web 94 to create a solid band of second polyurethane 102 across upper surface 96 of first polyurethane 92.
  • the band may extend horizontally, vertically, or at an angle on layered sheet L2.
  • top surface 96 of first polyurethane region 92 forms substantially all of top surface 144 of coagulated region 1 12.
  • relatively smaller quantities of second polyurethane 102 may be applied prior to the coagulation process.
  • top surface 106 of second polyurethane 102 forms substantially all of top surface 144 of coagulated region 1 12.
  • relatively large quantities of second polyurethane 102 may be applied prior to the coagulation process.
  • Embodiments of the present invention may include different regions of similar patterns. In some, the pattern may be repeated and positioned such that layered sheet L2 formed from the sheet includes at least three regions having contrasting characteristics, such as colors.
  • layered sheet L2 may be formed with at least 5 regions of contrasting characteristics. In some, there may be at least 7 regions of contrasting characteristics. In some, there may be 10 or more regions of contrasting characteristics. These regions of contrasting characteristics may be arranged throughout top surface 144 of coagulated region 112 of layered sheet L2, whether across the width of layered sheet L2, along the length of layered sheet L2, or in a combination of the two.
  • Coagulated region 160 is porous and includes generally smooth top surface 168 and bottom surface 170.
  • Top surface 168 may include one or more irregularities 172 which may extend downward into coagulated region 160.
  • Paint 162 is applied over top surface 168 of coagulated region 160. Due to irregularities 172 in top surface 168 of coagulated region 160, paint 162 may extend into coagulated region 160 with a thickness tp or ous2- Though unclear, the ratio of tp oiou s2 to tp O)O us ⁇ shown in FIG. 27B appears to be no more than 1 to 100. Thus, if the paint was a second polymer applied to the surface of a coagulated region, the ratio of tp orOus 2 to tp orOus ⁇ of a paint covered sheet is far from the 1 to 50 ratio discussed above.
  • sheet 80 may be formed into layered sheet L2.
  • layered sheet L2 is die cut from sheet 80.
  • sheet 80 may be formed into any of a number of shapes, including strips, panels, inserts, or panels with cut-outs as may be appropriate for the particular application.
  • Layered sheet L2 includes a top surface 174, a top region A, a bottom region B, a first side region Ci, and a second side region C 2 .
  • a line drawn from top region A to bottom region B on at least a portion of top surface 174 preferably crosses multiple regions of polyurethane having a different characteristic.
  • layered sheet L2 may include at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having a different characteristic along the line drawn from top region A to bottom region B on at least a portion of top surface 174.
  • layered sheet L2 may include in the range of between 2 and 500 regions of at least one different characteristic along the line. It should be understood that the different characteristics of the regions may be alternating two or more colors along the line. Alternatively, the different characteristics of the regions may be alternating levels of other characteristics such as tackiness or durometer along the line.
  • a line drawn from first side region Ci to second side region C 2 on at least a portion of top surface 174 also will preferably cross multiple regions having different characteristics.
  • layered sheet L2 may include at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having a different characteristic along the line drawn from first side region Cj to second side region C 2 on at least a portion of top surface 174.
  • layered sheet L2 may include in the range of between 2 and 500 regions of at least one different characteristic along the line.
  • a line drawn into layered sheet L2 from top surface 174 to bottom surface 1 14 of coagulated region 1 12 may cross multiple regions.
  • layered sheet L2 may include at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having different characteristics along the line drawn from its top surface 174 to bottom surface 1 14 of coagulated region 1 12.
  • layered sheet L2 may include in the range of between 2 and 50 regions of at least one different characteristic along the line.
  • layered sheet L2 may be combined with features of layered sheet Ll discussed above as desired.
  • layered sheet L2 may be further enhanced with a friction enhancing pattern.
  • top A and bottom B regions of layered sheet L are skived.
  • side regions Ci, C 2 need not be skived as raised portion R of tube T includes substantially radially extending surfaces 46 which engage side regions C], C 2 when layered sheet L is attached to tube T.
  • first Ci and second C 2 side regions of layered sheet L can be skived at various angles to accommodate different angels ⁇ of surfaces 46 as needed.
  • top surface 174 of layered sheet L is in direct contact with the hand of the user using a grip G.
  • an additional coating region over layered sheet L may be included.
  • the top surface of a grip embodying the disclosure presented above may also be coated, in whole or in part, by means of a brush, nozzle, spray or the like with a thin region of polyurethane and/or other material (not shown) to, for example, protect such surface, add tackiness thereto, and/or increase the durability thereof.
