Golf club grips, and golf clubs

Abstract

We provide golf club grips and golf clubs that are easy to use not only for beginners and intermediate players, but also for advanced players. [Solution] The grip weighs 25-150g, and its center of gravity is located in the range of 66-85% from the tip of the head. Compared to conventional grips, where the center of gravity is at 60%, the center of gravity of a golf club using the present invention's grip is closer to the hand. The center of gravity can be changed by changing the material of the golf grip. Note that the material of the grip end is often different, so the material is changed in the part that faces the side of the golf shaft. Changing the material also allows for a change in the surface friction coefficient, as described later. Note that the golf grip can also be made into separate parts for the head side and the grip end side. In this case, the center of gravity can be determined as an integrated unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a grip of a golf club and a golf club.

Background Art

[0002] A plurality of golf grips having different weights and lengths are prepared according to the golf club. The center of gravity and spin effect of a golf club vary depending on the weight and center of gravity point of the golf shaft itself, the weights and center of gravity points of the grip and head, the hardness of the shaft, and the torque. The conventional golf club disclosed in Patent Document 1 focuses on the center of gravity of the entire club. There is no indication of the center of gravity point of the golf club shaft alone. However, the center of gravity is also focused on in iron golf clubs, and the position of the center of gravity is generally set at a position of 76.5% to 79.5% closer to the head side with respect to the total length of the golf club.

[0003] FIG. 6 shows a grip of a conventional golf club. In the grip 1 of a golf club having a total length of 270 mm, the center of gravity point G0 is at a position 63% from the tip on the head side. Thus, due to the shape in which the grip end side becomes thicker while being formed of a uniform material, the position of the center of gravity of the conventional golf club grip is at a position of 63% from the tip on the head side, and at most 60 - 65% including errors.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regardless of the material, the center of gravity of golf clubs, including irons and woods, is located towards the head side relative to the club's overall length, with the exception of shorter clubs. Traditionally, golf club shafts were primarily made of steel, making it impossible to adjust the center of gravity of the shaft alone. Therefore, adjustments could only be made to the center of gravity of the entire golf club. As a result, the center of gravity was generally located at approximately 76.5% to 79.5% of the club's total length, closer to the head.

[0006] Thus, when the center of gravity is positioned closer to the head of the golf club relative to its overall length, the club feels heavier when swung, making it difficult to control and maintain consistency. Furthermore, the grip of a golf club is necessary not only for preventing slippage but also to cushion the impact from the shaft during impact. Grips have been viewed solely as a means of cushioning and preventing slippage during impact, and the position of the center of gravity has not been deemed necessary to change, as it is thought to be naturally determined by the material and shape.

[0007] This invention provides a golf club grip that attaches to a golf shaft, and a golf club, that is easy to use not only for beginners and intermediate players, but also for advanced players. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has a weight of 25 to 150 g and a configuration in which the center of gravity is located in the range of 66 to 85% from the tip of the head. In the above configuration, the grip weighs 25 to 150g, and the center of gravity is located in the range of 66 to 85% from the tip of the head. Compared to conventional grips, where the center of gravity is at 60%, the center of gravity of a golf club using the golf grip of the present invention is closer to the hands.

[0009] Furthermore, in this invention, the main composition on the head side and the main composition on the end side have different configurations. The center of gravity can be changed by changing the material of the golf grip. Note that the material of the grip end is often different, so the material is changed in the part that faces the side of the golf shaft. The main composition of the head side and the main composition of the end side are different, and the center of gravity can be changed by making the main composition of the head side lighter and the main composition of the end side heavier. Changing the material also allows for a change in the surface friction coefficient, as will be discussed later. This also includes separating the golf grip into a head-side portion and a grip-end portion. In this case, the center of gravity can be determined as if it were a single, integrated unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention is configured such that the center of gravity is located in the range of 66-80% from the tip of the head. Furthermore, the present invention is configured such that the coefficient of friction of the surface is smaller at the tip side than at the end side, at least in the range from the tip of the head side up to 40% and at least in the range from the end side up to 60%. Furthermore, the present invention is configured such that the coefficient of friction of the surface is smaller at the tip side than at the end side, at least in the range from the tip of the head side up to 30% and at least in the range from the end side up to 70%.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention is configured such that the surface of at least 40% of the tip on the head side is made of leather or synthetic leather, and the surface of at least 60% of the end side is made of rubber or silicone. Furthermore, the present invention is designed so that the leather or synthetic leather on the head side is lighter than the rubber or silicone on the end side. Furthermore, the present invention has a grip that weighs 25 to 150 g and has a center of gravity located in the range of 66 to 85% from the tip of the head, and is configured so that the center of gravity is located at a position that is 50% or more of the way towards the grip side relative to the total length of the golf club. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, with a single grip, the center of gravity can be shifted toward the grip end side, and the center of gravity of the entire club can be moved toward the grip end side. Since the center of gravity position of the golf club is brought closer to the hand, the operability and reproducibility when swinging the golf club are improved. On the other hand, if counterbalancing is applied, the center of gravity can be shifted toward the grip end side, but the weight of the entire club increases. In the present invention, the center of gravity is moved toward the grip end side without changing the weight of the single grip.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing a grip of a golf club according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing a grip of a golf club according to a specific example of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram showing a grip of a golf club according to a specific example of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing a grip of a golf club according to a specific example of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing a golf club to which the grip of the golf club is applied. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing a grip of a conventional golf club.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] [[ID=X32]] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a grip of a golf club according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the grip 10 of the golf club of the present invention has a tip diameter of 15 to 16 mm and a weight of 40 to 100 g (±3 g). The position of the center of gravity of this grip 10 is at a position of 66% to 85% from the tip of the grip, that is, from the head side.

