Grip for a Handle on a Golf Club

Abstract

Provided herein are grip devices and handle grips for the handle of a golf club. The devices and grips generally are a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body or a tubular sleeve adapted to receive the handle of the golf club therein. The devices and grips may have a length sufficient for one-handed gripping or two-handed gripping when placed on the golf club handle. The devices and grips have an outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface therein with proximal and distal open ends. The devices and grips taper along the length thereof from the proximal open end to the distal open end. The outer surface may comprise finger grooves formed thereon. A slit is formed into the bore between the open proximal and distal ends through which the handle is securely and removably received.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of sports and sports equipment. Specifically, the present invention relates to a grip for handled sports equipment, for example, a baseball bat, a golf club and a hockey stick, that facilitates strength development through the natural movements of the sport.

Description of the Related Art

Exercise grips for strength training of the hands and muscles in the arms are known in the art. For example, one can exercise and strengthen the hands with a compressible hand-grip strengthener, or spring-loaded compressible grips designed for a weightlifting bar to improve stability in the grip and strengthen the grip during a weightlifting session or designed to be placed on the handles of sports equipment during practice or training sessions. However, particularly, training for a sport that requires swinging handled equipment requires a high level of awareness or concentration in their use, including proper grip, stance, movement of the equipment and safety when in use, to develop one's strength and overall skill via the correct repetition of an action or activity.

The requirement of having to physically compress the grip in order to secure it to the handle or weightlifting bar focuses the concentration of the user onto compressing the grip and not to the actual motion the user is trying to replicate during a practice or training session and creates an added step or requirement for the grip to be functional. This is neither practical nor, more importantly, effective in developing strength during the normal repetition of an activity in a training exercise as it does not permit replication of the actual activity as normally required.

Such a situation can occur when using a spring-actuated jawed or sleeve-like grip designed to encircle the handle on sports equipment designed to be swung. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,128,542 B2 and U.S. Publication No. 2010/0197470 Al both disclose an exercise grip device that is a tube-like member with a lengthwise opening and a spring preformed to an open relaxed position. The exercise grip device is designed for use with a single hand and when placed around the handle, a user must compress and maintain compression in the closed position to keep the handle in place to strengthen the hand and arm. To exercise the other hand, a user must reposition the grip device so that the hand naturally grips it when properly placed on the handle.

Therefore, the prior art is deficient in a grip device for handled sports equipment that improve and strengthen the grip thereon. Particularly, the art is deficient in a grip that strengthens the grip of both hands simultaneously and strengthens the fingers, wrists, forearm, and upper arm muscles when the grip is placed on the handle without the necessity of constantly squeezing the grip beyond its relaxed configuration while swinging or otherwise moving the equipment. The present invention fulfills this longstanding need and desire in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a grip device for a golf club. The grip device comprises a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body comprising an outer surface, a bore that defines an inner surface therein and a length extending between the proximal open end and the distal open end, and a slit therethrough to the bore along the length of the hollow member. The outer surface and the inner surface are each with a perimeter that tapers along the length of the hollow member from the proximal open end to the distal open end to securely and removably receive a golf club handle therein.

The present invention is directed to a related grip device where the inner surface further comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed thereon adapted to grip the handle when placed thereon. The present invention is directed to another related grip device that further comprises a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member. The present invention is directed to yet another related grip device that further comprises a plurality of finger grooves formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

The present invention also is directed to a two-handed grip device for a grip-end of a golf club. The two-handed grip device comprises a tubular sleeve having a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end and tapering along the length from the proximal open end to the distal open end. The tubular sleeve comprises an outer surface, a bore that defines an inner surface therein extending between the proximal open end and the distal open end and a slit through the outer surface to the bore from the proximal open end to the distal open end. The length of the tubular sleeve sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club.

The present invention is directed to a related two-handed grip device where the inner surface further comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed thereon. The present invention is directed to another related two-handed grip device that further comprises a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member. The present invention is directed to yet another related two-handed grip device that further comprises a plurality of finger grooves formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

The present invention is directed further to a two-handed grip device for a grip-end of a golf club. The two-handed grip device comprises a tubular sleeve having a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end and tapering along the length from the proximal open end to the distal open end. The tubular sleeve comprises an outer surface with a plurality of finger grooves formed thereon, a bore that defines an inner surface therein extending between the proximal open end and the distal open end and a slit through the outer surface to the bore from the proximal open end to the distal open end. The length of the tubular sleeve is sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club.

The present invention is directed to a related two-handed grip device where the inner surface further comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed thereon.

