US20140206471A1 - Variable density golf club grips - Google Patents

Variable density golf club grips Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140206471A1
US20140206471A1 US14/154,694 US201414154694A US2014206471A1 US 20140206471 A1 US20140206471 A1 US 20140206471A1 US 201414154694 A US201414154694 A US 201414154694A US 2014206471 A1 US2014206471 A1 US 2014206471A1
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Prior art keywords
golf club
density
longitudinal axis
grip
grip body
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US14/154,694
Inventor
Martin R. Jertson
Ryan M. Stokke
Michael R. Nicolette
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Karsten Manufacturing Corp
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Karsten Manufacturing Corp
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Priority to US14/154,694 priority Critical patent/US20140206471A1/en
Assigned to KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION reassignment KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JERTSON, MARTIN R., NICOLETTE, MICHAEL R., STOKKE, RYAN M.
Publication of US20140206471A1 publication Critical patent/US20140206471A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00Golf clubs
    • A63B53/14Handles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06Handles
    • A63B60/16Caps; Ferrules

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to grips, and in particular grips for sport equipment.
  • an individual may use a club with a striking face to strike an object such as a ball.
  • a variety of clubs may be used.
  • golf clubs may include a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, and a putter-type golf club.
  • grips made of a molded rubber material or synthetic polymeric materials may be used. The grips may be available in various sizes, which may affect the weight of the grips, which, in turn, may affect the swing weight and/or center of gravity of the golf club.
  • an end cap may be placed in an abutting relationship with a butt end of a grip.
  • the end cap may be made of a firmer and/or harder material to give more strength and prevent the shaft from poking through the end of the grip.
  • the end cap may be pre-formed and then coupled to or assembled with the grip. For manufacturing of the grip, particularly for a large volume or batch of grips, repeatedly forming the end cap separately from or before forming the grip and assembling them together can be time-consuming, cumbersome, and cost-prohibitive.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club grip according to one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial side view of a family of golf club grips in various sizes
  • FIG. 3 is a graph plotting a center of gravity of the golf club grips of FIG. 2 for a respective grip weight
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view one of the golf club grips of FIG. 2 ;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial side view of a family of golf club grips according to other embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of one of the golf club grips of FIG. 5 .
  • golf club grips in some embodiments comprise a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and a density that smoothly (e.g., linearly) varies along the longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.
  • golf club grips comprise a hollow grip body including no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis. A first section is associated with a first density, a second section is associated with a second density, and the first density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.
  • the predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the performance of the golf club.
  • a center of gravity may be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance.
  • the disclosed golf club grips can make the manufacturing thereof less cumbersome and more efficient.
  • a golf club grip 10 comprises a hollow grip body 12 for receiving a golf club shaft 13 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 is associated with a longitudinal axis 14 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 defines a first end, shaft-receiving end, or open tip end 16 and a second end or butt end 18 positioned distal to the shaft-receiving end 16 .
  • the golf club grip 10 may be coupled to a putter-type golf club (e.g., mallet-type putter, blade-type putter, or any other types of putters), or any other types of golf clubs.
  • the golf club grip 10 may be coupled to a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, or a wedge-type golf club.
  • a driver-type golf club a fairway wood-type golf club
  • an iron-type golf club a hybrid-type golf club
  • a wedge-type golf club a wedge-type golf club.
  • the hollow grip body 12 may be dimensioned to fittingly receive a corresponding golf club shaft.
  • the hollow grip body 12 may be dimensioned to fittingly receive, for example, a hockey stick, baseball bat, lacrosse stick or other clubs.
  • a manufacturer may stock a family, group, or set of interchangeable golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 to choose from or customize based on various sizes.
  • the golf club grip 9 may be associated with an outer diameter from approximately 1.7 cm to approximately 2.7 cm
  • the golf club grip 10 may be associated with an outer diameter from approximately 1.8 cm to approximately 2.8 cm
  • the golf club grip 11 may be associated with an outer diameter from approximately 2.0 cm to approximately 3.0 cm.
  • the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 may be associated with an outer diameter of at least 1.6 cm, at least 1.7 cm, at least 1.8 cm, or at least 1.9 cm.
  • the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 may be associated with an outer diameter of no more than 3.1 cm, no more than 3.0 cm, no more than 2.9 cm, or no more than 2.8 cm.
  • the outer diameter may be measured with the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 mounted on the respective golf club shaft 13 .
  • a wrap of tape (not shown) may be applied before mounting the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 on the respective golf club shaft. The wrap of tape may measure approximately 0.02 cm in thickness.
  • the outer diameter may be measured with the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 in a relaxed state, and not including a wrap of tape.
  • the mass or swing weight may change by up to 6 points depending on the dimensions, shapes, and volumes of the golf club grips.
  • a family of grip sizes can have a mass that varies by approximately 26 grams from the smallest size to the largest size.
  • a large golf club grip for example, may weigh more than a smaller golf club grip, thereby slanting the center of gravity or balance point for the golf club from the golf club head toward the butt end.
  • a small golf club grip for example, may weigh less than a larger golf club grip, thereby slanting the center of gravity or balance point for the golf club from the butt end toward the golf club head. Accordingly, for some golf club grips, the center of gravity or balance point may not be stable when the dimension, shape, and volume changes.
