Abstract: A flexible tubular golf club grip is formed of elastomeric material having a substantially closed end with an end cap. The tubular portion is formed of substantially softer material than the end cap and has disposed on opposite sides axially spaced discrete areas of macro-texture having spaced raised portions giving a quilt-like appearance. The discrete areas of macro-texture are disposed peripherally spaced on opposite sides of the grip. The end cap has an extension which closely inter-fits the inner periphery of the tubular portion and provides support therefor proximate the substantially closed end. The cap extension has axially extending protrusions peripherally spaced on the top and bottom of the cap which are flush with the outer surface of the tubular portion.

Abstract: A flexible grip for a golf club having a tubular member with one or more strips of elastomeric material significantly softer than the elastomeric material of the tubular member provided on the exterior surface of the tubular member. In one version, the strips are on the top flat surface, on other versions, the strips are on the side or both. In another version, an air pocket is provided beneath the strip on the top surface. In another version, a rib or key on a core bar forms a channel on the inner surface of the tubular member during molding. Upon removal of the core bar, a pocket is formed along the grip upon assembly on a club shaft. Upon gripping, the strips and pockets allow depression providing indication of grip pressure. The strips also provide visual aids for user hand positioning.

Abstract: A flexible tubular golf club grip is formed of elastomeric material having a substantially closed end with an end cap. The tubular portion is formed of substantially softer material than the end cap and has disposed on opposite sides axially spaced discrete areas of macro-texture having spaced raised portions giving a quilt-like appearance. The discrete areas of macro-texture are disposed peripherally spaced on opposite sides of the grip. The end cap has an extension which closely inter-fits the inner periphery of the tubular portion and provides support therefor proximate the substantially closed end. The cap extension has axially extending protrusions peripherally spaced on the top and bottom of the cap which are flush with the outer surface of the tubular portion.

Abstract: A flexible grip for a golf club having in one version a groove with an acute angle undercut grove in either or both the inner and outer surface to improve gripability. In another version, either or both of the inner and outer surface may be textured with peaks and valleys with radius less than 0.2 mm. In another version, either or both of the inner and outer surfaces may have a textured surface with raised portions having a height less than 0.3 mm. In another version, either or both the inner and outer surface may have a microtexture with raised portions having a transverse section width not greater than 0.3 mm with a height about 2 multiples of the transverse section width. In another version, the wall of the grip has voids or hollow spaces for improved cushioning for the user's grip.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric grip for the shaft of a golf club having an end cap with a cavity for receiving a sensor and/or counterweight. The cap has a durometer hardness equal to or greater than the tubular body portion of the grip and a flange sized to match the larger diameter of the body, with a sleeve engaging the inner periphery of the larger end of the tubular body. In one version of the cap, the sleeve portion is extended in length and has stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve; and, in another version, the sleeve is shorter and may also have stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve. In another version of the cap, fibrous material is disposed in the flange and sleeve to increase lateral stiffness without increasing durometer.

Abstract: A flexible grip for a golf club having a tubular member with one or more strips of elastomeric material significantly softer than the elastomeric material of the tubular member provided on the exterior surface of the tubular member. In one version, the strips are on the top flat surface, on other versions, the strips are on the side or both. In another version, an air pocket is provided beneath the strip on the top surface. In another version, a rib or key on a core bar forms a channel on the inner surface of the tubular member during molding. Upon removal of the core bar, a pocket is formed along the grip upon assembly on a club shaft. Upon gripping, the strips and pockets allow depression providing indication of grip pressure. The strips also provide visual aids for user hand positioning.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric grip for the shaft of a golf club having an end cap with a cavity for receiving a sensor and/or counterweight. The cap has a durometer hardness equal to or greater than the tubular body portion of the grip and a flange sized to match the larger diameter of the body, with a sleeve engaging the inner periphery of the larger end of the tubular body. In one version of the cap, the sleeve portion is extended in length and has stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve; and, in another version, the sleeve is shorter and may also have stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve. In another version of the cap, fibrous material is disposed in the flange and sleeve to increase lateral stiffness without increasing durometer.

