Patent Application
20250090917
This present disclosure relates generally to a grip material that can be applied to various apparatus including but not limited to a gaming paddle assembly and other sports equipment using grips, such as a paddles, rackets, clubs, and method of making the same. In another aspect the present disclosure relates to a grip assembly to be applied to a handle of a piece of equipment.
In the gaming industry and other industries, there are various types of grips and over grip apparatuses that can be applied to handles and grip surfaces. Current grip products lack vibration dampening and vibration isolation properties and merely only focus on providing a gripping surface for the user.
Handles and grip surface of sporting equipment, bicycles, hand tools, etc. are often made of wood, metal or polymer that transmit vibrations that can make the items uncomfortable for prolonged gripping. Sporting equipment, such as bats, balls, rackets, also transmit vibrations during the impact that commonly occurs during athletic contests. These vibrations can be problematic in that they can potentially distract the player's attention, adversely affect performance, and/or injure a portion of a player's body. Prolonged or repetitive contact with excessive vibrations can injure a person. The desire to avoid such injury can result in reduced athletic performance and decreased efficiency when working with tools.
Currently, rigid polymer materials are typically used to provide grips for tools and sports equipment. The use of rigid polymers allows users to maintain control of the equipment but is not very effective at reducing vibrations. There exists a need for an improved grip apparatus that can be applied to a grip surface or over a pre-existing grip surface.
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a material adapted to reduce vibration and provided a gripping surface to a user when applied to an apparatus. The material of the present disclosure can be a multi-layered material adapted to reduce vibrations and allow for overlapping of the material to be wrapped around and coupled to a surface of the apparatus.
In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to a grip material for an apparatus comprising a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can have a first side and a second side, wherein the first layer is an elastic solid material having vibration reducing properties with little to no rebound. The second layer can have a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of the first layer is thermochemically bonded to the first side of the second layer. The second layer can be comprised of a hydrophobic material.
In another aspect, the disclosure is related to a grip material comprising a first material and a second material thermochemical bonded to form a unitary structure having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface can have a first set of properties, and the second surface can have a second set of properties. The first set of properties can be different than the second set of properties. The first material can be formed as a first layer providing the first surface of the unitary structure. The first material can be a TPV material containing a foaming agent. The second material can be formed as a second layer providing a second surface of the unitary structure of the grip material. The second layer can be a TPE material.
In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a method of producing a grip material with a first surface and a second surface wherein the first surface and second surface have two distinctive properties. A first material can be provided that has a first set of properties. A second material can be provided that has a second set of properties. The two materials can be provide to an extrusion machine and coextruded wherein the first material layer and second material layer are simultaneously thermochemically bonded to form a unitary structure, wherein a first surface of the unitary structure has a first set of properties and the second surface of the unitary structure has a second set of properties. Additionally, during or immediately after extrusion a pattern can be embossed or formed into the second surface of the grip material.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a handle assembly comprising a core portion, a first grip support member positioned on a first side of the core portion, a second grip support member position on the second side of the core portion, and a grip wrap material. The grip wrap material can be comprised of a unitary structure comprised of a first material and a second material, wherein the first material and second material are thermochemically bonded. The grip material can have a first set of properties on the first surface and a second set of properties on the second surface of the grip. The grip support members can be comprised of an EVA foam or closed cell foam material.
Attached are accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.
Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.
References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.
As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.
As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.
Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.
As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.
As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.
In some exemplary embodiments, a grip material 100 for vibration absorbing and grip adhesion can include a first layer 10 and a second layer 20 as shown in
In some exemplary embodiments, a grip apparatus 100 of the present disclosure can be formed as a unitary structure through thermochemically bonding the first layer 10 and second layer 20 creating a first surface 11 and a second surface 21 of the grip material. By thermochemically bonding the two layers to form a unitary structure, the components will not delaminate while being able to maintain two distinctive characteristics on each surface of the grip material 100. The first layer 10 and second layer 20 can be comprised of a first material and a second material respectively. In some exemplary embodiments, the first material and the second material can be the same or different materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the first material can be a TPV material containing a foaming agent and the second material can be a TPE material. A foaming agent can a closed cell foam that can prevent water penetration, including but not limited to Expancel®.
