Golf putter grip

Abstract

An improved putter grip is provided. The putter grip includes a longitudinally oriented alignment strip on its front surface, which widens towards the lower end of the grip to accommodate the golfer's thumb. The putter grip includes a polygonal cross-sectional area that increases towards the upper end of the elongated handle, with the thicker end offset rearward relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft opening. Additionally, when viewed from the side, the rearward surface of the putter grip is concave outward to provide an ergonomic grip surface for the golfer's non-dominant hand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to golf club grips, and more specifically to pistol grips for putting. Background Technology

[0002] Various styles of golf club grips are known in the art. Historically, putter grips, in particular, have been more complex than swing grips and can include a variety of profiles. Examples include putter grips with round, oval, or square profiles. Putter grips with a pistol profile, also known as pistol grips, include a non-circular cross-section where the cross-sectional area increases towards the thicker end, and the axis of the grip is tilted towards the golfer.

[0003] Pistol grips are becoming increasingly common among both professional and amateur golfers, offering a larger grip surface for the non-dominant hand. However, there remains a continued need for improved putter grips with ergonomically designed shapes. In particular, there continues to be a need for a putter grip that promotes natural and more consistent putting strokes while adhering to equipment guidelines from relevant regulatory bodies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An improved putter grip is provided. In one embodiment, the putter grip is constructed as a pistol grip with a polygonal cross-section (e.g., an irregular pentagon). The cross-sectional area of ​​the putter grip increases towards the upper end of the putter grip, and the upper end is offset rearward relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft opening. The forward surface of the putter grip includes an alignment strip oriented in the longitudinal direction, which widens towards the lower end of the putter grip to accommodate the golfer's thumb. When viewed from the side, the rearward surface of the putter grip is recessed outward to provide an ergonomic grip surface for the golfer's non-dominant hand.

[0005] In one embodiment, the putter grip includes a textured grip sleeve surrounding a rigid backing. The textured grip sleeve has a lower stiffness than the rigid backing. By way of non-limiting example, the textured grip sleeve may be formed of polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the rigid backing may be formed of thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Other materials may be used in other embodiments. In still other embodiments, the textured grip sleeve and backing are integrally formed with each other and comprise an integral putter grip.

[0006] In another embodiment, the polygonal cross-section is an irregular pentagon. The dimensions of the irregular pentagon vary along its length along the push rod grip. For example, the base of the irregular pentagon narrows toward the upper end of the push rod grip, and the opposite side edges of the irregular pentagon lengthen and remain parallel to each other. The opposite side surfaces of the push rod grip remain parallel to each other along their entire length, such that the push rod grip does not exhibit any taper (converging or diverging) when viewed from the front or rear. When viewed from the side, the alignment strip bulges slightly outward. The angular edges of the irregular pentagon converge at a rounded ridge that extends longitudinally along the rearward surface of the push rod grip. Each edge of the irregular pentagon is connected to two adjacent edges by a rounded or beveled corner. In other embodiments, the push rod grip may include other polygonal cross-sections (e.g., trapezoidal, rectangular, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal) or non-polygonal cross-sections (e.g., circular or elliptical).

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the forward surface of the push rod grip includes an alignment strip oriented in the longitudinal direction. The alignment strip gradually widens toward the lower end of the push rod grip such that the ratio of the width of the alignment strip at the lower end of the push rod grip to the width of the alignment strip at the upper end of the push rod grip is at least 2:1. When viewed in cross-section, the alignment strip includes an irregular pentagonal base and is planar in the left-right direction. For example, the alignment strip may include a vertex closer to the upper end of the push rod grip than to the lower end. Further optionally, as measured from the upper end of the push rod grip, the alignment strip may include a vertex located between 30% and 40% of the overall length of the push rod grip.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, when viewed from the side, the rearward surface of the putter grip is recessed to provide an ergonomic grip surface for the golfer's non-dominant hand. The recessed portion is defined by an arc with a radius of at least 13 inches, and more preferably between 13 and 15 inches (inclusive). The length defined by the recessed portion is less than the overall length of the putter grip. In one embodiment, the ratio of the length of the recessed portion to the total length of the putter grip is between 1:3 and 1:2 (inclusive). In other words, the length of the recessed portion is between 33% and 50% of the total length of the putter grip. Additionally, the front-to-back width defined at the upper end of the putter grip is at least twice the front-to-back width at the lower end of the putter grip.