  • the disclosed golf clubs and manufacturing method thereof are capable of achieving or maintaining substantially the same mass, swing weight, and/or center of gravity regardless of the dimension, shape, and volume of the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 . Accordingly, the performance of the club may potentially be maximized.
  • the mass of all golf club grips 10 is within 5 grams (including all values to within 1 gram or within the known tolerance/error of the particular weight value). That is, the dimension or volume of the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 may be increased without significantly increasing the mass or swing weight.
  • the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 may be associated with the same mass, which may be predetermined depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 of the respective golf club grip 9 , 10 , 11 is associated with a density or specific gravity that smoothly varies along the longitudinal axis 14 , as explained below.
  • the golf club grips 9 , 10 , 11 can thus achieve a predetermined mass or swing weight regardless of their dimensions, shapes, and volumes, which can potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance of the golf clubs when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow grip body 12 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 is associated with a density or specific gravity that increases along the longitudinal axis 14 from the shaft-receiving end 16 toward the butt end 18 .
  • Density refers to an object's mass per unit volume
  • specific gravity refers to a ratio of the object's density to the density of water at 4° C.
  • increasing the density or specific gravity of the hollow grip body 12 may assist in achieving a predetermined mass or swing weight regardless of its dimension, shape, and volume, which can potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance of the golf club when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow grip body 12 .
  • the center of gravity (Grip CG) of the hollow grip body 12 may relate to the mass or grip weight of the hollow grip body 12 as follows:
  • the predetermined mass or grip weight achieved with the varying density of the hollow grip body 12 may assist in advantageously positioning the center of gravity at a desired location of the golf club.
  • the density or specific gravity may decrease along the longitudinal axis 14 from the shaft-receiving end 16 toward the butt end 18 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 may contain sections or portions with different densities or specific gravities, as explained below.
  • the density may vary substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • “Substantially linear” variation as used herein includes values within 15% (including all values to within 1%) of the particular density according to a linear gradient or progression along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • the density may vary linearly along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • a “linear” variation typically includes values within 1% of the particular density according to a linear gradient or progression along the longitudinal axis 14 , or alternatively within the known tolerance/error of the particular density value.
  • the density or specific gravity of the hollow grip body 12 may thus vary along the longitudinal axis 14 proportional to a distance from the shaft-receiving end 16 or the butt end 18 .
  • the density or specific gravity of the hollow grip body 12 may smoothly vary along the longitudinal axis 14 according to a linear, exponential, or other gradient or progression, excluding a stepped gradient or progression.
  • the hollow grip body 12 may be associated with a specific gravity that smoothly varies from approximately 0.1 to approximately 20.0.
  • the hollow grip body 12 may be associated with a specific gravity that smoothly varies from 0.1, from 0.2, from 0.3, from 0.4, from 0.5, from 0.6, from 0.7, from 0.8, from 0.9, from 1.0, from 2.0, from 3.0, from 4.0, from 5.0, from 6.0, from 7.0, from 8.0, from 9.0, from 10.0, from 11.0, from 12.0, from 13.0, from 14.0, from 15.0, from 16.0, from 17.0, from 18.0, or from 19.0, to 20.0, to 19.0, to 18.0, to 17.0, to 16.0, to 15.0, to 14.0, to 13.0, to 12.0, to 11.0, to 10.0, to 9.0, to 8.0, to 7.0, to 6.0, to 5.0, to 4.0, to 3.0, to 2.0, to 1.0, to 0.9, to 0.8, to 0.7, to 0.6, to 0.5, to 0.4, to 0.3, or to 0.2.
  • a specific gravity that smoothly varies from 0.1
  • the smoothly varying density can facilitate achieving a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body 12 .
  • the predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the performance of the golf club.
  • a center of gravity may be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance.
  • a hollow grip body 12 that is associated with a density or specific gravity varying along the longitudinal axis 14 according to a stepped gradient or progression may not provide the balance, stability, and performance of the golf club.
  • the hollow grip body 12 is associated with a cross section 20 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 , and in some embodiments the cross section 20 tapers along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 may be associated with a tapering outer diameter.
  • a hollow grip body 12 associated with an outer diameter of approximately 1.55 cm at the butt end 17 may be further associated with the taper profile summarized in the following Table 1.
  • Table 1 lists a taper profile in which the outer diameter of the hollow grip body 12 is kept constant from the butt end 18 through approximately 12.7 cm toward the tip end 16 and then decreased substantially linearly through approximately 25.4 cm toward the tip end 16 .
  • the taper profile of the hollow grip body 12 may vary from the butt end 18 through the tip end 16 according to any other gradient progression, including, but not limited to, linear, exponential, or other gradient or progression.
  • the hollow grip body 12 may comprise a plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers, such as butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, halogenated butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, polypropylene, polyurethane, and styrene-butadiene rubber, or a combination thereof, or can be made from other man-made and naturally occurring materials.
  • a golf grip can be comprised of wrapped leather, full cord material, a combination of elastomeric rubber and cord, or strictly rubber.
  • the plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers is associated with a mix ratio, which may smoothly vary along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • the mix ratio may vary substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • the mix ratio may vary linearly along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 may contain sections or portions with different densities.
