Golf club, golf club grip device, method of manufacturing a golf club and a golf club grip device, and method of repairing a golf club and a golf club grip device

Abstract

A golf club (1), comprising a shaft (10), a golf club grip device (G) with a golf club grip (20) and with at least one coating layer (40), and a club head (30), wherein the golf club grip (20), the shaft (10), and the club head (30) are arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis (L) of the golf club (1), wherein the coating layer (40) is formed from shrinkable material and the material adheres flatly to a grip surface (26) by a shrinking process, golf club grip device (G), a method for producing a golf club and a golf club grip, and a method for repairing a golf club and a golf club grip.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a golf club, a golf club grip device, a method for producing a golf club and a golf club grip device and a method for repairing a golf club and a golf club grip device.

[0002] A grip for a golf club is known from WO 1987 / 2899 A1.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a golf club and a golf club grip device which represents an alternative to golf clubs or golf club grip devices known from the prior art.

[0004] This object is achieved with the features of claim 1 and claim 7, respectively. Further respective embodiments are specified in the subclaims which refer back to them.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a golf club is provided, comprising a shaft, a golf club grip device and a club head, wherein the golf club grip device, the shaft and the club head are arranged one behind the other along a club longitudinal axis of the golf club, wherein the golf club grip device comprises: a golf club grip and at least one coating layer located thereon, wherein the golf club grip has a grip surface and wherein the at least one coating layer completely encloses the grip surface in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the longitudinal course of the club and extends along the longitudinal axis of the club at least over a section of the club head extending in the longitudinal course of the club, wherein the at least one coating layer is formed or consists of a shrinkable material and the material adheres flatly to the grip surface by a shrinking process.

[0006] The at least one coating layer provided according to the invention has the advantage that the golf club according to the invention with the at least one coating layer is particularly suitable for possible optimizations with regard to the handling of the playing device or a golf ball with the golf club, since the material properties of the at least one coating layer influence the handling of the golf club and thus also the physical reaction of the playing device when it impacts the club head, while at the same time the golf club is moved by a user of the golf club in order to give the playing device a desired direction and speed and optionally a desired spin and to create a desired physical effect. Depending on the desired effect or the effect to be achieved with regard to the handling of the golf club, the material properties of the coating layer can be varied.For example, a relatively thick coating layer may be used for certain training purposes or certain types of golf club movement by a user or player, and a relatively thin coating layer may be used by the same user for other training purposes or other types of golf club movement, or vice versa.

[0007] For this selection, based on the respective application, at least one of the following material properties of the at least one coating layer may be relevant: the elasticity of the at least one coating layer in its longitudinal direction, which runs transversely to its circumferential direction and its thickness direction; the elasticity of the at least one coating layer in its thickness direction, which runs transversely to its circumferential direction and its longitudinal direction; the softness of the at least one coating layer in its thickness direction; the wear resistance or durability of the material; the ecological usability of the material after its use on a golf club; the suitability of the at least one coating layer for coloring and / or labeling of the at least one coating layer.

[0008] By using a golf club according to the invention, e.g., for training a user or for a sporting competition, at least one suitable coating layer can be selected for the golf club or the golf club grip, and the golf club grip can be at least partially covered by this coating. This allows a user of the golf club according to the invention to train for an improvement in technical skills in an optimized manner and to achieve this in a sporting competition.

[0009] A further advantage of using the at least one coating layer according to the invention on a golf club grip and optionally over a portion of the shaft is that the external appearance can be customized or customized for advertising purposes in a suitable color or graphic manner. By using various interchangeable coating layers with different advertising information, one and the same golf club can be used and employed in a specific manner for various purposes.

[0010] A further advantage of using the at least one coating layer according to the invention on a golf club handle is that no residues, e.g. adhesive, remain on the golf club handle when it is removed.

[0011] A further advantage of using the at least one coating layer according to the invention on a golf club grip is that the outer surface of the coating layer can be colored or graphically designed. A text field can be visible on the coating layer. Alternatively or additionally, the coating layer can be designed in a uniform color or with different colors.

[0012] Any embodiment of the golf club according to the invention and in particular of the golf club with any combination of features of the golf club described herein can be realized in such a way that the coating layer is designed in one of the following ways: (A1) the at least one coating layer extends over a partial section of the golf club grip, leaving the first end section of the golf club grip formed in the club's longitudinal axis exposed; (A2) the at least one coating layer extends over a partial section of the golf club grip and the first end section of the golf club grip formed in the club's longitudinal axis.

[0013] In case (A2), the at least one coating layer covers the entire outer end of the golf club grip, which is opposite to the end of the golf club grip connected to the shaft.

