JP2024505174A - Tapered grip for sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club grips configured to house sensors are described herein. The golf club grip includes a grip body and an end cap configured to house a sensor. The grip body defines a gripping surface that encourages the golfer to grip the body at a point that does not interact with the end cap. The end cap is integrally formed with or otherwise secured to the grip body. The end cap includes an upper portion having a first cavity for receiving a sensor. The upper portion is tapered to define a non-gripping surface that directs the golfer's grip toward the gripping surface without interacting with the end cap or causing the end cap to interfere with the grip. , thereby resulting in a more stable and reproducible grip and/or swing. The end cap further includes a lower portion configured to couple with the grip body. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/138,729, filed January 18, 2021, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. incorporated into.

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to golf clubs and, more particularly, to a golf club grip having a recessed end cap to have sensors for obtaining measurements such as swing speed and shot distance.

A golf club can be equipped with a sensor that records a golfer's shots, and the golf club can be paired with a smartphone app that allows viewing of shot data. Several methods have been developed to secure sensors to golf clubs. Some sensors can be fixed directly to the grip. For example, the sensor can be screwed into the butt end of the grip. Also, certain sensors may be embedded within the grip and may require a separate component of the grip, such as an end cap, to accommodate the sensor. In most grips, the shaft is a rigid body that extends through the grip body and terminates in an end cap. In most embodiments, the end cap is an unsupported extension of the grip because the shaft does not extend through the end cap. Because the end caps are unsupported, this grip feels unstable to golfers who prefer to hold the grip near the ends. This instability can be distracting to the golfer during the swing and can result in inaccurate feedback from the shot. In general, executing a shot or gripping the club feels unstable to the average golfer.

Most grips taper so that the largest diameter is at the butt end and the smallest diameter is near the tip end. Because the grip is one smooth continuous shape, the golfer naturally grips the club near the butt end where the sensor is located. Current end cap geometry does not prevent golfers from grasping near the sensor. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a grip that prevents the golfer from grasping near the ends and directs the golfer to a stable grip area even when the grip is provided with an end cap. exist.

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a tapered end cap.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a grip with a tapered end cap.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a grip with a tapered end cap.

2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end cap. FIG.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the grip with the end cap of Figure 4;

Figure 5 illustrates the dimensions of a perspective cross-sectional view of the grip with end cap of Figure 4;

2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end cap. FIG.

8 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the grip with the end cap of FIG. 7; FIG.

8 illustrates the dimensions of a perspective cross-sectional view of the grip with the end cap of FIG. 7; FIG.

2 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end cap. FIG.

11 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the grip with the end cap of FIG. 10; FIG.

11 illustrates the dimensions of a perspective cross-sectional view of the grip with the end cap of FIG. 10; FIG.

The invention described herein is a grip having a grip body and an end cap that houses a sensor. The end caps described herein are designed to address these instability challenges arising from grips. For example, the end cap is tapered to define a non-gripping surface. The non-grip surface creates a gap between the golfer's hands and the butt end of the grip, creating a surface that is uncomfortable for the golfer to hold. This non-grip surface directs the golfer's grip toward the grip body, where the golfer is encouraged to grip. The grip body provides a more structured contact point between the golfer's hands and the golf club grip. In some embodiments, the end cap includes a flange to further address instability issues. The flange may be provided with a corresponding geometry for the set of receiving arms positioned on the grip body. A flange can be received within the receiving arm to secure the end cap to the grip. The end caps described herein address the issue of instability and provide a more stable and reproducible grip and/or swing.

"Flange" as used herein describes the lower tapered region of the end cap.

A "longitudinal axis" as used herein is an axis defined by a shaft. The longitudinal axis extends from the geometric center of the bottom end of the shaft to the geometric center of the top end of the shaft.

A "tangential plane" as used herein is the plane defined by the end cap. The tangential plane is bounded by the outer surface of the upper portion, extending from the maximum outer diameter to the grip butt end.

A "taper" as used herein is a reduction in thickness toward one end.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings illustrate general aspects of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques are set forth in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. , may be omitted. Additionally, the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention. The same reference numbers in different drawings represent the same elements.

