U.S. patent application number 10/999246 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for vibration dampening material and method of making same.
Invention is credited to DiMario, Carmen N., Falone, Thomas, Vito, Robert A..
Application Number | 20050144808 10/999246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34714757 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050144808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vito, Robert A. ; et
al. |
July 7, 2005 |
Vibration dampening material and method of making same
Abstract
A panel formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates
and dissipates vibration.
Inventors: |
Vito, Robert A.; (Berwyn,
PA) ; DiMario, Carmen N.; (West Chester, PA) ;
Falone, Thomas; (Mickelton, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.
UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600
30 SOUTH 17TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
34714757 |
Appl. No.: |
10/999246 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10999246 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
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10958611 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10958611 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10856215 |
May 28, 2004 |
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10856215 |
May 28, 2004 |
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10659560 |
Sep 10, 2003 |
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10659560 |
Sep 10, 2003 |
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09939319 |
Aug 27, 2001 |
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6652398 |
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10999246 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
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10958941 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10999246 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
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10958767 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10999246 |
Nov 30, 2004 |
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10958952 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10958952 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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10958745 |
Oct 5, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/71 ;
36/30R |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25G 1/01 20130101; A63B
59/50 20151001; A63B 60/54 20151001; B32B 2307/56 20130101; A63B
60/10 20151001; A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B 2102/18 20151001; B25F
5/006 20130101; A63B 2059/581 20151001; B32B 2437/02 20130101; B32B
5/024 20130101; A63B 60/06 20151001; B32B 25/10 20130101; A63B
2208/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/071 ;
036/030.00R |
International
Class: |
A43B 013/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An insert for footwear, comprising: an insert body having a
generally elongated shape with an outer perimeter configured to
substantially conform to a sole of the footwear so that the insert
body extends along an inner surface of the footwear from a location
proximate to a heel of the footwear to a toe of the footwear, the
insert body being generally planar and formed by a reinforced
elastomer material that regulates and dissipates vibration, the
insert body having first and second major surfaces, the reinforced
elastomer material comprising: first and second elastomer layers;
and a reinforcement layer disposed between and generally separating
the first and second elastomer layers, the reinforcement layer
comprising a layer of a high tensile strength fibrous material, the
high tensile strength fibrous material being generally connected to
the first and second elastomer layers generally uniformly
throughout within the outer perimeter to provide substantially
complete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers,
the high tensile strength fibrous material being generally
compliant only in a direction generally perpendicular to the first
major surface so as to be generally non energy storing in the
direction, wherein the high tensile strength fibrous material
generally distributes impact energy parallel to the first major
surface and into the first and second elastomer layers.
2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the high tensile strength fibrous
material is woven to prevent substantial elongation of the insert
in a second direction parallel to the first major surface when
impact energy is received thereon.
3. The insert of claim 2, wherein the reinforcement layer is
generally interlocked in and generally held in position by the
first and second elastomer layers.
4. The insert of claim 2, wherein the high tensile strength
material is pressed to form a sheet that is generally held in
position by the first and second elastomer layers.
5. The insert of claim 2, wherein the high tensile strength
material forms a cloth that is generally held in position by the
first and second elastomer layers.
6. An article of footwear having a panel of vibration dissipating
material, comprising: a panel body having an outer perimeter and
being formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates and
dissipates vibration, the panel body having first and second major
surfaces, the reinforced elastomer material comprising: first and
second elastomer layers; and a reinforcement layer disposed between
and generally separating the first and second elastomer layers, the
reinforcement layer comprising a layer of a high tensile strength
fibrous material, the high tensile strength fibrous material being
generally connected to the first and second elastomer layers
generally uniformly throughout within the outer perimeter to
provide substantially complete coverage between the first and
second elastomer layers, the high tensile strength fibrous material
being generally compliant only in a direction generally
perpendicular to the first major surface so as to be generally non
energy storing in the direction, wherein the high tensile strength
fibrous material generally distributes impact energy parallel to
the first major surface and into the first and second elastomer
layers and generally prevents elongation of the panel body in a
second direction parallel to the first major surface.
7. The article of claim 1, wherein the panel forms at least a
portion of a sole of a shoe.
8. The article of claim 1, wherein the panel forms at least a
portion of a mid-sole of a shoe.
9. The article of claim 1, wherein the panel forms at least a
portion of a shoe sidewall.
10. The article of claim 1, wherein the panel forms at least a
portion of a shoe tongue.
11. A panel, comprising: a panel body defining an outer perimeter
and being formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates
and dissipates vibration, the panel body having first and second
major surfaces, the reinforced elastomer material comprising: first
and second elastomer layers; and a reinforcement layer disposed
between and generally separating the first and second elastomer
layers, the reinforcement layer comprising a layer of a high
tensile strength fibrous material, the high tensile strength
fibrous material being generally connected to the first and second
elastomer layers generally uniformly throughout within the outer
perimeter to provide substantially complete coverage between the
first and second elastomer layers, the high tensile strength
fibrous material being generally compliant only in a direction
generally perpendicular to the first major surface so as to be
generally non energy storing in the direction, wherein the high
tensile strength fibrous material generally distributes impact
energy parallel to the first major surface and into the first and
second elastomer layers and generally prevents elongation of the
panel body in a second direction generally parallel to the first
major surface.
12. The panel of claim 11, wherein that panel is generally planar
and the reinforcement layer is generally parallel to the first
major surface.
13. The panel of claim 11, wherein the reinforcement layer is
generally interlocked in and generally held in position by the
first and second elastomer layers.
14. The panel of claim 13, wherein the panel forms a shoe insert
body having a generally elongated shape with the outer perimeter
configured to substantially conform to a sole of the shoe so that
the shoe insert body extends along an inner surface of the shoe
from a location proximate to a heel of the shoe to a toe of the
shoe, the shoe insert body being generally planar and generally
dampening energy away from an associated foot during use.
17. The panel of claim 13, wherein the panel forms at least a
portion of a sole of a shoe.
18. The panel of claim 13, wherein the panel forms at least a
portion of a shoe sidewall.
19. The panel of claim 11, wherein the panel forms at least a
portion of a shoe tongue.
20. The panel of claim 11, wherein the high tensile strength
fibrous material is woven to prevent substantial elongation of the
panel in a second direction parallel to the first major surface
when impact energy is received thereon.
21. The panel of claim 20, wherein the reinforcement layer is
generally interlocked in and generally held in position by the
first and second elastomer layers.