Abstract: A flexible grip for a golf club having in one version a groove with an acute angle undercut grove in either or both the inner and outer surface to improve gripability. In another version, either or both of the inner and outer surface may be textured with peaks and valleys with radius less than 0.2 mm. In another version, either or both of the inner and outer surfaces may have a textured surface with raised portions having a height less than 0.3 mm. In another version, either or both the inner and outer surface may have a microtexture with raised portions having a transverse section width not greater than 0.3 mm with a height about 2 multiples of the transverse section width. In another version, the wall of the grip has voids or hollow spaces for improved cushioning for the user's grip.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric grip for the shaft of a golf club having an end cap with a cavity for receiving a sensor and/or counterweight. The cap has a durometer hardness equal to or greater than the tubular body portion of the grip and a flange sized to match the larger diameter of the body, with a sleeve engaging the inner periphery of the larger end of the tubular body. In one version of the cap, the sleeve portion is extended in length and has stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve; and, in another version, the sleeve is shorter and may also have stiffening ribs on the outer surface of the sleeve. In another version of the cap, fibrous material is disposed in the flange and sleeve to increase lateral stiffness without increasing durometer.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric grip for a golf club having indicators on the upper face which indicate visibly to the user when the angle of lie is less than, greater than, and optimum when the user grips the club and addresses the ball. The indicator on its end cap indicates visibly to the user when the angle of lean is neutral or left or right of neutral by at least five degrees (5°). The visible indicator may be either by a changing holographic image or reflective coating. Another version provides a combined angle of lean and angle of lie indicator in an end cap on a flexible grip.

Abstract: A flexible grip for implements to be manually swung with speed and force, particularly golf clubs is disclosed. The grip is formed of elastomeric material die cut into patterns from uncured sheet stock. Discrete non-woven fibers of material having desired moisture absorbency are dispensed in random orientation onto the uncured sheet stock and embedded by rolling into the sheet stock. The pattern sheet stock, with embedded fibers is wrapped onto a mandrel which is inserted into a pre-mold, compressed thereon, removed and transferred to a compression mold, and cured. The mandrel is removed from the mold and the cured grip removed from the mandrel and installed onto the implement grip.

Abstract: A flexible elastomeric grip for a golf club having indicators on the upper face which indicate visibly to the user when the angle of lie is less than, greater than, and optimum when the user grips the club and addresses the ball. The indicator on its end cap indicates visibly to the user when the angle of lean is neutral or left or right of neutral by at least five degrees (5°). The visible indicator may be either by a changing holographic image or reflective coating. Another version provides a combined angle of lean and angle of lie indicator in an end cap on a flexible grip.

Abstract: A flexible grip for the shaft of a putter having the upper face raised in the upper region adjacent the butt end and the raised portion tapered toward the lower end. The upper face has a flat surface in transverse section along the length of the lower part of the grip which has a constant taper. The lower face is straight along the length of the grip and of uniform thickness. The side faces are tapered consistent with taper of the lower section of the grip.

Abstract: A flexible grip for implements to be manually swung with speed and force, particularly golf clubs is disclosed. The grip is formed of elastomeric material die cut into patterns from uncured sheet stock. Discrete non-woven fibers of material having desired moisture absorbency are dispensed in random orientation onto the uncured sheet stock and embedded by rolling into the sheet stock. The pattern sheet stock, with embedded fibers is wrapped onto a mandrel which is inserted into a pre-mold, compressed thereon, removed and transferred to a compression mold, and cured. The mandrel is removed from the mold and the cured grip removed from the mandrel and installed onto the implement grip.

Abstract: A flexible grip of elastomeric material for a golf club is disclosed. The grip has a groove or pocket therealong on the inner surface and an aperture through the closed end of the grip coincident with the groove. Upon installation of the grip onto the club shaft, a rigid strip is inserted through the aperture and into the groove or pocket. The thickness of the strip is chosen to cause a raising of the outer surface of the grip to form a rib therealong. The interior groove or pocket is formed by a rib formed on a core or mandrel employed in molding of the grip. Upon removal of the mandrel after molding, the groove or pocket and aperture are left in the grip for receiving the rigid strip.

Abstract: A tubular steel golf shaft comprising a grip section, a tapered mid-section and a tip section. A loading zone is selectively formed along a portion of the shaft, preferably in the tapered mid-section, comprising a continuous series of closely spaced micro-steps, or reductions in diameter, each of which are less than 0.5 inches in length. Each micro-step section, in the direction from the grip section toward the tip section comprises a first peak which descends to valley and then ascends to a second peak. The diameter of the first peak is greater than the diameter of the second peak. A method of manufacturing the golf shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular steel golf shaft comprising a grip section, a tapered mid-section and a tip section. A loading zone is selectively formed along a portion of the shaft, preferably in the tapered mid-section, comprising a continuous series of closely spaced micro-steps, or reductions in diameter, each of which are less than 0.5 inches in length. Each micro-step section, in the direction from the grip section toward the tip section comprises a first peak which descends to valley and then ascends to a second peak. The diameter of the first peak is greater than the diameter of the second peak. A method of manufacturing the golf shaft is also disclosed.