Golf putter grip

Abstract

A golf putter grip comprises a main tubular body having a non-circular cross-section being symmetrical and remaining similar throughout its axial length and a flat front area being also along and throughout its axial length. The non-circular cross-section and the flat front area respectively have a width sufficient to have two hands cupped together at the same height and two thumbs placed side by side on the flat front area to hold the putter grip comfortably with minimal wrist breaking-down. The non-circular cross-section can be in a shape of flat-topped arch, flat-topped washer, modified rectangular, modified square, modified triangular, hexagonal and other non-circulars. The main tubular body is reversely tapered, and its reverse taper is sufficient in certain degrees to accommodate different finger lengths of two hands for reducing the gripping pressure, so as to make the gripping comfortable.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is related to a golf putter grip that has an improved shape or configuration capable of reducing the gripping pressure and minimizing the wrist breaking-down, whereby it is able to enhance a pendulum-type putting stroke of golf players, to make the grip comfortable to hold, and to putt the ball more accurately and have better distance and direction control.

2. Description of the Related Art

Putting stroke is very important for golf players to putt the ball into the hole at the putting green. A pendulum-type putting stroke has been used by golf players to have square impact with the ball in the intended line of ball rolling and better direction and distance control. In order to make this type of stroke, golf players at addressing the ball should have both shoulders on the same level, both hands cupped together to hold a golf putter grip downwardly at the same height, both thumbs placed side by side on a flat front portion of the golf putter grip, and fingers other than the thumbs placed around the body of the golf putter grip. The shoulders, the arms, and the cupped hands holding the golf putter grip together form a triangle frame to move the golf putter in the way of pendulum to strike the ball stably and consistently in their intended direction and distance.

There are some prior arts disclosing a golf putter grip with an improved gripping body shape for this type of putting stroke. In a U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/594,129, as shown in FIGS. 1˜1A, Gazeley disclosed a putter grip including a gripping body having a wide portion of substantially uniform and substantially rectangular cross section. The wide portion is of sufficient width to allow two hands to hold at the same height. In another U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,492, as shown in FIGS. 2˜2A thereof, Strand disclosed a putter grip including a hollow tapered body having a modified rectangular cross section. The body has an upper and an intermediate portions, in combination, extending at least 60% of the body length from its second closed end and having a width dimension to depth dimension ratio of at least 1.1:1.

A human hand consists of a broad palm PM and five digits and is attached to the forearm by a joint called the wrist TW, as shown in FIG. 3. The lengths of Index fingers DX and middle fingers MD (between the fingertip and the palm) are longer than that of small fingers PK. When two hands are cupped together at the same height with both thumbs placed side by side to hold a conventional golf putter single grip downwardly, the area held by the index fingers DX, middle fingers MD, and palms PM is towards a bottom open end of the golf putter grip and should be larger in dimension than the dimension of the area held by the small fingers PK and the palms PM towards a top cap end of the golf putter grip in order to make the grip comfortable to hold and reduce the gripping pressure. If the shape of the single grip's gripping body of a conventional golf putter does not accommodate the fingers (the index fingers DX, middle fingers MD and small fingers PK) with different finger lengths, golf players need to grip this conventional putter single grip more tightly in order to hold it firmly. Thus, the single grip's gripping body of a conventional golf putter for the pendulum-type putting stroke is preferred to be reversely tapered in shape from the top cap end towards the bottom open end of the conventional golf putter single grip, and its reverse taper should be sufficient in certain degrees to accommodate the fingers (small, index and middle fingers) with different finger lengths for making grip comfortable to hold and reducing the gripping pressure. These certain degrees should conform to what is regulated in “the Rules of Golf” published by U.S.G.A. (United States Golf Association).

Besides the shape configurations of the golf putter grip disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/385,198 filed on Feb. 7, 2012, 13/694,877 filed on Jan. 14, 2013, and 13/815,091 filed on Jan. 30, 2013, there is still a need to develop other variant shape configurations of the golf putter grip for golf players to choose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Applicants have developed the present invention to solve the above problems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved golf putter grip that has a hollow and reversely tapered gripping body, where the gripping body has a sufficient reverse taper from the top cap end towards the bottom open end of the golf putter grip in order to make golf payers' gripping comfortable for the pendulum-type putting stroke and to reduce the gripping pressure.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved golf putter grip, where the gripping body has a sufficient width and a flat front area of sufficient size, so as to have two hands cupped together at the same height and both thumbs placed side by side on the flat font area to make the golf payers' gripping comfortable for the pendulum-type putting stroke and to minimize wrist breaking-down.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved golf putter grip that has non-circular cross-sectional dimensions measured in any direction no more than 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) to conform to “the Rules of Golf” published by U.S.G.A..

It is still another object of the present invention to provide other variant shape configurations of an improved golf putter grip for golf players to choose.

In order to achieve the above four objects, the present invention provides an improved golf putter grip with an overall length from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm) comprising: a top cap portion, a bottom open end, a main tubular body between the top cap portion and the bottom open end, and a hollow lower portion extended between the main tubular body and the bottom open end. A rear bigger portion of a golf putter's shaft can be inserted into the improved golf putter grip through the bottom open end up to the top cap portion. The top cap portion has a top end that is enclosed with a vent hole.