22. The panel of claim 11, wherein the high tensile strength
material is pressed to form a sheet that is generally held in
position by the first and second elastomer layers.
23. The panel of claim 11, wherein the high tensile strength
material forms a cloth that is generally held in position by the
first and second elastomer layers.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/958,611, filed
Oct. 5, 2004, which is a continuation in part of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,215, filed May
27, 2004, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/659,560, filed Sep. 10, 2003, which
is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/939,319, filed on Aug. 27, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,652,398; this application also claims priority to each of U.S.
patent applications Ser. Nos. 10/958,941, 10/958,767, 10/958,952,
and 10/958,745; priority to each of the above identified eight
applications is claimed and each of the above identified
applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if fully
set forth in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention is directed to a material adapted to
reduce vibration and, more specifically, to a material adapted to
dissipate and evenly distribute vibrations transmitted to one side
of the material.
[0003] Handles of sporting equipment, bicycles, hand tools, etc.
are often made of wood, metal or polymer that transmit vibrations
that can make the items uncomfortable for prolonged gripping.
Sporting equipment, such as bats, balls, shoe insoles and
sidewalls, also transmit vibrations during the impact that commonly
occurs during athletic contests. These vibrations can be
problematic in that they can potentially distract the player's
attention, adversely effect performance, and/or injure a portion of
a player's body.
[0004] Rigid polymer materials are typically used to provide grips
for tools and sports equipment. The use of rigid polymers allows
users to maintain control of the equipment but is not very
effective at reducing vibrations. While it is known that softer
materials provide better vibration regulation characteristics, such
materials do not have the necessary rigidity for incorporation into
sporting equipment, hand tools, shoes or the like. This lack of
rigidity allows unintended movement of the equipment encased by the
soft material relative to a user's hand or body.
[0005] Prolonged or repetitive contact with excessive vibrations
can injure a person. The desire to avoid such injury can result in
reduced athletic performance and decreased efficiency when working
with tools.
[0006] Clearly what is needed is a vibration dissipating material
adapted to regulate vibration that provides the necessary rigidity
for effective vibration distribution; that can dampen and reduce
vibrational energy; and that exhibits superior vibration
dissipation.
SUMMARY
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
insert body having a generally elongated shape with an outer
perimeter configured to substantially conform to a sole of the
footwear so that the insert body extends along an inner surface of
the footwear from a location proximate to a heel of the footwear to
a toe of the footwear. The insert body is generally planar and
formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates and
dissipates vibration. The insert body has first and second major
surfaces. The reinforced elastomer material includes first and
second elastomer layers. A reinforcement layer is disposed between
and generally separates the first and second elastomer layers. The
reinforcement layer includes a layer of a high tensile strength
fibrous material. The high tensile strength fibrous material is
generally connected to the first and second elastomer layers
generally uniformly throughout within the outer perimeter to
provide substantially complete coverage between the first and
second elastomer layers. The high tensile strength fibrous material
is generally compliant only in a direction generally perpendicular
to the first major surface so as to be generally non energy storing
in the direction. The high tensile strength fibrous material
generally distributes impact energy parallel to the first major
surface and into the first and second elastomer layers.
[0008] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an
article of footwear having a panel of vibration dissipating
material including a panel body having an outer perimeter and
formed by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates and
dissipates vibration. The panel body has first and second major
surfaces. The reinforced elastomer material includes first and
second elastomer layers. A reinforcement layer is disposed between
and generally separates the first and second elastomer layers, the
reinforcement layer comprising a layer of a high tensile strength
fibrous material. The high tensile strength fibrous material is
generally connected to the first and second elastomer layers
generally uniformly throughout within the outer perimeter to
provide substantially complete coverage between the first and
second elastomer layers. The high tensile strength fibrous material
is generally compliant only in a direction generally perpendicular
to the first major surface so as to be generally non energy storing
in the direction. The high tensile strength fibrous material
generally distributes impact energy parallel to the first major
surface and into the first and second elastomer layers and
generally prevents elongation of the panel body in a second
direction parallel to the first major surface.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
panel including a panel body defining an outer perimeter and formed
by a reinforced elastomer material that regulates and dissipates
vibration. The panel body has first and second major surfaces. The
reinforced elastomer material includes first and second elastomer
layers. A reinforcement layer disposed between and generally
separates the first and second elastomer layers. The reinforcement
layer includes a layer of a high tensile strength fibrous material.
The high tensile strength fibrous material is generally connected
to the first and second elastomer layers generally uniformly
throughout within the outer perimeter to provide substantially
complete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers.
The high tensile strength fibrous material is generally compliant
only in a direction generally perpendicular to the first major
surface so as to be generally non energy storing in the direction.
