U.S. patent application number 14/746667 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for grip tape for a sports implement.
The applicant listed for this patent is Wilson Sporting Goods Co.. Invention is credited to John B. Lyons, Michael W. Schaeffer.
Application Number | 20150367211 14/746667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54868755 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150367211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lyons; John B. ; et
al. |
December 24, 2015 |
GRIP TAPE FOR A SPORTS IMPLEMENT
Abstract
A grip for use with a sports implement extending about a
longitudinal axis. The grip includes a flexible strip defining a
length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor
dimension. The strip has a butt end region, a primary region and a
throat end region. The throat end region defines at least one
guideline. The guideline extends along an outer surface of the
strip at an angle with respect to a line that is parallel to the
major dimension of the strip. The angle is arranged such that when
the grip is wrapped about the sports implement, the guideline
extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis.
Inventors: |
Lyons; John B.; (Wilmette,
IL) ; Schaeffer; Michael W.; (Chicago, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54868755 |
Appl. No.: |
14/746667 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62015975 |
Jun 23, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/549 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/14 20151001;
A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B 2071/0694 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 59/00 20060101
A63B059/00 |
Claims
1. A grip for use with a sports implement extending about a
longitudinal axis, the grip comprising: a flexible strip defining a
length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor
dimension, the strip having a butt end region, a primary region and
a throat end region, the throat end region defining at least one
guideline, the guideline extending along an outer surface of the
strip at an angle with respect to a line parallel to the major
dimension of the strip, the angle arranged such that when the grip
is wrapped about the sports implement, the guideline extends in a
direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis.
2. The grip of claim 1, wherein the at least one guideline is at
least 3 guidelines.
3. The grip of claim 1, wherein the at least one guideline is at
least 4 guidelines.
4. The grip of claim 1, wherein at least one of the guidelines is a
marking.
5. The grip of claim 1, wherein at least one of the guidelines is a
groove.
6. The grip of claim 1, wherein at least one of the guidelines is
formed from a plurality of spaced apart recesses.
7. The grip of claim 6, wherein the spaced apart recesses are
spaced apart line segments, spaced apart perforations or a
combination thereof.
8. The grip of claim 1, wherein the at least one guideline is
configured to facilitate separation of the throat end region with
only the user's hands.
9. The grip of claim 1, wherein the strip includes an outer surface
and first and second side edges, and wherein an overlap guide
region is formed along at least a portion of the first side
edge.
10. The grip of claim 9, wherein the overlap guide region has a
width within the range of 1 to 15 mm.
11. The grip of claim 9, wherein the overlap guide region has a
width within the range of 2 to 4 mm.
12. The grip of claim 9, wherein the overlap guide region is formed
of at least a first color, the remaining portion of the outer
surface of the grip is formed of a second color, and wherein the
first and second colors are different.
13. The grip of claim 12, wherein the at least first color is two
or more colors or a pattern of colors.
14. The grip of claim 9, wherein the overlap guide region is formed
of a first texture, the remaining portion of the outer surface of
the grip is formed of a second texture, and wherein the first and
second textures are different.
15. The grip of claim 1, wherein the primary region of the strip
has a substantially constant first width, and wherein the butt end
region of the strip has a width that is less than the first
width.
16. The grip of claim 15, wherein the width of the butt end region
varies along its length.
17. The grip of claim 16, wherein the width of the butt end regions
varies linearly along its length.
18. The grip of claim 15 wherein the length of the butt end region
is at least 15 percent of the length of the strip.
19. A grip for use with a sports implement extending about a
longitudinal axis, the grip comprising: a flexible strip defining a
length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor
dimension, the strip having an outer surface, a butt end region, a
primary region, a throat end region a first side edge and a second
side edge, and an overlap guide region is formed along at least a
portion of the first side edge.
