US20140038742A1

US20140038742A1 - Golf grip

Info

Publication number: US20140038742A1
Application number: US14/053,247
Authority: US
Inventors: Lanny L. Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-24
Filing date: 2013-10-14
Publication date: 2014-02-06
Also published as: US20120034993A1

Abstract

A golf grip that provides a user with tactile feedback is provided. The golf grip includes a grip body having an upper portion, a lower portion, a grip length, a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior body surface. The exterior body surface is defined by a first octant, a second octant, a third octant, a fourth octant, a fifth octant, a sixth octant, a seventh octant, and an eighth octant. The golf grip includes at least a first tactile channel that extends longitudinally along the exterior body surface and is confined to a first tactile octant. The first tactile channel is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to improve the user's ability to consistently hit a golf ball on the center of a golf club.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/274,571, filed Oct. 17, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/748,621, filed Mar. 29, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/609,322, filed Oct. 30, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,794,332, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/236,650, filed Sep. 24, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,637,821, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/974,705, filed Sep. 24, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of sports equipment, and more particularly, to a golf grip that provides a user with tactile feedback.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The golf grip is perhaps the most overlooked and underappreciated piece of golf equipment. Golf grip technology has changed very little over the past few decades. Many of the advancements in golf grip technology have been relegated to the material used to form the grip. For example, over the last half-century, the golf industry has moved from leather grips to rubber grips to synthetic material grips.
For the most part, the golf grip has not been considered as a means for game improvement. Rather, the golf industry has primarily focused on the golf club head as the sole means for helping improve the game of today's golfer. Many modern golf club heads are designed to be more forgiving when a golfer does not hit the golf ball on the center of the golf club face. However, modern golf club heads do very little to help a golfer consistently hit the golf ball on the center of the golf club face. The ability to consistently hit the golf ball on the center of the golf club face will lead to longer, straighter golf shots, which typically results in lower golf scores.
Interestingly, the golf industry has ignored the only physical connection between the golfer and the golf club (i.e., the golf grip) as a vehicle for solving the problem of a golfer's inability to consistently hit the golf ball on the center of the golf club face. The presently disclosed golf grip solves the problem by providing at least one tactile structure that harnesses the innate attributes and processes of the golfer's body.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In its most general configuration, the presently disclosed golf grip advances the state of the art with a variety of new capabilities and overcomes many of the shortcomings of prior devices in new and novel ways. The presently disclosed golf grip overcomes the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art in any of a number of generally effective configurations. The presently disclosed golf grip demonstrates such capabilities and overcomes many of the shortcomings of prior methods in new and novel ways.
The present disclosure relates to a golf grip that provides a user with tactile feedback. The golf grip includes a grip body having an upper portion, a lower portion, a grip length, a proximal end, a distal end, and an exterior body surface. The exterior body surface is defined by a first octant, a second octant, a third octant, a fourth octant, a fifth octant, a sixth octant, a seventh octant, and an eighth octant. The golf grip includes at least a first tactile channel that extends longitudinally along the exterior body surface and is confined to a first tactile octant. The first tactile channel is formed with dimensions specifically tailored to harness the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to enable the user to consistently hit a golf ball on the center of a golf club.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Without limiting the scope of the golf grip and system as claimed below and referring now to the drawings and figures:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a golf grip, not to scale;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the golf grip shown in FIG. 1 taken along section line 2-2, not to scale;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a golf grip, not to scale;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a golf grip, not to scale;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the golf grip shown in FIG. 4 taken along section line 5-5, not to scale;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a golf grip, not to scale;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a golf grip, not to scale;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a golf grip, not to scale;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the golf grip shown in FIG. 8 taken along section line 9-9, not to scale;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a golf grip being held by a golfer with a strong gripping style, not to scale;

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a golf grip being held by a golfer with a weak gripping style, not to scale;

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of a golfer's thumb showing a dermal imprint, not to scale;

FIG. 13 shows multiple cross-sectional views (A)-(D) illustrating embodiments having multiple tactile channels including at least two tactile channels in non-adjacent octants and at least two non-adjacent octants having no palpable indicia within a fingertip gripping region, not to scale; and

FIG. 14 shows multiple cross-sectional views (A)-(D) illustrating embodiments having multiple tactile channels including at least two tactile channels in non-adjacent octants and at least two non-adjacent octants having no palpable indicia within a fingertip gripping region, not to scale.