The high tensile strength fibrous material generally distributes
impact energy parallel to the first major surface and into the
first and second elastomer layers and generally prevents elongation
of the panel body in a second direction generally parallel to the
first major surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention,
there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently
preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentality shown. In
the drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of the material of the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 2 is perspective view of the material of FIG. 1
configured to form a grip.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a baseball bat having a
cover in the form of a sleeve on the handle area in accordance with
this invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmental cross-sectional view of the
bat and sleeve shown in FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the results in the
application of shock forces on a cover in accordance with this
invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing an alternative
sleeve mounted on a different implement;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 6 showing still yet
another form of sleeve in accordance with this invention; FIG. 8 is
a cross-sectional longitudinal view showing an alternative cover in
accordance with this invention mounted on a further type of
implement;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional longitudinal view showing an
alternative cover in accordance with this invention mounted on a
further type of implement;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view of yet another cover in
accordance with this invention;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a hammer incorporating an
abrasive dampening handle in accordance with this invention; FIG. 8
is an elevational view showing a portion of a handlebar
incorporating a vibration dampening cover in accordance with this
invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an elevational view showing a portion of a
handlebar incorporating a vibration dampening cover in accordance
with this invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 of yet another practice
of this invention;
[0023] FIGS. 13-16 are plan views of various forms of the
intermediate force dissipating layer which is used in certain
practices of this invention;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portable electronic
device case having a panel formed from the material of the present
invention; the panel can form the entire case, or just portions of
the case, without departing from the scope of the present
invention; the illustrated case can be used with laptops, cell
phones, GPS devices, portable music playing devices, such as MP3
players, walkie talkies, hand held video games, or the like without
departing from the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a shoe insert formed from the
material of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a shoe having a panel
formed from the material of the present invention; while the panel
is shown proximate to the heel of the shoe, the panel's size and
placement can vary without departing from the scope of the present
invention; for example, the panel can be positioned along a
sidewall of the shoe, in the sole or mid-sole of the shoe, on the
toe of the shoe, in the tongue of the shoe, or the panel can form
the entire upper portion of the shoe, or the like;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a firearm with a grip
having at least a panel formed by the material of the present
invention; the grip can be entirely formed by the material of the
present invention; while the grip is shown on a handgun, those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the grip can be used
on any rifle, shotgun, paint ball gun, or projectile launching
device without departing from the present invention; the firearm
grip can be a separate wrap around grip or can be a grip attached
and/or molded to the firearm;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a sock having panels formed
by the material of the present invention; the panels can be of any
size and configuration; the panels can form the sock itself or be
attached to an underlying fabric, such as a cotton weave;
[0029] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a kneepad having a panel
formed by the material of the present invention; the panel can be
of any size and configuration; the panels that are formed by the
material of the present invention can be integrated in any type of
kneepad or other article of clothing;
[0030] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one
embodiment of the material of the present invention that may be
used to form a panel, covering, casing, or container as taken along
the line 23-23 of FIGS. 17-22 and 24-30;
[0031] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a panel formed by
the material of the present invention used to cover a dashboard,
and/or a floorboard of an automobile; the panel can be used in a
boat, plane, motorcycle, all terrain vehicle, train, racing
vehicle, or the like and can be used in any part of a vehicle, such
as a seat, roll bar, floor panel, speaker insulation, engine
mounts, or the like without departing from the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a roll bar for use with a
vehicle that incorporates the material of the present invention as
padding thereover; the roll bar padding may include a panel of the
material of the present invention or may be formed entirely of the
material of the present invention; and
[0033] FIGS. 26-30 are perspective views of tape or other wrapping
material that may include a panel of or that may be entirely made
of the material of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and is not limiting. The term "implement," as used
in the specification and in the claims, means "any one of a
baseball bat, racket, hockey stick, softball bat, sporting
equipment, firearm, or the like." The above terminology includes
the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and
words of similar import. Additionally, the words "a" and "one" are
defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless
specifically stated otherwise.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like numerals indicate
like elements throughout, there is shown a preferred embodiment of
a material adapted to regulate vibration according to the present
invention, generally designated 10. Briefly stated, the material 10
of the present invention is formed by at least a first elastomer
layer 12A and a layer of high tensile strength fibrous material 14.
The material 10 can be incorporated into athletic gear, grips for
sports equipment, grips for tools, and protective athletic gear.
The panels 305 of the material 10 can be incorporated into the
various items disclosed in this application. The panel defines an
outer perimeter 314 and may extend throughout the entire item, that
is the panel 305 may actually form the entire shoe insert, case, or
other item. Alternatively, multiple panels can be separately
located on an item. More specifically, the material 10 can be used:
to form grips for a tennis racquet, hockey sticks, golf clubs,
baseball bats or the like; to form protective athletic gear for
mitts, headbands, helmets, knee pads 323 (shown in FIG. 22), umpire
padding, gloves, mouth guards, pads, or the like; to form seats or
handle bar covers for bicycles, motorcycles, or the like; to form
boots for skiing, roller blading or the like; to form clothing
(such as shirts, gloves, pants, etc.) or footwear 311 (shown in
FIG. 19), such as shoe soles 313, shoe uppers 315, shoe lowers,
shoe pads, ankle pads, toe pads 317, shoe inserts, and to provide
padding 319 to socks 321 (shown in FIG. 21), such as sock bottoms;
to form padding 307 (shown in FIG. 17) for portable electronics,
such as cell phone cases, PDA cases, laptop cases, gun cases, radio
cases, cassette cases, MP3 player cases, calculator cases; to form
padding for speakers; to provide padding 325 (see FIG. 24) and
soundproofing for automobiles 327, such as providing pole and/or
roll bar padding 329 (shown in FIG. 25) in vehicles, such as
automobiles, boats, trucks, all terrain vehicles, etc., providing
insulation panels 329 for cars, for use in engine mounts; to form
grips 309 (shown in FIG. 20) for firearms, hand guns, rifles,
shotguns, or the like; to form grips for tools such as hammers,
drills, screw drivers, circular saws, chisels or the like; and to
form part or all of bandages and/or wraps 331 (shown in FIGS.
26-30).
[0036] The material 10 is preferably generally non elastic in a
direction generally perpendicular "X" to a major material surface
316A (shown in FIG. 23) and thus, does not provide a spring like
effect when experiencing impact force. It is preferred that the
material 10 is generally compliant in the direction "X" which is
perpendicular to the major material surface 316A, 316B so as to be
generally non energy storing in the direction "X". It is preferred
that the reinforcement layer generally distribute impact energy
parallel to the major surfaces 316A, 316B and into the first and
second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The material 10 is preferably
designed to reduce sensible vibration (and thus generally dampen
and divert energy away from the object or person covered by the
material).
[0037] The first elastomer layer 12A acts a shock absorber by
converting mechanical vibrational energy into heat energy. The high
tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 redirects vibrational
energy and provides increased stiffness to the material 10 to
facilitate a user's ability to control an implement 20 encased, or
partially encased, by the material 10. It is preferred, but not
necessary, that the high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14
be formed of aramid material.
[0038] In one embodiment, the composite material 10 may have three
generally independent and separate layers including the first
elastomer layer 12A and a second elastomer layer 12B. Elastomer
material provides vibration damping by dissipating vibrational
energy. Suitable elastomer materials include, but are not limited
urethane rubbers, silicone rubbers, nitrile rubbers, butyl rubbers,
acrylic rubbers, natural rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubbers, and
the like. In general, any suitable elastomer material can be used
to form the first and second elastomer layers without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For example the elastomer
layers may be thermoset elastomer layers.
[0039] The material 10 can include additional layers thereover,
such as a generally rigid material or the like. For example, one or
more generally rigid plates of rigid material can be positioned
over the material 10 to distribute impact force over an increased
amount of the material. This can be useful when using the material
in umpire vests, bulletproof vests, shoulder pads, shoes, or in any
other application where a generally rigid outer layer is
desired.
[0040] The softness of elastomer materials can be quantified using
Shore A durometer ratings. Generally speaking, the lower the
durometer rating, the softer the material and the more effective an
elastomer layer is at absorbing and dissipating vibration because
less force is channeled through the elastomer. When a soft
elastomer material is squeezed, an individual's fingers are
imbedded in the elastomer which increases the surface area of
contact between the user's hand and creates irregularities in the
outer material surface to allow a user to firmly grasp any
implement 20 covered, or partially covered, by the material.
