U.S. patent application number 15/186183 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for multi-helix grip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lamkin Corporation. Invention is credited to Adam Colton, Kerri Kauffman, Robert J. Lamkin, Ting Lau, Patricia Marquez, Raul Medina, Carl W. Pettersen, Carlos Rodriguez.
Application Number | 20160287959 15/186183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55016312 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160287959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lamkin; Robert J. ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
MULTI-HELIX GRIP
Abstract
A molded golf grip for a golf club includes first simulated
wrap, and a second simulated wrap. The first simulated wrap
includes a first wrap surface extending in a helical pattern. The
first wrap surface includes a first wrap surface texture and a
first wrap width that is less than a pitch of the helical pattern.
The second simulated wrap includes a second wrap surface extending
in a second helical pattern intertwined helically with the first
wrap surface. The second wrap surface includes a second wrap
surface texture that is different than the first wrap surface
texture and a second wrap width that is less than the pitch. The
first simulated wrap and the second simulated wrap are molded as a
single body forming a shaft opening there within.
Inventors: |
Lamkin; Robert J.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Pettersen; Carl W.; (San Diego, CA)
; Kauffman; Kerri; (San Diego, CA) ; Colton;
Adam; (San Diego, CA) ; Marquez; Patricia;
(Tijuana, MX) ; Rodriguez; Carlos; (Tijuana,
MX) ; Lau; Ting; (San Diego, CA) ; Medina;
Raul; (Tijuana, MX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lamkin Corporation |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55016312 |
Appl. No.: |
15/186183 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14325121 |
Jul 7, 2014 |
|
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15186183 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/08 20151001;
A63B 60/14 20151001; A63B 53/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 60/14 20060101
A63B060/14; A63B 60/08 20060101 A63B060/08; A63B 53/14 20060101
A63B053/14 |
Claims
1. A molded golf grip for a golf club comprising: a butt end; a tip
end distal to the butt end; a first simulated wrap including a
first wrap surface extending in a helical pattern between the butt
end and the tip end, the first wrap surface including a first wrap
surface texture and a first wrap width that is less than a pitch of
the helical pattern; a second simulated wrap including a second
wrap surface extending in a second helical pattern between the butt
end and the tip end and intertwined helically with the first wrap
surface, the second wrap surface including a second wrap surface
texture that is smooth and tacky and different than the first wrap
surface texture that is roughened and a second wrap width that is
less than the pitch, the first simulated wrap and the second
simulated wrap being molded as a single integral body forming a
shaft opening there within; a first skive forming a first
transition between the first simulated wrap, the first skive
including a first skive surface with a first skive surface texture;
a second skive forming a second transition between the second
simulated wrap and an adjacent simulated wrap, the second skive
including a second skive surface with a second skive surface
texture; and an end cap at the butt end adjoining the first
simulated wrap and the second simulated wrap; wherein the first
skive surface texture and the second skive surface texture are the
same as the second wrap surface texture.
2. The molded golf grip of claim 1, wherein the adjacent simulated
wrap is the first simulated wrap, and wherein the first skive forms
a first edge of the first simulated wrap closer to the end cap and
the second skive forms a second edge of the second simulated wrap
closer to the end cap.
3. The molded golf grip of claim 1, further comprising a third
simulated wrap including a third wrap surface extending in a third
helical pattern between the butt end and the tip end, the third
wrap surface including a third wrap surface texture that is
different than the first wrap surface texture and the second wrap
surface texture, the simulated wrap being molded as part of the
single body with the first simulated wrap and the second simulated
wrap, wherein the third simulated wrap is the adjacent simulated
wrap.
4. The molded golf grip of claim 1, wherein the pitch is equal to a
sum of the first wrap width and the second wrap width.
5. The molded golf grip of claim 1, wherein the first wrap width
and the second wrap width are equal.
6. The molded golf grip of claim 1, further comprising a tip at the
tip end, the tip being molded with the first simulated wrap and the
second simulated wrap as part of the single body.
