U.S. patent application number 14/285701 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-26 for golf club grip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Richard D. Ferris. Invention is credited to Richard D. Ferris.
Application Number | 20150335968 14/285701 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54555334 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150335968 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferris; Richard D. |
November 26, 2015 |
GOLF CLUB GRIP
Abstract
A unitary golf grip for attachment to the handle of a golf club
having three gripping sections including an upper section to
accommodate the little finger of the golfer's upper hand; a tapered
intermediate section to accommodate the remaining three fingers of
the golfer's upper hand; and, a lower section to accommodate the
fingers of the golfers lower hand.
Inventors: |
Ferris; Richard D.;
(Fairfax, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ferris; Richard D. |
Fairfax |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54555334 |
Appl. No.: |
14/285701 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20130101;
A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B 49/08 20130101; A63B 60/14 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20060101
A63B053/14; A63B 59/00 20060101 A63B059/00; A63B 49/08 20060101
A63B049/08 |
Claims
1. A unitary golf club grip for attachment to the shaft of a golf
club comprising: three gripping sections including; a lower end
section of said grip having a first outer diameter constant along
said lower end section; an upper end section having a second outer
diameter constant along said upper end section, said second outer
diameter being smaller than said first outer diameter; an
intermediate section located between said upper end section and
said lower end section, said intermediate section having an outside
diameter progressively tapering between said upper end section and
said lower end section toward said upper end section; said upper
end section having a relative length smaller than said intermediate
section; said lengths of said upper end section and said
intermediate section characterized by having a proportionate ratio
of 5:12; said lower end section having a length at least equal to
the length of both of said upper end section and said intermediate
sections combined; said upper end section further characterized by
having a size providing a gripping surface to accommodate the upper
finger of a golfer's upper hand; said intermediate section
characterized by having a size providing a gripping surface for the
remaining three fingers of the upper hand; and, said lower end
section characterized by having a size providing sufficient
gripping surface to accommodate all the fingers of the golfer's
lower hand.
2. The unitary golf grip of claim 1 wherein said upper end section
has a length that is less than 50% of the length of said
intermediate section.
3. The unitary grip of claim 2 wherein said upper section has a
length of approximately 42% of the length of said intermediate
section.
4. The unitary golf grip of claim 1 wherein said intermediate
section, located between said upper end section and said lower end
section, is further defined by a change in outer diameter from one
end to the other of the intermediate section at a rate ranging
between 0.02 to 0.03 inches per diameter per inch of length.
5. The unitary golf grip of claim 4 wherein said change in outer
diameter is 0.0263 inches per diameter per inch of length.
6. The unitary golf grip of claim 1 wherein the length of said
upper end section is 1.25 inches and the diameter of the upper end
section is 0.75 inches; the length of said lower end section is at
least four inches and the diameter is approximately 1.0 inch; and,
the length of said intermediate section is three inches.
7. The unitary golf grip of claim 5 wherein the diameter of said
intermediate section tapers between 0.75 and 1.0 inches.
8. A unitary golf club grip for attachment to the shaft of a golf
club comprising: a lower end section of said grip having a first
outer diameter constant along said lower end section; an upper end
section having a second outer diameter constant along said upper
end section, said second outer diameter being smaller than said
first outer diameter; an intermediate section located between said
upper end section and said lower end section, said intermediate
section having an outside diameter progressively tapering between
said upper end section and said lower end section toward said upper
end section; said upper end section having a relative length
smaller than and less than 50% of the length of said intermediate
section.
9. The unitary golf grip of claim 8 further defined by said upper
end section having a length approximately 42% of the length of said
intermediate section.
10. The unitary golf grip of claim 8 further defined by said upper
end section having a size to accommodate the upper finger of a
golfer's upper hand; said intermediate section characterized by
having a size providing a gripping surface for the remaining three
fingers of the upper hand; and, said lower section characterized by
having a size providing sufficient gripping surface to accommodate
all the fingers of the golfer's lower hand.
11. The unitary golf grip of claim 8 whereby said intermediate
section located between said upper end section and said lower end
section is further defined by a change in outer diameter from one
end to the other of the intermediate section being at a rate
ranging between 0.02 to 0.03 inches per diameter per inch of
length.
12. A unitary golf club grip for attachment to the shaft of a golf
club comprising: a lower end section of said grip having a first
outer diameter constant along said lower end section; an upper end
section having a second outer diameter constant along said upper
end section, said second outer diameter being smaller than said
first outer diameter; an intermediate section located between said
upper end section and said lower end section, said intermediate
section having an outside diameter progressively tapering between
said lower end section and said upper end section toward said upper
end section; and, said upper end section having a relative length
smaller than said intermediate section; said lengths characterized
by having a proportionate ratio of 5:12 whereby the length of said
upper section is approximately 42% of the length of said
intermediate section.
