INTERCHANGEABLE SPORTS GRIP

Abstract

A sports grips system features quick change capabilities for sports stick grips at point of purchase, or during usage, independent of the technique used. A sports stick grip is quickly placed and quickly removed such that a sportsman my try, demonstrate, test and select the best grip for them. The quick change of grips affords the user maximum functional capability in at point of purchase, practice or game play, coupled with the ability to replace or interchange grip systems. The system and apparatus provides numerous embodiments of grips, shafts and inserts, including the ability to tailor the gripping mechanisms to both right-handed and left-handed users. The system also provides golf clubs including interchangeable grips to be tried at time of purchase or to exchange after trying on a golf course.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to sporting good apparatuses, more particularly to sport shafts and shaft grips with interchangeable characteristics in order to allot the user various strategic choices during purchase, testing, evaluation, practice, and game play.

2. Description of the Related Art

On present day sports equipment, such as tennis rackets, field hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, racket ball rackets, squash rackets, hockey sticks, and the like, and in particular golf clubs, the grip of the club is attached to the opposite end of the shaft from head of the club, and is the part of the club the player holds on to while swinging. Originally, grips were composed of one or more leather strips wrapped around the shaft. The leather outer wrap on a grip is still seen on some clubs, but most modern grips are a one-piece “sleeve” made of rubber, or some other synthetic or composite material, which is slid over the shaft and secured with an adhesive. In the case of golf clubs, these sleeve grips allow club makers and golfers to customize the grip's diameter, consistency (softness/firmness) and texturing pattern to best fit the player. Clubs with an outer “wrap” of leather or leather-like synthetic still typically have a “sleeve” form underneath to add diameter to the grip and give it its basic profile.

Advances in materials have resulted in more durable, longer-lasting soft grips, but nevertheless grips do eventually dry out, harden, get worn, or are otherwise damaged and must be replaced. Replacement grips sold as do-it-yourself kits are generally inexpensive and of high quality, although custom grips that are larger, softer, or textured differently from the everyday “wrap”-style grip are generally bought and installed by a professional.

Re-gripping often requires toxic, flammable solvents to soften and activate the adhesive, and a vise to hold the club steady while the grip is forced on. However, the newest replacement kits use double-sided tape with a water-activated adhesive that is slippery when first activated, allowing for easier installation. Once the adhesive cures, it creates a very strong bond between grip and shaft and the grip is usually impossible to remove without cutting it off.

Presently, many golf grips are secured to a golf club shaft by use of double sided adhesive tape. Tape is applied to a golf club shaft. Acetone is poured over the adhesive tape to eliminate the adhesive nature on a short term basis. The grip is pressed over the end of a shaft with the adhesive tape and slid into position. The adhesive tape becomes adhesive very quickly making grip placement difficult. Movement of the grip is difficult as the adhesive tape grabs the grip making proper alignment difficult. The end of a shaft is reverse tapered so the shaft end is much larger than a grip opening, also making placement difficult.

Additionally, as mentioned above, in current systems, removal and replacement of a grip normally takes a great amount of time and labor as the grip must be cut off and the adhesive must also be removed. Therefore, as this involves a tedious, labor intensive and time consuming process, it is virtually impossible for users to test different grips on clubs to ascertain which feel suits the user. It would be advantageous to be able to try on different grips to determine which is preferable to a golfer.

In order to re-grip a tennis, racket ball, squash, or like rackets one must unwrap the leather or rubber grips, remove the adhesive, apply new adhesive, and then rewrap. It is a long process and not easily changed. It is difficult and almost impossible to try different diameter, length or other size characteristics as the base is a defined diameter and the wrap is limited in its thickness.

Presently, golf clubs, tennis and other sports rackets, are sold with a grip, shaft, and club head predetermined by golf club manufacturers. If a golfer prefers a different type of grip, either based on material, size, shape, color, or other characteristic, be it structural or aesthetic, the golfer must have the component changed after the purchase is completed. The sportsman does not have the opportunity to try many different variations without great difficulty. Currently, placement and replacement of golf grips on golf club shafts is extremely tedious as there is difficulty in both removing and installing the grips. The present, time consuming, process does not allow for changing a grip at the time of purchase.

Presently, golf grips are placed on a shaft by placing double adhesive tape onto the shaft, covering the length of the grip. The inner layer of the adhesive tape provides a secure interface to the shaft, while the outer layer of adhesive tape provides a secure interface to the inside of the grip. Unfortunately, it is difficult to slide the grip over the adhesive surface of the tape and solutions, such as acetone, are poured over the adhesive tape and into the grip to produce a slippery surface, which allows the grip to slide down the shaft. However if the solvent evaporates too quickly, which happens often, the grip gets stuck half way.

Golf club heads are normally screwed onto shafts in such a manner as to change their position by creating a different loft, opening or closing the face angle. Normally, club heads are tried on to fit a person's height and swing such that the sole of a head is striking the ground in the middle. When it is determined which club head is appropriate, the information is sent to a manufacturer to have the club custom manufactured.

Presently, systems have been patented to offer alternative techniques to replace worn grips without the use of adhesives. Primarily, screw or threaded components are used; however, they are never designed such that a company offers various grip choices at time of purchase. In addition, the cost of manufacturing is too high to make it realistic to offer choices.

The present invention offers a sportsman a choice of the appropriate grip by allowing them to try different grips varying by size, shape, surface, feel, materials, aesthetics, and the like regardless of the technique to join the grip to the shaft. The method of joining must be done in a quick efficient manner so that many grips may be tried in a short time. When a sportsman makes a decision to purchase a grip, the grip may be fixed permanently or left as reversible to be changed later if the wrong choice was made.

It would also be advantageous to offer as an alternative, but not required, option of have sliding components that lengthen or shorten the shaft. A grip with a hollow core is constructed such that it could slide up and down a shaft and be fixed reversibly at any point or fixed points. The grip is secured by increasing adhesion, friction, mechanical lock, double path of insertion, Velcro, screw or posts, clamping, or the like.

Present systems to change club length require re-shafting or cutting an existing shaft with re-gripping or purchasing a new club.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. A versatile system, method and series of apparatuses for creating and utilizing a sports grip and interchangeable sport grips grip for sports equipment, which are changed in a quick efficient manner are presented to understand the concept of quick change at the point of purchase. Point of purchase qualifies as any location wherein people normally purchase clubs and accessories, including sporting goods stores, Golf Stores, Golf Course Pro Shops and Online retailers.

Thus, a sportsman is herein quickly able to able to test the suitability of different grips with a specific club and purchase the desired configuration on the spot. The techniques reviewed offer a sportsman the ability to select the best grip for optimum performance. Thus, the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein.

The present invention provides a concept to secure or place a sports club grip to a club shaft in a quick manner and removal without the use of present adhesive tape or adhesives systems. Controlled adhesion, reversible adhesion, friction, mechanical lock, threaded components, screw lock, screw retention, snap, Velcro, tape, interlocking components, differential adhesive tape, and other common reversible techniques allowing quick removal are used. In an alternative technique, a grip is constructed with internal structures that snap, engage, thread, slide, or lock into structures on a shaft or components attached to a shaft. The grip is solid elastic material or is adhered to a plastic, metal, or other material internal component. The internal components may be one piece or constructed of several components. The shaft is tapered, parallel, or reverse tapered at the grip end. A parallel end is the preferred shape especially when sliding a grip up and down a shaft to increase or decrease club length is desired. The shaft has areas shaped to accept components on the grip that create resistance to grip removal or it uses components that insert into the shaft or grip that is friction fit such that the amount of friction is controlled for removal or fixing into place.

In one embodiment, a grip to shaft interface is designed to resist forces applied naturally and use the direction of no applied force as a path for snapping and securing components together. For example, a set of forces acting onto a golf club are generated while striking a golf ball. The swinging motion generated around a person's body creates centripetal forces, which could cause dislodgement of a shaft from a grip if proper resistance is not provided. Striking a ball with the club head creates rotational forces in one direction. Striking the ground forces a shaft into a grip. Components of the new invention, in several versions, utilize the fact that little to no force is applied in the opposite rotation created by ball striking.

Twisting of a shaft in a grip while striking a ball is resisted by components constructed on a shaft and within a grip. Twisting in the opposite direction is resisted by snap components, which compress, or bend, and release into, or passed, indentations or other components. Enough force is easily generated by hand twisting to disengage snap locks; however, the force is more than is generated by using a club during a round of golf. In addition, forces of hands on a grip secure it further to a shaft, as components that need to expand for release are compressed. For the snap adaptation, there exist at least three known main types of snap fits: annular, cantilever, and torsional.

In an exemplary embodiment, components in a golf club grip will compress, and thus the diameter of the grip will expand as the downward force of the grip placement occurs. As the compression of components, or grip diameter expansion, is released the shaft components are engaged. A grip is held in position by these components. As illustrated herein, there may be as few as one component and as many as thousands depending on their size.

Depending upon the amount of usage, golf club grips regularly require removal and replacement. It is convenient if grips are interchangeable so that one is able to try different grips on golf clubs in order to see which grip is the most effective for a particular golfer. In one embodiment of the instant apparatus, grip removal can be predetermined to be difficult to avoid accidental separation during use. In yet another embodiment, removal and replacement may be rendered effortless in order to allow a golfer to test different grips and see which grip feels best.

For example, a grip is snapped onto a shaft and tested by a golfer at a driving range. There is concern as a grip is used and internal wear occurs, a grip may unsnap and release a shaft potentially causing someone bodily harm. To avoid this, a lock component, such as a screw going through the grip and into a shaft, is engaged once a grip is selected. The snap components allow of quick change and easy testing while lock components provide safety during use. In addition, it is against USGA regulations to play with clubs which allow alteration during play. Lock mechanisms provide safety and adherence to the rules of golf.