However, the softer the elastomer layers 12A, 12B, the less control
a user has when manipulating an implement 20 covered by the
elastomer. If the elastomer layer is too soft (i.e., if the
elastomer layer has too low of a Shore A durometer rating), then
the implement 20 may rotate unintentionally relative to a user's
hand or foot. The material 10 of the present invention is
preferably designed to use first and second elastomer layers 12A,
12B having Shore A durometer ratings that provide an optimum
balance between allowing a user to precisely manipulate and control
the implement 20 and effectively damping vibration during use of
the implement 20.
[0041] It is preferable, but not necessary, that the elastomer used
with the material 10 have a Shore A durometer of between
approximately ten (10) and approximately eighty (80). It is
preferred that the first elastomer layer have a Shore A durometer
of between approximately ten (10) and approximately twenty-five
(25) and that the second elastomer layer has a Shore A durometer of
between approximately twenty-five (25) and approximately forty-five
(45).
[0042] The first elastomer layer 12A is preferably used to absorb
vibrational energy and to convert vibrational energy into heat
energy. The second elastomer layer 12B is also used to absorb
vibrational energy, but also provides a compliant and comfortable
grip for a user to grasp (or provides a surface for a portion of a
user's body, such as the under sole of a user's foot when the
material 10 is formed as a shoe insert).
[0043] In one embodiment, the first elastomer layer 12A preferably
has Shore A durometer of approximately fifteen (15) and the second
elastomer layer has a Shore A durometer of approximately forty-two
(42). If the first and second elastomer have generally the same
Shore A durometer ratings, then it is preferable, but not
necessary, that the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B have
a Shore A durometer of fifteen (15), thirty-two (32), or forty-two
(42).
[0044] The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is
preferably, but not necessarily, formed of aramid fibers. The
fibers can be woven to form a cloth layer 16 that is disposed
between and generally separates the first and second elastomer
layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer 16 can be formed of aramid fibers,
high tensile strength fibers, fiberglass, or other types of fiber.
It is preferred that the cloth layer 16 does not have suitable
rigidity for use as an open gridwork having any significant energy
storage capability. It is preferred that the material which forms
the reinfocement layer 14 is generally bonded to the elastomer
layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer 16 preferably generally separates
the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B causing the material
10 to have three generally distinct and separate layers 12A, 12B,
14. The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 blocks and
redirects vibrational energy that passes through one of the
elastomer layers 12A or 12B to facilitate the dissipation of
vibrations. The high tensile strength fibers 18 redirect
vibrational energy along the length of the fibers 18. Thus, when
the plurality of high tensile strength fibers 18 are woven to form
the cloth layer 16, vibrational energy emanating from the implement
20 that is not absorbed or dissipated by the first elastomer layer
12A is redistributed evenly along the material 10 by the cloth
layer 16 and then further dissipated by the second elastomer layer
12B.
[0045] The cloth layer 16 is preferably generally interlocked in,
generally affixed to, or generally fixed in position by the
elastomer layers 12A, 12B in order for the cloth layer 16 to block
and redirect vibrational energy to facilitate dissipation of
vibrations.
[0046] It is preferable that the high tensile strength fibers 18 be
formed of a suitable polyamide fiber of high tensile strength with
a high resistance to elongation. However, those of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any aramid
fiber suitable to channel vibration can be used to form the high
tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 without departing from
scope of the present invention. Additionally, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that loose
fibers or chopped fibers can be used to form the high tensile
strength fibrous material layer 14 without departing from the scope
of the present invention. The high tensile strength fibrous
material may also be formed of fiberglass. The high tensile
strength fibrous material preferably prevents the material 10 from
substantially elongating in a direction parallel to the major
material surfaces 316A, 316B during use. It is preferred that the
amount of elongation is less than ten (10%) percent. It is more
preferred that the amount of elongation is less than four (4%)
percent. It is most preferred that the amount of elongation is less
than one (1%) percent.
[0047] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this
disclosure that the material 10 can be formed of two independent
layers without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the material 10 can be formed of a first elastomer
layer 12A and an high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14
(which may be woven into a cloth layer 16) that is disposed on the
first elastomer 12A.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 23, The material 10 may be
configured and adapted to form an insert 310 for a shoe. When the
material 10 is configured to form a shoe insert 310, the material
10 is preferably adapted to extend along an inner surface of the
shoe from a location proximate to a heel of the shoe to the toe of
the shoe. In addition to forming a shoe insert 310, the material 10
can be located along the sides of a shoe to protect the wearer's
foot from lateral impact.
[0049] When the material of the present invention forms an insert
310 for a shoe, the insert 310 includes a shoe insert body 312
having a generally elongated shape with an outer perimeter 314
configured to substantially conform to a sole of the shoe so that
the shoe insert body 312 extends along an inner surface of the shoe
from a location proximate to a heel of the shoe to a toe of the
shoe. The shoe insert body 312 is preferably generally planar and
formed by a reinforced elastomer material 10 that regulates and
dissipates vibration. The shoe insert body 312 has first and second
major surfaces 316A, 316B. The reinforced elastomer material 10
preferably includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. In
one embodiment it is preferred that the first and second elastomer
layers are generally free of voids therein and/or that the
elastomer layers are formed by thermoset elastomer.
[0050] A reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally
separates the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The
reinforcement layer 14 may include a layer formed of a plurality of
high tensile strength fibrous material. Alternatively, the
reinforcement layer may be formed of aramid, fiberglass, regular
cloth, or the like. The reinforcement layer may be formed by woven
fibers. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the reinforcement
layer consist of a only a single cloth layer of material.
[0051] The woven high tensile strength fibrous material is
preferably connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A,
12B generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially
complete coverage between the first and second elastomer layers
12A, 12B. The cloth layer is generally compliant only in a
direction "X" generally perpendicular to the first major surface
316A so as to be generally non energy storing in the direction "X".
