AFTER MARKET METAL GOLF CLUB GRIP

Abstract

An after-market golf club grip for attachment to the shaft of a golf club includes an elongate outer body and absorption means for absorbing vibration in the outer body when the golf club strikes a golf ball. The outer body defines a bore along its longitudinal axis to accommodate a golf club shaft. The outer body is made up of a plurality of elongate outer body sections which can to assembled together to form the outer body. Such outer body sections are attachable to one another by reversible attachment fasteners which allow the outer body to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from a shaft of a golf club. The absorption means are provided by a plurality of controlled absorption inserts disposed around the longitudinal axis of the outer body. Each absorption insert defines a central aperture to accommodate a golf club shaft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/197,976 titled “After Market Metal Golf Club Grip” filed Jul. 28, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated in this disclosure by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Metal grips for golf clubs are known in the prior art. What is not known in the prior art is an after-market metal grip for a golf club which can be attached to a golf club after the golf club is manufactured. Nor is it known in the prior art how to modify the “feel” of the metal grip by use of vibration absorbing means. Still further, it is unknown in the prior art as to how to adjust the “feel” of the metal grip to match the individual tastes of each user. Accordingly, there is a need for an after-market metal grip which can be attached to a golf club after the golf club is manufactured, which has vibration absorbing means to modify the “feel” of the metal grip, and which is readily adjustable to match the individual “feel” preferences of each user.

SUMMARY

The invention satisfies this need. In one aspect, the invention is an after-market golf club grip for attachment to the shaft of a golf club. The golf club grip comprises an elongate outer body and absorption means for absorbing vibration in the outer body when the golf club strikes a golf ball. The elongate outer body has an outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body longitudinal bore defined along the outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body external surface and an outer body internal surface. The outer body is made up of a plurality of elongate outer body sections which can to assembled together to form the outer body. Such outer body sections are attachable to one another by reversible attachment fasteners which allow the outer body to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from a shaft of a golf club.

The absorption means are provided by plurality of controlled absorption inserts. Each controlled absorption insert has an absorption insert aperture, an absorption insert external surface and an absorption insert internal surface. In the golf club grip, the absorption insert external surface is disposed in contact with the outer body internal surface.

In a second aspect, the invention is a combination golf club and after-market golf club grip. The combination comprises: a) a golf club having an elongate golf club shaft with a golf club shaft external surface; and b) an after-market golf club grip attached around the golf club shaft external surface.

The golf club grip comprises: i) an elongate outer body having an outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body longitudinal bore defined along the outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body external surface and an outer body internal surface, the outer body comprising a plurality of elongate outer body sections which can be assembled together to form the outer body, the outer body sections being attachable to one another by reversible attachment fasteners which allow the outer body to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from the golf club shaft; and ii) absorption means for absorbing vibration in the outer body when the golf club strikes a golf ball, the absorption means being disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer body.

In one embodiment of this second invention aspect, the absorption means comprises a plurality of controlled absorption inserts each having an absorption insert aperture, an absorption insert external surface and an absorption internal insert surface, the absorption insert external surface being disposed in contact with the outer body internal surface.

In a second embodiment of this second invention aspect, the absorption means comprises an absorbing hollow sleeve disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer body, the hollow sleeve having a hollow sleeve external surface and a hollow sleeve internal surface, the hollow sleeve external surface being disposed in contact with the outer body internal surface.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club to which is attached a metal grip having features of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a close up rear view of the golf club with attached metal grip illustrated FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of assembly of the golf grip illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the golf grip illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of an absorption disk useable in the metal grip of the invention;

FIG. 6 is cross-sectional side view of the absorption disk illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a first top view of the absorption disk illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is FIG. 3 is perspective end view of a golf grip having features of the invention, showing a sleeve disposed within the metal grip outer portion;

FIG. 9 is a first perspective end view of a second embodiment of a golf club and golf club grip having features of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a second perspective end view of the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first half of a sleeve usable in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second half of the sleeve referenced in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.

Definitions

As used herein, the following terms and variations thereof have the meanings given below, unless a different meaning is clearly intended by the context in which such term is used.

The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referents used herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise.

As used in this disclosure, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, ingredients or steps.

The Invention

In one aspect, the invention is an after-market golf club grip 10 for attachment to the shaft 12 of a golf club 14. The golf club grip 10 comprises an elongate outer body 16 and absorption means 18 for absorbing vibration in the outer body 16 when the golf club 14 strikes a golf ball.