20. The grip of claim 19, wherein the overlap guide region has a
width within the range of 1 to 15 mm, and wherein the overlap guide
region is formed of at least a first color, and the remaining
portion of the outer surface of the strip is formed of a second
color, and wherein the first and second colors are different.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/015,975 and filed on Jun. 23, 2015.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an improved grip
tape for a sports implement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Wrapping a grip tape around a handle assembly of a sports
implement, such as a tennis racquet presents many challenges. Many
users find it very difficult to wrap a grip tape about a handle
assembly in an efficient manner and with a clean neat appearance. A
poorly wrapped grip tape can negatively affect the performance of
the player by potentially negatively affecting the user's gripping
of the racquet. A poorly wrapped grip tape often results in a poor
unappealing appearance, and can be susceptible to unraveling or
separation from the handle assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The grip of the present invention provides at least three
important features that greatly facilitate the wrapping of the grip
about a handle assembly of a racquet or other sports implement. The
features can be used individually or in any combination. One of the
features is the variable length of a butt end section of the grip
extending to represent between 15 to 30 percent of the total length
of the grip. Another important feature is the incorporation of an
overlap guide region on the grip. Yet another important feature is
the incorporation of one of more guidelines defined on a throat end
section of the grip. The important features address significant
challenges that arise when gripping a racquet or other sports
implement. The features enable any user to apply a grip to a sports
implement quickly easily and efficiently, and to achieve an
appearance that is appealing, clean and professional.
[0005] One example implementation of the present invention provides
a grip for use with a sports implement extending about a
longitudinal axis. The grip includes a flexible strip defining a
length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor
dimension. The strip has a butt end region, a primary region and a
throat end region. The throat end region defines at least one
guideline. The guideline extends along an outer surface of the
strip at an angle with respect to a line that is parallel to the
major dimension of the strip. The angle is arranged such that when
the grip is wrapped about the sports implement, the guideline
extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a tennis racquet in
accordance with one example implementation of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of a handle assembly of the
racquet of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a grip for a tennis
racquet in accordance with one implementation of the present
invention alongside a conventional grip.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the grip 28 taken along
line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0010] FIGS. 5 through 7 are side perspective views of a handle
portion of a racquet of FIG. 1 being wrapped with the grip.
[0011] FIGS. 8 and 9 are top perspective views of the throat end
section of the grip 28 of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a handle portion of a
racquet of FIG. 1 being wrapped with the grip and the capping
tape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Referring to FIG. 1, a sports racquet is indicated generally
at 10. The racquet 10 of FIG. 1 is configured as a tennis racquet,
however, the invention can also be formed as other types of sports
implements, such as racquetball racquets, squash racquets,
badminton racquets, paddle ball paddles, baseball bats, softball
bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and the like. The
racquet 10 includes a frame defining a head portion 12, a throat
region 14 and a handle assembly 16. The head portion 12 is a
tubular structure defining a generally oval shaped opening 18. The
head portion 12 maintains in tension a latticework of strings 20.
The throat region 14 includes a pair of tubular shafts 22 outwardly
extending from the head portion 12 and converging at the handle
assembly 16. The throat region 14 couples the head portion 12 to
the handle assembly 16. The handle assembly 16 connects to and
outwardly extends from the throat region 14 along a longitudinal
axis 15.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 2, the handle assembly 16 is shown in
greater detail. The handle assembly 16 includes a handle 24, a
pallet 26, a grip 28 (or grip tape), and a butt cap 30 (see FIG.
