U.S. patent application number 14/154694 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for variable density golf club grips.
The applicant listed for this patent is Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to Martin R. Jertson, Michael R. Nicolette, Ryan M. Stokke.
Application Number | 20140206471 14/154694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51208121 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140206471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jertson; Martin R. ; et
al. |
July 24, 2014 |
VARIABLE DENSITY GOLF CLUB GRIPS
Abstract
Embodiments of golf club grips and methods to manufacture such
golf club grips are generally described herein. In some
embodiments, the golf club grip may include a hollow grip body
associated with a longitudinal axis and a density that smoothly
varies along the longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing
weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip
body. In other embodiments, golf club grips comprise a hollow grip
body including no more than two sections along the longitudinal
axis. A first section is associated with a first density, a second
section is associated with a second density, and the first density
is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing
weight when the golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip
body.
Inventors: |
Jertson; Martin R.;
(Phoenix, AZ) ; Stokke; Ryan M.; (Phoenix, AZ)
; Nicolette; Michael R.; (Scottsdale, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Karsten Manufacturing Corporation |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51208121 |
Appl. No.: |
14/154694 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61755200 |
Jan 22, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/300 ;
264/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20130101;
A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 60/16 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/300 ;
264/241 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20060101
A63B053/14 |
Claims
1. A golf club grip comprising: a first end configured to receive a
golf club shaft; a second end opposite of the first end; and a
hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and a density
that smoothly varies along the longitudinal axis to achieve a
predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received
within the hollow grip body.
2. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the density varies
substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis.
3. The golf club grip of claim 1 further comprising an end cap
integrally formed with the second end.
4. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the density increases
along the longitudinal axis from the first end toward the second
end.
5. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body is
associated with a cross section substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis, and wherein the cross section tapers along the
longitudinal axis.
6. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body
comprises a plurality of synthetic resins.
7. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body
comprises a plurality of synthetic resins, wherein the plurality of
synthetic resins is associated with a mix ratio, and wherein the
mix ratio smoothly varies along the longitudinal axis.
8. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body
comprises a plurality of synthetic resins, wherein the plurality of
synthetic resins is associated with a mix ratio, and wherein the
mix ratio varies substantially linearly along the longitudinal
axis.
9. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body is
dimensioned to fittingly receive the golf club shaft.
10. A golf club grip comprising: a first end configured to receive
a golf club shaft; a second end opposite of the first end; and a
hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and including
no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis, wherein a
first section is associated with a first density, wherein a second
section is associated with a second density, and wherein the first
density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined
swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow
grip body.
11. The golf club grip of claim 10 further comprising an end cap
integrally formed with the second end.
12. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first section
extends from the first end up to a position spaced approximately
0.1 cm to approximately 15.0 cm from the second end.
13. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first section is
associated with a specific gravity of approximately 0.1 to
approximately 2.0, and wherein the second section is associated
with a specific gravity of approximately 2.0 to approximately
20.0.
14. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the hollow grip body is
associated with a cross section substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis, and wherein the cross section tapers along the
longitudinal axis.
15. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the hollow grip body
comprises a plurality of synthetic resins.
16. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first section
comprises a first synthetic resin, and wherein the second section
comprises a second synthetic resin.
17. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first and second
sections comprise a plurality of synthetic resins mixed at
respective ratios.
18. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the hollow grip body is
dimensioned to fittingly receive the golf club shaft.
19. A method of manufacturing a golf club grip, comprising: molding
a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and a
density, wherein the density is smoothly varied along the
longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a
golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the hollow grip body includes
no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis, wherein a
first section is associated with a first density, wherein a second
section is associated with a second density, wherein the first
density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined
swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow
grip body, and wherein the first and second sections are formed
during the same molding process.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application No.
61/755,200, filed on Jan. 22, 2013, the contents of which are fully
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to grips, and in particular
grips for sport equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In several types of sports, such as golf, hockey, baseball,
softball, tee ball, and cricket, an individual may use a club with
a striking face to strike an object such as a ball. For each sport,
a variety of clubs may be used. In particular, golf clubs may
include a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a
hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf
club, and a putter-type golf club. For such golf clubs, grips made
of a molded rubber material or synthetic polymeric materials may be
used. The grips may be available in various sizes, which may affect
the weight of the grips, which, in turn, may affect the swing
weight and/or center of gravity of the golf club.
