CHANGEABLE GOLF GRIP
1. FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to a hand grip or a sports grip, and
particularly to a new and improved changeable grip particularly suited as a grip for
shock imparting implements.
2. BACKGROUND
[0002)There are many forms of grips available on the market today for a wide
variety of implements. These implements can range from hammer handles or other
hand tools to sports implements like tennis, squash, or racquetball rackets, or golf
clubs. While the present disclosure is particularly suited as a golf club grip and
described with particular reference thereto, it should be immediately apparent that
the present invention is not intended to be limited only to golf grips and extends to
any sports grip or hand grip for a shock imparting implement.
[0003] Originally, golf club grips consisted primarily of a leather wrap around a
handle. Later, molded rubber slip-on grips became available and are still in wide use
today. A recent variation on the molded rubber grip is the concept of using a rubber
sleeve or underlisting on the handle with a leather or synthetic leather wrap spirally
wrapped around the underlisting, or alternatively a single panel cover over the
underlisting. Grips are made today from a wide variety in construction and
combinations of materials.
[0004] There still exists a need for an improved changeable grip that imparts or
receives shock or force to or from a shock imparting implement. A changeable grip
provides greater flexibility in selecting a specific grip for a given application or for use
under a wide variety of conditions. It allows the user to select exactly the type of grip
needed under the given conditions for the desired application. It is also desirable for
the grip to be constructed in a manner that provides a firm grasp with little or no
slippage and with good resistance to torque as well as exhibiting good shock
absorbing qualities.
[0005] A changeable grip further allows for a wide variety of enhancing features to
the grip such as the addition of a vibration damper for example, or added weights for

swing weight control, or even still multiple types of gripping surfaces with
interchangeable sleeves of combinations of various materials. Swing weight control,
handle stiffness, flex control, shock absorption are just some of the important factors
in improving the impact from the implement. The concept of tailoring a grip to
provide the user with multiple options minimizes the need for multiple grips and
multiple implements.
[0006] Thus, it is desirable to have a changeable grip that allows the user to select
the right fit and feel for the handle or shaft of a shock imparting implement or tool to
meet the needs of the user in a given application.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure describes a changeable grip for a shock imparting
implement that offers a wide variety of features.
improved changeable grip according to the present disclosure includes a
body that forms an upper portion of the grip. The body has a hollow portion with a
threaded inner surface at a lower end and includes a cap at an upper end. The
body is constructed to engage and mesh with a ferrule element that forms a lower
portion of the grip. The ferrule element includes a threaded portion on an outer
surface at an upper end of the ferrule element. The threaded portion of the ferrule
element meshes with and engages the threaded portion of the body thereby firmly
attaching the body to the ferrule element. The ferrule element is attached at its
lower end to a shaft of the shock imparting implement. A sleeve is positioned on an
outer surface of the body to provide a gripping surface.
[0009] The present disclosure also relates to a golf club with a changeable grip.
[0010]The various features of novelty which characterize the present disclosure are
pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure and its operating
advantages attained with its use, reference is made to the accompanying drawings,
and descriptive matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Figure 1 is an elevated perspective view of a golf club;

[0012] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a partially disassembled changeable golf grip
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the assembled grip shown in Figure 2;
[9614] Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of the grip shown in Figure
3;
[0015] Figure 5 is a partial sectional view similar to Figure 4 depicting alternate
embodiments;
[0016] Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2 depicting another embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 7 is a top view of the cap;
[0018] Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 depicting another embodiment of the
cap;
[0019] Figure 9 is a view similar to Figures 7 and 8 depicting still another
embodiment of the cap; and
[0020] Figure 10 is a view similar to Figures 7-9 depicting yet another embodiment of
the cap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0021] Referring to the figures, which are not intended to limit the present disclosure,
and where like numerals designate like or similar features throughout the several
views, and first in particular to Figure 1, there is shown a golf club generally
designated 10. Golf clubl 0 includes a golf club grip 12, a shaft or handle 14, and a
club head 16 in its most basic form. A golf club is but one example of a shock
imparting implement. There are many other examples of shock imparting
implements known in the art. The term "shock imparting implement" as used herein
is meant to include sporting implements and tools that are used to strike, impact, or
apply a force to an object or an implement, or conversely receive an impact or force
from the implement. Tennis racquets, squash racquets, racquetball racquets,
lacrosse grips, fishing rod handles, bicycle handles, motorcycle handles, gear shift
levers, and baseball grips are but only a few examples meant to be included in the
term "shock imparting implements". Naturally there are many others, and even
possibly more sport items that may still be developed. All of these are envisionable
within the scope of the present disclosure. The term "shock imparting implements"