These drawings are provided to assist in the understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed golf grip as described in more detail below and should not be construed as unduly limiting the golf grip and system. In particular, the relative spacing, positioning, sizing and dimensions of the various elements illustrated in the drawings are not drawn to scale and may have been exaggerated, reduced or otherwise modified for the purpose of improved clarity. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that a range of alternative configurations have been omitted simply to improve the clarity and reduce the number of drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A golf grip (100) that provides a user with tactile feedback enables a significant advance in the state of the art. The preferred embodiments of the device accomplish this by new and novel arrangements of elements and methods that are configured in unique and novel ways and which demonstrate previously unavailable but preferred and desirable capabilities. The detailed description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended merely as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the golf grip (100), and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present golf grip (100) may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the golf grip (100) in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the golf grip (100).
With reference generally to FIGS. 1-13, embodiments of a golf grip (100) that provides a user with tactile feedback are shown. The golf grip (100) includes at least one tactile structure specifically tailored to exploit and harness the innate attributes and processes of the human body to allow the user to consistently hit a golf ball on the center of a golf club face.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a golf grip (100) is illustrated. As seen in FIG. 1, the golf grip (100) includes a grip body (101) having an upper portion (102), a lower portion (103), a grip length (110), a proximal end (120), a distal end (130), and an exterior body surface (160). The grip body (101) is configured to be disposed about an outer surface of a golf club shaft (not shown). The upper portion (102) and the lower portion (103) correspond to the portion of the grip body (101) that is above the midpoint of the grip length (110) and below the midpoint of the grip length (110), respectively. Generally, for a right-handed golfer using a conventional gripping style, the upper portion (102) is where a majority of the golfer's left hand would grasp the golf grip (100) and the lower portion (103) is where a majority of the golfer's right hand would grasp the golf grip (100).
As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the grip body (101) has a substantially circular cross-section throughout the grip length (110). However, the grip body (101) may have a non-circular cross-section throughout at least 50 percent of the grip length (110), as is typical for golf grips used in connection with a putter type golf club. Under the current rules of golf, as administered by the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, the golf grip (100) must have a circular cross-section, unless the golf grip (100) is used on a putter type golf club. As shown in FIG. 3, the golf grip (100) is depicted as having a flat anterior surface (140), and thus a non-circular cross-section, which is suitable for use on a putter type golf club. However, the golf grip (100) may be constructed with both circular and non-circular cross-sections such that the golf grip (100) conforms to the rules of golf when used on any of the various types of golf clubs.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior body surface (160) is defined by a first octant (161), a second octant (162), a third octant (163), a fourth octant (164), a fifth octant (165), a sixth octant (166), a seventh octant (167), and an eighth octant (168). The octants (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168) are defined by the intersection of four imaginary vertical planes (20, 30, 40, 50), with each vertical plane (20, 30, 40, 50) spaced 45 degrees from the adjacent vertical planes (20, 30, 40, 50), as seen well in FIG. 2. Preferably, the four imaginary vertical planes (20, 30, 40, 50) intersect at the geometric center of the proximal end (120), i.e., the butt end, of the grip (100) from a top plan view. The four imaginary vertical planes (20) may be rotated about the geometric center of the proximal end (120) to define a position of the octants (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168). Preferably, for a grip body (101) that has a non-circular cross-section throughout a substantial portion, i.e., at least 50 percent, of the grip length (110), such as a putter type grip having a flat anterior surface (140), the octants (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168) are defined such that at least 50 percent of the flat anterior surface (140) is bound by a single octant (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168), as seen in FIG. 3. Moreover, the golf grip (100) may include visual indicia, such as painted lines, on the exterior body surface (160) that visually delineates the octants (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168).
As seen in FIG. 1, the golf grip (100) includes at least a first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160). The first tactile channel (200 a) has a first channel length (210 a), a first tactile channel width (220 a), and a first tactile channel depth (230 a), as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first tactile channel (200 a) is confined to a first tactile octant selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168). As seen in FIG. 2, in this embodiment the first tactile octant is the first octant (161) and the first tactile channel (200 a) is confined to the first octant (161). However, the first tactile octant could also be the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), or the eighth octant (168).