[0004] In some golf clubs, an end cap may be placed in an abutting
relationship with a butt end of a grip. Compared to the grip, the
end cap may be made of a firmer and/or harder material to give more
strength and prevent the shaft from poking through the end of the
grip. The end cap may be pre-formed and then coupled to or
assembled with the grip. For manufacturing of the grip,
particularly for a large volume or batch of grips, repeatedly
forming the end cap separately from or before forming the grip and
assembling them together can be time-consuming, cumbersome, and
cost-prohibitive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club grip according
to one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein;
[0006] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial side view of a family of golf
club grips in various sizes;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a graph plotting a center of gravity of the golf
club grips of FIG. 2 for a respective grip weight;
[0008] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view one of
the golf club grips of FIG. 2;
[0009] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial side view of a family of golf
club grips according to other embodiments; and
[0010] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of one of
the golf club grips of FIG. 5.
[0011] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
elements among the various views of the drawings. The headings used
in the figures should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the
claims.
DESCRIPTION
[0012] As described herein, golf club grips in some embodiments
comprise a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and
a density that smoothly (e.g., linearly) varies along the
longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a
golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body. In other
embodiments, golf club grips comprise a hollow grip body including
no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis. A first
section is associated with a first density, a second section is
associated with a second density, and the first density is less
than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight
when the golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.
The predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the
performance of the golf club. For example, a center of gravity may
be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club
to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance. The
disclosed golf club grips can make the manufacturing thereof less
cumbersome and more efficient.
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, for example, a golf club grip 10
comprises a hollow grip body 12 for receiving a golf club shaft 13.
The hollow grip body 12 is associated with a longitudinal axis 14.
The hollow grip body 12 defines a first end, shaft-receiving end,
or open tip end 16 and a second end or butt end 18 positioned
distal to the shaft-receiving end 16. The golf club grip 10 may be
coupled to a putter-type golf club (e.g., mallet-type putter,
blade-type putter, or any other types of putters), or any other
types of golf clubs. For example, in some embodiments, the golf
club grip 10 may be coupled to a driver-type golf club, a fairway
wood-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf
club, or a wedge-type golf club. The apparatus, methods, and
articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this
regard. In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be
dimensioned to fittingly receive a corresponding golf club shaft.
In other embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be dimensioned to
fittingly receive, for example, a hockey stick, baseball bat,
lacrosse stick or other clubs.
[0014] Referring also FIG. 2, for example, a manufacturer may stock
a family, group, or set of interchangeable golf club grips 9, 10,
11 to choose from or customize based on various sizes. For example,
the golf club grip 9 may be associated with an outer diameter from
approximately 1.7 cm to approximately 2.7 cm, the golf club grip 10
may be associated with an outer diameter from approximately 1.8 cm
to approximately 2.8 cm, and the golf club grip 11 may be
associated with an outer diameter from approximately 2.0 cm to
approximately 3.0 cm. In some embodiments, the golf club grips 9,
10, 11 may be associated with an outer diameter of at least 1.6 cm,
at least 1.7 cm, at least 1.8 cm, or at least 1.9 cm. In further
embodiments, the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 may be associated with
an outer diameter of no more than 3.1 cm, no more than 3.0 cm, no
more than 2.9 cm, or no more than 2.8 cm. In some embodiments, the
outer diameter may be measured with the golf club grips 9, 10, 11
mounted on the respective golf club shaft 13. A wrap of tape (not
shown) may be applied before mounting the golf club grips 9, 10, 11
on the respective golf club shaft. The wrap of tape may measure
approximately 0.02 cm in thickness. In other embodiments, the outer
diameter may be measured with the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 in a
relaxed state, and not including a wrap of tape.
