Golf club grip removal tool

Abstract

To provide a solution to significantly reduce the effort and time required to prepare a golf club for a new grip and improve the overall grip re-wrapping process.SOLUTION: A golf club grip removal tool 10 includes a water container 20, a base 16 removably supporting the water container, a heat source 60 for maintaining water in the water container at a substantially constant temperature, and a golf club support structure forming an opening for receiving at least a portion of a golf club shaft. The golf club support structure is configured to stably support the golf club shaft in the water container. The water container includes a removable lid portion 36 for limiting evaporation of water from the water container, and the lid portion forms part of the golf club support structure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 604,017, filed on November 29, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] In the sport of golf, maintaining peak grip performance of golf clubs is fundamental to maximizing a player's potential. Golf club grips need to be regularly replaced to perform at their best. Conventional grip attachment methods currently present several challenges in the grip rewrapping process. Typically, the removal of the grip and tape is considered a substantial obstacle to an efficient grip rewrapping process. Usually, golf grips are adhered to the club shaft with double-sided tape. Over time, the tape dries out and tends to be difficult to peel off. The dried tape is prone to tearing and leaving residues, which consume a significant amount of time and labor in the grip rewrapping process. Golf players tend to consider the step of peeling off the grip and tape to be the biggest hindrance in determining when to replace the grip.

[0003] Further improvements in the club grip rewrapping process are desired. Specifically, solutions are desired that significantly reduce the labor and time required to prepare a golf club for a new grip and improve the overall grip rewrapping process.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the invention disclosed herein are aimed at significantly reducing the problem of removing a worn grip and existing double-sided tape from a club shaft to prepare the club for a grip rewrapping process. In certain aspects, the concepts of the present invention can reduce the time to remove both the grip and the tape by at least 50% compared to conventional methods. Further, aspects of the invention described herein enable clubs to be processed in batches rather than individually.

[0005] According to certain inventive aspects, a worn grip of a golf club is submerged in a tank of preheated water. In certain preferred embodiments, the water is set to a temperature of about 170 degrees Fahrenheit (°F). In certain examples, the worn grip is submerged for at least 3 minutes. Submerging the worn grip in the preheated water for a predetermined time significantly facilitates the removal of the grip and tape from the club shaft.

[0006] According to one exemplary embodiment, aspects of the invention utilize a tool / device that can simultaneously submerge multiple club shafts. According to one example, the tool / device can simultaneously submerge or pre-treat all 13 clubs and putters. Typically, compared to conventional methods that use a heat gun to soften the tape adhesive of one club at a time, the solution of the present invention enables pre-treatment of multiple grips and significantly reduces the time of the grip rewrapping process (e.g., by more than 50%).

[0007] According to one aspect, this specification describes a golf club grip removal tool that includes a water container, a base for removably supporting the water container, a heat source for maintaining the water in the water container at a substantially constant temperature, and a golf club support structure that forms an opening for receiving at least a portion of the shaft of a golf club. The golf club support structure is configured to stably support the golf club shaft within the water container. According to a particular embodiment, the water container can include a removable lid for restricting evaporation of water from the water container, and the lid forms part of the golf club support structure.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for pre-treating a grip of a golf club for later removal. The method includes immersing the grip of the golf club that is removed from the shaft of the golf club within a water container, where the water within the water container is typically from about 150 degrees Fahrenheit to about 190 degrees Fahrenheit, and leaving the shaft of the golf club within the water container with the grip for at least about 3 minutes.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for removing a golf club grip from a shaft of a golf club. The method includes pre-treating to remove the golf club grip by immersing the golf club grip within a water container, where generally the water within the water container is from about 150 degrees Fahrenheit to about 190 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving the shaft of the golf club with the grip within the water container for at least about 3 minutes, removing the golf club shaft from the water container, and removing the grip from the shaft.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive aspects of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and serve to further explain the principles of the present disclosure in conjunction with the description. When considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, many other aspects of the present disclosure and the advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood as the present disclosure is better understood by reference to the following detailed description section.