The elongate outer body 16 has an outer body longitudinal axis 20, an outer body longitudinal bore 22 defined along the outer body longitudinal axis 20, an outer body external surface 24 and an outer body internal surface 26. The outer body 16 is made up of a plurality of elongate outer body sections 28 which can to assembled together to form the outer body 16. Typically, the outer body comprises 2-4 outer body sections 28. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings the outer body 16 comprises 2 outer body sections 28.

In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the outer body 16 is made of metal, such as 6061-T6 Aluminum. However, the outer body 16 can be made from many other materials as well. It is preferable that the outer body 16 material be of sufficient strength to minimize flexure when tightened and provide the proper distributed structure to transfer vibrations from the shaft 12 to the surface of the grip 10.

The outer body sections 28 are attachable to one another by reversible attachment fasteners 29 which allow the outer body 16 to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from a shaft 12 of a golf club 14. The reversible attachment fasteners 29 can be any suitable reversible fastener 29, including, but not limited to, bolts, latches and clamps. The reversible attachment fasteners 29 allow the outer body 16 to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from the golf club shaft 12.

The absorption means 18 comprises a plurality of controlled absorption inserts 30 each having an absorption insert aperture 32, an absorption insert external surface 34 and an absorption internal insert surface 36. The controlled absorption inserts 30 are disposed within the outer body 16 such that each absorption insert external surface 34 is in contact with the outer body internal surface 26. Each controlled absorption insert 30 is positioned within the outer body bore 22 such that multiple portions of the controlled absorption insert exterior surface 34 contact the outer body interior surface 26 to minimize vibration and to provide a firm transfer of feedback from the shaft 12 to the grip 10. The controlled absorption inserts 30 are positioned within the outer body bore 22 as needed to achieve the desired feel.

The controlled absorption inserts 30 can be made of various materials chosen to provide a range of distinct vibration absorbencies and thus provide the feature of a selectable “feel”. Example materials for the controlled absorption inserts 30 include various polymers, elastomers, metals, and composite materials. The material for each controlled absorption inserts 30 is chosen to provide a distinct vibration absorbency and thus provide a selectable “feel”. By way of example, the controlled absorption inserts 30 can be made from Nylon, variation glass filled nylon, Silicone (elastomer in the Durometer ratings 50 A-85 A), ABS plastic, POM/Delrin/Acytal, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Ceramic, and Tungsten. In some applications, the controlled absorption inserts 30 may also be designed to accommodate weighted inserts, for example an ABS absorption inserts 30 with through holes that allow Stainless Steel or Tungsten rods inserted to achieve weight and customize balance.

The controlled absorption inserts 30 are typically between about ½″ and about 1½″ in thickness T. For example, controlled absorption inserts 30 can be about ⅜″ thick. The thicknesses are chosen in conjunction with the densities of the materials used to provide the desired “amount” of vibration feedback which is transferred from the shaft 12 to the grip 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the controlled absorption inserts 30 are typically constructed in two halves which are assembled into a complete whole when the grip 10 is attached around a golf club shaft 12.

In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the outer body internal surface 26 defines a plurality of controlled absorption insert slots 38, and each controlled absorption insert 30 is disposed within a controlled absorption insert slot 38. In these embodiments, at least one controlled absorption insert 30 is disposed in a controlled absorption insert slot 38 proximate to the outer body distal end 40 and at least one controlled absorption insert 30 is disposed in a controlled absorption insert slot 38 proximate to the outer body proximal end 42. Typically, however, more controlled absorption inserts 30 are provided to minimize slip that would allow the grip 10 and club 14 to move out of alignment. Typically at least two pairs of controlled absorption inserts 30 are used near each end of the outer body 16.

The size and dimensions of each controlled absorption insert 30 is chosen to provide positive pressure between the shaft 12 and the interior of the absorption insert slots 38. Moreover, the size and dimensions of each controlled absorption insert 30 is chosen to make sure they do not vibrate, and can be changed as desired.

In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, protrusions 44 are defined in the side walls of each controlled absorption insert 30. The protrusions 44 facilitate the proper positioning of each controlled absorption insert 30 within the outer body 16. Such protrusions 44 ensure that the controlled absorption inserts 30 have positive holding when inserted into their respective slots 38, and ensure that the controlled absorption inserts 30 are conveniently held in place while the assembler manipulates the outer body sections 28 together during assembly.

Preferably, each absorption insert internal surface 36 is knurled. In the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, the knurl/tooth shape along the inner diameters of D1/D2 provide a distributed contact surface while accommodating flex when pressed together. In cases where the controlled absorption inserts 30 are made from polymers or elastomer materials, the controlled absorption insert 30 have at least some ability to deform, so as to accommodate variations between the golf club shafts 12.

