HAND GRIP AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
1. FIELD
[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to grips and, more particularly, to
hand grips for sporting implements.
2. BACKGROUND
[0002]There are many different types of grips used today for a wide variety of items,
including without limitation, golf clubs, tools (hammer handles, screwdrivers, etc.),
racquets (racquet ball, squash, badminton, or tennis racquets), bats (baseball or
softball), pool cues, umbrellas, fishing rods, etc. While particular reference for this
disclosure is being made to the application of golf club grips, it should be
immediately apparent that the present disclosure is applicable to other grips as well.
[0003] Slip-on golf club grips made of a molded rubber material or synthetic
polymeric materials are well known and widely used in the golf industry. The term
"slip-on" as employed herein refers to a grip that slides on to a shaft or handle and is
secured by way of an adhesive, tape, or the like. Slip-on grips are available in many
designs, shapes, and forms.
[0004]Golf club grips historically have been made of a wide variety of materials such
as leather wrapped directly on the handle or leather wrapped on sleeves or
underlistings that are slipped on to the handle, or more recently rubber, polyurethane
or other synthetic materials are used. Efforts are constantly being made to improve
the gripping quality of the grip without sacrificing the torsional resistance of the grip
on the handle or club. Currently, there is great interest in the so-called dual
durometer grips which are grips that apply two layers of different materials with
varying hardness to provide a grip that has good grip feel and still provides good
swing performance.
[0005]Thus, there still exists a need for a hand grip that includes a relatively soft
outer layer with frictional gripping qualities and tactile feel for a comfortable gripping
surface and control, yet has a firm inner layer to minimize torque and maximize
responsiveness when swinging a club or handle.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006]The present disclosure relates to a hand grip having a varying hardness in
selected locations which comprises an elongated flexible sleeve constructed to slip
onto a shaft. The flexible sleeve is injection molded and formed from at least a first
elastomeric material and has a predetermined shape with raised portions in selected
areas that defines a lower surface portion of the sleeve. An elongated flexible panel
of at least a second elastomeric material and a shape constructed to fit within the
lower surface portion and wrap around the lower surface portion of the sleeve is
compression molded to the sleeve and is integrally bonded thereto for forming the
grip.
[0007]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 instant disclosure, its operating
advantages, and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, and descriptive matter In which preferred embodiments are
illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible sleeve for a golf club grip, according
to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the flexible sleeve of Fig. 1.
[0010] Fig. 3 is a rear view of the sleeve of Fig. 1.
[0011] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a flexible panel that is configured to be wrapped
around and adhered to the flexible sleeve.
[0012] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the flexible panel of Fig. 4 taken along lines 5-5.
[0013] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a golf grip made in
accordance with the disclosed method.
[0014] Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the golf grip shown in Fig. 6.
[0015] Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the golf grip shown in Fig. 6.
[0016] Fig. 9 is a top view of the golf grip shown in Fig. 6.
[0017] Fig. 10 depicts the injection molded sleeve situated in a portion of the
injection molding die.
[0018] Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the sleeve on a mandrel being placed within an
upper and a lower half of a compression mold with a flexible panel.
[0019] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a golf grip made in
accordance with the disclosed method.
[0020] Fig. 13 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12.
[0021] Fig. 14 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 12 and 13
taken along lines 14-14.
[0022] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a golf grip made in
accordance with the disclosed method.
[0023] Fig. 16 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15.
[0024]Fig. 17 is a partial sectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 15 taken
along lines 17-17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025]The present disclosure is described more fully hereinafter with reference to
the accompanying drawings, and preferred embodiments are shown and described.
The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not
be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete,
and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.
[0026] Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness
of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for
clarity. Broken lines illustrate optional features or operations unless specified
otherwise. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments
only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an"
and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or
"comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed
items. As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X
and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as
"between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y." As used herein,
phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y."
[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms)
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that
terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted
as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the
specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly
formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or
constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
[0028] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on",
"attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc., another element, it
can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other
element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element
is referred to as being, for example, "directly on", "directly attached" to, "directly
connected" to, "directly coupled" with or "directly contacting" another element, there
are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in
the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another
feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
[0029] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper" and
the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or
feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.
