JP2010246913A - Super-lightweight grip for golf club or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a grip offering great feel by absorbing shock and vibrations caused by the article impacting other objects and being light in weight and of low density. <P>SOLUTION: The grip is configured for use with at least a portion of the handle portion of a golf club wherein the grip includes an ethylene vinyl acetate sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a mounting surface extending generally therebetween and a gripping member adhered to the mounting surface of the sleeve. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present application is based on US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 173,565 filed on April 28, 2009 (Title of Invention: Ultra-lightweight grip for golf clubs, etc.) and US Patent Provisional Application filed on June 2, 2009. No. 61 / 183,479 (Title of Invention: Ultralight Grip for Golf Clubs, etc.) is claimed and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

  Embodiments of the invention relate to an improved grip for use in product grips, particularly golf club grips.

  Although grips have evolved, there is still a need for improved grips.

  Some embodiments provide a grip formed for use in at least a portion of a product grip, the grip including a first end, a second end, and a first end and a second end. An ethylene vinyl acetate sleeve including a mounting surface extending therebetween, and a grip member bonded to the mounting surface of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the product is a golf club.

  Some embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a sleeve for use in a grip, the method including injection molding an initial molding of the sleeve in a first mold, wherein the initial molding of the sleeve is Equipped with ethylene vinyl acetate. In some embodiments, the initial molded part of the injection molded sleeve is then removed from the first mold. In some embodiments, a core rod is inserted into the inner cavity of the initial molded part of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the core and sleeve initial moldings are loaded into an additional machine tool to control the temperature and elapsed time at one or more temperatures that control the solidification of the ethylene vinyl acetate. obtain.

  Embodiments of the present invention include one or more advantages, including the point of absorbing the shock and vibration experienced by the product impacting other objects to provide the best mood and the point of being light and low density. In connection with the golf club grip, the lightweight grip allows adjustment of the club swing weight. The current general grip weight is about 52 g. The embodiment of the present invention can reduce the weight of the grip to about 32 g. In general, each unit of the club swing weight increases with each grip weight reduction of about 4.5 g. Thus, if the grip weight is reduced by 32 g, the club swing weight can be increased by about 7 units. As the swing weight increases, the golfer can fly the ball farther in the same stroke. In addition, the reduction in grip weight results in a reduction in the total weight of the club, which is a beneficial feature for older and less powerful golfers. In particular, the reduction in grip weight improves the golfer's head speed and further improves operability. In addition, lightweight grip is important for long shaft clubs preferred by long hitters and tall golfers. In addition, golfers often carry as many as 14 clubs in their bags. When the golfer walks on the course or carries the bag over a considerable distance, it is advantageous to reduce the weight of the bag as much as possible. This can be achieved by using the grip of this embodiment that is much lighter than a standard grip.

  Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating exemplary embodiments of the invention.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary golf club incorporating a grip according to some embodiments. FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of a grip component according to some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a block material used in manufacturing the component of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the block of FIG. 3 with a mount for use in the manufacturing process of the grip component according to some embodiments. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a grinding wheel used in a manufacturing process of a grip component according to some embodiments and a block with a mount of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially shaped grip component according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shaped grip component according to some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the end of the grip component of FIG. 7 before the end filler is attached after the mount is removed, according to some embodiments. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the end of FIG. 8 after an end filler has been attached, according to some embodiments. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grip member formed for use with the grip component of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments. It is a one part enlarged view of the grip member along the 11-11 line of FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a part of the grip member surrounded by a circle 11 </ b> A in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a diagram of some alternatives of FIG. 11 according to some embodiments. FIG. 6 is a front view of a grip component and grip member during a manufacturing process, according to some embodiments. Fig. 4 shows a finished product grip according to some embodiments. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the grip of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the grip of FIG. 13 surrounded by a circle 15 of FIG. 14 according to some embodiments. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing an alternative configuration of a portion of the grip surrounded by circle 15 in FIG. 14 according to some embodiments.