In this particular embodiment, there is only the first tactile channel (200 a) in the first tactile octant. It should be noted that while this particular embodiment includes “only” the first tactile channel (200 a) in the first tactile octant, this does not mean that the exterior body surface (160) cannot have additional surface patterns, texture changes, or other similar features. When the term “only” is used in connection with describing a tactile channel (200 a) in certain tactile octants (i.e., “there is only the first tactile channel (200 a) in the first octant”), it means that the tactile octants do not contain any additional palpable indicia within a fingertip gripping region (104) of the octant containing the tactile channel (200 a). The term palpable indicia, as used throughout this specification, means a structure having a depth or height of at least 0.4 millimeters, a width of at least 1.0 millimeters, and a length of at least 25 millimeters. Thus, a golf grip (100) having only the first tactile channel (200 a) in the first tactile octant may also have textures and features that correspond to a conventional spiral wound grip or corded grip. The fingertip gripping region (104) is defined a 2″ long section of the lower portion (103), as seen in FIG. 1. The fingertip gripping region (104) may start at the midpoint of the grip length (110) and extend toward the tip of the grip body (110), it may start at the tip end of the grip body (110) and extend toward the butt end of the grip body (110), or may be anywhere in between. The fingertip gripping region (104) corresponds to the location that the dominant hand of a golfer, which is generally the hand that is not covered by a golf glove, contacts the golf grip (100). The fingertip gripping region (104) definition applies equally to convention length golf grips such as those use on irons, woods, and conventional putter grips, as well as longer grips used on belly putters and the lower section of grip used in two-piece long putter grip configuration.
Importantly, the first tactile channel width (220 a) is at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, and the first tactile channel depth (230 a) is at least 0.5 millimeters. These specific dimensions are important because they exploit several of the user's normal human body attributes to enable the user to consistently hit a golf ball on the center of a golf club face. These attributes include sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory.
Sensibility is the body's ability to determine fine objects by feel. This ability is measured by what is known as two-point discrimination. Two-point discrimination is defined as the ability to discern that two nearby objects touching the skin are truly two distinct points, not one. The test for two-point discrimination is usually performed utilizing two sharp points. Typically, a person has the most sensibility on their finger pads and lips. A normal measurement for two-point discrimination on the finger pads is a width of 2.0 millimeters to 5.0 millimeters, while other body parts, such as the back, have much higher measurements due to less nerve endings. When the two points are closer together than the range of two-point discrimination a person cannot tell whether they are being contacted by one point or two points.
Proprioception is the unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself. For humans, these stimuli are detected by nerves within the body, such as in joints, tendons, and muscles. A practical example of proprioception is the ability to close one's eyes and touch the index fingers of both hands together without looking. As a result of proprioception, the human body has the ability to know exactly where it is in space. The human body also has the ability to remember and repeat past movements, which is referred to as neuromuscular memory. As sensations are recorded by the body and movements are repeated over time, the body develops an ability to repeat movements without conscious effort.
A golfer's connection to a golf club is established by what they perceive through a golf grip. The presently disclosed golf grip (100) harnesses a user's sensibility by providing at least a first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) of the golf grip (100) to create an intimate connection between at least one of the user's hands and the golf grip (100). As previously mentioned, the first tactile channel width (220 a) is at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, which, importantly, corresponds to the normal range for two-point discrimination on the finger pads to provide the user with tactile feedback. Moreover, most humans do not have the ability to perceive a structure having a depth of less than 0.5 millimeters and a width of less than 2.0 millimeters with the finger pads. As a result, providing at least a first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) with a first tactile channel width (220 a) of at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters and a first tactile channel depth (230 a) of at least 0.5 millimeters provides the highest level of sensibility and allows the finger pads to function as high level neurological information collectors. The finger pads, as high level neurological information collectors, are able to recognize the location and orientation of the first tactile channel (200 a), which is in the same spatial relationship as the golf club shaft.
