Patent Application
20210154545
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.
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 A1 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.
The present invention is directed to a grip device for a handle on sports equipment. The grip device comprises a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface and a bore that defines an inner surface therein. The hollow member has a proximal open end and a distal open end. The outer surface comprises a slit therethrough to the bore disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end, said bore sized and shaped to securely and removably receive the handle on the sports equipment.
The present invention is directed to a related grip device that further comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface 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 also is directed to a handle grip for a baseball bat. The handle grip comprises a tubular sleeve that has 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. A plurality of nub-like protuberances are disposed on the inner surface. The bore has a uniform diameter from the proximal open end to the distal open end that is less than the outer diameter. The tubular sleeve has a slit disposed lengthwise from the proximal open end to the distal open end through to the bore.
The present invention is directed further to a related handle grip for a baseball bat. The handle comprises 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. A plurality of nub-like protuberances are disposed on the inner surface. 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. The tubular sleeve has a slit disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end through to the bore.
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.
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.
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, 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. In another non-limiting example, 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.
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.
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. 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 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. The friction between the inner surface of the grips and 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. Such materials are known in the art. 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 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 has a structure similar to that adapted for a baseball bat. The 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 has a length sufficient to accommodate the hands in any of the ways in which a golf club may be held. One end of the handle grip has a diameter greater than the opposite end to accommodate the shape of the grip end of the golf club. The handle grip also may optionally comprise a slit disposed thereon and open to the bore as for the baseball bat handle grip. The 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. The outer dimensions, inner dimensions and length of the handle grip are adjustable and/or customizable depending on the size and configuration of the golf club.
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.
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