is also meant to include but not be limited to tool handles such as a hammer handle
or a screwdriver handle.
[0022] The golf club grip 12 shown in Figure 1 is what is generally known in the art
as a slip-on style golf club grip. The term "slip-on" simply refers to a grip that is
designed to slide onto a handle or shaft 14 and be secured thereto by an adhesive,
tape, or combination thereof. These types of grips are widely used today for many
shock imparting implements. Most grips are made of some type of an elastomeric
material like a rubber compound, a synthetic plastic or rubber, thermoplastic
material, and may contain fibers or cords imbedded therein for a better gripping
surface. While golf club grip 12 is removable from the shaft 14 of the golf club 10,
the grip 12 cannot be re-used since the grip 12 is cut away from the shaft when it is
time to replace the grip.
[0023] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a sectional view of a partially
disassembled changeable grip generally designated 20 according to the present
disclosure. The changeable grip 20 basically comprises three parts or elements: a
body 22, a ferrule element 24, and a sleeve 26. The body 22 is threadably attached
to the ferrule element 24 which is mounted on the golf club shaft 14. A sleeve 26
covers the body 22. As will be explained in greater detail later herein with respect to
each of these three parts, there are a wide variety of options and enhancing features
that these three parts provide the user.
[0024] The ferrule element 24 is securely attached to the upper end 28 of a
modified (reduced length) golf club shaft 14. An upper end 30 of the ferrule element
24 has a male threaded portion constructed to threadably receive a female threaded
inner surface 32 of the body 22. The threaded portions 30, 32 of the ferrule element
24 and body 22 preferably are square threads but any conventional threading of
these components are suitable as long as they function to secure the body 22 to the
ferrule element 24. Ferrule element 24 has a tapered lower end 34 that tapers in the
direction of the golf club head. An annular groove 36 in a top edge 38 of the lower
end 34 of the ferrule element is particularly suited for a lock washer 40 to maintain
the secure attachment of the body 22 to the ferrule element 24. Lock washer 40
may be made of any suitable material and/or shape for this purpose including but
not limited to being made of an elastomeric or metal material. The ferrule element
24 and the body 22 of grip 20 are made from a metal like stainless steel or titanium,
or a metal alloy, or a composite material like a carbon fiber, graphite fiber, or metal

matrix composite. Any similar lightweight high strength material is well suited for this
purpose.
[0025]Body 22 preferably includes an integral or detachable cap 23 at its upper end.
Cap 23 has a radially extending shoulder 25 that facilitates securing the sleeve 26
on the body 22 by the compressive force of the shoulder 25 pushing the sleeve 26
against the ferrule element 24. The lock washer 40 provides axial force between the
body 22 and the ferrule 24 using the groove 36. Cap 23 has preferably a
substantially cylindrical shape, but it is envisionable that the cap 23 can have other
forms including but not limited to an oval, hexagonal, octagonal, square, or various
other shapes. Cap 23' with a hexagonal shape is depicted in Figure 7. As should be
immediately apparent from Figures 8 through 10, other embodiments of cap 23 (23",
23'" and 23"") are envisionable. These and other embodiments are intended to be
within the scope of this disclosure. Cap 23 in other embodiments can be constructed
as described and disclosed in U.S. patent application serial number 11/607,707,
which is assigned to the assignee of this application, and hereby incorporated by
reference. Still, in another embodiment the cap 23 may be threadably attached to
the body 22. In any of these embodiments, an optional selected mass 42 which may
either be a weight or vibration dampener such as an anti-vibration plug, or even both
a weight and an anti-vibration plug as described in U.S. patent application serial no.
11/607, 707, can be fitted within body 22, or within the cap 23. An optional opening
41 is typically provided approximately through the center of the cap 23 and may
continue through the selected mass 42 for use in placing and holding the selected
mass 42 for example with a threadable attachment (not shown). When the selected
mass 42 is a weight, the weight 42 is preferably a tungsten material that can range
from approximately one gram to approximately fifteen hundred (1500) grams
depending upon the user and the application. More preferably, the weight will range
from approximately ten grams to approximately forty grams for use in a golf club. In
other embodiments, the weight may be encapsulated within a detachable cap 23 as
described in U.S. patent application serial no. 11/607,707.
[0026] As mentioned previously, an advantage of the changeable design of the
improved grip 20 in the instant disclosure is the option of using an anti-vibration plug
for the selected mass 42 instead of a weight or even in combination with the weight.
As should be immediately apparent, anti-vibration plug 42 may have a weight
contained therein if desired, and be of any length providing it fits within the body 22,