Due to the intimate connection and the high level of sensibility provided by the specifically tailored first tactile channel (200 a) of the golf grip (100), the golf club becomes like an extension of the user's body. At this point, the user's natural ability of proprioception is engaged, which allows the user to unconsciously perceive and direct the golf club's movement in space due to the high level of sensibility provided by the first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) of the golf grip (100). As a result, the user will know where the golf club is in space and can make conscious, or even unconscious, adjustments to ensure that the golf ball is struck at the center of the golf club face.
Finally, the golf grip (100) builds upon the beneficial attributes provided by the high level of sensibility and proprioception by utilizing the user's natural capacity for neuromuscular memory. When a user grasps the golf grip (100) and makes a swing, the user obtains neuromuscular memory from the sensations recorded in the hands via the first tactile channel (200 a), in addition to registering the entire body's spatial relationships through proprioception. This information is stored and fed back through the body to the hands so the various muscles and joints are able to repeat the recorded performance to be transferred to the golf club via the golf grip (100). As a result, the golf grip (100) allows the user to build neuromuscular memory to consistently strike a golf ball on the center of the golf club face.
The golf grip (100) may be selectively applied to a golf club shaft (not shown) such that the first tactile channel (200 a) coincides with a pre-selected, user preferred, hand and finger placement on the golf grip (100). As such, the first tactile channel (200 a) additionally performs a “reminder” function. For example, when the golf grip (100) is selectively applied to a golf club shaft, the user will be able to feel the first tactile channel (200 a) and know whether they are grasping the golf grip (100) with their preferred hand and finger placement. By knowing that the first tactile channel (200 a) coincides with the preferred hand and finger placement and being able to tactilely perceive the first tactile channel (200 a), the user will have a higher level of psychomotor confidence, which results in a better golf stroke. In fact, when the user grasps the golf grip (100), the skin of their fingers or hand will minimally sink into the tactile channel (200 a). As seen in FIG. 12, a dermal imprint (15) is formed when grasping the golf grip (100). The dermal imprint (15) provides a very subtle and precise psychomotor alignment “read” for the user at the microdermal neurosensory level, which ultimately leads to better golf strokes.
In one embodiment, the first tactile channel length (210 a) is at least 50 percent of the grip length (110). Having the first tactile channel (200 a) extend along at least 50 percent of the grip length (110) allows a user to determine, both visually and by feel, whether the golf grip (100) has been applied to the golf club shaft in such a way that the proximal end (120) and the distal end (130) are aligned and free of rotational deformity. Moreover, providing a first tactile channel (200 a) that extends along at least 50 percent of the grip length (110) accommodates the numerous styles of hand positioning and gripping used to grasp a golf club, including, but not limited to, a conventional grip, a strong gripping style, as seen in FIG. 10, a weak gripping style, as seen in FIG. 11, a claw type grip, or a saw type grip. Such a first tactile channel length (210 a) maximizes the opportunity for the user's hands and fingers to come into contact with the first tactile channel (200 a) to receive maximum psychomotor tactile feedback.
With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, still another embodiment of the golf grip (100) is shown. In this particular embodiment, the golf grip (100) further includes a second tactile channel (200 b) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160), as seen in FIG. 4. As seen in FIG. 5, the second tactile channel (200 b) is confined to a second tactile octant selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168) that does not include the first tactile channel (200 a). The second tactile channel (200 b) has a second tactile channel length (210 b), a second tactile channel width (220 b) of at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, and a second tactile channel depth (230 b) of at least 0.5 millimeters. In this embodiment, there is only the second tactile channel (200 b) within the fingertip gripping region (104) of the second tactile octant.
Although FIG. 5 shows the first tactile channel (200 a) in the first octant (161) and second tactile channel (200 b) in the second octant (162), the second tactile channel (200 b) could also be located in the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), or the eighth octant (168) with respect to the positioning of the first tactile channel (200 a) and how the octants (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168) are defined in FIG. 5. Generally, the second tactile channel (200 b) should be spaced from the first tactile channel (200 a) by at least a 10 degree angle, as measured from the point of intersection between the four imaginary vertical planes (20, 30, 40, 50), which point of intersection would typically be the geometric center of the proximal end (120), i.e., the butt end, of the golf grip (100) from a top plan view. Such spacing ensures that first and second tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) are not so close together that a user would not be able to discern by tactile perception the two distinct tactile channels (200 a, 200 b).
