US20150367211A1 - Grip tape for a sports implement - Google Patents
Grip tape for a sports implement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150367211A1 US20150367211A1 US14/746,667 US201514746667A US2015367211A1 US 20150367211 A1 US20150367211 A1 US 20150367211A1 US 201514746667 A US201514746667 A US 201514746667A US 2015367211 A1 US2015367211 A1 US 2015367211A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- grip
- width
- strip
- region
- guidelines
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/14—Coverings specially adapted for handles, e.g. sleeves or ribbons
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- A63B59/0014—
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- A63B59/0029—
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B2071/0694—Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/06—Handles
- A63B60/10—Handles with means for indicating correct holding positions
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to an improved grip tape for a sports implement.
- a poorly wrapped grip tape can negatively affect the performance of the player by potentially negatively affecting the user's gripping of the racquet.
- a poorly wrapped grip tape often results in a poor unappealing appearance, and can be susceptible to unraveling or separation from the handle assembly.
- the grip of the present invention provides at least three important features that greatly facilitate the wrapping of the grip about a handle assembly of a racquet or other sports implement.
- the features can be used individually or in any combination.
- One of the features is the variable length of a butt end section of the grip extending to represent between 15 to 30 percent of the total length of the grip.
- Another important feature is the incorporation of an overlap guide region on the grip.
- Yet another important feature is the incorporation of one of more guidelines defined on a throat end section of the grip.
- the important features address significant challenges that arise when gripping a racquet or other sports implement.
- the features enable any user to apply a grip to a sports implement quickly easily and efficiently, and to achieve an appearance that is appealing, clean and professional.
- the grip for use with a sports implement extending about a longitudinal axis.
- the grip includes a flexible strip defining a length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor dimension.
- the strip has a butt end region, a primary region and a throat end region.
- the throat end region defines at least one guideline.
- the guideline extends along an outer surface of the strip at an angle with respect to a line that is parallel to the major dimension of the strip. The angle is arranged such that when the grip is wrapped about the sports implement, the guideline extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a tennis racquet in accordance with one example implementation of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of a handle assembly of the racquet of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a grip for a tennis racquet in accordance with one implementation of the present invention alongside a conventional grip.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the grip 28 taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 5 through 7 are side perspective views of a handle portion of a racquet of FIG. 1 being wrapped with the grip.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are top perspective views of the throat end section of the grip 28 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a handle portion of a racquet of FIG. 1 being wrapped with the grip and the capping tape.
- a sports racquet is indicated generally at 10 .
- the racquet 10 of FIG. 1 is configured as a tennis racquet, however, the invention can also be formed as other types of sports implements, such as racquetball racquets, squash racquets, badminton racquets, paddle ball paddles, baseball bats, softball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and the like.
- the racquet 10 includes a frame defining a head portion 12 , a throat region 14 and a handle assembly 16 .
- the head portion 12 is a tubular structure defining a generally oval shaped opening 18 .
- the head portion 12 maintains in tension a latticework of strings 20 .
- the throat region 14 includes a pair of tubular shafts 22 outwardly extending from the head portion 12 and converging at the handle assembly 16 .
- the throat region 14 couples the head portion 12 to the handle assembly 16 .
- the handle assembly 16 connects to and outwardly extends from the throat region 14 along a longitudinal axis 15 .
- the handle assembly 16 includes a handle 24 , a pallet 26 , a grip 28 (or grip tape), and a butt cap 30 (see FIG. 1 ).
- the handle 24 is a rigid structure supporting or forming the pallet 26 .
- the pallet 26 can be integrally molded into the handle 24 to define a rigid gripping member.
- the pallet 26 can be attached to a preformed handle.
- the pallet 26 has butt portion 34 (or proximal portion) and a hoop end portion 36 (or distal portion).
- the pallet 26 preferably has an octagonal transverse cross-section formed by eight outer longitudinally extending surfaces 31 interconnected along eight longitudinally extending gripping edges 32 .
- the pallet 26 can have alternative transverse cross-sectional shapes such as, for example, other polygonal shapes, oval, circular and irregular.
- the pallet 26 is configured for grasping by one or both hands of a player during use.
- the pallet 26 is made of a strong, lightweight, durable material, preferably a graphite composite material.
- the pallet 26 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other fiber composite materials, a structural urethane foam, other structural foams, a plastic material, a metal or wood.
- the pallet 26 has a length between 5.0 and 9.5 inches; and, in another implementation, the pallet 26 has a length of approximately 7.0 to 8.0 inches.
- the pallet is a separate component connected to a “hair-pin” shaped handle.
- the frame can be formed by one continuous tubular structure where both ends of the tube run side by side to form the hair pin handle, the tube diverges from the handle in the form of the tubular shafts 22 , and the tube forms the majority of the hoop of the head portion 12 of the racquet with the exception of the yoke 25 which completes the oval shaped hoop of the head portion.
- the pallet 26 is applied over the hair pin handle 24 .
- a peripheral recess 38 can be defined within the pallet 26 between the butt and hoop portions 34 and 36 of the pallet 26 .
- the recess 38 uniformly and inwardly extends into the eight outer surfaces 31 of the pallet 26 , such that the transverse cross-sectional area of the pallet 26 at any point along the recess 38 is smaller than the transverse cross-sectional area at either the butt portion 34 or the hoop portion 36 of the pallet 26 .
- the recess 38 can be positioned toward the butt portion 34 of the pallet, preferably within approximately 1.0 centimeter from the butt portion 34 of the handle assembly 16 .
- the recess 38 has a length between 3.5-7.0 inches and a depth between 0.25-3.0 millimeters.
- the recess 38 has a length of approximately 4.0 inches and a depth of approximately 0.7 millimeters. In an alternative implementation, the recess 38 can fully extend to, and encompass, the butt portion 34 . In another implementation, the handle assembly 16 can be formed without the recess 38 .
- the handle assembly 16 can further include one or more pads 40 .
- the pad 40 is a flexible layer of padding attached or formed to the pallet 26 at the recess 38 .
- the pad 40 can wrap around and substantially fill the recess 38 .
- the pallet 26 is formed without a recess and the pad 40 can be placed over the pallet 26 .
- the pad 40 can be attached to the pallet by a suitable adhesive tape or other means, such as, for example, a fluid adhesive.