The main tubular body has a cavity to envelope the rear bigger end of the golf putter's shaft; a non-circular cross-section that is symmetrical and remains similar throughout an axial length of the main tubular body, where the non-circular cross-section has a width dimension in a range from 36 mm to 23.09 mm and perpendicularly along the axial length of the main tubular body; and a first flat front area having a widest portion in a width range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm and being also perpendicularly along and throughout the axial length of the main tubular body. Thereby, the golf putter grip's main tubular body of the present invention can provide a sufficient space for two hands to be cupped together at the same height and for both thumbs to be placed side by side on the first flat front area to hold the golf putter grip comfortably with minimal wrist breaking-down.

The non-circular cross-section can be in a flat-toped washer shape, a flat-toped arch shape, a modified triangular shape, a modified rectangular shape, a modified square shape, a hexagonal shape, or other non-circular shapes.

The main tubular body is reversely tapered from the top cap portion towards the bottom open end. The non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is defined to be the maximum vertical dimension from the first flat front area to a bottom of the non-circular cross-section along the axial length of the main tubular body. This non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 44.45 mm to 23.09 mm. The non-circular cross-section includes a first non-circular cross-section and a second non-circular cross-section. The first non-circular cross-section has the longest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end. The second non-circular cross-section has the shortest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end of the golf putter grip. The depth dimension of the first non-circular cross-section is longer than the depth dimension of the second non-circular cross-section in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1.

In some embodiments, their first non-circular cross-section and bottom (imaginary) edge of the first front area are located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end, and their hollow lower portion has a second flat front area extended from a bottom (imaginary) edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end and a second downward body extended from a first downward body of the main tubular body.

Their hollow lower portion has a non-reversely tapered body shape. At least part of this hollow lower portion has its dimension smaller than their first cross-section's dimension in the main tubular body. This hollow lower portion further has a thickness between the bottom edge and the bottom open end equal to or less than 30% of the grip's overall length.

In some other embodiments, their first non-circular cross-section and bottom (imaginary) edge of the first front area are located at a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end, and this hollow lower portion has a second downward body extended from a first downward body of the main tubular body. Their hollow lower portion has a non-reversely tapered body shape. At least a part of this hollow lower portion has its dimension smaller than their first cross-section's dimension in the main tubular body. This hollow lower portion further has a thickness extended from the bottom edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body to the bottom open end, and the thickness is within one inch (25.4 mm).

Owing to above mentioned reversely tapered shape of the main tubular body and its sufficient reverse taper, the golf putter grip for the pendulum-type putting stroke of the present invention can, within certain degrees, accommodate the fingers (small and middle fingers) with different finger lengths, so as to hold the golf putter grip comfortably with less gripping pressure. And the non-circular cross-sectional width and depth dimensions of the golf putter grip are no more than 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) in order to conform to “the Rules of Golf” published by U.S.G.A..

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIGS. 1˜4A are diagrams illustrating a prior art of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/594,192.

FIGS. 2˜2A are diagrams illustrating a prior art of U.S. Pat. No. No. 6,902,492.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing human hands with five digits.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing a second non-circular cross-section of a main tubular body in the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view showing a first non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body in the first embodiment of the present invention taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view along a central part of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view along a central part of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view showing a second non-circular cross-section of a main tubular body in the third embodiment of the present invention taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view showing a first non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body in the third embodiment of the present invention taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal sectional view along a central part of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view along a central part of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be illustrated from FIGS. 4 to 15, wherein the same elements are represented with the same reference number.

A golf putter grip of the present invention can be made of suitable rigid materials such as wood, light metal, natural cork, rubber, rubber compound, or plastic such as TPR (thermoplastic rubber), TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), closed-cell foams, closed-cell polyurethane (PU) foam, closed-cell ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and closed-cell polyethylene (PE) foam. At least a portion of an outer surface of a main tubular body of the golf putter grip of the present invention can be covered with anti-slip gripping material such as rubber, rubber compound, plastics, natural leather, leather/foam materials, synthetic leather, wet-process Polyurethane (PU) leather, dry-process Polyurethane (PU) leather, Polyurethane/foam leather, and fabric and textile materials. These anti-slip gripping materials can be either in a single sheet form or in a strip form.

The above-mentioned materials and surface features are omitted in the drawings of the present invention in order to concentrate on the configuration in shape of the golf putter grip of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, a golf putter grip A is illustrated as a first embodiment of the present invention. The overall length of the golf putter grip A is in a range from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm). The overall length hereof is defined to be a length from a vent hole 22 to a bottom open end 31 of the golf putter grip A.