[0014] Any embodiment of the golf club according to the invention with otherwise any combination of features of the golf club described herein can be realized in such a way that the at least one coating layer is designed in such a way that the tube section can be removed from the grip surface and optionally a section of the shaft without leaving any material residue.

[0015] Any embodiment of the golf club according to the invention with otherwise any combination of features of the golf club described herein can be realized such that the at least one coating layer is formed from a base layer and an adhesive arranged in at least a portion of the base layer, which adhesive is located on the grip surface, wherein the base layer is formed from a shrinkable material or consists of a shrinkable material.

[0016] Any embodiment of the golf club according to the invention with otherwise any combination of features of the golf club described herein can be realized such that the adhesive is arranged on at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one coating layer facing the grip surface.

[0017] Any embodiment of the golf club according to the invention, with any combination of features of the golf club described herein, can be realized such that the shrinkable material of the at least one coating layer is formed from or consists of a thermoplastic material. In general, the shrinkable material of the at least one coating layer can comprise one or more of the material components (M1) to (M5) and (N1) to (N5) mentioned herein.

[0018] Any embodiment of the golf club according to the invention with otherwise any combination of features of the golf club described herein can be realized such that the shaft and the golf club grip are manufactured as separate parts and wherein the shaft and the golf club grip are attached to each other.

[0019] Alternatively, any embodiment of the golf club according to the invention with any combination of features of the golf club described herein may be realized such that the shaft and the golf club grip are manufactured together as one part.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, a golf club grip device for a golf club is provided for attachment to a shaft of the golf club, wherein the shaft and the golf club grip are arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis of the golf club, wherein the golf club grip device comprises: a golf club grip and at least one coating layer located thereon, wherein the golf club grip has a grip surface and wherein the at least one coating layer completely encloses the grip surface in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the longitudinal course of the club and extends along the longitudinal axis of the club at least over a section of the club head extending in the longitudinal course of the club, wherein the at least one coating layer is formed or consists of a shrinkable material and the material adheres flatly to the grip surface by a shrinking process.

[0021] The at least one coating layer of each embodiment of the golf club grip device according to the invention can be realized in a manner described with reference to the golf club according to the invention or the golf club grip device according to the invention, and in particular in one of the manners (A1) or (A2) described herein.

[0022] In general, the shrinkable material of the at least one coating layer of the golf club grip device may comprise one or more of the material components (M1) to (M5) and (N1) to (N5) mentioned herein.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a golf club or a method of manufacturing a golf club grip, by which a golf club or golf club grip can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0024] This object is achieved by the features of independent claims 10 and 11 directed to a manufacturing method. Further embodiments are specified in the subclaims which each refer back to this method claim.

[0025] In particular, the invention provides a method for producing a golf club comprising a shaft and a golf club grip device, wherein the shaft and the golf club grip device are arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal axis of the golf club, wherein the golf club grip device comprises a golf club grip with a grip surface, the method comprising the following steps: Arranging at least one piece of material made of shrinkable material at least on a section of the grip surface, wherein the at least one piece of material runs at least partially around the grip base body in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the longitudinal course of the club and extends along the club longitudinal axis at least over a section of the golf club grip, heating the piece of material made of shrinkable material to a temperature which lies in a range in which the piece of material made of shrinkable material experiences shrinkage until the at least one piece of material adheres flatly to the grip surface as a coating layer.

[0026] The gold club produced by the method according to the invention can have a golf club grip device which is realized in a manner described with reference to the golf club according to the invention or the golf club grip device according to the invention, and in particular in one of the manners (A1) or (A2) described herein.

[0027] In particular, it can be provided that the at least one piece of material made of shrinkable material extends on the handle surface and additionally over a section of a shaft surface adjoining this, wherein the at least one piece of material encircles the shaft at least partially and in particular completely in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the racket.

[0028] According to a further aspect, the invention further provides a method for producing a golf club grip device with a golf club grip for a golf club, the method comprising the following steps: Arranging at least one piece of material made of shrinkable material on at least one section of the grip surface of the golf club grip, which extends along the club's longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one piece of material at least partially surrounds the section of the grip surface in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the club's longitudinal axis and thereby extends along the club's longitudinal axis at least over a section of the grip surface, heating the at least one piece of material made of shrinkable material to a temperature which lies in a range in which the at least one piece of material made of shrinkable material experiences shrinkage until the at least one piece of material adheres flatly to the grip surface as a coating layer.

[0029] In general, the at least one piece of material may comprise one or more of the material components (M1) to (M5) and (N1) to (N5) mentioned herein.

