Background of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying attaching a grip onto a handle, and in one particular example, to a method and apparatus for replacing flexible hollow tubes such as rubber grips onto objects and devices such as sports equipment, tools and handles of any description.

Description of the Prior Art

[0002] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0003] Many devices have a cylindrical tube added aid in gripping. Often these grips are made from rubber, but may also be made of plastics, vinyls, foams, heat shrinkable plastic, thermoplastics or any other similar flexible material.

[0004] It is acknowledged that a variety of substances can be used for this purpose, which would be evident to anyone skilled in the art. For expediency, these materials will henceforth be referred to as rubber-like-materials, or simply as rubber, which is the most common embodiment and is most relevant.

[0005] Typically the tube is cylindrical, and is made to be fitted over the cylindrical surface of the device or equipment such as the handle. The hollow tube may also be designed to fit over other structures that are not cylindrical - for example to fit heat- shrinkable plastic tubes around electrical wires.

[0006] Examples of devices that use such grips or other flexible hollow tubes include:

• Garden tools (examples include wheelbarrows, digging implements such as shovels and mattocks) • Hand tools (hammers, mallets, rasps, chisels)

• Household implements (knives, knife honers, hair brushes)

• Industrial equipment (handles, levers)

• Medical equipment (surgical tools)

• Transport (bicycle, scooter and motorcycle handlebars)

• Electrical equipment (insulation covering)

• Packaging (heat shrink wrapping)

• Sports equipment (rowing and sculling oars, golf clubs, gymnasium equipment, cricket bats)

[0007] There are also applications such as tennis racquets that currently do not use cylindrical grips but may use them in the future.

[0008] This list contains examples, but many other devices also use flexible hollow tubes such as rubber grips which would be evident to anyone familiar with the art.

[0009] Usually the rubber tube/hollow cylinder is fitted over the handle to aid grip. However because the rubber grip has high friction and is typically very tight so as to avoid slippage, fitting a cylindrical rubber grip or similar over the handle of a device can be difficult as the grip cannot simply be slid into place.

[0010] One example scenario in which the above arises is in respect of cricket bats. Specifically, cricket bats are typically made from wood, such as willow, and have a long cylindrical handle made of cane or other wood. The handle is typically covered with a rubber grip that provides for firmer handling and prevents slippage. However, these grips perish rapidly, and usually require replacing every six months or so. Using current methods and apparatus the task of replacing the rubber bat grip is difficult to learn and inefficient to perform.

[0011] The most popular current method of replacing a batting grip is to use what is known as a “bat grip cone”, an example of which is shown in Figure 1. These devices have a body 110 that is approximately 300 mm long and tapered at one end. The wider end has an open collar 111 that forms a shallow recess into which the top of the bat handle fits. [0012] To replace the bat grip, the user first slips the bat grip over the tapered end of the cone. The user then rolls the grip over itself, forming a donut-shaped roll. This user then forces the rubber donut roll over the collar at the end of the batting cone and thence onto the handle of the bat. The donut is then unrolled so that the batting grip now sits snugly on the bat handle.

[0013] The problem with this method is that when the batting grip is rolled to form the donut shape, the gradually accruing layers of rubber steadily increase the pressure required to continue rolling. Each extra layer of rubber in the donut increases the thickness of the donut, and hence increases the force needed to complete the next roll. Furthermore, the diameter of the cone increases as the donut is rolled downward toward the bat handle, meaning that the pressure required to stretch it over the larger radius steadily increases. Thus, there are two compounding reasons why the pressure required to roll the rubber donut downward along the cone toward the bat handle becomes higher. Often the amount of pressure required to complete the task becomes too difficult for an average person to manage, particularly if they do not have strong upper limbs, hands and wrists.

[0014] Another problem with the bat grip cone is that it is not self-evident how to use the device. The method by which the grip is rolled onto the cone to form a donut, which is then rolled down over the collar of the grip cone, onto the bat handle, and then unrolled, is not readily discerned by someone unskilled in the art.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0015] In one broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus for applying a grip onto a handle, the apparatus including a low friction member that is configured to be positioned within the grip, to allow the grip to be slid onto the handle and is configured to be removed from the handle.

