Reinforced golf grip

Abstract

A golf grip for a golf club includes a grip body formed of an elastomeric material that defines a hollow cavity for receiving a butt end of a golf club shaft of the golf club and an opening via which the butt end of the golf club shaft is inserted into the cavity. The golf grip also includes a plurality of stiffening fibers embedded into the elastomeric material of the grip body. The stiffening fibers are arranged about a longitudinal axis of the golf grip and are configured to enhance a stiffness of the golf club grip and to enhance a stiffness of the golf club shaft onto which it is installed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Provisional Application No. 63 / 791,846 filed Apr. 21, 2025, and titled “Reinforced Golf Grip.” The entire contents of the above-referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The flex of a golf club shaft plays an important role in ball flight and overall performance. During the downswing, the shaft can bend backward which stores energy like a spring. This energy can then be converted to kinetic energy at impact. This stored energy is released as the head of the golf club approaches the golf ball during the swing which causes the shaft to spring, or "kick," forward. This kick forward adds club head speed, which can increase the distance that the golf ball is hit. However, the difficulty lies in matching the flexibility of the shaft to a golfer’s swing characteristics, such as swing speed and swing tempo, so that the face of the club head is square with the golf ball at impact. A shaft that is too flexible for a player's swing can cause the club head to close (i.e., turn too far at impact), resulting in a hook. Conversely, a shaft that is too stiff can cause the club head to remain open (i.e. not turn far enough), resulting in a slice.

[0003] Golf club shafts are made with different flex characteristics by varying the materials, thicknesses, and construction techniques used in the shaft. This enables golf club shafts to be manufactured with different flex ratings, e.g., regular, stiff, extra-stiff, etc. However, due to the wide variation in golfer’s swing speeds and swing tempos, golfers typically must select golf clubs or shafts off the shelf with the flex characteristics the golfer believes is appropriate for their golfing style. This can result in the golf club shaft not being ideal for their swing. In addition, even if a golfer can find a golf club or golf club shaft that is ideal for their swing characteristics, the golfer's skill level and preferences can change over time which can result in a golf club’s flex characteristics no longer being suitable for the golfer's swing. In either case, golfers are typically left with the choice of using the golf club as is and attempting to adjust their swing to match the flex characteristics of the golf club or trying to find and purchase a new golf club or golf club shaft that has flex characteristics that better matches their swing. Buying new clubs or having golf clubs re-shafted are both costly options which may be prohibitively expensive for some golfers.

[0004] Hence, what is needed is a way to modify the flex characteristics of the shaft of a golf club without having to purchase a new golf club or shaft and without having to disassemble and reassemble the golf club.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a golf club on which the modified golf grip according to this disclosure may be utilized.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf grip of FIG. 1 taken along lines 1—1.

[0008] FIGS. 3-6 show various example implementations of modified golf grips with different arrangements of stiffening fiber strands.

[0009] FIG. 7 shows an example implementation of a modified golf grip including chopped stiffening fibers.

[0010] FIG. 8 shows an example implementation of a modified golf grip including stiffening fiber strands and chopped stiffening fibers.

[0011] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of an example method of manufacturing a modified golf grip according to this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 10 shows an example implementation of a modified grip according to this disclosure used with a baseball bat.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Golfers of all skill levels are continually striving to increase the distance and accuracy of their golf shots. One strategy for accomplishing this goal focuses on customizing the flexibility of a golf club’s shaft. A shaft's flexibility (flex) dictates how much the shaft bends during a swing. As a player initiates their downswing, the head end of the shaft will bend away from the ball in opposition to the forced movement of the club. By bending, the shaft stores energy in the manner of a spring. Immediately after the player achieves their peak swing acceleration, the stored energy in the bent shaft is released which causes the shaft to "kick" forward to return the shaft to its relaxed (i.e., straight) position. This “kicking” of the shaft increases the velocity of the club head along the swing arc toward the golf ball.

[0014] In order to achieve ideal impact conditions with the golf ball, the club head should be traveling at its peak velocity, and the club face should be square with the golf ball at the moment of impact. A shaft that is properly matched to a player's swing characteristics, such as swing speed and swing tempo, will kick at the correct time and will have returned to a substantially straight position at impact, indicating that the maximum amount of stored energy has been transferred from the shaft to the ball. Conversely, a shaft that is not properly matched to a player's swing characteristics will not kick at the correct time and result in the club face not being square with the ball at impact.