[0011]

Figure 1A

[0012]

Figure 1B

[0013]

Figure 2

[0014]

Figure 3

[0015]

Figure 4

[0016]

Figure 5

[0017]

Figure 6

[0018]

Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present disclosure relates to embodiments of a golf club grip removal tool and methods of using the same.

[0020] Generally, according to certain aspects of the invention, a worn grip of a golf club is immersed in a tank of preheated water. In certain preferred embodiments, the water is set to a temperature of about 170 degrees Fahrenheit. The worn grip is immersed for at least 3 minutes in certain instances. Immersing the worn grip in the preheated water for a predetermined time significantly facilitates the removal of the grip and tape from the club shaft.

[0021] According to one embodiment, aspects of the invention utilize a tool / device that can simultaneously immerse multiple club shafts. According to one example, the tool can simultaneously immerse all 13 clubs and putters and perform pre-treatment. Generally, compared to conventional methods that use a heat gun to soften the tape adhesive of one club at a time, the solution of the present invention enables pre-treatment of multiple grips and significantly shortens the time of the grip rewrapping process (e.g., by more than 50%).

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, an example of a golf club grip removal tool 10 is illustrated. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the golf club grip removal tool 10 in a fully assembled state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf club grip removal tool 10 with a plurality of golf clubs 12 arranged for processing. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the grommet 46 of the tool 10 with a golf club 12 inserted therein. And FIG. 4 shows the golf club grip removal tool 10 in a disassembled configuration, showing the individual components of the tool 10.

[0023] As specifically shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, generally, the tool 10 is composed of an outer stand (i.e., base) 16 to provide stability to the tool 10. Also, the stand 16 provides portability and enables the tool 10 to be carried to various environments or venues (e.g., retail stores, pro shops, tour vans, etc.) where club grips may be regularly replaced.

[0024] The outer stand 16 forms a nest 18 for receiving a water container or tank 20. Also, the outer stand 16 forms a vertical support wall 22 to provide stability to the stand 16 when the water tank 20 is placed therein. The vertical support wall 22 forms a handle 24 adjacent to its upper end 26 to enable the tool 10 to be carried.

[0025] The water tank 20 supports heated water 28 during the use of the tool 10. The water tank 20 is removably placed on the stand 16, and the bottom / base 30 of the water tank 20 is supported by a flange 32 formed by the stand 16 when the water tank 20 is placed within the nest 18.

[0026] Also, the water tank 20 forms a handle 34 for its placement and removal during the assembly and disassembly of the tool 10.

[0027] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 4, the water tank 20 is provided with a removable tank lid 36. The tank lid 36 may be formed from a polymer structure. The tank lid 36 forms flexible latches 37 on its opposing sides. The flexible latches 37 are configured to snap onto a lip portion 39 formed around the opening of the water tank 20 to removably latch the lid 36 to the water tank 20. According to certain inventive aspects, the lid portion 36 restricts the evaporation of water from the water tank 20, although it does not completely seal the water tank 20.

[0028] As shown in the figure, the tank lid 36 is designed to form part of a two-piece club support structure 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the club support 38 is formed by the lid 36 and a generally U-shaped lower support structure 41 (e.g., formed of a metal structure according to one embodiment) attached to the lid 36. The lower support structure 41 is designed to fit within the water tank 20 during use of the tool 10. The lower support structure 41 can be removably attached to the lid 36 in various ways. According to a particular embodiment, the lower support structure 41 can include a function for snap-fitting to the lid 36. Also, according to other particular embodiments, the lower support structure 41 can be attached to the lid 36 via fasteners such as bolts.

[0029] As shown in the figure, the lid portion 36 of the club support 38 includes a plurality of openings 40 each for receiving a worn grip 42 of the club shaft 44. Each of the openings 40 is provided with a shaft grommet 46 for supporting and stabilizing the golf club 12 during use of the tool 10. Each grommet 46 forms a notch 48 for a flexible snap-in arrangement around the opening formed by the opening 40 of the lid portion 36 of the club support 38. For a different view of one of the grommets 46, see FIGS. 5-7.