It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass
different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation
depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements
described as "under" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented
"over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" can
encompass both an orientation of "over" and "under". The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative
descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upwardly",
"downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like are used herein for the purpose of
explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
[0030] it will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be
used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be
limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element,
component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer
or section. Thus, a "first" element, component, region, layer or section discussed
below could also be termed a "second" element, component, region, layer or section
without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. The sequence of
operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures
unless specifically indicated otherwise.
[0031] Even though embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly suited for
use as golf club grips and reference is made specifically thereto, it should be
immediately apparent that embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to
any device/apparatus that uses a hand grip or sport grip as mentioned previously
herein.
[0032]Referring initially to Figs. 1-3, there is shown an elongated flexible sleeve or
underrating 10 employed as a base member for forming the completed golf club grip
depicted in Figs. 6-9, and Figs. 12-17. Sleeve 10 is configured to slip onto and be
secured to a golf club shaft, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
The sleeve 10 has an internal passageway 12 configured to receive a golf club shaft
and has a tapered configuration wherein a lower end 14 (proximal end) has a
circumference that is smaller than a circumference of the upper end 16 (distal end).
However, golf club grips according to some embodiments of the present disclosure
may be designed for virtually any type of golf club, namely both putters and so-called
"swing grips", as are shown in Figs. 6-9 and Figs. 12-17, for irons and woods. As
such, sleeves according to embodiments of the present disclosure may have various
shapes and configurations depending on the type of golf club on which the sleeve is
to be attached.
[0033]The illustrated sleeve 10 is formed preferably by injection molding from an
elastomeric material such as, for example, silicone, natural rubber, synthetic rubber,
polyurethane, or like polymeric material. The sleeve 10 comprises a material with a
first selected hardness. As is known to those skilled in the art, a durometer value or
rating is an international standard for the hardness measurement of rubber, plastic
and other non-metallic materials. Durometers are described in the American Society
for Testing and Material specification ASTM D2240. Sleeve 10 is preferably formed
of natural or synthetic rubber to a hardness value ranging from approximately 50 to
approximately 60 Shore A hardness by injection molding.
[0034] Returning to Figs. 1-3, sleeve 10 includes a proximal end 14 and an opposite
distal end 16 connected to each other by a ridge15 as best seen in Fig. 1. Ridge 15
serves several different purposes besides being ornamental, including but not limited
to providing a zone or area of varying hardness for gripping, strengthening the
sleeve 10, and also functioning as a guide for proper hand alignment. Additionally,
The proximal end 14, distal end 16, and ridge 15 together define a raised surface
portion 17 of sleeve 10 that is elevated or raised by a selected height h from a lower
surface portion 18 that may extend either completely around or partially around the
sleeve 10 in a desired arrangement or pattern at selected locations or areas as seen
in the several views. A nipple portion 19 of proximal end 14 includes an aperture 20
for passageway 12 that receives a golf club shaft 22 shown in dashed lines in Fig. 1.
The nipple portion 19 has a tapered outer peripheral wall portion that may include an
optional decorative hemispherical lower groove 24 disposed in the body of the nipple
19. Optional lower groove 24 comprises two hemispherical portions on the front and
back of the sleeve 10 as best seen in Figs. 1-3 and is primarily decorative in nature.
[0035] A cap portion 26 is located at the distal end 16. Cap 26 is further defined by
an optional decorative hemispherical groove portion 24' similar to groove 24. Cap
portion 26 and nipple portion 19 are preferably integrally formed in sleeve 10.
However, other embodiments can include a cap or nipple being added to sleeve 10
as separate pieces as is known in this art. Embodiments of the present disclosure,
however, are not limited to the illustrated sleeve 10.