[0016] In another broad form, an aspect of the present invention seeks to provide a method for applying grip onto a handle, the method including: providing a low friction member within the grip; sliding the grip and the low friction member onto the handle; and, removing the low friction member from the handle.

[0017] In one embodiment the low friction member includes at least one sheet. [0018] In one embodiment the at least one sheet includes at least one pre -rolled sheet.

[0019] In one embodiment the low friction member includes at least one of: plastic; vinyls; and, polyethylene (HDPE).

[0020] In one embodiment the low friction member and handle have a coefficient of static friction that is at least one of: less than 0.6; less than 0.5; less than 0.4; less than 0.3; less than 0.2; more than 0.05; more than 0.06; more than 0.07; more than 0.08; more than 0.09; and, about 0.1.

[0021] In one embodiment the low friction member and handle have a coefficient of kinetic friction that is at least one of: less than 0.55; less than 0.45; less than 0.35; less than 0.25; less than 0.15; less than 0.1; more than 0.03; more than 0.04; more than 0.05; more than 0.06, and, about 0.08.

[0022] In one embodiment the low friction member is lubricated to further reduce the coefficient of static friction and coefficient of kinetic friction.

[0023] In one embodiment the low friction member includes a low friction coating.

[0024] In one embodiment the low friction member is shaped to at least one of: fit within the grip; and, substantially fit radially over the handle.

[0025] In one embodiment the low friction member has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0026] In one embodiment the low friction member has a slit extending longitudinally along a length of the cylindrical body.

[0027] In one embodiment the low friction member is at least one of: substantially rigid in a longitudinal direction; and, at least partially flexible in a lateral direction.

[0028] In one embodiment the low friction member is of the form of a pre-rolled sheet, the sheet being at least one of: a cuboid; and, an oblong.

[0029] In one embodiment the low friction member includes a high friction region on a first side and a low friction region on a second opposing side. [0030] In one embodiment the low friction region is configured to engage the handle and the high friction region is configured to engage the grip.

[0031] In one embodiment the high friction region is created by altering the properties of a low friction material.

[0032] In one embodiment the low friction material is altered by at least one of: hatched; scored; indented; sanded; imprinted; and, moulded.

[0033] In one embodiment the low friction region is made with the low friction material and high friction region is made with a high friction material.

[0034] In one embodiment the low friction member includes at least one applicator handle that allows a pulling force to be applied to the low friction member.

[0035] In one embodiment the applicator handle includes at least one of: an opening in the low friction member; at least one loop attached to the low friction member, the loop defining an opening; and, . a tether attached to the low friction member.

[0036] In one embodiment the at least one loop is in the shape at least one of: a circle; an oval; an ellipse; a square; and, a rectangle.

[0037] In one embodiment the at least one loop is padded.

[0038] In one embodiment the at least one opening is configured to act as an attachment point.

[0039] In one embodiment the method includes: once the low friction member and grip are positioned on the handle, at least partially rolling up the grip to expose at least part of the low friction member; and, removing the low friction member from the handle.

[0040] In one embodiment the method includes removing the low friction member by applying a pulling force on the low friction member.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the broad forms of the invention and their respective features can be used in conjunction and/or independently, and reference to separate broad forms is not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that features of the method can be performed using the system or apparatus and that features of the system or apparatus can be implemented using the method.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] Various examples and embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a prior art bat grip cone;

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example of an apparatus for applying a grip onto a handle;

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of Figure 2 in a pre-rolled configuration;

[0046] Figures 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing an example of a process for applying a grip onto a handle using the apparatus of Figure 2; and,

[0047] Figures 5A to 5H are schematic diagrams showing a further example of a process for applying a grip onto a handle using the apparatus of Figure 2.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0048] An example of an apparatus for applying a grip onto a handle will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0049] In this example, the apparatus 200 includes a low friction member 220, which is configured to be positioned within the grip. In this example, the low friction member takes the form of a sheet having an oblong shape, which is pre-rolled into the cylindrical shape shown in Figure 3, for example by heat forming or the like. However, it will be appreciated that this is not essential and different configurations or different forms could be used. For example, the low friction member could be a flat sheet similar to that shown in Figure 2, or it could be a moulded member, having a cylindrical shape, similar to that shown in Figure 3.