  • the hollow grip body 12 may be formed by injection molding, compression molding, or blow molding the plurality of synthetic resins, smoothly varying the density along the longitudinal axis 14 to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow grip body 12 .
  • a two-piece outer shell may form the external shape of the hollow grip body 12 and a core bar such as a steel mandrel may establish the internal dimensions of the hollow grip body 12 . Once molded the shell can be separated and the core bar can be removed. Parting lines may be removed from the hollow grip body 12 and final grip dimensions may be achieved through buffing to final shape.
  • the hollow grip body 12 may be molded or formed by any suitable manners.
  • an end cap 22 is integrally formed (e.g., molded or otherwise formed as one piece) with the butt end 18 .
  • the hollow grip body 12 is substantially seamless.
  • the hollow grip body 12 and the end cap 22 may be integrally formed during the same molding process (e.g., injection molding process). This is a departure from known golf club grip production procedures, in case of which the end cap is pre-molded, and the injection-molding steps, on the one hand, and assembly steps, on the other hand, are kept very much separate.
  • the hollow grip body 12 and end cap 22 may be formed throughout the course or duration of the same molding process, which can make the manufacturing of the golf club grip 10 less cumbersome and more efficient.
  • Other configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations where the hollow grip body 12 is molded or otherwise formed separately with the butt end 18 , or including seams.
  • the end cap 22 may include an infill material or disc-like weight 24 .
  • the infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density that varies from the densities of the hollow grip body 12 .
  • the infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density or specific gravity that is higher than the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12 .
  • the higher density or specific gravity of the infill material or weight 24 may assist in positioning a center of gravity of the golf club at a desired location to improve the balance, stability, and performance.
  • the golf club grip 9 may be associated with an outer diameter of approximately 1.8 cm and co-molded with an end cap 22 including an infill material or weight 24 weighing up to approximately 3 grams more compared to the larger golf club grip 10 , so as to weigh approximately the same in aggregate.
  • a further smaller golf club grip 9 associated with an outer diameter of approximate 1.7 cm may be co-molded with an end cap 22 including an infill material or weight 24 weighing from approximately 5 grams to approximately 10 grams more compared to the larger golf club grip 10 , so as to weigh approximately the same in aggregate.
  • the infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density or specific gravity that is lower than the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12 . In other embodiments, the infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density or specific gravity that overlaps with the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12 . In still other embodiments, the end cap 22 may be made of the same material as the butt end 18 and may not include the infill material or weight 24 .
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the golf club grip 100 according to another embodiment.
  • This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same features as the embodiment of the golf club grip 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 . Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiment described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 . Reference should be made to the description above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the golf club grip 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 are designated hereinafter with like reference numbers.
  • the golf club grip 100 in this embodiment comprises a hollow grip body 112 that includes no more than two sections 114 , 116 along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • a first section 114 is associated with a first density
  • a second section 116 is associated with a second density
  • the first density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body 112 .
  • a hollow grip body that includes three or more sections along the longitudinal axis 14 may not provide the requisite efficiency in manufacturing.
  • the methods, apparatus, etc. described herein provide methods to manufacture a single molded golf club grip.
  • the two sections 114 , 116 may be formed throughout the course or duration of the same molding process.
  • Single molding the two sections 114 , 116 can make the manufacturing of the golf club grip 100 less cumbersome and more efficient.
  • single molding the two sections 114 , 116 may require a single molding machine or equipment without requiring further parts for assembling the two sections 114 , 116 together, and thus may be cost-effective.
  • an end cap 22 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded or otherwise formed as one piece) with the second section 116 during the same molding process (e.g., injection molding process).
  • the hollow grip body 112 defines a first end, shaft-receiving end, or open tip end 118 and a second end or a butt end 120 positioned distal to the shaft-receiving end 118 .
  • the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up to a position spaced approximately 0.1 cm to approximately 15.0 cm from the butt end 120 .
  • the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up to a position spaced 0.1 cm or more, 0.2 cm or more, 0.3 cm or more, 0.4 cm or more, 0.5 cm or more, 0.6 cm or more, 0.7 cm or more, 0.8 cm or more, 0.9 cm or more, 1.0 cm or more, 2.0 cm or more, 3.0 cm or more, 4.0 cm or more, 5.0 cm or more, 6.0 cm or more, 7.0 cm or more, 8.0 cm or more, 9.0 cm or more, 10.0 cm or more, 11.0 cm or more, 12.0 cm or more, 13.0 cm or more, or 14.0 cm or more from the butt end 120 .
  • the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up to a position spaced 15.0 cm or less, 14.0 cm or less, 13.0 cm or less, 12.0 cm or less, 11.0 cm or less, 10.0 cm or less, 9.0 cm or less, 8.0 cm or less, 7.0 cm or less, 6.0 cm or less, 5.0 cm or less, 4.0 cm or less, 3.0 cm or less, 2.0 cm or less, 1.0 cm or less, 0.9 cm or less, 0.8 cm or less, 0.7 cm or less, 0.6 cm or less, 0.5 cm or less, 0.4 cm or less, 0.3 cm or less, or 0.2 cm or less from the butt end 120 .