- the pad 40 is preferably made of a soft, flexible, resilient foam material, such as a micro-cellular, polyurethane open-celled foam having a smooth outer surface.
- the pad 40 can have a thickness that is at least as great as the depth of the recess 38 , or can be have other thicknesses.
- the pad 40 is optimally sized and positioned along the pallet 26 to match the player's typical hand grip location.
- the pad 40 further reduces the shock and vibration felt by the player when striking a ball.
- the pad 40 also improves the overall “feel” of the racquet.
- the handle assembly 16 can be formed without the one or more pads.
- the grip 28 is an elongate strip of soft, durable material that can be coupled to the pallet 26 .
- the grip 28 can be wrapped about and attached to the pallet 26 or an intermediate layer by an adhesive. In other implementations, the grip 28 can be attached by different forms of adhesives, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, and combinations thereof In one implementation, the grip 28 is wrapped directly around the pallet 26 . In another implementation, the grip 28 can be wrapped around one or more of the pads 40 . In another implementation, the grip 28 can be placed over another form of an intermediate layer that extends over the pallet 26 . In another implementation, the grip 28 can be wrapped about an existing grip. In such an embodiment, the grip 28 can be referred to or utilized as an overgrip.
- the grip 28 can be made of a leather, a synthetic leather, a rubber or other thermoset material. The grip 28 can be spirally or helically wrapped about the outer surface of the pad 40 and any uncovered portions of the pallet 26 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the grip 28 laid next to a conventional grip 100 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the grip 28 and illustrates that the grip 28 can be a multilayered structure including a backing 44 coupled to an outer layer 46 .
- the outer layer 46 can be formed or applied to the backing 44 such that a portion of the outer layer 46 impregnates, extends into, or otherwise engages the backing 44 .
- the outer layer 46 can be attached to the backing 44 through an adhesive, bonding, stitching, or other conventional means.
- the outer layer 46 is formed of a wear resistance, resilient material having a high coefficient of friction values (or a high level of grip-ability).
- the material used to produce the outer layer 46 can be a natural rubber, a butyl rubber, natural leather, a synthetic leather, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, other synthetic polymeric materials, or combinations thereof.
- the outer layer 46 is configured for interaction with a user's ungloved hands.
- the outer layer 46 is also compatible with gloved hands.
- the backing 44 can be configured to increase the tensile strength of the grip 28 . In another implementation, the backing 44 can be configured so as not to improve the tensile strength of the grip. The backing 44 can also be used to provide a cushion layer beneath the outer layer 46 to provide the grip 28 with a softer feel.
- the backing 44 can be made of a soft material, preferably a felt-like fabric. Alternatively, the backing 44 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other woven or unwoven fabrics, plastic, an elastomer, a rubber, and combinations thereof. In another alternative implementation, the grip can be formed without a backing.
- An adhesive 48 can be applied to a bottom surface of the backing 44 .
- the adhesive 48 can be disposed within the fabric of the backing 44 or otherwise interspersed within the backing 44 .
- a cover tape 50 can be applied over the adhesive 48 to protect the adhesive from contact with debris or unwanted surfaces. When the grip 28 is ready for attachment to the racquet 10 , the cover tape 50 can be removed (such as by being peeled off the backing 44 ) exposing the adhesive 48 for attachment to the underlying surfaces of the racquet 10 and the handle assembly 16 .
- the grip 28 can include chamfered first and second side edges 60 and 62 thereby providing the grip 28 with a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.
- the thickness of the side edges can vary from 0.5 to 3 mm over a width within the range of 1 to 7 mm. In one implementation, the width of the first and second side edges 60 and 62 can be within the range of 4 to 6 mm.
- the grip 28 has a length L and a width.
- the length L of the grip 28 can be within the range of 80 cm to 150 cm. In one implementation, the length L is within the range of 90 to 130 cm. In one particular implementation, the length L is approximately 110 cm.
- the grip 28 has a primary section 54 , a butt end section 56 and a throat end section 58 .
- the primary section 54 has a generally uniform width, W a .
- the width W a is within the range 1.5 to 3.5 cm. In another implementation, the width W a is approximately 2.5 cm.
- the throat end section 58 has a generally uniform initial width, W t , that is substantially equal to the width W a .
- the butt end section 56 has a variable width, W b .
- the variable width W b may be a uniform taper wherein the width of butt end section 56 equals the primary width W a at the transition from primary section 54 to the butt end section 56 , and the variable width W b gradually decreases toward the butt end of the grip 28 .
- the decrease can be linear. In other implementations, the decrease in width from the primary section 54 to the butt end of the grip 28 can be non-uniform or irregular.
- the width W b of the butt end section 56 at the butt end of the grip 28 can be within range of 0.5 to 1.5 cm. In another implementation, the butt end of the butt end section 56 can have a width W b within the range of 0.75 to 1.25 cm.
- Conventional grip tapes include a butt end section 56 that has a length of approximately 10 cm on a 110 cm grip. Accordingly, the butt end section 56 of a conventional grip is typically approximately 9 percent of the total length L of the grip.
- the handle assembly 16 also typically includes the butt cap 30 .
- the butt cap 30 ( FIG. 1 ) generally has a maximum transverse polygonal shaped cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross sectional area of the pallet 26 or the pallet 26 with one or more pads 40 . Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of the handle assembly 16 rapidly decreases from the butt end of the handle assembly 16 at the butt cap 30 toward the remaining portions of the handle assembly.
- Conventional grip tapes can be difficult to wrap about the butt cap 30 and the butt end of the handle assembly 16 .
- the thickness of the grip tape does not easily follow the change in outer transverse cross-sectional area of the handle assembly 16 and often do not lie flat as the grip is wrapped about this region of the handle assembly.
- the tapered length of the tapered butt end section of conventional grips is often too short.
- the user wraps the grip tape around the grip 28 starting at the butt cap 30 , the user can find that he or she has not fully transitioned to the constant octagonal cross-sectional area of the pallet and is still covering the sloped or tapered surfaces of the butt cap 30 and the edge of the butt cap to the pallet with a grip tape 28 that has a full width.
- Such locations of the grip tape with the full width can bunch, bubble, and/or significantly overwrap in this area causing an unpleasant gripping surface.
- the grip may need to be partially unwrapped and re-wrapped over this region. This condition can be very challenging for user's attempting to apply the grip to the racquet 10 , and can also be time consuming.