In the detailed description and claims, the terms "first", "second", etc., where present, are used to distinguish between similar elements and to distinguish between It is not necessarily used to describe sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein, e.g. It is intended that operations may occur in orders other than those described or otherwise described. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and all variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive connotations, whereby processes, methods, systems, including lists of elements, An article, device, or apparatus is not necessarily limited to those elements, but rather includes a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that is not explicitly listed or may contain other elements that are specific to

In the detailed description and claims, "top", "above", "above", "below", "inside", "outside", "maximum", "taper", "chamfer", etc. The term, when present, is used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe a permanent relative position. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the invention described herein, e.g. Operation in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described is contemplated.

The terms "couple", "coupled", "couples", "coupled", etc. should be understood broadly and include electrically, mechanically Refers to connecting two or more elements or signals in connection and/or in other manners.

DESCRIPTION The invention described herein is one embodiment of a grip that includes a grip body and a tapered end cap. The grip body defines a gripping surface that is the lower portion of the grip that a golfer can grip without interfering with the end cap. A tapered end cap is positioned near the end of the grip body and houses the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor is press fit into the cavity and held in place by an end cap. In some embodiments, the sensor is secured within the cavity using an epoxy material. End caps are designed to improve stability within the grip. The end cap is tapered to define a non-grip surface that prevents gripping near the unsupported end cap by a golfer. Additionally, the end cap includes a flange that connects to a receiving arm on the grip body to form a secure connection. The non-grip surface and flange connection form a robust grip that prevents the golfer from retaining the grip near the end cap.

The golf clubs described herein include a club head, a shaft, and a grip. The shaft includes a rigid body having a top end and a bottom end. 1 and 2, the grip 10 includes a butt end 18 and a tip end 20 opposite the butt end 18. Referring to FIGS. Grip 10 further includes a grip body 22 and an end cap 12 near bat end 18 . The grip body 22 has a first end 24 near the grip butt end 18 and a second end 26 near the grip tip end 20. Grip body 22 defines a gripping surface 14 between a first end 24 and a second end 26 . In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the grip body 122 further includes a receiving arm 144 extending from the first end 124 toward the grip butt end 118. Receiving arm 144 defines the outer periphery of the connection between grip body 122 and end cap 112 . The grip body 22 and end cap 12 are integrally formed or otherwise secured together to form the grip 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, the grip body 22 defines a gripping surface 14, or area that provides feedback to the golfer from each shot. Grip body 22 further includes an outer surface comprised of both gripping surface 14 and non-gripping surface 16 and extending from tip end 20 to butt end 18. The grip body 22 further defines a cross-sectional area defined within the boundaries of the outer surface and measured in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 80. The grip body 22 can have a maximum outer diameter 84 at the first end 24, or end cap 12 with reference to FIG. 3, and a cross-sectional area. It tapers to decrease toward the second end 26. As a result of the taper of the non-grip surface 16, the golfer will naturally grip lower on the grip body 22, preventing the golfer from gripping any unstable portion of the grip 10. Because grip 10 is flexible, the dimensions of grip 10 may vary slightly when it is mounted on a shaft. The size of the shaft may also affect the dimensions of the mounted grip 10. The cross-sectional area and length of the grip 10 can be measured when the grip 10 is mounted on a shaft.

Grip 10 defines a length measured from butt end 18 to tip end 20 along longitudinal axis 86 . Grip length is between 9.5 inches and 11.5 inches. In some embodiments, the grip length is 9.5 inches, 9.75 inches, 10 inches, 10.25 inches, 10.5 inches, 10.75 inches, 11 inches, 11.25 inches, or It is 11.5 inches. End cap 12 increases the length of grip 10, making grip 10 longer than a grip without a sensor. In one embodiment, end cap 12 extends the grip length by 0.25 inches. Different embodiments of end cap 12 have different geometries and components.

Referring to FIG. 5, an end cap 112 is formed near the first end 124 of the grip body. Referring to FIG. 4, end cap 112 includes an upper portion 137, a lower portion 139, and a floor wall 134. Referring to FIG. The upper portion 137 is near the grip butt end 118 and the lower portion 139 is proximate the grip body 122. Floor wall 134 has an upper surface 135 and a lower surface 136, with upper surface 135 proximate upper portion 137 and lower surface 136 proximate lower portion 139. A floor wall 134 defines a boundary between an upper portion 137 and a lower portion 139. Upper section 137 houses the sensor and lower section 139 houses the top end of the shaft.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, upper portion 137 includes an upper surface 135 and a first peripheral wall 132. As illustrated in FIG. The upper surface 135 is recessed into the upper portion 137 through the first circumferential wall 132 to form a first cavity 130 that houses the sensor.

