U.S. patent application number 11/619744 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for silicone grips for golf clubs and methods of making same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Eaton Corporation and SiTech Corp.. Invention is credited to Scott Guarino, Leroy Nopper, Bruce Norton, Dennis Turnpaugh.
Application Number | 20070173343 11/619744 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38001965 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070173343 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turnpaugh; Dennis ; et
al. |
July 26, 2007 |
SILICONE GRIPS FOR GOLF CLUBS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME
Abstract
Golf grips for golf clubs are provided. The grip comprises an
elongated flexible sleeve that slips onto the shaft of a golf club,
silicone ink applied to the sleeve surface to form printed indicia
thereon, and an elongated flexible panel of silicone material
wrapped around and integrally bonded to the sleeve, wherein the
printed indicia is visible through the panel.
Inventors: |
Turnpaugh; Dennis;
(Laurinburg, NC) ; Norton; Bruce; (Laurinburg,
NC) ; Guarino; Scott; (Williamsburg, VA) ;
Nopper; Leroy; (Williamsburg, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS BIGEL SIBLEY & SAJOVEC
PO BOX 37428
RALEIGH
NC
27627
US
|
Assignee: |
Eaton Corporation and SiTech
Corp.
|
Family ID: |
38001965 |
Appl. No.: |
11/619744 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60761465 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/06 20151001;
G09F 23/0066 20130101; A63B 49/08 20130101; A63B 53/007 20130101;
A63B 60/14 20151001; G09F 3/0295 20130101; A63B 60/10 20151001;
A63B 60/16 20151001; A63B 53/14 20130101; A63B 60/00 20151001; G09F
23/00 20130101; A63B 60/08 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/300 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20060101
A63B053/14 |
Claims
1. A grip for a golf club, comprising: an elongated flexible sleeve
that slips onto the shaft of a golf club; silicone ink applied to
the sleeve surface to form printed indicia thereon; and an
elongated flexible panel of silicone material wrapped around and
integrally bonded to the sleeve, wherein the printed indicia is
visible through the panel.
2. The grip of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises opposite first
and second edge portions joined together to define a longitudinal
seam.
3. The grip of claim 2, wherein the panel first and second edges
are joined together in mating relationship.
4. The grip of claim 3, wherein the panel first and second edges
are joined together to form a lap joint.
5. The grip of claim 1, wherein the sleeve comprises silicone
material.
6. The grip of claim 1, further comprising a nipple at a proximal
end of the sleeve, wherein the nipple comprises an upwardly facing
circumferential slot, and wherein a proximal end of the panel is
received within the slot.
7. The grip of claim 1, further comprising a cap at a distal end of
the sleeve, wherein the cap comprises a downwardly facing
circumferential slot, and wherein a distal end of the panel is
received within the slot.
8. A method of forming a grip for a golf club, the method
comprising: applying silicone ink to a surface of a flexible sleeve
configured to slip onto the shaft of a golf club, wherein the
silicone ink forms printed indicia on the sleeve surface; wrapping
a flexible panel of silicone material around the sleeve, wherein
the printed indicia is visible through the panel; and subjecting
the panel and sleeve to conditions sufficient to integrally bond
the panel to the sleeve without the use of adhesive material.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying a primer
material to a surface of the panel that contacts the sleeve prior
to wrapping the sleeve therearound.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the sleeve comprises silicone
material.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the panel first and second edges
are joined together in mating relationship.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the panel first and second edges
are joined together to form a lap joint.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the sleeve comprises a proximal
end and an opposite distal end, wherein the panel comprises a
proximal end and an opposite distal end, wherein a nipple is
located at the sleeve proximal end and comprises an upwardly facing
circumferential slot, and wherein wrapping the panel around the
sleeve comprises inserting the panel proximal end within the
slot.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the sleeve comprises a proximal
end and an opposite distal end, wherein the panel comprises a
proximal end and an opposite distal end, wherein a cap is located
at the sleeve distal end and comprises a downwardly facing
circumferential slot, and wherein wrapping the panel around the
sleeve comprises inserting the panel distal end within the
slot.
15. A method of forming a grip for a golf club, the method
comprising: applying silicone ink to a surface of a pattern of
flexible material, wherein the silicone ink forms printed indicia
thereon; and forming the pattern of flexible material into a grip
configured to slip onto the shaft of a golf club.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: wrapping a flexible
panel of silicone material around the grip, wherein the printed
indicia is visible through the panel; and subjecting the panel and
grip to conditions sufficient to integrally bond the panel to the
grip without the use of adhesive material.
17. A method of forming a grip for a golf club, the method
comprising: applying silicone ink to a surface of a flexible sleeve
configured to slip onto the shaft of a golf club, wherein the
silicone ink forms printed indicia on the sleeve surface.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising applying a coating
of silicone material to the sleeve surface.
19. A grip for a golf club, comprising: an elongated flexible
sleeve that slips onto the shaft of a golf club; and silicone ink
applied to the sleeve surface to form printed indicia thereon.