  • the first section 114 is associated with a specific gravity of approximately 0.1 to approximately 2.0
  • the second section 116 is associated with a specific gravity of approximately 2.0 to approximately 20.0.
  • the first section 114 is associated with a specific gravity of 0.1 or more, 0.2 or more, 0.3 or more, 0.4 or more, 0.5 or more, 0.6 or more, 0.7 or more, 0.8 or more, 0.9 or more, 1.0 or more, 1.1 or more, 1.2 or more, approximately 1.3 or more, 1.4 or more, 1.5 or more, 1.6 or more, 1.7 or more, 1.8 or more, or 1.9 or more.
  • the first section 114 is associated with a specific gravity of 2.0 or less, 1.9 or less, 1.8 or less, 1.7 or less, 1.6 or less, 1.5 or less, 1.4 or less, 1.3 or less, 1.2 or less, 1.1 or less, 1.0 or less, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, or 0.2 or less.
  • the second section 116 is associated with a specific gravity of 2.0 or more, 3.0 or more, 4.0 or more, 5.0 or more, 6.0 or more, 7.0 or more, 8.0 or more, 9.0 or more, 10.0 or more, 11.0 or more, 12.0 or more, 13.0 or more, 14.0 or more, 15.0 or more, 16.0 or more, 17.0 or more, 18.0 or more, or 19.0 or more.
  • the second section 116 is associated with a specific gravity of 20.0 or less, 19.0 or less, 18.0 or less, 17.0 or less, 16.0 or less, 15.0 or less, 14.0 or less, 13.0 or less, 12.0 or less, 11.0 or less, 10.0 or less, 9.0 or less, 8.0 or less, 7.0 or less, 6.0 or less, 5.0 or less, 4.0 or less, 3.0 or less, or 2.0 or less.
  • the specific gravities of the first and second sections 114 , 116 can facilitate achieving a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body 112 .
  • the predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the performance of the golf club.
  • a center of gravity may be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance.
  • the hollow grip body 112 comprises a plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers.
  • the first section 114 comprises a first synthetic resin or elastomer
  • the second section 116 comprises a second synthetic resin or elastomer.
  • the first and second sections 114 , 116 comprise a plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers mixed at respective ratios.
  • the hollow grip body 112 may be formed by compression molding or blow molding the plurality of synthetic resins. In other embodiments, the hollow grip body 112 may be molded or formed by any suitable manners.
  • the hollow grip body 112 is associated with a cross section 122 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14 , and in some embodiments the cross section 122 tapers along the longitudinal axis 14 .
  • Other configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations where the hollow grip body 112 has a substantially uniform thickness in cross section.

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club grips and methods to manufacture such golf club grips are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the golf club grip may include a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and a density that smoothly varies along the longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body. In other embodiments, golf club grips comprise a hollow grip body including no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis. A first section is associated with a first density, a second section is associated with a second density, and the first density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/755,200, filed on Jan. 22, 2013, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIELD
  • The present disclosure relates to grips, and in particular grips for sport equipment.
  • BACKGROUND
  • In several types of sports, such as golf, hockey, baseball, softball, tee ball, and cricket, an individual may use a club with a striking face to strike an object such as a ball. For each sport, a variety of clubs may be used. In particular, golf clubs may include a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, and a putter-type golf club. For such golf clubs, grips made of a molded rubber material or synthetic polymeric materials may be used. The grips may be available in various sizes, which may affect the weight of the grips, which, in turn, may affect the swing weight and/or center of gravity of the golf club.
  • In some golf clubs, an end cap may be placed in an abutting relationship with a butt end of a grip. Compared to the grip, the end cap may be made of a firmer and/or harder material to give more strength and prevent the shaft from poking through the end of the grip. The end cap may be pre-formed and then coupled to or assembled with the grip. For manufacturing of the grip, particularly for a large volume or batch of grips, repeatedly forming the end cap separately from or before forming the grip and assembling them together can be time-consuming, cumbersome, and cost-prohibitive.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club grip according to one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial side view of a family of golf club grips in various sizes;
  • FIG. 3 is a graph plotting a center of gravity of the golf club grips of FIG. 2 for a respective grip weight;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view one of the golf club grips of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial side view of a family of golf club grips according to other embodiments; and
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of one of the golf club grips of FIG. 5.
  • Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the various views of the drawings. The headings used in the figures should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims.
  • DESCRIPTION
  • As described herein, golf club grips in some embodiments comprise a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and a density that smoothly (e.g., linearly) varies along the longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body. In other embodiments, golf club grips comprise a hollow grip body including no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis. A first section is associated with a first density, a second section is associated with a second density, and the first density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body. The predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the performance of the golf club. For example, a center of gravity may be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance. The disclosed golf club grips can make the manufacturing thereof less cumbersome and more efficient.
  • Referring to FIG. 1, for example, a golf club grip 10 comprises a hollow grip body 12 for receiving a golf club shaft 13. The hollow grip body 12 is associated with a longitudinal axis 14. The hollow grip body 12 defines a first end, shaft-receiving end, or open tip end 16 and a second end or butt end 18 positioned distal to the shaft-receiving end 16. The golf club grip 10 may be coupled to a putter-type golf club (e.g., mallet-type putter, blade-type putter, or any other types of putters), or any other types of golf clubs. For example, in some embodiments, the golf club grip 10 may be coupled to a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, or a wedge-type golf club. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be dimensioned to fittingly receive a corresponding golf club shaft. In other embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be dimensioned to fittingly receive, for example, a hockey stick, baseball bat, lacrosse stick or other clubs.