Other and further aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention given for the purpose of disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the matter in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others that will become clear, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular descriptions of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to certain embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting in their scope.

FIGS. 1A-1C show a front view (FIG. 1A), a back view (FIG. 1B) and a perspective view (FIG. 1C) of a grip device for a handle on a baseball bat.

FIGS. 2A-2C show FIGS. 1A-1C, respectively, with a textured pattern formed on the outer surface.

FIGS. 3A-3D are cross-sections of FIG. 1A showing alternate configurations (FIGS. 3A-3B) of the bore and alternate configurations of the open ends (FIGS. 3C-3D) of the grip device.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the grip device is positioned on the handle of the baseball bat.

FIGS. 5A-5F show different views of a two-handed handle grip for a golf club and the textured pattern formed on the outer surface (FIGS. 5A-5C) and a cross-section showing the configuration of the bore (FIG. 5D) and alternate configurations of the open ends (FIGS. 5E-5F) of the handle grip.

FIGS. 6A-6D show different views of a one-handed handle grip (FIGS. 6A-6B) and a two-handed handle grip (FIGS. 6A-6B) for a golf club. FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate the textured pattern formed on the outer surfaces. FIGS. 6C-6D are cross-sections of the two-handed grip showing the bore with nubs (FIG. 6C) and without nubs (FIG. 6D).

FIGS. 7A-7C shows a view of a two-handed handle grip with finger grooves for a golf club (FIGS. 7A) and cross-sections thereof showing the bore with nubs (FIG. 7B) and without nubs (FIG. 7C).

FIGS. 8A-8F illustrate how the golf club grip devices sized for one hand (FIG. 8A-8B), two hands (FIG. 8C-8D) and two hands with finger grooves (FIG. 8E-8F) are positioned on the handle of the golf club.

FIGS. 9A-9F show different views of a handle grip for a hockey stick and the textured pattern formed on the top and bottom surfaces (FIGS. 9A-9C), a cross-section showing the configuration of the bore (FIG. 9D) and an alternate configuration of the handle grip with a stop and pocket formed thereby within the bore (FIGS. 9E-9F).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein in the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in conjunction with the word “comprising”, the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one.

As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification, may refer to “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”. Some embodiments of the invention may consist of or consist essentially of one or more elements, components, method steps, and/or methods of the invention.

As used herein, the term “or” in the claims refers to “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or”.

As used herein, terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included.

As used herein, term “including” is used herein to mean “including, but not limited to”. “Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to a numeric value, including, for example, whole numbers, fractions, and percentages, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numerical values (e.g., ±5-10% of the recited value) that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In some instances, the term “about” may include numerical values that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In a non-limiting example, when referring to the bore of the grip device or handle grip for a baseball bat, a diameter of 0.82 inches or 26/32 inches or 0.91 inches or 29/32 inches 0.97 inches or 31/32 is within the scope of about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch as is 0.75 inches or 24/32 inches. When referring to the length of the grip device or handle grip, a length of 8.67 inches is within the scope of a length of about 8.5 inches for a baseball bat grip. In another non-limiting example, when referring to the bore at the distal open end of the grip device for a golf club, a diameter of 0.54 inches or 0.5 inches as rounded and of 1.1 inches is within the scope of about 0.60 inches to about 1 inch.

As used herein, the terms “grip device”, “handle grip” and “device” are used interchangeably and refer to a device or object, for example, but not limited to, a hollow member or tubular sleeve placed on, around, or over a handle on sports equipment.

As used herein, the term “sports equipment” refers to handled equipment, for example, but not limited to, a baseball bat, a golf club or a hockey stick.

As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” in reference to the grip device and handle grip disclosed herein refer to those components, features, parts and aspects thereof that are nearer or nearest to or farther or farthest from the hand held end of the sports equipment, respectively.

As used herein, the terms “front” and “back” in reference to the grip device and handle grip disclosed herein refer to the part, portion or side thereof comprising the slit through which the handle on the sports equipment is inserted and the part, portion or side opposite the front, respectively.

As used herein, the term “nub-like protuberances” refers to a plurality of small rounded knobs formed on the inner surface, as defined by the bore, of the grip device. Each of the nub-like protuberances when in contact with the handle on sports equipment maintain the position of the grip device via friction or a gripping force.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a grip device for a handle on sports equipment, comprising a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface and a bore that defines an inner surface therein, a proximal open end and a distal open end, where the outer surface comprises a slit therethrough to the bore disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end, where the bore is sized and shaped to securely and removably receive the handle on the sports equipment.