  While the invention will be described in detail in connection with the drawings, the invention will be described in detail in connection with an exemplary embodiment. It is intended that the exemplary embodiments may be altered and modified without departing from the essential scope and spirit of the invention.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club GC incorporating a grip G according to some embodiments.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the underlying sleeve member 2 or sleeve according to some embodiments. The sleeve 2 includes a cavity 4 that is formed to receive at least a part of a grip portion of the golf club shaft S or other products. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 2 further includes a first end 6 that includes an opening 10 adapted to receive a grip and a second end 8 that includes a closed end that is substantially closed. The mounting surface 12 or body extends between the first end 6 and the second end 8.

  As shown in the figures, in some embodiments, the diameter of the nipple 14 tapers towards the tip to reduce the exposed grip, rod or shaft having a smaller diameter at a location proximate to the nipple 14. A smooth transition is formed from S toward the main grip of the grip G. The nipple 14 may be formed integrally with the mounting surface 12 or may be formed separately and then coupled to the mounting surface 12. As shown, in some embodiments, the nipple 14 extends around the sleeve member 2 and includes an annular nipple shelf 16 that extends radially outward from the mounting surface 12 of the sleeve member 2 adjacent to the mounting surface 12. Form. The nipple shelf 16 includes a nipple contact surface 18 and a nipple outer surface 20. The nipple outer surface 20 may be connected to the tapered upper side of the nipple.

  As shown, the second end 8 comprises a cap structure 22 in some embodiments. The cap 22 includes an opening 24 that facilitates air exhaust when the grip is inserted into the sleeve. The cap 22 has a substantially convex shape at one end thereof. In some embodiments, the cap 22 extends around the sleeve member 2 and forms an annular cap shelf 26 that extends radially outward from the mounting surface 12 of the sleeve member 2 adjacent to the mounting surface 12. The cap shelf 26 includes a cap contact surface 28 and a cap outer surface 30.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 22 and nipple 14 are formed integrally with the body 12 of the sleeve 2. The nipple contact surface 18 extends radially from the mounting surface 12 at an angle of about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the nipple contact surface 18 extends from the mounting surface 12 at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the nipple contact surface 18 extends from the mounting surface 12 at an angle of about 90 degrees to about 135 degrees. The cap contact surface 28 extends radially from the mounting surface 12 at an angle of about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the cap contact surface 28 extends from the mounting surface 12 at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the cap contact surface 28 extends from the mounting surface 12 at an angle of about 90 degrees to about 135 degrees.

  3 to 9 show a method of manufacturing the sleeve 2 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) block 32 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the support rod 34 (see FIG. 4) to facilitate the grinding process. As shown in FIG. 5, the grindstone 36 formed in a desired shape so as to give a desired outer shape contacts the EVA block 32. When the block 32 comes into contact with the grindstone 36, the general shape of the grip part is formed. The nipple 14 and / or cap 22 may be formed when the same grindstone forming the mounting surface 12 and the body of the sleeve 2 has the nipple 14 and / or cap 22 at the same time. Alternatively, these portions of the grip G may be formed of one or more other grindstones having a suitable shape.

  In some embodiments, it is preferred that the mounting rod 34 be removed once the shape of the sleeve 2 is finished. In some embodiments, the mounting rod 34 has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the grip of the product intended to be inserted into the sleeve 2. The hole 38 remaining at the second end 8 can be plugged with a suitably formed plug 40. In some embodiments, the plug 40 is formed from the same material as the sleeve 2 so that the plug 40 can blend seamlessly or visually seamlessly into the sleeve 2. Alternatively, the plug 40 may be formed from a different material than the sleeve 2, so that the second end of the sleeve 2 can be given an aesthetically pleasing design or contrasting shade or texture. In some embodiments, the plug 40 preferably includes a small hole 24 or opening that allows the aforementioned air and other fluids to be discharged.

  10-11B illustrate a grip member 50 according to some embodiments. The grip member is formed so as to substantially coincide with the attachment surface 12 when attached to the attachment surface 12 of the sleeve 2. The illustrated embodiment, shown as panel P, wraps around or is wrapped around mounting surface 12 to create side edges 54, 56 of panel P as described in more detail below. Forming a substantially vertical seam 52 (see FIG. 13) that joins. Alternatively, the grip member 50 may be formed of a strip that is wound in a spiral around the mounting surface 12 in turn. In some embodiments, multiple panels and / or multiple strips may be incorporated.