[0050] The low friction member 220 is configured to be positioned within a grip, for example by rolling a flat sheet and inserting this into the grip, allowing the sheet to unroll within the grip, so that the sheet rests against an inner surface of the grip. It will be appreciated however, that instead of using a flat sheet, the low friction member 220 could be pre-formed into a substantially cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the handle and grip, allowing it to be inserted into the grip as described.

[0051] Once in position within the grip, this allows the low friction member to sit between the handle and grip as the grip is applied, thereby reducing friction between the grip and handle, allowing the grip to be slid onto the handle more easily. Once in position, the low friction member is configured to be readily and/or easily removed from between the grip and handle, so that the grip is correctly positioned on the handle.

[0052] The above described apparatus and technique for applying the grip allows the user to apply the grip to the handle without requiring the user to impart significant force, and can be done without training. Additionally, once the grip has been attached to the handle, the low friction member may be removed without damaging the low friction member, the grip or the handle. This removes the need for the low friction member to be replaced and increases the potential longevity of the grip.

[0053] A number of further features will now be described.

[0054] In one example, the low friction member may include at least one sheet, and in one particular example, at least one pre-rolled sheet, which can be created using heat forming or similar. The rolled configuration can assist in increasing the stability and strength of the low friction member, allowing this to be more easily inserted into the grip. This allows the low friction member to be easily constructed, with minimum manufacturing steps, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, sheets are easily transportable, for example allowing this to be provided in a cricket bag, ensuring the apparatus is always available for use. Additionally and/or alternatively, as the apparatus is cheap to manufacture, and requires little space for transport, it could be provided preinstalled within grips when the grips are sold.

[0055] In one example, the low friction member may include any one or more of plastics, vinyls, high density polyethylene (HDPE), or the like. Such materials generally are inherently low friction and are robust, allowing the apparatus to be re-used on numerous occasions. However, in another example, the apparatus could be arranged to be biodegradable, allowing the apparatus to be disposed of after use.

[0056] In one example, the coefficient of static friction between the low friction member and the handle is low to allow the user to easily apply the grip. In this instance, the coefficient of static friction is typically less than 0.6, less than 0.5, less than 0.4, less than 0.3, and more typically less than 0.2. The coefficient of static friction may also be more than 0.05, more than 0.06, more than 0.07, more than 0.08, more than 0.09, and more typically about 0.1.

[0057] In one example, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the low friction member and the handle is low to allow the user to easily continue applying the low friction member. In this instance, the coefficient of kinetic friction is typically less than 0.55, less than 0.45, less than 0.35, less than 0.25, less than 0.15, and more typically less than 0.1. The coefficient of kinetic friction is typically more than 0.03, more than 0.04, more than 0.05, more than 0.06, and more typically about 0.08.

[0058] In one example, the low friction member may be lubricated to further reduce the coefficient of static friction and/or coefficient of kinetic friction. In instances where the user wishes to attach a more resistive grip or tighter grip, the use of lubricants will further assist in reducing the friction and allowing the user to install the resistive grip with ease. Such lubricants can include powdered lubricants, such as graphite powder, or liquid lubricants, such as gels, or similar.

[0059] Additionally and/or alternatively, the low friction member may include a low friction coating. The low friction member may include a body made of materials that are of medium to high resistance or friction. In these instances, the low friction member may include a low friction coating so the user may continue to remove the low friction member with ease, even when the body of the low friction member has high resistivity. Example coatings include polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin (PFA), or the like.

[0060] The low friction coating may be removable, allowing the user to choose between multiple options of resistivity. Further, as the low friction coating will be exposed to continuous abrasions, a removable low friction coating allows the user to replace the low friction coating without needing to replace the entire apparatus.