[0009] The putter grip is attached to the golf club shaft by inserting it into an opening in the backing. Rotate the putter grip so that its enlarged heel aligns with the heel of the clubhead. In this position, the alignment bar aligns with the toe of the putterhead, while the ridge aligns with the heel of the putterhead. Then, grip the putter grip like a standard pistol grip, with the enlarged heel closest to the golfer's hand.

[0010] These and other features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated through the description of the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0011] Before explaining the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the operational or structural details and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention may be practiced in various other embodiments and may be practiced or performed in alternative ways not explicitly disclosed herein. Furthermore, it should be understood that the phrases and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of “comprising” and “including” and variations thereof is intended to cover items listed herein and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Additionally, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the use of enumeration should not be considered as limiting the invention to any particular order or number of components. The use of enumeration should also not be construed as excluding any additional steps or components that may be combined or incorporated with the enumerated steps or components from the scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a first perspective view of a push rod grip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The exterior of the pusher grip has a cross-sectional shape that varies as the pusher grip extends along its length.

[0014] Figure 3 include Figure 1 A second perspective view of the push rod grip, showing an opening for a grip cover or other accessories.

[0015] Figure 4 include Figure 1 The front and rear views of the pusher grip show the alignment bar and ridge, respectively.

[0016] Figure 5 include Figure 1 The top and bottom views of the putter grip show the openings in the grip cap and the putter shaft, respectively.

[0017] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 The side and cross-sectional views of the pusher grip, which has a rearward-off heel or thick end.

[0018] Figure 7 The image shows the outwardly recessed portion of the pushrod grip when viewed from the side, which has a radius of curvature.

[0019] Figure 8 It shows the connection to the putter shaft. Figure 1 The putter grip is designed so that the alignment bar aligns with the toe and the spine aligns with the heel of the putter head. Detailed Implementation

[0020] See Figure 1-8 A putter grip according to one embodiment is shown and is generally designated as 10. As described below, the putter grip generally includes a polygonal cross-section and an enlarged heel offset rearward relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft opening. The putter grip 10 also includes an alignment strip longitudinally oriented on the forward surface of an elongated handle, which widens towards the lower end of the putter grip to accommodate the golfer's thumb. When viewed from the side, the rearward surface of the putter grip is recessed outward to provide an ergonomic grip surface for the golfer's non-dominant hand. Each of these features of the putter grip is discussed below.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown, the external portion of the pushrod grip 10 includes an upper end 12, a lower end 14, and a body 16 therebetween. The body 16 includes a forward surface 18, a rearward surface 20, a left side surface 22, and a right side surface 24. The lower end 14 includes a shaft opening 26 defining a longitudinal axis 28, and the upper end 12 includes an internally threaded port 30 for a removable grip cap. Figure 3 (See image). The left surface 22 and the right surface 24 are completely mirror images of each other, while in other embodiments, the left surface 22 and the right surface 24 diverge from each other closer to the upper end 12.

[0022] like Figure 2 As shown, the body 16 includes a polygonal cross-section that increases in cross-sectional area toward the upper end 12 of the push rod grip 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the polygonal cross-section is an irregular pentagon; however, in other embodiments, the body 16 may include other polygonal cross-sections (e.g., trapezoidal, rectangular, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal) or non-polygonal cross-sections (e.g., circular or elliptical). As used herein, "polygonal cross-section" includes a polygonal cross-section having rounded corners, beveled corners, and / or square corners. For example, Figure 2The irregular pentagon, shown in dashed lines, includes a base 32 at rounded corners that intersects with the left edge 34 and the right edge 36. The side edges 34 and 36 intersect at rounded corners with the left angled edge 38 and the right angled edge 40. The left angled edge 38 and the right angled edge 40 converge at a rounded ridge 42 that extends longitudinally along the rearward surface 20 of the push rod grip 10. The dimensions of the cross-section vary with position along the longitudinal axis 28 such that the base 32 of the irregular pentagon narrows toward the upper end 12 of the push rod grip 10, while the opposing side edges 34 and 36 of the irregular pentagon extend (and remain parallel to each other). Because the opposing side surfaces 22 and 24 remain parallel to each other along their entire length, the push rod grip 10 does not exhibit any taper (converging or diverging) when viewed from the front or rear. In other embodiments, opposing side surfaces 22, 24 are angled toward or away from each other, such that the push rod grip 10 includes a taper in the left-right direction. In other embodiments, the shape of the cross-section varies with position along the longitudinal axis 28, such that the push rod grip 10 may include a first cross-sectional shape along a portion thereof and a second cross-sectional shape along another portion thereof (e.g., a first polygonal shape along a first portion of the push rod grip and a second polygonal shape along a second portion of the push rod grip).