7. The molded golf grip of claim 6, wherein the tip includes a tip
feature extending around a circumference of the tip opposite tip
end and the end cap includes an end cap feature extending around a
second circumference of the end cap opposite the butt end, wherein
the first wrap surface and the second wrap surface extend from the
end cap feature to the tip feature.
8. The molded golf grip of claim 1, wherein the first wrap surface
and the second wrap surface are conic helices.
9. The molded golf grip of claim 1, wherein the end cap is a
pre-molded piece.
10. The molded golf grip of claim 1, wherein the second simulated
wrap includes a gripping feature extending into the single body
from the second wrap surface.
11. A molded golf grip for a golf club comprising: an end cap; an
integrally molded body adjoining the end cap, the body including a
tip located distal to the end cap, a first simulated wrap including
a first wrap surface extending in a helical pattern between the end
cap and the tip, the first wrap surface including a first wrap
surface texture and a first wrap width, a second simulated wrap
including a second wrap surface extending in a second helical
pattern between the end cap and the tip, and intertwined in a
double helix pattern with the first wrap surface, the second wrap
surface including a second wrap surface texture that is different
than the first wrap surface texture and a second wrap width, a
first skive forming a first transition between the first simulated
wrap and the second simulated wrap at the edge of the first
simulated wrap closest to the cap throughout the helical pattern
and an edge of the second simulated wrap closest to the tip
throughout the second helical pattern; a second skive forming a
second transition between the second simulated wrap and the first
simulated wrap at the edge of the first simulated wrap closest to
the tip throughout the helical pattern and the edge of the second
simulated wrap closest to the cap throughout the second helical
pattern; wherein the first skive includes a first skive surface,
the first skive surface including a first skive surface texture,
and wherein the second skive includes a second skive surface, the
second skive surface including a second skive surface texture; and
wherein the first skive surface texture and the second skive
surface texture are the same as the first wrap surface texture.
12. The molded golf grip of claim 11, wherein the first wrap
surface and the second wrap surface include a pitch that is equal
to the sum of the first wrap width and the second wrap width.
13. The molded golf grip of claim 11, wherein the second simulated
wrap includes a gripping feature that extends into the body from
the second wrap surface.
14. The molded golf grip of claim 11, wherein the first wrap width
and the second wrap width are equal.
15. The molded golf grip of claim 11, wherein the body includes a
logo area interrupting the helical pattern and the second helical
pattern, the logo area including a logo area surface that is
different than at least one of the first wrap surface texture and
the second wrap surface texture, and a logo extending into the body
from the logo area surface.
16. The molded golf grip of claim 11, wherein the end cap is
pre-molded and secured to the body while the body is being
molded.
17. A molded golf grip for a golf club comprising: an end cap; a
body extending from the end cap to a tip end, the body including a
first wrap surface extending in a helical pattern, the first wrap
surface including a first wrap surface texture, a second wrap
surface extending in a second helical pattern and intertwined
helically with the first wrap surface, the second wrap surface
including a second wrap surface texture that is different than the
first wrap surface texture, a first skive surface extending between
the first wrap surface and the second wrap surface, the first skive
surface including a first skive surface texture that is the same as
the second wrap surface texture, a second skive surface extending
between the second wrap surface and an adjacent wrap surface, the
first skive surface and the second skive surface being at opposite
sides of the second wrap surface, the second skive surface
including a second skive surface texture that is the same as the
second wrap surface texture and the first skive surface texture,
and an inner surface located radially inward from the first wrap
surface, the second wrap surface, the first skive surface, and the
second skive surface, the inner surface forming a shaft opening in
the body.
18. The molded golf grip of claim 17, wherein the adjacent wrap
surface is the first wrap surface.
19. The molded golf grip of claim 17, wherein the adjacent wrap
surface is a third wrap surface that includes a third wrap surface
texture that is different than the first wrap surface texture and
the second wrap surface texture, and wherein the body includes a
third skive surface extending between the third wrap surface and
the first wrap surface.
20. The molded golf grip of claim 17, wherein the first wrap
surface, the second wrap surface, the first skive surface, and the
second skive surface are conic helices.