  • the additional coating region is preferably transparent, or semi-transparent, such that some or all of any visual pattern on the outer surface of layered sheet L remains visible.
  • the additional coating region may be somewhat opaque, as long as a portion of the layered sheet L is observable through the additional coating region.
  • the additional coating region may be incorporated into a previously formed grip G or may be applied to the layered sheet L prior to attachment to tube T. If used, the additional coating region would be in direct contact with the user's hand rather than the top surface of the layered sheet. However, even when an additional coating region is included, the top surface of the layered sheet L is considered to be the top surface of the grip G. If an additional coating region is included over the top surface of the grip, this region may also be further enhanced with a friction enhancing pattern as discussed herein.
  • any of the layered sheets disclosed herein may also be attached to a tube configured for use with putters (not shown).
  • a putter tube may include a substantially flat region as shown, for example, in Applicant's U.S. Patent Nos. 6,843,732 and 6,857,971.
  • FIGS. 32 through 42 layered sheet L is shown being applied to tube T to form grip G.
  • the inner surface of the layer 50 is shown receiving an adhesive 180 by means of a nozzle, brush or the like.
  • FIG. 33 support surface 12 of tube T is shown receiving an adhesive 180 by means of a nozzle, brush or the like.
  • FIGS. 34 through 42 shows the layered sheet L being wrapped around and adhered to tube T.
  • top region A of layered sheet L will desirably be manually inserted within slot 14 of cover 10, while bottom region B of layered sheet L will desirably be manually inserted within slot 30 of ring 8.
  • side regions C] C 2 of layered sheet L will be adhered to raised portion R by one or more suitable adhesives.
  • a suitable adhesive has a mixture of AD-86 (Toluene, 35%; Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 50%; Polyurethane, 15%) and AD-RFE (Ethyl Acetate, 78%; Polyisocynate, 22%).
  • AD-86 Toluene, 35%; Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 50%; Polyurethane, 15%
  • AD-RFE Ethyl Acetate, 78%; Polyisocynate, 22%).
  • tube T will generally be temporarily supported on a collapsible mandrel 182
  • thickness I R of portion R is generally constant along its entirety and is configured to be approximately equal to thickness t[_ of the layered sheet L (see, e.g., FIG. 40).
  • the approximately equal thicknesses of portion R and layered sheet L promote a substantially smooth surface interface 176 between the two as they cooperate to define gripping surface GS of grip G.
  • the intersection 178 between layered sheet L and raised portion R includes a small quantity of liquid polyurethane coated over the intersection by a nozzle or brush.
  • the polyurethane can also be placed between side regions Ci, C 2 of layered sheet L and connecting surfaces 46 of raised portion R.
  • the polyurethane may be buffed by a suitable brush or the like to smoothly blend the surface of the grip while in other embodiments, the polyurethane is not buffed.
  • the outer surface of a grip embodying the disclosure herein may be coated by means of a brush or spray or the like with a thin layer of polymer such as polyurethane (not shown) to, for example, protect such surface, add tackiness thereto and/or increase the durability thereof.
  • a thin layer of polymer such as polyurethane (not shown) to, for example, protect such surface, add tackiness thereto and/or increase the durability thereof.
  • tube Tl As discussed above, raised portion R may have various configurations.
  • tube Tl includes two raised portions Ri and R 2 defining exposed surfaces Ei and E 2 , respectively.
  • raised portion Ri is formed into a substantially elliptical shape having its major axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of tube Tl .
  • Raised portion Ri desirably extends outward from support surface 12 of tube Tl between first 2 and second 4 ends of tube Tl .
  • portion Ri is positioned on tube Tl such that in the completed grip, exposed surface Ei of raised portion R] is positioned to engage the thumbs of a user grasping the grip during a swing.
  • raised portion Ri extends at least the length of an adult's finger pad in a circumferential direction.
  • raised portion R] extends at least the length of an adult's finger pad along the longitudinal direction. For purposes of this application, the length of an adult's finger pad is defined as being one inch.
  • raised portion R 2 extends substantially the length of tube Tl and is positioned on the side opposite Rj. Near first end 2 of tube Tl, raised portion Ri resembles raised portion R of the previously discussed tube. Slightly above midway up tube Tl , raised portion Rj widens such that exposed surface E 2 covers substantially all of the upper back portion of tube T]. As shown, in some embodiments only a portion of raised portion R] extends to cover 10. As will be understood, more or less of raised portion Ri may extend to cover 10. As discussed previously, where raised portion R) connects with cover 10 of some embodiments, raised portion Ri may be integrally formed with lip 16 and may extend through slot 14 to eliminate slot 14 in some or all of the area raised portion R) contacts cover 10.