  • Referring also FIG. 2, for example, a manufacturer may stock a family, group, or set of interchangeable golf club grips 9, 10, 11 to choose from or customize based on various sizes. For example, the golf club grip 9 may be associated with an outer diameter from approximately 1.7 cm to approximately 2.7 cm, the golf club grip 10 may be associated with an outer diameter from approximately 1.8 cm to approximately 2.8 cm, and the golf club grip 11 may be associated with an outer diameter from approximately 2.0 cm to approximately 3.0 cm. In some embodiments, the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 may be associated with an outer diameter of at least 1.6 cm, at least 1.7 cm, at least 1.8 cm, or at least 1.9 cm. In further embodiments, the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 may be associated with an outer diameter of no more than 3.1 cm, no more than 3.0 cm, no more than 2.9 cm, or no more than 2.8 cm. In some embodiments, the outer diameter may be measured with the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 mounted on the respective golf club shaft 13. A wrap of tape (not shown) may be applied before mounting the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 on the respective golf club shaft. The wrap of tape may measure approximately 0.02 cm in thickness. In other embodiments, the outer diameter may be measured with the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 in a relaxed state, and not including a wrap of tape.
  • It should be noted that some embodiments disclosed herein may conform to rules and/or standards of golf defined by various golf standard organizations, governing bodies, and/or rule establishing entities such as the United States Golf Associations (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), but the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
  • For some golf club grips, the mass or swing weight may change by up to 6 points depending on the dimensions, shapes, and volumes of the golf club grips. For instance, a family of grip sizes can have a mass that varies by approximately 26 grams from the smallest size to the largest size. A large golf club grip, for example, may weigh more than a smaller golf club grip, thereby slanting the center of gravity or balance point for the golf club from the golf club head toward the butt end. On the other hand, a small golf club grip, for example, may weigh less than a larger golf club grip, thereby slanting the center of gravity or balance point for the golf club from the butt end toward the golf club head. Accordingly, for some golf club grips, the center of gravity or balance point may not be stable when the dimension, shape, and volume changes.
  • One benefit of the disclosed golf clubs and manufacturing method thereof is that the disclosed golf clubs are capable of achieving or maintaining substantially the same mass, swing weight, and/or center of gravity regardless of the dimension, shape, and volume of the golf club grips 9, 10, 11. Accordingly, the performance of the club may potentially be maximized. In some embodiments, the mass of all golf club grips 10 is within 5 grams (including all values to within 1 gram or within the known tolerance/error of the particular weight value). That is, the dimension or volume of the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 may be increased without significantly increasing the mass or swing weight. Accordingly, the golf club grips 9, 10, 11 may be associated with the same mass, which may be predetermined depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club grips 9, 10, 11. To this end, in some embodiments the hollow grip body 12 of the respective golf club grip 9, 10, 11 is associated with a density or specific gravity that smoothly varies along the longitudinal axis 14, as explained below. The golf club grips 9, 10, 11 can thus achieve a predetermined mass or swing weight regardless of their dimensions, shapes, and volumes, which can potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance of the golf clubs when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow grip body 12.
  • In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 is associated with a density or specific gravity that increases along the longitudinal axis 14 from the shaft-receiving end 16 toward the butt end 18. Density refers to an object's mass per unit volume, and specific gravity refers to a ratio of the object's density to the density of water at 4° C. Referring also to FIG. 3, increasing the density or specific gravity of the hollow grip body 12 may assist in achieving a predetermined mass or swing weight regardless of its dimension, shape, and volume, which can potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance of the golf club when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow grip body 12. By way of example only, the center of gravity (Grip CG) of the hollow grip body 12 may relate to the mass or grip weight of the hollow grip body 12 as follows:

  • (GripCG)=0.47×(Grip Weight)−14.773  [1]
  • Thus, the predetermined mass or grip weight achieved with the varying density of the hollow grip body 12 may assist in advantageously positioning the center of gravity at a desired location of the golf club. In other embodiments, the density or specific gravity may decrease along the longitudinal axis 14 from the shaft-receiving end 16 toward the butt end 18. In still other embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may contain sections or portions with different densities or specific gravities, as explained below.
  • In some embodiments, the density may vary substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis 14. “Substantially linear” variation as used herein includes values within 15% (including all values to within 1%) of the particular density according to a linear gradient or progression along the longitudinal axis 14. In other embodiments, the density may vary linearly along the longitudinal axis 14. A “linear” variation typically includes values within 1% of the particular density according to a linear gradient or progression along the longitudinal axis 14, or alternatively within the known tolerance/error of the particular density value. The density or specific gravity of the hollow grip body 12 may thus vary along the longitudinal axis 14 proportional to a distance from the shaft-receiving end 16 or the butt end 18.