21. The molded golf grip of claim 17, wherein the body includes a
tip surface located at the tip end, the tip surface being different
than at least one of the first wrap surface and the second wrap
surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/325,121 entitled "MULTI-HELIX GRIP," filed on Jul. 7,
2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally pertains to golf grips, and
is also directed toward a golf grip including a simulated wrap
style golf grip with multiple helices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Grips for sporting implements such as golf clubs have taken
numerous forms over the years. Early grips consisted of a material,
such as leather, wrapped around the handle portion of the golf
club. Over the years other materials such as polyurethane have been
used as a wrap material.
[0004] Golf grips have evolved from the wrap type grip to a molded
type grip generally formed by a compression molding or an injection
molding process. These molded grips are generally a tapered
cylinder of rubber, polyurethane, TPE, or similar elastomeric and
shock absorbing materials that slip over the butt end of a golf
club shaft. Golf grips may also include fibers, cords, fabric, or
cork imbedded within the elastomeric materials.
[0005] The texture of the golf grip surface may be selected based
on the playing conditions and on a golfer's preferences. For
example, a smoother, tackier surface may be selected for dry
weather conditions, while a rougher, textured surface may be
selected for wet weather conditions. Gripping features that recede
into or protrude out from the surface of the golf grip are often
included to provide further traction to help a golfer retain the
club securely in the golfer's hands.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] In embodiments, a molded golf grip for a golf club includes
a butt end, a tip end distal to the butt end, a first simulated
wrap, a second simulated wrap and an end cap. The first simulated
wrap includes a first wrap surface extending in a helical pattern
between the butt end and the tip end. The first wrap surface
includes a first wrap surface texture and a first wrap width that
is less than a pitch of the helical pattern. The second simulated
wrap includes a second wrap surface extending in a second helical
pattern between the butt end and the tip end and intertwined
helically with the first wrap surface. In some embodiments, the
second helical is parallel to the first helical pattern by
maintaining the same pitch. In other embodiments, the second
helical pattern is not parallel to the first helical pattern by
maintaining a different pitch. The second wrap surface includes a
second wrap surface texture that is different than the first wrap
surface texture and a second wrap width that is less than the
pitch. The first simulated wrap and the second simulated wrap are
molded as a single body forming a shaft opening there within. The
end cap is at the butt end adjoining the first simulated wrap and
the second simulated wrap.
[0007] Other features and advantages of the present invention
should be apparent from the following description which
illustrates, by way of example, aspects of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club including a golf
grip with multiple helices.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the golf
grip of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the golf
grip of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf grip of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the golf grip of FIGS. 3
and 4 taken along the line V-V in FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the golf
grips of FIGS. 2-5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The apparatus disclosed herein includes a molded golf grip
including a body with multiple simulated wraps oriented in adjacent
helical patterns. In embodiments, the body includes a first
simulated wrap having a first surface texture and a second
simulated wrap having a second surface texture, different than the
first surface texture. The varying surface textures of the first
simulated wrap and the second simulated wrap may provide for a
smoother surface on one of the simulated wraps which may provide an
increased contact area for dry weather conditions and a rougher
surface on the other of the simulated wraps which may provide
texture for wet weather conditions.
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club 50 with a golf
grip ("grip") 100. Golf club 50 includes a shaft 60, a club head
70, and a golf grip such as grip 100. The shaft 60 may be a steel
or graphite cylindrical tube. The length of shaft 60 is generally
determined by the type of club head 70 attached and by the length
of the measurement from the golfer's wrist to the floor. The club
head 70 may be formed from any number of materials from processes
such as forging and casting. Club head 70 may be any type of club
head such as a driver, wood, hybrid, iron, or putter club head.
Club head 70 is affixed to one end of shaft 60.
[0016] Grip 100 includes a butt end 110 and a tip end 120. Grip 100
may be affixed to shaft 60 at the end of shaft 60 distal to club
head 70 by inserting shaft 60 into the tip end 120 of grip 100.