[0015] For example, if a player uses a shaft that is too flexible for their particular swing, the shaft will kick prematurely and will flex past a straight position before contact, thereby causing the shaft to be bent toward the ball at the time of impact. The result is a club face that is decelerating, overly closed (i.e., turned toward the ball), and excessively lofted when it meets the ball. As a result, the ball will tend to fly too high, to the left of the intended target (for a right-handed player), and short. If a player uses a shaft that is too stiff for their swing, the shaft will kick too late and will be bent away from the ball at the time of impact. The result is a club face that is open, shallow, and that has yet to reach its maximum potential velocity. As a result, the ball will tend to fly too low, to the right of the intended target (for a right-handed player), and short.

[0016] Another characteristic that may be considered when selecting a shaft for a golf club is the shaft kick point. The shaft kick point refers to the location along the shaft where it flexes the most during a swing, significantly impacting ball flight. Shafts may be designed to have a kick point at various respective locations along their length, such as a low, mid or high kick point. A shaft with a low kick point (closer to the club head) tends to launch the ball higher, while a high kick point (closer to the grip) leads to a lower trajectory and more control. A mid kick point provides a balance between launch height and control. Accordingly, a golfer may choose a golf club shaft with a kick point in a particular location to complement their swing tendencies, swing speed and golf skill.

[0017] Golf club shafts are made with different flex characteristics by varying the materials, thicknesses, and construction techniques used in the shaft. This enables a wide variety of flex ratings and kick point locations. However, these shafts are often manufactured based on predetermined specifications which requires golfers to select golf clubs or shafts off the shelf with the particular flex characteristics the golfer deems appropriate for their golfing style. As a result, the shaft a golfer selects often is not an ideal match to the golfer's swing. In addition, even if a golfer finds a golf club shaft that is an ideal match for their swing, the golfer's skill level and preferences may change over time which can result in the shaft's flex characteristics no longer being suitable for the golfer's current swing. As such, the golfer may be compelled to purchase a new set of clubs or to disassemble and reassemble their clubs using new components. Both of these options can be expensive.

[0018] The present disclosure provides a solution to the problem of finding a way to adjust the flex characteristics of the shaft of a golf club without having to purchase a new golf club or shaft and without having to disassemble and reassemble the golf club. The solution involves the use of a modified golf grip that has been reinforced by embedding stiffening fibers into the grip that increase the stiffness of the grip relative to standard elastomer golf grips (i.e., golf grips without stiffening fibers). When the modified golf grip is installed on the shaft of a golf club, the stiffness of the modified golf grip augments the stiffness of the grip portion of the shaft. This can increase the stiffness of the shaft and also alter the location of the kick point on the shaft.

[0019] The modified golf grip is formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, or a combination of an elastomeric material and other materials, such as interwoven strands of cotton fibers (e.g., cord grips). The stiffening fibers comprise para-aramid synthetic fibers, fiberglass, and / or carbon fibers, or any other suitable type of fiber. The fibers may comprise strands of stiffening material which can be arranged axially in the golf grip (i.e., parallel to the axis of the golf grip and golf club shaft), transversely in the golf grip (i.e., perpendicular to the axis of the golf grip and golf club shaft), and / or at an angle in the golf grip (i.e., in a twisting fashion about the axis of the golf grip and golf club shaft). The golf grip is designed to slide onto the butt end of a golf club shaft and be secured thereto by a suitable type of adhesive. In some implementations, stiffening fibers may be chopped into small pieces and added to the elastomeric material used to form the grip. Different chopped fiber materials, sizes and / or shapes or combinations of these may be used to impart different stiffness characteristics to the grip. Chopped stiffening fibers may be used as an alternative to strands to add stiffness to the grip. In some implementations, stiffening fiber strands and chopped stiffening fibers may be used in conjunction to impart desired stiffening characteristics to a grip.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an example golf club 100 that includes a modified golf grip 102 in accordance with this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the golf club 100 includes a golf club head 104 and a golf club shaft 106. The club head 104 is the part of the club that is swung at a golf ball. The club head 104 includes a flat club face 108 which is the part intended to make contact with the golf ball. The golf club shaft 106 comprises a long, slender rod-like component having a tip end 110 and a butt end 112. The tip end 110 is connected to the golf club head 104 via a hosel 114. The modified golf grip 102 is attached to the butt end 112 of the golf club shaft 106. The configurations of the golf club head 104 and the golf club shaft 106 depend on the type of club being implemented. The golf club 100 can be, for example, a driver, wood, iron, or wedge. The shaft 106 may be made from a hard material such as, for example, aluminum, steel, titanium, plastic, and / or a composite of these materials. The shaft 106 is made with predetermined flex characteristics, such as flex rating (e.g., regular, stiff, extra-stiff, and the like) and kick point location 116.

