U.S. patent application number 14/588703 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for interchangeable handle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark R. Stephenson. Invention is credited to Mark R. Stephenson.
Application Number | 20150190690 14/588703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53494455 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150190690 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stephenson; Mark R. |
July 9, 2015 |
Interchangeable Handle
Abstract
An interchangeable sports implement grip is a device that allows
the user to quickly change the handle of a sports implement or any
other device that utilizes a handle. The device features an
elongated mount onto which a handle may be attached. The elongated
mount features a tapered design while the handle features a
corresponding tapered mount-receiving cavity. The tapered design of
the elongated mount and the mount-receiving cavity prevents any
shifting, sliding, vibration, and play between the handle and the
elongated mount. The elongated mount is compressed further into the
mount-receiving cavity via a tensioning mechanism. The device may
additionally feature a locator key and keyway slot or a similar
mechanism to prevent rotation of a handle and elongated mount of
circular or cone-shaped design.
Inventors: |
Stephenson; Mark R.;
(Raleigh, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Stephenson; Mark R. |
Raleigh |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53494455 |
Appl. No.: |
14/588703 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61923485 |
Jan 3, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/422 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 16/469 20150115;
B25G 3/32 20130101; A63B 60/06 20151001; A63B 49/035 20151001; A63B
60/10 20151001; A63B 49/08 20130101; B25G 3/26 20130101; A63B 53/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/00 20060101
A63B059/00 |
Claims
1. An interchangeable handle comprises: an elongated mount; a
handle; the elongated mount comprises a distal end, a proximal end,
and an external lateral surface; the handle comprises a
mount-receiving cavity; the mount-receiving cavity comprises an
opening, a closed end, and an internal lateral surface; the
mount-receiving cavity being shaped to engage the elongated mount;
the external lateral surface being radially symmetric about a first
central axis of the elongated mount; the external lateral surface
being tapered along the first central axis from the proximal end to
the distal end; the internal lateral surface being radially
symmetric about a second central axis of the mount-receiving
cavity; and the internal lateral surface being tapered along the
second central axis from the opening to the closed end.
2. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the
elongated mount being engaged to the mount-receiving cavity; the
distal end being positioned offset from the closed end by an
uncompressed distance; and the external lateral surface being
loosely pressed against the internal lateral surface.
3. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the
elongated mount being engaged to the mount-receiving cavity; the
distal end being positioned offset from the closed by a compressed
distance; and the external lateral surface being tightly pressed
against the internal lateral surface by a tensioning mechanism.
4. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the
tensioning mechanism comprises a threaded bolt, a through hole, and
a female threaded cavity; the through hole traversing into the
handle to the closed end; the female threaded cavity traversing
into the elongated mount from the distal end; the threaded bolt
being positioned through the through hole; and the threaded bolt
being engaged to the female threaded hole.
5. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the
tensioning mechanism comprises a male threaded shaft, a through
hole, and a threaded nut; the through hole traversing into the
handle to the closed end; the male threaded shaft being connected
adjacent to the elongated mount from the distal end; the male
threaded shaft being positioned through the through hole; and the
male threaded shaft being engaged to the threaded nut.
6. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
cross-section of both the elongated mount and the mount-receiving
cavity being circular; a locator key; a keyway slot; the locator
key being perpendicularly connected onto the external lateral
surface; the locator key being aligned with the first central axis;
the locator key being positioned from the proximal end to the
distal end; the keyway slot perpendicularly traversing into the
handle from the internal lateral surface; the keyway slot
traversing through the handle from the opening to the closed end;
and the keyway slot being aligned with the second central axis.
7. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a
cross-section of both the elongated mount and the mount-receiving
cavity being circular; a locator key; a keyway slot; the locator
key being perpendicularly connected onto the internal lateral
surface; the locator key being aligned with the second central
axis; the locator key being positioned from the opening to the
closed end; the keyway slot perpendicularly traversing into the
elongated mount from the external lateral surface; the keyway slot
traversing through the handle from the proximal end to the distal
end; and the keyway slot being aligned with the first central
axis.