Further to this embodiment the grip device comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface adapted to grip the handle when placed thereon. In another further embodiment, the grip device comprises a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

In all embodiments the sports equipment is a baseball bat. Also, the bore may have a uniform diameter from the proximal open end to the distal open end. Particularly, the uniform diameter is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. Also, the bore may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion formed therefrom such that a diameter of the bore at the proximal open end is greater than the diameter of the distal portion of the bore, where the diameter at the proximal open end tapers to equal the diameter of the distal portion. Particularly, the diameter at the proximal open end of the bore may be greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the diameter of the distal portion of the bore may be about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. In addition the proximal open end and the distal open end of the hollow member each may be substantially flat across an outer surface thereof. Furthermore either the proximal open end or the distal open end, each at an outer surface thereof, may be beveled inwardly to the bore.

Also in all embodiments, the hollow member may have a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the handle of the sports equipment. Particularly, the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In addition the hollow member is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the sports equipment in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein.

In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a handle grip for a baseball bat, comprising a tubular sleeve having a proximal open end and a distal open end each with an outer diameter, a textured outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface from the proximal open end to the distal open end and with a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface, where the bore has a uniform diameter from the proximal open end to the distal open end less than the outer diameter, where the tubular sleeve has a slit disposed lengthwise from the proximal open end to the distal open end through to the bore.

In this embodiment the outer diameter may be about 2.5 inches and the uniform diameter along the bore may be about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. Also the tubular sleeve may have a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate simultaneously both hands of a user gripped thereon when the tubular sleeve is placed on the handle of the baseball bat. Particularly, the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In addition, the proximal open end and the distal open end of the tubular sleeve each may be substantially flat across an outer surface thereof. Furthermore, either the proximal open end or the distal open end, each at an outer surface thereof, may be beveled inwardly to the bore.

Also in this embodiment the tubular member is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the baseball bat in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein. In addition, the plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface engage the handle of the baseball bat in a gripping relationship when the tubular sleeve is placed thereon.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a handle grip for a baseball bat, comprising a tubular sleeve having a proximal portion with a proximal open end and a distal portion with a distal open end formed therefrom, a textured outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface from the proximal open end to the distal open end and with a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface, where the bore has a diameter at the proximal open end that is greater than a diameter of the bore along the distal portion, where the diameter at the proximal open end tapers to equal the diameter along the distal portion, where the tubular sleeve has a slit disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end through to the bore.

In this embodiment the distal open end is substantially flat across an outer surface thereof or the distal open end at the outer surface is beveled inwardly to the bore. Particularly, the diameter of the bore at the proximal open end is greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the diameter of the distal portion of the bore is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. Also, the tubular sleeve may have a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate simultaneously both hands of a user gripped thereon when the tubular sleeve is placed on the handle of the sports equipment. Particularly, the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In addition, the tubular sleeve is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the baseball bat in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein. Furthermore, the plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface engage the handle of the baseball bat in a gripping relationship when the tubular sleeve is placed thereon.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a grip device for a golf club, comprising a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body comprising an outer surface, a bore that defines an inner surface therein and a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end, and a slit therethrough to the bore along the length of the hollow member; the outer surface and the inner surface each with a perimeter that tapers along the length of the hollow member from the proximal open end to the distal open end to securely and removably receive a golf club handle therein.

In this embodiment the inner surface may be smooth. Further to this embodiment the inner surface comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed thereon to grip the handle when placed thereon. In another further embodiment the grip device comprises a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member. In yet another further embodiment the grip device comprises a plurality of finger grooves formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

In all embodiments the proximal open end may have an outer diameter of about 1.25 inches to about 2.15 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.80 inches to about 1.25 inches. Also the distal open end may have an outer diameter of about 1 inch to about 1.75 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.60 inches to about 1 inch, the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the distal open end are smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the proximal open end. In addition the hollow member is designed to conform to a shape of the golf club handle in a non-slipping relationship when the golf club handle is received therein.

In one aspect of all in all embodiments the hollow member may have a length sufficient to accommodate one hand of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club. Particularly, the length of a grip for one hand may be about 4 inches to about 6 inches. In another aspect the hollow member may have a length sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club. Particularly, the length of a grip for two hands may be about 7 inches to about 11.5 inches.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a two-handed grip device for a grip-end of a golf club, comprising a tubular sleeve having a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end and tapering along the length from the proximal open end to the distal open end, said tubular sleeve comprising an outer surface, a bore that defines an inner surface therein extending between the proximal open end and the distal open end and a slit through the outer surface to the bore from the proximal open end to the distal open end, said length of the tubular sleeve sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club.