[0021] The modified golf grip 102 includes a plurality of stiffening fibers 118. In this example, the fibers 118 are embedded in the golf grip 102 extending axially from one end of the grip to the other. The fibers 118 are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the golf club shaft 106 and are evenly spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance about the golf club shaft 106. The size (i.e., diameter or thickness), number, and spacing of fibers 118 can be selected depending on the desired level of stiffness to impart to the golf grip 102 and in turn the golf club shaft 106. Any suitable size, number, and spacing of fibers may be used.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the modified golf grip 102 and golf club shaft 106 taken along lines 1---1 of FIG. 1. The modified golf grip 102 includes a grip body having an inner layer 200, an outer layer 202, and the stiffening fibers 118. The inner layer 200 includes an inner surface 206 which is adhered to an outer surface 208 of the golf club shaft 106. The inner layer 200 may be formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber. The outer layer 202 includes an outer surface 210 which forms the gripping surface for the golf grip 102. As such, the outer surface 210 may include grip enhancing features, such as protrusions and / or recesses (not shown) for enhancing a golfer's grip. The stiffening fibers 118 are embedded in the golf grip 102 between the inner and outer layers 200, 202. The stiffening fibers 118 can be para-aramid synthetic fibers, fiberglass, and / or carbon fibers, or any other suitable type of fiber. The fibers 118 are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other about the circumference of the golf club shaft. The size, number, and spacing of fibers 118 can be selected depending on the desired level of stiffness to impart to the golf grip and in turn the golf club shaft. Any suitable size, number and spacing of fibers may be used.

[0023] As noted above, the stiffening fibers 118 may comprise strands of stiffening material. The strands may extend longitudinally from one end of the grip body to the other, as shown in FIG. 1. In some implementations, multiple strands may be combined to form a single strand, e.g., by twisting or braiding. In some implementations, shorter strands may be used which extend less than the full length of the grip body. In this case, multiple strands can be aligned end to end to form a column of strands that extend the full length of the grip body. Alternatively, shorter strands can be spaced apart from each other axially and / or circumferentially to form a predetermined pattern within the grip body. Any suitable number and / or arrangement of stiffening strands may be used.

[0024] In some implementations, the inner layer 200 and the outer layer 202 are molded as a unitary component, e.g., using a compression molding or injection molding process. In this implementation, the stiffening fibers 118 can be retained in designated positions within the mold prior to molten elastomeric grip material being introduced into the mold. In other implementations, the inner layer 200 and outer layer 202 may be formed as separate layers which are subsequently bonded together after the stiffening fibers 118 have been sandwiched therebetween. When the inner and outer layers 200, 202 are provided as separate layers, the layers may be formed with different materials or combinations of materials to provide the inner and outer layers with desired characteristics.

[0025] FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 show examples of how strands of stiffening fibers can be arranged in the modified golf grip to augment the stiffness of the grip and in turn the golf club shaft on which the grip is installed. FIG. 3 shows an example golf grip 300 in which strands of stiffening fibers 302 are arranged axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the golf grip 300, similar to the golf grip 102 of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 shows an example golf grip 400 in which strands of stiffening fibers 402 are arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the golf grip 400. FIG. 5 shows an example golf grip 500 in which strands of stiffening fibers 502 are arranged at an angle such that the fibers 502 are twisted about the longitudinal axis. The fiber arrangements of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be used to augment the torsional stiffness of the golf club shaft. Fibers can be arranged in any suitable configuration or combination of configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, axial 302, transverse 402, and / or angled fibers 502 can be used in conjunction with each other in a golf grip 600.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 7, chopped stiffening fibers 702 may be used as an alternative or in addition to strands of stiffening fibers to impart desired stiffness characteristics to a golf grip 700. Chopped stiffening fibers may have any suitable size (i.e., length and width / diameter) and may be added at any suitable proportion or density into the elastomeric material of the grip. As shown in FIG. 8, chopped stiffening fibers 802 may be used in conjunction with strands of stiffening fibers 804 in a golf grip 800 to impart desired stiffening characteristics to a grip and / or club.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example method 900 of manufacturing a golf grip with stiffening fibers, as described above. The method 900 begins with arranging a plurality of strands of stiffening fibers within a golf grip-shaped mold cavity in a predetermined pattern to impart desired stiffening characteristics to the grip and / or to a club with which the grip will be used (block 902). Heated elastomeric material for the golf grip is then introduced into the mold cavity such that the elastomeric material surrounds the plurality of strands of stiffening fibers within the cavity (block 904). The elastomeric material is then cured within the mold cavity to form the golf grip (block 906). The method by which the elastomeric material is introduced into the mold cavity and cured depends on the molding process used. In various implementations, compression or injection molding processes may be used to form the golf grip. Once the golf grip has cured, the golf grip with the strands of stiffening fibers embedded therein is removed from the mold cavity (block 908).