1). The handle 24 is a rigid structure supporting or forming the
pallet 26. The pallet 26 can be integrally molded into the handle
24 to define a rigid gripping member. In another implementation,
the pallet 26 can be attached to a preformed handle. The pallet 26
has butt portion 34 (or proximal portion) and a hoop end portion 36
(or distal portion). The pallet 26 preferably has an octagonal
transverse cross-section formed by eight outer longitudinally
extending surfaces 31 interconnected along eight longitudinally
extending gripping edges 32. In alternative implementations, the
pallet 26 can have alternative transverse cross-sectional shapes
such as, for example, other polygonal shapes, oval, circular and
irregular. The pallet 26 is configured for grasping by one or both
hands of a player during use. The pallet 26 is made of a strong,
lightweight, durable material, preferably a graphite composite
material. Alternatively, the pallet 26 can be formed of other
materials, such as, for example, other fiber composite materials, a
structural urethane foam, other structural foams, a plastic
material, a metal or wood. In one implementation, the pallet 26 has
a length between 5.0 and 9.5 inches; and, in another
implementation, the pallet 26 has a length of approximately 7.0 to
8.0 inches. In an alternative implementation, the pallet is a
separate component connected to a "hair-pin" shaped handle. In this
limitation, the frame can be formed by one continuous tubular
structure where both ends of the tube run side by side to form the
hair pin handle, the tube diverges from the handle in the form of
the tubular shafts 22, and the tube forms the majority of the hoop
of the head portion 12 of the racquet with the exception of the
yoke 25 which completes the oval shaped hoop of the head portion.
In this implementation, the pallet 26 is applied over the hair pin
handle 24.
[0015] A peripheral recess 38 can be defined within the pallet 26
between the butt and hoop portions 34 and 36 of the pallet 26. The
recess 38 uniformly and inwardly extends into the eight outer
surfaces 31 of the pallet 26, such that the transverse
cross-sectional area of the pallet 26 at any point along the recess
38 is smaller than the transverse cross-sectional area at either
the butt portion 34 or the hoop portion 36 of the pallet 26. The
recess 38 can be positioned toward the butt portion 34 of the
pallet, preferably within approximately 1.0 centimeter from the
butt portion 34 of the handle assembly 16. The recess 38 has a
length between 3.5-7.0 inches and a depth between 0.25-3.0
millimeters. In one implementation, the recess 38 has a length of
approximately 4.0 inches and a depth of approximately 0.7
millimeters. In an alternative implementation, the recess 38 can
fully extend to, and encompass, the butt portion 34. In another
implementation, the handle assembly 16 can be formed without the
recess 38.
[0016] The handle assembly 16 can further include one or more pads
40. The pad 40 is a flexible layer of padding attached or formed to
the pallet 26 at the recess 38. The pad 40 can wrap around and
substantially fill the recess 38. In one implementation, the pallet
26 is formed without a recess and the pad 40 can be placed over the
pallet 26. The pad 40 can be attached to the pallet by a suitable
adhesive tape or other means, such as, for example, a fluid
adhesive. The pad 40 is preferably made of a soft, flexible,
resilient foam material, such as a micro-cellular, polyurethane
open-celled foam having a smooth outer surface. The pad 40 can have
a thickness that is at least as great as the depth of the recess
38, or can be have other thicknesses. The pad 40 is optimally sized
and positioned along the pallet 26 to match the player's typical
hand grip location. The pad 40 further reduces the shock and
vibration felt by the player when striking a ball. The pad 40 also
improves the overall "feel" of the racquet. In an alternative
implementation, the handle assembly 16 can be formed without the
one or more pads.
[0017] The grip 28 is an elongate strip of soft, durable material
that can be coupled to the pallet 26. The grip 28 can be wrapped
about and attached to the pallet 26 or an intermediate layer by an
adhesive. In other implementations, the grip 28 can be attached by
different forms of adhesives, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding,
and combinations thereof In one implementation, the grip 28 is
wrapped directly around the pallet 26. In another implementation,
the grip 28 can be wrapped around one or more of the pads 40. In
another implementation, the grip 28 can be placed over another form
of an intermediate layer that extends over the pallet 26. In
another implementation, the grip 28 can be wrapped about an
existing grip. In such an embodiment, the grip 28 can be referred
to or utilized as an overgrip. The grip 28 can be made of a
leather, a synthetic leather, a rubber or other thermoset material.