Referring to FIG. 4, the golf putter grip A has a top cap portion 2, a bottom open end 31, and a tubular body 1. The top cap portion 2 has a top end 21 that is enclosed with the vent hole 22. The top end 21 hereof is defined to be located at an upper edge of the top cap portion 2 close to the vent hole 22. If the top cap portion 2 has no upper edge and is curved in shape toward the vent hole 22, then the top end is defined to be located at the edge of the vent hole 22. The tubular body 1 extends from the top cap portion 2 to the bottom open end 31. A rear bigger end of a golf putter's shaft (not shown) can be inserted through the bottom open end 31 into the tubular body 1 up to the top cap portion 2 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 7).

The tubular body 1 has a main tubular body 11 and a hollow lower portion 12. The main tubular body 11 has a top edge 13 extended to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 21 and a hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 14 located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip A from the bottom open end 31. The main tubular body 11 extends from the top cap portion 2 to the hollow lower portion 12.

The main tubular body 11 further has a first flat front area 19 that is along and throughout an axial length of the main tubular body 11 and between the top edge 13 and the hypothetical (imaginary) bottom edge 14, a non-circular cross-section that is symmetrical and remains similar between the top cap portion 2 and the hollow lower portion 12 throughout the axial length of the main tubular body 11, and a first downward body 4 having a cavity 3 to envelope the rear bigger end of the golf putter shaft (not shown). The size or dimension of the non-circular cross-section is gradually reduced from the hypothetical (imaginary) bottom edge 14 to the top edge 13. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the first downward body 4 is connected with the first flat front area 19 by means of a pair of curves 20a, 20b forming smoothly rounded shoulders along the axial length of the main tubular body 11.

When two hands cup together at the same height to hold the golf putter grip A for the pendulum-type putting stroke, two thumbs can be placed side by side on the first flat front area 19 and other fingers can be placed around the first downward body 4.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the first flat front area 19 prefers to be in a shape of trapezoid or rectangular. Its top edge 13 is extended up to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 21 while its hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 14 is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip A from the bottom open end 31. A widest portion of the first flat front area 19 is in a width (fw) range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm and is perpendicular to the axial length of the main tubular body 11 (FIGS. 5 & 6). Its two edges 13, 14 respectively interconnect to two axial edges 15, 16 and respectively have a central mark 18, 17. The two axial edges 15, 16 are equal in length.

The surface of the first flat front area 19 can be planar or slightly convex. It is preferably planar. The planar surface of the first flat front area 19 is helpful for the golf players or grip installers to ensure that the golf putter grip A is properly installed by positioning the planar surface of first flat front area 19 to be perpendicular to a club head face of the golf putter.

A non-circular cross-sectional width dimension W is defined to be the maximum dimension between the two outmost edges of the non-circular cross-section perpendicularly along the axial length of the main tubular body 11 and in a range from 36 mm to 24.5 mm. A non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is defined to be the maximum dimension perpendicularly from the first flat front area 19 to a bottom of the first downward body 4 along the axial length of the main tubular body 11. The non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 34.5 mm to 23.09 mm. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the non-circular cross-section includes a first non-circular cross-section 43 (FIGS. 4, 6) which is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip A from the bottom open end 31, and a second non-circular cross-section 42 (FIGS. 4, 5) which is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 21.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 11 can be in a shape of flat-toped washer. Its non-circular cross-sectional width dimension W is larger than its non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension.

Referring again to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the first non-circular cross-section 43 has a depth dimension D14 from the bottom (imaginary) edge 14 of the first flat front area 19 to a bottom point 44 of the first downward body 4 at the position of the imaginary bottom edge 14 and is bisected by a hypothetical line formed by the central mark 17 and a center C14 of the flat-toped washer shape cross-section (FIG. 6). The second non-circular cross-section 42 has a depth dimension D13 from the top edge 13 of the first flat front area 19 to another bottom point 45 of the first downward body 4 at the position of the top edge 13 and is bisected by another hypothetical line formed by the central mark 18 and another center C13 of another flat-toped washer shape cross-section (FIG. 5). The axis of the cavity 3 is defined to be a C13C14 line which includes centers C13 and C14 (FIG. 7).

The depth dimension D14 of the first non-circular cross-section 43 is the longest depth dimension in the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 11. The depth dimension D13 of the second non-circular cross-section 42 is the shortest depth dimension in the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 11. The depth dimension D14 of the first non-circular cross-section 43 is longer than the depth dimension D13 of the second non-circular cross-section 42 in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 7, the hollow lower portion 12 (another portion of the tubular body 1) is extended from the hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 14. It comprises a second flat front area 191 extended from the bottom edge 14 of the first flat front area 19 of the main tubular body 11 to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 31, a non-reversely-tapered body shape towards the bottom open end 31, a second downward body 41 extended from the first downward body 4, and a thickness that is between the bottom edge 14 and the bottom open end 31 and is equal to or less than 30% of the golf putter grip A's overall length. The non-reversely-tapered body shape can be in a constant shape or other equivalent kinds of non-reversely-tapered shapes. At least part of this hollow lower portion 12 preferably has a dimension smaller than the dimension of the first cross-section 43 in the main tubular body 11.