[0030] The Goldschläger device produced by the method according to the invention can have a golf club grip device which is realized in a manner described with reference to the golf club according to the invention or the golf club grip device according to the invention, and in particular in one of the manners (A1) or (A2) described herein.

[0031] The method according to the invention for producing a golf club can additionally be implemented with any other feature provided according to the invention in a combination of features described herein in such a way that after heating the at least one layer, cooling of the at least one coating layer to a temperature in a temperature range in which the shrinkage state is fixed is provided.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for repairing a golf club or a golf club grip device of a golf club or for a golf club, each of which represents an alternative to known such methods.

[0033] This object is achieved with the features of the method for repairing a golf club according to independent claim 13 or with the features of the method for repairing a golf club grip device according to independent claim 14. Further embodiments are specified in the subclaims which each refer back to this method claim.

[0034] According to these aspects, the invention provides in particular a method for repairing a golf club according to an embodiment of the invention, the method comprising the following steps: Heating the at least one coating layer and thereby reducing the stresses in the coating layer which are directed in the direction of the circumferential direction defined with respect to the club's longitudinal axis, so that an expanded piece of material is created, removing the at least one coating layer by peeling off the coating layer from the surface on which the at least one coating layer is located and in particular from the grip surface of the golf club handle and optionally a section of the shaft adjoining thereto, producing a further golf club according to a production method according to the invention using a further piece of material made of shrinkable material.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the invention, a method for repairing a golf club grip device with a golf club grip is provided, the method comprising the following steps: Heating the at least one coating layer and thereby reducing the stresses in the at least one coating layer which are directed in the direction of the circumferential direction defined with respect to the longitudinal course of the club, so that an expanded piece of material is created, removing the at least one coating layer by peeling the at least one coating layer off the grip surface of the grip base body, producing a further golf club grip according to a production method according to the invention using a further piece of material made of shrinkable material.

[0036] The golf club grip device produced in this way can be realized in a manner described with reference to the golf club according to the invention or the golf club grip device according to the invention, and in particular in one of the manners (A1) or (A2) described herein.

[0037] The embodiments of the manufacturing method according to the invention and the repair method according to the invention can be realized with any combination of features of the respective method described herein in such a way that the at least one piece of shrinkable material has one of the following shapes for forming the at least one coating layer: (F1) the shape of a tube section, (F2) the shape of a stocking, (F3) the shape of a film section.

[0038] The embodiments of the manufacturing method according to the invention and the repair method according to the invention can be realized with any combination of features of the respective method described herein such that the shrinkable material of the piece of material for producing the at least one coating layer has one or more of the following material components: (M1) a portion of a polyolefin, (M2) a portion of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or a portion of Kynar, (M3) a portion of Viton, (M4) a portion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), (M5) a portion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0039] The embodiments of the manufacturing method according to the invention and the repair method according to the invention can be realized with any combination of features of the respective method described herein such that the shrinkable material of the piece of material for producing the at least one coating layer or the material of the at least one coating layer has one or more of the following material components: (N1) a portion of olyolefin, (N2) a portion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), (N3) a portion of an elastomer, (N4) a portion of silicone, (N5) a portion of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

[0040] The embodiments of the manufacturing method according to the invention and the repair method according to the invention can be realized with any combination of features of the respective method described herein in such a way that the at least one piece of material is realized in each case for producing one of the at least one coating layer from shrinkable material or the at least one piece of material is realized in each case for producing one of the at least one coating layer as a shrink braid which is formed from threads which comprise a thermoplastic material or a material (M1), (M2), (M3), (M4), (M5) mentioned in claim 7.

[0041] This embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the invention and of the repair method according to the invention can be realized with any combination of features of the respective method described herein in such a way that the threads made of a shrinkable material additionally have a material (N1), (N2), (N3), (N4), (N5).

[0042] The term "transverse" means herein in the context of a directional indication mentioned herein, which may in particular also relate to the course of a contour line or a surface or a direction of a part or a structural component such as an axis or a shaft or a central axis thereof, with respect to a reference direction or a reference axis, that a section of the course or the tangent to a respective contour line or respective surface or the direction in an explicitly or implicitly predetermined viewing direction deviates locally or sectionally by an angle of between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, and preferably by an angle of between 67 degrees and 113 degrees, from the respective reference direction or reference axis to which the respective directional indication is related.

[0043] A "longitudinal axis" or a "longitudinal direction" or a "longitudinal profile" or another reference direction or profile of a reference line, such as, in particular, a central line or a center line or a profile of at least one structural component or part, and in particular of a golf club or golf clubs, is defined herein in particular as a connecting line of the centroids of the smallest cross-sectional areas of the respective structural component along a determined or predetermined direction or between two determined or predetermined ends. The reference line or the longitudinal profile can be curved or at least partially curved.