[0061] In one example, the low friction member is shaped to fit within the grip and/or substantially fit radially over the handle, although as will be described in more detail below, the low friction member is typically slightly shorter than the handle. Accordingly, in one example, the low friction member has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is preferably substantially rigid in a longitudinal direction and at least partially flexible in a lateral direction, and specifically when cylindrical, in a radially direction. This facilitates insertion of the low friction member into the grip, allowing the low friction member to be slightly smaller in circumference than the grip, whilst preventing the low friction member bending whilst it is pushed into the grip. Nevertheless, this allows the low friction member to expand so as to accommodate the handle.

[0062] In one preferred example, as shown in Figure 3, a slit 222 is provided extending longitudinally along a length of the cylindrical body, which can be formed by having opposing edges of a sheet of material not quite meet. This allows the low friction member to expand radially so that it can accommodate the handle, and also to allow the low friction member to be more easily removed from the handle. Specifically, this allows the edges on either side of the slit 222 to part, enable the handle to be removed via the slit. It will be appreciated that a slit is not however strictly required and that a similar effect will be achieved by an overlap between opposing edges when a sheet of material is pre-rolled.

[0063] As previously mentioned, the low friction member may take many different forms, and in particular can be pre-rolled from shapes, such as a cuboid, an oblong, or the like. It will be appreciated that the low friction member can be of other forms and may, for example, depend on the geometry of the handle and/or grip.

[0064] In one example, the low friction member may include a high friction region on a first side and a low friction region on all or part of a second opposing side. This allows the apparatus to be more easily positioned on the handle for precise placement. Specifically, the high friction region allows the user to position the low friction member in the correct position with respect to the grip, and keep the low friction member in position by having the high friction region engage with the grip to prevent the low friction member from further slipping as the user applies the grip to the handle. It will also be appreciated that reverse arrangements could be provided. For example, the low friction member could be mounted on the handle with a high friction regarding in contact with the handle, allowing the grip to be slid onto the low friction member around the handle. However, it will also be appreciated that the use of high friction regions may not be required, for example in the event that the grip is of a sufficiently high friction itself to maintain a position of the grip relative to the low friction member.

[0065] In one example, the high friction region may be created by altering the properties of a low friction material. Depending on the application of the apparatus, it may be constructed with a single material. It remains possible for the low friction member to include a high friction region and a low friction region even with the sole use of a low friction material, if the properties of the low friction material are altered. For example, the low friction material may be altered by providing a region that is hatched, scored, indented, sanded, imprinted, moulded or the like. It will be also appreciated that the low friction material can be altered in other ways to provide a high friction region.

[0066] In one example, the low friction region may be constructed with the low friction material and a high friction region is made with a high friction material, for example by having two sheets made from high and low friction materials bonded together. Thus, in contrast to previous arrangements, the low friction member could be made of multiple different materials, for example using high and low friction materials.

[0067] In one example, the low friction member may include at least one applicator handle 221, which in one example are formed of loops of material, with two being shown in the example of Figure 2. The applicator handle(s) allow the user to apply a pulling force on the low friction member either when applying the grip and/or when removing the low friction member from the between the grip and the handle. The handles can be of any form, and can include loops as shown, or alternatively can include tethers, toggles, openings in the low friction member, or the like. The inclusion of at least one applicator handle can help reduce the force required by the user, in particular avoid the need for the user to grip a low friction surface, instead allowing them to grasp the handle, hook one or more fingers through the loop, or the like, and thereby engage the low friction member. This therefore helps reduce the fatigue associated with applying the grip and/or created by removing the low friction member.

[0068] The loop(s) may take a variety of different shapes and could include a circle, an oval, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle or the like. It is appreciated that the loop(s) can also take other shapes. In addition, the at least one loop may be padded. Padding the loop(s) will reduce the strain on the user's fingers when applying a force to the low friction member, such as when applying the grip or removing the member from between the handle and grip. This will reduce the possibility of injury and increase the comfort of the user.

[0069] Additionally, whilst the loops are shown extending from the low friction member, it will be appreciated that a similar effect can be achieved by including one or more openings in the sheet used to form the low friction member, allowing a user to insert their fingers or thumb through the openings and grasp the low friction member. Similarly, as mentioned, other forms of applicator handle could be used.