20. The grip of claim 19, wherein the sleeve comprises silicone
material.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/761,465, filed Jan. 24, 2006, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to grips and, more
particularly, to grips for golf clubs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are many different types of grips used today for a
wide variety of items, including without limitation, golf clubs,
tools (hammer handles, etc.), racquets (hand ball, badminton, or
tennis racquets), bats (baseball or softball), pool cues,
umbrellas, fishing rods, etc. Slip-on golf club grips made of a
molded rubber material or synthetic plastic are well known 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 or the like. Slip-on grips are available in many shapes
and forms.
[0004] Golf club grips conventionally are printed with some amount
of text, patterns and/or graphics. For example, many golf club
grips include the name of the golf club manufacturer, and/or
include a logo or symbol, and/or include one or more
patterns/colors. Because of their shape, slip-on type golf club
grips can be somewhat difficult to print using conventional
methods. Moreover, slip-on golf club grips for putters can have
substantially irregular shapes and configurations that can make
printing difficult. Also, the printing on conventional golf club
grips can be damaged by wear and the effects of weather.
[0005] Silicone rubber is used commercially as a substitute for
natural rubber products. Silicone rubber has advantageous
properties over natural rubber with respect to durability,
flexibility over a wide temperature range and resistance to ozone
and ultraviolet attack. Because of these superior properties, some
golf club manufacturers are manufacturing golf clubs with grips
formed from silicone. Unfortunately, silicone can be a somewhat
difficult material upon which to print using conventional
methods.
[0006] Thus, a need has arisen for improved printing methods for
slip-on type golf club grips, particularly silicone grips.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Golf grips for golf clubs are provided. The grip comprises
an elongated flexible sleeve that slips onto the shaft of a golf
club, silicone ink applied to the sleeve surface to form printed
indicia thereon, and an elongated flexible panel of silicone
material wrapped around and integrally bonded to the sleeve,
wherein the printed indicia is visible through the panel.
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
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the flexible sleeve of
FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of FIG. 1
taken along Lines 3-3.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of FIG. 2
taken along Lines 4-4.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of FIG. 2
taken along Lines 5-5.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the flexible sleeve of
FIG. 1 with printed indicia thereon, according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a flexible silicone panel that is
configured to be wrapped around and bonded to the flexible sleeve
of FIG. 6, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a golf club grip
wherein the flexible panel of FIG. 7 has been wrapped around and
integrally bonded to the flexible sleeve of FIG. 6, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of operations for forming a grip for
a golf club, or other article, according to some embodiments of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention now is described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
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
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0018] 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.
[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. 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."
[0020] 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
invention 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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 invention. The
sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order
presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated
otherwise.
[0024] Even though embodiments of the present invention 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 invention are applicable to any
device/apparatus requiring the use of a hand grip, for example,
tools (e.g., hammers), ski poles, racquets, and the like.
[0025] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5, an elongated flexible
sleeve or underlist 10 for a grip that is configured to slip onto
and be secured to a golf club shaft, according to embodiments of
the present invention, is illustrated. The sleeve/underlist 10 has
an internal passageway 11 configured to receive a golf club shaft.
The illustrated sleeve 10 is for a putter and has a generally flat,
elongated front wall portion 13 and a tapered configuration wherein
a lower end (proximal end) has a circumference that is smaller than
a circumference of the upper (distal) end. However, golf club grips
according to some embodiments of the present invention may be
designed for virtually any type of golf club, namely both putters
and so-called "swing grips" for irons and woods. As such, sleeves
according to embodiments of the present invention may have various
shapes and configurations depending on the type of golf club on
which the sleeve is to be attached.
[0026] The illustrated sleeve 10 is formed from a resilient
polymeric material such as, for example, silicone, natural rubber,
synthetic rubber, polyurethane, etc. In one embodiment, the sleeve
is a two-part silicone rubber available from Dow, GE Silicone or
Wacker, for example. Moreover, the sleeve 10 may comprise a
"dual-durometer" material wherein hardness of the sleeve material
is different at different portions of the sleeve. As is known to
those skilled in the art, a durometer 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. In one
embodiment, the sleeve may have a hardness range of about 50 to 70
Durometer Shore A.
[0027] The illustrated sleeve 10 includes a proximal end 12 and an
opposite distal end 14. A nipple 16 is located at the proximal end
12. The nipple 16 includes an aperture 18 in communication with
passageway 11 and through which a golf club shaft is inserted. The
illustrated nipple 16 has a tapered outer peripheral wall portion
20 that is spaced apart from the body of the nipple 16 and that
defines an upwardly facing circumferential slot 22. A cap 24 is
located at the distal end 14 and has an outer peripheral wall
portion 26 that is spaced apart from the body of the cap 24. The
outer peripheral wall portion 26 defines a downwardly facing
circumferential slot 28, as illustrated. Embodiments of the present
invention, however, are not limited to the illustrated sleeve
10.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 6, printed indicia 50 has been applied to
the surface 15 of the sleeve 10 of FIG. 1. The printed indicia 50
is formed by applying silicone ink via any of various methods such
as, for example, screen printing. The printed indicia 50 may be
applied in one or more steps. For example, the text may be applied
in a first step and then the graphics may be applied in a second
step, etc.