[0044] The expression "consisting of" relating to a feature, for example, with respect to an aspect of an article or structural component, or a portion of a material, or a golf club, means herein that the respective feature in that aspect is an exclusive feature of the article or structural component. In contrast, the expression "formed of" or "comprising" does not have such an exclusive meaning.

[0045] The term "integral" in relation to a part or component is understood herein to mean that the part or component is manufactured as a single piece. The part or component may be formed from multiple pieces or parts that are connected, coupled, or connected to one another. The term "manufactured in one piece" in this regard is understood to mean that the part or component is manufactured from a single, single-piece starting workpiece.

[0046] The term "substantially" with respect to a characteristic or value is understood herein to mean in particular that the characteristic contains a deviation of 20% and especially of 10% from the characteristic or its geometric property or value.

[0047] The sock-like shape of the material piece is generally defined herein as "essentially sock-shaped," meaning it may have openings or holes. The term "essentially sock-shaped" means that the material piece as a whole has a sock-like shape and may be realized as a continuous section, as a net or grid, or with openings or holes that may represent less than 40% of the total area.

[0048] Likewise, a hose section is defined herein such that the shape of the hose section has substantially the shape of a hose section and can be realized as a continuous section or as a net or as a grid or with openings or holes which can have an area proportion of less than 40% of the total area.

[0049] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. The representations of the figures are to be understood as schematic representations in which features of the respective objects depicted are not shown in their actual proportions, but in proportions in which the features described herein are more clearly represented. The description herein of features or components of embodiments of the invention is to be understood in such a way that a respective embodiment of the invention, unless explicitly excluded, may also comprise at least one feature of another embodiment, in each case as an additional feature of this respective embodiment or as an alternative feature that replaces another feature of this respective embodiment. The figures show: Figure 1a schematic side view of an embodiment of the golf club according to the invention with a golf club handle, with a shaft and a club head, Figure 2 a cross section along the line S2-S2 of the Figure 1 , Figure 3 a section of the side view of the Figure 1 , which essentially corresponds to the Figure 1 illustrated golf club grip with opposite the Figure 1 changed proportions to illustrate features, Figure 4 a schematic side view of another embodiment of the golf club according to the invention and Figure 5 a section of the side view of the Figure 4 , which essentially covers the Figure 4 illustrated golf club grip with opposite the Figure 4 changed proportions to illustrate features.

[0050] Based on the Figure 1An embodiment of the golf club 1 according to the invention and the golf club grip device according to the invention, and variants thereof, are described. Further alternative embodiments of the golf club 1 according to the invention and the golf club grip device according to the invention are described with reference to this figure and also with reference to further figures. According to the invention, the features by which the respective alternative embodiments differ from one another can also be present in all embodiments described herein, both as alternative features to functionally identical or functionally similar features and as additional features.

[0051] The golf club 1 according to the invention has a shaft 10, a golf club grip device G and a club head 30, wherein the golf club grip device G, the shaft 10 and the club head 30 are arranged one behind the other along a club longitudinal axis L of the golf club 1.

[0052] The shaft 10 has a first end 11 located at a first end portion 13 of the shaft 10, a second end 12 located opposite the first end 11 with respect to the club's longitudinal extension L and at which a second end portion 14 is located, and a shaft surface 16. The first end 11 and the second end 12 of the shaft 10 are connected to each other by an intermediate portion 17.

[0053] The golf club grip device G comprises a golf club grip 20 and at least one coating layer 40 located on its grip surface 26. The golf club grip 20 has a first end portion 23 with a first end 21 and a second end portion 24 with a second end 22, which is opposite to the first end 21 with respect to the club's longitudinal extension L and at which a second end portion 24 is located. The first end 21 and the second end 22 are connected to one another by an intermediate portion 27 of the golf club grip 20.

[0054] The second end section 24 of the golf club grip 20 and the second end section 14 of the shaft 10 are connected to one another. The second end section 14 of the shaft 10 and the second end section 24 of the golf club grip 20 are, in particular, firmly connected to one another, i.e., torsionally and flexurally rigidly. The connection of the end sections 14, 24 can be realized as a detachable connection, so that in this case the golf club 1 is realized in two parts. By way of example, in the Figures 4 and 5schematically shows a connecting device 19, with which the end sections 14, 24 are detachably connected. The golf club 1 has a shaft 10 and a golf club handle 20, wherein the shaft 10 and the golf club handle 20, i.e. the connection of the end sections 14, 24, is realized as a detachable connecting device 19, e.g. as a screw connection. The end sections 14, 24 can be arranged overlapping one another along the club's longitudinal axis L or at a distance from one another that is determined by the connecting device 19. Alternatively, the golf club 1 can be realized in one piece, so that the end sections 14, 24 cannot be detachable from one another without destroying the golf club 1. In this case, which is shown in the Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the second end 12 of the shaft 10 and the second end 22 of the golf club grip 20 coincide.