In this embodiment the inner surface may be smooth. Further to this embodiment the inner surface further comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed thereon. In another further embodiment the two-handed grip device comprises a plurality of finger grooves formed on the outer surface of the tubular sleeve. In yet another further embodiment the grip device comprises a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

In all embodiments the proximal open end may have an outer diameter of about 1.25 inches to about 2.15 inches and may have an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.8 inches to about 1.25 inches and the distal open end may have an outer diameter of about 1 inch to about 1.75 inches and may have an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.60 inches to about 1.0 inches, the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the distal open end is smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the proximal open end. Also, the length may be about 7 inches to about 11.5 inches. In addition the tubular sleeve is designed to conform to a shape of the golf club handle in a non-slipping relationship when the golf club handle is received therein.

In a related embodiment there is provided herein two-handed grip device for a grip-end of a golf club, comprising a tubular sleeve having a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end and tapering along the length from the proximal open end to the distal open end, said tubular sleeve comprising an outer surface with a plurality of finger grooves formed thereon, a bore that defines an inner surface therein extending between the proximal open end and the distal open end and a slit through the outer surface to the bore from the proximal open end to the distal open end, the length of the tubular sleeve sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club. In this embodiment the inner surface may be smooth. Further to this embodiment the inner surface may comprise a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed thereon.

In both embodiments the proximal open end may have an outer diameter and an inner diameter at the bore as described supra and the distal open end may have an outer diameter and an inner diameter at the bore as described supra and the inner diameter at the distal open end is smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the proximal open end. Also the length may be about 7 inches to about 11.5 inches. In addition the proximal open end of the tubular sleeve, the distal open end of the tubular sleeve and the design of the tubular sleeve all may be as described supra.

Provided herein are grips, grip devices and handle grips adapted to be placed, affixed, applied or otherwise brought into contact with the handles of sports equipment, for example, but not limited to, those handles for which both hands are required to grip to play the sport or for which both hands may be utilized at some point while playing, for example, a tennis racquet. These grips are form-fitting and constructed or customized to firmly contact and engage the handle with the inner surface of the grip without a user having to apply an additional compressing force or squeezing force to the grip device to maintain its position and/or to obtain the benefit of strengthening the hands, fingers, wrists, forearms, and upper arms. The increase in diameter of the handle and concomitant increase in weight from the grip device or handle grip along its length requires a user to automatically grip the handle harder with both hands during practice of the sport to develop strength through the natural swing motion of the sport.

The grip devices and handle grips may have a length and outer diameter that, when disposed on or engaged with the handle, is sufficient to accommodate one or both hands in a grip appropriate for holding, swinging or otherwise moving the particular sports equipment. This is an improvement over and lessens or removes complexity from any grip strengthening device or system which requires separate devices for each hand. Alternatively, the grip devices and handle grips may be customized for a specific pair of hands.

The grips, grip devices and handle grips are designed or customized to conform to the varied and unique shapes of the handles on the sports equipment in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein. This eliminates problems from a “one size fits all” approach. The grips, grip devices and handle grips are made from a material that does not compress when strongly gripped by a user. Such materials are known in the art.

The inner surface of the grip may be smooth. The friction between the entire surface area of the inner surface of the grips and the outer surface of the handle keeps the grip positioned on the handle. Alternatively, the inner surface may comprise a plurality of nub-like protuberances or nubs on the inner surface which keep the grip in position via friction. Although each nub has a smaller surface area with which to contact the handle, the evenly distributed nubs over the inner surface provides a plurality of dedicated areas of friction to keep the grip in position. The outer surface of the grip may have a textured pattern formed thereon that provides for a more secure grip for a user. A non-limiting example of a textured pattern or texture is a diamond pattern.

The grips have proximal and distal open ends. The surfaces across one or both of the open ends of the grip may be flat, inwardly beveled or flared depending on the shape of the handle and/or the shape of the proximal end of the handle. For example, a golf club flares toward the grip end of the handle and a baseball bat has a knob at the handle end.

The grip device or handle grip may be adapted or configured for the handle of a baseball bat. Generally, the grip device may be a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body or may be a tubular sleeve a bore therein which defines or outlines an inner surface in the device. A slit is formed into the bore and along its length for easier insertion of the handle into the bore. The grip device may flex open along the slit to receive the handle, however, once positioned around the handle, the grip becomes form-fitting, is not compressible and is stabilized on the handle by friction. The grip device or handle grip may comprise a plurality of nub-like protuberances formed on or disposed over the inner surface. The nub-like protuberances increase the friction between the inner surface and the handle.