An exemplary example of the benefit of quick change for testing at the point of purchase is the ability to readily change grips for putter use, as this feature would lend golfers the ability to test a thicker or thinner, longer or shorter, softer or firmer, tapered or parallel, of various colors, sticky or slick, oval or round or flat, and all present variations of present grips. A putter grip can be constructed to slide up and down a shaft to make a putter shorter or longer offering a golfer the ability to trying different length putter without changing the putter. Presently, a golfer must alter a putter shaft to try different lengths unless multiple putters of the same design are present at a point of purchase with different lengths. If a shaft is cut down to try a shorter length it is an arduous process of removing a grip, cutting a shaft and regripping. If a golfer decides it is too short, it may be impossible to lengthen the shaft again.

Additionally, although the herein embodiments of gripping mechanisms have been highlighted, the instant system and all embodiment thereof may be readily adapted for attachment of a club head to a shaft in an identical way. This will be very important when golfers would like to try different combinations grips, shafts, and club heads.

It is an object of the present system to introduce the concept of quick change at point of purchase regardless of the method used. Currently, the choices at point of purchase and after purchase are limited by the complexity to change components in a quick, efficient manner that allow for use immediately after change. With the present invention, there would be an almost limitless amount of various choices offered at point of purchase based on shape, size, material, texture, color, and other common grips characteristics, which cannot be offered without great difficulty with present systems. The quick change of grips at the point of purchase allows a sportsman the ability to try and select the best grip for them is different from the previous systems intended to make change easier. There are systems previously patented which allow for easier grip changing, however, most are very expensive to manufacture, unrealistic to use at point of purchase, and have not been proposed or actually been done at point of purchase.

There are many techniques for quick exchange of grips and club heads that can be applied in order for a customer in a store to assess different grips, shafts, and club heads to determine which combination best suits the customer at the time of purchase. The customer will more likely buy a club if the feel is better based on the grip, shaft control and head performance. Determining which combination is better achieved by trying different components. In addition, if a customer determines that they do not like the grip, shaft, or club head after the purchase of the golf clubs, they have the opportunity to easily return and exchange any of them with another.

It is also an object of the present system to reveal and review, as seen in previous patents by the inventor, a series of easy exchange techniques to be utilized as grips, shafts, or club heads wear, allowing for easy replacement of old worn grips with new ones, particularly as grips wear out several times a year for many golfers. Presently, the replacement of old worn grips is accomplished by a professional club manufacturer or by the sportsman himself. If a golfer attempts to perform the replacement, the cost is reduced as the cost of profession labor is thus eliminated.

It is a primary object of the present system to introduce the concept of interchangeable components, especially grips, that results in ease of placement and potential cost savings, which will inherently result in greater profits for golf companies and courses, as well as providing a better brand of golf club for the user as the ability to have fresh grips and heads, without having to wait for a professional to perform replacement, will enable players to always possess their A-game as determined at point of purchase and after purchase.

It is an object of the present system to reveal techniques which allow exchangeable and interchangeable grips, shafts, and club heads can include snap, screw, Velcro, interlocking, channels, Morses taper, friction or like methods of joining and disconnection parts quickly. The concept is not limited to just these techniques, however, the techniques are used illustrate a methodology of use.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review systems which allow a company to design components in such a manner that only their replacement components can be used. Presently, tens of millions of dollars are lost by companies as replacement grips are manufactured and sold by other companies. The replacement companies make tens of millions of dollars supplying replacement grips. Internal components in a grip or grip insert are designed to match design features, inserts, or an altered shaft such that only these grips will fit for replacement. A golfer will need to buy replacement grips from the original manufacturer, dramatically increasing their profits.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a first manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft may be composed of uniform construction such that each end facilitates the technique of removal. It is a further object of the instant system to introduce a manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft is constructed and altered after construction such as placing holes, grooves, threads, taper, slots, projections or the like.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein an existing shaft is cut and inserts into the shaft are placed, or inserts are placed into or onto a shaft without cutting. In one embodiment, a shaft may comprise a groove, slot, dimple or like placed into a shaft during manufacture or is altered after manufacture to provide the desired result. In an additional embodiment, a shaft may be cut and an insert fitted and glued with materials, such as epoxy, which are used to hold club heads to shafts.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a method of controlling friction or adhesion for quick change.

It is an object of the instant system to introduce and review utilization of compression mechanisms, adhesion control and friction fit mechanisms, including the employment of high coefficient of friction retention, in order or to realize interchangeable sports grips to be utilized on numerous platforms including sports clubs, sticks, shafts, and bats.

It is an object of the instant system to introduce a system which employs compression, friction fit, or friction force fit principles, with or without the presence of additional mechanisms such as snaps, cavities, indentations or any other retaining apparatuses, in order to restrain, and release, sports clubs, sticks, shafts and bats. Thus, it is an object of the instant system to introduce a system which requires no alteration to existing sports clubs, sticks, shafts, and bats, whatsoever, due to the inherent properties of compression and friction restraint.

It is an additional object of the instant system to introduce a system which employs compression, friction fit, or friction force principles, in conjunction with additional mechanisms such as snaps, cavities, indentations, or any other retaining apparatuses, in any combination available, in order to restrain and release sports clubs, sticks, shafts, bats, and like sports instruments.

The instant system provides several methods to secure a golf club grip to a golf club shaft without the use of present adhesive tape and adhesive systems. A grip is constructed with internal structures that snap or lock into structures on a shaft or components attached to a shaft. The grip may include solid elastic material or may be adhered to a plastic, metal, or other material internal component. The internal components may be one piece or constructed of several components. The shaft is tapered, parallel or reverse tapered at the grip end. A parallel is the preferred shape. The shaft has may have areas shaped to accept components on the grip that create resistance to grip removal.

As a means of explanation, a set of forces acting onto a golf club are generated while striking a golf ball. The swinging motion generated around a person's body creates centripetal forces, which could cause dislodgement of a shaft from a grip if proper resistance is not provided. Striking a ball with the club head creates rotational forces in one direction. In several versions of the invention components utilize the fact that little to no force is applied in the opposite rotation created by ball striking.

Twisting of a shaft in a grip while striking a ball is resisted by components constructed on a shaft and within a grip. Twisting in the opposite direction is resisted by snap components, which compress, or bend, and release into, or passed, indentations or other components. Enough force is easily generated by hand twisting to disengage snap locks, however, the force is more than is generated by using a club during a round of golf. In addition, forces of hands on a grip secure it further to a shaft as components that need to expand for release are compressed. For the snap adaptation, there exist at least three known main types of snap fits: annular, cantilever, and torsional.

In an exemplary embodiment, components in a golf club grip will compress, and thus the diameter of the grip will expand as the downward force of the grip placement occurs. Compression of the components or grip diameter expansion is released and engagement of shaft components is engaged. A grip is held in position by these components. As illustrated herein, there may be as few as one component and as many as thousands depending on their size.

Depending upon the amount of usage, golf club grips regularly require removal and replacement. It is convenient if grips are interchangeable so users are able to try different grips on golf clubs to see which grip is most effective for them. In one embodiment of the instant apparatus, grip removal can be predetermined to be difficult in order to avoid accidental separation during use. In yet another embodiment, removal and replacement may be render effortless in order to allow a golfer to test different grips and see which grip feels best.

Moreover, the ability to readily change grips may be especially important for putter use, as this feature would lend golfers the ability to test a thicker or thinner grip. Additionally, although the herein embodiments of gripping mechanisms have been highlighted, the instant system and all embodiment thereof may be readily adapted for attachment of a club head to a shaft in an identical manner and, this is extremely important when golfers would like to try different combinations grips, shafts, and club heads.

It is an object of the present system to additionally introduce and employ several techniques for the quick exchange of grips and club heads in order for customer in a store to assess different grips, shafts, and club heads to determine which combination best suits the customer at the time of purchase. The customer will more likely buy a club if the feel is better based on the grip, shaft control, and head performance. Determining which combination is better achieved by trying different components. In addition, if a customer determines that they do not like the grip, shaft, or club head after the purchase of the golf clubs they have the opportunity to easily return and exchange them with others.

It is also an object of the present system to reveal a series of easy exchange techniques to be utilized as grips, shafts, or club heads wear, allowing for easy replacement of old worn grips with new ones, particularly as grips wear out several times a year for many golfers. Presently, the replacement of old worn grips is accomplished by a professional club manufacturer or by the golfer himself. If a golfer attempts to perform the replacement, the cost is reduced as the cost of profession labor is eliminated, however, the process is long and difficult, which is why most golfers do not change their own grips.

It is a primary object of the present system to introduce the concept of interchangeable components, especially grips, which results in the ease of placement and potential cost savings, which will inherently result in greater profits for golf companies and courses. It will also provide a better brand of golf clubs for the user as the ability to have fresh grips and heads, without having to wait for a professional to perform replacement, will enable players to always possess their “A-game.”

It is an object of the present system to reveal and review techniques which allow exchangeable and interchangeable grips, shafts and club heads that can include snap, screw, Velcro, interlocking, channels, Morse taper, friction or like methods of joining and disconnection parts quickly. It is a further object of the instant system to introduce several manners or methods in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a first manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft may be composed of uniform construction such that each end facilitates the technique of removal. This can include retro fitting to existing clubs with no shaft alteration. It is a further object of the instant system to introduce a second manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein a shaft is constructed and altered after construction such as placing holes, grooves, threads, taper, slots, projections or the like.

It is a further object of the instant system to introduce and review a third manner or method in which components may be constructed to facilitate quick exchange wherein an existing shaft is cut and inserts into the shaft are placed or inserts are placed into or onto a shaft without cutting. In one embodiment, a shaft may have a groove, slot, dimple or like placed into a shaft during manufacture or altered after manufacture for provide the desired result. In an additional embodiment, a shaft may be cut and an insert fitted and glued with materials such as epoxy, which are used to hold club heads to shafts.