[0055] The golf club grip 20 is formed from a material of appropriate strength. The material of the golf club grip 20 can be made of or consist of, for example, a metal, a precious wood, or a plastic. The golf club grip 20 can also comprise a combination of these or other materials.

[0056] According to the invention, the golf club grip device G comprises the golf club grip 20 and at least one coating layer 40 located thereon. Figures 1, 3, 4 and 51 shows a golf club 1 with a golf club grip device G, each of which has a single coating layer 40 according to the invention. Alternatively, the golf club 1 according to the invention can also have a plurality of coating layers 40. In this case, it can be provided according to the invention that the coating layers 40 are arranged one behind the other in the club's longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, it can be provided in particular that the coating layers 40 adjoin one another in the club's longitudinal axis L and contact one another at adjacent edge sections in order to thereby form a uniform overall coating layer that runs continuously in the club's longitudinal axis L. It can also be provided that a section of at least one of the coating layers 40 extends from the golf club grip 20 in the club's longitudinal axis L to a section of the shaft 10 and rests on the latter.

[0057] Furthermore, it can be provided that a plurality of coating layers 40 are provided, at least two of which lie one above the other and on top of each other in the radial direction. In particular, it can also be provided that coating layers 40 lying one above the other in sections are arranged such that a section of at least one of the coating layers 40 extends beyond another coating layer 40 in the club's longitudinal axis L and rests on the golf club grip device G or the shaft 10 in this region.

[0058] According to the invention, the golf club 1 can generally also have a combination of several coating layers 40, several of which are located one behind the other in the club's longitudinal axis L and several of which are located one above the other and on top of the other at least in sections in the radial direction.

[0059] The coating layers 40 mentioned herein are preferably arranged circumferentially on the respective section of the golf club 1 in the club's longitudinal axis L. A golf club 1, or a combination of several coating layers 40 of a golf club 1 according to the invention, which has a combination of several coating layers 40, can in particular be realized according to one of the coating layers 40 specifically described herein with their respective arrangement.

[0060] The respective coating layer 40 completely encloses the golf club handle 20 or its grip surface 26 in a circumferential direction U defined by the club's longitudinal axis L and a resulting radial direction with a thickness D and extends along the club's longitudinal axis L at least over a portion of the golf club handle 20. In the Figures 3 and 5In each case, a thickness D of the coating layer 40 is entered. The thickness D can be defined, in particular, as an average thickness in the extension of the coating layer 40 along the racket's longitudinal axis L. The thickness D can, in particular, have an amount that lies between 0.1 mm and 10 mm and preferably have an amount that lies between 0.1 mm and 5 mm.

[0061] Thus, it can be provided that, as the Figure 1shows, the at least one coating layer 40 extends at least over a partial section 28 of the intermediate section 27 of the golf club handle 20, wherein the coating layer 40 leaves the first end 21 free and does not cover it. The coating layer 40 does not form a cap and does not cover the first end 21 of the golf club handle 20. It can also be provided that the coating layer 40 does not cover the first end section 23 and thus leaves it uncovered or exposed. The length of the uncovered part of the first end section 23 extending in the club's longitudinal axis L can be defined by the requirements of the respective application. Alternatively, the coating layer 40, as shown in the Figures 1 and 32, be arranged on the golf club handle 20 such that at least one coating layer 40 terminates in the club longitudinal axis L with the first end 21 of the first end portion 23.

[0062] The embodiments of the golf club grip device G according to the invention or of the golf club 1 according to the invention with an arrangement and shape of the coating layer 40 on the golf club or golf club 1 or one of the golf club grip 20 that does not cover the first end portion 23 with the first end 21 can be achieved by using a piece of material in the shape of a tube section to manufacture the golf club or golf club 1 or the golf club grip device 20. This shape of a piece of material made of a shrinkable material is referred to herein as (A1).

[0063] Alternatively, an embodiment of the golf club grip device G according to the invention or of the golf club 1 according to the invention, with otherwise any other feature of the golf club grip device G or of the golf club 1 described herein, can be realized such that the coating layer 40 covers the first end 21 of the golf club grip 20 and in particular covers it in a cap-shaped manner. Such an embodiment is shown in the Figures 4 and 5 The embodiment of the golf club grip device G or the golf club 1 of the Figures 4 and 5 designed such that a first end portion 23 with the first end 21 of the golf club handle 20 is rounded and has a curved surface.