The device generally has a uniform outer diameter along the length. For example, the outer diameter may be about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, or alternatively, 1.75 inches to 2.2 inches. The bore may a uniform diameter or inner diameter along its length. For example, the bore diameter may be about 0.8 inches to about 1 inch, for example, 0.82 inches or 26/32 inches, 0.91 inches or 29/32 inches or 0.97 inches or 31/32. Alternatively, the bore may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a larger diameter at the open end that tapers to a diameter equal to a uniform diameter in the distal portion. The larger diameter of the proximal portion is sufficient to accommodate the wider knob of the baseball bat handle. For example, at its widest, the proximal portion may have a diameter of greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the distal portion may have a uniform diameter of about 1 inch, for example, the 0.82 inches or 26/32 inches, 0.91 inches or 29/32 inches or 0.97 inches or 31/32 described herein.

The grip device or handle grip may be adapted for the handle of a golf club. The device may have a structure similar to that adapted for a baseball bat. The golf club handle grip generally may be a hollow member with a cylindrical body or a tubular sleeve each comprising a textured pattern thereon and a bore therein which defines or outlines an inner surface in the device. The handle grip may be a one-handed grip or a two-handed grip with a length sufficient to accommodate one or both hands in any of the ways in which a golf club may be held. The perimeter of the outer surface and of the inner surface tapers along the length of the grip from the proximal open end to the distal open end such that the diameters across the outer surface and the bore of the proximal open end is larger than the corresponding diameters at the distal open end. The larger proximal end diameters accommodate the shape of the wider proximal end of the grip end of the golf club. The one-handed or two handed handle grip also may comprise a slit disposed thereon and open to the bore as for the baseball bat handle grip. The one-handed or two handed handle grip when placed over the golf club grip is form-fitting and is held in place by friction as with the baseball handle grip and comprises a non-compressible material. Examples of such materials are, but not limited to, silicone, rubber, polyurethane, neoprene, or nitrile, or a combination thereof. The outer dimensions, inner or bore dimensions and the length of the handle grip are adjustable and/or customizable depending on the size and configuration of the golf club. A user may place one or two one-handed grips or a single two-handed grip on the golf club handle.

The length of the one-handed grip may be about 4 inches to about 6 inches and the length of the two-handed grip may be about 7 inches to about 11.5 inches, preferably about 9 inches to about 11 inches. The one-handed grip and the two handed grip have a larger outer diameter and a larger inner diameter at the proximal open end that tapers to a smaller outer diameter and smaller inner diameter at the open distal end. For example, at the proximal open ends of the one-handed and two-handed grips, the outer diameter across the open surface may be about 1.25 inches to about 2.15 inches and the inner diameter across the bore at the outer surface may be about 0.8 inches to about 1.25 inches. Correspondingly, at the distal open ends of the one-handed and two-handed grips, the outer diameter across the open surface may be about 1 inch to about 1.25 inches and the inner diameter across the bore at the outer surface may be about 0.60 inches to about 1 inch. One of ordinary skill in the art is well able to understand that for any specific lengths of the outer and inner diameters at the proximal open end, the corresponding specific lengths of the outer and inner diameters at the distal open end must be shorter, respectively.

The grip device or handle grip may be adapted for the handle of a hockey stick. The device may be a hollow member with a substantially cuboidal body made of the flexible, but non-compressible, material to accommodate the butt end of the shaft on the hockey stick. The top and bottom surfaces may comprise a textured pattern and with the sides form a bore therein. The handle grip also may optionally comprise a slit disposed thereon and open to the bore as for the baseball bat handle grip. The bore may be open along its entire length or, alternatively, may comprise a stop therein which forms a pocket in the bore. This provides additional securement of the handle grip on the butt end of the hockey stick shaft. The outer dimensions, inner dimensions and length of the handle grip including the dimensions of the pocket are adjustable and/or customizable depending on the size of the hockey stick.