Referring to FIG. 6, first void 130 defines a diameter 188 measured in a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis 180. Referring to FIG. The diameter 188 of the first void is between 0.60 inches and 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the first void diameter 188 is 0.60 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.80 inches, 0.85 inches, 0.90 inches. , 0.95 inch, or 1.00 inch. The dimensions of the first cavity 130 are selected to accommodate the sensor.

Referring again to FIG. 6, first void 130 further defines a height 185 measured along longitudinal axis 180. First void height 185 is between 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches. In some embodiments, the first void height 185 is about 0.3 inches, about 0.31 inches, about 0.32 inches, about 0.33 inches, about 0.34 inches, about 0.35 inches. inch, about 0.36 inch, about 0.37 inch, about 0.38 inch, about 0.39 inch, or about 0.4 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, first void height 185 is 0.365 inches to accommodate certain sensors. The dimensions of the first cavity 130 are selected to accommodate the sensor.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, upper portion 137 further includes a lip 128 around first cavity 130. As illustrated in FIG. Lip 128 defines a lip diameter 192 that can be smaller than first cavity diameter 188. The sensor can be press fit into the first cavity 130, secured by the first circumferential wall 132, and clamped into the first cavity 130 by the lip 128. In some embodiments, the sensor is further secured within the first cavity 130 using an epoxy material. Epoxy materials require a design to aid in sensor fixation.

Referring to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the upper portion 137 further includes a plurality of indentations 196 that radiate outwardly from the center of the upper surface 135 and upwardly from the first cavity wall 132. stipulated. The plurality of depressions 196 allow epoxy to flow around the sensor and increase the bonding surface area between the sensor and the upper surface 135. Additionally, the plurality of depressions 196 can relieve pressure buildup from air and grip adhesive during installation. Upper part 137 serves to house the sensor, while lower part 139 receives the shaft.

Referring to FIG. 4, upper portion 137 further defines a non-grip surface 116 that prevents gripping on end cap 112 by a golfer. Non-grip surface 116 is a tapered region of end cap 112 that interrupts the grip outer surface and induces the golfer to grip within the grip area. Non-grasping surface 116 can be tapered, rounded, chamfered, or reshaped in any suitable manner. The non-gripping surface 116 further secures the sensor within the first cavity by pinching the sensor into place.

Referring to FIG. 5, non-grasping surface 116 defines a taper angle 194. Tangent plane 182 intersects longitudinal axis 180 beyond grip butt end 118 . Taper angle 194 is measured between longitudinal axis 180 and tangential plane 182. Taper angle 194 is between 15 degrees and 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the taper angle 194 is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees, 20 degrees and 25 degrees, 25 degrees and 30 degrees, 30 degrees and 35 degrees, or 35 degrees and 40 degrees. In an alternative embodiment, taper angle 194 is between 10 degrees and 40 degrees. Taper angle 194 is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. In some embodiments, the taper angle 194 is about 40 degrees, about 41 degrees, about 42 degrees, about 43 degrees, about 44 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 46 degrees, about 47 degrees, about 48 degrees, about 49 degrees. degree or about 50 degrees. In some embodiments, taper angle 94 is between 65 degrees and 80 degrees. In some embodiments, taper angle 194 is between 65 degrees and 70 degrees, between 70 degrees and 75 degrees, or between 75 degrees and 80 degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, taper angle 194 is 30 degrees. Upper portion 137 defines non-gripping surface 116, while lower portion 139 secures end cap 112 to grip body 122.

Referring again to FIG. 4, lower portion 139 includes lower surface 136 and second peripheral wall 140. Referring again to FIG. The lower surface 136 is recessed into the lower portion 139 through a second circumferential wall 140 to form a second cavity 138 . The shaft extends through the grip body 122 and into the second cavity 138 . The diameter 190 of the second cavity remains constant throughout to form a tight connection with the shaft. The second void 138 and second peripheral wall 140 provide structural rigidity between the shaft and the end cap. This structural rigidity prevents end cap movement, thus providing the golfer with a more stable grip 100. The connection between end cap 112 and grip body 122 provides another aspect of structural rigidity to grip 100.