Also, it is often preferable for each absorption insert internal surface 36 to be tapered. Having a tapered controlled absorption insert interior surface 36 accommodates a number of golf club shaft 12 diameters, as the leading edge of the central aperture 32 will come in contact with a smaller diameter shaft 12 sooner than it would with a larger diameter, and having a degree of flex would allow for such diameter variations.

Where controlled absorption inserts 30 are made from metals or composites, there may be little or no need for interior surface knurling and/or internal surface tapering.

In this embodiment of the first inventive aspect, the amount of vibration in the outer body 16 when the golf club 14 strikes a golf ball can be adjusted by one or more of the following steps: (1) adding one or more controlled absorption inserts 30, (2 ) removing one or more controlled absorption inserts 30 and (3) replacing one or more controlled absorption inserts 30 with controlled absorption inserts 30 made from a different material. In embodiments wherein the outer body internal surface 26 defines a plurality of controlled absorption insert slots 38, the amount of vibration in the outer body 16 when the golf club 14 strikes a golf ball can also be adjusted by moving one or more controlled absorption inserts 30 to different controlled absorption insert slots 38.

In a second aspect, the invention is a combination 46 golf club 14 and after-market golf club grip 10.

The golf club 14 has an elongate golf club shaft 12 with a golf club shaft 12 external surface. The golf club 14 can be any of the many forms of golf clubs 14, but the invention is especially advantageous when the golf club 14 is a wedge or especially a putter.

In a first embodiment of the combination 46, the golf club grip 10 is the golf club grip 10 described above.

In a second embodiment of this second invention aspect, the golf club grip 10 also comprises an outer body 16 as described above having a an outer body longitudinal axis 20, an outer body longitudinal bore 22 defined along the outer body longitudinal axis 20, an outer body external surface 24 and an outer body internal surface 26. The outer body 16 is made up of a plurality of elongate outer body sections 28 which can to assembled together to form the outer body 16.

Instead of the absorption means 18 comprising a plurality of controlled absorption inserts 30—as in the first embodiment of the combination 46, the absorption means 18 in the second embodiment of the combination 46 comprises an absorbing hollow sleeve 48 disposed within the longitudinal bore 22 of the outer body 16.

The hollow sleeve 48 has a hollow sleeve external surface 50 and a hollow sleeve internal surface 52. The hollow sleeve external surface 50 is disposed in contact with the outer body internal surface 52.

The hollow sleeve 48 can be made from silicones, hardened carbon materials or metals. Other materials can be used as well, depending on the application.

Typically, the thickness of the hollow sleeve 48 is between about 0.02 inches and about 0.06 inches.

Each sleeve 48 is readily interchangeable, so the golfer can experiment with a variety of sleeves 48 made of different materials—to find the one which feels best to him or her.

The inside diameter of the sleeve 48 typically differs from one end to the other to accommodate the difference in golf club shaft 12 thickness. The outside diameter of the sleeve 48, however, is typically consistent from top to bottom. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the sleeve 48 can be assembled from a pair of matching sleeve 48 moieties 48a and 48b. A first sleeve 48 moiety has a pair of dowels 54 for ease of placement and retention within matching bores (not shown) in the inner surface of the outer metal grip 10.

In this second embodiment of the combination 46, the outer metal grip 10 longitudinal bore 22 is greater in diameter than the shaft 12 diameter of the golf club 14—to accommodate the thickness of the feel sleeve 48.

In both embodiments of the combination 46, the outer body 16 is attached to the shaft 12 of the golf club 14 by assembling the elongate outer body sections 28 around the golf club shaft 12, so that the assembled elongate outer body 16 retains the golf club 14 shaft 12 within the outer body longitudinal bore 22.

Thus, the invention provides an after-market metal golf club grip 10 which is easily installed onto an existing golf club 14—especially a putter or a wedge. The invention allows the user to quickly and easily replace his/her current rubber grip with the metal golf club grip 10 of the invention.