- Some user's are unable to apply conventional grips to racquet handle assemblies without some bunching, binding, bubbling or excessive overlapping. More experienced user's may need to spend extra time and/or attention to avoid such bunching, binding, and/or bubbling.
- the length, L b , of the butt end section 56 is significantly extended so as to represent or define between 15 to 30 percent of the total length of the grip 28 . Accordingly, the length Lb is significantly longer and larger than the length Lb of conventional grip tapes. The length Lb can be at least 15 percent of the total length of the grip tape. In another implementation, the length Lb of the butt end section 56 is within the range of 16 to 20 percent of the total length of the grip 28 . The increased length of the butt end section 56 provides enhanced maneuverability of the grip 28 during taping or wrapping the grip about the handle assembly 16 . The variable reduced width W b of the butt end section 56 more readily follows the contour of the butt cap 30 and the pallet 26 allowing for smooth efficient wrapping of the grip, and results in a grip 28 that lies flat or closely follows the contour.
- the grip 28 is shown being wrapped about the handle assembly 16 .
- the grip 28 is typically wrapped about the handle assembly 16 beginning at the butt end of the racquet 10 at the butt cap 30 .
- the tape 50 can be removed from the grip 28 to expose the adhesive 48 , the butt end region 56 of the grip tape 28 can be applied to the side of the butt cap 30 and the grip tape 28 can be wrapped about the pallet 26 from the butt cap 30 toward the throat region 14 .
- the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 can include an overlap guide region 70 for facilitating the wrapping of the grip 28 about the pallet 26 or handle assembly 16 .
- the overlap guide region 70 can extend over one of the first or second side edges 60 and 62 . In one implementation, the overlap guide region 70 extends over the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 along the first edge 60 . As the grip 28 is wrapped about the handle assembly 16 , the first edge 60 and the overlap guide region 70 are positioned as the top edge (the edge closer to the throat region 14 ).
- the overlap guide region 70 can have a width within the range of 1 to 15 mm. In one implementation, the overlap guide region 70 has a width within the range of 2 to 4 mm.
- the overlap guide region 70 can be formed with an appearance that is visibly different from the remainder of the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 .
- the overlap guide region 70 can be formed of a first color and the remainder of the outer surface can be formed of a second color that is different from the first color.
- the overlap guide region 70 can be formed of two or more colors, a pattern, a texture or combinations thereof that are visibly different from the color, pattern and/or texture of the remainder of the outer surface 68 of the grip 70 .
- the overlap guide region 70 may include graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia.
- the overlap guide region 70 can includes a plurality of strips or words such as “cover here” or “overlap here”.
- the overlap guide region 70 provides an efficient, effective guide to users for facilitating the proper gripping of the grip 28 about the pallet 26 or handle assembly 16 .
- the overlap guide region 70 provides the user with a consistent visible indication of where to place the grip 28 as the grip is wrapped about the handle assembly 16 .
- the user simply wraps the grip 28 about the handle assembly 16 such that the grip 28 covers the region 70 .
- the grip 28 can readily, quickly wrapped about the handle assembly 16 in a manner that provides a clean, consistent, professional appearance.
- the overlap guide region 70 provides a desirable amount of overlapped grip material.
- the outer surface 68 can also include graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia 72 and surface texture 74 for enhancing the grip-ability of the grip 28 .
- the indicia 72 can be representative of alphanumeric characters, graphics, specification information, advertising information, source data, trademarks, certification marks and combinations thereof. Specification information may include information such as installation instructions, dimensions, warnings, bar codes, and design features. Advertising information may include information such as slogans, product ratings, product attributes and information on related products.
- the indicia 72 may be single or multi-colored.
- the surface texture 74 can be a plurality on indentations. In other implementations, the surface texture can be a plurality of projections, indentations, roughened areas, and combinations thereof.
- the throat end (the end opposite the butt end) and the throat end region 58 of the grip 28 typically has a width W t that is generally constant and equal to the primary width W a .
- a strip of capping tape 80 can be supplied with the grip 28 .
- the capping tape 80 has an outer surface 82 that can include indicia 84 (similar to the indicia 72 ), and an adhesive coated inner surface (not shown). Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10 , the capping tape 80 secures the throat end of the grip 28 to the racquet 10 .
- the shape of the throat end region of conventional grip tapes present challenges to individuals gripping a racquet.
- the grip is typically spirally or helically wrapped about the pallet 26 at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis 90 of the racquet 10 .
- the grip is angled and the square shaped throat end of the grip tape forms an unappealing top end to the grip tape.
- Some individuals who wrap grips about handles will lightly wrap the throat end of the grip about the pallet 26 to gauge how much excess, unnecessary or unsightly material remains toward the throat end of the grip.
- the capping tape 80 is then applied over the top end (or throat end) of the grip to complete the grip wrapping process. Although the capping tape 80 may cover minor errors or sloppiness in cutting the throat end 58 of the grip tape 28 , practically speaking the capping tape 80 can only clean so much of a poorly cut or applied throat end 58 of the grip tape 28 .
- the throat end section 58 of the grip 28 is formed with one or more guidelines 92 formed into grip 28 .
- the guidelines 92 can be formed into the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 .
- the guidelines 92 can be formed as one or more grooves within the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 .
- the guidelines 92 can be formed as a plurality of spaced apart line segments, dots, or perforations extending along one or more lines.
- the guidelines 92 can be markings applied to the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 wherein the thickness of the grip 28 is generally not changed by the addition of the guidelines 92 .
- the guidelines 92 can be lines, segments, and/or dots that outwardly project from the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 .
- the guidelines 92 can be any combination of grooves, segments, holes, dots, perforations, projections, markings.
- the guidelines 92 can be formed to be visible upon close inspection of the outer surface 68 of the grip 28 but not readily visible on the grip 28 from a distance.
- the term guidelines can be used to mean any or all of the above-listed implementations.
- the guidelines 92 provide visible indication to the user of one or more locations where excess material from the throat end section 58 of the grip 28 can be removed at the end of the grip wrapping process.
- the guidelines 92 are two or more spaced apart parallel lines.
- the guidelines 92 can be three or more spaced apart lines.
- the guidelines 92 can be five spaced apart lines. In other implementations, other numbers of guidelines can be used.
- the multiple guidelines 92 enable the grip 28 to accommodate different sized racquet grips, different sized pallets, different length handle assemblies and other variables present in racquet designs.