8. An interchangeable handle comprises: an elongated mount; a
handle; the elongated mount comprises a distal end, a proximal end,
and an external lateral surface; the handle comprises a
mount-receiving cavity; the mount-receiving cavity comprises an
opening, a closed end, and an internal lateral surface; the
mount-receiving cavity being shaped to engage the elongated mount;
the external lateral surface being radially symmetric about a first
central axis of the elongated mount; the external lateral surface
being tapered along the first central axis from the proximal end to
the distal end; the internal lateral surface being radially
symmetric about a second central axis of the mount-receiving
cavity; the internal lateral surface being tapered along the second
central axis from the opening to the closed end; the tensioning
mechanism comprises a threaded bolt, a through hole, and a female
threaded cavity; the through hole traversing into the handle to the
closed end; the female threaded cavity traversing into the
elongated mount from the distal end; the threaded bolt being
positioned through the through hole; and the threaded bolt being
engaged to the female threaded hole.
9. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 8 further
comprises: the elongated mount being engaged to the mount-receiving
cavity; the distal end being positioned offset from the closed end
by an uncompressed distance; and the external lateral surface being
loosely pressed against the internal lateral surface.
10. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 8 further
comprises: the tensioning mechanism comprises a male threaded
shaft, a through hole, and a threaded nut; the through hole
traversing into the handle to the closed end; the male threaded
shaft being connected adjacent to the elongated mount from the
distal end; the male threaded shaft being positioned through the
through hole; and the male threaded shaft being engaged to the
threaded nut.
11. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 8 further
comprises: a cross-section of both the elongated mount and the
mount-receiving cavity being circular; a locator key; a keyway
slot; the locator key being perpendicularly connected onto the
external lateral surface; the locator key being aligned with the
first central axis; the locator key being positioned from the
proximal end to the distal end; the keyway slot perpendicularly
traversing into the handle from the internal lateral surface; the
keyway slot traversing through the handle from the opening to the
closed end; and the keyway slot being aligned with the second
central axis.
12. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 8 further
comprises: a cross-section of both the elongated mount and the
mount-receiving cavity being circular; a locator key; a keyway
slot; the locator key being perpendicularly connected onto the
internal lateral surface; the locator key being aligned with the
second central axis; the locator key being positioned from the
opening to the closed end; the keyway slot perpendicularly
traversing into the elongated mount from the external lateral
surface; the keyway slot traversing through the handle from the
proximal end to the distal end; and the keyway slot being aligned
with the first central axis.
13. An interchangeable handle comprises: an elongated mount; a
handle; the elongated mount comprises a distal end, a proximal end,
and an external lateral surface; the handle comprises a
mount-receiving cavity; the mount-receiving cavity comprises an
opening, a closed end, and an internal lateral surface; the
mount-receiving cavity being shaped to engage the elongated mount;
the external lateral surface being radially symmetric about a first
central axis of the elongated mount; the external lateral surface
being tapered along the first central axis from the proximal end to
the distal end; the internal lateral surface being radially
symmetric about a second central axis of the mount-receiving
cavity; the internal lateral surface being tapered along the second
central axis from the opening to the closed end; the tensioning
mechanism comprises a male threaded shaft, a through hole, and a
threaded nut; the through hole traversing into the handle to the
closed end; the male threaded shaft being connected adjacent to the
elongated mount from the distal end; the male threaded shaft being
positioned through the through hole; and the male threaded shaft
being engaged to the threaded nut.
14. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 13 further
comprises: the elongated mount being engaged to the mount-receiving
cavity; the distal end being positioned offset from the closed end
by an uncompressed distance; and the external lateral surface being
loosely pressed against the internal lateral surface.
15. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 13 further
comprises: the tensioning mechanism comprises a threaded bolt, a
through hole, and a female threaded cavity; the through hole
traversing into the handle to the closed end; the female threaded
cavity traversing into the elongated mount from the distal end; the
threaded bolt being positioned through the through hole; and the
threaded bolt being engaged to the female threaded hole.
16. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 13 further
comprises: a cross-section of both the elongated mount and the
mount-receiving cavity being circular; a locator key; a keyway
slot; the locator key being perpendicularly connected onto the
external lateral surface; the locator key being aligned with the
first central axis; the locator key being positioned from the
proximal end to the distal end; the keyway slot perpendicularly
traversing into the handle from the internal lateral surface; the
keyway slot traversing through the handle from the opening to the
closed end; and the keyway slot being aligned with the second
central axis.
17. The interchangeable handle as claimed in claim 13 further
comprises: a cross-section of both the elongated mount and the
mount-receiving cavity being circular; a locator key; a keyway
slot; the locator key being perpendicularly connected onto the
internal lateral surface; the locator key being aligned with the
second central axis; the locator key being positioned from the
opening to the closed end; the keyway slot perpendicularly
traversing into the elongated mount from the external lateral
surface; the keyway slot traversing through the handle from the
proximal end to the distal end; and the keyway slot being aligned
with the first central axis.