  • slot 14 extends around only a portion of the circumference of tube T.
  • connecting surface 46 of raised portion R extends substantially perpendicular from support surface 12 of tube T.
  • one or more portions of connecting surface 46 may be angled to, for example, correspond to additional skiving on one or more sides of layered sheet L (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 77-81).
  • a layered sheet L3 has been configured to correspond with tube Tl and, in particular, has been adapted to correspond with support surface 12 of tube Tl around raised portions Ri and R 2 .
  • L3 includes cut-outs 184 and 186.
  • Cut-out 184 is substantially elliptical in shape defined by edge 190 and has its major axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of tube Tl. As such, cut-out 184 corresponds to the overall shape of raised portion R 1 .
  • raised portion Ri desirably fits within cut-out 184 and is desirably substantially engaged by edge 190 of cut-out 184.
  • Cut-outs 186 are defined by edge 192, are substantially symmetrical and are configured to correspond to raised portion R 2 . Similarly, when layered sheet L3 is wrapped about support surface 12, raised portion R 2 desirably fits within cut-outs 186 and is desirably substantially engaged by edge 192 of cut-outs 186.
  • Gripping surface GS includes outer surface 174 of layered sheet L3, exposed surface E], and exposed surface E 2 .
  • the surface interface 176 between the outer surface 174 of layered sheet L3 and exposed surfaces E 1 , E 2 is desirably substantially smooth.
  • layered sheet L3 is adhered or bonded to support surface 12 of tube Tl.
  • layered sheet L3 is wrapped around tube Tl such that layered sheet L3 abuts connecting surface 46 of the raised portion(s).
  • at lease a portion of inner layer 50 and at least a portion of outer layer 52 abut connecting surface 46 of the raised portion(s).
  • inner layer 50 of layered sheet L3 is adhered to support surface 12 of tube Tl .
  • inner layer 50 is also desirably adhered or bonded to connecting surface 46 of raised portions Ri and R 2 .
  • Outer layer 52 is also desirably adhered or bonded to connecting surface 46 of raised portions Ri and R 2 .
  • intersections 178 between layered sheet L3 and tube Tl may include, in addition to adhesive 180, a deposit of polyurethane to assist in bonding or adhering layered sheet L3, and in particular outer layer 52 of layered sheet L3 to the raised portions.
  • raised portion R may be within approximately 1/8 inch, 1/16 inch or in direct contact with the layered sheet around substantially the entire circumference of the raised portion.
  • the layered sheet may be joined or bonded to the raised portion.
  • tube T includes rubber with an IRHD hardness rating (International Rubber Hardness Degrees) between approximately 60 and 80 degrees.
  • raised portion R also has an IRHD hardness rating between approximately 60 and 80 degrees.
  • outer layer 52 includes polyurethane.
  • outer layer 52 has an IRHD hardness rating of between approximately 40 and 60 degrees.
  • the ratio of the hardness of outer layer 52 and raised portion R is approximately 1 to 1.
  • the hardness ratio is between approximately 1 to 2 and approximately 1 to 1.
  • one or more other characteristics, such as tackiness, durability, color, or friction enhancing pattern on the outer surface may differentiate raised portion R and outer layer 52 on the gripping surface.
  • FIG. 48 shows one embodiment of a grip G' attached to the shaft S' of a golf club GC.
  • FIG. 49 shows the grip G' in greater detail.
  • grip G' include a resilient mounting tube T' and a layered member or sheet L' wrapped about the tube T'.
  • the mounting tube T' includes raised portions R' which define one or more exposed surfaces E'.
  • tube T' includes a tubular body 48' with one or more raised portions R ' i, R' 2 . . . R n having associated exposed surfaces E'i, E' 2 . . . E' n .
  • tube T' includes two raised portions R ' i and R' 2 with exposed surfaces E ' i and E' 2 .
  • the grip defines a gripping surface GS'.
  • the gripping surface GS' may include an outer surface of a layered sheet L' and exposed surfaces E'i and E ' 2 of raised portions R'] and R'2 of tube T'. (See, e.g., FIG. 49).
  • tube T' may be mounted on a mandrel (not shown) as known to those of skill in the art.
  • Tube T' includes a first end 2' and a second end 4'.