- the guidelines 92 are generally positioned on the grip 28 at an angle that corresponds to the helical or spiral angle of the wrapping of the grip about the handle assembly 16 .
- the guidelines 92 extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 90 .
- the term “generally perpendicular” refers to an angle that is 90 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees.
- the guidelines may be positioned within the range of 85 to 95 degrees from the longitudinal axis 90 of the racquet 10 .
- the guidelines 92 can be positioned at an angle that is within the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees from the longitudinal axis 90 . The user can then simply cut the throat end section 58 of the grip 28 along the one of the selected guidelines 92 .
- the throat end section 58 has a tapered width that enables the throat end section 58 to evenly wrap about the top or throat end of the pallet 26 to form a clean, professional top end to the wrapped grip 28 .
- the capping tape 80 can then be readily applied to the top edge formed by the top or throat end of the wrapped grip 28 .
- the guidelines 92 can be configured to be cut with a scissors, a knife or other conventional cutting instrument.
- the guidelines 92 can be formed by a series of one or more grooves or perforations. The grooves or perforations can be sized and positioned to enable the user to pull apart the throat end section 58 of the grip 28 along the desired guideline 92 .
- the guidelines 92 can be configured to enable a user to pull apart the throat end section 58 of the grip 92 without the use of a cutting instrument, by use of the user's two hands.
- the grip 28 of the present invention provides at least three important features that greatly facilitate the wrapping of the grip 28 about the handle assembly 16 of the racquet 10 .
- the features can be used individually or in any combination.
- One of the features is the variable length Lb of the butt end section 56 extending to represent between 15 to 30 percent of the total length L of the grip 28 .
- Another important feature is the incorporation of the overlap guide region 70 on the grip.
- Yet another important feature is the incorporation of one of more guidelines 92 defined on the throat end section 58 of the grip.
- the important features address significant challenges that arise when gripping a racquet or other sports implement. The features enable any user to apply a grip to a sports implement quickly easily and efficiently, and to achieve an appearance that is appealing, clean and professional.
Abstract
A grip for use with a sports implement extending about a longitudinal axis. The grip includes a flexible strip defining a length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor dimension. The strip has a butt end region, a primary region and a throat end region. The throat end region defines at least one guideline. The guideline extends along an outer surface of the strip at an angle with respect to a line that is parallel to the major dimension of the strip. The angle is arranged such that when the grip is wrapped about the sports implement, the guideline extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
Description
- This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/015,975 and filed on Jun. 23, 2015.
- The present invention relates generally to an improved grip tape for a sports implement.
- Wrapping a grip tape around a handle assembly of a sports implement, such as a tennis racquet presents many challenges. Many users find it very difficult to wrap a grip tape about a handle assembly in an efficient manner and with a clean neat appearance. A poorly wrapped grip tape can negatively affect the performance of the player by potentially negatively affecting the user's gripping of the racquet. A poorly wrapped grip tape often results in a poor unappealing appearance, and can be susceptible to unraveling or separation from the handle assembly.
- The grip of the present invention provides at least three important features that greatly facilitate the wrapping of the grip about a handle assembly of a racquet or other sports implement. The features can be used individually or in any combination. One of the features is the variable length of a butt end section of the grip extending to represent between 15 to 30 percent of the total length of the grip. Another important feature is the incorporation of an overlap guide region on the grip. Yet another important feature is the incorporation of one of more guidelines defined on a throat end section of the grip. The important features address significant challenges that arise when gripping a racquet or other sports implement. The features enable any user to apply a grip to a sports implement quickly easily and efficiently, and to achieve an appearance that is appealing, clean and professional.
- One example implementation of the present invention provides a grip for use with a sports implement extending about a longitudinal axis. The grip includes a flexible strip defining a length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor dimension. The strip has a butt end region, a primary region and a throat end region. The throat end region defines at least one guideline. The guideline extends along an outer surface of the strip at an angle with respect to a line that is parallel to the major dimension of the strip. The angle is arranged such that when the grip is wrapped about the sports implement, the guideline extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a tennis racquet in accordance with one example implementation of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of a handle assembly of the racquet ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a grip for a tennis racquet in accordance with one implementation of the present invention alongside a conventional grip. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of thegrip 28 taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIGS. 5 through 7 are side perspective views of a handle portion of a racquet ofFIG. 1 being wrapped with the grip. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 are top perspective views of the throat end section of thegrip 28 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a handle portion of a racquet ofFIG. 1 being wrapped with the grip and the capping tape. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , a sports racquet is indicated generally at 10. Theracquet 10 ofFIG. 1 is configured as a tennis racquet, however, the invention can also be formed as other types of sports implements, such as racquetball racquets, squash racquets, badminton racquets, paddle ball paddles, baseball bats, softball bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks and the like. Theracquet 10 includes a frame defining ahead portion 12, athroat region 14 and ahandle assembly 16. Thehead portion 12 is a tubular structure defining a generally oval shapedopening 18. Thehead portion 12 maintains in tension a latticework ofstrings 20. Thethroat region 14 includes a pair oftubular shafts 22 outwardly extending from thehead portion 12 and converging at thehandle assembly 16. Thethroat region 14 couples thehead portion 12 to thehandle assembly 16. Thehandle assembly 16 connects to and outwardly extends from thethroat region 14 along a longitudinal axis 15. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thehandle assembly 16 is shown in greater detail. Thehandle assembly 16 includes ahandle 24, apallet 26, a grip 28 (or grip tape), and a butt cap 30 (seeFIG. 