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, the forward surface 18 of the push rod grip 10 includes an alignment strip 44 longitudinally oriented between an upper end 12 and a lower end 14. The alignment strip 44 gradually (e.g., linearly) widens toward the lower end 14 such that the ratio of the width of the alignment strip 44 at the lower end 14 to its width at the lower end 12 is at least 2:1. When viewed in cross-section, the alignment strip 44 includes an irregular pentagonal base 32 and is planar in the left-right direction. Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the side, the alignment bar 44 protrudes slightly outward. For example, the alignment bar 44 may include a vertex 46 that is closer to the upper end 12 than to the lower end 14. Further alternatively, as measured from the upper end 12 of the pusher grip 10, the alignment bar 44 may include a vertex 46 located between 30% and 40% of the overall length of the pusher grip 10.

[0024] For example Figure 6 As shown in the cross-section, the putter grip 10 includes a textured grip sleeve 50 surrounding a rigid backing 52. The textured grip sleeve 50 (e.g., PU or TPU) generally has a lower stiffness than the rigid backing 52, which may optionally be molded TPR or EVA. In other embodiments, the textured grip surface 50 and the backing 52 are integrally formed with each other and comprise an integral putter grip. The grip sleeve 50 and the backing 52 together comprise an elongated handle for a golf club (e.g., putter 100), which in Figure 8 The example is shown below.

[0025] like Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the side, the rearward surface 20 of the putter grip 10 is recessed outward to provide an ergonomic grip surface for the golfer's non-dominant hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed portion 54 defines a radius of curvature of at least 13 inches, and more preferably between 13 inches and 15 inches (inclusive). The length defined by the recessed portion 54 (parallel to the longitudinal axis) is less than the overall length of the putter grip 10. In one embodiment, the ratio of the length of the recessed portion 54 to the total length 56 of the putter grip is between 1:3 and 1:2. In other words, the length of the recessed portion 54 is between 33% and 50% of the total length 56 of the putter grip 10. Additionally, the putter grip 10 defines a first front-to-back width 58 near the upper end 12 and a second front-to-back width 60 near the lower end 14, wherein the ratio of the first front-to-back width 58 to the second front-to-back width 60 is at least 2:1, for example, at least 2.5:1.

[0026] To reiterate, when viewed from the side, the outwardly recessed portion 54 of the rearward surface 20 follows an arc. The arc includes a radius of at least 13 inches, and optionally between 13 and 15 inches (including the end values). The entire rearward surface 20 (extending from the upper end 12 to the lower end 14) may follow a polynomial function (e.g., a quadratic or cubic function) using an extrapolated curve having an origin (0,0) located at the lowermost part of the gripping surface. For example, the extrapolated curve may include a sixth-order polynomial, where the coefficients are defined as follows: y = ax⁶ - bx⁵ + c·x + -d³ - ex² + fx + g a<0.0001 0.0001 <b<0.001 0.001 <c<0.01 0.01 <d<0.1 0.001 <e<0.01 0.1 <f<1 0.001 <g<0.01 For example, the coefficients of the higher-order polynomial above may include the following: {a = 0.00001; b = 0.0004; c = 0.0048; d = 0.0207; e = 0.0017; f = 0.2485; g = 0.0014}. The coefficients and polynomials described above are not intended to be limiting, and in other embodiments, the backward surface 20 may follow other polynomial functions using extrapolation curves.

[0027] As described above, the putter grip 10 includes a backing 52 having an upper end 12 (upper peripheral flange) and a lower end 14 (lower peripheral flange), between which a textured grip sleeve 50 extends. The putter grip 10 is assembled to the putter 100 by inserting the golf club shaft into an opening 26 in the backing 52. The putter grip 10 is rotated such that the alignment strip 44 aligns with the toe 104 of the putter head 102, while the ridge 42 aligns with the heel 106 of the putter head 102. The putter grip 10 is then held like a conventional pistol grip, with the enlarged, thicker end closest to the golfer.