The grip 28 can be spirally or helically wrapped about the outer
surface of the pad 40 and any uncovered portions of the pallet
26.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the grip 28 is shown in greater
detail. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the grip 28 laid next to a
conventional grip 100. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the grip
28 and illustrates that the grip 28 can be a multilayered structure
including a backing 44 coupled to an outer layer 46. The outer
layer 46 can be formed or applied to the backing 44 such that a
portion of the outer layer 46 impregnates, extends into, or
otherwise engages the backing 44. Alternatively, the outer layer 46
can be attached to the backing 44 through an adhesive, bonding,
stitching, or other conventional means. The outer layer 46 is
formed of a wear resistance, resilient material having a high
coefficient of friction values (or a high level of grip-ability).
The material used to produce the outer layer 46 can be a natural
rubber, a butyl rubber, natural leather, a synthetic leather, a
polyurethane, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, other
synthetic polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. The outer
layer 46 is configured for interaction with a user's ungloved
hands. The outer layer 46 is also compatible with gloved hands.
[0019] In one implementation, the backing 44 can be configured to
increase the tensile strength of the grip 28. In another
implementation, the backing 44 can be configured so as not to
improve the tensile strength of the grip. The backing 44 can also
be used to provide a cushion layer beneath the outer layer 46 to
provide the grip 28 with a softer feel. The backing 44 can be made
of a soft material, preferably a felt-like fabric. Alternatively,
the backing 44 can be formed of other materials, such as, for
example, other woven or unwoven fabrics, plastic, an elastomer, a
rubber, and combinations thereof. In another alternative
implementation, the grip can be formed without a backing.
[0020] An adhesive 48 can be applied to a bottom surface of the
backing 44. In other implementations, the adhesive 48 can be
disposed within the fabric of the backing 44 or otherwise
interspersed within the backing 44. A cover tape 50 can be applied
over the adhesive 48 to protect the adhesive from contact with
debris or unwanted surfaces. When the grip 28 is ready for
attachment to the racquet 10, the cover tape 50 can be removed
(such as by being peeled off the backing 44) exposing the adhesive
48 for attachment to the underlying surfaces of the racquet 10 and
the handle assembly 16.
[0021] The grip 28 can include chamfered first and second side
edges 60 and 62 thereby providing the grip 28 with a generally
trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The thickness of the side edges
can vary from 0.5 to 3 mm over a width within the range of 1 to 7
mm. In one implementation, the width of the first and second side
edges 60 and 62 can be within the range of 4 to 6 mm.
[0022] The grip 28 has a length L and a width. The length L of the
grip 28 can be within the range of 80 cm to 150 cm. In one
implementation, the length L is within the range of 90 to 130 cm.
In one particular implementation, the length L is approximately 110
cm. The grip 28 has a primary section 54, a butt end section 56 and
a throat end section 58. The primary section 54 has a generally
uniform width, W.sub.a. In one implementation, the width W.sub.a is
within the range 1.5 to 3.5 cm. In another implementation, the
width W.sub.a is approximately 2.5 cm. The throat end section 58
has a generally uniform initial width, W.sub.t, that is
substantially equal to the width W.sub.a. The butt end section 56
has a variable width, W.sub.b. The variable width W.sub.b may be a
uniform taper wherein the width of butt end section 56 equals the
primary width W.sub.a at the transition from primary section 54 to
the butt end section 56, and the variable width W.sub.b gradually
decreases toward the butt end of the grip 28. The decrease can be
linear. In other implementations, the decrease in width from the
primary section 54 to the butt end of the grip 28 can be
non-uniform or irregular. In one implementation, the width W.sub.b
of the butt end section 56 at the butt end of the grip 28 can be
within range of 0.5 to 1.5 cm. In another implementation, the butt
end of the butt end section 56 can have a width W.sub.b within the
range of 0.75 to 1.25 cm.
[0023] Conventional grip tapes include a butt end section 56 that
has a length of approximately 10 cm on a 110 cm grip. Accordingly,
the butt end section 56 of a conventional grip is typically
approximately 9 percent of the total length L of the grip. The
handle assembly 16 also typically includes the butt cap 30. The
butt cap 30 (FIG. 1) generally has a maximum transverse polygonal
shaped cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross
sectional area of the pallet 26 or the pallet 26 with one or more
pads 40. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of the handle
assembly 16 rapidly decreases from the butt end of the handle
assembly 16 at the butt cap 30 toward the remaining portions of the
handle assembly. Conventional grip tapes can be difficult to wrap
about the butt cap 30 and the butt end of the handle assembly 16.