1 ). Thehandle 24 is a rigid structure supporting or forming thepallet 26. Thepallet 26 can be integrally molded into thehandle 24 to define a rigid gripping member. In another implementation, thepallet 26 can be attached to a preformed handle. Thepallet 26 has butt portion 34 (or proximal portion) and a hoop end portion 36 (or distal portion). Thepallet 26 preferably has an octagonal transverse cross-section formed by eight outer longitudinally extendingsurfaces 31 interconnected along eight longitudinally extendinggripping edges 32. In alternative implementations, thepallet 26 can have alternative transverse cross-sectional shapes such as, for example, other polygonal shapes, oval, circular and irregular. Thepallet 26 is configured for grasping by one or both hands of a player during use. Thepallet 26 is made of a strong, lightweight, durable material, preferably a graphite composite material. Alternatively, thepallet 26 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other fiber composite materials, a structural urethane foam, other structural foams, a plastic material, a metal or wood. In one implementation, thepallet 26 has a length between 5.0 and 9.5 inches; and, in another implementation, thepallet 26 has a length of approximately 7.0 to 8.0 inches. In an alternative implementation, the pallet is a separate component connected to a “hair-pin” shaped handle. In this limitation, the frame can be formed by one continuous tubular structure where both ends of the tube run side by side to form the hair pin handle, the tube diverges from the handle in the form of thetubular shafts 22, and the tube forms the majority of the hoop of thehead portion 12 of the racquet with the exception of theyoke 25 which completes the oval shaped hoop of the head portion. In this implementation, thepallet 26 is applied over thehair pin handle 24. - A
peripheral recess 38 can be defined within thepallet 26 between the butt andhoop portions pallet 26. Therecess 38 uniformly and inwardly extends into the eightouter surfaces 31 of thepallet 26, such that the transverse cross-sectional area of thepallet 26 at any point along therecess 38 is smaller than the transverse cross-sectional area at either thebutt portion 34 or thehoop portion 36 of thepallet 26. Therecess 38 can be positioned toward thebutt portion 34 of the pallet, preferably within approximately 1.0 centimeter from thebutt portion 34 of thehandle assembly 16. Therecess 38 has a length between 3.5-7.0 inches and a depth between 0.25-3.0 millimeters. In one implementation, therecess 38 has a length of approximately 4.0 inches and a depth of approximately 0.7 millimeters. In an alternative implementation, therecess 38 can fully extend to, and encompass, thebutt portion 34. In another implementation, thehandle assembly 16 can be formed without therecess 38. - The
handle assembly 16 can further include one ormore pads 40. Thepad 40 is a flexible layer of padding attached or formed to thepallet 26 at therecess 38. Thepad 40 can wrap around and substantially fill therecess 38. In one implementation, thepallet 26 is formed without a recess and thepad 40 can be placed over thepallet 26. Thepad 40 can be attached to the pallet by a suitable adhesive tape or other means, such as, for example, a fluid adhesive. Thepad 40 is preferably made of a soft, flexible, resilient foam material, such as a micro-cellular, polyurethane open-celled foam having a smooth outer surface. Thepad 40 can have a thickness that is at least as great as the depth of therecess 38, or can be have other thicknesses. Thepad 40 is optimally sized and positioned along thepallet 26 to match the player's typical hand grip location. Thepad 40 further reduces the shock and vibration felt by the player when striking a ball. Thepad 40 also improves the overall “feel” of the racquet. In an alternative implementation, thehandle assembly 16 can be formed without the one or more pads. - The
grip 28 is an elongate strip of soft, durable material that can be coupled to thepallet 26. Thegrip 28 can be wrapped about and attached to thepallet 26 or an intermediate layer by an adhesive. In other implementations, thegrip 28 can be attached by different forms of adhesives, thermal bonding, mechanical bonding, and combinations thereof In one implementation, thegrip 28 is wrapped directly around thepallet 26. In another implementation, thegrip 28 can be wrapped around one or more of thepads 40. In another implementation, thegrip 28 can be placed over another form of an intermediate layer that extends over thepallet 26. In another implementation, thegrip 28 can be wrapped about an existing grip. In such an embodiment, thegrip 28 can be referred to or utilized as an overgrip. Thegrip 28 can be made of a leather, a synthetic leather, a rubber or other thermoset material. Thegrip 28 can be spirally or helically wrapped about the outer surface of thepad 40 and any uncovered portions of thepallet 26. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , thegrip 28 is shown in greater detail.FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of thegrip 28 laid next to aconventional grip 100.FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of thegrip 28 and illustrates that thegrip 28 can be a multilayered structure including abacking 44 coupled to anouter layer 46. Theouter layer 46 can be formed or applied to thebacking 44 such that a portion of theouter layer 46 impregnates, extends into, or otherwise engages thebacking 44. Alternatively, theouter layer 46 can be attached to thebacking 44 through an adhesive, bonding, stitching, or other conventional means. Theouter layer 46 is formed of a wear resistance, resilient material having a high coefficient of friction values (or a high level of grip-ability). The material used to produce theouter layer 46 can be a natural rubber, a butyl rubber, natural leather, a synthetic leather, a polyurethane, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, other synthetic polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. Theouter layer 46 is configured for interaction with a user's ungloved hands. Theouter layer 46 is also compatible with gloved hands. - In one implementation, the
backing 44 can be configured to increase the tensile strength of thegrip 28. In another implementation, thebacking 44 can be configured so as not to improve the tensile strength of the grip. Thebacking 44 can also be used to provide a cushion layer beneath theouter layer 46 to provide thegrip 28 with a softer feel. Thebacking 44 can be made of a soft material, preferably a felt-like fabric. Alternatively, thebacking 44 can be formed of other materials, such as, for example, other woven or unwoven fabrics, plastic, an elastomer, a rubber, and combinations thereof. In another alternative implementation, the grip can be formed without a backing. - An adhesive 48 can be applied to a bottom surface of the
backing 44. In other implementations, the adhesive 48 can be disposed within the fabric of thebacking 44 or otherwise interspersed within thebacking 44. Acover tape 50 can be applied over the adhesive 48 to protect the adhesive from contact with debris or unwanted surfaces. When thegrip 28 is ready for attachment to theracquet 10, thecover tape 50 can be removed (such as by being peeled off the backing 44) exposing the adhesive 48 for attachment to the underlying surfaces of theracquet 10 and thehandle assembly 16. - The
grip 28 can include chamfered first and second side edges 60 and 62 thereby providing thegrip 28 with a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The thickness of the side edges can vary from 0.5 to 3 mm over a width within the range of 1 to 7 mm. In one implementation, the width of the first and second side edges 60 and 62 can be within the range of 4 to 6 mm. - The