It is an additional object of the instant system to introduce and review a method for providing the consumer with a point of purchase system wherein the consumer can purchase the sports equipment gripping mechanism, and particularly a golf club grip, that ca be chosen to fit the consumer's requirements via the ability to interchange/exchange numerous grip types and sizes. Thus, the consumer can get in the store and complete the purchase of the grip and club of his choice within a matter of minutes, even as few as ten minutes.

It is an object of the instant system to introduce and review techniques for the quick exchange of grips, such that a customer in a store can try different grips and determine which grip and feel is most desirable at the time and point of purchase. As the consumer will be more likely to purchase a club if the feel is better based on the grip. Such a purchase is better achieved when the user possesses the ability to test different grips right at point of purchase. In addition, a consumer may determine that he does not like the grip after purchase of golf clubs and has the opportunity to easily return and exchange it with another interchangeable grip.

It is an object of the instant system to provide an easy replacement and exchange system which, when grips wear, affords the easy replacement of old worn grips with new ones. The replacement of old worn grips is accomplished by a professional or by the golfer himself. If the golfer does the replacement, the cost is reduced as the labor of a professional is eliminated. There is the ease of placement and a potential cost savings for the golfer. In addition, golfers will change grips more often for better play and in turn increase profits for companies.

Presently, a golfer must bring clubs to a professional to perform the re-gripping process. There are several disadvantages to this as the golfer must drive to the facility to both drop off and pick up the clubs. There are potentially several days a golfer is without the use of his clubs.

In the instant system, the techniques to allow exchangeable and interchangeable grips can include differential or reversible adhesives, snap, screw, Velcro, interlocking, tapers cut from a Morse taper, frictional or like methods of joining and disconnection parts quickly. The present invention combines these techniques, including friction and compression, with interlocks that secure the method of holding by blocking the path for disengaging. For example, a snap fit is covered with a second component which is threaded or snapped into place. For removal or unsnapping, the second component is removed and then the snap or the like is disengaged.

It is an object of the instant system, in one embodiment to disclose a shaft of uniform construction, altered after construction, where cuts and inserts are placed into the shaft. For example, a shaft may have a groove, slot, concavity, or the like placed into a shaft during manufacture or it can be altered after manufacture to provide the desired result. A shaft can be cut and an insert glued with materials, such as epoxy, used to hold club heads to shafts.

It is an additional object of the instant system, in one embodiment, to disclose and review a device wherein each manufacturer may possess a specific design configured so that only that designer's grips fit their clubs. In such a manner, the profit loss of others providing replacements is eliminated. There is more profit for the manufacturer of the club. For example, if Ping has a putter and Callaway has a putter, the interchangeable grips would have different configurations such that grips of Callaway do not fit a Ping putter and vice versa. This would eliminate companies which make grip replacements.

It is desirable, and included, in the present invention to replace grips on existing clubs without altering the existing shaft. A grip and the underlying adhesive tape on an existing club are removed. The grip of this invention is placed on the shaft and a threaded component applies pressure to an underlying component to create a tight frictional fit, such as a compression member.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the versatile golf club embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a grip that has a central hole accessed through an opening;

FIG. 2 illustrates a grip shaft assembly consisting of a grip, insert, and shaft;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in the fully open position;

FIG. 4 shows a grip shaft assembly consisting of a grip, insert, shaft, and snap lock;

FIG. 5 shows a grip and shaft assembled as grip shaft;

FIG. 6 shows a golf club with shaft and grip;

FIGS. 7A and 7B shows a golf club shaft grip;

FIGS. 8A and 8B shows a golf club with grip and shaft secured by snap;

FIGS. 9A and 9B shows a shaft/golf club which accepts placement of the golf grip insert attachment through opening;

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C shows an internal snap system which includes shaft, locking pin and grip;

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C shows a grip which fits over the shaft, additionally the use of a spring at the top area or upper portion of the shaft and inside of the grip may be used to offset the difficulty in obtaining manufacturing tolerances;

FIG. 12 is a similar design to the grip shaft snap connection of FIG. 11, however, the internal portion has screw like threads to tighten the grip to the shaft as it is rotated;

FIGS. 13A and 13B shows a shaft which fits into grip wherein, the shaft has a top surface or an upper portion, opening to vertical groove, which opens to horizontal groove to vertical groove;

FIG. 14, illustrates a golf club with several interchangeable grips for grip changing;

FIG. 15 illustrates a golf club with an insert into a golf club shaft for grip changing;

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate a golf club with a shaft altered to expose an insert for grip changing;

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a golf club shaft, grip, insert, and pin lock;

FIGS. 18A-18E illustrates numerous side views and an assembly drawing of a golf club with a compression member interchangeable grip;

FIGS. 19A-19E illustrates numerous side views and an assembly drawing of a golf club with a snap on grip and interlocking threaded compression member cover;

FIGS. 20A-20D illustrates numerous side views and an assembly drawing of a golf club with a snap on grip and interlocking snap on cover;

FIGS. 21A-21B illustrates numerous side views of a golf club shaft with slots and grooves and a grip/insert with matching projections;

FIGS. 22A-22C illustrates an assembly drawing a golf club shaft, insert and grip/insert;

FIGS. 23A-23C illustrates a top plan, a side view and a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a golf grip insert end;

FIGS. 24A-24B illustrates numerous side views of an embodiment of a grip with various segmented inserts;

FIGS. 25A-25B illustrates numerous side views and an assembly drawing of an embodiment comprising a shaft insert combined with a grip/insert;

FIGS. 26A-26E illustrates numerous side views, different views of individual components and an assembly drawing of an embodiment comprising a golf grip insert, an insert shell and insert liner including projections of round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular;

FIGS. 27A-27C illustrates a top plan, a side view and a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a system comprising a golf grip insert end comprising extensions;

FIGS. 28A-28D illustrates an additional embodiment of a grip system comprising a grip, a shaft, a screw mechanism, a rib mechanism and optional insert wherein the shaft includes a slot which accepts the rib when assembled;

FIGS. 29A-29C illustrates a system comprising components are threaded and screwed together for quick assembly;

FIGS. 30A-G illustrate a shaft, golf grip consisting of an inner and outer core and shaped surfaces;

FIGS. 31A-D illustrate a cross section view of possible shaft and cores interfaces;

FIG. 32 illustrates a cross section view of cores with attached liners and a lock pin;

FIGS. 33A-C illustrate cross section views of thread systems and layers applied to an inner and outer core;

FIGS. 34A-E′ illustrate cross section views of possible interface shapes in the relaxed and compressed position;

FIGS. 35A-C illustrate three dimensional and cross section views of a thread system;

FIGS. 36A-D illustrate cross section views of snapping components and the threaded screw driven grip;

FIG. 37 illustrates a cross section view of inserts into a golf shaft as part of a golf grip;

FIG. 38 illustrates side views and cross sections of alternative inner cores of the instant system;

FIG. 39A-B illustrate weave grips and weave core alternative embodiments of the instant system wherein FIG. 39b illustrates an assembly drawing exemplifying the different components.

FIG. 40 illustrates an inner surface of a grip with pockets of adhesive materials; and,

FIG. 41 illustrates an inner surface of a grip or core with sacks of adhesive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

Illustrated herein is an interchangable golf grip system comprising a removably attached grip mechanism comprising a quick placement and quick removal system including numerous elements including inserts, projections, snap lock mechanisms, grooves and numerous other such mechanisms.

FIG. 1 shows a grip 1 that has a central hole or access aperture 8, through a longitudinal substantially cylindrical cavity 4. A snap lock mechanism 6 possesses a projection 7, which may be an optional feature and may not be required in all circumstances. The shaft 10 has a main stem 12, a first inclined plane 15 and a second inclined plane 18, and a projection lock 20. The shaft 10 is positioned into the grip 1 through the access hole 8 or aperture until the main stem 12 is fully seated into space 4. The snap lock 6 slides down the main stem 12 and engages the second inclined plane 18, expanding the snap lock 6. As grip 1 is pressed further into position, the second inclined plane 18 is engaged by the snap lock 6. The snap lock 6 is squeezed together forcing the grip 1 downward. When fully seated, the first inclined plane 15 is against the snap lock 6, which prevents separation of the grip 1 from the shaft 10. When the projection 7 is used, it creates a firm lock into the indentation 20. The projection 7 may be round, square, triangular, oval, rectangular, or any usable shape depending on how much retention is required to hold the grip 1 on the shaft 10.

FIG. 2 shows a grip shaft assembly 30 consisting of a grip 32, insert 34 and shaft 38. Because the grip 32 may be constructed from a rubber like material, engagement into locks, snaps, grooves, etc. it compresses easily and deforms with time. Using an insert constructed of metal, plastic, ceramic or other hard material or combinations of materials provides less compression and a firmer grip retention. Snap lock 36 uses combinations of sizes, inclinations, indents, projections to provide adequate long term retention.

FIG. 3 shows a grip shaft assembly 40 constructed of a grip 42, insert 44, shaft member 45, and separate snap lock 46. The snap lock 46 may be separated from the insert 44 or can be contiguous of the same or differing materials. The cross section reveals different configurations shown at cross section 60, cross section 62 and cross section 64. A rubber like material grip 50 surrounds the insert 52. The insert 52 may be contiguous or divided into segments divided by open spaces 56. The open spaces 56 may be filled in with other materials. There may be as few as two segments or as many as hundreds. Furthermore, FIG. 3A illustrates the shaft member 45 wherein the shaft possesses a non-uniform area 54 for attachment of the removably attached reusable grip member.

FIG. 4 shows a grip shaft assembly 70 consisting of a grip 72, insert 74, shaft 76 and snap lock 77. The snap lock 77 consists of the grip area 80, circumferential band 82, insert area 84, and shaft area 86. Cross section of snap lock 77 at line 78 reveals cross section 88. Cross section 88 shows circumferential grip 80, circumferential band 82, insert 84 and shaft section 86. The circumferential band 82 provides added or all the compression to the inserts 84. The inserts 84 may be a single unit or divided into multiple sections. The circumferential band 82 can also engage portions of the shaft 86 to create further retention. Cutting or releasing the circumferential band 82 allows removal of the grip 72 from the shaft 76.