or within the shaft 14. By adjusting the length of the anti-vibration plug 42, the user
can select the amount of vibration dampening desired. The advantage of using the
anti-vibration plug with a separate weight is the ability to make the anti-vibration plug
with more elastomeric material for absorbing shock and dampening vibration. These
advantages and others as well as a suitable construction are described in much
greater detail in the incorporated U.S. patent application previously referenced.
[0027] Turning now to Figure 4, a plurality of spaced splines or ribs 44 extend
longitudinally along the outer surface of the body 22 and mesh with corresponding
channels 46 in sleeve 26. These splines prevent the sleeve 26 from slipping or
rotating during physical activity. In one embodiment, an optional elongated rod 48
which may be a metal wire, rod, or an elastomeric line or rod is positioned fairly
centrally on one of the ridges 49 of the sleeve 26 between the splines 44 to form a
reminder rib 50 in the grip 20. A reminder rib 50 is a device known and used by
some golfers for facilitating their hand placement on the grip. The location of the
reminder rib 50 is adjustable by positioning the rod 48 in a range of approximately
five degrees to approximately fifteen degrees on either side of the center position of
the ridge 49. Figure 5 depicts this feature with the rod positioned on either side of
the center position at approximately five degrees, but it should be understood that
this range can extend as much as approximately fifteen degrees.
[0028] The sleeve 26 can comprise one or more layers of a rubber, elastomeric, or
thermoplastic material, or combinations of such materials. These layers can be
arranged to provide varying durometer values. A durometer value or rating is an
international standard for the hardness measurement of rubber, plastic and other
non-metallic materials. Durometer values and ratings are described in the American
Society for Testing and Material specification ASTM D2240. For example in one
embodiment, an inner surface 52 of the sleeve that fits snugly on the body has a
hardness value ranging from approximately twenty-five to approximately fifty Shore
A hardness. The outer surface or layer 54 of sleeve 26 can have a durometer value
preferably ranging from approximately twenty -five to approximately ninety Shore A.
Any combination of durometer values may be used depending upon the user's
desire for a surface grip feel with good frictional qualities and tactile feel coupled with
a firmer inner section. Other known grip materials for sleeve 26 include cord
impregnated rubber, thermoplastic materials, silicone materials, leather, carbon
Kevlar, natural and synthetic rubbers, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Replacement golf grips are quite common in the golfing industry and the
procedure for replacing golf grips is well known. The improved changeable grip 20
of the present disclosure allows the user to select the optimum weight, feel, look,
moisture absorbent, anti-vibration plug, and the total mass for a given application.
The concept of this disclosure to alter or tune the swing weight, club moment of
inertia, shaft stiffness or flex, club center of gravity, and increase torsional rigidity of
the grip and shaft system. The changeable grip according to the present disclosure
allows the user to remove the body 22, sleeve 26, and any selected mass 42
contained within, together generally designated as changeable elements 60, from
the ferrule element 24 on a golf club. The user can then modify any of the
changeable elements 60 individually or in combination. One of the advantages of
the grip according to the subject disclosure is that separate elements of the
changeable elements 60, like a new sleeve 26 or a different selected mass 42, may
be changed. This ability to modify the various elements of the grip as described
above allows the user to tune the implement to their particular feel for a wide variety
of differing conditions or environments. This further allows the user to select a wide
variety of various shafts for a given application since the grip 20 is compatible with
any shaft having the ferrule element 24. The body element 60 can also be provided
with different lengths to be used with a common sized shaft.
[0030]ln still other embodiments, the fixed ferrule element may have a reduced
inner diameter to allow for customization of fit on a wide variety of shafts varying
length, composition, or diameter. This flexibility allows various types of material and
lengths of shafts to be used with the changeable grip 20. The shaft 14 could be a
metal or metal alloy material, or alternatively a carbon or graphite fiber composite, or
even a metal matrix composite. As a result, the amount of inventory is greatly
reduced and the flexibility greatly increased. In addition, a shaft constructed to have
changeable club heads allows for numerous variations and possibilities with
changeable grips as well.
[0031]While specific embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and
described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of this disclosure, it
will be understood that there may be other embodiments based on this without
departing from such principles.

