U.S. patent application number 10/143363 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for golf club grip for retaining an insert.
This patent application is currently assigned to Performance Golf, Inc.. Invention is credited to Byrd, James Samuel, Novak, Mikhail.
Application Number | 20030211900 10/143363 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29400111 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030211900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Novak, Mikhail ; et
al. |
November 13, 2003 |
Golf club grip for retaining an insert
Abstract
There are disclosed systems and methods for making golf clubs
unique and in some cases personalized. A gripping system includes a
grip for a golf club that is either completely clear or a portion
thereof is clear, and an insert, to be maintained in the grip in
contact with the shaft of the club. Typically, the inset is
positioned with respect to the grip for maximum viewability.
Methods for placing this gripping system onto golf clubs and the
like are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Novak, Mikhail; (Orlando,
FL) ; Byrd, James Samuel; (Winter Park, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL J. COLITZ, III
HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP
SUITE 2300
400 N. ASHLEY DRIVE
TAMPA
FL
33602
US
|
Assignee: |
Performance Golf, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
29400111 |
Appl. No.: |
10/143363 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20130101;
A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B 60/06 20151001; A63B
60/00 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/300 |
International
Class: |
A63B 053/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A gripping system, comprising: at least one insert configured
for extending at least partially around the shaft of a golf club;
and a gripping member including an inner portion configured for
enveloping at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club and at
least a portion of said at least one insert, and retaining said at
least one insert intermediate said inner portion and the shaft of
the golf club.
2. The gripping system of claim 1, wherein said gripping member is
clear.
3. The gripping system of claim 1, wherein said insert includes a
first side and a second side.
4. The gripping system of claim 3, wherein said first side includes
visible matter.
5. The gripping system of claim 3, wherein said second side
includes at least one adhesive material.
6. The gripping system of claim 1, wherein said inner portion
configured for enveloping at least a portion of the shaft of the
golf club, includes a bore, said bore extending from an open end in
said gripping member to a closed end of said gripping member.
7. The gripping system of claim 6, wherein said bore is configured
to completely envelope said insert.
8. A gripping system, comprising: at least one insert configured
for extending at least partially around the shaft of a golf club;
and a gripping member including a bore, said bore dimensioned for
creating a frictional engagement with at least portions of said
insert for placing said at least one insert into contact with the
shaft and for creating a frictional engagement with at least
portions of said shaft, said frictional engagements being of
sufficient force to retain said gripping member on said shaft.
9. The gripping system of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of
said gripping member is of a clear material.
10. The gripping system of claim 9, wherein said bore extends from
an open end in the gripping member to a closed end of the gripping
member, said open end configured for receiving a shaft of a golf
club and said closed end being a cover for the end of the shaft of
the golf club.
11. The gripping system of claim 9, wherein said gripping member is
configured for enveloping said insert.
12. The gripping system of claim 8, wherein said insert includes a
first side and a second side.
13. The gripping system of claim 12, wherein said first side
includes visible matter.
14. The gripping system of claim 13, wherein said second side
includes at least one adhesive material.
15. A method for placing a gripping system on a golf club
comprising: providing an insert; providing a gripping member
including at least a clear portion, said gripping member having an
inner portion configured for fitting along the shaft of a golf
club; placing said insert into contact with the shaft of the golf
club; and placing said gripping member along the shaft of the golf
club in a position to retain at least a portion of said insert in
contact with the shaft of the golf club.
16. The method of claim 15, additionally comprising, applying a
solvent to at least one of said insert or said inner portion of
said gripping member.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein said placing said gripping
member along the shaft of the golf club includes placing the
gripping member over the shaft of the golf club to a point where
said gripping member envelopes said insert.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein said placing said gripping
member along the shaft includes aligning said clear portion with
respect to said insert.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein said placing said insert into
contact with the shaft of the golf club includes attaching said
insert to the shaft.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention is related to golf clubs, and in
particular, to grips for golf clubs that hold an insert in place,
allowing for customization of golf clubs.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Golf is one of the world's most popular sports, from both a
participant and spectator standpoint. Professional tournaments are
increasingly popular, with prize money and endorsements for
professional golfers increasing by the millions of dollars. As a
participant sport, golf continues to grow rapidly in popularity,
with golfers increasing their spending on equipment.
[0003] This increase in equipment spending has resulted from
advances in golfing technology, as well as golfers seeking more
personalized and custom equipment. For example, many golfers like
customized equipment, as it is unique and in many cases
personalized.
[0004] Additionally, many businesses look to golf as a way to
entertain customers, promote and generate business. As a result of
this, many businesses provide their employees and customers with
customized golf equipment as promotional items, such as golf balls
bearing corporate logos. Other golf equipment has not emerged as a
widespread promotional item due to its expense, for example, golf
clubs.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention improves on the contemporary art by
providing systems and methods for making unique or specialized golf
clubs, and typically by customizing them, by modifying the grip
ends of these clubs.