A first cavity 130 and a second cavity 138 are formed along a longitudinal axis 180. The first void 130 is exposed in the vicinity of the grip butt end 118 such that the sensor is visible when the grip butt end 118 is viewed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 180. . A second cavity 138 is below the first cavity 130 and receives the shaft. The diameter of the first cavity 130 is larger than the diameter of the second cavity 138 to accommodate the sensor. In some embodiments, first void 130 is present within upper portion 137. In other embodiments, the first void 130 is within the upper portion 137 and a section of the lower portion 139. Upper portion 137 and lower portion 139 are generally separated near the center of end cap 112.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lower portion 139 of the end cap 112 further includes one or more flanges 142 near the first end 126 of the grip body. The one or more flanges 142 have a geometry that corresponds to the geometry of the receiving arm 144 of the grip 100. The corresponding geometry allows the flange 142 of the end cap 112 to couple with or be received by the receiving arm 144 of the grip 100, and allows the flange 142 of the end cap 112 to A tight connection is formed between the grip body 122 and the grip body 122. Receiving arm 144 defines the outer periphery of the connection between grip body 122 and end cap 112 . Flange 142 secures end cap 112 to grip body 122. Additionally, flange 142 circumscribes second cavity 138 . Grip 100 includes both an end cap 112 and a grip body 122. A connection is made between the end cap 112 and the grip body via a flange 142 of the end cap 112 and a receiving arm 144 of the grip body 122. This connection makes the grip 100 rigid and the end cap 112 encourages the golfer to grip slightly lower on the grip 100 to ensure a stable point of contact with the grip 100. do.

Referring to FIG. 6, end cap 112 defines a maximum outer diameter 184. In some embodiments, maximum outer diameter 184 is located near floor wall 134 to further define the boundary between the upper and lower portions. The maximum outer diameter 184 has an offset 186 from the grip butt end 118 at a vertical distance between 0.20 inches and 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the offset 186 is approximately 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.55 inch, 0.60 inch, 0.65 inch, 0.70 inch, 0.75 inch, or 0.80 inch. The grip 100 tapers from a maximum outer diameter 184 to a smaller outer diameter toward the grip tip end 120. The taper of end cap 112 encourages the golfer to grip slightly lower on grip 100 to ensure a stable point of contact with grip 100.

The hardness of the end cap 12 material is measured using the Shore A hardness scale and is between 50 and 100. In some embodiments, the Shore A hardness is between 50 and 60, 60 and 70, 70 and 80, 80 and 90, or 90 and 100. The end cap 12 is made of a harder material than the material of the grip body 22. In one embodiment, the Shore A hardness is 78. The Shore A hardness of the end cap 12 helps protect the sensor and grip butt end 18 because a golfer can grip it on a variety of surfaces that could potentially damage the grip butt end 18. This is because there is a tendency to place the butt end 18.

The grip body 22 is formed of a material having a hardness measured using the Shore A hardness scale. The grip body 22 has a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 60. In some embodiments, the Shore A hardness is between 30 and 40, 40 and 50, or 50 and 60. In one embodiment, the Shore A hardness is 55. The end cap 12 has a higher Shore A hardness than the grip body 22 to compensate for the stiffness lost near the portions of the end cap 12 that are not supported by the shaft. In addition, the harder end cap 12 prevents the shaft from passing through the end cap 12 during installation when the shaft is inserted into the grip body 22.

7-9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a grip 200 with an end cap 212. FIG. Grip 200 is similar to grip 100 and will be described using like reference numerals. For example, grip 200 includes a grip body 222 similar to grip body 122 of grip 100. Additionally, end cap 212 is similar to end cap 112 and will also be described using similar reference numerals. For example, end cap 212 includes a non-grip surface 216 similar to non-grip surface 116 of end cap 112. End cap 212 is similar to end cap 112, except that end cap 212 does not include a flange. Referring to FIG. 9, end cap 212 has dimensions similar to those of end cap 112.

Referring to FIG. 7, end cap 212 includes an upper portion 237, a lower portion 239, and a floor wall 234. A floor wall 234 defines a boundary between an upper portion 237 and a lower portion 239. Upper portion 237 houses the sensor and lower portion 239 abuts the top end of the shaft. Referring to FIG. 8, lower portion 239 is received within grip 200. End cap 212 differs from end cap 112 in that end cap 212 does not include a flange that corresponds to a receiving arm of grip 200. Rather, the lower portion 239 is flat and does not define a second cavity for receiving the shaft. End cap 212 does not interfere with the shaft, which allows for easy installation of grip 200 onto the shaft.