[0015] However, it is not easy to move the center of gravity point to the grip end side without increasing the weight of the grip alone. More realistically, the position of the center of gravity point of the grip of the present invention may be in the range of 66% to 80% from the head side. Since the position of the center of gravity point is quite close to the end side of the entire length of the grip, the sense of stability of the swing is improved. In moving the center of gravity point to the grip end side in this way, it is preferable to move the center of gravity point without increasing the overall weight.

[0016] As an example of the method, what is shown in FIG. 2 has a partially different material for the composition of the grip 20, that is, in the longitudinal direction. That is, the head side region 21 is formed of a light composition, and the grip end side region 22 is formed of a heavy composition.

[0017] Also, what is shown in FIG. 3 forms one grip 30 by intertwining two compositions 31 and 32 with different specific gravities like a double screw. In this case, rather than the material changing in the longitudinal direction, the center of gravity point is moved by partially changing the composition ratio. That is, on the head side, the composition ratio of the composition 32 is larger than that of the composition 31, and on the grip end side, the composition ratio of the composition 31 is larger than that of the composition 32. Even in this way, it can be said that the main composition on the head side is different from the main composition on the end side.

[0018] Furthermore, in parallel with these, for example, when forming anti-slip grooves on the surface, making the grooves larger on the head side and smaller on the grip end side also contributes to the movement of the center of gravity point. Specifically, by making the head side a so-called concave finish and the grip end side a so-called convex finish, the center of gravity point can be moved to the grip end side.

[0019] Next, what is shown in FIG. 4 schematically shows a grip of a golf club with a partially different surface material. In this grip 40, the surface material of the tip side 41 of the grip 40 is leather or synthetic leather, while the grip end side 42 is made of rubber or silicone. Changing the surface material also contributes to shifting the center of gravity towards the grip end. In this example, the leather or synthetic leather only needs to be lighter in weight than the rubber product at the grip end.

[0020] In addition to shifting the center of gravity, adding a second surface material to the tip of the grip—such as leather or synthetic leather—to the head side contributes to improved control stability. A preference was found for using leather for the tip section 41 of the grip 40, rather than rubber for its non-slip properties, in order to enhance the subtle feel of the fingertips. Specifically, it is difficult to feel the smooth flow of the swing with the fingertips using rubber products.

[0021] Just as a smooth steering wheel operation in a car is essential for a golf swing, we've confirmed that using leather products in the areas where your fingertips make contact helps facilitate a smooth grip, resulting in a comfortable feel for your fingertips and palms. As a concrete example of appealing to the senses, the head side may be made of leather or synthetic leather, but the coefficient of friction of the surface may be made different between the head side and the end side, with the tip side having a lower coefficient of friction. Specifically, this can be achieved by changing the material or altering the anti-slip pattern on the surface.

[0022] To facilitate the shift in the center of gravity, for example, the coefficient of friction of the surface should be smaller on the tip side in the range up to 40% from the tip of the head and up to 60% from the end. If necessary, the coefficient of friction of the surface may also be smaller on the tip side in the range up to 30% from the tip of the head and up to 70% from the end.

[0023] Incidentally, in sports like sumo wrestling and golf, stability of the center of gravity (hip position) is more important than weight gain. Similarly, in golf clubs, changes in the center of gravity, rather than the weight of the shaft, contribute significantly to swing stability and are extremely important factors. In the case of golf clubs, the swing involves complex rotational movements, so we confirmed that prioritizing the stability (maneuverability) of the shaft at the grip, which is a crucial point of contact between the golf club and the body, is particularly beneficial.

[0024] However, the heavier the overall grip becomes, the closer the center of gravity of the golf club moves to the hands, reaching the ideal position. In this case, the center of gravity is closer to the ideal, but not only does the overall weight of the grip increase, but the entire club also becomes heavier, which reduces swing speed. Also, because the center of gravity of the club moves even closer to the head, not only is the controllability unstable, but the distance also becomes unstable.