  11 is a cross-sectional view of the grip member 50 taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. In some embodiments, the gripping member 50 preferably includes an outer layer 58. The outer layer 58 is secured, bonded, glued or otherwise affixed to the base or inner layer 60. The outer layer 58 forms an inner surface 62 and an outer surface 64 and is preferably formed from polyurethane, although other suitable materials may be used for the outer layer 58. Similarly, the inner layer 60 forms an inner surface 66 and an outer surface 68 and is preferably a nonwoven fabric. In some embodiments, a spray adhesive (not shown) is applied to either or both of the inner surface 66 of the outer layer 58 and / or the outer surface 68 of the inner layer 60. In some embodiments, the polyurethane outer layer 58 is disposed on a portion of the felt inner layer 60 and solidifies directly above and within a portion of the inner layer 60, as shown in FIG. 11A. To do. Such wet coagulation processes are known in the art. See for example US Pat. No. 6,857,971.

  FIG. 11A is an enlarged view of a part of the grip member 50 surrounded by a circle 11A in FIG. As described above, the outer layer 58 preferably includes polyurethane. The polyurethane preferably solidifies to form one or more closed cells (not shown). The nonwoven fabric layer 60 should just be formed from suitable materials, such as nylon, cotton, polyester, and should just be felt.

  Many embodiments of the present invention provide lightweight grips with sufficient torsional resistance and shock absorption for use in a variety of products, including golf clubs. In some embodiments, the finished grip G, including the polyurethane / felt grip member 50 bonded to the EVA sleeve 2, has a weight of about 15 g to about 25 g. In a preferred embodiment, the finished grip G has a weight of about 20 g, while having the desired shock absorption, tack and twist resistance required for grips for use in products such as golf clubs. .

  FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of some alternatives shown in FIG. 11A according to some embodiments. In this embodiment, a woven mesh 82 is further included in the polyurethane layer 58 in the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the woven mesh 82 is bonded to the nonwoven layer 60 before the polyurethane is disposed on the nonwoven layer 60. Such processing is well known in the art. See, for example, US Pat. No. 6,695,713.

  In some embodiments, the woven mesh 82 is a longitudinally extending fiber (a fiber extending generally along the length of the long axis of the grip in the case of a grip formed by the panel of FIG. 12 or spirally wound). In the case of a finished grip formed of a formed strip) and fibers extending generally along the longitudinal direction of the strip) and fibers extending in the transverse direction. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the longitudinally extending fibers have a larger diameter than the laterally extending fibers. For example, the longitudinal fibers can have a diameter of about 0.4 millimeters to about 0.75 millimeters, and the transverse fibers can have a diameter of about 0.25 millimeters to about 0.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the machine direction fibers and the cross direction fibers may have substantially the same diameter. The woven mesh 82 may be made from a suitable material such as nylon, cotton, polyester or the like.

  12 to 15A show a method of attaching the grip member 50, that is, the panel to the sleeve 2 according to some embodiments. Adhesive 162 is sprayed on the mounting surface 12 of the sleeve 2, the inner surface 66 of the grip member 50, or both surfaces as shown, and the panel P is wrapped around the mounting surface 12. In some embodiments, the side edges 54, 56 of the panel may be scraped to overlap along the seam 52 so that the same layer is the same as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Adhered almost in contact with the layer. Alternatively, the side edges 54, 56 may be trimmed so that the outer surfaces 64 of the panel P contact each other along the seam 52 at or near the side edges 54, 56. In some embodiments, the seam 52 is sewn with a sewing thread 170 and closed, as shown in FIG. 15A. The sewing thread 170 preferably extends through at least a portion of the polyurethane outer layer 58 and at least a portion of the felt inner layer 60. In some embodiments, the panel P is stitched upside down so that the polyurethane surface 64 faces inward, and after the seam 52 is stitched, the panel P is turned inside out when affixed to the sleeve 2; As a result, the polyurethane surface 64 faces outward in the finished grip P.