  • Tube T' further includes a hollow inner cavity 3' configured to correspond to the outer shape of the shaft GS' of a golf club GC
  • An opening 6' and a ring 8' are formed at the first end 2' while the second end 4' of tube T' is formed with a cover 10', which in some embodiments substantially closes the second end 4'.
  • Tube T' has a support surface 12' extending generally between cover 10' and ring 8'.
  • tube T' is formed of a resilient material such as a natural or synthetic rubber or plastic.
  • the rubber might include a mixture of synthetic rubber, for example EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) and natural rubber.
  • EPDM Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer
  • Other examples include TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), and TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizate).
  • the ratio of synthetic rubber to natural rubber is approximately 2 to 3.
  • tube T' may be formed in a mold (not shown).
  • raised portions R'i and R' 2 are integrally formed on tubular body 48'.
  • tubular body 48 ' and raised portions R'i and R' 2 may comprise the same material. If this is the case, forming raised portions R ' I and R' 2 merely requires creating the inverse of raised portions R ' i and R' 2 in the mold. In such cases, the material is selected to enhance the properties desired for raised portions R'i and R' 2 while balancing the desired properties for tubular body 48 ' . In some instances, it may be desired to control the durometer, tackiness, resistance to torque, durability, color, or other property of raised portions R'i and R' 2 to enhance certain properties of completed grip G'.
  • a connecting surface 46 'a forms an angle ⁇ 'i with a line tangent to the intersection of connecting surface 46 a of raised portion R'i and support surface 12' of tube T'.
  • connecting surface 46' desirably extends between support surface 12 ' and exposed surface E' of raised portion R' and forms an angle ⁇ '.
  • angle ⁇ ' is in the range of approximately 5 and 175 degrees.
  • angle ⁇ ' is in the range of approximately 5 and 90 degrees.
  • angle ⁇ ' is in the range of approximately 90 and 175 degrees. In some embodiments, for example the embodiment shown in FIG. 54, angle ⁇ ' is approximately 90 degrees.
  • raised portion R' extends a width w' around the circumference of body 48 ' of tube T'.
  • Width w' may be constant along tube T', for example if raised portion R' forms a rectangular shape.
  • width w' may vary along tube T'.
  • width w' may extend to a maximum distance around the circumference of tube T' (expressed as a percentage of the circumference of the body 48' of tube T') in the range of approximately 25% to 75%.
  • width w' may extend to a maximum in the range of approximately 5% to 25%.
  • width w' may extend to a maximum in the range of approximately 75% to 100%.
  • width w' may vary along the longitudinal length of R'.
  • raised portion R'j defines an elliptical shape with a width w' ⁇ starting near zero and widening to approximately 50% and narrowing back to near zero along tube T' from first end 2' to second end 4'. Width w' need not vary consistently along tube T'. Referring to FIGS. 50 through 52, in the illustrated embodiment raised portion R') is configured to form a thumb zone TZ' in the gripping surface GS ' .
  • Thumb zone TZ' is shown on the front of tube T' to accommodate a user ' s thumbs when that user employs a traditional golf grip with some or all of the fingers overlapping and/or interlocking on the back of the grip and the thumbs resting on or near the front of the grip.
  • thumb zone TZ' may be placed in other areas of gripping surface GS' to accommodate different grips.
  • raised portion R ' i extends at least the length of an adult's finger pad in a circumferential direction. In some embodiments, raised portion R'i extends at least the length of an adult ' s finger pad along the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, raised portion R'i extends at least the length of two adult finger pads along the longitudinal direction. As noted above, for purposes of this application, the length of an adult's finger pad is defined as being one inch.
  • the upper portion of raised portion R 2 adjacent cover 10' extends a width w' 2 of 100% of the circumference of tube T'.
  • raised portion R' 2 is formed integrally with cover 10' such that the transition between cover 10' and raised portion R' 2 is substantially smooth. As shown in, for example, FIGS. 50 through 52, raised portion R' 2 may extend further down the length of tube T' from second end 4' toward first end 2' on the back of tube T' than it does on the front of tube T'. As described in greater detail below, such an extended region can provide a finger zone FZ' in the gripping surface GS' with characteristics different than those provided by the layered sheet L' in other regions of the gripping surface GS'.
  • finger zone FZ' of raised portion R' 2 extends at least the width of 4' adult finger pads along tube T' from second end 4' toward first end 2'.
  • the width of an adult finger pad is defined as being one half inch.
  • the upper portion of raised portion R' 2 in the front of tube T' is configured to form a palm zone PZ' in gripping surface GS'.