By providing a second tactile channel (200 b), there is an increased opportunity for both of the user's hands, and associated finger pads, to come into contact with a tactile channel (200 a, 200 b) in order to receive additional tactile feedback. As a result, the second tactile channel (200 b) provides even more information that is available for processing by the user's natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to enable the user to consistently hit a golf ball on the center of a golf club face.
The golf grip (100) may be selectively applied to a golf club shaft (not shown) such that the first tactile channel (200 a) and the second tactile channel (200 b) coincide with a pre-selected, user preferred, hand and finger placement on the golf grip (100). As such, the first and second tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) additionally perform a “reminder” function. For example, when the golf grip (100) is selectively applied to a golf club shaft, the user will be able to feel the first and second tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) and know whether they are grasping the golf grip (100) with their preferred hand and finger placement. By knowing that the first and second tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) coincide with the preferred hand and finger placement and being able to tactilely perceive the first and second tactile channel (200 a, 200 b), the user will have a higher level of psychomotor confidence, which results in a better golf stroke. Moreover, the first and second tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) allow a golfer to determine both visually and by feel, whether the golf grip (100) has been applied to the golf club shaft in such a way that the proximal end (120) and the distal end (130) are aligned and the golf grip (100) is free of any rotational deformities.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an additional embodiment of the golf grip (100) having a first tactile channel (200 a) and a second tactile channel (200 b) is shown. In this particular embodiment, the first tactile channel (200 a) is confined to the upper portion (102) of the golf grip (100) and the second tactile channel (200 b) is confined to the lower portion (103) of the golf grip (100). Although not specifically shown in FIG. 6, it should be noted that the first tactile channel (200 a) and the second tactile channel (200 b) are confined to separate octants. This particular embodiment strategically positions the first tactile channel (200 a) and the second tactile channel (200 b) so that the left thumb of a right-handed user using a conventional grip contacts the first tactile channel (200 a) and the user's right thumb contacts the second tactile channel (200 b). Thus, the user will be able to sense the first and second tactile channels (200 a, 200 b), which harnesses their natural attributes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory to enable the user to consistently hit a golf ball on the center of a golf club. Moreover, the user will develop a higher level of psychomotor confidence by knowing that they are grasping the golf grip (100) with their pre-selected, preferred hand and finger placement. Of course, an embodiment suited for a left-handed golfer using a conventional grip is also contemplated. In the left-handed version of the golf grip (100), the first tactile channel (200 a) would be confined to the lower portion (103) and the second tactile channel (200 b) would be confined to the upper portion (102) such that that the left thumb of a left-handed user using a conventional grip contacts the first tactile channel (200 a) and the user's right thumb contacts the second tactile channel (200 b).
In another embodiment, a portion of the first tactile channel (200 a) is located in the upper portion (102) of the golf grip (100) and a portion of the first tactile channel (200 a) is located in the lower portion (103) of the golf grip (100), while the second tactile channel (200 b) is confined to the lower portion (103), as seen in FIG. 7. This particular embodiment ensures that a user's thumbs will contact the first and second tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) when “choking down” on the golf grip (100), which commonly occurs when executing chip shots, short pitch shots, knock-down shots, and punch shots. This embodiment of the golf grip (100) may also be designed for left-handed users wherein a portion of the second tactile channel (200 b) would be located in both the upper and lower portion (102, 103) of the golf grip (100) and the first tactile channel (200 a) would be confined to the lower portion (103).
With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, an additional embodiment of the golf grip (100) is shown. As seen in FIG. 8, the golf grip (100) includes at least a first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160). The first tactile channel (200 a) is confined to the first octant (161), as illustrated in the cross-section view of FIG. 9. In this particular embodiment, at least two octants selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168) that do not include the first tactile channel (200 a), have no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104). This particular feature helps ensure sufficient spacing of the tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) to avoid providing competing tactile information that could be misinterpreted by the user's natural body processes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory. In another particular embodiment, the at least two octants having no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104) are not adjacent to one another. For example, as seen in FIG. 9, the first tactile channel (200 a) is confined to the first octant (161), and the second octant (162) and the eighth octant (168) have no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104) and are not adjacent to one another.