The thickness of the grip tape does not easily follow the change in
outer transverse cross-sectional area of the handle assembly 16 and
often do not lie flat as the grip is wrapped about this region of
the handle assembly. The tapered length of the tapered butt end
section of conventional grips is often too short. As a result, as
the user wraps the grip tape around the grip 28 starting at the
butt cap 30, the user can find that he or she has not fully
transitioned to the constant octagonal cross-sectional area of the
pallet and is still covering the sloped or tapered surfaces of the
butt cap 30 and the edge of the butt cap to the pallet with a grip
tape 28 that has a full width. Such locations of the grip tape with
the full width can bunch, bubble, and/or significantly overwrap in
this area causing an unpleasant gripping surface. In order to avoid
such negative bunching, binding, and/or bubbling of the grip tape,
the grip may need to be partially unwrapped and re-wrapped over
this region. This condition can be very challenging for user's
attempting to apply the grip to the racquet 10, and can also be
time consuming. Some user's are unable to apply conventional grips
to racquet handle assemblies without some bunching, binding,
bubbling or excessive overlapping. More experienced user's may need
to spend extra time and/or attention to avoid such bunching,
binding, and/or bubbling.
[0024] In accordance with one implementation of the present
invention, the length, L.sub.b, of the butt end section 56 is
significantly extended so as to represent or define between 15 to
30 percent of the total length of the grip 28. Accordingly, the
length Lb is significantly longer and larger than the length Lb of
conventional grip tapes. The length Lb can be at least 15 percent
of the total length of the grip tape. In another implementation,
the length Lb of the butt end section 56 is within the range of 16
to 20 percent of the total length of the grip 28. The increased
length of the butt end section 56 provides enhanced maneuverability
of the grip 28 during taping or wrapping the grip about the handle
assembly 16. The variable reduced width W.sub.b of the butt end
section 56 more readily follows the contour of the butt cap 30 and
the pallet 26 allowing for smooth efficient wrapping of the grip,
and results in a grip 28 that lies flat or closely follows the
contour.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the grip 28 is shown being
wrapped about the handle assembly 16. The grip 28 is typically
wrapped about the handle assembly 16 beginning at the butt end of
the racquet 10 at the butt cap 30. The tape 50 can be removed from
the grip 28 to expose the adhesive 48, the butt end region 56 of
the grip tape 28 can be applied to the side of the butt cap 30 and
the grip tape 28 can be wrapped about the pallet 26 from the butt
cap 30 toward the throat region 14.
[0026] In accordance with an example implementation, the outer
surface 68 of the grip 28 can include an overlap guide region 70
for facilitating the wrapping of the grip 28 about the pallet 26 or
handle assembly 16. The overlap guide region 70 can extend over one
of the first or second side edges 60 and 62. In one implementation,
the overlap guide region 70 extends over the outer surface 68 of
the grip 28 along the first edge 60. As the grip 28 is wrapped
about the handle assembly 16, the first edge 60 and the overlap
guide region 70 are positioned as the top edge (the edge closer to
the throat region 14). The overlap guide region 70 can have a width
within the range of 1 to 15 mm. In one implementation, the overlap
guide region 70 has a width within the range of 2 to 4 mm. The
overlap guide region 70 can be formed with an appearance that is
visibly different from the remainder of the outer surface 68 of the
grip 28. In one implementation, the overlap guide region 70 can be
formed of a first color and the remainder of the outer surface can
be formed of a second color that is different from the first color.