  • palm zone PZ' of raised portion R ' 2 extends at least the width of one adult finger pad along tube T' from second end 4 ' toward first end 2 ' .
  • palm zone PZ' extends at least the width of 2 or more adult finger pads along tube T' from second end 4' toward first end 2'.
  • Friction may be enhanced on raised portion R' by forming ridges or valleys in various patterns 47' on surface E' of raised portion R'. As shown in, for example, FIG. 52, different patterns 47 'a and 47 'b may be used. The patterns may be different on different raised portions or the same or similar patterns may be used. In some embodiments, the patterns are formed as raised portion R' is molded. In other embodiments, the patterns are applied by altering surface E' of portion R' after the molding process, such as by grinding surface E'.
  • one or more of the raised portions R' may be fonned separately from tubular body 48 ' and attached to tubular body 48' through bonding, adhesive or other mechanisms known to those of skill in the art to form tube T'. Separately fonning a portion R' may facilitate using a different material to form the particular raised portion R' than is used to form tubular body 48 ' . In embodiments where multiple raised portions are desired, separately forming one or more of the portions allows for a wide variety of different materials to be incorporated into the grip. It is also possible for some portions to be formed integrally with tubular body 48' while others are attached after tube T' is molded. Raised portion R' is generally configured with a thickness t' R as shown in FIG. 54.
  • ring 8 of tube T' may be formed with an upwardly extending slot 30' defined by a portion 32' of support surface 12' of tube T' and lip 34' extending upwardly from ring 8' and preferably wrapping substantially circumferentially around tube T'.
  • Lip 34' defines an inner surface 36' facing tube T', an upper surface 38' facing upward from ring 8', and an outer surface 40' facing away from support surface 12' of tube T'.
  • Upwardly extending lip 34' extends over portion 32' of support surface 12' of tube T'.
  • the lower-most portion of slot 30' is defined by an inner, lower, upwardly facing surface 42'.
  • lip 34' may flex outward from tube T', in many embodiments it resists remaining in a fully flexed position in which it lays flat, thereby fully exposing tube T' support surface 12'.
  • outer surface 40' tapers toward inner surface 36', or inner surface 36' tapers toward outer surface 40 ' such that upper surface 38' is comparatively narrow and in some embodiments is an annular point extending substantially circumferentially around tube T'.
  • Slot 30' receives, for example, the bottom region of a layered sheet L'.
  • tube T' will be formed with centering notches (not shown) disposed on an outer surface of cover 10', ring 8' and/or both.
  • layered sheet L' for use with tube T' is described.
  • layered sheet L' has a thickness t ⁇ (FIG. 58) and includes an outer surface 174' and an inner layer 50' having its outer face bonded to the inner face of an outer layer 52'.
  • Outer layer 52' in some embodiments, comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, that polymer comprises polyurethane. Additional materials such as waterproofing coatings may be incorporated on outer surface 174'. Similarly, other materials such as fabric meshes may be incorporated into outer layer 52'.
  • Inner layer 50' may be fabricated of a fibrous material including, for example, wool, polyester, nylon, or mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, a nylon polyester fibrous material such as felt is used. During the manufacturing process, some of outer layer 52' may permeate inner layer 50'. For example, when polyurethane is used in the outer layer and a fibrous material is used in the inner layer, some polyurethane may permeate the fibrous layer. In another embodiment, inner layer 50 ' may comprise a polymer, such as, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
  • EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
  • Outer layer 52' may provide a cushioned grasp for a golfer's hands on a golf club and may enhance the golfer ' s grip by providing increased tackiness between the golfer's hands and the grip.
  • Inner layer 50' may provide strength to outer layer 52' and serve as a means for attaching the bonded-together layered sheet L' to the tube T'.
  • the outer surface of inner layer 50' in some embodiments is bonded to the inner surface of outer layer 52'.
  • bonding is intended to have a broad meaning, including commonly understood definitions of bonding, adhering, fixing, attaching, sewing, coupling, and gluing.
  • the foregoing terms have their ordinary meaning.
  • the material used in the outer layer may penetrate some distance into the inner layer.
  • polyurethane is used in outer layer 52', such polyurethane is preferably coagulated to define pores, as shown, for example, in FIG. 26A.
  • the polyurethane may be coagulated and bonded directly to inner layer 50' or may be first coagulated on an intermediary layer (not shown) and later attached to inner layer 50'.
  • Layered sheet L' may include centering notches (not shown) positioned at the top region A' and/or the bottom region B' of the layered sheet indicating a middle point between a first side region C'i and a second side region C 2 . Centering notches may assist in the application of layered sheet L' to tube T' to fo ⁇ n grip G'.