[0070] It will also be appreciated that the applicator handle could be used to allow for a machine or device to be attached, to thereby further aid the application process. In any event, it will be appreciated that creating openings using applicator handles, loops, or otherwise, results in a more efficient transfer of force, thereby assisting application of the grip.

[0071] An example of a process for applying a grip will now be described with reference to Figures 4 A to 4C.

[0072] In this example, the low friction member is initially inserted into a grip 430, as shown in Figure 4A. The low friction member and grip are then applied to the handle. Specifically, in one example, this involves pulling the low friction member 220 onto a handle 441 of a cricket bat 440, or similar, with the grip 430 in place around the low friction member 220, so that the grip sits on the handle, with the low friction member positioned between the grip and handle, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0073] Once this has been completed, the low friction member can be removed from between the grip and the handle. This can be achieved by pulling the low friction member out from between the grip and handle, but typically this requires an undue amount of force. Accordingly, in one example, this can be achieved by at least partially rolling up the grip 430, so that the grip 430 forms a donut shaped roll positioned on one end of the handle 441, as shown in Figure 4C, then allowing the low friction member to be removed from the handle. . In this regard it will be appreciated that this reduces surface contact between the low friction member and the grip, allow the member to be removed more easily by applying a pulling force on the low friction member, optionally via an opening and/or loop, and in one example, allowing the handle to pass through the slit 222 in the low friction member 220.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above described arrangement, the low friction member has a length slightly shorter than that of the grip 430 and handle 441, so that when rolled up, a section of the grip 431 engages the handle 441 to retain the grip 430 in position as the low friction member 220 is removed. Following this, the grip 430 can be rolled back down the handle, so it is attached to the handle through frictional engagement, in the normal manner.

[0075] Accordingly, the above described arrangement provides an apparatus and a method which enables fast and easy application of a hollow flexible cylinder or tube to another device such as a handle. Specifically, in one preferred example, the apparatus includes a low friction member made from a flexible sheet pre-rolled or otherwise formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. Opposing edges of the sheet are not joined so that the cylinder can include a slit along one side, allowing the radius of the cylinder to expand to accommodate a handle, and also to allow the handle to be removed via the slit, to simplify removal of the low friction member.

[0076] A number of further features of a preferred arrangement will now be described. Specifically, this example aims to provide a quick and simple method in which a rubber tube, or other hollow cylinder made of rubber- like material such as a grip, can be applied to a device such as a handle or other piece of equipment. This example seeks to overcome the limitations of the current art, in which it is difficult to apply a high friction and tight-fitting flexible tube to another structure.

[0077] In one embodiment, the apparatus and method are for applying a cricket batting grip to the handle of a cricket bat. However, it will be appreciated by anyone familiar with the art that some minor modifications, particularly a simple change in dimensions of the apparatus, would allow a similar device and method to be used to apply any similar flexible tube to any device or apparatus. For example, it could be used to fit a rubber grip to the handlebar of a cycle, to slide some tight-fitting heat shrinkable packaging or insulting material over another object such as electrical wires, or to refit a non-slip grip to the handle of a carpenter’s hammer.

[0078] The preferred embodiment of device is a cut and/or moulded sheet of plastic such as 1 mm thick polyethylene. However it will be appreciated by anyone skilled in the art that many substances such as plastics and vinyls could be used for the purpose, with the primary characteristics of that material being that it is tough enough to withstand the forces required to pulled the grip over the handle, and would have a low coefficient of friction on at least one side.

[0079] In this embodiment the polyethylene sheet is cut in a roughly rectangular shape such that one side is approximately equal to the circumference of the handle and the other side is slightly shorter than the length of the handle. Two loops are also included that project off the side that is measured from the circumference of the handle. These loops are used to allow the fingers and/or palm to get a firm hold on the device to apply a pulling force. Other sized and shaped loops could be incorporated should a device other than a human hand be used to apply the force.