13. The golf grip of claim 12 being further defined by said lower
section having a length at least equal to the length of both of
said upper section and said intermediate sections combined.
Description
RELATED PATENT AND APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation in part of my
co-pending application Ser. No. 13/317,233 filed Oct. 13, 2011
titled GOLF CLUB GRIP, the description of which is incorporated
herein by reference. In addition, the present invention is an
improvement of the Golf Club Grip disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No.
7,658,684.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Normally a golf club is gripped with both hands at the end
of the golf club shaft on a grip portion formed at the upper end of
the club. Historically the grip has been formed with a constant
diameter or with a grip that tapers toward the club head from the
butt end of the club having the larger grip diameter. Little
attention has been given to the overall shape of golf grips with
the exception that grips have been made with the end or butt
section being larger to prevent the club from slipping out of the
hands during the execution of a full swing golf shot. Few attempts
have been made to properly fit the grip to the physical structure
of the hand and fingers.
[0003] Conventional golf grips, having a larger diameter at the
upper, butt end surface, create unwanted tension problems that must
be compensated for during the execution of a golf swing. Applicant
has a history of developing improved golf grip structures as shown
in U.S. Pat. Nos. D 355,011, D 605,241, and D 532,857.
[0004] It has been generally agreed among golf teachers that the
middle and index fingers of the upper hand are the most critical
part of the golf grip. For this reason Applicant was initially led
to create an improved golf grip addressing the position of these
two upper fingers. This ultimately led to the grip structure
disclosed in the Ferris U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,764. It was felt that
this patented grip shape would allow the fingers of the upper hand
to have a stronger grip on the club during the execution of golf
shots and prevent premature release of the lower dominant hand
while providing separate feel with each hand as it grips the golf
club.
[0005] The U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,864 describes a three section golf
grip wherein the uppermost section accommodates the little and ring
finger of the upper hand, the intermediate section accommodates the
middle finger and index finger of the upper hand and a lower
section that accommodates all the fingers of the lower hand. This
patent describes a relationship between the uppermost section and
the intermediate section having a ratio of 9:12 or 3:4 wherein the
uppermost section is approximately 75% of the length of the
intermediate section.
[0006] Whereas the patented grip of Ferris did provide greater
stability and increased performance when striking a golf ball by a
golf club employing the patented grip, it became apparent that
additional increased performance may be possible based on the study
of the dynamics of hand and finger movement during the number of
thousands of golf shots made with the grip.
[0007] Other prior art patents of interest include Design Pat. No.
D 504,928 to Miller showing a golf grip that is tapered upwardly
toward the upper end of the golf club; U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,850 to
Garrity showing a golf grip having a tapered upper end of reduced
diameter; and, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,956 to Dagenais showing a putter
grip including a lower grip portion having a greater diameter than
a separate, detached upper section.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] To the extent that a golf grip design supports and
facilitates natural hand and finger action, it is said to be
"ergonomically" shaped. The novel structural features of the golf
grip of the present invention, in contrast to all other golf grip
shapes, provides an ergonomic shape that better allows the natural
movement of the grasping non-dominant, upper hand's closing fingers
to uniformly and simultaneously grip the club in an easier, more
beneficial ergonomic way. The golf club grip of the present
invention is shaped to avoid the creation of the fulcrum and
trigger effects previously described above by changing the normal
sequential movement of the non-dominant hand's closing fingers onto
the grip's surface, to a unified and simultaneous event. This is
accomplished with a grip design that reflects the normal anatomy of
the upper grasping hand and as such is progressively larger in a
proscribed circumferential dimension beginning with the anticipated
area of impaction of the little finger and continuing through the
anticipated grip impaction area of the index finger.
[0009] The invention is an ergonomic golf grip that relieves
tension during the gripping process and execution of a golf swing
by the placement of all the fingers of a normal human, grasping,
non-dominant, upper hand on successively increasing cross sectional
diameters of the golf grip, beginning with the little finger and
ending with the index finger and thumb; and, with all the fingers
of the lower, dominant grasping hand placed on a larger, constant
cross-sectional diameter of the grip. The present invention
recognizes that the closing movement of the little finger and ring
finger of a normal human hand against the palm is different because
the little finger is shorter than the ring finger. When both
fingers grasp an object of the same diameter, a fulcrum is created
and a trigger action between the fingers results.