[0015] It should be noted that some embodiments disclosed herein
may conform to rules and/or standards of golf defined by various
golf standard organizations, governing bodies, and/or rule
establishing entities such as the United States Golf Associations
(USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
(R&A), but the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0016] For some golf club grips, the mass or swing weight may
change by up to 6 points depending on the dimensions, shapes, and
volumes of the golf club grips. For instance, a family of grip
sizes can have a mass that varies by approximately 26 grams from
the smallest size to the largest size. A large golf club grip, for
example, may weigh more than a smaller golf club grip, thereby
slanting the center of gravity or balance point for the golf club
from the golf club head toward the butt end. On the other hand, a
small golf club grip, for example, may weigh less than a larger
golf club grip, thereby slanting the center of gravity or balance
point for the golf club from the butt end toward the golf club
head. Accordingly, for some golf club grips, the center of gravity
or balance point may not be stable when the dimension, shape, and
volume changes.
[0017] One benefit of the disclosed golf clubs and manufacturing
method thereof is that the disclosed golf clubs are capable of
achieving or maintaining substantially the same mass, swing weight,
and/or center of gravity regardless of the dimension, shape, and
volume of the golf club grips 9, 10, 11. Accordingly, the
performance of the club may potentially be maximized. In some
embodiments, the mass of all golf club grips 10 is within 5 grams
(including all values to within 1 gram or within the known
tolerance/error of the particular weight value). That is, the
dimension or volume of the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 may be
increased without significantly increasing the mass or swing
weight. Accordingly, the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 may be
associated with the same mass, which may be predetermined depending
on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club
grips 9, 10, 11. To this end, in some embodiments the hollow grip
body 12 of the respective golf club grip 9, 10, 11 is associated
with a density or specific gravity that smoothly varies along the
longitudinal axis 14, as explained below. The golf club grips 9,
10, 11 can thus achieve a predetermined mass or swing weight
regardless of their dimensions, shapes, and volumes, which can
potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance of the
golf clubs when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the
hollow grip body 12.
[0018] In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 is associated
with a density or specific gravity that increases along the
longitudinal axis 14 from the shaft-receiving end 16 toward the
butt end 18. Density refers to an object's mass per unit volume,
and specific gravity refers to a ratio of the object's density to
the density of water at 4.degree. C. Referring also to FIG. 3,
increasing the density or specific gravity of the hollow grip body
12 may assist in achieving a predetermined mass or swing weight
regardless of its dimension, shape, and volume, which can
potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance of the
golf club when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow
grip body 12. By way of example only, the center of gravity (Grip
CG) of the hollow grip body 12 may relate to the mass or grip
weight of the hollow grip body 12 as follows:
(GripCG)=0.47.times.(Grip Weight)-14.773 [1]
Thus, the predetermined mass or grip weight achieved with the
varying density of the hollow grip body 12 may assist in
advantageously positioning the center of gravity at a desired
location of the golf club. In other embodiments, the density or
specific gravity may decrease along the longitudinal axis 14 from
the shaft-receiving end 16 toward the butt end 18. In still other
embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may contain sections or
portions with different densities or specific gravities, as
explained below.
[0019] In some embodiments, the density may vary substantially
linearly along the longitudinal axis 14. "Substantially linear"
variation as used herein includes values within 15% (including all
values to within 1%) of the particular density according to a
linear gradient or progression along the longitudinal axis 14. In
other embodiments, the density may vary linearly along the
longitudinal axis 14. A "linear" variation typically includes
values within 1% of the particular density according to a linear
gradient or progression along the longitudinal axis 14, or
alternatively within the known tolerance/error of the particular
density value. The density or specific gravity of the hollow grip
body 12 may thus vary along the longitudinal axis 14 proportional
to a distance from the shaft-receiving end 16 or the butt end
18.