  • In some embodiments, the density or specific gravity of the hollow grip body 12 may smoothly vary along the longitudinal axis 14 according to a linear, exponential, or other gradient or progression, excluding a stepped gradient or progression. The hollow grip body 12 may be associated with a specific gravity that smoothly varies from approximately 0.1 to approximately 20.0. In further embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be associated with a specific gravity that smoothly varies from 0.1, from 0.2, from 0.3, from 0.4, from 0.5, from 0.6, from 0.7, from 0.8, from 0.9, from 1.0, from 2.0, from 3.0, from 4.0, from 5.0, from 6.0, from 7.0, from 8.0, from 9.0, from 10.0, from 11.0, from 12.0, from 13.0, from 14.0, from 15.0, from 16.0, from 17.0, from 18.0, or from 19.0, to 20.0, to 19.0, to 18.0, to 17.0, to 16.0, to 15.0, to 14.0, to 13.0, to 12.0, to 11.0, to 10.0, to 9.0, to 8.0, to 7.0, to 6.0, to 5.0, to 4.0, to 3.0, to 2.0, to 1.0, to 0.9, to 0.8, to 0.7, to 0.6, to 0.5, to 0.4, to 0.3, or to 0.2. The smoothly varying density can facilitate achieving a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body 12. The predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the performance of the golf club. For example, a center of gravity may be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance. Depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club grip 10, a hollow grip body 12 that is associated with a density or specific gravity varying along the longitudinal axis 14 according to a stepped gradient or progression may not provide the balance, stability, and performance of the golf club.
  • Referring also to FIG. 4, for example, the hollow grip body 12 is associated with a cross section 20 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14, and in some embodiments the cross section 20 tapers along the longitudinal axis 14. Other configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations where the hollow grip body 12 has a substantially uniform thickness in cross section. In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be associated with a tapering outer diameter. For example, a hollow grip body 12 associated with an outer diameter of approximately 1.55 cm at the butt end 17 may be further associated with the taper profile summarized in the following Table 1. In particular, Table 1 lists a taper profile in which the outer diameter of the hollow grip body 12 is kept constant from the butt end 18 through approximately 12.7 cm toward the tip end 16 and then decreased substantially linearly through approximately 25.4 cm toward the tip end 16. However, in other embodiments the taper profile of the hollow grip body 12 may vary from the butt end 18 through the tip end 16 according to any other gradient progression, including, but not limited to, linear, exponential, or other gradient or progression.
  • TABLE 1
    Hollow grip body
    Length (cm) outer diameter (cm)
    BUTT END 0 1.5494
    1.27 1.5494
    2.54 1.5494
    3.81 1.5494
    5.08 1.5494
    7.62 1.5494
    10.16 1.5494
    12.7 1.5494
    15.24 1.524
    17.78 1.524
    20.32 1.4986
    22.86 1.4732
    25.4 1.4478
    TIP END 45.72 (20.32 1.4478
    parallel OD
    section)
  • The hollow grip body 12 may comprise a plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers, such as butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, ethylene-vinyl acetate, halogenated butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, chloroprene rubber, polypropylene, polyurethane, and styrene-butadiene rubber, or a combination thereof, or can be made from other man-made and naturally occurring materials. For example, a golf grip can be comprised of wrapped leather, full cord material, a combination of elastomeric rubber and cord, or strictly rubber. In some embodiments, the plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers is associated with a mix ratio, which may smoothly vary along the longitudinal axis 14. In some embodiments, the mix ratio may vary substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis 14. In other embodiments, the mix ratio may vary linearly along the longitudinal axis 14. As explained below, in still other embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may contain sections or portions with different densities.
  • In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be formed by injection molding, compression molding, or blow molding the plurality of synthetic resins, smoothly varying the density along the longitudinal axis 14 to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club shaft 13 is received within the hollow grip body 12. In particular, for injection molding the hollow grip body 12, a two-piece outer shell may form the external shape of the hollow grip body 12 and a core bar such as a steel mandrel may establish the internal dimensions of the hollow grip body 12. Once molded the shell can be separated and the core bar can be removed. Parting lines may be removed from the hollow grip body 12 and final grip dimensions may be achieved through buffing to final shape. In other embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 may be molded or formed by any suitable manners.
  • In some embodiments, an end cap 22 is integrally formed (e.g., molded or otherwise formed as one piece) with the butt end 18. In further embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 is substantially seamless. In still further embodiments, the hollow grip body 12 and the end cap 22 may be integrally formed during the same molding process (e.g., injection molding process). This is a departure from known golf club grip production procedures, in case of which the end cap is pre-molded, and the injection-molding steps, on the one hand, and assembly steps, on the other hand, are kept very much separate. In contrast, the hollow grip body 12 and end cap 22 may be formed throughout the course or duration of the same molding process, which can make the manufacturing of the golf club grip 10 less cumbersome and more efficient. Other configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations where the hollow grip body 12 is molded or otherwise formed separately with the butt end 18, or including seams.