Wherein the high tensile strength fibrous material 14 generally
distributes impact energy parallel to the first major surface 316A
and into the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The
reinforcement layer 14 preferably prevents the shoe insert 310 from
substantially elongating during use. The reinforced elastomer 10
can also be used as a sole for footwear or as part of a sole or
insole for footwear. The reinforced elastomer can also be used to
provide padding within or along a side or upper portion of a shoe
or boot.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 4, 9, 10, and 20, the material 10 may be
configured and adapted to form a grip 22 for an implement such as a
bat, having a handle 24 and a proximal end 26 (i.e., the end
proximal to where the bat is normally gripped). The material 10 is
preferably adapted to enclose a portion of the handle 24 and to
enclose the proximal end 26 of the bat or implement 20. When grip
is used with a firearm the grip can be a wrap around grip or can be
attached and/or molded to the firearm. As best shown in FIG. 2, it
is preferable that the grip 22 be formed as a single body that
completely encloses the proximal end of the implement 20. The
material 10 may be also be configured and adapted to form a grip 22
for a tennis racket or similar implement 20 having a handle 24 and
a proximal end 26.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, when the material of the present
invention is directed to one of the types of grips described in
this application (e.g., a gun grip, tool grip, golf club grip,
etc.), the grip 22 includes a grip body 318 having a generally
tubular shape configured to cover a portion of the associated
device. As such, the grip body 318 can have a generally circular,
oval, rectangular, octagonal, polygonal cross-section or the like.
The grip body 318 is formed by a reinforced elastomer material 10
that regulates and dissipates vibration. The grip body 318 defines
a first direction "Y", tangential to an outer surface 320 of the
grip body 318, and a second direction "Z", generally perpendicular
to the outer surface 320 of the grip body 318.
[0054] The reinforced elastomer material 10 includes first and
second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. A reinforcement layer 14 is
disposed between and generally separates the first and second
elastomer layers 12A, 12B. In some embodiments, the elastomer layer
is generally free of voids and/or is a thermoset elastomer. The
reinforcement layer 14 preferably includes a layer of high tensile
strength fibrous material. The high tensile strength fibrous
material can be woven into a cloth, chopped, or otherwise
distributed. Instead of the reinforcement layer 14 being formed by
high tensile strength fibrous material, the reinforcement layer 14
can be formed by a layer of fiberglass, aramid, or any other
suitable material.
[0055] The high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is
connected to the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B
generally uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete
coverage between the first and second elastomer layers. This
preferably prevents sliding movement between the reinforcement
layer 14 and the elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The cloth layer is
preferably generally compliant only in the second direction "Z" so
as to be generally non energy storing in the second direction "Z".
The high tensile fibrous material generally distributes impact
energy parallel to the first direction "Y" and into the first and
second elastomer layers. This causes vibrational energy to be
reduced and dampened rather than bounced back against the hand
grasping the grip.
[0056] While the grip 22 will be described below in connection with
a baseball or softball bat, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the grip 22 can be used with any of the equipment,
tools, or devices mentioned above without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
[0057] When the grip 22 is used with a baseball or softball bat,
the grip 22 preferably covers approximately seventeen (17) inches
of the handle of the bat as well as covers the knob (i.e., the
proximal end 26 of the implement 20) of the bat. The configuration
of the grip 22 to extend over a significant portion of the bat
length contributes to increased vibrational damping. It is
preferred, but not necessary, that the grip 22 be formed as a
single, contiguous, one-piece member.
[0058] The baseball bat (or implement 20) has a handle 24 including
a handle body 28 having a longitudinal portion 30 and a proximal
end 26. The material 10 preferably encases at least some of the
longitudinal portion 30 and the proximal end 26 of the handle 24.
The material 10 can be produced as a composite having two generally
separate and distinct layers including a first elastomer layer 12A
and a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 (which may be
a woven cloth layer 16) disposed on the elastomer layer 12A. The
high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is preferably
formed of woven fibers 18. The second elastomer layer 12B may be
disposed on a major surface of the high tensile strength fibrous
material layer 14 opposite from the first elastomer layer 12A.
[0059] As best shown in FIG. 2, a preferred grip 22 is adapted for
use with an implement 20 having a handle and a proximal handle end.
The grip 22 includes a tubular shell 32 having a distal open end 34
adapted to surround a portion of the handle and a closed proximal
end 36 adapted to enclose the proximal end of the handle. The
tubular shell 32 is preferably formed of the material 10 which
dissipates vibration. The material 10 preferably has at least two
generally separate layers including a first elastomer layer 12A and
a high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 (which fibers 18
may be woven to form a cloth layer 16) disposed on the first
elastomer layer 12A.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 17-22 and 24-30, when the material of the
present invention is directed to one of the types of padding
described above (e.g., speaker padding and/or insulation, shoe
padding, electronic device cases, mouth guards, umpire protective
gear, car interior padding, rollover bar padding, or the like, tool
grip, golf club grip, etc.), the padding or item may include a
panel 305 formed by a panel body 324 preferably having a generally
planar shape. The panel body is preferably configured for placement
in a particular location or for covering a portion of an associated
device or object. It is preferable that the panel body is flexible
so that shaped objects can be wrapped therein. As such, the panel
body 324 may be bent around a generally circular, oval,
rectangular, octagonal, or polygonal shaped object.
[0061] The panel body 324 is formed by a reinforced elastomer
material that regulates and dissipates vibration. As shown in FIGS.
4 and 20, the panel body 324 defines a first direction "Y",
tangential, or parallel, to an outer surface of the padding body
324, and a second direction "Z", generally perpendicular to the
outer surface of the panel body. The reinforced elastomer material
includes first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. A
reinforcement layer 14 is disposed between and generally separates
the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. In one embodiment
the elastomer layers 12A, 12B are preferably free of voids and/or
formed by a thermoset elastomer. The reinforcement layer 14
preferably includes a layer of high tensile strength fibrous
material. The high tensile strength fibrous material can be woven
into a cloth, chopped, or otherwise distributed. Instead of the
reinforcement layer 14 being formed by high tensile strength
fibrous material, the reinforcement layer 14 can be formed by a
layer of fiberglass, aramid, or any other suitable material. The
high tensile strength fibrous material layer 14 is connected to the
first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B generally uniformly
throughout to provide substantially complete coverage between the
first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. The reinforcement layer
14 is preferably generally compliant only in the second direction
so as to be generally non energy storing in the second direction
"Z". The reinforcement layer 14 generally distributes impact energy
parallel to the first direction "Y" and into the first and second
elastomer layers 12A, 12B. This causes vibrational energy to be
reduced and dampened rather than bounced back. It is preferable
that the reinforcement layer 14 prevents the padding from
elongating during impact. The panel body 324 can form part or all
of a cell phone case, a laptop case, a shoe sidewall, protective
umpire gear, a mouth guard, knee pads, interior panels for
automobiles or the like.