As what is stated above, the golf putter grip A's main tubular body 11 has a flat-topped washer shape cross-section. Its non-circular cross-section is symmetrical and remains similar throughout the axial length of the main tubular body 11. The non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 34.5 mm to 23.09 mm and the depth dimension D14 of the first non-circular cross-section 43 is longer than the depth dimension D13 of the second non-circular cross-section 42 in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1. Because of these features, the shape of the golf putter grip A's main tubular body 11 is reversely tapered from the top cap portion 2 towards the bottom open end 31 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. Its reverse taper is sufficient within certain degrees to accommodate the fingers (middle fingers MD and small fingers PK) with different finger lengths and conform to a certain degree to a hollow interior of two hands cupped together, so that the golf players can hold the golf putter grip A to make the pendulum-type putting stroke more comfortably with less gripping pressure. The width dimension W of the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 11 is bigger in such a range from 36 mm to 24.5 mm. The first flat front area 19 is preferably in rectangular or trapezoid shape. Its top edge 13 is extended up to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 21 and its bottom edge 14 is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of overall length of the golf putter grip A from the bottom open end 31. The widest portion of the first flat front area 19 is in a width (fw) range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm. Because of these features, the golf putter grip A is bigger in size and has sufficient space for the golf players to cup their two hands together at the same height and to place two thumbs side by side on the first flat front area 19 to hold the golf putter grip A, so as to make the pendulum-type putting stroke comfortable with minimal wrist breaking-down. The non-circular cross-sectional dimensions, such as its width dimension W and depth dimensions D13, D14, are no more than 44.45 mm and conform to “the Rules of Golf ” published by U.S.G.A.. The shape for the golf putter grip A of the first embodiment is a newly improved one for golf players to choose. Therefore, the four objects of the present invention are accomplished by the shape of the golf putter grip A disclosed in the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, a golf putter grip B (a second embodiment) of the present invention is illustrated. The golf putter grip B is modified from the first embodiment (the golf putter grip A). It has the same top cap portion 2, a modified bottom open end 31′, and a modified tubular body 1′ that includes the same main tubular body 11 and a modified hollow lower portion 12′. The overall length of the golf putter grip B is in a range from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm). The overall length hereof is defined to be a length from a vent hole 22 to the bottom open end 31′ of the golf putter grip B.

The top cap portion 2 has a top end 21 that is enclosed with the vent hole 22. The top end 21 hereof is defined to be located at an upper edge of the top cap portion 2 close to the vent hole 22. If the top cap portion 2 has no upper edge and is curved in shape toward to the vent hole 22, then the top end 21 is defined to be located at the edge of the vent hole 22. The tubular body 1′ extends from the top cap portion 2 to the bottom open end 31′. A rear bigger end of a golf putter's shaft (not shown) can be inserted through the bottom open end 31′ into the tubular body 1′ up to the top cap portion 2 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The hollow lower portion 12′ (another portion of the tubular body 1′) is extended from a hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 14 of the main tubular body 11. It has an axial thickness within one inch (25.4 mm) between the hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 14 and the bottom open end 31′. It also has a non-reversely-tapered body shape towards the bottom open end 31′ and a second downward body 41′ extended from a first downward body 4 of the main tubular body 11. The non-reversely-tapered body shape can be in a constant shape or other equivalent kinds of non-reversely-tapered shapes. At least part of this hollow lower portion 12′ preferably has a dimension smaller than the dimension of the main tubular body 11's first cross-section 43.

The main tubular body 11 has a top edge 13 extended towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 21 and a hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 14 located towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 31′. The main tubular body 11 extends from the top cap portion 2 to the hollow lower portion 12′.

The non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 11 includes a first non-circular cross-section 43 (FIG. 6) that is located towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 31′, and a second non-circular cross-section 42 (FIG. 5) that is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 21.

Because the golf putter grip B has same main tubular body 11 as disclosed in the first embodiment (golf putter grip A), the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 11 also can be in a shape of flat-toped washer. Its non-circular cross-sectional width dimension W is larger than its non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension (FIGS. 5, 6). Its non-circular cross-section is symmetrical and remains similar throughout the axial length of the main tubular body 11. The non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 34.5 mm to 23.09 mm and the depth dimension D14 of the first non-circular cross-section 43 (FIG. 6) is longer than the depth dimension D13 of the second non-circular cross-section 42 (FIG. 5) in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1. Owing to these features, the shape of the golf putter grip B′s main tubular body 11 is reversely tapered from the top cap portion 2 towards the bottom open end 31′ as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Its reverse taper is sufficient within certain degrees to accommodate the fingers (middle fingers MD and small fingers PK) with different finger lengths and conform to a certain degree to a hollow interior of two hands cupped together, so that the golf players can hold the golf putter grip B to make the pendulum-type putting stroke more comfortably with less gripping pressure. The width dimension W of the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 11 is bigger in such a range from 36 mm to 24.5 mm. The first flat front area 19 is preferably in rectangular or trapezoid shape. Its top edge 13 is extended up to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 21 and its bottom edge 14 is located towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 31′. The widest portion of the first flat front area 19 is in a width (fw) range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm. Because of these features, the golf putter grip B is bigger in size and has sufficient space for the golf players to cup their two hands together at the same height and to place two thumbs side by side on the first flat front area 19 to hold the golf putter grip B, so as to make the pendulum-type putting stroke comfortable with minimal wrist breaking-down. The non-circular cross-sectional dimensions, such as its width dimension W and depth dimensions D13, D14, are no more than 44.45 mm and conform to “the Rules of Golf ” published by U.S.G.A. The shape of the golf putter grip B of the second embodiment is another newly improved one for the golf players to choose. Therefore, the four objects of the present invention are accomplished by the shape of the golf putter grip B disclosed in the second embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, a golf putter grip C is illustrated as a third embodiment of the present invention. The overall length of the golf putter grip C is in a range from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm). The overall length hereof is defined to be a length from a vent hole 62 to a bottom open end 71 of the golf putter grip C.