Particularly, embodiments of the present invention are better illustrated with reference to the Figure(s), however, such reference is not meant to limit the present invention in any fashion. The embodiments and variations described in detail herein are to be interpreted by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1A is front view of the grip device 1. The view is a general depiction of the front surface 2a of the grip device. The grip device generally comprises an outer surface 2 with an open end 3a and an open end 3b. A slit 4 is disposed therethrough to the bore 5 (see FIG. 1C) and extends lengthwise along the front surface from the open end at 2a to the open end at 2b.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B is back view of the grip device 1. The view is a general depiction of the back surface 2b of grip device 1. The back of the grip device is a uniform surface disposed oppositely to the front surface between the open end 3a and the open end 3b.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the grip device 1. The view shows open end 3a opening into one end of the bore 5. The bore defines the inner surface 6 of the grip device and shows some of the plurality of nub-like protuberances or nubs represented by 7 (see FIG. 3A) disposed thereon. The slit 4 is shown extended through to the inner surface of the open end 3a at 4a and at 3b (not shown) such that the slit will flex to receive the handle of a baseball bat therein against the nubs (see FIG. 4).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the pattern of texturing on the grip device 1. FIG. 2A corresponds to the front view shown in FIG. 1A showing the texture 8 formed on the outer surface 2 of the grip device such that area 2c is not textured and is smooth. FIG. 2B corresponds to the back view shown in FIG. 1B better illustrating the area 2c. It is contemplated that text may be formed on or disposed on the smooth area. FIG. 2C corresponds to the perspective view of the grip device shown in FIG. 1C illustrating the texture on the outer surface 2 with respect to the area 2c and the slit 4. The texture as formed well enables a user of the sports equipment to position the palms and fingers of both hands on the textured surface to securely grip the device. The grip device may also be textured over the entirety of the outer surface.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the grip device 1 depicted in FIG. 1A. The bore 5 is shown with the plurality of nub-like protruberances represented by 7 disposed on the inner surface 6. The diameter d1 of the bore is uniform from the open end 3a to the open end 3b. The outer diameter d2 is uniform across the grip device.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B is an alternate cross-sectional view of the grip device 1 depicted in FIG. 1A. The bore 5 comprises a proximal portion 5a and a distal portion 5B with the plurality of nub-like protruberances represented by 7 disposed on the inner surface 6 across the proximal and distal portions. The diameter d3 across the bore at the open end 3a at the proximal portion is greater than the diameter d1 across the bore at the open end 3b at the distal portion. The diameter d3 tapers along the bore until it equals the diameter d1 of the bore along the distal portion. The outer diameter d2 is uniform across the grip device. The greater diameter d3 enables the grip device to flex apart sufficiently to accommodate the knob on the handle of the bat when the handle is inserted into the device along the bore. FIG. 3C depicts one configuration for the open ends 3a and/or 3b on the grip device. The open end 3a,3b is beveled at 9 to the bore 5. The plurality of nub-like protuberances 7 are shown on the inner surface defined by the bore and the slit 4 is shown through from the outer surface 2 to the bore.

With continued reference to FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D depicts another configuration for the open ends 3a and/or 3b on the grip device. The open end 3a,3b is level across 9 from the outer surface 2 to the bore 5.

FIG. 4 illustrates the grip device 1 on the handle of a baseball bat 10. The device is flexed apart along the slit 4 so that the handle 10a is inserted with the proximal open end 3a at the knob 10b. When inserted, the nubs along the inner surface of the bore (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) contact the surface of the handle such that the friction between each of them and the handle keeps the grip device in place without sliding.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict different views of a two-handed handle grip for a golf club 15. FIG. 5A is a view of the handle grip showing a tubular sleeve with an outer surface 16 with open ends 17a,17b. Open end 17a has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of open end 17b. An optional slit 18 is disposed through the outer surface to the bore 19 which defines an inner surface 20 (see FIG. 5C) and extends lengthwise from the open end at 17a to the open end at 17b. The handle grip may be slid over the grip end of the shaft of a golf club or, alternatively, with the slit may be flexed open along the slit to insert the grip end of the shaft therein. A textured pattern 21 to enhance grip is formed on the outer surface of the handle grip such that area 16a is not textured and is smooth. FIG. 5B is a view better illustrating the area 16a in relation to the textured pattern. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the handle grip showing the open end 17b opening into one end of the bore 19. The slit 18 is shown extended through to the inner surface of the open end 17b at 18b and at 17a (not shown). The relationship of the textured pattern on the outer surface with respect to the area 16a and the slit 18 is illustrated.

FIGS. 5D-5F are cross-sectional views of the two-handed handle grip. FIG. 5D shows inner surface 20, as defined by the bore 19, extending from open end 17a to open end 17b. The outer diameter d4 at open end 17a is larger than outer diameter d5 at open end 17b. The diameter d6 of the bore at open end 17a is larger than the diameter d7 of the bore at open end 17b but less than diameter d5. FIGS. 5E-5F are views of the open ends 17a and/or 17b on the handle grip showing the optional slit 18 through from the outer surface 16 to the bore 19.