Description
[0001] The current application claims a priority to the U.S.
Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/923,485 filed on Jan. 3,
2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an
interchangeable handle. More specifically, the present invention is
an interchangeable handle for a sports implement such as a tennis
racket or a golf club or for any device utilizing a handle such as
a motorcycle handlebar.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various sports require assorted pieces of sports equipment
in order to participate. In particular, the sports of tennis and
golf require a tennis racket and a golf club, respectively, in
order for the user to strike the tennis ball or golf ball. While
player skill is central to being successful in either sport,
oftentimes a player cannot perform to his or her potential without
the use of a tennis racket or golf club that he or she is
comfortable and familiar with. One of the most important features
of a tennis racket or golf club is the grip. A grip can become
frayed, damaged, wet, worn/too smooth, or become otherwise
undesirable, hindering the performance of the player. Additionally,
the player may simply prefer to change the grip in order to enhance
the texture or balance of the racket or club. A player who is
dissatisfied with the grip on a particular racket or club is
usually unable to make a change in a helpful timeframe as replacing
the grip of a racket takes more time than is available while
playing a match and replacing a golf club grip requires the
assistance of a professional, a process that can be both expensive
and time-consuming.
[0004] The present invention is an interchangeable handle that
allows the user to quickly and conveniently replace the grip of a
sports implement such as a tennis racket or a golf club. The
present invention allows the user to forgo the process of seeking
professional assistance when he or she becomes dissatisfied with
the grip of a tennis racket or golf club and wishes to replace the
grip. The present invention is intended for use with any racket,
club, or similar device with a gripping surface that may need to be
changed when required or desired in a timely manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is an exploded front perspective view of the present
invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an exploded rear perspective view of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
taken along line A-A of FIG. 3.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention, wherein the
elongated mount is loosely engaged to the handle.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
taken along line B-B of FIG. 5.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention, wherein the
elongated mount is tightly engaged to the handle.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
taken along line C-C of FIG. 7.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention, wherein the
tensioning mechanism is used to compress the elongated mount into
the handle.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention
taken along line D-D of FIG. 9.
[0015] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a specific
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the specific embodiment of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a side view of the elongated mount in an
additional specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein a
key is connected along the elongated mount in the specific
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the elongated mount
taken along line E-E of FIG. 13.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a side view of the handle in the additional
specific embodiment of the present invention, wherein the keyhole
slot is located within and along the handle in the specific
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the handle taken along
line F-F of FIG. 15.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a front exploded perspective view of the
additional specific embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a front exploded perspective view of the
additional specific embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 19 is a top view of the additional specific embodiment
of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the additional specific
embodiment taken along line G-G of FIG. 19.
[0025] FIG. 21 is a top view of a further additional specific
embodiment of the present invention, wherein the key is connected
within and along the handle and the keyhole slot traverses into the
elongated mount.
[0026] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the further additional
specific embodiment taken along line G-G of FIG. 21.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
[0027] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of
describing selected versions of the present invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0028] The present invention is an interchangeable handle that
allows the user to quickly and conveniently replace the handle of a
sports implement such as a racket, club, or a similar device such
as a motorcycle handlebar. The present invention allows the user to
change a handle as well as tailor the handle to his or her personal
preferences without professional assistance.
[0029] The present invention comprises an elongated mount 1 and a
handle 6 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The elongated mount 1
serves as the mounting point for the handle 6 when the user
replaces the handle 6. The handle 6 is the portion of the sports
implement or similar device that the user is replacing as well as
the portion of the sports implement or similar device that is
grasped by the user. The handle 6 comprises a mount-receiving
cavity 7 that is able to accept the elongated mount 1 when the
elongated mount 1 and the handle 6 are joined during the
replacement of the handle 6. The mount-receiving cavity 7 comprises
an opening 8, a closed end 9, and an internal lateral surface 10.
The elongated mount 1 is inserted into the opening 8 when the
elongated mount 1 and the handle 6 are joined. The closed end 9 is
positioned opposite to the opening 8 while the internal lateral
surface 10 is positioned in between the opening 8 and the closed
end 9. The elongated mount 1 comprises a distal end 2, a proximal
end 3, and an external lateral surface 4. The distal end 2 is the
end of the elongated mount 1 that is inserted into the opening 8
while the proximal end 3 is offset from the distal end 2. The
proximal end 3 serves as the attachment point for the remainder of
the sports implement or similar device. The external lateral
surface 4 is positioned in between the distal end 2 and the
proximal end 3 and is placed into contact with the internal lateral
surface 10 when the elongated mount 1 is inserted into the handle
6.