grip 28 has a length L and a width. The length L of thegrip 28 can be within the range of 80 cm to 150 cm. In one implementation, the length L is within the range of 90 to 130 cm. In one particular implementation, the length L is approximately 110 cm. Thegrip 28 has aprimary section 54, abutt end section 56 and athroat end section 58. Theprimary section 54 has a generally uniform width, Wa. In one implementation, the width Wa is within the range 1.5 to 3.5 cm. In another implementation, the width Wa is approximately 2.5 cm. Thethroat end section 58 has a generally uniform initial width, Wt, that is substantially equal to the width Wa. Thebutt end section 56 has a variable width, Wb. The variable width Wb may be a uniform taper wherein the width ofbutt end section 56 equals the primary width Wa at the transition fromprimary section 54 to thebutt end section 56, and the variable width Wb gradually decreases toward the butt end of thegrip 28. The decrease can be linear. In other implementations, the decrease in width from theprimary section 54 to the butt end of thegrip 28 can be non-uniform or irregular. In one implementation, the width Wb of thebutt end section 56 at the butt end of thegrip 28 can be within range of 0.5 to 1.5 cm. In another implementation, the butt end of thebutt end section 56 can have a width Wb within the range of 0.75 to 1.25 cm. - Conventional grip tapes include a
butt end section 56 that has a length of approximately 10 cm on a 110 cm grip. Accordingly, thebutt end section 56 of a conventional grip is typically approximately 9 percent of the total length L of the grip. Thehandle assembly 16 also typically includes thebutt cap 30. The butt cap 30 (FIG. 1 ) generally has a maximum transverse polygonal shaped cross-sectional area that is greater than the cross sectional area of thepallet 26 or thepallet 26 with one ormore pads 40. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of thehandle assembly 16 rapidly decreases from the butt end of thehandle assembly 16 at thebutt cap 30 toward the remaining portions of the handle assembly. Conventional grip tapes can be difficult to wrap about thebutt cap 30 and the butt end of thehandle assembly 16. The thickness of the grip tape does not easily follow the change in outer transverse cross-sectional area of thehandle assembly 16 and often do not lie flat as the grip is wrapped about this region of the handle assembly. The tapered length of the tapered butt end section of conventional grips is often too short. As a result, as the user wraps the grip tape around thegrip 28 starting at thebutt cap 30, the user can find that he or she has not fully transitioned to the constant octagonal cross-sectional area of the pallet and is still covering the sloped or tapered surfaces of thebutt cap 30 and the edge of the butt cap to the pallet with agrip tape 28 that has a full width. Such locations of the grip tape with the full width can bunch, bubble, and/or significantly overwrap in this area causing an unpleasant gripping surface. In order to avoid such negative bunching, binding, and/or bubbling of the grip tape, the grip may need to be partially unwrapped and re-wrapped over this region. This condition can be very challenging for user's attempting to apply the grip to theracquet 10, and can also be time consuming. Some user's are unable to apply conventional grips to racquet handle assemblies without some bunching, binding, bubbling or excessive overlapping. More experienced user's may need to spend extra time and/or attention to avoid such bunching, binding, and/or bubbling. - In accordance with one implementation of the present invention, the length, Lb, of the
butt end section 56 is significantly extended so as to represent or define between 15 to 30 percent of the total length of thegrip 28. Accordingly, the length Lb is significantly longer and larger than the length Lb of conventional grip tapes. The length Lb can be at least 15 percent of the total length of the grip tape. In another implementation, the length Lb of thebutt end section 56 is within the range of 16 to 20 percent of the total length of thegrip 28. The increased length of thebutt end section 56 provides enhanced maneuverability of thegrip 28 during taping or wrapping the grip about thehandle assembly 16. The variable reduced width Wb of thebutt end section 56 more readily follows the contour of thebutt cap 30 and thepallet 26 allowing for smooth efficient wrapping of the grip, and results in agrip 28 that lies flat or closely follows the contour. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thegrip 28 is shown being wrapped about thehandle assembly 16. Thegrip 28 is typically wrapped about thehandle assembly 16 beginning at the butt end of theracquet 10 at thebutt cap 30. Thetape 50 can be removed from thegrip 28 to expose the adhesive 48, thebutt end region 56 of thegrip tape 28 can be applied to the side of thebutt cap 30 and thegrip tape 28 can be wrapped about thepallet 26 from thebutt cap 30 toward thethroat region 14. - In accordance with an example implementation, the
outer surface 68 of thegrip 28 can include anoverlap guide region 70 for facilitating the wrapping of thegrip 28 about thepallet 26 or handleassembly 16. Theoverlap guide region 70 can extend over one of the first or second side edges 60 and 62. In one implementation, theoverlap guide region 70 extends over theouter surface 68 of thegrip 28 along thefirst edge 60. As thegrip 28 is wrapped about thehandle assembly 16, thefirst edge 60 and theoverlap guide region 70 are positioned as the top edge (the edge closer to the throat region 14). Theoverlap guide region 70 can have a width within the range of 1 to 15 mm. In one implementation, theoverlap guide region 70 has a width within the range of 2 to 4 mm. Theoverlap guide region 70 can be formed with an appearance that is visibly different from the remainder of theouter surface 68 of thegrip 28. In one implementation, theoverlap guide region 70 can be formed of a first color and the remainder of the outer surface can be formed of a second color that is different from the first color. In another implementations, theoverlap guide region 70 can be formed of two or more colors, a pattern, a texture or combinations thereof that are visibly different from the color, pattern and/or texture of the remainder of theouter surface 68 of thegrip 70. In another implementation, theoverlap guide region 70 may include graphical and/or alphanumeric indicia. In one implementation, theoverlap guide region 70 can includes a plurality of strips or words such as “cover here” or “overlap here”. Theoverlap guide region 70 provides an efficient, effective guide to users for facilitating the proper gripping of thegrip 28 about thepallet 26 or handleassembly 16. Theoverlap guide region 70 provides the user with a consistent visible indication of where to place thegrip 28 as the grip is wrapped about thehandle assembly 16. The user simply wraps thegrip 28 about thehandle assembly 16 such that thegrip 28 covers theregion 70. By covering theoverlap guide region 70, thegrip 28 can readily, quickly wrapped about thehandle assembly 16 in a manner that provides a clean, consistent, professional appearance. Theoverlap guide region 70 provides a desirable amount of overlapped grip material. - The
outer surface 68 can also include graphical and/oralphanumeric indicia 72 andsurface texture 74 for enhancing the grip-ability of thegrip 28. Theindicia 72 can be representative of alphanumeric characters, graphics, specification information, advertising information, source data, trademarks, certification marks and combinations thereof. Specification information may include information such as installation instructions, dimensions, warnings, bar codes, and design features. Advertising information may include information such as slogans, product ratings, product attributes and information on related products. Theindicia 72 may be single or multi-colored. Thesurface texture 74 can be a plurality on indentations. In other implementations, the surface texture can be a plurality of projections, indentations, roughened areas, and combinations thereof. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 7 through 10, thethroat end region 58 of thegrip 28 is shown in greater detail. The throat end (the end opposite the butt end) and thethroat end region 58 of thegrip 28 typically has a width Wt that is generally constant and equal to the primary width Wa. A strip of cappingtape 80 can be supplied with thegrip 28. The cappingtape 80 has anouter surface 82 that can include indicia 84 (similar to the indicia 72), and an adhesive coated inner surface (not shown). Referring toFIGS. 1 and 10 , the cappingtape 80 secures the throat end of thegrip 28 to theracquet 10. - Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7-10, the shape of the throat end region of conventional grip tapes present challenges to individuals gripping a racquet. The grip is typically spirally or helically wrapped about the