[0062] Multiple methods can be used to produce the composite or
vibration dissipating material 10 of the present invention. One
method is to extrude the material by pulling an high tensile
strength fibrous cloth layer 16 from a supply roll while placing
the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B on both sides of the
woven high tensile strength fibrous cloth 16. A second method of
producing the material 10 of the present invention is to mold the
first elastomer layer 12A onto the implement 20, then to weave an
aramid fiber layer thereover, and then to mold the second elastomer
layer 12B thereover.
[0063] Alternatively, a cloth layer 16 can be pressured fit to an
elastomer layer to form the material 10. Accordingly, the cloth
layer 16 can be generally embedded in or held in place by the
elastomer layer. The pressured fitting of the reinforcement layer,
or fabric layer, 14 to an elastomer preferably results in the
reinforcement layer, or fabric layer, 14 being generally
interlocked in and/or bonded in position by the elastomer. Thus,
the cloth layer can be generally interlocked with the elastomer
layer. It is preferable that the high tensile strength cloth
generally not be able to slide laterally between the first and
second elastomer layers. the cloth layer in the resulting material
would be generally fixed in position. One of ordinary skill in the
art would realize that the cloth layer 14 in the resulting material
would be generally interlocked and/or bonded in position by the
elastomer 12A, 12B.
[0064] It is preferred that the woven high tensile strength fibers
are connected to the first and second elastomer layers generally
uniformly throughout to provide substantially complete coverage
between the first and second thermoset elastomer layers. The cloth
layer is generally non energy storing in a direction generally
perpendicular to a major material surface. This results in the
vibrational energy being generally evenly redistributed throughout
the material by the cloth layer. This is due to the high tensile
strength fibers transmitting/storing energy unidirectionally along
the length of the fiber and generally not storing energy in a
direction generally perpendicular to the length of the fiber or
perpendicular to a cloth layer formed by the fibers.
[0065] In other words, the cloth layer 16 is preferably compliant
generally only in a direction generally perpendicular to a major
material surface so as to be generally non energy storing in the
direction perpendicular to the major material surface and to
generally distribute energy parallel to the major material surface
and into the first and second elastomer layers. The present
invention preferably generally dissipates vibration throughout the
material to prevent "bounce back" (e.g., to avoid having a runner's
feet absorb too much vibration during athletics).
[0066] In some cases the high tensile fibrous material can be
pulped to form an imperforate sheet that may be secured in position
between the first and second elastomer layers 12A, 12B. Those of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that
any known method of making composite or vibration dissipating
materials can be used to form the material 10.
[0067] The covering of the proximal end of an implement 20 by the
grip 22 results in reduced vibration transmission and in improved
counter balancing of the distal end of the implement 20 by moving
the center of mass of the implement 20 closer to the hand of a user
(i.e., closer to the proximal end 26). This facilitates the
swinging of the implement 20 and can improve sports performance
while reducing the fatigue associated with repetitive motion.
[0068] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate another embodiment of the present
invention. As shown therein a cover in the form of a sleeve 210 is
mounted on the handle or lower portion 218 of a baseball bat 210.
Sleeve 210 is premolded so that it can be fit onto the handle
portion of the bat 212 in a quick and convenient manner. This can
be accomplished by having the sleeve 210 made of a stretchable or
resilient material so that its upper end 214 would be pulled open
and could be stretched to fit over the knob 217 of the bat 212.
Alternatively, or in addition, sleeve 210 may be provided with a
longitudinal slit 16 to permit the sleeve to be pulled at least
partially open and thereby facilitate snapping the sleeve 210 over
the handle 218 of the bat 212. The sleeve would remain mounted in
place due to the tacky nature of the sleeve material and/or by the
application of a suitable adhesive on the inner surface of the
sleeve and/or on the outer surface of handle 218.
[0069] A characterizing feature of sleeve 210, as illustrated in
FIGS. 3-4, is that the lower end of the sleeve includes an
outwardly extending peripheral knob 2220. Knob 220 could be a
separate cap snapped onto or secured in any other manner to the
main portion of sleeve 210. Alternatively, knob 220 could be
integral with and molded as part of the sleeve 210.
[0070] In a broad practice of this invention, sleeve 210 can be a
single layer. The material would have the appropriate hardness and
vibration dampening characteristics. The outer surface of the
material would be tacky having high friction characteristics.
[0071] Alternatively, the sleeve 210 could be formed from a two
layer laminate where the vibration absorbing material forms the
inner layer disposed against the handle, with a separate tacky
outer layer made from any suitable high friction material such as a
thermoplastic material with polyurethane being one example. Thus,
the two layer laminate would have an inner elastomer layer which is
characterized by its vibration dampening ability, while the main
characteristic of the outer elastomer layer is its tackiness to
provide a suitable gripping surface that would resist the tendency
for the user's hand to slide off the handle. The provision of the
knob 220 also functions both as a stop member to minimize the
tendency for the handle to slip from the user's hand and to
cooperate in the vibration dampening affect.
[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred form of multilayer laminate
which includes the inner vibration absorbing layer 222 and the
outer tacky gripping layer 224 with an intermediate layer 226 made
of a stiffening material which dissipates force. If desired layer
226 could be innermost and layer 224 could be the intermediate
layer. A preferred stiffening material would be aramid fibers which
could be incorporated in the material in any suitable manner as
later described with respect to FIGS. 13-16. However, fiberglass or
any high tensile strength fibrous material can be used as the
stiffening material forming the layer. Additionally, in one
embodiment, the stiffening layer is substantially embedded in or
held in place by the elastomer layer(s).
[0073] FIG. 5 schematically shows what is believed to be the affect
of the shock forces from vibration when the implement makes contact
such as from the bat 212 striking a ball. FIG. 5 shows the force
vectors in accordance with a three layer laminate, such as
illustrated in FIG. 4, wherein elastomeric layers 222,224 are made
of a silicone material. The intermediate layer 226 is an aramid
layer made of aramid fibers. The initial shock or vibration is
shown by the lateral or transverse arrows 228 on each side of the
sleeve laminate 210. This causes the elastomeric layers 222,224 to
be compressed along the arc 230. The inclusion of the intermediate
layer 226 made from a force dissipating material spreads the
vibration longitudinally as shown by the arrows 232. The linear
spread of the vibration causes a rebound effect which totally
dampens the vibration.