FIG. 5 shows a grip 92 and a shaft 94 assembled as grip shaft 90. The shaft 94 can have an oval cross section 100, round cross section 102 or a cross section any shape. The shaft 94 has indentations 96 which may be circular grooves 96 or dimples 99.

The grip 92 has extensions 98 which fit into the indentations 96 of the grip 92 to provide retention. Extensions 98 of the grip 92 are pressed into place as a grip is placed onto the shaft 94 which is tapered, parallel or reverse tapered. Extensions 98 of the grip 92 are positioned into the indentations 96 of the shaft 94 by parts compressing or expanding as downward force is applied and then released into position. Alternatively, the surfaces of a shaft and grip are covered with spheres or ribs which press past each other. The internal surface 108 has spheres of ribs 104 attached to the inner surface of a grip or insert which compress past spheres or ribs 106 attached to a shaft outer surface.

FIG. 6 shows a golf club 110 with a shaft 118 and a grip 112. Shaft 112 has ant rotational and retention grooves 116 and ant rotational top groove 114. The anti-rotational wings 120 provide potential retention and resistance to the grip 112 rotating around the shaft 118. The grip 112 has matching internal features to fit into the features previously mentioned on the shaft 118 surface.

FIG. 7A shows the golf club shaft grip wherein embodiment of the golf club shaft grip 124 and alternative 140 is in the tightened position. The golf club shaft grip 124 secures and detaches grip 128 and insert 132 to the shaft 136 by tightening or loosening the screw 130 which drives the insert 132 up or down to engage or disengage snap 146. FIG. 7B illustrates an embodiment of the golf club shaft grip 140 has the screw 126 which provides added security that the grip 142 will not disengage from the shaft 144 during swing motions by disengaging the snap 148.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a golf club 150 with a grip 154 and shaft 159 secured by a snap 158. The snap 158 is engaged and disengaged by tightening or loosening the screw 152 with a screw driver 156. The top of screw 160 of the golf club 162 can have any shape to provide adequate torque such as a slot, hex, square, star or the like.

FIGS. 9A and 9B shows a shaft/golf club 170 which accepts placement of the golf grip insert attachment 172 through an opening 180. Shaft/golf club 170 is an existing golf club which has been cut shorter to accept an insert 176. A portion 178 of the snap grip 172 is placed into the cut shaft 182 through a hole or an aperture 180. It is secured by adhesive cements or the like. Assembled club 174 shows snap grip 172 cemented into shaft 182.

FIGS. 10A-10C show an internal snap system which includes a shaft 186, locking pin 188 and grip 200. The shaft 186 has a snap lock 194 attached to or integral with the lower shaft 196. Shaft 186 is inserted into the grip 200 through an opening 202 and pressed into position until the snap lock 194 engages the internal grip lock 204. FIG. 10B illustrates the sub assembly 190 prior to addition of the locking pin 198. To secure the snap lock 194, a locking pin 198 is placed though an opening 204 of the grip 190 and between extensions of the snap lock 194 to prevent compression and release. The locking pin 198 is removed, if desired, to allow removal of the grip 190. FIG. 10C illustrates the overall assembly 192.

FIGS. 11A-11C show a grip and pegs which fits over the shaft 210. The shaft 210 has a slot 222 with side slots 224. FIG. 11B illustrates the sub assembly 212 prior to fitting over the shaft. The side slots 224 have dimples or indentations 218 and 216. The grip 228 has pegs 226 on the inside of the grip 228. The pegs 226 slid down slot the 222 of the shaft 210 and line up with slots 224. The grip 228 is rotated into slots 224 and engages the dimples or indentations 218. Golfers are right handed or left handed so the orientation is dependent on the force of one or the other. A right handed golfer swings a golf club such that forces are pulling a shaft out of a grip and as the club strikes a ball force are rotational such that the shaft wants to rotate clockwise. The side slots 224 have a distal wall which stops rotation in a clockwise direction. However, forces are minimal to none in a counter clockwise direction during use. Applied force in a counter clockwise direction disengages the pegs 226 from the dimples 218 of the side slots 224 so a grip can be removed. In addition, the pegs or projections can run the length of the slot 222 and engage walls in the slot for stronger resistance. FIG. 11C illustrates the overall assembly 214.

Additionally the use of a form of tension applying and retaining mechanism, such as a spring or torsion bar at the top of the shaft and inside of the grip, may be used to offset the difficulty in obtaining manufacturing tolerances. The use of this design can be combined with other versions to create the proper resistance and retention. Snap locks 224 and 226 can be different sizes or placed a different intervals for different golf club manufacturers such that only their golf grip fits their brand of golf club. There may be different distances, offsets, or numbers to make each individualized.

FIG. 12 is a similar design of the grip shaft snap connection of FIG. 11. However, the internal portion has screw like threads 232 to tighten the grip to the shaft as it is rotated. Threads 242 within the grip 238 slides down the channel 230 of the shaft 236. The threads 242 and channel 240 of the grip 238 are rotated into the threads 232 of shaft 236 until the extension sphere 246 engages the dimple 234 to provide retention.

FIGS. 13A-B exemplify a shaft 290 which fits into grip 301. The shaft 290 has a top surface 293, an opening 292 to a vertical groove 298, which opens to a horizontal groove 296 to a vertical groove 294. The grip 301 has tabs 306 which slide down the vertical groove 298, into the horizontal groove 296, and up the vertical groove 294 during placement. The grip 300 has a cushioned inner surface 308 producing a soft feel while golfing and an accurate fit. During placement, the tabs 306 slide down the slot 298 until the top surface 293 of the shaft 290 hits the top inner surface 302 of the grip 300. FIG. 13B illustrates the overall assembly 301.

The elastic area 302 stretches as downward force continues allowing tabs 306 to engage the horizontal slot 296 until the horizontal slot 294 is engaged at which point the elastic layer 302 shortens lifting and holding the tabs 306 into the horizontal slot 294. To remove the grip 301 from the shaft 290, downward pressure and rotation disengages the components. The slots in the shaft 290 may be curved, dimpled or be of various shapes.

Referring to FIG. 14, golf club 402 has a grip 406, shaft 408 and club head 412. The shaft 408 has a lower portion 410 which attaches to the club head 412 and an upper portion 404 which is covered by the grip 406. The upper portion 406 of the shaft 408 provides a means for the grip 406 to be removed quickly. Common techniques include reversible glues such as thermoplastic glues, screws, snaps, Velcro, interlocking, morse taper, frictional, or like methods of joining and disconnection can be used. Methods may be combined, such as using snaps or interlocks further secured with a screw from the top, side, or bottom. The grip 406 is easily and quickly removed from the upper portion 404 of the shaft 408. Grips 414, 416, 418 and 420 are designed to fit onto the upper portion 404 of the shaft 408 in the same manner as grip 406. Grips 414, 416, 418 and 420 vary by material, size, shape, color, design, aesthetics, combination of material, cord, etc. A golfer would select the grip that feels the best and use it. There could also be a method of securing a grip permanently or more securely if desired. The golf club heads 407 and 411 are joined to a shaft in a similar manner as describe for grips.

Referring to FIG. 15, the golf club 422 has a grip 424 mounted onto an insert 426 in such as fashion as to be easily exchanged or interchanged. An insert which has a lower portion 428 that fits into an opening 430 of the shaft 432 connecting the head 434 is removably attached via any of the mechanisms mentioned herein including, but not limited to snaps, depression peg fittings, slideably disposed pegs, snap locks, sliding channel technology comprising threads down a shaft, and additional technology such as extension spheres engages dimple member to provide retention, wherein the shaft may tapered, parallel, or reverse tapered.

Referring to FIGS. 16A-B, the insert 436 is constructed of a size to fit into the opening hole 440 of the shaft 443 of golf club 438. A cut out exposes the inside of the shaft 443. The golf club 444 shows the insert 436 placed inside the shaft 443 to provide mechanisms to provide reversible retention of a grip. Each manufacturer can have a specific design configured so only their grips, shaft, and club head fits their clubs.

The profit loss of others providing replacements is eliminated. There is more profit for the manufacturer of the club. For example, if different companies market and sell, than the interchangeable grips, shafts and club heads could be manufactured to possess different configurations such that grips, shafts, and club heads of one company wouldn't fit the grips, shafts, and club heads of another company. This would eliminate companies which make grips from supplying replacements.

The simplest and perhaps the best opportunity for implementation of this concept may well be with putters. The ability to have different grips and different club heads connected with different length shafts creates an exponential number of choices for the user. Just as different golfers require different putter lengths, many different golfers desire different grip sizes, shapes, appearances, as well different putter heads. Therefore, retail stores and pro shops would be required to stock different grips, shafts, and club heads, which would require minimal space when compared to the same number of putters, to achieve similar results.

Referring to FIGS. 17A-B golf grip, the insert shaft assembly 460 consists of the shaft 470, insert 466, grip 464 and key lock 462. They key lock 462 consists of a key 476, constriction 474 and top 472. The top 472 may be plain or decorated with designs, owners name, phone number (in case of loss or theft) or the like. The grip 464, insert 466, and shaft 470 have a central hole designed to match the cross section of the key 476 or key lock 462, designed to provide anti-rotation of components and accidental disengagement with shapes such as square, rectangular, oval, star, or the like. The key lock 462 is placed through the hole 480 of the grip 454 until constriction 474 passes through grip material to engage the lower boarder to provide retention for the key lock 462.