[0036] Referring next to Fig. 4, there is shown a flexible panel 28 made of a flexible
elastomeric material, such as, for example, silicone, natural rubber, synthetic rubber,
polyurethane, or like polymeric material. Panel 28 has generally a rectangular
shape with a lower end 30 in the shape of an arc, and is constructed to be wrapped
around and compression molded on sleeve 10 in an arrangement that positions it on
where it substantially covers the lower surface portion 18 of sleeve 10. The
thickness t of panel 28 is defined relative to the dimension h taking into
consideration and compensating for any changes in the dimensional thickness due
to the compression molding process. The lower or proximal end 30 of panel 28 is
preferably in the shape of an arc and is constructed to be received within the cup
portion 32 in the proximal end 14 of sleeve 10. The panel 28 is a material, or may
even be several different materials, in a combined or layered manner, that preferably
has a different durometer value or an arrangement of varying hardness from that of
sleeve 10. The durometer value of panel 28 preferably ranges from approximately
30 to approximately 45 Shore A for providing a grip feel with good frictional qualities
and a tactile feel. It should be immediately apparent that other embodiments of the
panel 28 of the instant disclosure will take the same shape as the desired pattern of
the lower surface of the sleeve in other embodiments as seen in Figs. 12-17. The
shape of panel 28 depends upon the shape of the selected pattern or locations of
the lower surface portion 18 of the sleeve 10 and the desired shape and width of the
ridge 15 in the sleeve 10. As is apparent from Figs. 12-17, the sleeve 10 and ridge
15 may have different selected shapes or forms which will influence the shape and
width of panel 28 to conform with the lower surface portion 18 of the sleeve 10 in the
desired or selected areas or locations to provide a grip with varying hardness in
selected locations, and desired feel in those locations. The panel 28 can have
different selected durometer values depending upon desired gripping characteristics
and patterns.
[0037] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, printed indicia,
ornamental features and styling, and grip design enhancements such as grooves,
channels and/or indentations as described in greater detail with respect to Figs. 12-
17 may be applied on or into the surface of the panel 28 even when it is still in a flat
condition prior to being compression molded on the sleeve 10.
[0038] Referring again to Fig. 4, the elongated flexible panel 28 is configured to be
wrapped around sleeve 10 and integrally bonded thereto by way of compression
molding the panel 28 onto the lower surface portion 18 of the sleeve 10 to form the
completed golf club grip. The illustrated panel 28 includes opposite proximal and
distal end portions 30, 34, opposite first or top surface 36 and second or bottom
surface 38, and opposite first and second edge portions 40, 42. The distal end 34
has a width greater than that of the proximal end 40 and the first and second edge
portions 40, 42 taper outwardly beginning from the proximal end 30 going towards
the distal end 34, as shown, in order to conform with the shape of the sleeve 10 for
the embodiment shown in Figs. 6-9. The illustrated panel 28 has a configuration
such that, when wrapped around sleeve 10, the opposite first and second edge
portions 40, 42 will touch the ridge 15 on opposite sides. Ridge 15 may be used to
assist in hand alignment or hand placement on the completed grip. Also, the grip
feel will be selectively distinct for those fingers placed on the ridge 15 and those
placed on panel 28 since these two materials have different durometer or hardness
values.
[0039] Flexible panels according to embodiments of the present disclosure can have
any shape and configuration necessary depending upon the shape and
configuration of a sleeve around which they are to be wrapped and bonded thereto
by compression molding as later described herein, or bonded to the sleeve by
alternate means including without limitation adhesive bonding. Embodiments of the
present disclosure, however, are not limited to the illustrated shape and
configuration of panel 28.
[0040] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, exposed panel
surface 36 may be smooth or may contain patterns and/or impressions formed
therein as mentioned previously. It is recognized that the flexible sleeve 10 may
separately include patterns/impressions formed therein or thereon as well. According
to some embodiments of the present disclosure, panel 28 may be clear or may have
one or more colors and/or graphics/patterns thereon.
[0041] Referring to Figs. 6-9, a golf club grip 50 formed by bonding the panel 28 of
Fig. 4 to the sleeve 10 of Figs. 1-3 is shown in the several views. Grip 50 is
aesthetically pleasing and may include any of a wide variety of designs, indicia or
impressions on the grip 50.