[0030] Referring further to FIG. 4, as shown, the lower support structure 41 is spaced from and vertically aligned with corresponding openings 40 in the tank lid portion 36 to form openings 56 through which the golf club shaft 44 can be inserted and stabilized during use of the tool 10. Grommets similar to the grommets 46 provided in the tank lid 36 are also attached to the openings 56 of the lower support structure 41. The grommets 46 for the lower club support 41 each form a notch 48 for its flexible snap-in arrangement around the opening formed by the opening 56 of the lower club support 41, similar to the grommets for the lid 36.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the lower club support 41 forms 12 openings 56 that align with 12 openings 40 provided in the tank lid 36 to support 12 clubs 12 simultaneously. Also, as shown, the tank lid 36 includes two additional large / extra-large openings 40 adjacent to the back side of the lid 36. These extra-large openings 40 can be used to accommodate clubs 12 with large grips such as putters.

[0032] The water tank 20 houses the club support 38, and its lower part 41 is immersed in the water 28 during the operation of the tool 10. After the water tank 20 is filled with water 28, according to an aspect of the present invention, a heat source 60 is used to heat the water 28 to make the water temperature in the tank 20 substantially constant.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, a heat source 60 in the form of a submersible water heater / circulator can be used. The submersible type heater 60 can provide modularity and portability to the golf club grip removal tool 10 and can be easily transported.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 - 4, a cutout 62 for accommodating the submersible type heater 60 is formed in the lid portion 36 of the club support 38 when the heater 60 is disposed in the water tank 20. When the submersible type heater 60 is disposed in the water tank 20, the two-piece club support 38 gives stability to the heater 60 and supports the heater 60, while the heater 60 operates to heat the water 28 and circulate the water 28 to keep the temperature substantially constant.

[0035] As shown, the submersible heater 60 is provided with an operation switch 64 and a handle 66 for operation.

[0036] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 1-7 of the present application, during the use of the tool 10, when the tool 10 is assembled and the water tank 20 is filled with water 28, the heat source 60 is used to raise and maintain the water temperature to approximately 170 degrees F, preferably by a thermostat. By using a heat source 60 such as a submerged heater / circulator which is a temperature probe type heater, the heated water 28 constantly circulates around the water tank 20, limiting the large temperature gradient within the water tank 20 and enabling stable performance.

[0037] In the tool 10 of the present invention, a temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit is specified. However, in certain embodiments, the water temperature may be between 150 degrees Fahrenheit and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. In other embodiments, the water temperature may be between 160 degrees Fahrenheit and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0038] When the water temperature reaches the desired level, all golf club shafts 44 are passed through grommets 46 of the spaced-apart and aligned openings 40 / 56 provided by the tank lid 36 and the lower support structure 41 attached thereto. The operator can insert each club 12 into the associated pair of grommets 46 until the cap of the grip 42 hits the base 30 of the water tank 20 while the grip 42 of the club is supported by the club support 38.

[0039] It should be noted that for the device 10 to function properly, it is not necessary for the grip 42 of the club 12 to be completely submerged in the water tank 20. As long as at least most of the grip 42 is submerged in the water, the device 10 will function as intended. According to one example, the device 10 can function properly if substantially the entire grip except for the last 1 inch is submerged.

[0040] The above process can be repeated for all clubs 12 to have their grips rewrapped. Once the worn grip 42 has been immersed for a predetermined time (preferably at least 3 minutes), the operator can remove each club 12 and cut the grip 42 in a standard manner, repeating this process until all grips 42 and tape have been removed. The time for immersing the grip 42 is specified as at least 3 minutes, but in other embodiments, depending on the water temperature, a time of at least 2 to 2.5 minutes is sufficient.

[0041] By immersing the worn grip 42 in water 28 at approximately 170 degrees Fahrenheit for at least about 3 minutes, it has been found that the grip 42 itself and the tape / adhesive on the shaft 44 significantly soften, reducing the time and effort required to remove the grip 42 and the tape. Also, by pretreating all golf clubs 12 simultaneously, the resources required are significantly reduced compared to rewrapping the grips of the clubs 12 one by one.