  • In some embodiments, the end cap 22 may include an infill material or disc-like weight 24. The infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density that varies from the densities of the hollow grip body 12. In some embodiments, the infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density or specific gravity that is higher than the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12. The higher density or specific gravity of the infill material or weight 24 may assist in positioning a center of gravity of the golf club at a desired location to improve the balance, stability, and performance. For example, the golf club grip 9 may be associated with an outer diameter of approximately 1.8 cm and co-molded with an end cap 22 including an infill material or weight 24 weighing up to approximately 3 grams more compared to the larger golf club grip 10, so as to weigh approximately the same in aggregate. A further smaller golf club grip 9 associated with an outer diameter of approximate 1.7 cm may be co-molded with an end cap 22 including an infill material or weight 24 weighing from approximately 5 grams to approximately 10 grams more compared to the larger golf club grip 10, so as to weigh approximately the same in aggregate.
  • In some embodiments, the infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density or specific gravity that is lower than the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12. In other embodiments, the infill material or weight 24 may be associated with a density or specific gravity that overlaps with the densities or specific gravities of the hollow grip body 12. In still other embodiments, the end cap 22 may be made of the same material as the butt end 18 and may not include the infill material or weight 24.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the golf club grip 100 according to another embodiment. This embodiment employs much of the same structure and has many of the same features as the embodiment of the golf club grip 10 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. Accordingly, the following description focuses primarily upon the structure and features that are different than the embodiment described above in connection with FIGS. 1-4. Reference should be made to the description above in connection with FIGS. 1-4 for additional information regarding the structure and features, and possible alternatives to the structure and features of the golf club grip 100 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and described below. Structure and features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 that correspond to structure and features of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 are designated hereinafter with like reference numbers.
  • The golf club grip 100 in this embodiment comprises a hollow grip body 112 that includes no more than two sections 114, 116 along the longitudinal axis 14. A first section 114 is associated with a first density, a second section 116 is associated with a second density, and the first density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when the golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body 112. Depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club grip 100, a hollow grip body that includes three or more sections along the longitudinal axis 14 may not provide the requisite efficiency in manufacturing. In contrast, the methods, apparatus, etc. described herein provide methods to manufacture a single molded golf club grip.
  • Rather than pre-forming each section 114, 116 and then assembling the two sections 114, 116 together, the two sections 114, 116 may be formed throughout the course or duration of the same molding process. Single molding the two sections 114, 116 can make the manufacturing of the golf club grip 100 less cumbersome and more efficient. Moreover, single molding the two sections 114, 116 may require a single molding machine or equipment without requiring further parts for assembling the two sections 114, 116 together, and thus may be cost-effective. In some embodiments, an end cap 22 may be integrally formed (e.g., molded or otherwise formed as one piece) with the second section 116 during the same molding process (e.g., injection molding process).
  • The hollow grip body 112 defines a first end, shaft-receiving end, or open tip end 118 and a second end or a butt end 120 positioned distal to the shaft-receiving end 118. In some embodiments, the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up to a position spaced approximately 0.1 cm to approximately 15.0 cm from the butt end 120. In some embodiments, the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up to a position spaced 0.1 cm or more, 0.2 cm or more, 0.3 cm or more, 0.4 cm or more, 0.5 cm or more, 0.6 cm or more, 0.7 cm or more, 0.8 cm or more, 0.9 cm or more, 1.0 cm or more, 2.0 cm or more, 3.0 cm or more, 4.0 cm or more, 5.0 cm or more, 6.0 cm or more, 7.0 cm or more, 8.0 cm or more, 9.0 cm or more, 10.0 cm or more, 11.0 cm or more, 12.0 cm or more, 13.0 cm or more, or 14.0 cm or more from the butt end 120. In other embodiments, the first section 114 extends from the shaft-receiving end 118 up to a position spaced 15.0 cm or less, 14.0 cm or less, 13.0 cm or less, 12.0 cm or less, 11.0 cm or less, 10.0 cm or less, 9.0 cm or less, 8.0 cm or less, 7.0 cm or less, 6.0 cm or less, 5.0 cm or less, 4.0 cm or less, 3.0 cm or less, 2.0 cm or less, 1.0 cm or less, 0.9 cm or less, 0.8 cm or less, 0.7 cm or less, 0.6 cm or less, 0.5 cm or less, 0.4 cm or less, 0.3 cm or less, or 0.2 cm or less from the butt end 120.
  • In some embodiments, the first section 114 is associated with a specific gravity of approximately 0.1 to approximately 2.0, and the second section 116 is associated with a specific gravity of approximately 2.0 to approximately 20.0. In some embodiments, the first section 114 is associated with a specific gravity of 0.1 or more, 0.2 or more, 0.3 or more, 0.4 or more, 0.5 or more, 0.6 or more, 0.7 or more, 0.8 or more, 0.9 or more, 1.0 or more, 1.1 or more, 1.2 or more, approximately 1.3 or more, 1.4 or more, 1.5 or more, 1.6 or more, 1.7 or more, 1.8 or more, or 1.9 or more. In further embodiments, the first section 114 is associated with a specific gravity of 2.0 or less, 1.9 or less, 1.8 or less, 1.7 or less, 1.6 or less, 1.5 or less, 1.4 or less, 1.3 or less, 1.2 or less, 1.1 or less, 1.0 or less, 0.9 or less, 0.8 or less, 0.7 or less, 0.6 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, or 0.2 or less. In some embodiments, the second section 116 is associated with a specific gravity of 2.0 or more, 3.0 or more, 4.0 or more, 5.0 or more, 6.0 or more, 7.0 or more, 8.0 or more, 9.0 or more, 10.0 or more, 11.0 or more, 12.0 or more, 13.0 or more, 14.0 or more, 15.0 or more, 16.0 or more, 17.0 or more, 18.0 or more, or 19.0 or more. In further embodiments, the second section 116 is associated with a specific gravity of 20.0 or less, 19.0 or less, 18.0 or less, 17.0 or less, 16.0 or less, 15.0 or less, 14.0 or less, 13.0 or less, 12.0 or less, 11.0 or less, 10.0 or less, 9.0 or less, 8.0 or less, 7.0 or less, 6.0 or less, 5.0 or less, 4.0 or less, 3.0 or less, or 2.0 or less.