[0006] An embodiment disclosed herein is directed to a gripping
system, typically for a golf club. This system includes at least
one insert configured for extending at least partially around the
shaft of the golf club, and a gripping member or grip. The gripping
member typically includes an inner portion configured for
enveloping at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club and at
least a portion of the at least one insert. This inner portion is
also configured for retaining the at least one insert intermediate
the inner portion and the shaft of the golf club. The gripping
member is typically clear, for example, transparent, or includes a
clear, for example, transparent, portion or portions through which
the insert is visible, with little if any distortion, as if there
were not any intervening material.
[0007] Another disclosed embodiment is directed to a gripping
system, typically for a golf club, having at least one insert
configured for extending at least partially around the shaft of a
golf club, and a gripping member or grip. The gripping member
includes a bore, the bore dimensioned for creating a frictional
engagement with at least portions of the insert for placing the at
least one insert into contact with the shaft and for creating a
frictional engagement with at least portions of the shaft. These
frictional engagements are of sufficient force to retain the
gripping member on the shaft. The gripping member is typically
clear, for example, transparent, or includes a clear, for example,
transparent, portion or portions through which the insert is
visible, with little if any distortion, as if there were not any
intervening material.
[0008] Another embodiment disclosed herein is directed to a method
for placing a gripping system on a golf club. The method includes
the steps of providing an insert and providing a gripping member or
grip including at least a clear, for example, transparent, portion,
the gripping member having an inner portion configured for fitting
along the shaft of a golf club. The insert is then placed into
contact with the shaft of the golf club, and the gripping member is
placed along the shaft of the golf club in a position to retain at
least a portion of the insert in contact with the shaft of the golf
club. The gripping member may be aligned or adjusted once on the
shaft of the golf club, so the inset is readily visible.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Attention is now directed to the attached drawings, wherein
like reference numeral or characters indicate corresponding or like
components. In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club with an
embodiment of the disclosed system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the embodiment of the disclosed
system of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view of the embodiment
of the disclosed system;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of the
disclosed system taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the
disclosed system in use with a golf club.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the disclosed gripping system in an
exemplary use with a golf club 20. This golf club 20 is
representative of all golf clubs, for example, those commonly known
as woods, irons, or putters. The golf club 20 includes a shaft 22
and a club head 23. Both the club 20 and the shaft 22 include an
upper or grip end 24, an intermediate section 25 and a lower end
26, to which the club head 23 is attached, in a typical
orientation.
[0016] A grip or gripping member 30, typically covers or envelopes
the upper end 24 of the shaft 22. An insert 32, typically extending
around, but could also extend partially around, the grip end 24 of
the shaft 22 (or club 20), is typically completely covered or
enveloped (surrounded) and firmly retained with respect to the
upper end 24 of the shaft 22 within the grip 30. This insert 32 is
typically viewable (visible) through the grip 30.
[0017] Turning also to FIGS. 3 and 4, the grip 30, typically
includes an inner bore 34, that extends from an open end 36 (with
an opening 37), to a closed end 38 (formed by a cover piece 39).
This closed end 38 covers the edge 40 of the shaft 22, as the cover
piece 39, typically in close proximity to or abutment with the edge
40 of the shaft 22 (when in use) covers over potentially sharp
edges of the edge 40. The bore 34 typically extends through the
grip 30, so as to receive the shaft 22 of the club 20, such that
the club 20 is balanced.
[0018] The grip 30 for example, can be divided into segments 42 (to
in some cases, look like the traditional grips of wrapped leather
or other materials), can also include an arced (rounded) outer
surface 44 (here, for example, to accommodate the palms and fingers
of a golfer) and a flat outer surface 46 (here, for example, to
accommodate the thumbs of a golfer), all to enhance gripping by the
user. The grip 30 can also include surface pits (not shown) or
perforations (not shown) as well as surface bumps or protrusions.
The grip 30 can also include protrusions and/or indentations for
further accommodating fingers. Other surface arrangements, for the
shape of the grip 30 are also permissible.
[0019] The bore 34 is typically cylindrical (of circular or rounded
cross section) in shape and of a diameter, that coupled with the
material of the grip 30 allows the grip 30 to fit over the upper
end 24 of the shaft 22 in a frictionally tight and snug manner,
such that extreme manual force must be employed to separate the
grip 30 from the golf club 20. Additionally this frictional fit or
frictional coupling of the grip 30 on the shaft 22 is such that the
insert 32 is fully enveloped and firmly engaged within the grip 30,
and typically in a snug pressing contact with the club shaft 22, as
forced by the bore walls 34a or portions thereof, so as to be
secure in the grip 30 and unable to move. Other bore shapes and
dimensions are also permissible, provided that they engage the
requisite club and retain the insert 32 similar to that detailed
above.