[0074] Laboratory tests were carried out at a prominent university
to evaluate various grips mounted on baseball bats. In the testing,
baseball bats with various grips were suspended from the ceiling by
a thin thread; this achieves almost a free boundary condition that
is needed to determine the true characteristics of the bats. Two
standard industrial accelerometers were mounted on a specially
fabricated sleeve roughly in positions where the left hand and the
right hand would grip the bat. A known force was delivered to the
bat with a standard calibrated impact hammer at three positions,
one corresponding to the sweet spot, the other two simulating "miss
hits" located on the mid-point and shaft of the bat. The time
history of the force as well as the accelerations were routed
through a signal conditioning device and were connected to a data
acquisition device. This was connected to a computer which was used
to log the data.
[0075] Two series of tests were conducted. In the first test, a
control bat (with a standard rubber grip, WORTH Bat--model #C405)
was compared to identical bats with several "Sting-Free" grips
representing practices of the invention. These "Sting-Free" grips
were comprised of two layers of pure silicone with various types of
high tensile fibrous material inserted between the two layers of
silicone. The types of KEVLAR, a type of aramid fiber that has high
tensile strength, used in this test were referenced as follows:
"005", "645", "120", "909". Also, a bat with just a thick layer of
silicone but no KEVLAR was tested. With the exception of the thick
silicone (which was deemed impractical because of the excessive
thickness), the "645" bat showed the best reduction in vibration
magnitudes.
[0076] The second series of tests were conducted using EASTON Bats
(model #BK8) with the "645" KEVLAR in different combinations with
silicone layers: The first bat tested was comprised of one bottom
layer of silicone with a middle layer of the "645" KEVLAR and one
top layer of silicone referred to as "111". The second bat test was
comprised of two bottom layers of silicone with a middle layer of
KEVLAR and one top layer of silicone referred to as "211". The
third bat tested was comprised of one bottom layer of silicone with
a middle layer of KEVLAR and two top layers of silicone referred to
as "112". The "645" bat with the "111" configuration showed the
best reduction in vibration magnitudes.
[0077] In order to quantify the effect of this vibration reduction,
two criteria were defined: (I) the time it takes for the vibration
to dissipate to an imperceptible value; and, (2) the magnitude of
vibration in the range of frequencies at which the human hand is
most sensitive.
[0078] The sting-free grips reduced the vibration in the baseball
bats by both quantitative measures. In particular, the "645" KEVLAR
in a "111" configuration was the best in vibration reduction. In
the case of a baseball bat, the "645" reduced the bat's vibration
in about 1/5 the time it took the control rubber grip to do so. The
F reduction in peak magnitude of vibration ranged from 60% to 80%,
depending on the impact location and magnitude.
[0079] It was concluded that the "645" KEVLAR grip in a "111"
combination reduces the magnitude of sensible vibration by 80% that
is induced in a baseball bat when a player hits a ball with it.
This was found to be true for a variety of impacts at different
locations along the length of the bat. Hence, a person using the
"Sting-Free" grips of the invention would clearly experience a
considerable reduction in the sting effect (pain) when using the
"Sting-free" grip than one would with a standard grip.
[0080] In view of the above tests a particularly preferred practice
of the invention involves a multilayer laminate having an aramid
such as KEVLAR, sandwiched between layers of pure silicone. The
above indicated tests show dramatic results with this embodiment of
the invention. As also indicated above, however, the laminate could
comprise other combinations of layers such as a plurality of bottom
layers of silicone or a plurality of top layers of silicone. other
variations include a repetitive laminate assembly wherein a
vibration dampening layer is innermost with a force dissipating
layer against the lower vibration dampening layer and then with a
second vibration dampening layer over the force dissipating layer
followed by a second force dissipating layer, etc. with the final
laminate layer being a gripping layer which could also be made of
vibration dampening material. Among the considerations in
determining which laminate should be used would be the thickness
limitations and the desired vibration dampening properties.
[0081] The various layers could have different relative
thicknesses. Preferably, the vibration dampening layer, such as
layer 222, would be the thickest of the layers. The outermost
gripping layer, however, could be of the same thickness as the
vibration dampening layer, such as layer 224 shown in FIG. 4 or
could be a thinner layer since the main function of the outer layer
is to provide sufficient friction to assure a firm gripping action.
A particularly advantageous feature of the invention where a force
dissipating stiffening layer is used is that the force dissipating
layer could be very thin and still achieve its intended results.
Thus, the force dissipating layer would preferably be the thinnest
of the layers, although it might be of generally the same thickness
as the outer gripping layer. If desired the laminate could also
include a plurality of vibration dampening layers (such as thin
layers of gel material) and/or a plurality of stiffening force
dissipating layers. Where such plural layers are used, the various
layers could differ in the thickness from each other.
[0082] FIGS. 3-4 show the use of the invention where the sleeve 210
is mounted over a baseball bat 212 having a knob 217. The same
general type structure could also be used where the implement does
not have a knob similar to a baseball bat knob. FIG. 6, for
example, illustrates a variation of the invention wherein the
sleeve 210A would be mounted on the handle 218A of an implement
that does not terminate in any knob. Such implement could be
various types of athletic equipment, tools, etc. The sleeve 210A,
however, would still have a knob 2220A which would include an outer
gripping layer 224A, an intermediate force dissipating layer 226A
and an inner vibration dampening layer 222A. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 6, the handle 218A extends into the knob 220A. Thus,
the inner layer 222A would have an accommodating recess 34 for
receiving the handle 218A. The inner layer 222A would also be of
greater thickness in the knob area as illustrated.
[0083] FIG. 7 shows a variation where the sleeve 210B fits over
handle 218B without the handle 218B penetrating the knob 220B. As
illustrated, the outer gripping layer 224B would be of uniform
thickness both in the gripping area and in the knob. Similarly, the
intermediate force dissipating layer 226B would also be of uniform
thickness. The inner shock absorbing layer 222B, however, would
completely occupy the portion of the knob inwardly of the force
dissipating layer 226B since the handle 218B terminates short of
the knob 2220B.
[0084] FIG. 8 shows a variation of the invention where the gripping
cover 236 does not include a knob. As shown therein, the gripping
cover would be mounted over the gripping area of a handle 238 in
any suitable manner and would be held in place either by a
previously applied adhesive or due to the tacky nature of the
innermost vibration dampening layer 240 or due to resilient
characteristics of the cover 236. Additionally, the cover might be
formed directly on the handle 238. FIG. 10, for example, shows a
cover 236B which is applied in the form of tape.