10-12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a grip 300 with an end cap 312. FIG. Grip 300 is similar to grip 100 and will be described using similar reference numerals. For example, grip 300 includes a grip body 322 similar to grip body 122 of grip 100. Additionally, end cap 312 is similar to end cap 112 and will also be described using similar reference numerals. For example, end cap 312 includes a non-grip surface 316 similar to non-grip surface 116 of end cap 112.

Referring to FIG. 10, end cap 312 includes an upper portion 337, a lower portion 339, and a floor wall 334. A floor wall 334 defines a boundary between an upper portion 337 and a lower portion 339. Upper portion 337 houses the sensor and lower portion 339 abuts the top end of the shaft. Referring to FIG. 11, lower portion 339 is received within grip 300 similar to end cap 212 shown in FIG. End cap 312 differs from end cap 112 in that end cap 312 does not include a flange that corresponds to a receiving arm of grip 300. Rather, the lower portion 339 is flat and does not define a second cavity for receiving the shaft. End cap 312, like end cap 212, does not interfere with the shaft, which allows for easy installation of grip 300 onto the shaft.

End cap 312 differs from end caps 112 and 212 in that it lacks a lip near first cavity 330. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, both end caps 112 and 212 include lips 128 and 228 that sandwich the sensor into first cavities 130 and 230. However, end cap 312 lacks a lip, but rather secures the sensor through some other form of connection. For example, the sensor can be secured within the cavity 330 via screws or adhesive. Removal of the lip from end cap 312 allows the sensor to be placed within cavity 330 without the use of tools. Referring to FIG. 12, first void 330 has a constant diameter.

Methods The method of manufacturing the golf club grips described herein includes (1) forming an end cap, (2) forming a grip body, and (3) securing the end cap to the grip body. (4) inserting the shaft into the grip body and/or the second cavity; and (5) securing the sensor within the first cavity. In step 1, the end cap comprises an upper part and a lower part. The upper portion includes a first cavity configured to accommodate a sensor. The first cavity further includes a depression designed to allow adhesive to flow around the sensor. The lower portion includes a flange configured to couple with the grip body. The lower portion further includes a second cavity configured to receive the shaft. In step 2, the grip body includes a gripping surface and a receiving arm. The gripping surface has a taper. The receiving arm is designed to complement the flange of the end cap and provide some form of connection between these two components. In steps 1 and 2, it is possible to mold both the end cap and the grip body. In step 3, the end cap and grip body may be secured via one or more flanges and one or more receiving arms. In step 4, the shaft is inserted into the grip body and, in some embodiments, also into the second cavity. In step 5, the sensor may be secured within the first cavity using an adhesive such as epoxy or through mechanical means such as a press fit. The depressions allow adhesive to flow around the sensor and increase the surface area for adhesion.

Example 1: Player Test A player test was conducted to compare the feel of two golf clubs with different grips. These golf clubs were similar except for the construction of the grip end caps. Results compared the effects of different end caps on player satisfaction and performance.

The first golf club included a grip with a conventional non-tapered end cap (hereinafter referred to as the "control grip"). The second golf club included a grip similar to the grip shown in FIG. 2 (hereinafter referred to as the "exemplary grip"). The exemplary grip included a tapered end cap that defined a non-gripping surface. The grips were similar except that the end cap geometry was different. A player test was conducted to compare the feel of the tapered end cap of the exemplary grip to the non-tapered end cap of the control grip.

Player testing involved 15 players who participated in a study comparing their experiences with the exemplary grip and the control device without the tapered end cap. The players tested each club head under similar conditions, where the golf club heads included similar shaft lengths and similar loft angles. Additionally, player testing was conducted on typical surfaces.

After testing, participants rated several grip performance and satisfaction-based parameters, including their comfort and overall performance with the different grips. The grips were given a rating between 1 and 5 for each of these parameters. A rating of 1 represented the lowest level of satisfaction and a rating of 5 represented the highest level of satisfaction. Ratings in each category were averaged across the 15 participants.