[0020] The grip 30 is typically an integral or one-piece member. It
is typically formed by molding processes and the like, and of
materials such as Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE), one TPE, for
example, being Vulcathane.RTM. rubber, available from Percise Golf,
Pomona, Calif., 91768. These TPEs are such that in their processed
form, the resultant grip 30 is typically clear (e.g., transparent),
allowing for the insert 32 to be visible to the average human eye
with minimal, if any distortion (the insert 32 can be seen as if
there were no intervening material). Alternately, the grip 30 can
be formed of materials that in their processed form are
translucent. The grip 30 can also be formed from single or multiple
clear (e.g., transparent) or translucent portions, using the
aforementioned TPEs. The TPE material for the grip 30 in its
processed form is typically spongy and tacky, but characteristics
can be adjusted by various polymer/elastomer working
techniques.
[0021] While the grip 30 shown is a wrapped grip, this is exemplary
only for the types of grips that can be used. For example, other
grips suitable for use include those similar to a Ping.RTM. Type
Grip (flat front like grip 30 but without wrap lines or
perforations), and a paddle-type or Golf Pride.TM. Special grip.
Other exemplary grips include standard golf grips (same as grip 30
but completely round), junior golf/putter grips (same as standard
golf grip but smaller, so as to be suitable for children and young
adults), a long putter grip (formed of two pieces, affixed to
different parts of the shaft corresponding to where each of the
hands are held--here both pieces could envelope the respective
inserts, these inserts in accordance with the inserts described
herein), etc. Variations of these grips as well as modifications of
these grips for putters, irons and woods is also permissible, and
as such, can be constructed in accordance with that detailed for
the grip 30.
[0022] The insert 32 is, for example, a sticker. Its front side 32f
typically includes matter, that is typically visible to the sight
range of a normal human eye, placed thereon, for example, printing,
such as wording, art, designs, logos, emblems, photographs, or the
like, or backgrounds, even of a single color, while its rear side
32r (the side to be placed into contact with the shaft 22)
typically includes adhesive or the like. For example, the insert 32
could be similar to a bumper sticker, with a thickness, for
example, of approximately 2 millimeters. The inset is of a
material, typically sheet-like, such as paper, polymeric,
elastomeric or the that allows for it to be curved or rounded, to
conform to the shape (for example, the curvature) of the shaft 22.
The sheet-like nature of the material allows the insert to be thin
(of a thickness so as not to cause bulging of the grip 30). While a
single insert is shown, multiple inserts (also conforming at least
partially to the shape of the shaft 22), both overlapping and
non-overlapping, or combinations thereof are also permissible.
[0023] Alternately, images can be printed on regular paper,
polymeric or elastomeric sheet material, or the like, and affixed
to the shaft end 24 with double sided tape, adhesives or the like.
Additionally, in some cases, the printed paper, polymeric or
elastomeic sheet, is laminated, to prevent colors from running or
bleeding. This is particularly useful, with images produced on
printer paper and specialized printer paper stock from ink-jet and
laser, and other computer printers.
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 5, an exemplary assembly and disassembly
of the system disclosed herein is detailed. Initially, the club 20,
grip 30 and insert 32 are separate pieces. The shaft 22 of the
club, especially where the insert will rest, i.e., the upper or
grip end 24 should be clean. The insert 32 is then wrapped around
the shaft 22 at the upper end 24 thereof. If the insert 32 has an
adhesive rear side, the adhesive should be exposed prior to
wrapping. Wrapping should be performed so as to avoid wrinkles in
the insert 32.
[0025] Optionally, solvents, including hairspray, or other similar
lubricating materials, for example WD-40.RTM. lubricant, can be
applied to the insert 32 as well as into the bore 34 of the grip
30. The grip 30 is then slid onto the shaft 22, with sliding
continuing until the cover piece 39 abuts the edge 40 of the shaft
22. The grip 30 can be adjusted, typically by twisting, such that
the desired portions of it align with the desired portions of the
image on the underlying insert 32. Additional adhesives may be used
at any time during the aforementioned process, should additional
securement be desired.
[0026] Should removal of the grip 30 be desired, for example, to
remove the insert 32, or replace the insert 32, the grip 30 can be
slid off of the shaft 22. Placement of a new insert 32 and
reattachment of the grip 30 would be in accordance with the process
detailed above.
[0027] While the present invention has been shown in use with golf
clubs, this is exemplary only, as the invention could be easily
modified to any other articles with shafts, handles or the like.
Exemplary articles can include baseball bats, hockey sticks,
hammers, and the like.
[0028] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice
the present invention, the preceding description is intended to be
exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the
invention, which should be determined by reference to the following
claims.
* * * * *