[0064] The embodiments of the golf club grip device G according to the invention or of the golf club 1 according to the invention with a covering layer 40 that covers or caps the first end 21 of the golf club grip 20 can be realized by using a piece of material made of a shrinkable material in the shape of a stocking, designated herein by (A2), or in the shape of a film section, designated herein by (A3), to manufacture the golf club 1 or the golf club grip 20. Such a stocking is a tubular piece of material, one of its two longitudinal ends of which is closed. These embodiments according to the invention have a covering layer 40 that is formed from or consists of a shrinkable material.

[0065] The golf club grip device G according to the invention or the golf club 1 according to the invention, with any other feature described herein, in particular any of the aforementioned features of the golf club grip device G or the golf club 1, can be realized in such a way that the coating layer 40 leaves the second end portion 24 of the golf club grip 20 uncovered or covers it.

[0066] In the case where the coating layer 40 covers the second end portion 24 of the golf club grip 20, it can be provided that the coating layer 40 extends beyond the second end portion 24 of the golf club grip 20 and also covers the second end portion 14 of the shaft 10 and optionally additionally covers a portion of the shaft 10.

[0067] According to the invention, the coating layer 40 and optionally a coating layer 40 of several coating layers 40 are each formed by a correspondingly provided piece of material being applied to the handle surface 26 by a shrinking process or being applied thereto and thereby adhering flatly at least to the handle surface 26 or at least to a partial section thereof. The coating layer 40 has a thickness D, which in the schematic representations of the Figures 3 and 5 is registered.

[0068] In order to apply the coating layer 40 to the handle surface 26 or to at least a section of a respective further coating layer 40, a piece of material made of shrinkable material is first arranged on or on the handle surface 26 to form the coating layer 40 in such a way that the piece of material extends at least over a section of the handle surface 26, which section extends in particular along the longitudinal axis L of the racket, and completely surrounds or runs around it in a circumferential direction. The circumferential direction is defined with respect to the longitudinal profile L of the racket, i.e. the circumferential direction is the circumferential direction of a fictitious circle whose center point lies on the longitudinal profile L of the racket and whose radial direction runs perpendicular to the longitudinal profile L of the racket, wherein the longitudinal profile L of the racket extends through the circle.

[0069] The piece of material for forming the coating layer 40 may in particular have one of the following shapes: (F1) the shape of a tube section, (F2) the shape of a stocking, (F3) the shape of a film section.

[0070] In the Figure 1 An embodiment of the golf club or golf club 1 according to the invention or of the golf club grip 20 according to the invention is shown, in the manufacture of which a tubular piece of shrinkable material in the form of a tube section was used. After positioning such a piece of material, a section of the golf club grip 20 protrudes with the first end section 23 beyond the coating layer 40 formed by the piece of material.

[0071] The embodiment of the golf club 1 according to the invention or of the golf club grip 20 according to the invention, for the manufacture of which a piece of shrinkable material in the form of a stocking was used, has a covering layer 40 that completely or substantially completely covers the first end portion 23, and optionally additionally the intermediate portion 27. The second end portion 24 does not necessarily have to be covered by the covering layer 40. However, the second end portion 24 can also be covered by the covering layer 40. An end portion of the shaft 10 can also be additionally covered by the covering layer 40.Accordingly, to produce the golf club 1 according to the invention, a piece of shrinkable material in the form of a stocking is placed over a corresponding section of the golf club grip 20 and optionally the second end section 14 of the shaft 10, so that the first end section 23 and preferably the intermediate section 27, optionally the second end section 24 and further optionally the second end section 14 of the shaft 10 is or are covered by the stocking-shaped piece of material. The piece of material surrounds the respective section of the golf club 1 in the direction defined with respect to the longitudinal course L of the club.

[0072] The arrangement of a piece of material in the form of a film section can be achieved by placing the film section on the grip surface 26 in such a way that the film section at least partially and in particular completely surrounds the grip surface 26 in the circumferential direction U of the golf club 1 and that of the golf club handle 20 and thereby extends along the club's longitudinal axis L at least over a section of the golf club handle 20. In the event that the piece of material of the golf club handle 20 completely surrounds, it can be provided that edge surfaces that are adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction U overlap in sections.

[0073] In general, it can be provided that the piece of material rests completely flat on the grip surface 26 or that the piece of material rests only at least one point or area on the grip surface 26. In this case, the internal tension in the circumferential direction is preferably very low or slight, and preferably so low that the piece of material does not adhere sufficiently stably to the grip surface 26 for use of the golf club 1 according to the invention in sports, i.e. in particular in the event of a collision between the golf club grip 20 and the respective playing equipment such as a ball.