Table 1 above illustrates the results of the player tests. First, the players were asked, ``How satisfied were you with the stability of the grip edges in your hands during your swing?'' The exemplary grip's score was 4.06, higher than the control grip's score of 3.59. Eighty-six percent of the players surveyed indicated that they were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with how stable they felt the exemplary grip was. One player commented that his hands tended to slip out of the wobbly control grip. Next, the players were asked, ``How satisfied were you with the contour of the grip?'' The exemplary grip's score was 3.82, again higher than the control grip's score of 3.53. 73% of players surveyed indicated that they were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the natural feel of the contours. Players said that the chamfer was very noticeable and helped guide their hands naturally into the grasp area. Players were then asked, ``How satisfied were you with the ability to position your hands, without measurement techniques, in the same position on the grip that you would typically position them on the grip?'' Asked. The exemplary grip's score was 3.81, again higher than the control grip's score of 3.50. Seventy-one percent of the players surveyed indicated that they were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with how similar their grip was to their normal grip when using the exemplary grip. When players were asked to rate their overall satisfaction, the exemplary grip's score was 3.71, higher than the control grip's score of just 3.21. Several players stated that the control grip felt heavier and longer than the exemplary grip. The study concluded that most of the players had a better experience using the exemplary grip.

Tapered end caps offer advantages that are an improvement over the art. Removing material from the upper portion of the end cap (i.e., creating a chamfer or taper in the end cap) encourages the golfer to grip the grip body near the stabilizing portion. . Additionally, the sensor is protected because the golfer has no influence over the flexible sensor housing. Based on research conducted, tapered end caps can improve stability for players who grip near the ends of the grip.

Item Item 1. A golf club comprising a club head, a shaft, and a grip, the grip comprising a butt end, a tip end, a grip body, and an end cap, the grip body comprising: a first end, a second end, and one or more receiving arms, the first end being opposite the second end, and the first end being opposite the second end; an end proximate the butt end, the second end proximate the tip end, the receiving arm formed proximate the first end, and the receiving arm proximate the first end; The cap includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a floor wall, and an outer diameter, the floor wall having an upper surface adjacent the upper portion and a lower surface adjacent the lower portion. a side surface, the floor wall defining a boundary between the upper portion and the lower portion, the upper portion having a first circumferential wall, the upper surface and a non-grasping surface. and a lip, the upper surface recessed into the upper portion through the first circumferential wall to form a first cavity receiving a sensor, and the lower portion comprising: a second circumferential wall, the lower surface, and one or more flanges, the lower surface recessed into the lower portion through the second circumferential wall; , and the one or more flanges are received within the one or more receiving arms to form a connection between the end cap and the grip body.

Item 2. The golf of item 1, wherein the one or more receiving arms and the one or more flanges have complementary geometries forming a tight connection for securing the end cap to the grip body. club.

Item 3. of item 1, wherein the one or more receiving arms can be one receiving arm, two receiving arms, three receiving arms, four receiving arms, or any suitable number of receiving arms. Golf club.

Item 4. The golf club of item 1, wherein the one or more flanges can be one flange, two flanges, three flanges, four flanges, or any suitable number of flanges.

Item 5. The golf club of item 1, wherein the maximum outer diameter of the end cap further defines the boundary line between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Item 6. The golf club of item 1, wherein a surface between the first end and the second end defines a gripping surface and a non-gripping surface is defined by the end cap.

Item 7. The golf club of item 1, wherein the receiving arm defines an outer periphery of the connection between the end cap and the grip body.

Item 8. The golf club of item 1, wherein the sensor is secured using an adhesive or through mechanical means such as a press fit.

Item 9. Item 1, wherein the grip body and end cap are integrally formed, secured together using an adhesive, or otherwise connected to form the golf club grip. golf club.

Item 10. the first void has a first void diameter, the lip is above the first void, and the lip has a lip diameter that is less than the first void diameter. The golf club of item 1, wherein the sensor is fixed in position.

Item 11. The golf club of item 1, wherein the upper surface includes a plurality of indentations to allow adhesive to flow around the sensor.

Item 12. The golf club of item 11, wherein the depression radiates outward from a center of the upper surface.

Item 13. The golf club of item 1, wherein the non-grip surface can be tapered, rounded, chamfered, or otherwise assume a new shape.

Item 14. The golf club grip has a longitudinal axis passing through the geometric center of the golf club grip, and the non-gripping surface is measured in a tangential plane and between the longitudinal axis and the tangential plane. The golf club of item 1, wherein the taper angle is between 15 degrees and 80 degrees.