Referring to FIG. 10, the golf putter grip C has a top cap portion 6, a bottom open end 71, and a tubular body 5. The top cap portion 6 has a top end 61 that is enclosed with the vent hole 62. The top end 61 hereof is defined to be located at an upper edge of the top cap portion 6 close to the vent hole 62. If the top cap portion 6 has no upper edge and is curved in shape toward the vent hole 62, then the top end 61 is defined to be located at the edge of the vent hole 62. The tubular body 5 extends from the top cap portion 6 to the bottom open end 71. A rear bigger end of a golf putter's shaft (not shown) can be inserted through the bottom open end 71 into the tubular body 5 up to the top cap portion 6 (shown in FIGS. 10 and 13).

The tubular body 5 has a main tubular body 51 and a hollow lower portion 52. The main tubular body 51 has a top edge 53 extended to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 61 and a hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 54 located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip C from the bottom open end 71. The main tubular body 51 extends from the top cap portion 6 to the hollow lower portion 52.

The main tubular body 51 further has a first flat front area 59 that is along and throughout an axial length of the main tubular body 51 and between the top edge 53 and the hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 54, a non-circular cross-section that is symmetrical and remains similar between the top cap portion 6 and the hollow lower portion 52 throughout the axial length of the main tubular body 51, and a first downward body 8 having a cavity 7 to envelope the rear bigger end of the golf putter shaft (not shown). The size or dimension of the non-circular cross-section is gradually reduced from the hypothetical (imaginary) bottom edge 54 to the top edge 53. As shown in FIGS. 10-42, the first downward body 8 is connected with the first flat front area 59 by means of a pair of curves 60a, 60b forming smoothly rounded shoulders along the axial length of the main tubular body 51.

When two hands cup together at the same height to hold the golf putter grip C for the pendulum-type putting stroke, two thumbs can be placed side by side on the first flat front area 59 and other fingers can be placed around the first downward body 8.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the first flat front area 59 prefers to be in a shape of trapezoid or rectangular. Its top edge 53 is extended up to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 61 while its hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 54 is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip C from the bottom open end 71. A widest portion of the first flat front area 59 is in a width (fwl) range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm and is perpendicular to the axial length of the main tubular body 51 (FIGS. 11 & 12). Its two edges 53, 54 respectively interconnect to two axial edges 55, 56 and respectively have a central mark 58, 57. The two axial edges 55, 56 are equal in length.

The surface of the first flat front area 59 can be planar or slightly convex. It is preferably planar. The planar surface of the first flat front area 59 is helpful for the golf players or grip installers to ensure that the golf putter grip C is properly installed by positioning the planar surface of first flat front area 59 to be perpendicular to a club head face of the golf putter.

Referring to FIGS. 11 & 12, a non-circular cross-sectional width dimension W1 is defined to be the maximum dimension between the two outmost edges of the non-circular cross-section perpendicularly along the axial length of the main tubular body 51 and in a range from less than 29.63 mm to 23.09 mm. A non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is defined to be the maximum dimension perpendicularly from the first flat front area 59 to a bottom of the first downward body 8 along the axial length of the main tubular body 51. The non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 44.45 mm to 23.09 mm.

The non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 51 can be in a shape of flat-topped arch, modified rectangular, modified square, modified triangular, hexagonal, or other non-circular shapes. Its depth dimension is either equal to or larger than its width dimension in a ratio of 1:1 to 1.92:1.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, the non-circular cross-section includes a first non-circular cross-section 83 (FIG. 12) which is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip C from the bottom open end 71, and a second non-circular cross-section 82 (FIG. 11) which is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 61.

Referring again to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the first non-circular cross-section 83 has a depth dimension D54 from the bottom (imaginary) edge 54 of the first flat front area 59 to a bottom point 84 of the first downward body 8 at the position of the imaginary bottom edge 54 and is bisected by a hypothetical line formed by the central mark 57 and an axis point X54 of the axis X of the cavity 7 (FIG. 12). The second non-circular cross-section 82 has a depth dimension D53 from the top edge 53 of the first flat front area 59 to another bottom point 85 of the first downward body 8 at the position of the top edge 53 and is bisected by another hypothetical line formed by another axis point X53 of the axis X of the cavity 7 (FIG. 11). The axis X of the cavity 7 is preferable to be parallel to the central line formed by the two central marks 57 and 58 (FIG. 13).