[0030] The mount-receiving cavity 7 is shaped to engage the
elongated mount 1, which allows the elongated mount 1 to easily
slide into the mount-receiving cavity 7 until the elongated mount 1
is locked into place with the handle 6. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
4, the external lateral surface 4 is radially symmetric about a
first central axis 5 of the elongated mount 1 while the internal
lateral surface 10 is radially symmetric about a second central
axis 11 of the mount-receiving cavity 7. As such, the external
lateral surface 4 is able to engage the internal lateral surface 10
without obstruction when the elongated mount 1 is inserted into the
handle 6. The external lateral surface 4 is tapered along the first
central axis 5 from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 2 while
the internal lateral surface 10 is similarly tapered along the
second central axis 11 from the opening 8 to the closed end 9. Once
the handle 6 is joined to the elongated mount 1, the tapered
external lateral surface 4 and the tapered internal lateral surface
10 prevent any shifting, sliding, vibration, and play between the
handle 6 and the elongated mount 1. As such, when the sports
implement or similar device is in use, there is no indication to
the user that the sports implement or similar device is composed of
assembled components.
[0031] In order to ensure that there is no shifting, sliding,
vibration, and play between the elongated mount 1 and the handle 6,
it is important that the elongated mount 1 and the handle 6 are
compressed together. This allows the tapered external lateral
surface 4 to uniformly apply more pressure across the tapered
internal lateral surface 10 and, thus, creates a friction force
between the tapered external lateral surface 4 and the tapered
internal lateral surface 10. The connection between the tapered
external lateral surface 4 and the tapered internal lateral surface
10 is similar to the connection means used in a vehicle to lock the
wheel hub assembly in place, and this connection means is typically
a tapered spindle engaging a tapered locking hub. In order to
engage the elongated mount 1 to the mount-receiving cavity 7, the
elongated mount 1 is inserted into the mount-receiving cavity 7
through the opening 8. The elongated mount 1 is then slid further
into the mouth-receiving cavity 7 until the distal end 2 is
positioned offset from the closed end 9 by an uncompressed distance
12, which can be seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The uncompressed
distance 12 is the length of the empty space within the
mount-receiving cavity 7 that is not occupied by the elongated
mount 1 when the external lateral surface 4 is loosely pressed
against the internal lateral surface 10. Thus, the uncompressed
distance 12 defines the limit of how far the elongated mount 1 can
be manually compressed into the mount-receiving cavity 7.
[0032] A tensioning mechanism 14 is used to overcome the limit of
how far the elongated mount 1 can be manually compressed into the
mount-receiving cavity 7. The tensioning mechanism 14 is used to
further compress the elongated mount 1 into the mount-receiving
cavity 7, which allows the tapered external lateral surface 4 to
uniformly apply even more pressure across the tapered internal
lateral surface 10 and, consequently, increases the friction force
even more between the tapered external lateral surface 4 and the
tapered internal lateral surface 10. The tensioning mechanism 14
can be any means of pulling the elongated mount 1 further into the
mount-receiving cavity 7 and holding the elongated mount 1 in place
with the handle 6. The tensioning mechanism 14 is actuated until
the length of the empty space within the mount-receiving cavity 7
is reduced from the uncompressed distance 12 to the compressed
distance 13. Thus, the compress distance 13 defines the limit of
how far the elongated mount 1 can be drawn into the mount-receiving
cavity 7 by any mechanical means. The tapered fit between the
elongated mount 1 and the mount-receiving cavity 7 in conjunction
with the tensioning mechanism 14 prevents any shifting, sliding,
vibration, and play between the elongated mount 1 and the handle
6.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
tensioning mechanism 14 comprises a threaded bolt 15, a through
hole 16, and a female threaded cavity 17. The threaded bolt 15 is
positioned through the through hole 16 and is engaged to the female
threaded cavity 17 in order to actuate the tensioning mechanism 14.