[0028] As mentioned above, the modified golf grip described herein can be used to adjust the stiffness characteristics of golf clubs as an alternative to buying new golf clubs and / or having golf clubs re-shafted. The modified golf grip can also be used as part of a custom club fitting process where a golfer, typically with the help of a trained club fitter, tries out different brands of clubs, club lengths, and shaft types (e.g., shafts with different stiffness characteristics) in order to find a club or clubs that match the golfer’s swing. Modified golf grips can be included in this process by trying different golf grips with different stiffness characteristics to further fine tune club characteristics to a golfer’s swing.

[0029] Although the preceding examples were directed to a modified grip for a golf club, a similar approach can be used to provide modified grips for other sports implements and tools that include a longitudinally shaped shaft having a grip at one end. For example, modified grips including stiffening fibers can be used to enhance stiffness in tennis racquets, lacrosse sticks, baseball bats, axes, hammers, and the like. For example, FIG. 10 shows an example implementation of a reinforced grip 1002 including stiffening fiber strands 1004 for a baseball bat 1000. Any of the grip implementations described above can be adapted to impart desired stiffening characteristics to a baseball bat or other similar type of equipment.

[0030] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it is understood that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and / or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

[0031] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0033] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0034] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.

[0035] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,”“comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. Furthermore, subsequent limitations referring back to “said element” or “the element” performing certain functions signifies that “said element” or “the element” alone or in combination with additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus are capable of performing all of the recited functions.

[0036] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed example. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A golf grip for a golf club, the golf grip comprising:a grip body formed of an elastomeric material that defines a hollow cavity for receiving a butt end of a golf club shaft of the golf club and an opening via which the butt end of the golf club shaft is inserted into the cavity; anda plurality of stiffening fibers embedded into the elastomeric material of the grip body, the stiffening fibers being arranged about an axis of the grip body.

2. The golf grip of claim 1, wherein the stiffening fibers comprise strands of stiffening material.

3. The golf grip of claim 2, wherein the strands are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other about the axis of the grip body.

4. The golf grip of claim 2, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers comprise at least one of para-aramid synthetic fibers, fiberglass fibers, and carbon fibers.

5. The golf grip of claim 2, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers are arranged such that they extend axially within the golf grip from a first end of the grip body to a second end of the grip body.

6. The golf grip of claim 5, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers are arranged a predetermined distance apart from each other relative to a circumference of the grip body.

7. The golf grip of claim 2, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers extend circumferentially around the grip body perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the grip body and are spaced apart from each other with respect to the longitudinal axis.

8. The golf grip of claim 2, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers are arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the grip body such that the stiffening fibers form a spiral pattern within the grip body.

9. The golf grip of claim 2, wherein the stiffening fibers further comprise chopped stiffening fibers embedded in the elastomeric material of the grip body.

10. The golf grip of claim 1, wherein the stiffening fibers comprise chopped stiffening fibers embedded in the elastomeric material of the grip body.

11. A method of manufacturing a golf grip for a golf club, the method comprising:placing a plurality of strands of stiffening fibers within a mold cavity in a predetermined pattern, the mold cavity forming a golf grip shape;adding heated elastomeric material to the mold cavity such that the heated elastomeric material surrounds the plurality of strands of stiffening fibers within the cavity;curing the elastomeric material within the mold cavity to form the golf grip; andremoving the golf grip with the plurality of strands of stiffening fibers embedded therein from the mold cavity.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the elastomeric material is added to the mold cavity and cured using a compression molding process or an injection molding process.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the strands are arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other about an axis of the golf grip when the golf grip is removed from the mold cavity.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers comprise at least one of para-aramid synthetic fibers, fiberglass fibers, and carbon fibers.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers are arranged in the mold cavity to extend axially within the golf grip.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers are arranged in the mold cavity to extend circumferentially about an axis of the golf grip.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising:integrating chopped stiffening fibers into the elastomeric material before the elastomeric material is introduced into the mold cavity.

18. A golf club comprising:a golf club head;a golf club shaft; anda golf club grip, the golf club grip including:a grip body formed of an elastomeric material that defines a hollow cavity for receiving a butt end of a golf club shaft of the golf club and an opening via which the butt end of the golf club shaft is inserted into the cavity; anda plurality of strands of stiffening fibers embedded into the elastomeric material of the grip body in a predetermined pattern.

19. The golf club of claim 18, wherein the strands of stiffening fibers comprise at least one of para-aramid synthetic fibers, fiberglass fibers, and carbon fibers.

20. The golf club of claim 18, further comprising chopped stiffening fibers embedded in the elastomeric material of the grip body.

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