Referring to FIGS. 18A-E, one embodiment of the golf grip mechanism is illustrated. The instant embodiment solely employs compression, friction fit, or friction force fit principles, without the presence of additional mechanisms such as snaps, cavities, indentations or any other retaining apparatuses, in order to restrain, and release, sports clubs, sticks, shafts, and bats within the grip mechanism. The use of the compression/friction fit system herein allows for the quick and easy exchange, or interchange, of sports grips on existing shafts, with absolutely no alteration to existing sports clubs, sticks, shafts and bats, whatsoever, due to the inherent properties of compression and friction restraint.

FIGS. 18A-E thus illustrates the golf club grip insert system 502 which nimbly slides over the shaft 504 and is secured with a compression member 506, compression mechanism. The grip insert system 502 may comprise a grip material 512 which is the normal grip material utilized in the state of the art of practice, or any similar material, and the insert 514 may be constructed of any rubber, polymer, plastic, composite, metal, alloy or like materials. The grip material and the insert material may stiffer in chemical composition and the grip material may comprise a greater stiffness than the insert material.

Securing the end 516 of the insert 514 of the grip insert system 502 comprises a threaded surface 517 and end securing projections 518. The end projections 518 may be forced tightly by a squeezing action onto the shaft 504 surfaces when the compression member 506 is thread with threads 520 over the securing end 516 to create a strong frictional force resulting in a secure grip to the shaft. As the compression member creates a high coefficient of friction with the shaft material, the need for further restraint is vitiated.

Further investigating the set of end projections 518, these projections may comprise as few as one projection or as many as one hundred. The end may also comprise one solid circumferential piece. A partially assembled golf grip 508 shows the grip insert system 502 slid over the shaft 504 with the compression member 506 slid over the shaft 504 ready to slide up the shaft to engage and be threaded over the grip insert system 502. An assembled golf grip 510 shows partially assembled golf grip 508 with the compression member 506 threaded over the golf club grip insert system 502. The amount of resistance to movement of the grip system 502 on the shaft 504 will be proportional to the surface area of the projections 518 and the amount of compression created. The amount of compression created will be proportional to the amount of force used to thread compression member 506 which can be augmented by utilizing a utensil such as pliers or like device for leverage.

The compression member 506 may be partially tightened for quick exchange during trials of various grips and once a grip is selected, it is secured with a leverage device 523 by engaging the matching shaped end 521 at 522 of the compression member 506 such as pliers, wrench or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 19A-E, in an embodiment designed to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system, the golf club grip 526 comprises a grip material 530 (which constitutes the normal state of the art material utilized today), insert 534, liner 532 and stabilizing projections 536. The liner 532 is optional for improved engaging properties as the insert must slide over a shaft. The compression member 528 threads over the end of insert 534 to secure the grip insert 526 onto the shaft 540. The shaft 540 has a concavity 542 that accepts the projections 536 of the insert 534 to provide retention and resistance forces from all directions including dislodging, multi-degree of freedom, and rotational forces when the grip is joined to the shaft. FIG. 19C illustrates the sub assembly 546. The end portion 529 of the compression member 528 can comprise a recessed area shaped to accept a wrench tightening mechanism or wrench tightener or tightening mechanism 531 if required to resist forces, though this is optional.

The projections 536 further engage the concavity or concave areas 542 in a snap engagement. FIG. 19D illustrates the sub assembly 552 and qualifies as an exploded view showing the projections 536 of the insert 534 engaging the concave areas 542 of the shaft 540, outer retaining mechanism 550 and the compression member 528 thread over the end of insert 534 preventing the projections 536 from pulling out of the concave areas 542 by covering them. The concave areas 542 and projections 536 can be a variety of shapes in the state of the art, including, but not limited to round, rectangular, triangular, square, polygon, flat or any shape that can provide resistance to movement.

Referring to FIGS. 20A-D, in an additional embodiment designed to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system, the grip 556 system may comprise an insert 558 with concave areas 560 and projections 561 at the end. The interlock 562 has snap projections 564 which engage the snap concavity 560 of the insert 558 when assembled. The interlock 562 slides over the shaft 566, next followed by the grip 556 sliding over the shaft 566 until the snap projections 561 engage and snap into the snap concavity 568. The interlock 562 then slides onto the end of the insert 556 until the snap projections 564 engage and snap into the snap concavity 560 and secure the interlock 562 onto the insert 556 which in turn covers and prevents dislodgement of the snap projections 561 from the snap concave areas 568. FIG. 20C illustrates the sub assembly 570 and FIG. 20D illustrates the assembly 577. The grip 556 is secured to the shaft 566 and can only be unsnapped if the interlock 562 is snapped off the insert 558.

Referring to FIGS. 21A-B, in yet another embodiment designed to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system, the shaft 580 may comprise the snap and stabilizing concave areas 582, 584, 586 and 588 which can by any variety of shapes. The inside of the insert 590 has matching projections 592, 594, 596 and 598 which stabilize the insert 590 against the shaft 80 to prevent movement.

Referring to FIGS. 22A-C, again designed to augment the inherent characteristics of friction fit capabilities of the instant system the shaft 606 may possess an access hole or aperture 108 disposed to accept the shaft insert 600 at the end 604 and can be held by friction, glue, snaps or like means. The insert 610 or the grip may possess a secondary projection 612 which engages the hole of the matching shape 602 of the shaft insert 600 as shown when all assembled 614.

Referring to FIGS. 23A-C, in an alternative embodiment designed to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system, the grip insert 616 may comprise an end body 621 and a set of projection ends 618 which can be of any shape cross section 620 and 626 as seen through line 619 to include round, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, pentagonal, etc. and may be constructed of different materials such as plastic or any suitable polymer 622, rubber 624, and composites. FIG. 23B illustrates a top plan view of the system 620. The set of projection ends 118 are squeezed tightly against, or utilize adhesiveness and friction, to stabilize a grip to a shaft as described earlier with compression member.

Referring to FIGS. 24A-B, in another embodiment designed to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system, the grip 630 consists of grip material 632 and a split insert 634 separated by a space or special air gap 636 which allows expansion of the grip, which expands the grip material. The grip 638 shows grip material 640 and segmented insert 644 which allows easier adaptations to a shaft.

Referring to FIGS. 25A-B, the grip 650 and interlock 652 fit over the shaft insert 654, which is cemented at the end 660, glued, welded, snapped or joined by any common technique into the shaft 656, in a manner to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system. The insert 654 may have various projections or concave areas 658 that match an inert surface of a grip for stabilization. The shaft 656 is formed or cut to the appropriate length.

Referring to FIGS. 26A-E, in one embodiment, the system comprises a golf grip insert 664, which includes the type of materials normally utilized in concurrent grips, or grip material 666, an insert shell 670, and an insert liner 668. In a manner set to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system, the insert liner may include projections 674 of any shape within the state of the art including, but not limited to, oblate, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombus-shaped, trapezoidal, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagon octagonal, nonagonal and decagonal. The insert 668 can be a different material then the grip material 666 or can be the same and material contiguous with the grip 666 extending through holes provided by an open insert structure comprising a pattern of apertures 671. The grip material may comprises a different chemical composition than the insert material and the grip material may also comprise a greater stiffness than the insert material.

The insert 670 may extend the length of the grip or just partial length depending on the requirements. For example, the insert may extend three quarter of the way the last quarter the grip material is extended so it touches or expands over the shaft. The pattern of holes or apertures 671 allow the material of the insert liner 668 to be contiguous with the grip material 666, which can be varied from small holes to very large holes and of various shapes. The projections 674 of the insert liner 668 provide a decreased surface area to all materials which stick to the shaft 673 as it slides down into position. The projections 674 touch or compress against the shaft 673. Present grips normally comprise a very sticky inner surface which can limit the extent of travel or slide down a shaft.

The projections 674 may be constructed to a dimension so that they compress and slide down the shaft 673. The projections 674 may provide a frictional component that limits movement. Compression of the projections 674 is inherently increased by grip pressure in order to hold, or to swing a club. Movement of the grip insert 664 is further limited by this compression and eliminated when combined with compression lock 672. In FIG. 26E the set extensions are illustrated in examples, but to be limited to, cylindrical 676, triangular 678, or rectangular 680, to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system.

Referring to FIGS. 27A-C, as illustrated, a grip insert 682 has an end 684 with extensions 680 to augment the friction fit capabilities of the instant system. FIG. 27B illustrates view 190, a cross sectional view taken at plane 688 illustrates a set of cutting extensions 692 which, when tightened by compression lock technology, drive into the outer surface of the shaft 694 creating improved resistance to movement.

Referring to FIGS. 28A-D, as illustrated by diagram 702 consisted of a screw 700, grip 706, rib 708 and optional insert 710. Diagram 704 consists of a shaft 711 with a slot 712 which accepts rib 708 when assembled. The grip 706 slides onto the shaft 711 and is secured with the screw 700. Diagram 714 shows assembled grips 706 on the shaft 711 secured with the screw 700. Alternatively, diagram 716 shows the grip 717 secured over the shaft 718 with the screw 719, which may press against a flat surface, into a dimple or other indentation, thread into a matching threaded hole, or any other common method. This technique allows the grip to slide up and down the shaft and be fixed at different lengths so a sportsman may try different lengths.

Referring to FIGS. 29A-C, as illustrated by diagrams 720, 730 and 740, components are threaded and screwed together for quick assembly. Diagram 720 shows the grip 722 threaded onto the shaft 724. Diagram 730 shows the grip 732 attached to the inner core 734 with the lower extension 736, which is threaded into the shaft 738. Diagram 740 shows the grip 742 with the inner core 744. Extension 746 of the shaft 748 is threaded into the inner core 744 of the grip 742.

In a further embodiment, the system comprises components which produce compression, increased adhesion and or friction as would occur with increased surface area, contact, pressure and the like. A grip can be a single component or multiple components designed to fit old or newly designed shafts. For example, a single material grip with an inner shaped surface may be used. A series of triangles such that the apex is juxtaposition to a shaft would provide increased surface area when the triangles are compressed as would occur when a tapered grip is pressed onto a matching tapered shaft. Alternatively, an inner core is a hollow tube with at least one split partially along its length which allows compression. An outer core which is over the inner core slides up and presses it tight against the shaft.