[0042] When the tool / device 10 is used for pretreatment for rewrapping the grip of a golf shaft 44, the heat source 60 can be turned off.

[0043] To transport the tool 10, typically the water 28 is removed from the water tank 20. The submersible type heater 60 can be placed within the water tank 20 and held in a predetermined position by the club support 38 during transportation. This allows the tool 10 to be safely transported when used in a mobile environment such as a tour van.

[0044] The examples in the above specification provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the present disclosure. Since many embodiments of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the aspects of the invention, the aspects of the invention are included in the claims appended below.

Claims

1. A golf club grip removal tool, comprising: A water container; a base for removably supporting the water container; a heat source for maintaining water in the water container at a substantially constant temperature; wherein the golf club support structure defines an opening for receiving at least a portion of a golf club shaft, the golf club support structure being configured to stably support the golf club shaft within the water container.

2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1 , wherein the golf club support structure is configured to stably support a plurality of golf club shafts within the water container.

3. 2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1, wherein the golf club support structure defines a plurality of openings, each opening adapted to receive a shaft of a respective golf club.

4. 2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1, wherein the opening for receiving the shaft of the golf club forms a flexible grommet that frictionally holds the shaft of the golf club securely.

5. 2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1, wherein the base forms a handle for carrying the tool.

6. 2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1, wherein the heat source is formed by a removable heater that is removable from the water container.

7. 7. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 6, wherein the removable heater is formed by a temperature probe type heater.

8. 8. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 7, wherein the temperature probe type heater is formed by a sous-vide type heater.

9. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1 , wherein the golf club support structure is at least partially disposed within the water container.

10. 2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1, wherein the golf club support structure is constructed at least in part from metal.

11. 2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1, wherein the water container forms a handle for carrying the tool.

12. 2. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 1, wherein the water container includes a removable lid for limiting evaporation of water from the water container.

13. 13. The golf club grip removal tool of claim 12, wherein the removable lid forms a portion of the golf club support structure such that the removable lid defines an opening for receiving at least a portion of a shaft of a golf club.

14. 1. A method for preparing a golf club grip for subsequent removal, comprising: immersing a golf club grip, which is removed from a golf club shaft, in a water container, the water in said water container typically being at about 150 degrees Fahrenheit to about 190 degrees Fahrenheit; The method includes leaving the shaft of the golf club together with the grip in the water container for a minimum of about three minutes.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising maintaining the water in the water container at a substantially constant temperature during immersion of the golf club grip.

16. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising maintaining the temperature of the water in the water container at a substantially constant temperature via a heat source during the pre-treatment of the golf club grip.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising using a removable heater in the water container as a heat source to maintain a substantially constant water temperature.

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the removable heater is a sous vide type heater.

19. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising immersing a plurality of golf club grips in the water container and allowing each golf club shaft to remain in the water container for a minimum of about three minutes before removing.

20. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the water in the water container is normally at about a temperature of about 160 degrees Fahrenheit to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the water in the water container is normally at about a temperature of about 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

22. 1. A method for removing a golf club grip from a golf club shaft, comprising: preparing the golf club grip for removal by immersing the golf club grip in a water container, the water in the water container typically being between about 150 degrees Fahrenheit and about 190 degrees Fahrenheit; leaving the shaft of the golf club together with the grip in the water container for a minimum of about three minutes; The method includes removing the golf club shaft from the water container and removing the grip from the shaft.

23. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising pre-treating a plurality of golf club grips simultaneously by immersing the golf club grips in the water container and leaving the shaft of each golf club in the water container for at least about three minutes and then removing one of the golf club shafts from the water container and detaching the grip from the shaft.

24. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising maintaining the temperature of the water in the water container at a substantially constant temperature via a heat source during the pre-treatment of the golf club grip.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising using a removable heater in the water container as a heat source to maintain a substantially constant water temperature.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the removable heater is a sous vide type heater.

27. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the water in the water container is normally at about a temperature of 160 degrees to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the water in the water container is normally at about a temperature of about 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Images