The depth dimension D54 of the first non-circular cross-section 83 is the longest depth dimension in the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 51. The depth dimension D53 of the second non-circular cross-section 82 is the shortest depth dimension in the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 51. The depth dimension D54 of the first non-circular cross-section 83 is longer than the depth dimension D53 of the second non-circular cross-section 82 in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 13, the hollow lower portion 52 (another portion of the tubular body 5) is extended from the hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 54. It comprises a second flat front area 591 extended from the bottom edge 54 of the first flat front area 59 of the main tubular body 51 to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 71, a non-reversely-tapered body shape towards the bottom open end 71, a second downward body 81 extended from the first downward body 8, and a thickness that is between the bottom edge 54 and the bottom open end 71 and is equal to or less than 30% of the golf putter grip C's overall length. The non-reversely-tapered body shape can be in a constant shape or other equivalent kinds of non-reversely-tapered shapes. At least part of this hollow lower portion 52 preferably has a dimension smaller than the dimension of the main tubular body 51's first cross-section 83.

As what is stated above, the golf putter grip C's main tubular body 51 has a flat-topped arch cross-section. Its non-circular cross-section is symmetrical and remains similar throughout the axial length of the main tubular body 51. The non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 44.45 mm to 23.09 mm and the depth dimension D54 of the first non-circular cross-section 83 is longer than the depth dimension D53 of the second non-circular cross-section 82 in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1. Because of these features, the shape of the golf putter grip C's main tubular body 51 is reversely tapered from the top cap portion 6 towards the bottom open end 71 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13. Its reverse taper is sufficient within certain degrees to accommodate the fingers (middle fingers MD and small fingers PK) with different finger lengths and conform to a certain degree to a hollow interior of two hands cupped together, so that the golf players can hold the golf putter grip C to make the pendulum-type putting stroke more comfortably with less gripping pressure. The width dimension W1 of the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 51 is bigger in such a range from less than 29.63 mm to 23.09 mm. The first flat front area 59 is preferably in rectangular or trapezoid shape. Its top edge 53 is extended up to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 61 and its bottom edge 54 is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of overall length of the golf putter grip C from the bottom open end 71. The widest portion of the first flat front area 59 is in a width (fwl) range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm. Because of these features, the golf putter grip C is bigger in size and has sufficient space for the golf players to cup their two hands together at the same height and to place two thumbs side by side on the first flat front area 59 to hold the golf putter grip C, so as to make the pendulum-type putting stroke comfortable with minimal wrist breaking-down. The non-circular cross-sectional dimensions, such as its width dimension W1 and depth dimensions D53, D54, are no more than 44.45 mm and conform to “the Rules of Golf ” published by U.S.G.A. The shape of the golf putter grip C in the third embodiment is a newly improved one for golf players to choose. Therefore, the four objects of the present invention are accomplished by the shape of the golf putter grip C disclosed in the third embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, a golf putter grip D of the present invention is illustrated as a fourth embodiment. The golf putter grip D is modified from the third embodiment (the golf putter grip C). It has the same top cap portion 6, a modified bottom open end 71′ and a modified tubular body 5′ that includes the same main tubular body 51 and a modified hollow lower portion 52′. The overall length of the golf putter grip D is in a range from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm). The overall length hereof is defined to be a length from the vent hole 62 to the bottom open end 71′ of the golf putter grip D.

The top cap portion 6 has a top end 61 that is enclosed with the vent hole 62. The top end 61 hereof is defined to be located at an upper edge of the top cap portion 6 close to the vent hole 62. If the top cap portion 6 has no upper edge and is curved in shape toward to the vent hole 62, then the top end 61 is defined to be located at the edge of the vent hole 62. The tubular body 5′ extends from the top cap portion 6 to the bottom open end 71′. A rear bigger end of a golf putter's shaft (not shown) can be inserted through the bottom open end 71′ into the tubular body 5′ up to the top cap portion 6 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

The hollow lower portion 52 (another portion of the tubular body 5) is extended from a hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 54 of the main tubular body 51. It has an axial thickness in a range of one inch (25.4 mm) between the hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 54 and the bottom open end 71′. It also has a non-reversely-tapered body shape towards the bottom open end 71′ and a second downward body 81′ extended from a first downward body 8 of the main tubular body 51. The non-reversely-tapered body shape can be in a constant shape or other equivalent kinds of non-reversely-tapered shapes. At least part of this hollow lower portion 52′ preferably has a dimension smaller than the dimension of the main tubular body 51's first cross-section 83.

The main tubular body 51 has a top edge 53 extended towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 61 and the hypothetical (or imaginary) bottom edge 54 located towards a position which is within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 71′. The main tubular body 51 extends from the top cap portion 6 to the hollow lower portion 52′.

The non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 51 can be in a shape of flat-topped arch, modified rectangular, modified square, modified triangular, hexagonal, or other non-circular ones. Its depth dimension is either equal to or larger than its width dimension in a ratio of 1:1 to 1.92:1.

The non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 51 includes a first non-circular cross-section 83 (FIG. 12) that is located towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 71′, and a second non-circular cross-section 82 (FIG. 11) that is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 61.