[0028] The above description represents the current embodiment of the invention. While certain features of the pushrod grip are practical, they can be implemented in different aesthetic constructions. Various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which will be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalence. This disclosure is made for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or as limiting the scope of the claims to the specific elements shown or described in connection with these embodiments. The invention is not limited to those embodiments that include all such features or provide all the stated benefits, unless the scope is expressly defined otherwise in the published claims. Any reference to an element of the claim in the singular (e.g., the use of the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” or “the”) should not be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

1. A putter grip, comprising: An elongated handle includes an upper end, a lower end, and a body therebetween, the lower end including a shaft opening defining a longitudinal axis; The main body of the elongated handle includes a right side surface, a left side surface, a front surface, and a rear surface; The elongated handle defines a polygonal cross-section having a cross-sectional area that increases toward the upper end of the elongated handle. The polygonal cross-section defines an irregular pentagon having a base, a first side edge and a second side edge, a first angled edge and a second angled edge, and rounded corners. The forward surface includes an alignment strip that is longitudinally oriented between the upper and lower ends of the elongated handle and extends continuously from the upper end to the lower end. The alignment strip includes the base of the polygonal cross-section. The alignment strip is planar along its length in the left-right direction and widens toward the lower end of the elongated handle. When viewed from the side, the alignment strip protrudes outward.

2. The push rod grip according to claim 1, wherein, The rearward surface is offset rearward from the upper end of the elongated handle.

3. The push rod grip according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the side, the rearward surface is recessed outward along a portion of itself relative to the longitudinal axis, and the recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a radius of curvature of at least 13 inches.

4. The push rod grip according to claim 3, wherein, The outwardly recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a first length, and the elongated handle defines a second length, wherein the ratio of the first length to the second length is between 1:2 and 1:3, and the first length and the second length are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

5. The push rod grip according to claim 3, wherein, The outwardly recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a first length, and the elongated handle defines a second length, wherein the first length is at least 33% of the second length, and the first length and the second length are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

6. The push rod grip according to claim 3, wherein, The outwardly recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a first length, and the elongated handle defines a second length, wherein the first length is between 40% and 45% of the second length, including end values, and the first length and the second length are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

7. The push rod grip according to claim 3, wherein, The elongated handle defines a first front-to-back width near the upper end and a second front-to-back width near the lower end, wherein the ratio of the first front-to-back width to the second front-to-back width is at least 2:

1.

8. The push rod grip according to claim 3, wherein, The upper end includes an internally threaded opening for receiving a threaded grip cap.

9. The push rod grip according to claim 1, wherein, The elongated handle includes a textured grip sleeve surrounding a rigid base.

10. A putter grip, comprising: An elongated handle includes an upper end, a lower end, and a body therebetween, the lower end including a shaft opening defining a longitudinal axis; The main body of the elongated handle includes a right side surface, a left side surface, a front surface, and a rear surface; The elongated handle defines a polygonal cross-section having a cross-sectional area that increases toward the upper end of the elongated handle. The polygonal cross-section defines an irregular pentagon having a base, a first side edge and a second side edge, a first angled edge and a second angled edge, and rounded corners. Wherein, the upper end of the rearward surface near the elongated handle is offset rearward relative to the longitudinal axis; When viewed from the side, the rearward surface is recessed outward along a portion of its length relative to the longitudinal axis, and the recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a radius of curvature of at least 13 inches. The forward surface includes an alignment strip that is longitudinally oriented between the upper and lower ends of the elongated handle and extends continuously from the upper end to the lower end. The alignment strip includes the base of the polygonal cross-section. The alignment strip is planar along its length in the left-right direction and widens toward the lower end of the elongated handle. When viewed from the side, the alignment strip protrudes outward.

11. The push rod grip according to claim 10, wherein, The outwardly recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a first length, and the elongated handle defines a second length, wherein the ratio of the first length to the second length is between 1:2 and 1:

3.

12. The push rod grip according to claim 10, wherein, The outwardly recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a first length, and the elongated handle defines a second length, wherein the first length is at least 33% of the second length, and the first length and the second length are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

13. The push rod grip according to claim 10, wherein, The outwardly recessed portion of the rearward surface defines a first length, and the elongated handle defines a second length, wherein the first length is between 40% and 45% of the second length, including end values, and the first length and the second length are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

14. The push rod grip according to claim 10, wherein, The elongated handle defines a first front-to-back width near the upper end and a second front-to-back width near the lower end, wherein the ratio of the first front-to-back width to the second front-to-back width is at least 2:

1.

15. The push rod grip according to claim 10, wherein, The upper end includes an internally threaded opening for receiving a threaded grip cap.

16. The push rod grip according to claim 10, wherein, The elongated handle includes a textured grip sleeve surrounding a rigid base.

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