In another embodiment, the golf grip (100) includes a first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) and a second tactile channel (200 b) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160), as may be appreciated with reference to FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the second tactile channel (200 b) is confined to a second tactile octant selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168) that does not include the first tactile channel (200 a). In this particular embodiment, the first tactile octant and the second tactile octant are not adjacent to one another. For example, as seen in FIG. 9, the first tactile octant containing the first tactile channel (200 a) is the first octant (161), and the second tactile octant containing the second tactile channel (200 b) is the fifth octant (165), which is not adjacent to the first octant (161). FIG. 13 shows multiple cross-sectional views (A)-(D) illustrating embodiments having multiple tactile channels including at least two tactile channels in non-adjacent octants and at least two non-adjacent octants having no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104). Further, FIG. 14 shows multiple cross-sectional views (A)-(D) illustrating embodiments having multiple tactile channels including at least two tactile channels in non-adjacent octants and at least two non-adjacent octants having no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104). It should be noted that the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 do not reflect all the possible combinations of arrangements at least two tactile channels in non-adjacent octants and at least two non-adjacent octants having no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104) but rather eight illustrative embodiments. Again, these embodiment ensure sufficient spacing of the tactile channels (200 a, 200 b) to avoid providing competing tactile information that could be misinterpreted by the user's natural body processes of sensibility, proprioception, and neuromuscular memory.
The golf grip (100) may be produced from a variety of materials. By way of example only, and not limitation, the golf grip (100) may be constructed of any conventional grip material, such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polymers, elastomers, leathers, and combinations thereof. The hardness of these types of materials is most commonly measured by the Shore (Durometer) test. Shore Hardness, using either the Shore A or Shore D scale, is the preferred method for rubbers/elastomers. The Shore A scale is used for ‘softer’ rubbers while the Shore D scale is used for ‘harder’ ones. The Shore hardness is measured with an apparatus known as a Durometer and consequently is also known as ‘Durometer hardness’. The hardness value is determined by the penetration of the Durometer indenter foot into the sample. The ASTM test method designation is ASTM D2240 00 and is generally used in North America. Related methods include ISO 7619 and ISO 868; DIN 53505; and JIS K 6301, which was discontinued and superceeded by JIS K 6253.
The palm side of the human hand has a durometer value ranging from approximately 25 to approximately 35 Shore A on the hardness scale. In yet another embodiment, the durometer of the golf grip (100) is at least 70 percent greater than the durometer value of the palm side of the human hand. Thus, in one embodiment the golf grip (100) has a durometer value greater than 60 Shore A on the hardness scale to ensure that the golf grip (100) is significantly harder than the portion of the human hand that grip a golf club, and therefore the tactile channel is even more perceivable. In an even further embodiment the golf grip (100) has a durometer value of at least 65 Shore A on the hardness scale to ensure that the golf grip (100).
The golf grip (100) may be manufactured utilizing traditional grip manufacturing processes. For example, the golf grip (100) may be produced by injection molding or extrusion molding. However, conventional grip molding techniques are limited in their ability to produce a golf grip (100) having a tactile channel (200 a) with distinct sharp edges, i.e., zero radius edges. Therefore, the golf grip (100) may be formed by a molding process followed by a CNC machining process. Additionally, the golf grip (100) may be produced by an advanced compression molding process, laser cutting, or a water jet. The golf grip (100) may be included as a part of an original equipment manufacturer's golf club. Additionally, the golf grip (100) may be available for purchase separately or as a part of a regripping kit.
Numerous alterations, modifications, and variations of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and they are all anticipated and contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the golf grip (100). For example, although specific embodiments have been described in detail, those with skill in the art will understand that the preceding embodiments and variations can be modified to incorporate various types of substitute and or additional or alternative materials, relative arrangement of elements, and dimensional configurations. Accordingly, even though only few variations of the golf grip (100) are described herein, it is to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications and variations and the equivalents thereof, are within the spirit and scope of the golf grip (100) as defined in the following claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A golf grip (100) comprising:

a grip body (101) having an upper portion (102), a lower portion (103), a grip length (110), a proximal end (120), a distal end (130), and an exterior body surface (160), wherein the exterior body surface (160) is defined by a first octant (161), a second octant (162), a third octant (163), a fourth octant (164), a fifth octant (165), a sixth octant (166), a seventh octant (167), and an eighth octant (168);

at least a first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) and confined to a first tactile octant, wherein the first tactile octant is selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168), the first tactile channel (200 a) having a first tactile channel length (210 a), a first tactile channel width (220 a) of at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, and a first tactile channel depth (230 a) of at least 0.5 millimeters, wherein the only palpable indicia within a fingertip gripping region (104) of the first tactile octant is the first tactile channel (200 a), and wherein the first tactile channel (200 a) provides a user with tactile feedback by two-point discrimination when gripping the golf grip (100);

at least a second tactile channel (200 b) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) and confined to a second tactile octant, wherein the second tactile octant is selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168) that does not include the first tactile channel (200 a), the second tactile channel (200 b) having a second tactile channel length (210 b), a second tactile channel width (220 b) of at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, and a second tactile channel depth (230 b) of at least 0.5 millimeters, wherein the only palpable indicia within a fingertip gripping region (104) of the second tactile octant is the second tactile channel (200 b), and wherein the second tactile channel (200 b) provides a user with tactile feedback by two-point discrimination when gripping the golf grip (100).