[0085] As shown in FIG. 8 the cover 236 includes one of the
laminate variations where a force dissipating layer 242 is provided
over the inner vibration dampening layer 240 with a second
vibration dampening layer 244 applied over force dissipating layer
242 and with a final thin gripping layer 246 as the outermost
layer. As illustrated, the two vibration dampening layers 240 and
244 are the thickest layers and may be of the same or differing
thickness from each other. The force dissipating layer 242 and
outer gripping layer 244 are significantly thinner.
[0086] FIG. 9 shows a cover 236A mounted over a hollow handle 238A
which is of non-circular cross-section. Handle 238A may, for
example, have the octagonal shape of a tennis racquet.
[0087] FIG. 10 shows a further cover 236B mounted over the handle
portion of tool such as hammer 248. As illustrated, the cover 236B
is applied in tape form and would conform to the shape of the
handle portion of hammer 248. Other forms of covers could also be
applied rather than using a tape. Similarly, the tape could be used
as a means for applying a cover to other types of implements.
[0088] FIG. 11 illustrates a cover 236C mounted over the end of a
handlebar, such as the handlebar of various types of cycles or any
other device having a handlebar including steering wheels for
vehicles and the like. FIG. 11 also illustrates a variation where
the cover 236C has an outer contour with finger receiving recesses
252. Such recesses could also be utilized for covers of other types
of implements.
[0089] FIG. 12 illustrates a variation of the invention where the
cover 236D is mounted to the handle portion of an implement 254
with the extreme end 256 of the implement being bare. This
illustration is to show that the invention is intended to provide a
vibration dampening gripping cover for the handle of an implement
and that the cover need not extend beyond the gripping area. Thus,
there could be portions of the implement on both ends of the handle
without having the cover applied to those portions.
[0090] In a preferred practice of the invention, as previously
discussed, a force dissipating stiffening layer is provided as an
intermediate layer of a multilayer laminate where there is at least
one inner layer of vibration dampening material and an outer layer
of gripping material with the possibility of additional layers of
vibration dampening material and force dissipating layers of
various thickness. As noted the force dissipating layer could be
innermost. The invention may also be practiced where the laminate
includes one or more layers in addition to the gripping layer and
the stiffening layer and the vibration dampening layer. Such
additional layer(s) could be incorporated at any location in the
laminate, depending on its intended function (e.g., an adhesive
layer, a cushioning layer, etc.).
[0091] The force dissipating layer could be incorporated in the
laminate in various manners. FIG. 13, for example, illustrates a
force dissipating stiffening layer 258 in the form of a generally
imperforate sheet. FIG. 14 illustrates a force dissipating layer
260 in the form of an open mesh sheet. This is a particularly
advantageous manner of forming the force dissipating layer where it
is made of KEVLAR fibers. FIG. 15 illustrates a variation where the
force dissipating layer 262 is formed from a plurality of
individual strips of material 264 which are parallel to each other
and generally identical to each other in length and thickness as
well as spacing. FIG. 16 shows a variation where the force
dissipating layer 266 is made of individual strips 268 of different
sizes and which could be disposed in a more random fashion
regarding their orientation. Although all of the strips 268 are
illustrated in FIG. 214 as being parallel, non-parallel
arrangements could also be used.
[0092] The vibration dampening grip cover of this invention could
be used for a wide number of implements. Examples of such
implements include athletic equipment, hand tools and handlebars.
For example, such athletic equipment includes bats, racquets,
sticks, javelins, etc. Examples of tools include hammers,
screwdrivers, shovels, rakes, brooms, wrenches, pliers, knives,
handguns, air hammers, etc. Examples of handlebars include
motorcycles, bicycles and various types of steering wheels.
[0093] A preferred practice of this invention is to incorporate a
force dissipating layer, particularly an aramid, such as KEVLAR
fiber, into a composite with at least two elastomers. One elastomer
layer would function as a vibration dampening material and the
other outer elastomer layer which would function as a gripping
layer. The outer elastomer layer could also be a vibration
dampening material. Preferably, the outer layer completely covers
the composite.
[0094] There are an almost infinite number of possible uses for the
composite of laminate of this invention. In accordance with the
various uses the elastomer layers may have different degrees of
hardness, coefficient of friction and dampening of vibration.
Similarly, the thicknesses of the various layers could also vary in
accordance with the intended use. Examples of ranges of hardness
for the inner vibration dampening layer and the outer gripping
layer (which may also be a vibration absorbing layer) are 5-70
Durometer Shore A. One of the layers may have a range of 5-20
Durometer Shore A and the other a range of 30-70 Durometer Shore A
for either of these layers. The vibration dampening layer could
have a hardness of less than 5, and could even be a 000 Durometer
reading. The vibration dampening material could be a gel, such as a
silicone gel or a gel of any other suitable material. The
coefficient of friction as determined by conventional measuring
techniques for the tacky and non-porous gripping layer is
preferably at least 0.5 and may be in the range of 0.6-1.5. A more
preferred range is 0.7-1.2 with a still more preferred range being
about 0.8-1. The outer gripping layer, when also used as a
vibration dampening layer, could have the same thickness as the
inner layer. When used solely as a gripping layer the thickness
could be generally the same as the intermediate layer, which might
be about {fraction (1/20)} to 1/4 of the thickness of the vibration
dampening layer.
[0095] The grip cover of this invention could be used with various
implements as discussed above. Thus, the handle portion of the
implement could be of cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter and
smooth outer surface such as the golf club handle 238 shown in FIG.
6. Alternatively, the handle could taper such as the bat handle
shown in FIGS. 3-4. Other illustrated geometric shapes include the
octagonal tennis racquet handle 238A shown in FIG. 9 or a generally
oval type handle such as the hammer 248 shown in FIG. 10. The
invention is not limited to any particular geometric shape. In
addition, the implement could have an irregular shape such as a
handle bar with finger receiving depressions as shown in FIG. 11.
Where the outer surface of the implement handle is of non-smooth
configuration the inner layer of the cover could press against and
generally conform to the outer surface of the handle and the
outermost gripping layer of the cover could include its own finger
receiving depressions. Alternatively, the cover may be of uniform
thickness of a shape conforming to the irregularities in the outer
surface of the handle.
[0096] It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes
may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention
without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For
example, the material 10 may include additional layers (e.g., five
or more layers) without departing from the scope of the claimed
present invention. It is understood, therefore, that this invention
is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is
intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or
shown in the attached drawings.
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