FIGS. 6A-6B depict different views of a one-handed handle grip for a golf club 25. FIG. 6A is a view of the one-handed handle grip showing a tubular sleeve with an outer surface 26 with open ends 27a,27b similar to tubular sleeve 15. Open end 27a has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of open end 27b. A textured pattern 31 to enhance grip is formed on the outer surface of the handle grip such that area 26a is not textured and is smooth. FIG. 6B is a view showing the disposition of the slit on the one-handed handle grip. A slit 28 is disposed through the outer surface to the bore 29 which defines an inner surface 30 (see FIGS. 6C-6D) and extends lengthwise from the open end at 27a to the open end at 27b. The one-handed handle grip with the slit may be flexed open along the slit to insert the grip end of the golf club shaft therein.

FIGS. 6C-6D are cross-sectional views of the two-handed handle grip 25 for a golf club. FIG. 6C shows inner surface 30, as defined by the bore 29, extending from open end 27a to open end 27b. The bore 29 is shown with the plurality of nub-like protruberances represented by 7 disposed on the inner surface 30. The outer diameter d4 at open end 27a is larger than outer diameter d5 at open end 27b. The diameter d6 of the bore at open end 27a is larger than the diameter d7 of the bore at open end 27b but less than diameter d5. FIG. 6D is the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6C showing a smooth inner surface 30 without the nubs.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6C-6D, FIGS. 7A-7C are views of an alternative two-handed handle grip 35 with finger grooves 36 for a golf club. FIG. 7A shows the outer surface 26 comprising a plurality of finger grooves represented by 36 formed thereon sufficient to accommodate the fingers of both hands and the slit 28 open through to the bore 29 defining the inner surface 30. FIGS. 7B-7C are cross-sectional views of the two-handed handle grip 35 with the finger grooves 36 similar to FIGS. 6C-6D in which the inner surface 30 comprises the plurality of nub-like protruberances represented by 7 disposed thereon and in which the inner surface is smooth, respectively.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate the one-handed grip device 15 on the handle 45a of a golf club 45. The device is flexed apart along the slit 18 so that the handle 45a is inserted with the proximal open end 17a at the proximal end of the golf club handle 45b. When inserted, the entire inner surface 20 contacts the surface of the handle such that the friction between the inner surface and the handle keeps the grip device in place without sliding. Although not shown, the inner surface may comprise a plurality of nubs (see FIG. 5D) which contact the surface of the golf club handle such that the friction between each of the nubs and the handle keeps the grip device in place without sliding.

FIGS. 8C-8D illustrates the two-handed grip device 25 relative to the handle 45a of a golf club 45 before insertion of the handle. As with FIG. 8A, the device is flexed apart along the slit 28 so that the handle 45a is insertable with the proximal open end 27a of the grip at the proximal end of the golf club handle 45b. Also as with FIG. 8B, when positioned on the handle, the entire inner surface 30 contacts the handle to keep it in place via friction. Although not shown, the inner surface may comprise a plurality of nubs (see FIG. 6C) which contact the handle to keep the grip in place.

FIGS. 8E-8F illustrate the two-handed grip device 35 with finger grooves 35 on the handle 45a of a golf club 45. As with FIG. 8A the device is flexed apart along the slit 28 so that the handle 45a is inserted with the proximal open end 27a at the proximal end of the golf club handle 45b. When inserted, the entire inner surface 30 contacts the surface of the handle such that the friction between the inner surface and the handle keeps the grip device in place without sliding. The plurality of finger grooves 35 are thereby positioned for a user to comfortably and to securely utilize. Although not shown, the inner surface may comprise a plurality of nubs (see FIG. 7B) which contact the surface of the golf club handle to keep the grip in place.