[0042]The method for forming golf grip 50 begins with making the sleeve or
underlisting 10 by injection molding the sleeve 10 in a die 52. Fig. 10 shows a
completed sleeve 10 in one half of a schematically illustrated die 52. The structure
and operation of injection molding dies are well known in this art. The cavity of the
die 52 is hollowed out in the desired shape of the sleeve 10 and the first elastomeric
material, which is preferably a rubber material, is injected in a liquid state into the
cavity of die 52 through a passage 54. Injection molding of rubber grips is well
known in this art and requires no further explanation here, for example, suitable
methodology is described in detail in U.S. Patent 5,261,665.
[0043]Turning next to Fig. 11, after the injection molding step, the formed sleeve 10
is placed on a mandrel 54 with panel 28 positioned over the lower surface portion 18
of the sleeve 10 within the two halves 56, 58 of a compression mold. The two
halves 56, 58 of compression mold are brought together with pressure and heat as
is well known in this art to bond and/or fuse panel 28 to sleeve 10 for forming the
grip 50. The heat provided by the compression mold and the compressing force is
sufficient to form the material of panel 28 and the sleeve 10 into an integrated grip
50. If the material is rubber, the heat is sufficient to vulcanize the rubber of the
panel 28 to the sleeve 10.
[0044]The method of the present disclosure can be used to form grips of various
designs and shapes. Figs. 12-14 show another embodiment of a grip 60 according
to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the ridge 62 only extends partially
along the length of the grip 60 as illustrated, and provides a varying hardness in that
selected location. The ridge 62 in this embodiment or other embodiments as
mentioned previously can also serve as a guide for hand alignment or placement on
the grip 60 for a consistent swing. The panel 64 which is similar in material to panel
28 is molded to the lower surface portion of the grip 60 as described previously and
is shown with a frontal view in Fig. 12, and a rear view shown in Fig. 13. The
portion of the grip 60 not covered with panel 64 includes the upper end 66 and the
lower end 68 seen in Figs. 12 and 13. Fig. 14 is a sectional view of a portion of grip
60 depicting channels 70 cut into selected areas and arranged in a set manner as
shown for a decorative and ornamental appearance. Channels 70 further may add
to the frictional resistance and grip feel of the grip 60.
[0045] Referring next to Figs. 15-17, there is shown still another embodiment of a
golf club grip 80 according to the present disclosure. Grip 80 unlike the other
embodiments herein does not include a ridge portion, but may include an elevated
area 88 for marking a brand or other indicia. A panel 82, similar in structure and
material to panel 28, wraps around a selected lower surface portion of the sleeve.
The selected surface for grip 80 extends from the cap 84 at the upper end of the grip
to the nipple 86 at the lower end of the grip 80. Panel 82 optionally includes a
surface area 88 for printed indicia, like a trade name or trademark, and may be
elevated if desired. Panel 82 also can include an ornamental and decorative design
as seen in Figs. 15-17. The decorative design seen in Figs. 15-17 can also serve to
provide a tactile grip feel with good gripping characteristics like grip feel, and
frictional gripping qualities. The selective arrangement of the design shown in Fig.
15-17 includes channels 90, indentations 92, and grooves 94 positioned in an
organized structure in the grip 80. This design allows an individual to firmly grasp
and hold onto the grip. The channels 90 are preferentially disposed in a fairly
circumferential manner on the grip 80 as seen in Figs. 15-17. The indentations 92
are spaced axially along the length of the panel 82 and each indentation has a depth
d that is greater than a depth of channel 90. The grooves 94 are disposed along the
length of the panel 82 in an arrangement where each groove curves in the direction
of the opposite side of the grip 80 as seen in Figs. 15 and 16. The channels 90,
indentations 92, and grooves 94 together feature a unique and pleasant design and
add to the feel of the grip 80.