[0025] Furthermore, not only does it reduce swing speed, but prolonged periods of swinging also deplete physical energy, resulting in inconsistent distance and direction. This invention makes the swing easier and improves not only maneuverability but also distance by making the grip, which is conventionally used by golfers, lighter while shifting the club's center of gravity towards the grip end.

[0026] In other words, while keeping the weight as light as possible, if the center of gravity is not positioned towards the grip end, not only will the maneuverability decrease, but the distance will also suffer. Furthermore, the operability of a golf club is strongly influenced not only by the center of gravity of the shaft itself, but also by the subtle sensibilities of each golfer's fingertips and palms. Therefore, in addition to the weight and feel of the shaft, we also focused on the center of gravity of the grip and the two different textures of rubber and leather materials.

[0027] Thus, this invention not only addresses the center of gravity but also designs the hand's slippage during the swing by separating it into palm and fingertip sections. We felt that improvements were needed to the surface of the grip itself, separating it into palm and fingertip sections. Specifically, the area from the tip (50-70%) where the thumb, index finger, and middle finger make contact should be made of a plain, smooth, and lightweight material. This is because many people are dexterous with their fingertips, and unnecessary force is often applied to the flow of the swing, so it is necessary to make them as slippery as possible.

[0028] On the other hand, the remaining rear end section should have an uneven surface, and it is desirable to design it using a hard material on one side and a soft material on the other. This will minimize slippage in the palm of the hand, resulting in a grip that allows for more stable and less wobbling force during operation, and a smoother flow.

[0029] The following are suitable grips for use on the shafts of the golf clubs described above. The measured values ​​for the golf club grip in this embodiment are as follows: • Total grip weight: 25-150g • The center of gravity is located within a range of 65-80% (±1mm) from the tip. • 60-70% of the rear end of the grip is made of rubber-related material. • The grip's tip, covering 30-40% of the area, uses leather-related materials, including synthetic leather.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a golf club with a golf club grip applied. Assume that the grip 51 of this golf club 50 has no increase in weight, and that the center of gravity Gg1 has shifted closer to the grip end than the center of gravity Gg0 of a conventional grip. Consequently, the center of gravity of the golf club 50, which is fitted with this grip 51, which was previously at center of gravity point Gc0, shifts to center of gravity point Gc1 as the center of gravity moves without any increase in weight due to the grip 51. This Golf Club 50 has a weight of 25-150g and features a grip where the center of gravity is located 66-85% of the way from the tip of the head, with the center of gravity positioned more than 50% of the way from the grip relative to the total length of the golf club.

[0031] By applying this invention, instead of achieving a center of gravity near the hands solely through the golf club shaft, the effect of a hand-centered center of gravity can be achieved by concentrating the center of gravity near the hands together with the grip.

[0032] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It goes without saying that those skilled in the art will understand this, • Apply the mutually interchangeable components and configurations disclosed in the above embodiments by appropriately changing their combinations. • Although not disclosed in the above embodiments, it is possible to appropriately substitute and modify the combinations of publicly known components and components that are interchangeable with those disclosed in the above embodiments. • Although not disclosed in the above embodiments, the members and components that a person skilled in the art could conceive of as substitutes for the members and components disclosed in the above embodiments based on prior art, etc., may be appropriately substituted, and their combinations may be modified for application. This is disclosed as one embodiment of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 10...Grip, 20...Grip, 21...Head side area, 22...Grip end side area, 30...Grip, 31,32...Composition, 40...Grip, 41...Tip side, 42...Grip end side, 50...Golf club, 51...Grip.

Claims

1. A golf club grip characterized by a weight of 25-150g and a center of gravity located 66-85% of the way from the tip of the club head.

2. The grip for a golf club according to claim 1, characterized in that the main composition on the head side and the main composition on the end side are different.

3. The grip for a golf club according to claim 1, characterized in that the center of gravity is located in the range of 66-80% from the tip of the head.

4. The grip for a golf club according to claim 1, characterized in that the coefficient of friction of the surface is smaller at the tip side than at the head side, in a range of at least up to 40% from the tip and at least up to 60% from the end side.

5. The grip for a golf club according to claim 4, characterized in that the coefficient of friction of the surface is smaller at the tip side than at the head side, in a range of at least up to 30% from the tip and at least up to 70% from the end side.

6. The grip for a golf club according to claim 1, characterized in that the surface of at least 40% of the grip from the head end is made of leather or synthetic leather, and the surface of at least 60% of the grip from the end end is made of rubber or silicone.

7. The grip for a golf club according to claim 6, characterized in that the leather or synthetic leather on the head side is lighter than the rubber or silicone on the end side.

8. A golf club characterized by having a weight of 25 to 150 grams, a grip with a center of gravity located 66 to 85% of the way from the tip of the head, and a center of gravity located at a position 50% or more of the way towards the grip relative to the total length of the golf club.

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