[0080] In general, length X should approximate the circumference of the structure to which it is being applied. That is it should be about 3.14 times the diameter of the cylindrical cross section. Length Y should be slightly less than the length of the rubber tube (grip) to be applied and also the handle, to allow the grip to be rolled up clear of the low friction member, whilst the length Z is variable and should be optimised to suit human fingers/hands or other application apparatus.

[0081] For a cricket bat the dimensions of the main body of the rectangle are approximately X = 110 mm (the“circumference” side) by Y = 215 mm (the“length” side). Two oblong loops of approximately 40mm x 65 mm each project from one of the short ends, with the loops having cut out areas in their centres of approximately 20 mm x 35 mm to allow fingers to be inserted when pulling.

[0082] In one embodiment the aspect of the loops that approximates the fingers or palm is padded or otherwise shaped to provide comfortable connection with the fingers or palm. This can be achieved by a variety of methods including rolling the polyethylene to soften the edge, or the adding of extra materials such as foam to decrease the local discomfort of the person pulling at the gripping loops.

[0083] Alternatively the loops could be designed to provide an attachment point for a device such as a robot or other automated machine or a device designed to increase the mechanical advantage of the pulling. This could be achieved by various methods such as clamps, pins, clasps or any other method that would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art. Such a device would be most useful where multiple tubes have to be applied to multiple products, such as in a manufacturing facility.

[0084] The template as described above is formed into a loose open cylinder with a diameter of slightly less than the grip that is to be applied. In the case of a cricket bat handle grip, the template is formed into a cylinder of approximately 25 mm diameter.

[0085] Preferably the medium from which the invention is constructed would have a low coefficient of friction on at least one side. This smooth and/or slippery surface would be the inside of the cylinder, and would approximate the apparatus to which it is being applied, such as the bat handle. The smoothness and slipperiness of this surface would allow the it to slide over the handle or other apparatus.

[0086] The medium such as polyethylene (HDPE) would be chosen and/or manufactured and/or designed to have a very smooth and/or low friction surface on at least one side.

[0087] In one embodiment, lubricants can be used to aid this sliding motion. Examples of possible lubricants include oils, commercial sprays, lotions, soaps, and dry lubricants such as graphite, talcum powder, or even water. Many different lubricants could be applied for this purpose which will be evident to anyone skilled in the art.

[0088] In another embodiment the medium for the device would have a rough and/or higher friction surface on the outer side of the formed cylinder. This side would contact the flexible tube, such as the rubber bat grip. Having a higher friction surface would help to ensure constant contact of the tube with the device as higher forces are applied. [0089] This higher friction could be achieved via the design, choice of materials and or manufacture of the device. For example the surface of the polyethylene or other material could be hatched, scored, indented, raised, sanded, imprinted, molded or otherwise roughened to increase its surface area. This effect could be likened to the increased friction provided by grooved tread on a car tyre, or to the roughness of sandpaper. This roughening of the surface would help increase the friction on the outside of the cylinder and therefore maintain firm contact with the rubber grip tube.

[0090] In another embodiment, friction increasing substances could be used on the outside of the device to enhance contact with the rubber grip; one example is the rosin used by violin players to increase the friction of the bow across their strings. Any substance with relatively high tackiness would also work. Many other high- viscosity fluids or gritty substances would perform the same function as evident to anyone skilled in the art.

[0091] In one embodiment, the device could be created from layered or laminated materials in which one layer was smooth and low friction, while the other layer was a material with a higher coefficient of friction. The inside of the cylinder would be the smooth layer which contacted the apparatus such as the bat handle, while the outside higher-friction layer would contact the tube such as the rubber bat grip.

[0092] The method of using the device is to simply feed it up through the flexible tube such as the rubber batting grip. The loops on the device are then used to pull the flexible tube such as the bat grip down over the apparatus such as the bat handle. The flexible tube is the rolled upward from the bottom, and the loops are used to pull the device free. The flexible tube is then rolled back down into place and the job is complete.

[0093] Advantages that the above described arrangements can provide will now be described.

[0094] It can provide an apparatus and method of applying high friction flexible tubes over an apparatus.