Because the golf putter grip D has the same main tubular body 51 of the golf putter grip C disclosed in the third embodiment and the flat-topped arch cross-section, its non-circular cross-section is symmetrical and remains similar throughout the axial length of the main tubular body 51. The non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 44.45 mm to 23.09 mm and the depth dimension D54 of the first non-circular cross-section 83 (FIG. 12) is longer than the depth dimension D53 of the second non-circular cross-section 82 (FIG. 11) in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1. Owing to these features, the shape of the golf putter grip D's main tubular body 51 is reversely tapered from the top cap portion 6 towards the bottom open end 71′ as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Its reverse taper is sufficient within certain degrees to accommodate the fingers (middle fingers MD and small fingers PK) with different finger lengths and conform to a certain degree to a hollow interior of two hands cupped together, so that the golf players can hold the golf putter grip D to make the pendulum-type putting stroke more comfortably with less gripping pressure. The width dimension W1 of the non-circular cross-section of the main tubular body 51 is bigger in such a range from less than 29.63 mm to 23.09 mm. The first flat front area 59 is preferably in rectangular or trapezoid shape. Its top edge 53 is extended up to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end 61 and its bottom edge 54 is located towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end 71′. The widest portion of the first flat front area 59 is in a width (fw1) range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm. Because of these features, the golf putter grip D is bigger in size and has sufficient space for the golf players to cup their two hands together at the same height and to place two thumbs side by side on the first flat front area 59 to hold the golf putter grip D, so as to make the pendulum-type putting stroke comfortable with minimal wrist breaking-down. The non-circular cross-sectional dimensions, such as its width dimension W1 and depth dimensions D53, D54, are no more than 44.45 mm and conform to “the Rules of Golf ” published by U.S.G.A. The shape of the golf putter grip D in the fourth embodiment is another newly improved one for golf players to choose. Therefore, the four objects of the present invention are accomplished by the shape of the golf putter grip D disclosed in the fourth embodiment.

The most practical and preferred embodiments according to the present invention are disclosed above. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A golf putter grip, comprising:

a top cap portion, a bottom open end, a main tubular body extended between the top cap portion and the bottom open end, a hollow lower portion extended from the main tubular body to the bottom open end, and an overall length;

wherein the top cap portion has a top end and a vent hole;

wherein the overall length of the golf putter grip is defined to be the length from the vent hole to the bottom open end;

wherein the main tubular body has: a cavity to receive a golf shaft; a non-circular cross-section being symmetrical throughout an axial length of the main tubular body, where the non-circular cross-section has a width dimension defined to be the maximum dimension between the outmost edges of the non-circular cross-section and perpendicularly along the axial length of the main tubular body, and the non- circular cross-sectional width dimension is within a range from 36 mm to 23.09 mm; and a first flat front area having a top edge extended to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) spaced from the top end of the top cap portion, and a bottom edge located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end;

wherein the first flat front area has a widest portion with a width dimension in a range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm and the widest portion is perpendicular to the axial length of the main tubular body;

wherein the non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension defined to be the maximum dimension perpendicularly from the first flat front area to a bottom of the non-circular cross-section along the axial length of the main tubular body, and the non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 44.45 mm to 23.09 mm;

wherein the main tubular body is reversely tapered from the top cap portion towards the bottom open end;

wherein the non-circular cross-section includes a first non-circular cross-section and a second non-circular cross-section; the first non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension that is the longest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end; the second non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension that is the shortest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end;

wherein the depth dimension of the first non-circular cross-section is longer than the depth dimension of the second non-circular cross-section in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1;

wherein the hollow lower portion has a non-reversely-tapered body shape extended from the main tubular body to the bottom open end.

2. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the overall length of the golf putter grip is in a range from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm).

3. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow lower portion has a second flat front area extended from the bottom edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end.

4. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hollow lower portion has a thickness that is between the bottom edge and the bottom open end and is in a range of equal to or less than 30% of the grip's overall length.

5. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first non-circular cross-section and the bottom edge are located at a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end; the hollow lower portion has a thickness between the bottom edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body and the bottom open end, and the thickness is within one inch (25.4 mm).

6. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top end is located at an upper edge of the top cap portion close to the vent hole.

7. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top cap portion is curved in shape toward the vent hole and the top end is located at the vent hole's edge.

8. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main tubular body has a first downward body connected with the first flat front area by means of a pair of curves that form smoothly rounded shoulders along the axial length of the main tubular body.