The through hole 16 traverses into the handle 6 to the closed end 9
in order to allow the threaded bolt 15 to be inserted through the
handle 6 and into the mount-receiving cavity 7. The female threaded
cavity 17 traverses into the elongated mount 1 from the distal end
2. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, this allows the threaded bolt 15
to be inserted into and engage the female threaded cavity 17 so
that the head of the threaded bolt 15 pushes the handle 6 towards
the elongated mount 1 and so that the helical teeth of the threaded
bolt 15 pull the elongated mount 1 further into the mount-receiving
cavity 17. It is important to note that another means of pressing
the external lateral surface 4 tightly against the internal lateral
surface 10 may be utilized as the tensioning mechanism 14 in lieu
of the threaded bolt 15, the through hole 16, and the female
threaded cavity 17 in various embodiments of the present
invention.
[0034] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate a specific embodiment of the present
invention that utilizes a different kind of tensioning mechanism.
In this embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning
mechanism comprises a male threaded shaft 22, a through hole 16,
and a threaded nut 23. The male threaded shaft 22 and the threaded
nut 23 are utilized in lieu of the threaded bolt 15 and the female
threaded cavity 17 of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention. The through hole 16 traverses into the handle 6 to the
closed end 9 as in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention in order to allow the male threaded shaft 22 to protrude
through the through hole 16 when the elongated mount 1 is inserted
into the mount-receiving cavity 7. The male threaded shaft 22 is
connected adjacent to the elongated mount 1 from the distal end 2
and as such, the male threaded shaft 22 projects outward from the
distal end 2, allowing the male threaded shaft 22 to be inserted
into the through hole 16. When the elongated mount 1 is inserted
into the mount-receiving cavity 7, the male threaded shaft 22 is
positioned through the through hole 16, allowing the user to secure
the threaded nut 23 to the male threaded shaft 22. The male
threaded shaft is engaged to the threaded nut 23 in order to
compress the elongated shaft 1 and the handle 6 and pull the
elongated mount 1 further into the mount-receiving cavity 7.
[0035] The present invention may be utilized with a sports
implement or similar device.
[0036] A sports implement may be a tennis racket, a golf club, or a
similar piece of sporting equipment. Because the present invention
may be utilized with various types of sports implements or similar
devices, the cross-section of both the elongated mount 1 and the
mount-receiving cavity 7 may vary as well. The tapered external
lateral surface 4 and the tapered internal lateral surface 10 may
be compressed together solely through friction force and the
tensioning mechanism 14 in the event that the cross-section of both
the elongated mount 1 and the mount-receiving cavity 7 is a sided
cross-section (e.g. if the elongated mount 1 and the
mount-receiving cavity 7 has a tapered prism shape). However, in
the event of a circular cross-section (e.g. if the elongated mount
1 and the mount-receiving cavity 7 has a rounded or ovoid shape),
there exists an increased possibility of shifting, sliding,
vibration, and play between the elongated mount 1 and the handle
6.
[0037] FIGS. 13-20 illustrate another specific embodiment of the
present invention, wherein the cross-section 18 of the elongated
mount 1 and the cross-section 19 of the mount-receiving cavity 7
are circular. An example of the present invention being integrated
onto a sports implement or similar device with a circular
cross-section is a golf club. This embodiment of the present
invention combats the problem of a circular cross-section by
further comprising a locator key 20 and a keyway slot 21. The
locator key 20 and the keyway slot 21 may be engaged together in
order to prevent rotation between the elongated mount 1 and the
handle 6. In addition, the locator key 20 and the keyway slot 21
allow a user to find the proper orientation for the handle 6 about
the elongated mount 1. In this embodiment of the present invention,
the locator key 20 is perpendicularly connected onto the external
lateral surface 4, which allows the locator key 20 to protrude
outward from the external lateral surface 4. Moreover, the locator
key 20 is aligned with the first central axis 5 and is positioned
from the proximal end 3 to the distal end 2 so that the locator key
20 is able to symmetrically span the entire length of the elongated
mount 1. Also in this embodiment, the keyway slot 21
perpendicularly traverses into the handle 6 from the internal
lateral surface 10, which provides the locator key 20 with the
necessary space to slide into the handle 6. Moreover, the keyway
slot 21 is aligned with the second central axis 11 and traverses
through the handle 6 from the opening 8 to the closed end 9 so that
the keyway slot 21 is able to symmetrically span the entire length
of the mount-receiving cavity 7. The configuration of the locator
key 20 on the elongated mount 1 and the configuration of the keyway
slot 21 through the handle 6 allow the locator key 20 to be
effectively and efficiently engaged to the keyway slot 21 in order
to prevent to prevent shifting, sliding, vibration, and play
between the elongated mount 1 and the handle 6. It is important to
note that the locator key 20 and the keyway slot 21 do not
necessarily have to be of the same length in order to allow
compression of the elongated mount 1 and the handle 6.