The movement of components against each other and or against a shaft creates controlled compression to increase adhesion or friction. Components are fixed into position either reversibly or irreversibly to prevent a grip from coming off during play, practice, demonstration or the like. Components are shaped so minimal adhesion or friction is created during placement. Upon final placement of components increased adhesion or friction is created to secure a grip.

Referring to FIGS. 30A-G, a shaft, golf grip comprising an inner and outer core and shaped surfaces, and the individual components as well as assemblies are illustrated. FIGS. 30a-g illustrate an outer core 802 that may comprise a hollow cylinder which consists of a hollow cylinder 808 with opening 810. The inside of outer core 802 is tapered with the widest part at end 818 and the narrowest at end 819. Inner core 804 is a hollow cylinder with optional a least one split 806 preferably with multiple splits which runs most of the length of the hollow cylinder. Splits may run the length of an inner core, go part way, start from either end or be placed as internal slots. The outer surface 812 of inner core 804 is tapered such that the widest part is at end 822 and the narrowest at end 816. Inner core 804 has grooves 814 which may alternatively be places as a circumferential indentation which protrusion 834 of outer core 802 fits into to limit movement back and forth.

Assembled grip consists of inner core 804 being placed into outer core 802 by placing end 816 of inner core 804 into opening 810 of outer core 802. The opening at end 816 of the inner core 804 and the opening at the end of outer core 819 is larger than the diameter of shaft 837 such that assembled grip slides easily over shaft 837. Inner core 804 extends beyond opening 810 and out of outer core 802 when assembled for placement. Alternatively, the diameter of opening 816 of inner core 804 is slightly smaller creating a tight fit but not enough to impede placement.

Cross section shows grip 833 placed over shaft 837 in an inactive position. In this position, end 822 engages shaft 837 at the butt end to provide a tight fit and provide resistance of movement on the shaft when outer core 802 is activated by moving it up the inner core. Outer core 802 may have extensions 834 with fit into grooves 814 and limit motion up and down the inner core 804. When grip 833 is fully seated onto shaft 837, outer core 802 is forced up such that it slides up over inner core 804. The inner tapered surface of outer core 802 squeezes the inner core taper and presses tightly to the shaft by pressing against the tapered outer surface of the inner core. Extensions 834 of outer core 802 go over the end of the shaft to secure it when fully seated and block it from sliding downward to disengage the inner core.

Additionally, grooves 840 of inner surface 838 of outer core 804 matches to grooves 842 of outer surface 836 of inner core 804 and provide resistance to forces at the interface of the two cores to resist rotation. The surfaces may be rough, dimpled, or any other common method of providing mechanical resistance. In addition, the rough surfaces allow less friction when outer core 802 slides over inner core 804. The cross section of the inner core and outer core may be out of round to minimize spinning when rotational forces are applied.

When grip 820 is located in its final position, the outer core 802 is secured by friction, snaps, pins, screws, set screws or other common means to the shaft and or the inner core 804. Compression of inner core 804 increases forces of friction either by increasing force and or increasing surface area contact and or adhesion.

Now, referring to FIGS. 31A-D, cross section views of possible shaft and core configurations at the interfaces are illustrated. FIGS. 31A-D, cross sections show various cross sections of cores, core layers, and/or shaft surfaces. The cross section shows inner surface of inner core 852 with surface protrusions 854 shaped round. The protrusions 854 may be hollow or solid and are designed to contact the protrusions 858 of shaft 856. The protrusions are constructed in a similar manner between inner and outer cores. When compression is applied, protrusions 872, 854 and 858 collapse increasing surface area contact. Cross sectional FIGS. 31B and 31C are similar in that projection 862, 866, and 855 collapses when compression is applied to cores or shaft 864, 868, 853 and 857. Also illustrated are triangular protrusions 866. Shaft surface 857 has indentations 859 to accept protrusions 855 for improved resistance to forces. Furthermore, FIG. 31D shows an alternative cross section of outer core indentations/protrusions 874 to the inner core indentations/protrusions 872.

Referring to FIG. 32, a cross section shows inner core 888 with layer 886 applied and joined to it and outer core 882 with layer 884 applied and joined to it over shaft 890. Key or screw 887 fixes cores into a final position to prevent movement and disengagement. Layer 886 and 884 are applied as materials that can slide effectively over each other during activation so outer core 882 compresses inner core 888. Layers are sheets of material or coatings of material. The surface of layers and cores are smooth, textured, patterned or the like depending on how surface texture is going to be controlled. The preferred embodiment, all layers are elastic enough to follow and change shape as a shaft does during use.

Referring to FIGS. 33A-C a series of cross section views of thread systems and layers applied to an inner and outer core, threaded components are used to move a grip over a shaft. Outer core 902 slides over inner core 904 when placed on shaft 906 and turned so threads 900 move the outer core up or down inner core 904 relative to shaft 906. When outer core 902 moves up inner core 904, the tapered surfaces compress the inner core tapered surfaces producing an interface with shaft 906 of more surface area, increased adhesion or increased friction that can resist forces of play. In the preferred embodiment, inner core and outer core are materials which is rubber like to move with the changes of shape that a sports shaft goes through during use. The inner core is preferably a softer material that an outer core so compression occurs. Materials can be plastic, metal, rubber, paper, silicone, polyether, and porcelain, materials commonly used in sports grips and like materials.

FIG. 33B, a cross section show inner core 910, outer core 908 shaft 912 thread from one end to the other between cores. It is understood that the treaded components can be part of a shaft as well and interface shaft to grip. The cross section additionally shows outer layer 914, inner layer 920 with layers 916 and 918 over shaft 922 which are configured to allow movement, adhesion and compression of components and can be used with threaded components. Treaded components are turned by hand pressure, however, external devices such as a wrench can provided added torque. Multiple layers or coats are used to improve movement while maintaining the properties of outer and inner cores.

FIGS. 34A-E′ illustrate cross sectional views of possible interface shapes in the decompressed (relaxed) and compressed position. FIGS. 34A-E′, exemplify the resultant materials activities whilst the grips 933 are being placed over shaft 935. Shaft 935 is reverse tapered such that grip 933 does not engage shaft 935 until it is most of the way seated. Expansion of grips 933 allows placement if the force of friction is not too onerous to allow movement. The inner surface of grips 933 can be various textures as seen in the series of cross sections FIGS. 34B-E′, which illustrate the visual components prior to compression, as opposed to 34B-E′ which exemplify the changes in textured surfaces when in the compressed position respectfully. The inner surface triangular projections 936 of inner surface of grip 934 over shaft 938. Projections 936 flatten when compressive forces are applied as the grips inner tapered surface presses against tapered outer surface of shaft 938 as seen in cross section FIG. 34B.

FIGS. 35A-C illustrate three dimensional and cross section views of a thread system. Referring to FIGS. 35A-C, cross sectional views include outer core 958, 966, inner core 960, 968, shaft 962, 970 and threaded component 956, 964 which move outer cores up over inner cores and compress the inner cores. Shaft 962 is tapered and increases forces onto inner core 160 when compared to when parallel shaft 970 is used. Diagram 954 shows an outer view of a grip with a turning threaded component constructed in a manner that the threaded component turns but the grip slides up but does not turn. A similar technique can be done with a grip which has no layers or cores. Threaded components are turned by hand pressure, however, external devices such as a wrench can provide added torque.

FIGS. 36A-D illustrate cross section views of snapping components and the threaded screw driven grip. Referring to FIG. 36A, a cross section grip assembly shows a grip with an inner core, layer or coating prefixed to the outer core, however, alternatively a grip is shaped the same but constructed as one piece. When forced over a shaft, a grip moves as one unit resulting in compression onto a shaft for increase adherence. FIG. 36B, an additional cross section demonstrates a standalone grip (cross section on above) and mounted grip (cross section below) shaft 985. Outer core 979 goes over inner core 983 which when pressed over shaft 985 slides down a tapered shaft surface with minimal contact. When the grip is almost fully seated outer core 979 presses onto tapered inner core 983 to compress and increase retention. Protrusion 984 of inner core 983 snaps into indentation 988 of shaft 985. Protrusion 981 of outer core 979 snaps over inner core 983 outer edge to be secured. Optional retaining element 990 with protrusions 992 further secures the grip.

FIG. 36D, exemplifies a shaft 1002, a grip 999 with inner core 998 and outer core 1000 which is moved up and down shaft 1002 by screw 996 which also provides a secure lock to prevent accidental dislodging of grip 999 off shaft 1002.

Referring to FIG. 37, a cross section view is shown including insert 1016 in shaft 1022 securing inner core 1014 by snap 1020 inserting into snap 1018 of insert 1016. Inner core 1014 is secured to shaft 1022 so outer core 1012 can slide up inner core 1014 to compress it for a tight fit without inner core movement. Insert 1024 has a threaded core so a threated component such as a screw can secure an inner core. Inner core 1026 has an insert constructed as part of the inner core.

Referring to FIG. 38, an assembly drawing, an inner core 1030 possesses end 1036, slots 1034 and legs 1032 as further seen in cross section view 1031. Legs 1032 can have various shapes included but not limited to, round oval, moon shaped, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, or like shapes. Inner core 1030 can have a variety of possible cross sections as illustrated but not limited to 1054, 1050 and 1052.

Inner core 1040 has end 1042 which is solid with no perforations and perforations 1044 which can be of any shape to allow compression when an outer core presses against it. Additionally inner core 1046 is the same as inner core 1030 but has joining supports 1048 to limit motion of legs 1032 during placement over a shaft or sports stick.

FIG. 39A-B illustrate weave grips and weave core alternative embodiments of the instant system wherein FIG. 39b illustrates an assembly drawing exemplifying the different components.