9. A golf putter grip, comprising:

a top cap portion, a bottom open end, a main tubular body extended between the top cap portion and the bottom open end, a hollow lower portion extended from the main tubular body to the bottom open end, and an overall length; wherein the top cap portion has a top end and a vent hole; wherein the overall length of the golf putter grip is defined to be the length from the vent hole to the bottom open end; wherein the main tubular body has: a cavity to receive a golf shaft; a non-circular cross-section being symmetrical throughout an axial length of the main tubular body, where the non-circular cross-section has a width dimension defined to be the maximum dimension between the outmost edges of the non-circular cross-section and perpendicularly along the axial length of the main tubular body, and the non-circular cross-sectional width dimension is within a range from 36 mm to 24.5 mm; and a first flat front area having a top edge extended to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end of the top cap portion, and a bottom edge located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end; wherein the first flat front area has a widest portion with a width dimension in a range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm and the widest portion is perpendicular to the axial length of the main tubular body; wherein the non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension defined to be the maximum dimension perpendicularly from the first flat front area to a bottom of the non-circular cross-section along the axial length of the main tubular body, and the non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 34.5 mm to 23.09 mm;

wherein the main tubular body is reversely tapered from the top cap portion towards the bottom open end;

wherein the non-circular cross-sectional width dimension is larger than the non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension;

wherein the non-circular cross-section includes a first non-circular cross-section and a second non-circular cross-section; the first non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension that is the longest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end; the second non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension that is the shortest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end;

wherein the depth dimension of the first non-circular cross-section is longer than the depth dimension of the second non-circular cross-section in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1;

wherein the hollow lower portion has a non-reversely-tapered body shape and extended from the main tubular body to the bottom open end.

10. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the overall length of the golf putter grip is in a range from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm).

11. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the non-circular cross-section is in a shape of flat-topped washer.

12. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cavity has an axis passing through the center of the shape of flat-topped washer.

13. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top end is located at an upper edge of the top cap portion close to the vent hole.

14. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the top cap portion is curved in shape towards the vent hole and the top end is located at the vent hole's edge.

15. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the hollow lower portion has a second flat front area extended from the bottom edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end.

16. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the hollow lower portion has a thickness between the bottom edge and the bottom open end in a range of equal to or less than 30% of the grip's overall length.

17. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first non-circular cross-section and the bottom edge are located at a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end; the hollow lower portion has a thickness between the bottom edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body and the bottom open end, and the thickness is within one inch (25.4 mm).

18. A golf putter grip, comprising:

a top cap portion, a bottom open end, a main tubular body extended between the top cap portion and the bottom open end, a hollow lower portion extended from the main tubular body to the bottom open end, and an overall length;

wherein the top cap portion has a top end and a vent hole;

wherein the overall length of the golf putter grip is defined to be the length from the vent hole to the bottom open end;

wherein said main tubular body has:

a cavity to receive a golf shaft;

a non-circular cross-section being symmetrical throughout an axial length of the main tubular body, where the non-circular cross-section has a width dimension defined to be the maximum dimension between the outmost edges of the non-circular cross-section and perpendicularly along the axial length of the main tubular body, and the non-circular cross-sectional width dimension is within a range from less than 29.63 mm to 23.09 mm; and a first flat front area having a top edge extended to a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end of the top cap portion, and a bottom edge located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end;

wherein the first flat front area has a widest portion with a width dimension in a range from less than 20 mm to 13 mm and the widest portion is perpendicular to the axial length of the main tubular body;

wherein the non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension and the non-circular cross-sectional width dimension are in a ratio of 1:1 to 1.92:1;

wherein the non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension defined to be the maximum dimension perpendicularly from the first flat front area to a bottom of the non-circular cross-section along the axial length of the main tubular body, and the non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is in a range from 44.45 mm to 23.09 mm;

wherein the main tubular body is reversely tapered from the top cap portion towards the bottom open end;

wherein said non-circular cross-section includes a first non-circular cross-section and a second non-circular cross-section; the first non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension that is the longest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is located at a position in a distance equal to or less than 30% of the overall length of the golf putter grip from the bottom open end; the second non-circular cross-section has a depth dimension that is the shortest depth dimension in the main tubular body and is towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the top end;

wherein the depth dimension of the first non-circular cross-section is longer than the depth dimension of the second non-circular cross-section in a ratio of 1.12:1 to 1.75:1;

wherein the hollow lower portion has a non-reversely-tapered body shape and is extended from the main tubular body to the bottom open end.

19. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the overall length of the golf putter grip is in a range from 7 inches (177.8 mm) to 21 inches (533.4 mm).

20. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the non-circular cross-section is in a shape of flat-topped arch or hexagonal or in a shape derived from rectangular or square or triangular.

21. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the cavity has an axis which is parallel to a central line of the first flat front area.

22. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the top end is located at an upper edge of the top cap portion close to the vent hole.

23. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the top cap portion is curved in shape towards the vent hole and the top end is located at the vent hole's edge.

24. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the non-circular cross-sectional depth dimension is equal to the non-circular cross-sectional width dimension.

25. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the hollow lower portion has a second flat front area extended from the bottom edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body towards a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end.

26. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the hollow lower portion has a thickness between the bottom edge and the bottom open end in a range of equal to or less than 30% of the grip's overall length.

27. The golf putter grip as claimed in claim 18, wherein the first non-circular cross-section and the bottom edge are located at a position within one inch (25.4 mm) from the bottom open end; the hollow lower portion has a thickness between the bottom edge of the first flat front area of the main tubular body and the bottom open end, and the thickness is within one inch (25.4 mm).