2. The golf grip (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first tactile octant and the second tactile octant are not adjacent to one another.

3. The golf grip (100) according to claim 2, wherein at least two octants selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168) that do not include the first tactile channel (200 a) and the second tactile channel (200 b), have no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104).

4. The golf grip (100) according to claim 3, wherein the first tactile channel length (210 a) is at least 50 percent of the grip length (110).

5. The golf grip (100) according to claim 4, wherein the first tactile channel depth (230 a) is twenty-five to fifty percent of the first tactile channel width (220 a), and the second tactile channel depth (230 b) is twenty-five to fifty percent of the second tactile channel width (220 b).

6. The golf grip (100) according to claim 5, wherein the first tactile channel depth (230 a) is 0.5-1.0 millimeters, and the second tactile channel depth (230 b) is 0.5-1.0 millimeters.

7. The golf grip (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first tactile channel (200 a) has distinct exterior corner edges adjacent the outermost exterior body surface (160) with a radius of curvature of 0.35 millimeters or less, and the second tactile channel (200 b) has distinct exterior corner edges adjacent the outermost exterior body surface (160) with a radius of curvature of 0.35 millimeters or less.

8. The golf grip (100) according to claim 7, wherein at least one wall of the first tactile channel (200 a) includes visual indicia of a color that contrasts with the color of the exterior body surface (160).

9. The golf grip (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first tactile channel width (220 a) is 2.0-3.0 millimeters, and the second tactile channel width (220 b) is 2.0-3.0 millimeters.

10. The golf grip (100) according to claim 9, wherein the first tactile channel (200 a) and the second tactile channel (200 b) are spaced at least 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the exterior body surface (160).

11. The golf grip (100) according to claim 10, wherein the grip body (101) has a substantially circular cross-section throughout the grip length (110).

12. The golf grip (100) according to claim 11, wherein the golf grip (100) has a durometer value of at least 65 Shore A on the hardness scale.

13. The golf grip (100) according to claim 12, wherein the at least two octants having no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104) are not adjacent to one another.

14. A golf grip (100) comprising:

at least a first tactile channel (200 a) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) and confined to a first tactile octant, wherein the first tactile octant is selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168), the first tactile channel (200 a) having a first tactile channel length (210 a) that is at least 50 percent of the grip length (110), a first tactile channel width (220 a) of at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, and a first tactile channel depth (230 a) of at least 0.5 millimeters and is twenty-five to fifty percent of the first tactile channel width (220 a), wherein the only palpable indicia within a fingertip gripping region (104) of the first tactile octant is the first tactile channel (200 a), and wherein the first tactile channel (200 a) provides a user with tactile feedback by two-point discrimination when gripping the golf grip (100);

at least a second tactile channel (200 b) extending longitudinally along the exterior body surface (160) and confined to a second tactile octant, wherein the second tactile octant is selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168) that does not include the first tactile channel (200 a) and the first tactile octant and the second tactile octant are not adjacent to one another, the second tactile channel (200 b) having a second tactile channel length (210 b) that is at least 50 percent of the grip length (110), a second tactile channel width (220 b) of at least 2.0 millimeters and less than 5.0 millimeters, and a second tactile channel depth (230 b) of at least 0.5 millimeters and is twenty-five to fifty percent of the second tactile channel width (220 b), wherein the only palpable indicia within a fingertip gripping region (104) of the second tactile octant is the second tactile channel (200 b), and wherein the second tactile channel (200 b) provides a user with tactile feedback by two-point discrimination when gripping the golf grip (100); and

wherein at least two octants selected from the group consisting of the first octant (161), the second octant (162), the third octant (163), the fourth octant (164), the fifth octant (165), the sixth octant (166), the seventh octant (167), and the eighth octant (168) that do not include the first tactile channel (200 a) and the second tactile channel (200 b), have no palpable indicia within the fingertip gripping region (104).

15. The golf grip (100) according to claim 14, wherein the first tactile channel depth (230 a) is 0.5-1.0 millimeters, and the second tactile channel depth (230 b) is 0.5-1.0 millimeters.

16. The golf grip (100) according to claim 15, wherein the first tactile channel (200 a) has distinct exterior corner edges adjacent the outermost exterior body surface (160) with a radius of curvature of 0.35 millimeters or less, and the second tactile channel (200 b) has distinct exterior corner edges adjacent the outermost exterior body surface (160) with a radius of curvature of 0.35 millimeters or less.

17. The golf grip (100) according to claim 16, wherein at least one wall of the first tactile channel (200 a) includes visual indicia of a color that contrasts with the color of the exterior body surface (160).

18. The golf grip (100) according to claim 17, wherein the first tactile channel width (220 a) is 2.0-3.0 millimeters, and the second tactile channel width (220 b) is 2.0-3.0 millimeters.

19. The golf grip (100) according to claim 18, wherein the first tactile channel (200 a) and the second tactile channel (200 b) are spaced at least 90 degrees apart around the circumference of the exterior body surface (160).

20. The golf grip (100) according to claim 19, wherein the grip body (101) has a substantially circular cross-section throughout the grip length (110).