[0020] In some embodiments, the density or specific gravity of the
hollow grip body 12 may smoothly vary along the longitudinal axis
14 according to a linear, exponential, or other gradient or
progression, excluding a stepped gradient or progression. The
hollow grip body 12 may be associated with a specific gravity that
smoothly varies from approximately 0.1 to approximately 20.0. In
further embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be associated with
a specific gravity that smoothly varies from 0.1, from 0.2, from
0.3, from 0.4, from 0.5, from 0.6, from 0.7, from 0.8, from 0.9,
from 1.0, from 2.0, from 3.0, from 4.0, from 5.0, from 6.0, from
7.0, from 8.0, from 9.0, from 10.0, from 11.0, from 12.0, from
13.0, from 14.0, from 15.0, from 16.0, from 17.0, from 18.0, or
from 19.0, to 20.0, to 19.0, to 18.0, to 17.0, to 16.0, to 15.0, to
14.0, to 13.0, to 12.0, to 11.0, to 10.0, to 9.0, to 8.0, to 7.0,
to 6.0, to 5.0, to 4.0, to 3.0, to 2.0, to 1.0, to 0.9, to 0.8, to
0.7, to 0.6, to 0.5, to 0.4, to 0.3, or to 0.2. The smoothly
varying density can facilitate achieving a predetermined swing
weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip
body 12. The predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the
performance of the golf club. For example, a center of gravity may
be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club
to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance.
Depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular
golf club grip 10, a hollow grip body 12 that is associated with a
density or specific gravity varying along the longitudinal axis 14
according to a stepped gradient or progression may not provide the
balance, stability, and performance of the golf club.
[0021] Referring also to FIG. 4, for example, the hollow grip body
12 is associated with a cross section 20 substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14, and in some embodiments
the cross section 20 tapers along the longitudinal axis 14. Other
configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or
preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations
where the hollow grip body 12 has a substantially uniform thickness
in cross section. In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may
be associated with a tapering outer diameter. For example, a hollow
grip body 12 associated with an outer diameter of approximately
1.55 cm at the butt end 17 may be further associated with the taper
profile summarized in the following Table 1. In particular, Table 1
lists a taper profile in which the outer diameter of the hollow
grip body 12 is kept constant from the butt end 18 through
approximately 12.7 cm toward the tip end 16 and then decreased
substantially linearly through approximately 25.4 cm toward the tip
end 16. However, in other embodiments the taper profile of the
hollow grip body 12 may vary from the butt end 18 through the tip
end 16 according to any other gradient progression, including, but
not limited to, linear, exponential, or other gradient or
progression.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Hollow grip body Length (cm) outer diameter
(cm) BUTT END 0 1.5494 1.27 1.5494 2.54 1.5494 3.81 1.5494 5.08
1.5494 7.62 1.5494 10.16 1.5494 12.7 1.5494 15.24 1.524 17.78 1.524
20.32 1.4986 22.86 1.4732 25.4 1.4478 TIP END 45.72 (20.32 1.4478
parallel OD section)
[0022] The hollow grip body 12 may comprise a plurality of
synthetic resins or elastomers, such as butyl rubber, chloroprene
rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer
(EPDM) rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, halogenated butyl rubber,
nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, polypropylene, polyurethane,
and styrene-butadiene rubber, or a combination thereof, or can be
made from other man-made and naturally occurring materials. For
example, a golf grip can be comprised of wrapped leather, full cord
material, a combination of elastomeric rubber and cord, or strictly
rubber. In some embodiments, the plurality of synthetic resins or
elastomers is associated with a mix ratio, which may smoothly vary
along the longitudinal axis 14. In some embodiments, the mix ratio
may vary substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis 14. In
other embodiments, the mix ratio may vary linearly along the
longitudinal axis 14. As explained below, in still other
embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may contain sections or
portions with different densities.
[0023] In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be formed
by injection molding, compression molding, or blow molding the
plurality of synthetic resins, smoothly varying the density along
the longitudinal axis 14 to achieve a predetermined swing weight
when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow grip body
12. In particular, for injection molding the hollow grip body 12, a
two-piece outer shell may form the external shape of the hollow
grip body 12 and a core bar such as a steel mandrel may establish
the internal dimensions of the hollow grip body 12. Once molded the
shell can be separated and the core bar can be removed. Parting
lines may be removed from the hollow grip body 12 and final grip
dimensions may be achieved through buffing to final shape. In other
embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be molded or formed by any
suitable manners.