[0017] Grip 100 may include an end cap 112 at butt end 110 and a
body 130 extending from the end cap 112 to the tip end 120. Grip
100 also includes multiple simulated wraps oriented in adjacent
helical patterns and a tip 122 at tip end 120. The multiple
simulated wraps and tip 122 may be molded into body 130. In the
embodiment illustrated, grip 100 includes a first simulated wrap
140 and a second simulated wrap 150.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the grip
100 of FIG. 1. As illustrated, the grip 100 includes multiple
simulated wraps intertwined helically in a multiple helix pattern.
The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 shows two simulated wraps, a
first simulated wrap 140 and a second simulated wrap 150,
intertwined in a double helix pattern.
[0019] As illustrated, the first simulated wrap 140 includes a
first wrap surface 142, a first wrap surface texture 144, and a
first wrap width 146; and the second simulated wrap 150 includes a
second wrap surface 152, a second wrap surface texture 154, and a
second wrap width 156. The first wrap surface 142 and the second
wrap surface 152 may each be a helical surface extending from the
end cap 112 to the tip 122. The first wrap surface 142 and the
second wrap surface 152 may be conic helices with each surface
spiraling closer to the axis of the helices as each surface gets
closer to the tip 122. Additionally, the first wrap surface 142 and
the second wrap surface 152 may include a non-linear taper as each
surface spirals closer to the tip 122.
[0020] The first wrap surface texture 144 and the second wrap
surface texture 154 are different. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2, the first wrap surface texture 144 is a partially roughened
surface and the second wrap surface texture 154 is a roughened
surface. The first wrap surface texture 144 and the second wrap
surface texture 154 may be formed with any surface texture from a
smooth surface to a highly roughened surface or any texture in
between provided that the two textures are different. Examples of
surface textures include natural surfaces, simulated leather
grains, simulated wood grains, geometric patterns, mixed reflective
surfaces, matte finished, high-gloss, and artwork derived
patterns.
[0021] The width of each simulated wrap, such as first simulated
wrap 140 and second simulated wrap 150 is less than the pitch 138
of the helical patterns of the simulated wraps, the width of one
complete turn of the simulated wraps. The pitch 138 may be the
combined widths of all of the simulated wraps of the grip 100. In
the embodiment illustrated, the pitch 138 of the first simulated
wrap 140 and of the second simulated wrap 150 is the sum of the
first wrap width 146 and the second wrap width 156. The first wrap
width 146 may be the shortest distance between the edges of the
first simulated wrap 140, and the second wrap width 156 may be the
shortest distance between the edges of the second simulated wrap
150. In the embodiment illustrated, the first wrap width 146 and
the second wrap width 156 are equal. In other embodiments, the
second wrap width 156 may be different, such as wider or narrower,
than the first wrap width 146.
[0022] Grip 100 may include multiple skives between the simulated
wraps. Each skives may be a helical grove, such as a slot or a
channel, molded into the body 130 forming the transition between
adjacent simulated wraps. Each skive may be symmetrical between
simulated wraps with its narrowest portion at the midpoint between
the simulated wraps. Each skive may transition between the adjacent
simulated wraps. Grip 100 may include the same number of skives as
simulated wraps. Skives may also be conic helices that spiral
closer to the axis of the helices as each skive gets closer to the
tip 122.
[0023] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, grip 100 includes a
first skive 170 and a second skive 180. First skive 170 is a
transition between the first simulated wrap 140 and an adjacent
simulated wrap, such as the second simulated wrap 150. In the
embodiment illustrated, first skive 170 forms the edge of first
simulated wrap 140 closer to end cap 112 and the edge of second
simulated wrap 150 closer to tip 122. Second skive 180 is a
transition between the second simulated wrap 150 and an adjacent
simulated wrap, such as the first simulated wrap 140. In the
embodiment illustrated, second skive 180 forms the edge of the
second simulated wrap 150 closer to end cap 112 and the edge of
first simulated wrap 140 closer to tip 122.
[0024] First skive 170 includes a first skive width 176, and second
skive 180 includes a second skive width 186. In the embodiment
illustrated, first skive width 176 and second skive width 186 are
equal. In other embodiments, second skive width 186 may be
different, such as wider or narrower, than first skive width 176.
The skive widths, such as first skive width 176 and second skive
width 186, are generally narrower than the simulated wrap widths,
such as first wrap width 146 and second wrap width 156.
[0025] Each skive may include a score, such as a seam or groove.
The score may be a helical pattern within the skive. The score may
be the narrowest point of body 130 across the skive. In the
embodiment illustrated, first skive 170 includes a first score 178
and second skive 180 includes a second score 188. In the embodiment
illustrated, first score 178 is centered in first skive width 176,
and second score 188 is centered in second skive width 186. In
other embodiments, the score may be asymmetrically located within
the skive width.
[0026] The width of each simulated wrap may be defined as the
distance between the scores within the skives. For example, the
first wrap width 146 may be the distance between the first score
178 and the second score 188 across the first simulated wrap 140.
The second wrap width 156 may be the distance between the first
score 178 and the second score 188 across the second simulated wrap
150.
[0027] In the embodiment illustrated, end cap 112 includes an end
cap feature 116. End cap feature 116 may be an aesthetic feature
such as a trim ring extending around the circumference of the end
cap 112 opposite the butt end 110 relative to the end cap 112. End
cap feature 116 may be located at the transition between the end
cap 112 and the body 130. End cap feature 116 may be a slot in grip
100 and may have a color that is different than the color of the
remainder of end cap 112 or of body 130. The color of end cap
feature 116 may be provided after molding, such as by painting. In
the embodiment shown, end cap feature 116 is a circumferential slot
that extends completely around end cap 112. In other embodiments,
end cap feature 116 may include two or more circumferential slots
aligned to form the circular shape. In yet other embodiments, end
cap feature 116 may include more than one row of circumferential
slot(s).
[0028] Tip 122 may generally include a hollow cylinder shape. Tip
122 may be tapered and may include a funnel shape, such as a hollow
frusto-conical shape with the narrow end of the frustum located at
tip end 120. Tip 122 may include a tip feature 124. Tip feature 124
may be an aesthetic feature such as a trim ring extending around
the circumference of the tip 122 opposite the tip end 120 relative
to the tip 122. Tip feature 124 may be located at the transition
between the tip 122 and the simulated wraps. Tip feature 124 may be
a slot in grip 100 and may have a color that is different than the
color of the remainder of tip 122 and body 130. The color of tip
feature 124 may be provided after molding, such as by painting. In
the embodiment shown, tip feature 124 is a circumferential slot
that extends completely around tip 122. In other embodiments, tip
feature 124 may include two or more circumferential slots aligned
to form the circular shape. In yet other embodiments, tip feature
124 may include more than one row of circumferential slot(s).
[0029] Tip 122 may also include a tip surface 123 and a tip surface
texture 125. Tip surface 123 may be a conical frustum extending
between tip feature 124 and tip end 120 with the narrow side of the
conical frustum at tip end 120. The tip surface texture 125 may
match the surface texture of one of the wrap surface textures (as
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4) or may be different than all of the
surface textures (as illustrated in FIG. 2).
[0030] The helical patterns including the first simulated wrap 140,
the second simulated wrap 150, the first skive 170, and the second
skive 180 may extend between the end cap 112 and the tip 122. In
the embodiment illustrated, the helical pattern extends from the
end cap feature 116 to the tip feature 124. In other embodiments,
the helical patterns extend from the end cap 112 to the tip end
120.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the grip
100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf grip of
FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the skives widths, such as
first skive width 176 and second skive width 186 may be over 50
percent of the wrap widths, such as first wrap width 146 and second
wrap width 156. The skives also include a skive surface, such as
first skive surface 172 and second skive surface 182, and a skive
surface texture, such as first skive surface texture 174 and second
skive surface texture 184. The first skive surface 172 may extend
between the first wrap surface 142 and an adjacent wrap surface,
such as second wrap surface 152. The second skive surface 182 may
extend between the second wrap surface 152 and an adjacent wrap
surface, such as first wrap surface 142. First skive surface 172
and second skive surface 182 may be at opposite sides of first wrap
surface 142 and may be at opposite sides of second wrap surface
152.
[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, first skive surface
texture 174 and second skive surface texture 184 are different than
first wrap surface texture 144 and second wrap surface texture 154.
In other embodiments, first skive surface texture 174 and second
skive surface texture 184 match either than first wrap surface
texture 144 or second wrap surface texture 154. In other
embodiments, the first skive surface texture 174 and the second
skive surface texture 184 may vary, such as transitioning from the
first wrap surface texture 144 to the second wrap surface texture
154, or one half of the skive surface texture matching the first
wrap surface texture 144 on one side of the score and the other
half of the skive surface texture matching the second wrap surface
texture 154 on the other side of the score.
[0033] Each simulated wrap may include one or more gripping
features 132, such as indents, slots, or protrusions. Gripping
features 132 may extend into or protrude out from the simulated
wrap from the wrap surface. Gripping features 132 may have any
geometric shape, such as cylinders, prisms, or various shapes
combined into a pattern, such as a crossed line pattern with a
first line running in a first direction and two parallel lines
crossing the first line at an angle. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 3 and 4, gripping feature 132 is a helical slot located in
second simulated wrap 150. As illustrated, gripping feature 132 is
a continuous slot extending from the end cap 112 to the tip 122. In
other embodiments, the helical slot may be segmented.
[0034] Grip 100 may include a logo area 135 within body 130. The
logo area 135 may interrupt the helical patterns of the simulated
wraps and of the skives. In the embodiment illustrated, the logo
area 135 is located closer to the tip 122 than to the end cap 112.
The logo area 135 may include a logo area surface 137 and a logo
136. In some embodiments, the logo area surface 137 may have the
same or similar surface texture as a simulated wrap or a skive. In
other embodiments, the logo area surface 137 has a surface texture
that is different than the surface textures of the simulated wraps
and skives. In the embodiment illustrated, the logo area surface
137 is a continuation of second wrap surface 152, does not
interrupt second wrap surface 152, and includes the same surface
texture as second wrap surface texture 154.
[0035] Logo 136 extends into body 130 from logo area surface 137.
Logo 136 may be a symbol or a combination of letters, such as a
Trademark of the manufacturer of the grip 100.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the grip 100 of FIGS. 3
and 4 taken along the line V-V in FIG. 3. Each grip 100 may include
an axis, such as axis 99. All references to radial, axial, and
circumferential directions and measures refer to the grip axis,
unless specified otherwise, and terms such as "inner" and "outer"
generally indicate a lesser or greater radial distance from the
axis. As illustrated, body 130 is a singular molded body including
all of the simulated wraps and skives. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5, body 130 also includes tip 122 and extends
from end cap 112 to tip end 120.
[0037] The wrap surfaces, including first wrap surface 142 and
second wrap surface 152, the skive surfaces, including first skive
surface 172 and second skive surface 182, and the tip surface 123
may form the outer boundary of body 130. Body 130 also includes an
inner surface 131 located radially inward from wrap surfaces and
the skive surfaces. Inner surface 131 may form the inner boundary
of body 130. Inner surface 131 matches the shape of the end of
shaft 60 for golf club 50, and may be a right circular cylinder.
Inner surface 131 forms the shaft opening 126 that the shaft 60 is
inserted into.
[0038] Each wrap surface, such as first wrap surface 142 and second
wrap surface 152 may be a conic helix that spirals in a helical
pattern and tapers inward, such that the radius 139 of the wrap
surfaces relative to the axis 99 gets smaller as the wrap surface
gets closer to the tip 122 from the end cap 112. The tapering of
the helical pattern may be linear, such as the taper on the surface
of a cone, or may be non-linear, such as the taper on the surface
of a funnel, a hyperbolic funnel or a pseudosphere. The skives,
such as first skive 170 and second skive 180 may also be conic
helices.
[0039] End cap 112 is located adjacent the simulated wraps. End cap
112 is an end piece that closes the end of the grip 100 opposite
the tip 122. End cap 112 may be a solid cylinder shape. Butt end
110 may form the axial base of end cap 112. In some embodiments,
butt end 110 is a flat circular surface. In other embodiments, such
as the embodiment illustrated, butt end 110 is a spherical cap. End
cap 112 may include a vent hole 114 extending there through. Vent
hole 114 may be used to insert compressed air during installation
and removal of grip 100 from a golf club. End cap 112 may be a
separate pre-molded piece that is later secured to the body 130 as
the body 130 is being molded or may be an integral piece molded as
part of the body 130.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the
grips 100 of FIGS. 2-5. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6,
body 130 includes three simulated wraps, first simulated wrap 140,
second simulated wrap 150, and third simulated wrap 160, as well as
three skives, first skive 170, second skive 180, and third skive
190. Third simulated wrap 160 may include a third wrap surface 162,
a third wrap surface texture 164, and a third wrap width 166. The
third wrap surface 162 is a helical surface and may taper inward in
the same or a similar manner as first wrap surface 142 and second
wrap surface 152. The third wrap surface texture 164 is different
than at least one of the first wrap surface texture 144 and the
second wrap surface texture 154. In some embodiments, third wrap
surface texture 164 is different than the first wrap surface
texture 144 and the second wrap surface texture 154.
[0041] In some embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2-4,
the wrap widths are the same. In other embodiments, such as the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more of the wrap widths
may be different. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, first
wrap width 146 is wider than second wrap width 156 and third wrap
width 166, while second wrap width 156 and third wrap width 166 are
equal. In other embodiments, all three or more wrap widths may be
different.
[0042] Third skive 190 may be the same or similar to first skive
170 and second skive 180 as previously described. Third skive 190
may include a third skive surface, a third skive surface texture,
and a third score 198. Third skive surface is a helical surface and
may be a conic helix. Third skive surface texture may match first
skive surface texture 174 and second skive surface texture 184, may
match one or more wrap surface texture, or may not match any other
surface texture.
[0043] Third skive width 196 may be the same as first skive width
176 and second skive width 186. In some embodiments, third skive
width 196 is different than first skive width 176 and second skive
width 186, such as wider or narrower than first skive width 176 and
second skive width 186.
[0044] Third score 198 may follow a helical pattern within third
skive 190. Third score 198 may be the narrowest point of body 130
across third skive 190. Third score 198 may be centered in third
skive width 196 or may be asymmetrically located within third skive
width 196.
[0045] Grips 100 may be made from materials such as rubber,
polyurethane, TPE, foams, or similar elastomeric and shock
absorbing materials. Grips 100 may also be composites and may
include fibers, cords, fabric, or cork imbedded within the
elastomeric materials.
[0046] Grips 100 including the simulated wraps with varying surface
textures may help a golfer retain the golf club securely in a
golfer's hands in varying conditions, such as dry weather and wet
weather conditions. One wrap surface may include a smooth tacky
surface, while another surface texture may include a rougher
surface. Grip 100 may also include various gripping features in the
wrap surfaces. The smooth tacky surface may help a golfer hold the
golf club in dry weather conditions, while the rougher surface and
the gripping features may help a golfer hold the golf club in humid
and wet weather conditions. In each instance, the help may allow
the golfer to hold the golf club with a lighter or less pressure.
Gripping a golf club with less pressure may reduce the tension in
the muscles of the golfer, allowing a golfer to maintain a faster
and more fluid swing, which may correlate to greater distances and
accuracy of golf shots.
[0047] The multi-helix pattern including the various contrasting
gripping surfaces, skives, and surface textures may provide a
distinct aesthetic look as compared to other golf grips, such as a
single wrap grip.
[0048] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic
principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented
herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention
and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is
broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further
understood that the scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those
skilled in the art.
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