  • The specific gravities of the first and second sections 114, 116 can facilitate achieving a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body 112. The predetermined swing weight may assist in enhancing the performance of the golf club. For example, a center of gravity may be advantageously positioned at a desired location of the golf club to potentially improve the balance, stability, and performance.
  • In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 112 comprises a plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers. In further embodiments, the first section 114 comprises a first synthetic resin or elastomer, and the second section 116 comprises a second synthetic resin or elastomer. In some embodiments, the first and second sections 114, 116 comprise a plurality of synthetic resins or elastomers mixed at respective ratios. In some embodiments, the hollow grip body 112 may be formed by compression molding or blow molding the plurality of synthetic resins. In other embodiments, the hollow grip body 112 may be molded or formed by any suitable manners.
  • Referring also to FIG. 5, for example, the hollow grip body 112 is associated with a cross section 122 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14, and in some embodiments the cross section 122 tapers along the longitudinal axis 14. Other configurations are possible depending on the use requirements or preferences for the particular golf club, including configurations where the hollow grip body 112 has a substantially uniform thickness in cross section.
  • It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and teachings of this disclosure as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. A golf club grip comprising:
a first end configured to receive a golf club shaft;
a second end opposite of the first end; and
a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and a density that smoothly varies along the longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.
2. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the density varies substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis.
3. The golf club grip of claim 1 further comprising an end cap integrally formed with the second end.
4. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the density increases along the longitudinal axis from the first end toward the second end.
5. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body is associated with a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the cross section tapers along the longitudinal axis.
6. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body comprises a plurality of synthetic resins.
7. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body comprises a plurality of synthetic resins, wherein the plurality of synthetic resins is associated with a mix ratio, and wherein the mix ratio smoothly varies along the longitudinal axis.
8. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body comprises a plurality of synthetic resins, wherein the plurality of synthetic resins is associated with a mix ratio, and wherein the mix ratio varies substantially linearly along the longitudinal axis.
9. The golf club grip of claim 1, wherein the hollow grip body is dimensioned to fittingly receive the golf club shaft.
10. A golf club grip comprising:
a first end configured to receive a golf club shaft;
a second end opposite of the first end; and
a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and including no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis, wherein a first section is associated with a first density, wherein a second section is associated with a second density, and wherein the first density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.
11. The golf club grip of claim 10 further comprising an end cap integrally formed with the second end.
12. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first section extends from the first end up to a position spaced approximately 0.1 cm to approximately 15.0 cm from the second end.
13. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first section is associated with a specific gravity of approximately 0.1 to approximately 2.0, and wherein the second section is associated with a specific gravity of approximately 2.0 to approximately 20.0.
14. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the hollow grip body is associated with a cross section substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the cross section tapers along the longitudinal axis.
15. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the hollow grip body comprises a plurality of synthetic resins.
16. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first section comprises a first synthetic resin, and wherein the second section comprises a second synthetic resin.
17. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the first and second sections comprise a plurality of synthetic resins mixed at respective ratios.
18. The golf club grip of claim 10, wherein the hollow grip body is dimensioned to fittingly receive the golf club shaft.
19. A method of manufacturing a golf club grip, comprising:
molding a hollow grip body associated with a longitudinal axis and a density, wherein the density is smoothly varied along the longitudinal axis to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the hollow grip body includes no more than two sections along the longitudinal axis, wherein a first section is associated with a first density, wherein a second section is associated with a second density, wherein the first density is less than the second density to achieve a predetermined swing weight when a golf club shaft is received within the hollow grip body, and wherein the first and second sections are formed during the same molding process.
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US9999815B2 (en) * 2015-12-09 2018-06-19 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Lightweight multicolor compression molded grip
US10729953B2 (en) 2015-12-09 2020-08-04 Eaton Intelligent Power Limited Lightweight multicolor compression molded grip
US20170296893A1 (en) * 2016-04-14 2017-10-19 Eaton Corporation Flexible grip and cap therefor
US9844711B2 (en) * 2016-04-14 2017-12-19 Eaton Corporation Flexible grip and cap therefor
US10293231B2 (en) 2016-11-28 2019-05-21 Winston Products Llc Weighted golf club grip
US20190151731A1 (en) * 2017-11-20 2019-05-23 Adam C. Sclafani Method for reducing vibration in club shaft
US10888755B2 (en) * 2017-11-20 2021-01-12 Adam C. Sclafani Method for reducing vibration in club shaft
US11154757B2 (en) * 2019-04-26 2021-10-26 Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. Grip for golf club

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