  • Layered sheet L' is configured to correspond with tube T' and, in particular, has been adapted to correspond with raised portions R'i and R' 2 .
  • Layered sheet L' includes cut-out 184'. Cut-out 184' is substantially elliptical in shape defined by edge 190' and has its major axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of tube T'. As such, cut-out 184' corresponds to the overall shape of raised portion RV Top region A' is defined by edge 192 ' shaped to correspond to the lower edge of raised portion R' 2 .
  • FIG. 60 illustrates another step in the manufacture of embodiments of grip G'.
  • Layered sheet L' is illustrated, but one of skill in the art will understand that similar steps may be taken with layered sheet L2'.
  • bottom region B' of layered sheet L' is skived.
  • top region A need not be skived as raised portion R' 2 of tube T' includes substantially radially extending surfaces 46b' which engage top region A' when layered sheet L' is attached to tube T'. It will be noted that, in some embodiments not shown, top region A' of layered sheet L' can be skived at various angles to accommodate different angels ⁇ ' 2 of surface 46b' as desired.
  • FIGS. 61 and 62 illustrate another skiving step in the manufacture of embodiments of grip G'.
  • Side regions C'i and C 2 are shown being skived such that they are substantially parallel to each other. Skiving side regions C'i and C 2 in such a manner may facilitate the attachment of layered sheet L' to tube T' in certain embodiments as described in greater detail below.
  • Other possible skiving configurations are possible in addition to leaving the side regions unskived, as shown, for example, in some of the embodiments discussed above.
  • layered sheet L' is shown being applied to tube T' to form grip G'.
  • the inner surface of layer 50' is shown receiving an adhesive 180 ' by means of a nozzle, brush or the like.
  • support surface 12' of tube T' is shown receiving an adhesive 180' by means of a nozzle, brush or the like.
  • adhesive 180' is applied to either layered sheet L' or tube T'.
  • FIGS. 65 through 76 shows the layered sheet L' being wrapped around and adhered to tube T'.
  • Combined layered sheet L ' and tube T' fo ⁇ n grip G' (FIG. 67).
  • tube T' will generally be temporarily supported on a collapsible mandrel (not shown) in a conventional manner.
  • bottom region B' of layered sheet L' will desirably be manually inserted within slot 30'of ring 8'.
  • Raised portion R'] desirably fits within cut-out 184' and is desirably substantially engaged by edge 190' of cut-out 184'.
  • Top region A', defined in part by edge 192', is configured to correspond to raised portion R 2 .
  • raised portion R' 2 desirably engages edge 192' in the upper portion of the grip G'.
  • side regions Cj and C 2 cooperate to fo ⁇ n a seam 200' extending generally along the longitudinal axis of tube T'.
  • the side regions C'i and C 2 are skived in a substantially parallel fashion such that they overlap along the seam 200'.
  • inner layer 50' of side region d preferably corresponds to inner layer 50' of side region C 2
  • outer layer 52 ' of side region C'i preferably corresponds to outer layer 52' of side region C 2 to fo ⁇ n a strong and relatively smooth seam.
  • Other possible seams 200' may be formed.
  • un-skived side regions C'i and C 2 may be adhered or bonded together.
  • side regions C'i and C 2 may be stitched together to form the seam 200'.
  • side regions C'i and C 2 are skived from the center of layered sheet L/ toward the outer regions of layered sheet L' in an anti-parallel fashion and subsequently joined to fo ⁇ n seam 200'. Such skiving may start at inner layer 50' and extend through outer layer 52', leaving a thin layer of outer layer 52' at the outer portion of side regions C'i and C 2 .
  • a groove (not shown) may be formed along seam 200' to further enhance seam 200'.
  • seam 200' may include, in addition to adhesive 180', a deposit of polyurethane 202' to assist in bonding or adhering layered sheet L', and in particular outer layers 52' of layered sheet L'.
  • polyurethane 202' may be deposited with a nozzle or other means known to those of skill in the art (see, e.g., FIG. 73).
  • the polyurethane may be buffed by a suitable brush or the like to smoothly blend the surface of the grip while in other embodiments, the polyurethane is not buffed.
  • Gripping surface GS' includes outer surface 174' of layered sheet L', exposed surface E j and exposed surface E ' 2 .
  • layered sheet L' is wrapped around tube T' such that layered sheet L' abuts connecting surface 46' of raised portion R' at an intersection 178', wherein at least a portion of inner layer 50' and/or at least a portion of outer layer 52' abut connecting surface 46' of raised portion R'.