In some exemplary embodiments, the first layer 10 can be comprised of a thermoplastic material, such as a thermos plastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). The first layer 10 can have a durometer between about 5-55 ShoreA, or between about 15-35 ShoreA or about 10 ShoreA while having vibration dampening characteristics. In some exemplary embodiments, the vibration dampening can be due to the minimal to no rebound properties of the thermoplastic material. In some exemplary embodiment, the grip material can be any type of elastomer foam or solid that has vibration dampening or cushioning properties. Some exemplary embodiments, can include cellular elastomers with vibration dampening properties. In one exemplary embodiment, the material can be a single layer of about 15 Shore A elastomer. In another exemplary embodiment, the first layer 10 can be comprised of a TPV material having a closed cell foam component. In one exemplary embodiment, the foam component can include but is not limited to Expancel® to provide a closed cell foam for better vibration dampening properties.
The second layer 20 can be comprised of any suitable material. In some exemplary embodiments, the second layer can be comprised of a thermoplastic material, including but not limited to TPE or TPV. In some exemplary embodiments, a second layer 20 can have a durometer between about 35-60 ShoreA, or between about 40-50 ShoreA. In one exemplary embodiment, the second layer 20 can be comprised of a TPE material having a durometer of about 47 ShoreA. In one exemplary embodiment, the TPE material can be Polymax TPE P31-488B. The second layer can have a tackiness to provide a better grip to a user. The material additionally can have hydrophobic properties to prevent the penetration of moisture into the grip. The first layer 10 can be the interior surface 11 of the grip material 100 that can interface the implement, and the second layer can be the exterior surface 21 of the grip material 100 to interface the exterior environment, such as a user's hand. In some embodiments, the surface 21 of second layer 20 can have first surface with a patterned or ribbed surface configuration. The pattern 22 can include one or more channels. The channels 22 can enable moisture to wick away from the grip surface 21. Similarly, the channels 22 can allow air to pass through to further dry the surface of the second layer 20. The channels 22 can also provide additional friction surface for a user when gripping the apparatus, the material 100 has been applied to.
The first layer 10 and second layer 20 of the material 100 can be coupled together using any suitable means. In some exemplary embodiments, the first layer 10 and the second layer 20 can be coextruded together to form a singular material having two component layers of a unitary structure. During coextrusion the first layer and second layer are thermochemically coupled to each other. A first layer 10 can be comprised of thermoplastic with a first set of properties and the second layer a thermoplastic with a second set of properties. In one exemplary embodiment, the grip material 100 is comprised of a two thermoplastic material, wherein the first layer 10 is comprised of a TPV material, and the second layer 20 is a TPE material. The first layer 10 can have a durometer between about 5-50 ShoreA and the second layer 20 can have a durometer between 35-55 ShoreA. The edges 30 of the grip material 100 can be chamfered or trimmed to have an angular edge to better allow the strips to be wrapped around the handle of an apparatus 200.
The first layer 10 can have a first thickness and the second layer can have a second thickness. The first thickness and second thickness can be equal. In one exemplary embodiment, the first layer and second layer can both be between about 0.02″ and 0.07″, or between about 0.03″ to about 0.05″ thickness or about 0.035″. In other exemplary embodiments, the first layer 10 and second layer 20 can have different thicknesses depending upon the desired overall properties of a user. In some exemplary embodiments, the total thickness of the grip material can be between about 0.04″ and 0.14″ in thickness, or about 0.07″ in thickness. The grip material 100 can be formed in any suitable dimensions. In one exemplary embodiment, grip material 100 can be about 0.5″ to about 1.5″ in width. Exemplary embodiments having a chamfered edge 30 can have a width across the first surface between about 0.3″ and 0.8″ and a width across the second surface 21 between about 0.5 and 1.5″ in width. The grip material can be produced in any desired length. The difference in width between the first surface and second surface can provide a chamfered edge along the length of the extruded grip material 100 as shown in
In another exemplary embodiment, the first layer 10 can use a viscoelastic foam material that can have an open cell foam which can allow for moisture to travel through the foam to evaporate. Either layer or both layers can be comprised of a viscoelastic microcellular foam. The viscoelastic microcellular foam can have a low compression set. In some embodiments, the viscoelastic microcellular foam can be fully cross-linked polyurethane material. The viscoelastic microcellular foam can reduce vibrations felt by the user when the apparatus utilizing the foam is impacted. In some embodiment, utilizing a viscoelastic microcellular foam and adhesive may be necessary to couple the foam to an apparatus. In alternative embodiments, the grip material 100 can be perforated to allow for moisture to wick off the surface.