Item 15. The golf club of item 1, wherein the end cap has a greater Shore A hardness than the grip body.

Item 16. the golf club grip has a longitudinal axis passing through the geometric center of the golf club grip, the first gap defines a gap height measured along the longitudinal axis, and the first gap defines a gap height measured along the longitudinal axis; The golf club of item 1, wherein the void height is between 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches.

Item 17. The golf club of item 1, wherein the sensor is housed within the upper portion of the end cap.

Item 18. the end cap further defines a maximum outer diameter, the maximum outer diameter being offset from the butt end of the golf club grip by a distance between 0.2 inches and 0.8 inches; The golf club of item 1, wherein the non-grip surface tapers from the maximum outer diameter to a smaller outer diameter toward the butt end.

Item 19. A method of manufacturing a grip comprising forming an end cap, the end cap comprising an upper portion having a plurality of indentations and a lower portion having one or more flanges. forming an end cap, the grip body having a first end, a second end, and a grip body proximate the first end; forming a grip body comprising: one or more receiving arms; connecting the one or more flanges to the one or more receiving arms between the end cap and the grip body; forming a secure connection in the grip body, inserting a shaft into the lower portion of the grip body and the end cap, and securing a sensor within the upper portion; , using an adhesive or through mechanical means such as a press fit.

Item 20. The method of manufacturing a grip of item 19, wherein securing the sensor further comprises allowing the adhesive to flow around the sensor through the plurality of indentations.

Item 21. A golf club grip comprising a butt end, a tip end, a grip body, and an end cap, the grip body having a first end, a second end, and a second end. or more, the first end is opposite the second end, the first end is proximate the butt end, and the first end is adjacent to the butt end and the second end is opposite the second end. an end proximate the chip end, the receiving arm formed proximate the first end, and the end cap disposed between an upper portion, a lower portion, and a floor wall. , an outer diameter, and the floor wall has an upper surface adjacent the upper portion and a lower surface adjacent the lower portion, and the floor wall has an upper surface adjacent the upper portion. and the lower portion, the upper portion comprising a first circumferential wall, the upper surface, a non-gripping surface, and a lip, the upper surface defining a boundary between the upper portion and the upper portion. recessed inwardly through the first circumferential wall to form a first cavity housing a sensor; a flange, wherein the lower surface is recessed into the lower portion through the second circumferential wall to form a second cavity, and the one or more flanges are recessed into the lower portion through the second circumferential wall; The grip body is received within one or more receiving arms to form a connection between the end cap and the grip body.

Item 22. The golf of item 1, wherein the one or more receiving arms and the one or more flanges have complementary geometries forming a tight connection for securing the end cap to the grip body. club grip.

Item 23. of item 1, wherein the one or more receiving arms can be one receiving arm, two receiving arms, three receiving arms, four receiving arms, or any suitable number of receiving arms. golf club grip.

Item 24. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the one or more flanges can be one flange, two flanges, three flanges, four flanges, or any suitable number of flanges.

Item 25. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the maximum outer diameter of the end cap further defines the boundary line between the upper portion and the lower portion.

Item 26. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein a surface between the first end and the second end defines a gripping surface and a non-gripping surface is defined by the end cap.

Item 27. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the receiving arm defines the outer periphery of the connection between the end cap and the grip body.

Item 28. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the sensor is secured using an adhesive or through mechanical means such as a press fit.

Item 29. The golf of item 1, wherein the grip body and the end cap are integrally formed, secured together using an adhesive, or otherwise connected to form the grip. club grip.

Item 30. the first void has a first void diameter;
the lip is above the first air gap, and the lip has a lip diameter that is less than the first air gap diameter to secure the sensor in place;
Item 1 golf club grip.

Item 31. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the upper surface includes a plurality of indentations to allow adhesive to flow around the sensor.

Item 32. The golf club grip of item 11, wherein the indentation radiates outward from the center of the upper surface.

Item 33. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the non-grip surface can be tapered, rounded, chamfered, or otherwise assume a new shape.

Item 34. the grip has a longitudinal axis passing through the geometric center of the grip, the non-grasping surface has a tangential plane, and a taper angle measured between the longitudinal axis and the tangential plane; The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the taper angle is between 15 degrees and 80 degrees.

Item 35. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the end cap has a greater Shore A hardness than the grip body.