  • inner layer 50' of layered sheet L' is further adhered to support surface 12' of tube T'.
  • inner layer 50 is desirably adhered or bonded to support surface 12' and to connecting surfaces 46 'a and 46 'b of raised portions R ' j and R' 2 .
  • Outer layer 52' is also desirably adhered or bonded to connecting surfaces 46 'a and 46 'b of raised portions R'i and R' 2 .
  • Layered sheet L' will be adhered to the raised portion R' by one or more suitable adhesives 180'.
  • a suitable adhesive has a mixture of AD-86 (Toluene, 35%; Methyl Ethyl Ketone, 50%; Polyurethane, 15%) and AD-RFE (Ethyl Acetate, 78%; Polyisocynate, 22%).
  • intersections 178 ' between layered sheet L' and tube T' may include, in addition to adhesive 180', a deposit of polyurethane 202' to assist in bonding or adhering layered sheet L', and in particular outer layer 52' of layered sheet L' to raised portion R'.
  • Such polyurethane 202' may be deposited with a nozzle or other means known to those of skill in the art (see, e.g., FIG. 76). After the polyurethane hardens, in some embodiments the polyurethane may be buffed by a suitable brush or the like to smoothly blend the surface of the grip while in other embodiments, the polyurethane is not buffed.
  • the proximity of layered sheet L' to raised portion R' may not be uniform. For example, in some embodiments, portions of raised portion R ' may be within approximately 1/8 inch, 1/16 inch or in direct contact with the layered sheet L' around substantially the entire circumference of the raised portion R'.
  • thickness t ' R of raised portion R ' is generally constant along its entirety and is configured to be approximately equal to thickness t'i_ of the layered sheet L' (see, e.g., FIG. 74).
  • the approximately equal thicknesses of portion R' and layered sheet L' promote a substantially smooth surface interface 176' between the two as they cooperate to define gripping surface GS' of grip G'.
  • the outer surface of a grip embodying the disclosure herein may be coated by means of a brush or spray or the like with a thin layer of polymer such as polyurethane (not shown) to, for example, protect such surface, add tackiness thereto and/or increase the durability thereof.
  • a thin layer of polymer such as polyurethane (not shown) to, for example, protect such surface, add tackiness thereto and/or increase the durability thereof.
  • tube T ' includes rubber with an IRHD hardness rating (International Rubber Hardness Degrees) between approximately 60 and 80 degrees.
  • raised portion R' also has an IRHD hardness rating between approximately 60 and 80 degrees.
  • outer layer 52' includes polyurethane.
  • outer layer 52' has an IRHD hardness rating of between approximately 40 and 60 degrees.
  • the ratio of the hardness of outer layer 52' and raised portion R' is approximately 1 to 1.
  • the hardness ratio is between approximately 1 to 2 and approximately 1 to 1.
  • one or more other characteristics, such as tackiness, durability, color, or friction enhancing pattern on the outer surface may differentiate raised portion R' and outer layer 52' on the gripping surface.
  • layered sheet L' is adapted to provide a tacky, shock absorbing surface while raised portions R' are configured to provide more durable surfaces.
  • a user grasps the grip G' with her left hand closest to cover 10'.
  • At least a portion of finger zone FZ' of raised portion R' 2 engages at least a portion of the pads of a user's fingers closest to the users left palm.
  • the upper portion of R '2 may extend a width w' 2 sufficient to provide a palm zone PZ' on the front of grip G' adapted to engage the meaty portion of the palm of the user's left hand. In some embodiments, that width w' 2 extends 100% of the circumference of tube T'.
  • the user's left and right thumbs may then rest on the front of grip G' where raised portion R'] is configured to engage the thumbs.
  • FIGS. 77 through 81 illustrate a modified tube T' and layered sheet L'.
  • connecting surface 46' desirably extends between support surface 12' and exposed surface E' of raised portion R' and forms an angle ⁇ ' with a line tangent to the intersection of connecting surface 46' of raised portion R' and support surface 12' of tube T'.
  • Layered sheet L' is generally configured to engage connecting surface 46'.
  • connecting surface 46'a extends between support surface 12' and exposed surface E'i of raised portion R ] to form an angle ⁇ 'j.
  • connecting surface 46' is transverse to support surface 12' such that angle ⁇ ' is approximately 90 degrees and edges 190' and 192' of layered sheet L' are not skived so that they form a complementary angle.
  • angle ⁇ ' is in the range of approximately 90 and 175 degrees.