In another implementations, the overlap guide region 70 can be
formed of two or more colors, a pattern, a texture or combinations
thereof that are visibly different from the color, pattern and/or
texture of the remainder of the outer surface 68 of the grip 70. In
another implementation, the overlap guide region 70 may include
graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia. In one implementation, the
overlap guide region 70 can includes a plurality of strips or words
such as "cover here" or "overlap here". The overlap guide region 70
provides an efficient, effective guide to users for facilitating
the proper gripping of the grip 28 about the pallet 26 or handle
assembly 16. The overlap guide region 70 provides the user with a
consistent visible indication of where to place the grip 28 as the
grip is wrapped about the handle assembly 16. The user simply wraps
the grip 28 about the handle assembly 16 such that the grip 28
covers the region 70. By covering the overlap guide region 70, the
grip 28 can readily, quickly wrapped about the handle assembly 16
in a manner that provides a clean, consistent, professional
appearance. The overlap guide region 70 provides a desirable amount
of overlapped grip material.
[0027] The outer surface 68 can also include graphical and/or
alphanumeric indicia 72 and surface texture 74 for enhancing the
grip-ability of the grip 28. The indicia 72 can be representative
of alphanumeric characters, graphics, specification information,
advertising information, source data, trademarks, certification
marks and combinations thereof. Specification information may
include information such as installation instructions, dimensions,
warnings, bar codes, and design features. Advertising information
may include information such as slogans, product ratings, product
attributes and information on related products. The indicia 72 may
be single or multi-colored. The surface texture 74 can be a
plurality on indentations. In other implementations, the surface
texture can be a plurality of projections, indentations, roughened
areas, and combinations thereof.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7 through 10, the throat end region
58 of the grip 28 is shown in greater detail. The throat end (the
end opposite the butt end) and the throat end region 58 of the grip
28 typically has a width W.sub.t that is generally constant and
equal to the primary width W.sub.a. A strip of capping tape 80 can
be supplied with the grip 28. The capping tape 80 has an outer
surface 82 that can include indicia 84 (similar to the indicia 72),
and an adhesive coated inner surface (not shown). Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 10, the capping tape 80 secures the throat end of the
grip 28 to the racquet 10.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7-10, the shape of the throat end
region of conventional grip tapes present challenges to individuals
gripping a racquet. The grip is typically spirally or helically
wrapped about the pallet 26 at an angle with respect to a
longitudinal axis 90 of the racquet 10. When a grip reaches its
throat end, the grip is angled and the square shaped throat end of
the grip tape forms an unappealing top end to the grip tape. Some
individuals who wrap grips about handles will lightly wrap the
throat end of the grip about the pallet 26 to gauge how much
excess, unnecessary or unsightly material remains toward the throat
end of the grip. These individuals then will partially unwrap the
grip and cut the grip in a fashion that allows the grip to more
readily wrap about the throat end to form a clean professional
looking top end to the grip. Often only individuals with a great
deal of experience with applying grips to racquets can do the
wrapping, unwrapping, cutting and re-wrapping process to end up
with the desired clean professional appearance. In many cases, user
attempt to properly cut the grip, but end up taking an improper
angle or cutting the grip too short or too long. Any of these
common scenarios can result in a sloppy, unprofessional appearance
to the top of the wrapped grip. The capping tape 80 is then applied
over the top end (or throat end) of the grip to complete the grip
wrapping process. Although the capping tape 80 may cover minor
errors or sloppiness in cutting the throat end 58 of the grip tape
28, practically speaking the capping tape 80 can only clean so much
of a poorly cut or applied throat end 58 of the grip tape 28.
[0030] The present invention provides a simple, quick and easy
approach to overcome these challenges. In one implementation, the
throat end section 58 of the grip 28 is formed with one or more
guidelines 92 formed into grip 28. The guidelines 92 can be formed
into the outer surface 68 of the grip 28. The guidelines 92 can be
formed as one or more grooves within the outer surface 68 of the
grip 28. In other implementations, the guidelines 92 can be formed
as a plurality of spaced apart line segments, dots, or perforations
extending along one or more lines. In another implementation, the
guidelines 92 can be markings applied to the outer surface 68 of
the grip 28 wherein the thickness of the grip 28 is generally not
changed by the addition of the guidelines 92. In another
implementation, the guidelines 92 can be lines, segments, and/or
dots that outwardly project from the outer surface 68 of the grip
28. In other implementations, the guidelines 92 can be any
combination of grooves, segments, holes, dots, perforations,
projections, markings. The guidelines 92 can be formed to be
visible upon close inspection of the outer surface 68 of the grip
28 but not readily visible on the grip 28 from a distance. The term
guidelines can be used to mean any or all of the above-listed
implementations.