[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
printed indicia 50 may be applied to the sleeve material in a flat
condition prior to being formed into the illustrated sleeve 30.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 7, an elongated flexible panel 30 of clear
silicone that is configured to be wrapped around and integrally
bonded to sleeve 10 to form a golf club grip, is illustrated. The
panel may be clear (transparent) or may be translucent. The panel
often has a thickness of about 0.002 to 0.006 inches. The
illustrated panel 30 includes opposite first and second surfaces
32,34, opposite first and second edge portions 36,38, and opposite
proximal and distal end portions 40,42. The distal end 42 has a
width greater than that of the proximal end 40 and the first and
second edge portions 36,38 taper outwardly toward the distal end
42, as illustrated, in order to conform with the shape of the
sleeve 10. The illustrated panel 30 has a configuration such that,
when wrapped around sleeve 10, the opposite first and second edge
portions 36,38 will join together to define a longitudinal
seam.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second edge
portions 36,38 of the panel 30 are matingly joined. Additional
silicone may be applied to the first and second edge portions
36,38. When heated, this silicone facilitates bonding via
crosslinking of the first and second edge portions 36,38. In the
illustrated embodiment, the panel proximal end 40 is received
within the nipple circumferential slot 22 (FIG. 5) and the panel
distal end 42 is received within the cap circumferential slot 28
(FIG. 4).
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention do not require the
panel proximal end 40 to be disposed within nipple circumferential
slot 22, nor require the panel distal end 42 to be disposed within
the cap circumferential slot 28. The panel distal end 42 may not
extend all the way to the sleeve distal end 14 according to some
embodiments, and/or the panel proximal end 40 may not extend all
the way to the sleeve distal end 12 according to some
embodiments.
[0033] Flexible panels according to embodiments of the present
invention 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. Embodiments of the present invention,
however, are not limited to the illustrated shape and configuration
of panel 30. Additionally, the panel 30 has been described as
wrapped around the sleeve 10; alternatively a panel may be
overmolded around the sleeve 10 using conventional overmolding
techniques. The panel may have a hardness range of about 5 to 50
Durometer Shore A.
[0034] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
exposed panel surface 32 may be smooth or may contain patterns
and/or impressions formed therein. It is recognized that the
flexible sleeve 10 may separately include patterns/impressions
formed therein. According to some embodiments of the present
invention, panel 30 may be clear, translucent, or may have one or
more colors and/or graphics/patterns thereon. The panel 30 is
formed from silicone rubber available from Dow, GE Silicone or
Wacker, for example.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 8, a golf club grip 60 formed by
integrally bonding the panel 30 of FIG. 7 to the sleeve 10 of FIG.
6 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the printed
indicia 50 applied to the sleeve surface 15 is visible through the
panel 30 bonded thereto. The grip 60 may have a total hardness
range of about 20 to 80 Durometer Shore A.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 9, operations for forming a grip for a
golf club, or other article, according to some embodiments of the
present invention, are illustrated. A flexible sleeve is formed
from resilient material, such as rubber or silicone, into the shape
of a grip for a golf club (Block 100). The flexible material may be
formed into the shape of a grip in various ways including, but not
limited to, molding, injecting, and the like. The flexible material
may also be molded or subjected to other processes so as to impart
impressions/patterns therein.
[0037] Silicone ink is applied to the surface of the flexible
sleeve to form printed indicia thereon (Block 110). The silicone
ink components are available from Rhodia Silicone, Dow Corning, and
GE Silicone, and may be based on vinyl functionalized
polydimethylsiloxane (PMDS). The printed indicia may include text,
graphics, patterns, colors, etc., and may be applied to the sleeve
surface in various ways. According to some embodiments of the
present invention, the sleeve material may be printed with silicone
ink prior to forming the material into a sleeve (i.e., the
operations of Block 100 and Block 110 may be reversed).
[0038] The sleeve is then wrapped by a flexible panel of silicone
(Block 120). A surface of the flexible panel is in face-to-face
contacting relationship with the sleeve surface and first and
second edge portions of the flexible panel are joined together to
define a longitudinal seam. The panel and sleeve are then subjected
to conditions sufficient to integrally bond the panel to the sleeve
without the use of adhesive material (Block 130).
[0039] One or more additional layers of silicone may be applied to
the grip for appearance (Block 140). Such silicone is available
from Dow, GE Silicone and Wacker. For example, one or more
additional layers may provide a shiny appearance, a flat
appearance, patterns, abrasion resistance, ultraviolet ray
protection, etc.
[0040] The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few
exemplary embodiments of this invention 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
invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be
included within the scope of this invention as defined in the
claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with
equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
* * * * *