We claim :
1. A changeable grip for a shock imparting implement, comprising:
a body forming an upper portion of the grip, said body having a hollow
portion with a threaded inner surface at a lower end, said body having a cap at
an upper end;
a ferrule element forming a lower portion of the grip, said ferrule element
having a threaded portion on an outer surface of an upper end of said ferrule
element, said threaded portion being constructed for engagement with said
threaded portion of said body, said ferrule element having a lower end
constructed to attach to a shaft of the shock imparting implement; and
a sleeve covering said body for providing a gripping surface.
2. A changeable grip according to claim 1 , wherein said lower end of said
ferrule element further comprises an annular groove in a top ridge of said lower
end, and a lock washer disposed therein for providing a sealing engagement of
said threaded portion of said body with said threaded upper end of said ferrule
element.
3. A changeable grip according to claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of of said
body further comprises a plurality of spaced splines constructed to mesh with
corresponding grooves in the inner surface of said sleeve.
4. A changeable grip according to claim 3, wherein said lower end of said ferrule
element further comprises an annular groove in a top ridge of said lower end,
and an elastomeric washer is disposed therein for providing a sealing
engagement of said threaded portion of said body with said threaded upper end
of said ferrule element.

5. A changeable grip according to claim 4, further comprising a rod positioned on
a ridge within said sleeve for forming a reminder rib in an outer surface of the
grip.
6. A changeable grip according to claim 1 , further comprising a selected mass
positioned within said hollow body.
7. A changeable grip according to claim 6, wherein said selected mass
comprises a vibration dampener disposed within said hollow body.
8. A changeable grip according to claim 6, wherein said selected mass
comprises a tungsten weight.
9. A changeable grip according to claim 1 , wherein said body comprises one or
more materials selected from the group consisting of titanium, carbon fiber,
graphite fiber, metal matrix composites, and metal alloys.
10. A changeable grip according to claim 1 , wherein said sleeve comprises one
or more materials selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric material,
a thermoplastic material, a synthetic rubber material, a natural rubber material,
and a silicone material.
11. A changeable grip according to claim 8, wherein said tungsten weight
comprises a weight ranging from approximately 1 gram to approximately 1500
grams.
12. A changeable grip according to claim 6, wherein said selected mass
comprises an anti-vibration plug received within a hollow portion of said cap.
13. A changeable grip according to claim 6, wherein said selected mass
comprises a weight disposed within a hollow portion of said cap.
14. A changeable grip according to claim 1 , wherein said sleeve comprises at
least two materials selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric material,

a thermoplastic material, a synthetic rubber material, a natural rubber material,
and a silicone material, said at least two materials having different durometer
values.
15. A changeable grip according to claim 1 , wherein said grip comprises a golf
club grip.
16. An improved golf club with a changeable grip, comprising:
a shaft having an upper and a lower end;
a club head attached to the lower end of said shaft;
a ferrule element attached to the upper end of said shaft, said ferrule element
having a threaded portion on an outer surface of an upper end of said ferrule
element, said ferrule element further having an annular groove in a ridge
disposed at an end of said threaded portion nearest the lower end of said shaft;
an elastomeric washer disposed within said annular groove in said ferrule
element;
a body forming an upper portion of the grip, said body having a hollow
portion with a threaded inner surface at a lower end, said threaded inner surface
of said body being constructed to threadably engage said threaded portion of
said ferrule element for removably attaching said body to said ferrule on said
shaft, said body further having a cap at an upper end, said cap having an outer
annular shoulder; and
a sleeve constructed to cover an outer surface of said body between said
cap and for providing a gripping surface for the improved golf club.
17. An improved golf club according to claim 16, wherein said sleeve comprises
at least two layers of material having different durometer values.

18. An improved golf club according to claim 16, wherein an outer surface of said
body comprises a plurality of splines constructed to engage and mesh with
corresponding grooves in an inner surface of said sleeve.
19. An improved golf club according to claim 18, further comprising a selected
weight disposed within said cap of said body.
20. An improved golf club according to claim 18, further comprising a rod
disposed within said grip on a ridge on the inner surface of said sleeve and
between said splines on said outer surface of said body for forming a reminder
rib on an outer surface of said sleeve.

A changeable grip 20 for a shock imparting implement
grip has a body 22, ferrule element 24, and a sleeve
26. The body 22 and sleeve 26 portions of the grip are
threadably connected to the ferrule element 24 which is
attached to the shaft 14 of a shock imparting
implement.