Item 36. the grip has a longitudinal axis passing through the geometric center of the grip, the first gap defines a gap height measured along the longitudinal axis, and the gap height is , between 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches.

Item 37. The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the sensor is housed within the upper portion of the end cap.

Item 38. The end cap further defines a maximum outer diameter, the maximum outer diameter being offset from the butt end of the grip by a distance between 0.2 inches and 0.8 inches; The golf club grip of item 1, wherein the gripping surface tapers from the maximum outer diameter to a smaller outer diameter toward the butt end.

Claims (20)

A golf club grip,
comprising a butt end, a tip end, a grip body, and an end cap,
the grip body includes a first end, a second end, and one or more receiving arms;
The first end is opposite the second end, the first end is proximate the butt end, and the second end is adjacent the tip end. close,
the receiving arm is formed near the first end;
the end cap includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a floor wall, and an outer diameter;
the floor wall has an upper surface proximate the upper portion and a lower surface proximate the lower portion;
the floor wall defines a boundary between the upper portion and the lower portion;
the upper portion includes a first circumferential wall, the upper surface, a non-gripping surface, and a lip;
the upper surface is recessed into the upper portion through the first circumferential wall to form a first cavity receiving a sensor;
the lower portion comprises a second peripheral wall, the lower surface, and one or more flanges;
the lower surface is recessed into the lower portion through the second peripheral wall to form a second void;
the one or more flanges are received within the one or more receiving arms to form a connection between the end cap and the grip body;
golf club grip. 2. The one or more receiving arms and the one or more flanges have complementary geometries forming a tight connection for securing the end cap to the grip body. Golf club grip as described. 1 . The one or more receiving arms can be one receiving arm, two receiving arms, three receiving arms, four receiving arms, or any suitable number of receiving arms. The golf club grip described in . The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the one or more flanges can be one flange, two flanges, three flanges, four flanges, or any suitable number of flanges. . The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the maximum outer diameter of the end cap further defines the boundary between the upper portion and the lower portion. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein a surface between the first end and the second end defines a gripping surface and a non-gripping surface is defined by the end cap. . The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the receiving arm defines a perimeter of the connection between the end cap and the grip body. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the sensor is secured using an adhesive or through mechanical means such as a press fit. 7. The grip body and end cap are integrally formed, secured together using an adhesive, or otherwise connected to form the golf club grip. 1. The golf club grip according to item 1. the first void has a first void diameter;
the lip is above the first gap, the lip having a lip diameter less than the first gap diameter to secure the sensor in place;
A golf club grip according to claim 1. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the upper surface includes a plurality of indentations to allow adhesive to flow around the sensor. 12. The golf club grip of claim 11, wherein the depression radiates outward from a center of the upper surface. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the non-grip surface is capable of being tapered, rounded, chamfered, or otherwise takes on a new shape. the golf club grip has a longitudinal axis passing through the geometric center of the golf club grip, and the non-gripping surface is measured in a tangential plane and between the longitudinal axis and the tangential plane; 2. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the taper angle is between 15 degrees and 80 degrees. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the end cap has a greater Shore A hardness than the grip body. the golf club grip has a longitudinal axis passing through the geometric center of the golf club grip, the first gap defines a gap height measured along the longitudinal axis, and the first gap defines a gap height measured along the longitudinal axis; The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the void height is between 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the sensor is housed within the upper portion of the end cap. the end cap further defines a maximum outer diameter, the maximum outer diameter being offset from the butt end of the golf club grip by a distance between 0.2 inches and 0.8 inches; The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the non-gripping surface tapers from the maximum outer diameter to a smaller outer diameter toward the butt end. A method of manufacturing a golf club grip, the method comprising:
forming an end cap, the end cap having an upper portion having a plurality of indentations and a lower portion having one or more flanges; process and
forming a grip body, the grip body having a first end, a second end, and one or more receiving arms proximate the first end; forming a grip body;
coupling the one or more flanges to the one or more receiving arms to form a secure connection between the end cap and the grip body;
inserting a shaft into the lower portion of the grip body and end cap;
fixing a sensor within the upper portion;
including;
the sensor is fixed using an adhesive or through mechanical means such as a press fit;
Method. 20. The method of manufacturing a golf club grip of claim 19, wherein securing the sensor further comprises allowing the adhesive to flow around the sensor through the plurality of indentations.

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