[0024] In some embodiments, an end cap 22 is integrally formed
(e.g., molded or otherwise formed as one piece) with the butt end
18. In further embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 is
substantially seamless. In still further embodiments, the hollow
grip body 12 and the end cap 22 may be integrally formed during the
same molding process (e.g., injection molding process). This is a
departure from known golf club grip production procedures, in case
of which the end cap is pre-molded, and the injection-molding
steps, on the one hand, and assembly steps, on the other hand, are
kept very much separate. In contrast, the hollow grip body 12 and
end cap 22 may be formed throughout the course or duration of the
same molding process, which can make the manufacturing of the golf
club grip 10 less cumbersome and more efficient. Other
configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or
preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations
where the hollow grip body 12 is molded or otherwise formed
separately with the butt end 18, or including seams.
[0025] In some embodiments, the end cap 22 may include an infill
material or disc-like weight 24. The infill material or weight 24
may be associated with a density that varies from the densities of
the hollow grip body 12. In some embodiments, the infill material
or weight 24 may be associated with a density or specific gravity
that is higher than the densities or specific gravities of the
hollow grip body 12. The higher density or specific gravity of the
infill material or weight 24 may assist in positioning a center of
gravity of the golf club at a desired location to improve the
balance, stability, and performance. For example, the golf club
grip 9 may be associated with an outer diameter of approximately
1.8 cm and co-molded with an end cap 22 including an infill
material or weight 24 weighing up to approximately 3 grams more
compared to the larger golf club grip 10, so as to weigh
approximately the same in aggregate. A further smaller golf club
grip 9 associated with an outer diameter of approximate 1.7 cm may
be co-molded with an end cap 22 including an infill material or
weight 24 weighing from approximately 5 grams to approximately 10
grams more compared to the larger golf club grip 10, so as to weigh
approximately the same in aggregate.
[0026] In some embodiments, the infill material or weight 24 may be
associated with a density or specific gravity that is lower than
the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12. In
other embodiments, the infill material or weight 24 may be
associated with a density or specific gravity that overlaps with
the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12. In
still other embodiments, the end cap 22 may be made of the same
material as the butt end 18 and may not include the infill material
or weight 24.
[0027] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the golf club grip 100 according to
another embodiment. This embodiment employs much of the same
structure and has many of the same features as the embodiment of
the golf club grip 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4.
Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the
structure and features that are different than the embodiment
described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. Reference should be
made to the description above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 for
additional information regarding the structure and features, and
possible alternatives to the structure and features of the golf
club grip 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and described below.
Structure and features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6
that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-4 are designated hereinafter with like reference
numbers.
[0028] The golf club grip 100 in this embodiment comprises a hollow
grip body 112 that includes no more than two sections 114, 116
along the longitudinal axis 14. A first section 114 is associated
with a first density, a second section 116 is associated with a
second density, and the first density is less than the second
density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club
shaft is received within the hollow grip body 112. Depending on the
use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club grip
100, a hollow grip body that includes three or more sections along
the longitudinal axis 14 may not provide the requisite efficiency
in manufacturing. In contrast, the methods, apparatus, etc.
described herein provide methods to manufacture a single molded
golf club grip.
[0029] Rather than pre-forming each section 114, 116 and then
assembling the two sections 114, 116 together, the two sections
114, 116 may be formed throughout the course or duration of the
same molding process. Single molding the two sections 114, 116 can
make the manufacturing of the golf club grip 100 less cumbersome
and more efficient. Moreover, single molding the two sections 114,
116 may require a single molding machine or equipment without
requiring further parts for assembling the two sections 114, 116
together, and thus may be cost-effective. In some embodiments, an
end cap 22 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded or otherwise
formed as one piece) with the second section 116 during the same
molding process (e.g., injection molding process).