  • angle ⁇ ' is in the range of approximately 95 and 150 degrees.
  • angle ⁇ ' is approximately 120 degrees.
  • FIG. 79 illustrates layered sheet L ' after being skived along its edges to complement the angle ⁇ ' of tube T' illustrated in FIGS. 77 and 78.
  • FIGS. 80 and 81 show layered sheet L' being wrapped about tube T' and bonded to tube T' as described above.
  • angle ⁇ ' is less than 90 degrees (not shown).
  • angle ⁇ ' is in the range of approximately 5 and 90 degrees.
  • angle ⁇ ' is in the range of approximately 25 and 85 degrees.
  • connecting surface 46' describes an angle ⁇ ' other than 90' degrees, and yet some or all of the edges of layered sheet L' are not skived to complement the angle ⁇ ' described by connecting surface 46'. In some such embodiments, particularly in those wherein angle ⁇ ' is less than 90' degrees, gaps between layered sheet L ' and raised portion R' may be left empty or filled with an adhesive or other bonding agent.
  • connecting surface 46' describes a varied angle ⁇ '.
  • the edges of layered sheet L' may have skiving to complement some or all of those angles.
  • any of the layered sheets disclosed herein may also be attached to a tube configured for use with putters (not shown).
  • a putter tube may include a substantially flat region as shown, for example, in Applicant's U.S. Patent Nos. 6.843,732 and 6,857,971.
  • alternative arrangements of raised portions R' may be employed to accommodate various types of putting styles. For example, an additional finger zone FZ' may be created on the front of the grip and a thumb zone TZ' may be created on the back of the grip accommodate a player ' s "claw style" putting grip.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une poignée (G') destinée à un club de golf (GC') muni d'un tube flexible (T') et d'une feuille à couches (L'). Le tube (T') comporte un corps tubulaire (48') et des parties relevées (R') s'étendant depuis le corps tubulaire (48'). La surface externe (E') des parties relevées (R') coopère avec la feuille à couches (L') pour former une surface d'accrochage (GS'). La poignée (G') réduit le choc d'impacts et propose une sensation de collant tout en proposant une meilleure variation des caractéristiques physiques de la surface d'accrochage (GS').
PCT/US2008/057905 2007-03-21 2008-03-21 Poignée ayant une surface d'accrochage variée Ceased WO2008116183A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2009554780A JP2010522047A (ja) 2007-03-21 2008-03-21 改変された握り面を有するグリップ
CN200880009171A CN101687110A (zh) 2007-03-21 2008-03-21 具有各种抓握表面的握把

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/689,452 2007-03-21
US11/689,452 US7862445B2 (en) 2007-03-21 2007-03-21 Grip having a stabilized gripping surface
US11/838,670 2007-08-14
US11/838,670 US7862446B2 (en) 2007-08-14 2007-08-14 Grip having a varied gripping surface

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008116183A2 true WO2008116183A2 (fr) 2008-09-25
WO2008116183A3 WO2008116183A3 (fr) 2009-02-26

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010246537A (ja) * 2009-04-10 2010-11-04 Ben Huang 多層グリップ
JP2010247824A (ja) * 2009-04-10 2010-11-04 Ben Huang 製品の握り部用改良グリップ
US10925271B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2021-02-23 Ben Huang Multi-layered grip

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110522214B (zh) * 2019-09-04 2022-03-15 合肥亿昌兴精密机械有限公司 一种镀锌板

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US834711A (en) * 1905-06-23 1906-10-30 Henry Osmer Clarke Handle-grip.
CN1332022A (zh) * 2000-07-07 2002-01-23 林育萱 高尔夫球杆握把及其制造方法与成型装置
US20030045370A1 (en) * 2001-08-28 2003-03-06 Hunter Jaw Grip structure
US20030139223A1 (en) * 2002-01-22 2003-07-24 Eaton Corporation Wrap style hand grip
TW588669U (en) * 2002-08-07 2004-05-21 Hong-Sung Chu Handle of golf club with easily foldable structure
US7186189B2 (en) * 2005-07-01 2007-03-06 Ben Huang Panel grip with modified seam

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010246537A (ja) * 2009-04-10 2010-11-04 Ben Huang 多層グリップ
JP2010247824A (ja) * 2009-04-10 2010-11-04 Ben Huang 製品の握り部用改良グリップ
US10925271B2 (en) 2009-04-10 2021-02-23 Ben Huang Multi-layered grip

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JP2010522047A (ja) 2010-07-01
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