[0010] Because the present invention recognizes that the distance
each finger moves is different, the golf grip is shaped to more
completely reconcile the anatomical differences between the fingers
of a normal human hand and the areas of the palm where they impact,
so that the grasping fingers more simultaneously impact the grip
against the palm to increase the efficiency and consistency of a
golf swing. Structurally this is achieved with the grip configured
to have a lowermost section of constant diameter to engage all the
fingers of the lower dominant hand, an intermediate section having
a progressively tapering outside diameter to provide a gripping
surface for the first three fingers of the upper, non-dominant hand
and an upper section to accommodate only the little finger of the
upper, non-dominant hand. This configuration allows the fingers of
the upper hand, having different lengths, to simultaneously close
against the configuration of the two upper grip sections and acts
to greatly reduce or eliminate the fulcrum effect and resulting
trigger action of the little finger relative to the ring
finger.
[0011] More specifically, the equalization of the rate of closure
of all fingers of the upper hand is achieved by providing a reduced
diameter gripping surface for the little finger relative to a
larger diameter gripping surface of the adjacent ring finger. This
reduction in size of the uppermost section of the grip is sized in
length to permit grasping by only the little finger when using a
conventional golf gripping technique necessary for the execution of
a full golf swing. This grip configuration automatically places the
ring finger on the tapered intermediate grip section that has a
greater diameter than the grip impaction area of the little finger
resulting in simultaneous instead of sequential closing and
impaction against the grip surface of the little finger and ring
fingers. In addition, the middle finger and index finger also close
simultaneously due to the placement of these two fingers on the
remaining portion of the tapered intermediate center section of the
golf grip whereby all three of the larger fingers of the upper hand
engage the tapered intermediate section of the golf grip.
[0012] The golf grip of the present invention is an ergonomic
design, particularly for the upper, non-dominant hand with a
measured incremental progressive circumference increase that ends
before it is extended into the grasping area of the lower dominant
hand. This grip structure allows the consistent and efficient
prosecution of the golf swing. Intrinsic to the ergonomic
characteristics of the subject grip are the resultant desirable
qualities of increased control, power, consistency, efficiency, and
outcome relative to a planned, purposeful, goal-oriented golf swing
action.
[0013] Another aspect of the design of the subject grip is the
creation of measurably increased, tension-free, non-dominant wrist
flex. This important faculty increases tension-free extension at
address to reduce the set-up wrist/shaft angle and facilitate the
execution of a true "one plane swing"; a swing protocol desirable
for its consistent accuracy but elusive with the employment of less
ergonomically shaped grip forms, including the grip disclosed in my
U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,684. The ability of the subject grip to
increase non-dominant wrist-flex also facilitates increased overall
swing extension resulting in smoother club head release, more
powerful impact and higher swing speed with reduced effort. These
and other beneficial outcomes are attributable to the ergonomic
design of the subject grip and create substantially greater feel
through the hands of the golfer when executing a golf shot.
[0014] No matter what the overall grip size, the uppermost section
of the grip relative to the intermediate section has a ratio of
5:12. Stated in other words the length of the uppermost section is
no greater than 50% of the length of the intermediate section and
in a preferred embodiment the length of the upper section is
approximately 42% of the length of the intermediate section, a
significant difference from the golf grip shown and described in my
U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,684 where the uppermost section is almost twice
the size, at 75% of the intermediate section. In addition, the
lower most section is at least the same size and preferably
slightly larger than the uppermost section and intermediate section
combined. In a typical embodiment of the grip of the present
invention, the ratio of the uppermost section and intermediate
section relative to the lowermost section is 17:20.
[0015] Using these relative proportions, a typical size golf grip
in accordance with the present invention has a lowermost section of
approximately 5 inches, an intermediate section of approximately 3
inches and an uppermost section of 1.25 inches. This creates the
5:12 proportional ratio between the uppermost section and the
intermediate section whereby the intermediate section is just under
three times larger than the uppermost section.
[0016] It is appreciated that various golfers have different sized
fingers. Therefore the grip is sized to individual structural
differences of the fingers of particular golfers such that the same
relative proportion is maintained between the uppermost section and
the intermediate section. Therefore no matter how large or small
the overall grip size may be, the uppermost section of the grip
accommodates only the little finger and the intermediate section
accommodates the remaining three fingers, the ring finger, the
middle finger and the index finger, of the golfer's upper hand.
Similarly, the lowermost section of the grip is sized to
accommodate all the fingers of the golfer's lower hand no matter
how large or small the golfer's hands may be. With grips that are
smaller or larger to accommodate golfers having different sized
hands, it will be appreciated that the length measurements of each
of the three sections of the golf grip, in inches, will vary either
larger or smaller as long while maintaining the relative size of
each section in the same proportion to allow the placement of the
fingers as described above.