Referring to FIGS. 39A-B, FIG. 39A, shows a common configuration of strips prior to forming a weave 1072 and also reveals a tighter weave as formed by string like weave 1074. Referring to FIG. 39B, an assembly drawing, a sports grip 1062 consists or a weave of strips 1068 and 1070 to form a cylinder 1066 which enlarges and constricts with less or more lengthening respectfully. Grip 1062 is placed on a shaft such that end 1064 fits securely to a shaft end away from a head. Grip 1062 is stretched down a shaft in the direction of arrow 1069 resulting in the weave of cylinder 1066 constricting making the diameter smaller and inner parts of the weave of strips 1068 and 1070 pressing tight to a shaft.

Alternatively golf grips 1078 and 1088 show shaft 1082 and 1084 with inner core 1076 seated over them. Outer weaved core 1080 is attached at inner core end 1083 and pulled up shaft 1082 toward end 1086 over inner core 1076 and fixed in position. The outer weave core 1080 constricts reducing its diameter and compressing the inner core 1076 for increase friction, adhesion, surface area or the like for improved retention and no movement during play.

Alternatively as revealed by assembled grip 1088, an inner core 1076 possesses outer weaved core 1092 attached to inner core 1076 at end 1094. Outer weaved core 1092 is stretched down inner core 1076 relative to shaft 1084 toward end 1096. The outer weave core 1092 constricts reducing its diameter and compressing the inner core 1076 for increase friction, adhesion, surface area or the like for improved retention and no movement during play.

Grip 1100 reveals the final position of an outer weaved core 1102, an inner core 1104 over the shaft 1090. Ends of outer weave cores may be affixed by snaps, interlocking, glue, bonding, adhesive, friction, Velcro, or other common techniques such as tape or the like. Alternatively, but not preferably, adhesive tape is applied to further a sure fixation.

A weave pattern of this invention may be used as a weave grip alone, and or as an inner core and or as outer core or combinations of these depending on the desired amount of resistance required to resist forces during practice, play, demonstration and the like. To remove a grip, the length of a weave component must be shortened. Ideally, a distal end is fixed as the forces of swinging a sports club pull on a weave up toward the top making it tighter. In addition, the texture of a weave provides better feel for a sportsman during play.

Referring to FIG. 40, a cross sectional view of inner surface 1110 and a perpendicular cross sectional view (lower figure) wherein the grip 1118 is used as inner or outer surfaces 1112 of a grip or shaft components. Inner surface 1110 and 1118 have adhesive materials 1114, 1120, 1122 and 1125 in wells 1127 which are placed in such a manner that that have minimal or no contact with an adjacent surface until compression is applied. Wells can be a variety of shapes as seen on inner surface 1118. The walls surrounding adhesive materials are the same or extend down further than the adhesive materials. Compression collapses well walls such that adhesive material contacts a surface.

FIG. 41, illustrates a cross section and an exploded view thereof, illustrating inner surface 1142 with layered adhesive sacks 1144. Adhesive material is contained in sacks attached to an inner surface of a grip, grip component or a shaft. When compressive force is applied, sacks burst and adhesive glues a grip to a shaft or component to component. The upper cross section reveals inner surface 1142 with adhesive sacks 1144 between the grip and shaft 1150. The lower cross section reveals an adhesive layer 1152 resulting from the burst adhesive sacks 1144 upon compression.

In a further embodiment designed to augment and enhance the instant apparatuses disclosed herein, a system and concurrent method of utilization is introduced wherein an air compressor and accompanying air compression system may be utilized to inflate the grip in order to afford the grip the capability to slide into place.

It is the purpose of these systems to provide a quick easy way to change sports stick grips so a sportsman can select a grip which allows them to play their best, to replace grips more often to provide better play, decrease cost of manufacture and reduction of labor costs. Alternatively, sport stick companies can increase profits by eliminating other companies from providing replacement grips

Within the technology, each manufacturer may possess a specific design configured so only their grips, shaft and club head fits their clubs. The profit loss of others providing replacements is eliminated and thus more profit for the manufacturer of the club. For example, if different companies market and sell golf clubs and one company offers golf clubs, than the interchangeable grips, shafts and club heads could be manufactured to possess different configurations such that grips, shafts and club heads of one company wouldn't fit the grips, shafts and club heads of another company. This would eliminate companies which make grips from supplying replacements.

Claims

1. An interchangable golf grip system comprising: a removably attached grip mechanism comprising a quick placement and quick removal system; and,a grip insert mechanism.

2. The interchangeble golf grip system of claim 1 further comprising: a key lock assembly comprising: a key;a constriction; and,an upper area wherein the grip, the insert and the shaft comprise a central aperture to align the cross section of the key and key lock to provide anti-rotation of components and accidental disengagement; and, wherein the key lock is located in the central aperture of the grip to align the constriction which passes through the grip to engage the lower boarder and provide retention for the key lock.

3. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 1 wherein the grip insert further comprises a securing end and wherein the interchangeable golf club system further comprises: at least one end projection; and,a compression member comprising a set of threads;wherein the golf club grip insert is in sliding communication with the shaft and is secured with the compression member and once a grip is selected, the grip is secured with a leverage device by engaging a matching shaped end of the compression member.

4. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 3 wherein the grip insert securing end further comprises a threaded surface.

5. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 3 wherein the compression member is threaded over the securing end and wherein at least one end projection creates a frictional force against the shaft when the compression member is threaded over the securing end and wherein the compression member is partially tightened for quick exchange during grip trials.

6. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 3 wherein the at least one end projection comprises a range from two end projections to one hundred projections.

7. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 3 wherein the at least one end projection comprises one solid circumferential piece.

8. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 3 further comprising a liner mechanism and a set of stabilizing projections and wherein the shaft comprises a set of concave areas to accept the set of stabilizing projections and wherein the concave areas and the projections comprise rectangular, triangular, square, polygonal, and flat.

9. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 3 wherein the compression member comprises a recessed area shaped to accept the leverage device.

10. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 1 further comprising: an interchangeable grip mechanism comprising a set of snap projections;a shaft member comprising a set of shaft concave areas;an insert mechanism comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a set of insert concave areas and a set of projections located at the distal end; and,an interlock comprising snap projections which engage the set of interlock concave areas of the insert when assembled.

11. A method of attaching the sports shaft grip system of claim 10 comprising the steps of: sliding the interlock over the shaft member;sliding the grip over the shaft until the set of snap projections engage and snap into the set of shaft concave areas; and,sliding the interlock onto the end of the insert until the set of interlock projections engage and snap into the set of insert concave area; and,securing the interlock onto the insert which prevents dislodgement of the interlock snap projections.

12. The interchangeable golf club system of claim 10 wherein the shaft member further comprises; an access aperture disposed to accept the shaft insert at the distal end; and,a secondary projection, wherein the secondary projection possesses a configuration disposed to match the configuration of the shaft insert and wherein the secondary projection engages the access aperture and the shaft insert.

13. A sports shaft grip system comprising: an interchangeable grip mechanism;a grip insert mechanism comprising a proximal end, a distal end; a set of projections located at the distal end; and an end body; wherein the proximal end of the set of projections is in communication with the grip insert; and,at least two projection end mechanisms; wherein at least a set of two of the set of projections comprise an individual of the at least two projection end mechanisms, wherein the at least two projection end mechanisms extend outwardly from the distal end of the set of projections and wherein the at least two project end mechanisms comprise a different material then the set of projections.

14. The sports shaft grip apparatus of claim 13 wherein the projection ends comprise a shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal and pentagonal and may be constructed from materials selected from the group consisting of polymers, rubber, carbon fiber and composites of materials.

15. The sports shaft grip apparatus of claim 13 wherein the grip insert comprises a split insert comprising a spacial air gap separation to allow for expansion of the grip as the grip material expands under different conditions.

16. The sports shaft grip apparatus of claim 13 wherein the grip insert comprises a segmented configuration.

17. The sports shaft grip apparatus of claim 13 further comprising an interlock wherein the grip insert comprises a tapered end portion and wherein the grip and the interlock fit over the grip insert and wherein the grip insert is permanently affixed to the shaft at the tapered end portion.

18. The sports shaft grip apparatus of claim 17 wherein the grip insert comprises a tapered end portion of the grip insert is permanently affixed to the shaft by an affixing mechanism selected from the group consisting of glue, weld, braise and snapped.

19. The sports shaft grip apparatus of claim 17 wherein the grip insert comprises a set of projections comprising an identical configuration of the inner surface of the grip for stabilization.

20. The sports shaft grip apparatus of claim 13 further comprising: an insert shell;an insert liner which houses the set of projections;and,a compression lock mechanism.

21. The sports grip system of claim 20 wherein the grip material comprises a different chemical composition than the insert material and wherein the grip material comprises a greater stiffness than the insert material.

22. The sports grip system of claim 20 wherein the insert is contiguous with grip and the grip material extends through a set of apertures in the open insert structure.

23. The sports grip system of claim 20 wherein the insert extends three quarters of the length of the shaft.

24. The sports grip system of claim 20 wherein the grip material extends over the upper portion of the shaft expands over the shaft.

25. The sports grip system of claim 20 wherein the projections comprise a larger inward dimension than the outer dimension of the shaft wherein upon attachment of the grip, the projections compress to slide down shaft during engagement and movement of the grip insert is further limited by this compression and eliminated when combined with compression lock.

26. The sports grip system of claim 20 wherein the grip insert comprises an end portion comprising a set of extensions.

27. The sports grip system of claim 20 wherein the set of extensions comprises at least two cutting extensions which enter into the outer surface of shaft creating improved resistance to movement.

28. A quick change, sports grip system comprising: a grip;a shaft comprising a slotted portion;an attachment mechanism; and,a rib; wherein the slotted portion of the shaft and the rib are in sliding communication.

29. The quick change, sports grip system of claim 28 further comprising an insert mechanism.

30. The quick change, sports grip system of claim 28 wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a screw wherein the screw mechanism secures the grip on the shaft.