  In some embodiments, the thickness 180 (see FIG. 11A) of the panel P substantially corresponds to the distance 190 from which the nipple contact surface 18 (see FIG. 2) protrudes from the mounting surface 12, so that the nipple 14 from the grip member 50 is as a result. The creation of a smooth transition to can be facilitated. In some embodiments, the thickness P of the panel P approximately corresponds to the distance 192 that the cap contact surface 28 protrudes from the mounting surface 12, thereby facilitating the creation of a smooth transition from the gripping member 50 to the cap 22. Can be.

In some embodiments, the EVA sleeve 2 may be injection molded rather than ground from a block 32 of EVA foam. Ethylene / vinyl / acetate copolymers have many excellent properties such as light weight, low density, flexibility, transparency, non-toxicity, and sufficient resistance to cracking due to environmental stress. Some embodiments of the present invention overcome the difficulties in handling injection molded EVA. For example, EVA coagulation is a relatively time consuming process. After injection molding of the unfinished EVA sleeve, the core rod is inserted into the sleeve and the sleeve can be transferred to a suitable mold that controls the shape of the finished product. Control of EVA coagulation can be effectively facilitated based on temperature and time control. In some embodiments, the density of EVA injected to form the sleeve 2 is less than about 1 g / cm ³ . In some embodiments, the density is from about 0.9 g / cm ³ to about 1 g / cm ³ . In preferred embodiments, the density is from about 0.930 g / cm ³ to about 0.943 g / cm ³ . Controlling the degree of EVA coagulation allows embodiments of the present invention to include an EVA sleeve 2 having a volume that is, for example, about twice or about three times the original volume. Thus, in some embodiments, the density of the finished sleeve 2 can be about one half or about one third of the original density. In some embodiments, the density of the finished sleeve 2 is from about 0.25 g / cm ³ to about 0.75 g / cm ³ . In some embodiments, the density of the finished sleeve 2 is from about 0.3 g / cm ³ to about 0.6 g / cm ³ . In some embodiments, the weight of the finished sleeve 2 is from about 5 g to about 15 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the finished sleeve 2 is about 7 g to about 12 g. In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the finished sleeve 2 is about 10 g.

  The invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments. One or more aspects of each embodiment can be combined with one or more aspects of other embodiments, and such combinations are specifically contemplated herein. Moreover, the usual variations of the disclosure are contemplated as well.

Claims (12)

A grip formed for use in at least a portion of a grip portion of a golf club,
An ethylene vinyl acetate sleeve including a first end, a second end, and a mounting surface extending between the first end and the second end;
And a grip member bonded to the mounting surface of the sleeve. The grip of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has a density of about 0.25 g / cm ³ to about 0.75 g / cm ³ . The grip of claim 2, wherein the sleeve has a density of about 0.3 g / cm ³ to about 0.6 g / cm ³ .   The grip of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has a weight of about 10 g to about 25 g.   The grip of claim 1, wherein the sleeve has a weight of about 15 g to about 20 g.   The grip according to claim 1, wherein the ethylene-vinyl acetate sleeve is injection-molded.   The grip according to claim 1, wherein the ethylene vinyl acetate sleeve is formed by grinding from a block of ethylene vinyl acetate foam.   The grip according to claim 1, wherein the grip member is formed of a panel, and the panel is wound around the attachment surface and adhered to the attachment surface.   The grip of claim 8, wherein the panel includes a side edge forming a longitudinal seam, the side edge being scraped.   The scraped side edges are scraped so that the side edges overlap each other along the seam, and the same layer of the panel contacts and adheres to the same layer along the seam. 9. The grip according to 9.   The trimmed side edges are stitched along the seam, and the outer surface of the polyurethane layer adjacent to the first side edge is on the outer surface of the polyurethane layer adjacent to the second side edge along the seamed seam. The grip according to claim 9, which comes into contact. A method of manufacturing a sleeve for use in a grip,
In the first mold, injection molding an initial molded product of a sleeve having ethylene vinyl acetate;
Removing an initial molded product of the sleeve that has been injection molded from the first mold;
Inserting a core rod into an inner cavity of the initial molded product of the sleeve;
Putting the core rod and the initial molded product of the sleeve into an additional machine tool to allow control of temperature and elapsed time at one or more temperatures that control the solidification of ethylene vinyl acetate. A method of manufacturing a sleeve comprising:

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