[0038] FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 illustrate an additional embodiment of
the present invention, wherein the cross-section 18 of the
elongated mount 1 and the cross-section 19 of the mount-receiving
cavity 7 are again circular In this embodiment, the present
invention still makes use of the locator key 20 and the keyway slot
21 for the same purposes but configures them in an alternative
fashion. More specifically, the locator key 20 is perpendicularly
connected onto the internal lateral surface 10, which allows the
locator key 20 to protrude inward from the internal lateral surface
10. Moreover, the locator key 21 is aligned with the second central
axis 11 and is positioned from the opening 8 to the closed end 9 so
that the locator key 21 is able to symmetrically span the entire
length of the mount-receiving cavity 7. Also in this embodiment,
the keyway slot 21 perpendicularly traverses into the elongated
mount 1 from the external lateral surface 4, which provides the
necessary space for the locator key 20 to slide into the handle 6.
Moreover, the keyway slot 21 is aligned with the first central axis
5 and traverses through the handle 6 from the proximal end 3 to the
distal end 2 so that keyway slot 21 is able to symmetrically span
the entire length of the elongated mount 1. Similar to the
aforementioned embodiment, the configuration of the locator key 20
within the handle 6 and the configuration of the keyway slot 21
through the elongated mount 1 allow the locator key 20 to be
effectively and efficiently engaged to the keyway slot 21 in order
to prevent to prevent shifting, sliding, vibration, and play
between the elongated mount 1 and the handle 6.
[0039] In both embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS.
19-22, the length of the locator key 20 and the length of the
keyway slot 21 may not necessarily be the same. Additionally, the
locator key 20 may not extend along the entire length of the
engagement between the locator key 20 and the keyway slot 21.
[0040] In lieu of the locator key 20 and the keyway slot 21,
various additional embodiments of the present invention may further
comprise alternative means of preventing a circular or cone-shaped
taper design from rotating. In one such alternative embodiment, the
elongated mount 1 and the mount-receiving cavity 7 may further
comprise a flat edge that prevents the elongated mount 1 and the
mount-receiving cavity 7 from rotating about each other. Matching
grooves may additionally be incorporated into a circular or
cone-shaped elongated mount 1 and the mount-receiving cavity 7 in
order to prevent rotation. Finally, an extended peak extrusion with
a corresponding locating slot may be incorporated into the
elongated mount 1 and the mount-receiving cavity 7 or vice-versa in
order to prevent rotation.
[0041] From a user's perspective within a golf context, the present
invention allows the user to change club handles as well as tailor
each club to their personal preference. Furthermore, the present
invention eliminates the need for the user to pay a professional or
a pro shop and to have them change the club handles. From a tennis
context, the present invention allows the user to also change grip
wraps and sizes as he or she desires in order to change the
weighting dynamics and to more personally tailor his or her racket.
The present invention also allows the user to mount extended grips
to a tennis racket in order to better accommodate two-handed
players.
[0042] In addition, the present invention simplifies manufacturing
and provides a greater array of options for consumers. From a golf
club manufacturer's perspective, a golf club manufacturer may
create a club set with the elongated mount 1 present on the ends of
the clubs. The tapered design of the elongated mount 1 allows the
clubs to be sold without grips in order to allow the purchaser to
select any grip style that he or she desires to mount to the
elongated mount 1. The user may select a smaller diameter grip for
irons in order to allow the clubs to fit into his or her golf bag,
but conversely select a larger diameter grip for woods for better
rotational control. Grips that offset the club face may be selected
as well in order to counter a slice/draw.
[0043] Tennis racket manufacturers are often required to
manufacture rackets with different sizes of grips while retailers
are forced to order and stock rackets by grip size. The present
invention simplifies the manufacturing process for tennis rackets
as well as rackets manufactured with changeable grips allows all
manufactured rackets to be manufactured identically (for each
individual type of racket), thus reducing manufacturing costs. This
allows retailers to stock various racket styles without having to
consider an estimated number of each size of grip to order.
Consumers may purchase rackets and select grips that suit their
individual needs. Grips may be offered in a wider range of sizes,
weight balances, and grip surfaces.
[0044] Although the present invention has been explained in
relation to its preferred embodiment, it is understood that many
other possible modifications and variations can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as
hereinafter claimed.
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