[0074] In the next step in the production of the golf club 1 according to the invention or of the golf club grip 20, the piece of material made of shrinkable material is heated to a temperature within a range in which the piece of material made of shrinkable material experiences shrinkage until the piece of material adheres flatly to the grip surface 26 as a coating layer 40. This state is achieved by the piece of material encircling at least a portion of the golf club grip 20 when the internal tension in the circumferential direction U is sufficient for the piece of material to adhere sufficiently stably to the grip surface 26 for use of the golf club 1 according to the invention or the golf club grip 20 according to the invention in sports, i.e., in particular, no wrinkles form or a portion of the coating layer 40 shifts on the grip surface 26.

[0075] The piece of shrinkable material can be heated using a heat lamp.

[0076] In addition, it can be provided that after heating the coating layer 40, cooling of the coating layer 40 to a temperature in a temperature range is provided in which the extended state or shrinkage state of the piece of material made of shrinkable material or of the coating layer 40 is fixed.

[0077] According to the invention, a method for repairing a golf club or golf club 1 or a club head 30 of a golf club 1 is further provided, the method comprising the following steps: Heating at least one coating layer 40 and thereby reducing the stresses in the coating layer 40 which are directed in the direction of the circumferential direction U defined with respect to the longitudinal course L of the racket, so that an expanded piece of material is created, removing the at least one coating layer 40 by peeling the coating layer 40 off the handle surface (26).

[0078] In a further step, the golf club or golf club 1 according to the invention or the club head 30 according to the invention is manufactured according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0079] The material of the respective coating layer 40 and the material of the piece of material used for the golf club 1 according to the invention or the golf club grip 20 according to the invention or in the method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following material proportions: (M1) a portion of a polyolefin, (M2) a portion of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or a portion of Kynar, (M3) a portion of Viton, (M4) a portion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), (M5) a portion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0080] Independently of this or additionally, the shrinkable material of the piece of material used for the golf club or golf club 1 according to the invention or the golf club grip 20 according to the invention or in the method according to the invention, or the material of the respective coating layer (40) may comprise one or more of the following material components: (N1) a portion of olyolefin, (N2) a portion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), (N3) a portion of an elastomer, (N4) a portion of silicone, (N5) a portion of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

[0081] In particular, it can be provided that the piece of material for the golf club or golf club 1 according to the invention or the golf club handle 20 according to the invention or for producing the respective covering layer (40) made of shrinkable material or the covering layer (40) made of shrinkable material as a shrink braid formed from threads comprising a thermoplastic material or a material (M1), (M2), (M3), (M4), (M5) mentioned in claim 7.

[0082] In particular, it can be provided that the threads made of a shrinkable material additionally comprise at least one of the material (N1), (N2), (N3), (N4), (N5).

Claims

1. A golf club (1) comprising a shaft (10), a golf club grip device (G), and a club head (30), wherein the golf club grip device (G), the shaft (10), and the club head (30) are arranged one behind the other along a club longitudinal axis (L) of the golf club (1), wherein the golf club grip device (G) comprises: a golf club grip (20) and at least one coating layer (40) located thereon, wherein the golf club grip (20) has a grip surface (26), and wherein the coating layer (40) completely encloses the grip surface (26) in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the club longitudinal axis (L) and extends along the club longitudinal axis (L) at least over a portion of the club head (30) extending in the club longitudinal axis (L),wherein the at least one coating layer (40) is formed or consists of a shrinkable material and the material adheres to the handle surface (26) by a shrinking process.

2. The golf club (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one coating layer (40) is configured in one of the following ways: (A1) the coating layer (40) extends over a partial section of the golf club grip (20), leaving the first end section (23) of the golf club grip (20) formed in the club's longitudinal axis (L) exposed; (A2) the coating layer (40) extends over a partial section of the golf club grip (20) and the first end section (23) of the golf club grip (20) formed in the club's longitudinal axis (L).

3. Golf club (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one coating layer (40) is formed from a base layer and an adhesive arranged in at least a portion of the base layer, which adhesive is located on the grip surface (26), wherein the base layer is formed from a shrinkable material or consists of a shrinkable material.

4. Golf club (1) according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive is arranged on at least a portion of the inner surface of the at least one coating layer (40) facing the grip surface (26).

5. Golf club (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shrinkable material of the at least one coating layer (40) is formed from a thermoplastic material or consists of a thermoplastic material.