[0031] The guidelines 92 provide visible indication to the user of
one or more locations where excess material from the throat end
section 58 of the grip 28 can be removed at the end of the grip
wrapping process. In one implementation, the guidelines 92 are two
or more spaced apart parallel lines. In another implementation, the
guidelines 92 can be three or more spaced apart lines. In another
implementation, the guidelines 92 can be five spaced apart lines.
In other implementations, other numbers of guidelines can be used.
The multiple guidelines 92 enable the grip 28 to accommodate
different sized racquet grips, different sized pallets, different
length handle assemblies and other variables present in racquet
designs. The guidelines 92 are generally positioned on the grip 28
at an angle that corresponds to the helical or spiral angle of the
wrapping of the grip about the handle assembly 16. When the grip 28
reaches the top end (or throat end) of the pallet 26, the
guidelines 92 extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis 90. For purposes of the present application, the term
"generally perpendicular" refers to an angle that is 90 degrees
plus or minus 5 degrees. In other words, the guidelines may be
positioned within the range of 85 to 95 degrees from the
longitudinal axis 90 of the racquet 10. In another implementation,
the guidelines 92 can be positioned at an angle that is within the
range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees from the longitudinal axis 90.
The user can then simply cut the throat end section 58 of the grip
28 along the one of the selected guidelines 92. Once cut, the
throat end section 58 has a tapered width that enables the throat
end section 58 to evenly wrap about the top or throat end of the
pallet 26 to form a clean, professional top end to the wrapped grip
28. The capping tape 80 can then be readily applied to the top edge
formed by the top or throat end of the wrapped grip 28.
[0032] In one implementation, as indicated in FIG. 7, the
guidelines 92 can be configured to be cut with a scissors, a knife
or other conventional cutting instrument. In another
implementation, the guidelines 92 can be formed by a series of one
or more grooves or perforations. The grooves or perforations can be
sized and positioned to enable the user to pull apart the throat
end section 58 of the grip 28 along the desired guideline 92. In
other words, the guidelines 92 can be configured to enable a user
to pull apart the throat end section 58 of the grip 92 without the
use of a cutting instrument, by use of the user's two hands.
[0033] The grip 28 of the present invention provides at least three
important features that greatly facilitate the wrapping of the grip
28 about the handle assembly 16 of the racquet 10. The features can
be used individually or in any combination. One of the features is
the variable length Lb of the butt end section 56 extending to
represent between 15 to 30 percent of the total length L of the
grip 28. Another important feature is the incorporation of the
overlap guide region 70 on the grip. Yet another important feature
is the incorporation of one of more guidelines 92 defined on the
throat end section 58 of the grip. The important features address
significant challenges that arise when gripping a racquet or other
sports implement. The features enable any user to apply a grip to a
sports implement quickly easily and efficiently, and to achieve an
appearance that is appealing, clean and professional.
[0034] While example implementations of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, although different example
implementations may have been described as including one or more
features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that
the described features may be interchanged with one another or
alternatively be combined with one another in the described example
implementations or in other alternative implementations. One of
skill in the art will understand that the invention may also be
practiced without many of the details described above. Accordingly,
it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications
and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the
appended claims. Further, some well-known structures or functions
may not be shown or described in detail because such structures or
functions would be known to one skilled in the art. Unless a term
is specifically and overtly defined in this specification, the
terminology used in the present specification is intended to be
interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though may be
used conjunction with the description of certain specific
implementations of the present invention.
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