[0017] A primary object of the present invention is the provision
of an ergonomic golf grip to facilitate ease and consistency of the
golf swing.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is the provision of
a golf club grip having an improved ergonomic shape allowing the
fingers of the upper hand on a golf grip hands to operate
simultaneously during the execution of a full swing golf
stroke.
[0019] These and other objects will become apparent with reference
to the following specification and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the golf grip of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG.
1.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG.
1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf grip of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the golf grip attached to
the upper end of a full length golf club.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a full swing golf grip 100 in
accordance with the present invention is shown attached to a golf
club 102 on a shaft 104 at the opposite end of a club head 106. The
grip 100 preferably is a unitary, single molded unit typically made
of rubber or similar, generally flexible composite material. The
grip 100 is generally cylindrical in shape and has a hollow
interior. The grip 100 includes an opening 108 at the lower end to
enable it to be placed over the golf club shaft 104 and a cap 110
at the top or butt end that covers the upper end of the shaft
104.
[0026] The grip 100 is formed in three separate, interconnected
gripping sections, including an upper section 112, a lower section
114 and an intermediate or transitional section 116 between the
upper section 112 and the lower section 114. The upper section 112
has a first non-tapered, constant outer diameter along the entire
length of the upper section 112, as shown in FIG. 2. The lower
section 114 has a second constant outer diameter, larger than the
first diameter of the upper section 112, along the entire length of
the lower section 114, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0027] The intermediate section 116 is tapered with a gradually
decreasing diameter from the larger diameter of the lower section
114 toward the smaller diameter of the upper section 112 such that
the diameter of the intermediate section 116 progressively
decreases toward the upper end of the grip 100.
[0028] The upper section 112 is sized to accommodate the uppermost
finger only, that is, the pinky or little finger of the golfer's
upper hand when gripping the golf club 102 in a normal ball
striking position. The intermediate section 116 is sized to
accommodate the remaining fingers of the upper hand, that is, the
ring finger, the middle finger and the index finger. The lower
section 114 of the grip 100 accommodates all the fingers of the
lower, dominant hand and is slightly less than the total length of
the grip 100.
[0029] No matter what the overall grip size, the uppermost section
112 of the grip 100 relative to the intermediate section 116 is in
a ratio of 5:12 and the uppermost section 112 and intermediate
section 116 relative to the lower most section 114 is at least in
the ratio of 1:1 and preferably sized where the lowermost section
114 is slightly larger than the length of the uppermost section 112
and the intermediate section 116 combined. It will be appreciated
the lowermost section 114 may be even longer without departing from
the essence of the present invention that creates simultaneous
closing of the fingers of the upper hand during a golf shot.
[0030] Preferably the overall dimensions of the grip 100 are
conventional although it will be appreciated the total length of
the grip 100 and the length of the grip sections may vary slightly
in keeping within the ratios of the relative proportions of the
sections. In a preferred embodiment, the grip 100 has a cap 110
approximately one quarter of an inch or slightly longer to insure
the golfer's hands do not slip off the club 102 should the grip 100
become slippery. The upper section 112 preferably is approximately
1.25 inches. This length fits the upper finger of the greater
majority of golfers.
[0031] The length of the uppermost section 112 is no greater than
50% of the length of the intermediate section 116 and in a
preferred embodiment the length of the upper section 112 is
approximately 42% of the length of the intermediate section 116 and
maintains this relative proportion no matter how large or small the
overall size of the golf grip 100. The lower section 114 preferably
is at least the same size as the upper section 112 and intermediate
section 116 combined and may be slightly larger.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment, that fits a majority of golfer's
hands, the upper section is approximately 1.25 inches, the
intermediate section 116 is preferably three inches in length to
fit the remaining three fingers of the golfer's upper hand, and the
lower section is four to five inches to fit all the fingers of the
golfer's lower hand.
[0033] The outside diameter of the upper section 112 is preferably
0.75 inches along the entire length. The lower section 114 has an
outside diameter slightly less than 1.00 inches. The tapered
intermediate section 116, between the upper section 112 and the
lower section 114, tapers at a rate between 0.02 inches to 0.03
inches of diameter per inch of length. In the present embodiment,
the rate of taper is 0.0263 inches per inch of length. The taper of
the intermediate section 116 is constant along the length thereof
presenting a linear gripping surface.
[0034] Whereas the present embodiment has been described in terms
of conventional sizes, it will be appreciated the grips may be made
smaller or larger to accommodate various golfers as long as the
relative sizes of the sections are maintained. Other modifications
may be made in keeping within the spirit and scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *