U.S. patent application number 16/431495 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-10 for composite golf club grip with foam layer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lamkin Corporation. Invention is credited to Jun Chen, Jorge Gonzalez, Patricia C. Marquez, Michael R. Peters, Christopher Patrick Piniarski.
Application Number | 20200384322 16/431495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004143041 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-10 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200384322 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peters; Michael R. ; et
al. |
December 10, 2020 |
COMPOSITE GOLF CLUB GRIP WITH FOAM LAYER
Abstract
A grip is disclosed herein. The grip includes a closed end, an
open end, a composite shell including a laminate composite fiber
material, a foam layer, and an elongated cavity. The foam layer is
inward of the composite shell. The elongated cavity extends from
the open end towards the closed end. The elongated cavity is inward
from the outer layer and the foam layer. In embodiments, the grip
also includes a core tube inward of the outer layer and of the foam
layer. The core tube forms a elongated cavity for receiving a shaft
of the club.
Inventors: |
Peters; Michael R.; (Vista,
CA) ; Marquez; Patricia C.; (Tijuana, MX) ;
Gonzalez; Jorge; (Tijuana, MX) ; Chen; Jun;
(Huangpu District, CN) ; Piniarski; Christopher
Patrick; (Oceanside, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lamkin Corporation |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004143041 |
Appl. No.: |
16/431495 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/14 20151001;
A63B 53/14 20130101; A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B 2102/32
20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20060101
A63B053/14; A63B 60/08 20060101 A63B060/08; A63B 60/14 20060101
A63B060/14 |
Claims
1. A grip, comprising: a closed end; an open end; a grip body
formed from expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) foam having
an outer surface; and an elongated cavity inward of the outer
surface extending from the open end toward the closed end.
2. (canceled)
3. The grip of claim 1 further comprising an outer layer including
a laminate material.
4. The grip of claim 3, wherein the outer layer further comprises
one or more openings exposing an associated one or more portions of
the grip body.
5. The grip of claim 4, wherein the grip body protrudes through the
openings.
6. The grip of claim 4, wherein the grip body is flush with the
outer surface of the outer layer along an exterior surface of the
grip.
7. The grip of claim 1, wherein the outer layer extends from the
closed end to the open end.
8. The grip of claim 7, wherein the outer layer extends beyond the
grip body at the open end.
9. The grip of claim 1, wherein the expanded foam is steam chest
molded.
10. A grip, comprising: a grip body formed from expanded
thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) foam having, an outer surface, a
closed end, an open end opposite the closed end, and an elongated
cavity in the foam layer extending from the open end toward the
closed end.
11. (canceled)
12. The grip of claim 10 further comprising an outer layer
including a laminate material.
13. The grip of claim 12, wherein the outer layer further comprises
one or more openings exposing an associated one or more portions of
the grip body.
14. The grip of claim 13, wherein the grip body protrudes through
the openings.
15. The grip of claim 13, wherein the grip body is flush with the
outer surface of the outer layer along an exterior surface of the
grip.
16. The grip of claim 12, wherein the outer layer extends from the
closed end to the open end.
17. The grip of claim 16, wherein the outer layer extends beyond
the grip body at the open end.
18. The grip of claim 10, wherein the expanded foam is steam chest
molded.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally pertains to grips. More
particularly, the present disclosure is related to a golf grip
including a foam layer formed from expanded thermoplastic
polyurethane (E-TPU).
Related Art
[0002] Grips for sporting implements such as golf clubs have taken
numerous forms over the years. Early grips commonly had a wrap
material, such as leather, in a helical pattern around the handle
portion of the golf club. Over the years grips have evolved from
the wrap type grip to a tapered cylinder of rubber, polyurethane,
TPE, or similar elastomeric and shock absorbing materials that slip
over an end of a golf club shaft. These grips are generally formed
by a compression molding or an injection molding process. However,
the underlistings of existing grips in the lightest form such as
those less than 0.35 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc) are not
dimensionally consistent and vary in thickness and length over the
surface of the material(s). Light, or lightweight materials are
subjected to high pressures during the molding process and when
released from the mold relax to a larger form. This larger form is
not consistent in size across the material. This causes challenges
in maintaining high quality as it relates to length control and the
accuracy of cover material to fit a given application.
[0003] The choice of rubber and synthetic rubber materials provides
multiple benefits for the swinging golf clubs. Rubber is a material
that can provide a good coefficient of friction to help the golfer
hold the club throughout the swing. Rubber can also dampen
vibrations and reduce the magnitude of forces generated by
impacting the ball and the ground that reach a golfer's hands,
which may prevent injury or reduce the chances of injury.
SUMMARY
[0004] An aspect of the disclosure provides a grip. The grip can
have a closed end. The grip can have an open end. The grip can have
a grip body formed from expanded foam having an outer surface. The
grip can have an elongated cavity inward of the outer surface
extending from the open end toward the closed end. The expanded
foam can be one or more of a thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), an
expandable polystyrene (EPS), an expanded polyethylene (EPE), an
expanded polypropylene (EPP), and an expanded polylactide (EPLA).
The grip can have an outer layer including a laminate material. The
outer layer can have one or more openings exposing an associated
one or more portions of the grip body. The grip body protrudes
through the openings. The grip body can be flush with an outer
surface of the outer layer along an exterior surface of the grip.
The outer layer can extend from the closed end to the open end. The
outer layer can extend beyond the grip body at the open end. The
expanded foam can be steam chest molded.
[0005] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a grip. The grip
can have a grip body formed from expanded foam. The grip body can
have a closed end. The grip body can have an open end. The grip
body can have an elongated cavity inward of the outer layer and the
foam layer extending from the open end toward the closed end.
[0006] 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
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grip mounted to a shaft
of a golf club.
[0008] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the grip
of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway.
[0009] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
grip of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway.
[0010] FIG. 2C is a cross section of an embodiment of FIG. 2B.
[0011] FIG. 2D is a cross section of another embodiment of FIG.
2B.
[0012] FIG. 2E is a cross section of another embodiment of FIG.
2B.
[0013] FIG. 2F is a perspective view of an embodiment of the grip
of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
grip of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
grip of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of a portion of an embodiment of
the grip of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 1
illustrating an texture layer adjacent to the grip.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
grip of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the portion of FIG. 7 enclosed
by rectangle VIII in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The apparatus disclosed herein includes a grip, such as a
golf club grip. Other grips are also applicable, such as bicycle
grips, motorcycle grips, baseball bat grips, tool grips, as well as
many other applications. A golf club grip is a primary example
describe herein, however, the disclosure is so limited. The
principles of use and details of construction are widely applicable
to most any device having a "grip." In embodiments, the grip
includes a construction having an outer layer and an inner layer
within the outer layer. The outer layer may provide a seamless
surface for a golfer to grasp that does not deflect inward as the
golfer grasps a putter for a putting stroke, while the foam layer
may provide a reduction in weight of the overall grip. In some
embodiments, the grip also includes a core that may dampen or
transfer vibration to the outer layer from the shaft.
[0021] In some embodiments, the disclosed grip can have a single
layer (e.g., both the inner layer and outer layer) comprising the
expanded foam material. Other embodiments can have expanded
material only as a base- or inner layer. In some other embodiments,
the grips can have a combination of both, in which certain areas of
the grip can have the expanded foam material comprise the full
thickness of the grip. In such an example, "windows" or
apertures/openings in the outer layer make the expanded foam
material is visible. Other embodiments can have a composite shell
as the outer layer with foam as the inner layer within the outer
layer.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the grip 100 mounted to a
shaft 50 of a golf club. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an
embodiment of the grip 100 of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip 100
cutaway. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, grip 100 may be affixed to the
end of a shaft 50 opposite, for example, a club head of a golf
club. The grip 100 can also be used for other types of grips. Grip
100 include may include an open end 103, a closed end 101, an
elongated cavity 109, and a body 108. The open end 103 is opposite
the closed end 101 and allows the shaft 50 to be inserted into the
elongated cavity 109. The closed end 101 may include a cap 102 that
is integral to the body 108. The cap 102 may be joined to the body
108, such as molded, glued, or bonded to the body 108. The cap 102
may be pre-molded prior to being joined to the body 108. The cap
102 may include a vent hole 105, which can be used to install the
grip 100 onto the shaft 50 and allow the displaced air and
installation solvent to escape from the elongated cavity 109.
[0023] The elongated cavity 109 is the hollow interior of the grip
100 formed by the body 108. The elongated cavity 109 may be sized
relative to the diameter of the shaft 50 and extends from the open
end 103 toward the closed end 101 and may terminate adjacent to the
closed end 101. The elongated cavity 109 may have an elongated
cavity axis 90. The elongated cavity axis 90 may be coaxial to the
axis of the shaft 50 when the grip 100 is installed onto the shaft
50. All references to radial, axial, and circumferential directions
and measures refer to the elongated cavity axis 90, unless
specified otherwise, and terms such as "inner" and "outer"
generally indicate a lesser or greater radial distance from the
elongated cavity axis 90.
[0024] The body 108 may include an outer layer 110 and an inner
layer 120. The outer layer 110 can extend from the closed end 102
to the open end 103. In some implementations inner layer 120 can
also extend from the closed end 102 to the open end 103. In some
implementations, the outer layer 110 can extend past the inner
layer 120, in which case the inner layer 120 may not extend all the
way to the open end, terminating at a seam 118. In some other
implementations, the opposite configuration is possible in which
the inner layer 120 may extend to the open end 103 and the outer
layer 110 extends to the seam 118.
[0025] An outer surface 111 the outer layer 110 or exterior surface
of the grip 100 may be smooth as illustrated in FIG. 2 or may
include surface texture 112 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The surface
texture 112 may be, inter alia, from the nature of the material
used for the outer layer 110, may be formed from an texture layer
114 (shown in FIG. 6) in the outer layer 110, such as a decal, or
from a combination thereof. The surface texture 112 may also result
from openings in the outer layer 110 that expose a portion/portions
of the inner layer 120. In some embodiments, the texture 112 can be
formed in the outer layer 110 as a part of the molding process, for
example. The texture 112 can further be a feature of the materials
used to form the foam of the grip 100. For example, steam chest
molded expanded foams may start as small beads or balls.
Accordingly, following the molding process, the texture may then
have an irregular, bumpy, or pebbled surface as a result of the
foam beads used to form the grip 100 (e.g., the single foam layer
130 of FIG. 2F).
[0026] In some implementations, the outer layer 110 can also be a
soft or supple layer providing a grippable surface to a user. The
outer layer 110 can be a laminate applied to the inner layer 120,
for example. The outer layer 110 can be in the form of a rubber
compound or a sheet form of Polyurethane type material, or other
materials beneficial as a gripping interface or one or more
synthetic materials (e.g., polymers, rubber, polyurethane,
etc.).
[0027] In some examples, the outer layer 110 can have a hard outer
shell of the body 108. The outer layer 110 may be a composite
material that includes a matrix and a reinforcement material. The
outer layer 110 may be a laminate composite fiber outer shell. The
fiber can be, inter alia, carbon, glass, boron, Kevlar, or a
combination thereof. In some examples, the outer layer 110 can be a
fiber reinforced plastic. The fiber reinforced plastic may be
carbon fiber reinforced polymer, carbon fiber reinforced plastic or
carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic, where the matrix may be a
polymer resin, such as epoxy, and the reinforcement is a carbon or
synthetic carbon fiber. The polymer resin may be a thermoset or
thermoplastic resin. The reinforcement material may include
multiple layers of sheets that include the fibers.
[0028] The inner layer 120 may be inward from the outer layer 110.
The outer layer 110 may surround the inner layer 120. In some
examples, the inner layer 120 can be referred to as an
underlisting. The inner layer 120 can be an underlisting which is
covered with or partially covered with another material forming the
outer layer 110. The inner layer 120 may adjoin and be integral to
the outer layer 110. The outer layer 110 and the inner layer 120
may be bonded together. In embodiments, the outer layer 110 is
formed around the inner layer 120 and bonded to the inner layer 120
during the process of forming the outer layer 110. In some
examples, the inner layer 120 and the outer layer 110 be molded as
a unitary component and thus form a grip (e.g., the body) as a
unitary piece (e.g., the foam layer 130 of FIG. 2F). The inner
layer 120 and the outer layer 110 may be formed of the same
material an molded as a unitary piece forming the grip 100. The
elongated cavity 109 is located inward from the inner layer 120. In
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the inner layer 120 is shaped
and constructed to form the elongated cavity 109. The inner layer
120 is a light structural portion of the body 108 and may include
expanded or solid foam. The solid foam may include an open or
closed cell structure. The closed cell foam may be syntactic
foam.
[0029] In some implementations, the inner layer 120 can be formed
from a closed cell particle foam. These materials can include
expanded foam materials. In at least on example, the expanded foam
can be expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), such as the
Infinergy.TM. foam manufactured by BASF. The E-TPU has a low bulk
weight, with a density of about 110 kilograms per cubic meter, and,
after processing on standard molding machines, a molded part weight
of between 200 and 320 kilogram per cubic meter. The E-TPU resists
absorption of water (e.g., less than two percent by volume in 24
hours) and has a very high breaking elongation (between 100 and 150
percent depending on the density), tensile strength (approx. 600
kilopascals) and abrasion resistance, combined with good chemical
resistance. The closed-cell, elastic particle foam combines the
properties of TPU with the advantages of foams. Some benefits of
E-TPU are low density, high elasticity, outstanding resilience,
high abrasion resistance, high tensile strength, good chemical
resistance, and good long-term durability in a wide temperature
range, among other advantages. In some implementations, the inner
layer 120 can also be formed from polyurethane foam. E-TPU is
described as a primary example herein, but it should be appreciated
that other steam chest moldable, expanded foam materials are
possible.
[0030] Some common underlistings do not have consistent dimensions
across a product. This can include a variation of +/-0.040 inches
along the length of certain product. The same underlistings can and
have a density greater than 0.3 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc).
On the other hand, forming the inner layer 120 and/or the outer
layer 110 from E-TPU or the other materials disclosed herein can
result in lower density, for example in the range of 0.20 g/cc. In
some embodiments, the density can range between 0.1-0.3 g/cc or
0.1-0.25 g/cc. This kind of inner layer 120 can be processed in
short mold times (e.g., 2-3 minutes) and may be capable of
consistent sizing where tolerances are more typical+/-0.010 inches.
The lower density material allows for products to be lighter,
enhancing design freedom, and providing products that meet lower
weight specifications with light polyurethane-based cover
materials, or that meet existing weight ranges when matched with
heavier materials such as rubber-based compounds (e.g., for outer
wrap). This provides a substantial advantage over other currently
used materials, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) underlistings
that are not dimensionally consistent when constructed (e.g.,
molded).
[0031] In some implementations, other compositions such as expanded
polypropylene (EPP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), expanded
polyethylene (EPE), and an expanded polylactide (EPLA), or other
expanded materials suitable for steam chest molding can be used as
the inner layer 120. The inner layer 120, for example, can be
formed from steam chest molded E-TPU, EPP, or EPS. In some other
embodiments, any expanded, steam chest moldable materials are
useable as the inner layer 120.
[0032] The outer layer 110 can be formed of, for example, a rubber
compound or a sheet form of polyurethane-type material, or other
materials suitable as a gripping interface. Rubber materials may be
advantageous in certain applications as they wear better under most
environmental conditions (e.g., ultraviolet and weather) than
polyurethane materials.
[0033] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
grip of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway. The outer layer
110 can have a plurality of openings 125. The openings 125 can be
windows or apertures in the outer layer 110 that reveal a portion
of the inner layer 120. Two openings 125 are shown as oval shaped
however this is not limiting. There can be any number of openings
125 and they can have any shape and be positioned in the outer
layer 110 as needed. The inner layer 120 and the outer layer 110
can have different firmness and/or different texture. Thus the
openings 125 can provide a variation in the texture of the grip
100, increasing gripping ability and/or comfort of the grip 100.
The openings 125 are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2B, however
the openings can be applied to any of the multiple layer
embodiments of the grip 100 described herein. For example, the
openings 125 can be freely integrated into the embodiments of FIG.
3 through FIG. 8 having the outer layer 110.
[0034] FIG. 2C is a cross section of an embodiment of the openings
of FIG. 2B. The inner layer 120 can be visible through the openings
125. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface of the inner layer
120 can be flush with the outer surface of the outer layer 110, as
shown. For embodiments using different materials to form the inner
layer 120 and outer layer 110, such as expanded foam for the inner
layer 120 and rubber or PU for the outer layer 110, the openings
125 provide increased texture along the outer surface 111 and
increased comfort. The same can be true for the embodiments of FIG.
2D and FIG. 2E, described below.
[0035] FIG. 2D is a cross section of another embodiment of the
openings of FIG. 2B. As in FIG. 2C, the inner layer 120 can be
visible through the openings 125. In the embodiment shown, the
inner layer 120 can be extend past the outer surface of the outer
layer 110, as shown. This can result in portions of the inner layer
protruding through the outer layer 110 (e.g., through the openings
125) and forming an irregular texture along the outer surface
111.
[0036] FIG. 2E is a cross section of another embodiment of the
openings of FIG. 2B. As in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D, the inner layer 120
can be visible through the openings 125. In the embodiment shown,
the inner layer 120 can be recessed within the openings 125, where
the inner layer 120 does not extend into the openings 125. This can
form an irregular texture having concave dimples along the outer
surface 111 where the openings 125 reveal portions of the inner
layer 120.
[0037] FIG. 2F is a perspective view of an embodiment of the grip
of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway. The embodiment shown
in FIG. 2F is similar to that shown in FIG. 2A with a unitary grip
body having a single foam layer 130. For example, the outer layer
110 and the inner layer 120 can be replaced or combined into a grip
body having only the foam layer 130 (e.g., formed from a single
material). In some embodiments, the other features of the grip 100
described remain the same, however the single, foam layer 130 is
used to form the body 108 of the grip 100, extending from the
closed end 101 to the open end 103. Thus the grip 100 can include
the foam layer 130 (e.g., the body 108) and the closed end 101
(e.g., with the vent hole 105) formed together from a single
material, such as from an expanded foam (e.g., E-TPU). In
embodiments of the grip 100 having the foam layer 130, the texture
112 can be added using, for example, the molding process (e.g.,
steam chest molding) to form texture or other grippable features
into the outer surface 111 of the grip 100. Such grippable features
may resemble the concave or convex effects of the openings of FIG.
2B, FIG. 2D and FIG. 2E, the texture 112 of FIG. 1, FIG. 7, and
FIG. 8, for example.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
grip 100 of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip 100 cutaway.
Referring to FIG. 3, the body 108 may also include a core tube 132
inward from the inner layer 120. The outer layer 110 and the inner
layer 120 may surround the core tube 132. The core tube 132 may
adjoin the inner layer 120. The core tube 132 may be integral to
the inner layer 120. The core tube 132 and the inner layer 120 may
be bonded or otherwise joined together. The core tube 132 may form
an inner sleeve of the grip 100 for the shaft 50 and may be formed
to include the elongated cavity 109. In some embodiments, the core
tube 132 and the outer layer 110 may be in contact adjacent to the
open end 103. The cap 102, the core tube 132, and the outer layer
110 may enclose a volume that is filled by the inner layer 120. The
core tube 132 may include a right circular cylinder shape.
[0039] The core tube 132 may include one or more layers of
elastomeric materials, such as rubber, polyurethane, or
thermoplastic elastomer. In some embodiments, the core tube 132 can
include shock absorbing properties.
[0040] The core tube 132 and the cap 102 may be integral, such as
bonded together, glued together, or molded as a unitary piece.
[0041] The outer layer 110 includes an outer layer end 113 which
may not extend completely to the open end 103. The core tube 132
may extend to the outer layer end 113 and may extend beyond the
outer layer end 113 to form a tip 104 that includes the open end
103 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The tip 104 may be formed of
an elastomeric material. The tip end 104 can also be formed of the
same material as the outer layer 110 or the inner layer 120, as
needed.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
grip 100 of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip 100 cutaway.
Referring to FIG. 4, the body 108 may also include core protrusions
134. The core protrusions 134 may extend from the core tube 132 to
the outer layer 110 through the inner layer 120. The core
protrusions 134 may be interspersed throughout the inner layer
120.
[0043] The core protrusions 134 may be full or partial ribs
extending around the circumference of the core tube 132, along the
axis of the core tube 132 and along the elongated cavity axis 90,
or may spiral about the core tube 132. The core protrusions 134
that are full ribs may subdivide the volume enclosed by the cap
102, the core tube 132 and the outer layer 110, and may subdivide
the inner layer 120 into foam layer sections 122. The core
protrusions 134 may also be spokes, such as partial ribs that
extend partially around the circumference of the core tube 132 or
tubes that extend outward from the core tube 132 to the outer layer
110.
[0044] The core protrusions 134 and the core tube 132 are integral
and may be joined or molded as a unitary piece as shown in FIG. 5.