The metal golf club grip 10 allows for more “feel,” for the golfer. Also, the additional weight of the golf club 14 handle with the attached metal golf club grip 10 allows for greater control of the golf club 14 by steadying the hands of the golfer and thereby facilitating smoother golf strokes.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. An after-market golf club grip for use with a golf club shaft, the grip comprising:

a) an elongate outer body having an outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body longitudinal bore defined along the outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body external surface and an outer body internal surface, the outer body comprising two elongate outer body sections assembled together to form the outer body, the outer body sections being attachable to one another by reversible attachment fasteners which allow the outer body to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from the golf club shaft; and

b) an elongate hollow sleeve in the outer body made of a vibration absorption material for vibration absorption when the golf club strikes a golf ball, the sleeve being formed of at least two elongate body sections, at least one sleeve body section being disposed in each of the outer body sections, the sleeve being disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer body, the sleeve having an external surface, an internal surface, an outside diameter, and an inside diameter, the sleeve external surface being disposed in contact with the outer body internal surface, the sleeve internal surface being adapted for being in contact with the golf club shaft when assembled, the sleeve outside diameter being consistent and the sleeve inside diameter differing from one end to the other to accommodate the golf club shaft differing thickness, and wherein the length of the sleeve is about the same as the length of the outer body.

22. The after-market golf club grip of claim 21, wherein the outer body is made from a metal.

23. The after-market golf club grip of claim 21, wherein the outer body comprises 2-4 outer body sections.

24. The after-market golf club grip of claim 21 wherein the vibration absorption material is silicone, hardened carbon material or metal.

25. The after-market golf club grip of claim 21, wherein the thickness of the elongate hollow sleeve element is between about 0.02 inches and about 0.06 inches.

26. A combination golf club and after-market golf club grip comprising:

a) a golf club having an elongate golf club shaft, the golf club shaft comprising an external surface and having a differing thickness; and

b) an after-market golf club grip attached around the golf club shaft external surface, the golf club grip comprising: i) an elongate outer body having an outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body longitudinal bore defined along the outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body external surface and an outer body internal surface, the outer body comprising two elongate outer body sections assembled together to form the outer body;

c) reversible attachment fasteners fastening the outer body sections to one another which allow the outer body to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from the golf club shaft; and

d) an elongate hollow sleeve in the outer body made of a vibration absorption material for vibration absorption when the golf club strikes a golf ball, the sleeve being formed of at least two elongate body sections, at least one sleeve body section being disposed in each of the outer body sections, the sleeve being disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer body, the sleeve having an external surface, an internal surface, an outside diameter, and an inside diameter, the sleeve external surface being disposed in contact with the outer body internal surface, the sleeve internal surface being in contact with the golf club shaft, the sleeve outside diameter being consistent and the sleeve inside diameter differing from one end to the other to accommodate the golf club shaft differing thickness, and wherein the length of the sleeve is about the same as the length of the outer body.

27. The combination of claim 26, wherein the outer body is made from a metal.

28. The combination of claim 26, wherein the outer body comprises 2-4 outer body sections.

29. The combination of claim 26, wherein the vibration absorption material is silicone, hardened carbon material or metal.

30. The combination of claim 26, wherein the thickness of the elongate hollow sleeve is between about 0.02 inches and about 0.06 inches.

31. A combination golf club and after-market golf club grip comprising:

a) a golf club having an elongate golf club shaft, the golf club shaft comprises an external surface and having a differing thickness; and

b) an after-market golf club grip attached around the golf club shaft external surface, the golf club grip comprising: i) an elongate outer body having an outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body longitudinal bore defined along the outer body longitudinal axis, an outer body external surface and an outer body internal surface, the outer body comprising two elongate outer body sections assembled together to form the outer body, the outer body sections being attached to one another by reversible attachment fasteners which allow the outer body to be reversibly attached to and de-attached from the golf club shaft; and ii) an elongate hollow sleeve made of a vibration absorption material in the outer body for vibration absorption when the golf club strikes a golf ball, the sleeve being formed of two elongate body sections, one sleeve body section being disposed in each of the outer body sections, the sleeve being disposed within the longitudinal bore of the outer body, the sleeve having an external surface, an internal surface, an outside diameter, and an inside diameter, the sleeve external surface being disposed in contact with the outer body internal surface, the sleeve internal surface being in contact with the golf club shaft, the sleeve outside diameter being consistent and the sleeve inside diameter differing from one end to the other to accommodate the golf club shaft differing thickness, and wherein the length of the sleeve is about the same as the length of the outer body.

32. The combination of claim 31, wherein the outer body is made from a metal.

33. The combination of claim 31, wherein the outer body comprises 2-4 outer body sections.

34. The combination of claim 31, wherein the vibration absorption material is silicone, hardened carbon material or metal.

35. The combination of claim 31, wherein the thickness of the elongate hollow sleeve is between about 0.02 inches and about 0.06 inches.