In other exemplary embodiments, the grip material 100 of the present disclosure can be formed into any suitably configuration, such as a sleeve that can be positioned over a handle portion 202. The material 100 could also be extruded or formed into linear strips that can be rolled and applied by wrapping over a handle or grip surface of an apparatus directly as shown in
In some other exemplary embodiments, an implement 200 such as a paddle handle can include a grip portion 202 that can utilize materials and compositions previously disclosed. One or more grip support members 401 be coupled to the surface of the handle portion of a core 402. The grip support members 401 can be comprised of any suitable material including but not limited to a vibrational dampening or shock absorption material. The grip support member(s) 401 can be applied to a core portion 402 to build up a grip surface of an implement 200 for a user. In some exemplary embodiment, the grip support members 401 can be comprised of an EVA foam or closed cell foam material. The implement can further include a cap portion 404 that can form the base of the implement 200. The grip material 100 described above can be coupled to the implement 200 as shown in
In one exemplary embodiment shown in
A second over grip 405 can be applied over the top of the first over grip portion 403. The second over grip 405 can be a perforated polyurethane material. In some exemplary embodiments, the perforations 406 can allow for moisture to wick through the perforations and towards the first grip 403. Moisture can then penetrate the open cell foam of the first over grip 403 to provide a breathable grip assembly 400. This can allow moisture to dissipate without staying on the surface of the second over grip 405 to allow a user to better maintain contact and grip and handle of the grip assembly. The over grip support members 403 can be dye cut to specifically fit the handle portions of a specific apparatus or alternatively die cut to allow for easy over wrapping of the over grip.
In one exemplary embodiment, a microcellular foam layer 403 can be applied first to an apparatus and then a secondary wrap layer 405 can be applied over the viscoelastic microcellular foam layer 403. In some embodiments utilizing a microcellular viscoelastic foam, the strips for wrapping the handle of an apparatus can be cut. A first adhesive can be applied to a first side of the material to allow the first layer 403 to be coupled to the apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus surface can be applied with an adhesive before installing the microcellular viscoelastic foam layer 403. Exemplary embodiments utilizing an adhesive on the first side of the foam strip, a safety strip or cover strip can be applied over the adhesive to prevent the adhesive from incurring debris or dust before the desired application. In some embodiments, the over grip wrap 405 can be a comprised of a urethane composition.
In other alternative embodiments, the grip material of the present disclosure can be comprised of a single material having a first side 51 and a second side 52. The single layer can be comprised of solid TPE or TPV material or any other suitable material. In one exemplary embodiment, the material can have a durometer of about 10 ShoreA. One side of the single layer can be extruded with a texture on the first side 51 while the other side 52 is flat. In some exemplary embodiments the single layer can have an adhesive applied to the non-textured side. Similarly, the single material can have a first surface and a second surface. The first surface can have a first set of properties 51 and the second surface 52 can have a second set of properties. In one exemplary embodiment, the first surface can be a TPV material with a foaming agent, while the second side can be a TPE material without a foaming agent. The first surface can have a durometer between about 5-50 ShoreA, while the second surface can have a durometer between about 35-55 Shore A. Alternatively, both sides can be comprised of TPE material or a TPV material.
While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.
This Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application: 63/582,882 filed Sep. 15, 2023, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63582882 | Sep 2023 | US |