The core protrusions 134 may be formed of the same or similar
materials as the core tube 132. The core protrusions 134 may
include elastomeric materials, such as rubber, polyurethane, or
thermoplastic elastomer, and can include shock absorbing
properties.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of a portion of an embodiment of
the grip 100 of FIG. 1. The grip 100 may also include a surface
coating 140 on the outer surface 111 of the outer layer 110. The
surface coating 140 may improve the durability or the gripping
properties of the grip 100. These properties include inter alia, an
increased coefficient of friction at the outer surface 111,
increased surface tack, and increased surface hardness. The surface
coating 140 may include, inter alia, polyurethane coatings and
rubber based coatings.
[0046] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the grip of FIG. 1
illustrating a texture layer 114 adjacent to the grip 100. The
texture layer 114 may be an overlay or an inlay. The texture layer
114 may be located within the composite material, inward of the
composite material or outward from the composite material. During
the manufacturing process, the texture layer 114 may be located
between layers, such as sheets, of the reinforcement material prior
to adding the binding matrix, located under the layers prior to
adding the binding matrix, or may be located on the composite
material after adding the binding matrix. The texture layer 114 may
include tactile features 115, alignment features 116, and graphic
features 117. The tactile features 115 may be protrusions,
depressions, or a combination thereof. The alignment features 116
may also be protrusions, depressions or graphic in nature, and may
be located adjacent the closed end 101 or the open end 103. Graphic
features 117 may be, inter alia, images, logos, symbols, or a
combination thereof.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
grip of FIG. 1 with a portion of the grip cutaway. FIG. 8 is a
detailed view of the portion of FIG. 7 enclosed by rectangle VIII
in FIG. 7. A portion of the surface coating 140 in FIG. 8 is
cutaway and not shown for illustrative purposes. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the texture layer 114 is located
outward of the outer layer and may be a decal that is adhered to
the outside of the outer layer 110. In general, the texture layer
114 may be applied on embodiments of the grip 100 having a
composite, or shell as the outer layer 110. The texture layer 114
may be a continuous strip of material as illustrated, may be
multiple strips of material that include tactile features 115, or
may be individual tactile features 115.
[0048] In the embodiment illustrated, the surface coating 140 is
located outward of the texture layer 114, with the texture layer
114 located between the outer layer 110 and the surface coating
140. In other embodiments, the texture layer 114 may be decals that
are applied after the surface coating 140. The tactile features 115
may form some or all of the surface texture 112 of the grip
100.
[0049] The grip 100 as described herein may have a high modulus
hybrid construction. The outer layer 110 may have a seamless
construction and may not deflect inward when gripped, which can
allow a golfer to grasp the grip comfortably and precisely no
matter the gripping method the golfer uses. The outer layer 110 may
also improve the durability of the grip 100.
[0050] The layered construction of the embodiments of the grip 100
described herein may allow for the fine tuning of the weight of the
grip 100, such as by adjusting the thickness of each layer and by
the foam density. The layered construction also allows for the fine
tuning of the amount of vibration that reaches the golfer's hand.
Dampening some of the vibration may filter the noise and allow
proper vibrational feedback to reach the golfer's hand. This
feedback may help the golfer feel how hard the ball was struck and
where on the clubface the ball was struck, which may provide the
golfer valuable information about the golfer's putting stroke.
[0051] The vibrational dampening and transference of vibration from
the shaft 50 to a hard, or composite shell outer layer 110 may be
tuned by, inter alia, the thickness of the core tube 132 and the
amount of contact that the outer layer 110 has with the core tube
132, the core protrusions 134, and with the cap 102. While the core
protrusions 134 may have some dampening properties, those
properties may be less than the dampening properties of the inner
layer 120. Thus, the amount vibrational transference to the outer
layer 110 may be controlled by the pattern, shapes, and thicknesses
of the core protrusions 134 and the contact area the core
protrusions 134, the core tube 132, and the cap 102 each have with
the outer layer 110.
Additional Matters
[0052] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
invention. The described embodiments are not limited to use in
conjunction with a particular type of golf club. Hence, although
the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, depicts and
describes particular embodiments of the grip for a putter, it will
be appreciated that the grip in accordance with this disclosure can
be used with various other types of golf clubs, and can be used
with other types of implements. 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, any explanation in connection with one embodiment
applies to similar features of other embodiments, and elements of
multiple embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments. 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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