[0030] The hollow grip body 112 defines a first end,
shaft-receiving end, or open tip end 118 and a second end or a butt
end 120 positioned distal to the shaft-receiving end 118. In some
embodiments, the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving
end 118 up to a position spaced approximately 0.1 cm to
approximately 15.0 cm from the butt end 120. In some embodiments,
the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up
to a position spaced 0.1 cm or more, 0.2 cm or more, 0.3 cm or
more, 0.4 cm or more, 0.5 cm or more, 0.6 cm or more, 0.7 cm or
more, 0.8 cm or more, 0.9 cm or more, 1.0 cm or more, 2.0 cm or
more, 3.0 cm or more, 4.0 cm or more, 5.0 cm or more, 6.0 cm or
more, 7.0 cm or more, 8.0 cm or more, 9.0 cm or more, 10.0 cm or
more, 11.0 cm or more, 12.0 cm or more, 13.0 cm or more, or 14.0 cm
or more from the butt end 120. In other embodiments, the first
section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up to a
position spaced 15.0 cm or less, 14.0 cm or less, 13.0 cm or less,
12.0 cm or less, 11.0 cm or less, 10.0 cm or less, 9.0 cm or less,
8.0 cm or less, 7.0 cm or less, 6.0 cm or less, 5.0 cm or less, 4.0
cm or less, 3.0 cm or less, 2.0 cm or less, 1.0 cm or less, 0.9 cm
or less, 0.8 cm or less, 0.7 cm or less, 0.6 cm or less, 0.5 cm or
less, 0.4 cm or less, 0.3 cm or less, or 0.2 cm or less from the
butt end 120.
[0031] In some embodiments, the first section 114 is associated
with a specific gravity of approximately 0.1 to approximately 2.0,
and the second section 116 is associated with a specific gravity of
approximately 2.0 to approximately 20.0. In some embodiments, the
first section 114 is associated with a specific gravity of 0.1 or
more, 0.2 or more, 0.3 or more, 0.4 or more, 0.5 or more, 0.6 or
more, 0.7 or more, 0.8 or more, 0.9 or more, 1.0 or more, 1.1 or
more, 1.2 or more, approximately 1.3 or more, 1.4 or more, 1.5 or
more, 1.6 or more, 1.7 or more, 1.8 or more, or 1.9 or more. In
further embodiments, the first section 114 is associated with a
specific gravity of 2.0 or less, 1.9 or less, 1.8 or less, 1.7 or
less, 1.6 or less, 1.5 or less, 1.4 or less, 1.3 or less, 1.2 or
less, 1.1 or less, 1.0 or less, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or
less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, or 0.2 or
less. In some embodiments, the second section 116 is associated
with a specific gravity of 2.0 or more, 3.0 or more, 4.0 or more,
5.0 or more, 6.0 or more, 7.0 or more, 8.0 or more, 9.0 or more,
10.0 or more, 11.0 or more, 12.0 or more, 13.0 or more, 14.0 or
more, 15.0 or more, 16.0 or more, 17.0 or more, 18.0 or more, or
19.0 or more. In further embodiments, the second section 116 is
associated with a specific gravity of 20.0 or less, 19.0 or less,
18.0 or less, 17.0 or less, 16.0 or less, 15.0 or less, 14.0 or
less, 13.0 or less, 12.0 or less, 11.0 or less, 10.0 or less, 9.0
or less, 8.0 or less, 7.0 or less, 6.0 or less, 5.0 or less, 4.0 or
less, 3.0 or less, or 2.0 or less.
[0032] The specific gravities of the first and second sections 114,
116 can facilitate achieving a predetermined swing weight when a
golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body 112. The
predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the performance
of the golf club. For example, a center of gravity may be
advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club to
potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance.
[0033] In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 112 comprises a
plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers. In further
embodiments, the first section 114 comprises a first synthetic
resin or elastomer, and the second section 116 comprises a second
synthetic resin or elastomer. In some embodiments, the first and
second sections 114, 116 comprise a plurality of synthetic resins
or elastomers mixed at respective ratios. In some embodiments, the
hollow grip body 112 may be formed by compression molding or blow
molding the plurality of synthetic resins. In other embodiments,
the hollow grip body 112 may be molded or formed by any suitable
manners.
[0034] Referring also to FIG. 5, for example, the hollow grip body
112 is associated with a cross section 122 substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14, and in some embodiments
the cross section 122 tapers along the longitudinal axis 14. Other
configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or
preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations
where the hollow grip body 112 has a substantially uniform
thickness in cross section.
[0035] It should be understood from the foregoing that, while
particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the disclosure as will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and
teachings of this disclosure as defined in the claims appended
hereto.
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