31. A threaded sports grip system comprising: a grip an inner core;a shaft comprising a lower extension and an upper extension;wherein the upper extension of the shaft is threaded into the inner core of the grip.

32. A method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip comprising the steps of: providing an interchangeable grip system wherein a user can change a set of grips continuously; and,providing a testing circuit wherein the user tests the functionabilty of the grips on a particular surface.

33. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 32 further comprising the step of: providing a grip comprising a central access aperture through a longitudinal substantially cylindrical cavity.

34. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 33 further comprising the steps of: utilizing a snap lock mechanism comprising a projection;and, utilizing a shaft comprising: a main stem;a first inclined plane;a second inclined plane; and,a projection lock.

35. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 34 further comprising the steps of: positioning the shaft into the grip through the access aperture until the main stem is fully seated;sliding the snap lock down the main stem;engaging the second inclined plane;expanding the snap lock; and,squeezed together the snap lock such that the first inclined plane is seated against the snap lock; and,fully seating the snap lock by forcing the grip downward.

36. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft of claim 35 further wherein the grip further comprises at least one projection in communication with at least one indentation.

37. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 32 further comprising the step of: utilizing a threaded securing system comprising: a shaft;a screw member;an insert member; and,a snap mechanism.

38. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 37 further comprising the steps of: rotating the screw member in a clockwise direction;driving the insert member downward on the shaft; and,engaging the snap mechanism.

39. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 32 further comprising: an insert attachment;a snap grip and,a modified golf club shaft comprising a shorter span then normal for the proscribed user, and further comprising a shaft comprising an aperture, a proximal and a distal portion.

40. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 39 further comprising the steps of: fitting the insert into the proximal portion of the shaft through the shaft aperture;placing a portion of the snap grip into the proximal portion of the shaft through the shaft aperture;securing, with an adhesive compound, the portion of the snap grip into the proximal portion of the shaft through the shaft aperture.

41. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 32 further comprising: a shaft comprising a locking pin;a grip comprising an aperture;an internal grip lock; and,a snap lock comprising a set of extensions.

42. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 41 further comprising the steps of: inserting the shaft into the grip through the opening;pressing the shaft into position until the snap lock engages the internal grip lock;placing the locking pin into the grip through the opening and between the extensions of the snap lock to prevent compression and release; and,securing the snap lock.

43. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 32 further comprising: a grip comprising a set of pegs; and,a shaft comprising a slot, the slot comprising a set of side slots, wherein the side slots comprise indentations.

44. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 43 further comprising the steps of: fitting the grip comprising a set of pegs over the shaft;sliding the set of pegs down the slot;aligning the set of pegs down the set of side slots;rotating the grip into the side slots; and,engaging the set of pegs with the set of side slot indentations.

45. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 44 wherein the set of side slots further comprise a distal wall which inhibits rotation in a clockwise direction.

46. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 32 further comprising: a golf club grip insert system;a shaft;a compression member; and,a compression mechanism.

47. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 46 wherein the grip insert system comprises a threaded surface; a securing end and at least two securing projections.

48. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 47 further comprising the steps of: sliding the golf club grip insert system over the shaft;forcing the end projections tightly onto the shaft with a squeezing action onto the shaft surfaces; and,threading the compression member over the securing end to create a strong frictional force resulting in a secure grip to the shaft.

49. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 48 further comprising a liner and a set of stabilizing projections.

50. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 49 further comprising an insert comprising a set of concave areas; a set of projections, a set of snap concavity elements and an interlock.

51. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 50 further comprising the steps of: engaging the interlock snap projections 564 with the snap concavity of the insert;sliding the interlock over the shaft;sliding the grip over the shaft until the snap projections engage and snap into the set of snap concavity elements;sliding the interlock onto the end of the insert until the snap projections engage and snap into the snap concavity; and,securing the interlock onto the insert which covers and prevents dislodgement of the snap projections from the snap concave areas.

52. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 51 wherein the shaft comprises a set of snap and stabilizing concave areas and wherein the insert comprises matching projections which stabilize the insert against the shaft to prevent movement.

53. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 52 wherein the shaft possesses an aperture disposed to accept the shaft insert at the end portion and wherein the grip possesses a secondary projection which engages the aperture of a matching shape of the shaft insert.

54. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 53 wherein the grip insert comprises an end body and a set of projection ends comprising a cross sectional shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal and pentagonal.

55. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 54 further comprising a split insert separated by a space.

56. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 54 further comprising a segmented insert.

57. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 32 further comprising: an insert;an insert shell; and,an insert liner comprising a set of projections wherein each individual of the set of projections comprises a configuration selected from the group consisting of oblate, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombus-shaped, trapezoidal, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagon octagonal, nonagonal and decagonal.

58. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 57 wherein the insert comprises a less rigid material than the material of the set of grips.

59. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 57 further comprising a compression lock wherein movement of the grip insert is eliminated by engagement of the compression lock.

60. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 59 wherein the grip insert extends three quarters of the length of the grip and the grip material expands the insert and touches the shaft.

61. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 57 wherein the insert material is contiguous with the grip and extends through apertures provided by an open insert structure comprising a pattern of apertures.

62. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 57 wherein the projections of the insert liner provide a decreased surface area to all materials which stick to the shaft as it slides down into position.

63. The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of claim 57 wherein the projections are constructed to a dimension to provide a frictional component that limits movement.

64. A sports grip comprising: a system for minimal adhesion during placement and maximum adhesion upon full placement comprising:an inner and outer core; and,a shaft and a set of core interfaces; wherein the inner core extends beyond the opening of the outer core when assembled.

65. The sports grip of claim 64 further comprising a liner mechanism and a lock pin.

66. The sports grip of claim 65 further comprising: a thread system comprising: a snapping component; anda threaded screw.

67. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the outer core comprises a hollow cylindrical member comprising an aperture.

68. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the inside of the outer core is tapered with the widest part located at the distal of the grip and narrowest part located at the proximal end of the grip closest to the shaft.

69. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the inner tapered surface of the outer core of squeeze the inner core of tightly to the shaft by pressing against the tapered outer surface of the inner core.

70. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the inner core comprises a hollow cylinder comprising at least one split portion that runs the length of the hollow cylinder.

71. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the inner core comprises a set of circumferential indentations and the outer core comprises a set of protrusions wherein the set of circumferential indentations fit into the set of protrusions of the outer core to limit movement back and forth.

72. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the grip is in an inactive position, such that the narrowest end of the inner core engages the shaft to provide a tight fit and resistance when the outer core is activated.

73. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the outer core comprises a set of extensions and the inner core comprises a set of grooves wherein the set of extensions is disposed to fit into set of grooves and limit motion of the inner core.

74. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein upon engagement, the inner core remains stationary relative to the shaft as the outer core slides up and over the inner core.

75. The sports grip of claim 74, wherein the outer surface of the inner core and the inner surface of the outer core comprise mechanical resistance members which greater great resistance to motion upon contact.

76. The sports grip of claim 75, wherein the inner core mechanical resistance members comprise round shaped protrusions and wherein the shaft comprises indentations; wherein the round shaped protrusions on the inner surface of the inner core contact the indentations on the shaft for improved resistance to motion.

77. The sports grip of claim 76, wherein the round shaped protrusions comprise a flexible material such that upon the protrusions are disposed to collapse upon compression to increasing surface area contact.

78. The sports grip of claim 77, wherein the inner core and the outer core each comprise a layer of material allowing the surfaces to slide effectively over each other during activation so the outer core compresses the inner core.

79. The sports grip of claim 78 wherein the surfaces of the layers of material are selected from the group consisting of non-friction, textured and patterned depending on how surface texture is going to be controlled.

80. The sports grip of claim 64, further comprising a set of threaded components comprising a screw mechanism utilized to move the grip over the shaft wherein the screw mechanism can be an integral part of the grip or a separate apparatus to be installed after grip placement.

81. The sports grip of claim 80, wherein the threaded components run the entire length of the inner and outer cores and wherein screw comprises a lock to prevent accidental dislodging of the grip from the shaft.

82. The sports grip of claim 80, wherein the threaded components are constructed such that the outer core slides over the inner core when placed on the shaft and turned so that the threads move the outer core up or down the shaft; and wherein the tapered surfaces compress the inner core producing more surface area, increased adhesion or increased friction that resist forces of play.

83. The sports grip of claim 80, wherein upon actuation of the threaded components, the grip is limited to upward travel.

84. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the inner core comprises a material comprising lower rigidity than the material of the outer core.

85. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the internal surface of the grip comprises a set of textures and set of projections.

86. The sports grip of claim 86, wherein the projections comprise a set of angulations which control the force of resistance of the grip such that placement of a test grip requires less force application than removal of a test grip.

87. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein the grip comprises a single construction wherein when forced over the shaft, the grip and layers move as one unit resulting in compression onto a shaft for increased adherence or friction.

88. The sports grip of claim 64, wherein, upon full seated of the grip, the outer core presses onto the tapered inner core to compress and increase retention and the set of protrusions of the inner core snaps into the indentation of the shaft, while the set of protrusions of the outer core snaps over the inner core outer edge to be secured.

89. The sports grip of claim 64 wherein, wherein the grip is secured when the grip is its final position, the outer core of is secured by mechanisms selected form the group consisting of friction, snaps, pins, screws, and set screws.

90. A quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase comprising: a compression/friction restraint system comprising: a grip; and,an insert mechanism.

91. The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of claim 90 wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a snap technology system.

92. The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of claim 90 wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a controlled friction system.

93. The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of claim 90 wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a threaded fitting system.

94. The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of claim 90 wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a controlled compression system.

95. The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of claim 90 wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises an air compression system.

96. A sports grip apparatus comprising: a slideably attached grip mechanism comprising at least one set of flexible projection members comprising a snap lock mechanism; and,a shaft member comprising a non-uniform area disposed to receive the at least one set of flexible projection members comprising a snap lock mechanism.