[0095] The relatively low friction surface can significantly decrease the amount of force required to pull the flexible tube over the apparatus. [0096] In one embodiment, when comparing to a cricket bat cone, far less force is required to complete the task, as the layers of rubber that accumulate as the grip is rolled into a donut shape are not needed.

[0097] In one embodiment, when comparing to a cricket bat cone, the rubber donut has to be rolled over a cone of ever-increasing diameter which requires considerable strength. In contrast a person with only a moderate amount of strength can use the above arrangement.

[0098] The method of use of the device is far more self evident than with a batting grip cone, and could be used after very brief instruction.

[0099] The polyethylene or similar material will not break when pulled down over the handle, allowing it to be reused as required, which decreases waste and is useful in situations where multiple grips need to be applied.

[0100] The device is rigid enough in the longitudinal direction so that it can be easily inserted into the grip, without bending or becoming stuck against an inner surface of the grip.

[0101] The device can simply be pulled away in one movement once the bat grip is in place, allowing this to be reused as required.

[0102] The device can be pulled away in one movement, so the current arrangement is quick and efficient.

[0103] The simple design of the above arrangement means that it can be adapted to fit a wide variety of flexible tubes over a vast range of handles, devices and products.

[0104] By manufacturing with a laminating and/or layering of substances the device can be made to further increase or decrease friction on each side as required. This leads to even further efficiency in the process.

[0105] Changing the inner or outer surface of the device can alter its friction coefficient, thus creating further efficiency. [0106] The addition of other substances as appropriate - such as oils or lubricants to decrease the friction on the inner side, or rosins or other tacky/highly viscous fluids to increase the friction on the outer side - can give greater efficiency in the process.

[0107] Figure 2 shows an example of a template that can be cut and pre-rolled to create a device that is optimized for use with a cricket bat grip.

[0108] An example process for applying a bat grip is shown in Figures 5A to 5H. In this example, the device formed from the low friction member 220 is initially inserted into the grip 440 (Figure 5 A), before being positioned on an end of the handle 441 so that the low friction member surrounds 220 the end of the handle 441 (Figure 5B). The loops 221 are then gripped and the low friction member 220 and grip 221 pulled down over the handle 441 (Figure 5C), with additional force being applied by hand to a rear of the grip 430 (Figure 5D), to ensure the grip 430 is wholly positioned over the handle 441.

[0109] The grip 430 is then rolled up the handle 441 (Figure 5E) and the low friction member 220 removed from the handle (Figure 5F), before the grip 430 is rolled back down the handle (Figure 5G), so that it is correctly positioned on the handle 441 (Figure 5H).

[0110] Once this template has been cut it should be moulded into a cylinder whose diameter is slightly less than the rubber tube. In the embodiment of the device as an applicator for a cricket bat handle grip, the resultant cylinder should have a diameter of approximately 20-25 mm. Because the construction material is flexible and the resulting cylinder is open down one side it, the device can be stretched over the handle in order to complete the application task.

[0111] This is one embodiment of the construction of the device, but other methods of construction such as moulding, dip moulding or printing are possible, which would be evident to anyone skilled in the art.

[0112] Accordingly, the above described arrangement provides a device and method for efficient fitting of tubes of flexible material over other objects. In the preferred embodiment the device is a cylinder of molded shaped polyethylene that is used to quickly and efficiently replace the rubber grip of a cricket bat. [0113] In one example, the apparatus can be used to aid the fitting of a cricket bat grip to the handle of a cricket bat. However, this arrangement can be used to help connect a wide variety of grips and other flexible cylindrical tubes to a variety of handles, devices and equipment as would be evident to anyone skilled in the art. Thus, whilst the above discussion focuses on one particular application of a specific rubber tube, it would be appreciated by anyone skilled in the art that the arrangement can be applied to any scenario in which a high-friction, flexible tube is to be attached to another surface. In this regard, by nature such tubes are usually tight fitting, so it is frequently difficult across a wide variety of applications to perform this task. However, the above arrangement seeks to overcome the difficulties of fitting such tubes onto other structures.

[0114] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” or“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. As used herein and unless otherwise stated, the term "approximately" means ±20%.

[0115] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.