FIGS. 9A-9F depict different views of a handle grip for a hockey stick 55. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the handle grip showing a hollow member with a substantially cuboidal body with open ends 56a and 56b (see FIG. 9B), a top 56c, a bottom 56d (see FIG. 9C) both with a textured pattern 57 disposed thereon and sides 56e, 56f (see FIG. 9D) which form a bore 58 therein. An optional slit 59 is disposed through side 56f (see FIG. 9B) to the bore and extends lengthwise from the open end at 56a to the open end at 56b. The handle grip may be slid over the butt end of the shaft of the hockey stick or, alternatively, with the slit, may be flexed open along the slit to insert the grip end of the shaft therein. FIG. 9B depicts open end 56b and slit 59. FIG. 9C depicts bottom 56d with the textured pattern 57. FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view through top 56c and bottom 56d showing side 56f and optional slit 59 across side 56f from open end 56a to open end 56b. With continued reference to FIG. 9A, FIG. 9D shows a stop 60 disposed within the bore 58 to form a pocket 31 proximate to open end 56a. FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view through sides 56e and 56f of the handle grip illustrating how the pocket 61 is formed. When positioned on the butt end of the hockey stick the combination of the stop and the pocket keeps the handle grip from slipping off.

Claims

1. A grip device for a golf club, comprising: a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body comprising an outer surface, a bore that defines an inner surface therein and a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end, and a slit therethrough to the bore along the length of the hollow member; said inner surface comprising a plurality of nub-like protuberances uniformly disposed thereon to grip the handle when placed thereon and said outer surface and said inner surface each with a perimeter that tapers along the length of the hollow member from the proximal open end to the distal open end to securely and removably receive a golf club handle therein.

2-3. (canceled)

4. The grip device of claim 1, further comprising a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

5. The grip device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of finger grooves formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

6. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the proximal open end has an outer diameter of about 1.25 inches to about 2.15 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.80 inches to about 1.25 inches.

7. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the distal open end has an outer diameter of about 1 inch to about 1.75 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.60 inches to about 1 inch, said outer diameter and said inner diameter at the distal open end are smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the proximal open end.

8. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the hollow member has a length sufficient to accommodate one hand of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club.

9. The grip device of claim 8, wherein the length is about 4 inches to about 6 inches.

10. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the hollow member has a length sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club.

11. The grip device of claim 10, wherein the length is about 7 inches to about 11.5 inches.

12. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the hollow member is designed to conform to a shape of the golf club handle in a non-slipping relationship when the golf club handle is received therein.

13. A two-handed grip device for a grip-end of a golf club, comprising: a tubular sleeve having a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end and tapering along the length from the proximal open end to the distal open end, said tubular sleeve comprising an outer surface, a bore that defines a inner surface therein extending between the proximal open end and the distal open end and a slit through the outer surface to the bore from the proximal open end to the distal open end, said inner surface comprising a plurality of nub-like protuberances uniformly disposed thereon and said length of the tubular sleeve sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club.

14-15. (canceled)

16. The two-handed grip device of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of finger grooves formed on the outer surface of the tubular sleeve.

17. The two-handed grip device of claim 13, further comprising a texture formed on the outer surface of the tubular sleeve.

18. The two-handed grip device of claim 13, wherein the proximal open end has an outer diameter of about 1.25 inches to about 2.15 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.8 inches to about 1.25 inches and the distal open end has an outer diameter of about 1 inch to about 1.75 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.60 inches to about 1.0 inches, said outer diameter and said inner diameter at the distal open end is smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the proximal open end.

19. The two-handed grip device of claim 13, wherein the length is about 7 inches to about 11.5 inches.

20. The two-handed grip device of claim 13, wherein the hollow member is designed to conform to a shape of the golf club handle in a non-slipping relationship when the golf club handle is received therein.

21. A two-handed grip device for a grip-end of a golf club, comprising: a tubular sleeve having a length extending between a proximal open end and a distal open end and tapering along the length from the proximal open end to the distal open end, said tubular sleeve comprising an outer surface with a plurality of finger grooves formed thereon, a bore that defines an inner surface therein extending between the proximal open end and the distal open end and a slit through the outer surface to the bore from the proximal open end to the distal open end, said inner surface comprising a plurality of nub-like protuberances uniformly disposed thereon and said length of the tubular sleeve sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the golf club.

22-23. (canceled)

24. The two-handed grip device of claim 21, wherein the proximal open end has an outer diameter of about 1.25 inches to about 2.15 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.8 inches to about 1.25 inches and the distal open end has an outer diameter of about 1 inch to about 1.75 inches and has an inner diameter at the bore of about 0.60 inches to about 1.0 inches, said outer diameter and said inner diameter at the distal open end are smaller than the outer diameter and the inner diameter at the proximal open end.

25. The two-handed grip device of claim 21, wherein the length is about 7 inches to about 11.5 inches.

26. The two-handed grip device of claim 21, wherein the tubular sleeve is designed to conform to a shape of the golf club handle in a non-slipping relationship when the golf club handle is received therein.