6. Golf club (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shrinkable material of the at least one coating layer (40) has one or more of the following material proportions: (M1) a proportion of a polyolefin, (M2) a proportion of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or a proportion of Kynar, (M3) a proportion of Viton, (M4) a proportion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), (M5) a proportion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), (N1) a proportion of olefin, (N2) a proportion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), (N3) a proportion of an elastomer, (N4) a proportion of silicone, (N5) a proportion of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP).

7. A golf club grip device (G), comprising a golf club grip (20) for a golf club (1) for attachment to a shaft (10), wherein the shaft (10) and the golf club grip (20) are arranged one behind the other along a club longitudinal axis (L) of the golf club (1), wherein the golf club grip device (G) comprises: a golf club grip (20) and at least one coating layer (40) located thereon, wherein the golf club grip (20) has a grip surface (26), and wherein the coating layer (40) completely surrounds the grip surface (26) in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the club longitudinal axis (L) and extends along the club longitudinal axis (L) at least over a portion of the club head (30) extending in the club longitudinal axis (L),wherein the at least one coating layer (40) is formed or consists of a shrinkable material and the material adheres to the handle surface (26) by a shrinking process.

8. The golf club grip device (G) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one coating layer (40) is configured in one of the following ways: (A1) the coating layer (40) extends over a partial section of the golf club grip (20), leaving the first end section (23) of the golf club grip (20) formed in the club's longitudinal axis (L) exposed; (A2) the coating layer (40) extends over a partial section of the golf club grip (20) and the first end section (23) of the golf club grip (20) formed in the club's longitudinal axis (L).

9. Golf club grip device (G) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 8, wherein the at least one coating layer (40) is formed from a base layer and an adhesive arranged in at least a portion of the base layer, wherein the base layer is formed from a shrinkable material or consists of a shrinkable material.

10. A method for producing a golf club (1) comprising a shaft (10) and a golf club grip device (G), wherein the shaft (10) and the golf club grip device (G) are arranged one behind the other along a club longitudinal axis (L) of the golf club (1), wherein the golf club grip device (G) comprises a golf club grip (20) with a grip surface (26), the method comprising the following steps: arranging at least one piece of shrinkable material at least on a portion of the grip surface (26), wherein the at least one piece of material encircles the grip base body (25) at least in sections in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the club's longitudinal extension (L) and thereby extends along the club's longitudinal axis (L) at least over a portion of the golf club grip (20), heating the at least one piece of shrinkable material to a temperature that lies in a range,in which the piece of shrinkable material undergoes shrinkage until the piece of material adheres flatly to the handle surface (26) as a coating layer (40).

11. A method for producing a golf club grip device (G) with a golf club grip (20) for a golf club (1), the method comprising the following steps: arranging at least one piece of shrinkable material on at least a portion of the grip surface (26) of the golf club grip (20) that extends along the club's longitudinal axis (L), wherein the at least one piece of material extends at least partially around the portion of the grip surface (26) in a circumferential direction defined with respect to the club's longitudinal axis (L) and thereby extends along the club's longitudinal axis (L) at least over a portion of the grip surface (26), heating the at least one piece of shrinkable material to a temperature that lies in a range in which the piece of shrinkable material undergoes shrinkage,until the piece of material adheres flatly to the handle surface (26) as a coating layer (40).

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein after heating the coating layer (40), cooling of the coating layer (40) to a temperature in a temperature range in which the shrinkage state is fixed is provided.

13. A method for repairing a golf club (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method comprises the following steps: heating the at least one coating layer (40) and thereby reducing the stresses in the coating layer (40) which are directed in the direction of the circumferential direction (U) defined with respect to the club's longitudinal axis (L), so that a piece of material is created which is expanded in terms of its areal extent, removing the at least one coating layer (40) by peeling the coating layer (40) off the surface of the grip surface (26) on which the coating layer (40) is located, producing a further golf club (1) according to claim 10 using a further piece of material made of shrinkable material.

14. A method for repairing a golf club grip device (G) with a golf club grip (20) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the method comprises the following steps: heating the at least one coating layer (40) and thereby reducing the stresses in the coating layer (40) which are directed in the direction of the circumferential direction (U) defined with respect to the club longitudinal axis (L), so that a piece of material is created which is expanded in terms of its areal extent, removing the coating layer (40) by peeling the coating layer (40) off the grip surface (26) of the grip base body (25), producing a further golf club grip (20) according to claim 11 using a further piece of material made of shrinkable material.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the at least one piece of shrinkable material for forming the respective covering layer (40) has one of the following shapes: (F1) the shape of a tube section, (F2) the shape of a stocking, (F3) the shape of a film section.

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