[0046] The foregoing is illustrative of the present disclosure and is not to be
construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this
disclosure have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this disclosure. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure
as defined in the claims. The disclosure is defined by the following claims, with
equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
WE CLAIM:
Claim 1. A grip for an implement, comprising:
an elongated flexible sleeve constructed to slip onto a shaft, said
flexible sleeve being injection molded and formed from at least a first elastomeric
material, said flexible sleeve having a raised portion at a selected location and a
ridge for defining a lower surface portion of said flexible sleeve; and
an elongated flexible panel of at least a second elastomeric material
constructed to wrap around said lower surface portion of said flexible sleeve, said
flexible panel being compression molded to said flexible sleeve for being integrally
bonded to said sleeve for forming a grip with varying hardness.
Claim 2. The grip of Claim 1, wherein said grip comprises a golf club grip.
Claim 3. The grip of Claim 2, wherein said flexible panel comprises a material
with a durometer value different from a durometer value of said flexible sleeve.
Claim 4. The grip of Claim 3, wherein said flexible panel comprises a durometer
value ranging from approximately 30 to approximately 45 Shore A.
Claim 5. The grip of Claim 4, wherein said flexible sleeve comprises a rubber
material with a durometer value ranging from approximately 50 to approximately 65
Shore A.
Claim 6. The grip of Claim 2, further comprising a nipple integrally formed with
said flexible sleeve situated at a proximal end of said flexible sleeve.
Claim 7. The grip of Claim 6, further comprising a cap integrally formed with
said flexible sleeve situated at a distal end of the flexible sleeve.
Claim 8. A grip for an implement, comprising:
an elongated flexible sleeve constructed to slip onto a shaft, said
flexible sleeve being injection molded and formed from at least a first elastomeric
material, said flexible sleeve having a raised portion at selected locations for
defining a lower surface portion of said flexible sleeve; and
an elongated flexible panel of at least a second elastomeric material
constructed to wrap around said lower surface portion of said flexible sleeve, said
flexible sleeve having an arrangement of channels and indentations on an outer
surface thereof for providing tactile grip feel, said flexible panel being compression
molded to said flexible sleeve for being integrally bonded to said sleeve for forming
the grip.
Claim 9. The grip of Claim 8, wherein said grip comprises a golf club grip.
Claim 10. The grip of Claim 8, wherein said flexible panel comprises a material
with a durometer value different from a durometer value of said flexible sleeve.
Claim 11. The grip of Claim 10, wherein said flexible panel comprises a
durometer value ranging from approximately 30 to approximately 45 Shore A. •
Claim 12. The grip of Claim 11, wherein said flexible sleeve comprises a rubber
material with a durometer value ranging from approximately 50 to approximately 65
Shore A.
Claim 13. The grip of Claim 12, further comprising a nipple integrally formed with
said flexible sleeve situated at a proximal end of said flexible sleeve.
Claim 14. The grip of Claim 13, further comprising a cap integrally formed with
said flexible sleeve situated at a distal end of the flexible sleeve.
Claim 15. The grip of Claim 9, further comprising grooves selectively arranged in
the outer surface of said flexible panel.
Claim 16. A method of forming a grip, the method comprising the steps of:
injection molding a flexible sleeve of at least a first elastomeric material
configured to slip onto a shaft of an implement;
wrapping a flexible panel of at least a second elastomeric material
around a selected portion of the sleeve; and
subjecting the flexible panel and flexible sleeve to sufficient
compressive force and heat to integrally bond the flexible panel to the flexible sleeve
in a manner that forms a grip with varying hardness at selected locations on the grip.
Claim 17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the step of subjecting comprises the
step of compression molding the flexible panel to the flexible sleeve.
Claim 18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the grip comprises a golf club gripl.
Claim 19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the sleeve is injection molded with
elevated portions thereon and an axially extending ridge.

The present disclosure relates to a multicompound hand grip for an
implement, like a golf club grip, that has varying hardness in selected areas. The
grip has an inner sleeve and an outer panel. The inner sleeve is made of a first
elastomeric material and includes selected raised portions that provide a
reinforcement ridge in some embodiments to provide varying hardness at selected
locations or areas. The sleeve is made of a material having a durometer value that
differs from the material and the durometer value of the outer panel to provide a grip
with good tactile feel and gripping qualities.