pallet 26 at an angle with respect to alongitudinal axis 90 of theracquet 10. When a grip reaches its throat end, the grip is angled and the square shaped throat end of the grip tape forms an unappealing top end to the grip tape. Some individuals who wrap grips about handles will lightly wrap the throat end of the grip about thepallet 26 to gauge how much excess, unnecessary or unsightly material remains toward the throat end of the grip. These individuals then will partially unwrap the grip and cut the grip in a fashion that allows the grip to more readily wrap about the throat end to form a clean professional looking top end to the grip. Often only individuals with a great deal of experience with applying grips to racquets can do the wrapping, unwrapping, cutting and re-wrapping process to end up with the desired clean professional appearance. In many cases, user attempt to properly cut the grip, but end up taking an improper angle or cutting the grip too short or too long. Any of these common scenarios can result in a sloppy, unprofessional appearance to the top of the wrapped grip. The cappingtape 80 is then applied over the top end (or throat end) of the grip to complete the grip wrapping process. Although the cappingtape 80 may cover minor errors or sloppiness in cutting thethroat end 58 of thegrip tape 28, practically speaking the cappingtape 80 can only clean so much of a poorly cut or appliedthroat end 58 of thegrip tape 28. - The present invention provides a simple, quick and easy approach to overcome these challenges. In one implementation, the
throat end section 58 of thegrip 28 is formed with one ormore guidelines 92 formed intogrip 28. Theguidelines 92 can be formed into theouter surface 68 of thegrip 28. Theguidelines 92 can be formed as one or more grooves within theouter surface 68 of thegrip 28. In other implementations, theguidelines 92 can be formed as a plurality of spaced apart line segments, dots, or perforations extending along one or more lines. In another implementation, theguidelines 92 can be markings applied to theouter surface 68 of thegrip 28 wherein the thickness of thegrip 28 is generally not changed by the addition of theguidelines 92. In another implementation, theguidelines 92 can be lines, segments, and/or dots that outwardly project from theouter surface 68 of thegrip 28. In other implementations, theguidelines 92 can be any combination of grooves, segments, holes, dots, perforations, projections, markings. Theguidelines 92 can be formed to be visible upon close inspection of theouter surface 68 of thegrip 28 but not readily visible on thegrip 28 from a distance. The term guidelines can be used to mean any or all of the above-listed implementations. - The
guidelines 92 provide visible indication to the user of one or more locations where excess material from thethroat end section 58 of thegrip 28 can be removed at the end of the grip wrapping process. In one implementation, theguidelines 92 are two or more spaced apart parallel lines. In another implementation, theguidelines 92 can be three or more spaced apart lines. In another implementation, theguidelines 92 can be five spaced apart lines. In other implementations, other numbers of guidelines can be used. Themultiple guidelines 92 enable thegrip 28 to accommodate different sized racquet grips, different sized pallets, different length handle assemblies and other variables present in racquet designs. Theguidelines 92 are generally positioned on thegrip 28 at an angle that corresponds to the helical or spiral angle of the wrapping of the grip about thehandle assembly 16. When thegrip 28 reaches the top end (or throat end) of thepallet 26, theguidelines 92 extend generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 90. For purposes of the present application, the term “generally perpendicular” refers to an angle that is 90 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees. In other words, the guidelines may be positioned within the range of 85 to 95 degrees from thelongitudinal axis 90 of theracquet 10. In another implementation, theguidelines 92 can be positioned at an angle that is within the range of 60 degrees to 120 degrees from thelongitudinal axis 90. The user can then simply cut thethroat end section 58 of thegrip 28 along the one of the selectedguidelines 92. Once cut, thethroat end section 58 has a tapered width that enables thethroat end section 58 to evenly wrap about the top or throat end of thepallet 26 to form a clean, professional top end to the wrappedgrip 28. The cappingtape 80 can then be readily applied to the top edge formed by the top or throat end of the wrappedgrip 28. - In one implementation, as indicated in
FIG. 7 , theguidelines 92 can be configured to be cut with a scissors, a knife or other conventional cutting instrument. In another implementation, theguidelines 92 can be formed by a series of one or more grooves or perforations. The grooves or perforations can be sized and positioned to enable the user to pull apart thethroat end section 58 of thegrip 28 along the desiredguideline 92. In other words, theguidelines 92 can be configured to enable a user to pull apart thethroat end section 58 of thegrip 92 without the use of a cutting instrument, by use of the user's two hands. - The
grip 28 of the present invention provides at least three important features that greatly facilitate the wrapping of thegrip 28 about thehandle assembly 16 of theracquet 10. The features can be used individually or in any combination. One of the features is the variable length Lb of thebutt end section 56 extending to represent between 15 to 30 percent of the total length L of thegrip 28. Another important feature is the incorporation of theoverlap guide region 70 on the grip. Yet another important feature is the incorporation of one ofmore guidelines 92 defined on thethroat end section 58 of the grip. The important features address significant challenges that arise when gripping a racquet or other sports implement. The features enable any user to apply a grip to a sports implement quickly easily and efficiently, and to achieve an appearance that is appealing, clean and professional. - While example implementations of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. One of skill in the art will understand that the invention may also be practiced without many of the details described above. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail because such structures or functions would be known to one skilled in the art. Unless a term is specifically and overtly defined in this specification, the terminology used in the present specification is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though may be used conjunction with the description of certain specific implementations of the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. A grip for use with a sports implement extending about a longitudinal axis, the grip comprising:
a flexible strip defining a length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor dimension, the strip having a butt end region, a primary region and a throat end region, the throat end region defining at least one guideline, the guideline extending along an outer surface of the strip at an angle with respect to a line parallel to the major dimension of the strip, the angle arranged such that when the grip is wrapped about the sports implement, the guideline extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
2. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the at least one guideline is at least 3 guidelines.
3. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the at least one guideline is at least 4 guidelines.
4. The grip of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the guidelines is a marking.
5. The grip of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the guidelines is a groove.
6. The grip of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the guidelines is formed from a plurality of spaced apart recesses.
7. The grip of claim 6 , wherein the spaced apart recesses are spaced apart line segments, spaced apart perforations or a combination thereof.
8. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the at least one guideline is configured to facilitate separation of the throat end region with only the user's hands.
9. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the strip includes an outer surface and first and second side edges, and wherein an overlap guide region is formed along at least a portion of the first side edge.
10. The grip of claim 9 , wherein the overlap guide region has a width within the range of 1 to 15 mm.
11. The grip of claim 9 , wherein the overlap guide region has a width within the range of 2 to 4 mm.
12. The grip of claim 9 , wherein the overlap guide region is formed of at least a first color, the remaining portion of the outer surface of the grip is formed of a second color, and wherein the first and second colors are different.
13. The grip of claim 12 , wherein the at least first color is two or more colors or a pattern of colors.
14. The grip of claim 9 , wherein the overlap guide region is formed of a first texture, the remaining portion of the outer surface of the grip is formed of a second texture, and wherein the first and second textures are different.
15. The grip of claim 1 , wherein the primary region of the strip has a substantially constant first width, and wherein the butt end region of the strip has a width that is less than the first width.
16. The grip of claim 15 , wherein the width of the butt end region varies along its length.
17. The grip of claim 16 , wherein the width of the butt end regions varies linearly along its length.
18. The grip of claim 15 wherein the length of the butt end region is at least 15 percent of the length of the strip.
19. A grip for use with a sports implement extending about a longitudinal axis, the grip comprising:
a flexible strip defining a length defining a major dimension and width defining a minor dimension, the strip having an outer surface, a butt end region, a primary region, a throat end region a first side edge and a second side edge, and
an overlap guide region is formed along at least a portion of the first side edge.
20. The grip of claim 19 , wherein the overlap guide region has a width within the range of 1 to 15 mm, and wherein the overlap guide region is formed of at least a first color, and the remaining portion of the outer surface of the strip is formed of a second color, and wherein the first and second colors are different.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/746,667 US20150367211A1 (en) | 2014-06-23 | 2015-06-22 | Grip tape for a sports implement |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201462015975P | 2014-06-23 | 2014-06-23 | |
US14/746,667 US20150367211A1 (en) | 2014-06-23 | 2015-06-22 | Grip tape for a sports implement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150367211A1 true US20150367211A1 (en) | 2015-12-24 |
Family
ID=54868755
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/746,667 Abandoned US20150367211A1 (en) | 2014-06-23 | 2015-06-22 | Grip tape for a sports implement |
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US (1) | US20150367211A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170368432A1 (en) * | 2015-03-09 | 2017-12-28 | Lee Wright | Blade protector and grip |
US20190176004A1 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2019-06-13 | Ssg International, Llc | Golf Club Grip With Sensor Housing |
WO2021016386A1 (en) * | 2019-07-22 | 2021-01-28 | Votsch Technologies, Llc | Dampeners for sporting equipment and sporting equipment including the same |
US20210236894A1 (en) * | 2020-01-30 | 2021-08-05 | Agustin Gonzalez | Compression sleeve wrap and reinforced methodology for a wood bat |
TWI750995B (en) * | 2021-01-13 | 2021-12-21 | 勝利體育事業股份有限公司 | Artificial shuttlecock and feather and preparation method thereof |
US20210394031A1 (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2021-12-23 | Juan Antonio NUNEZ TRIGUERO | Set of grip bands for handles |
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US1587082A (en) * | 1921-02-21 | 1926-06-01 | Crawford Mcgregor & Canby Co | Handle grip for golf clubs |
US5624116A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1997-04-29 | Prince Sports Group, Inc. | Grip for sports racquet |
US5730669A (en) * | 1991-01-14 | 1998-03-24 | Huang; Ben | Handle grip and method of making same |
US5797813A (en) * | 1991-01-14 | 1998-08-25 | Huang; Ben | Handle grip |
US5857929A (en) * | 1997-01-23 | 1999-01-12 | Huang; Ben | Two piece handle grip |
-
2015
- 2015-06-22 US US14/746,667 patent/US20150367211A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US1587082A (en) * | 1921-02-21 | 1926-06-01 | Crawford Mcgregor & Canby Co | Handle grip for golf clubs |
US5730669A (en) * | 1991-01-14 | 1998-03-24 | Huang; Ben | Handle grip and method of making same |
US5797813A (en) * | 1991-01-14 | 1998-08-25 | Huang; Ben | Handle grip |
US5624116A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1997-04-29 | Prince Sports Group, Inc. | Grip for sports racquet |
US5857929A (en) * | 1997-01-23 | 1999-01-12 | Huang; Ben | Two piece handle grip |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170368432A1 (en) * | 2015-03-09 | 2017-12-28 | Lee Wright | Blade protector and grip |
US20190176004A1 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2019-06-13 | Ssg International, Llc | Golf Club Grip With Sensor Housing |
US10603558B2 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2020-03-31 | Ssg International, Llc | Golf club grip with sensor housing |
US20210394031A1 (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2021-12-23 | Juan Antonio NUNEZ TRIGUERO | Set of grip bands for handles |
WO2021016386A1 (en) * | 2019-07-22 | 2021-01-28 | Votsch Technologies, Llc | Dampeners for sporting equipment and sporting equipment including the same |
EP4003549A4 (en) * | 2019-07-22 | 2023-06-07 | VT Advantec, LLC | Dampeners for sporting equipment and sporting equipment including the same |
US20210236894A1 (en) * | 2020-01-30 | 2021-08-05 | Agustin Gonzalez | Compression sleeve wrap and reinforced methodology for a wood bat |
TWI750995B (en) * | 2021-01-13 | 2021-12-21 | 勝利體育事業股份有限公司 | Artificial shuttlecock and feather and preparation method thereof |
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