GRIP PORTION APPLICATION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to grip application devices and in particular for a dramatically simplified device and method for applying grips to devices particularly sporting apparatus such as bats.

BACKGROUND ART

Many sporting devices such as bats, particularly cricket bats and softball and baseball bats possess a rubberised grip portion applied over the handle of the bat. Many of these rubberised portions are in the form of a rubber or similar tube which has an inner diameter which is slightly smaller in dimension than the outer size of the bat grip so that the rubberised grip closely grips the handle once applied.

Due to the fact that the inner dimension of the rubberised tube of the grip is smaller than the handle of the bat, the grip portion can be extremely difficult to locate properly onto the handle. Even more troublesome is when a sportsman prefers a thicker grip for comfort, hi this case, there can sometimes be more than one grip portion applied to a bat handle, generally one over the top of the other.

One prior art method of properly locating the grip portion on the handle of a bat is to roll the grip into a toroidal shape. Once rolled into this shape, a conical grip applier is then used to roll the grip onto the handle by locating the larger end of the conical grip applier adjacent the end of the handle and rolling the grip over the conical grip applier and onto the handle. Once on the handle of the bat, the grip can be rolled into its start position at the lowest end of the handle and unrolled into its original tubular condition.

As can be seen from this description of the process, it can be quite difficult to position the grip properly. The grip applier must be held closely to the end of the handle otherwise the rolled grip portion may not properly engage the handle and it is difficult to move or adjust the grip once on the handle due to the tightness of the grip portion on the handle.

It would therefore be advantageous and of substantial use to the field, if a simpler and more effective device or method for applying grip portion to a handle of a device in particular a rubberised grip portion.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part

of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a grip portion application device, which may at least partially overcome the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a grip portion application device for applying a grip portion to a handle, the device including a tubular portion adapted to receive a grip portion therein, at least one attachment portion to attach and seal the grip portion relative to the tubular portion and a reduced pressure chamber associated with the tubular portion for applying a reduced pressure to the tubular portion.

In another form, the invention resides in a method for applying a grip portion to a handle using a device including a tubular portion adapted to receive a grip portion therein, at least one attachment portion to attach and seal the grip portion relative to the tubular portion and a reduced pressure chamber associated with the tubular portion for applying a reduced pressure to the tubular portion, the method including the steps of locating a grip portion inside the tubular portion, sealing the grip portion to the tubular portion, applying the reduced pressure which expands the grip portion, placing the handle at least partially in the tubular portion and removing the reduced pressure.

The grip portion applied by the device of the present invention will typically be or include a rubberised grip portion applied over the handle of the bat.

Many of these rubberised portions are in the form of a rubber or similar tube which has an inner diameter which is slightly smaller in dimension than the outer size of the handle so that the rubberised grip closely grips the handle once applied.

The tubular portion of the device will typically be adapted to apply the reduced pressure to the inside of the tube. The grip portion will preferably be located within the tubular portion in use and prior to application of the grip portion to the handle.

The tubular portion will typically be elongate and approximately equal in length to the handle of the implement to which the grip portion is to be applied. Most preferably, the tubular portion will be slightly shorter than the handle, and

importantly to the operation of a preferred embodiment, will be shorter than the grip portion to be applied.

The tubular portion will typically be circular in cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the tubular portion will typically not be particularly important as it is the sealing nature of the tubular portion and the ability of the device to apply a reduced pressure environment to the inside of the tubular portion and thence to the grip portion located therein, that provides the advantages of the invention.

The tubular portion will typically be approximately 25 cm in length but this will vary according to the length of the grip portion or handle to which the grip portion is to be applied. The tubular portion will typically be approximately 50mm in internal diameter. Again, this dimension is variable depending upon the handle dimensions. It will preferably be as small as possible as the larger the internal diameter of the tubular portion, normally the more difficult it will be to induce the reduced, pressure environment to the interior.

The tubular portion will typically be manufactured of plastic material and a particularly preferred type of plastic material is poly- vinyl chloride (PVC).

The tubular portion will typically have a single arcuate sidewall defining a cylindrical channel, which is the interior of the tubular portion. The tubular portion will typically have a pair of opposed open ends.

There will preferably be a plurality of openings in the sidewall of the tubular portion. The openings will suitably be spaced over the sidewall. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, there will be a regular array of openings aligned in groups oriented in longitudinally extending lines along the sidewall of the tubular portion. The openings may all be of the same size of approximately 3 mm in diameter.

The device will also have at least one attachment portion to attach and seal the grip portion relative to the tubular portion. Normally, there will be at least two attachment portions, one at either end of the grip portion and they have the twin functions of attaching and sealing the grip portion relative to the tubular portion.

The at least one attachment portion will preferably accomplish the dual functions of both attaching the grip portion relative to the tubular portion of the device and also providing for the sealing of the grip portion relative to the tubular portion of

the device in order for the reduced pressure to be properly applied to the grip portion.

Typically, the grip attachment portions will be located at or adjacent either end of the tubular portion. Any attachment and sealing means may be used according to the invention. However, the attachment and sealing means may be as simple as providing a shoulder portion over which the grip portion may be located. The grip portion may require an element of deformation in order to be so located, however, as the grip portions applied using the device are normally resilient, no damage to the grip portion should eventuate. Also, due to the deformation in order to locate the grip portion, the resilience of the grip portion will suitably seal the grip portion relative to the attachment and sealing portion.

Mechanical attachment and sealing means may be used according to the invention. These may be in the form of O-clips or similar. Use of mechanical attachment and sealing means as the main form of attachment and sealing means is not preferred as they may increase the complexity of the attachment and therefore the cost of the device and the time needed to attach the grip portion.

The device of the invention also includes a reduced pressure chamber associated with the tubular portion for applying a reduced pressure to the tubular portion. The reduced pressure chamber will typically be in the form of a vacuum chamber or pump that removes atmosphere from the tubular portion of the invention. As the grip portion is located within the tubular portion and is preferably sealed at both ends, the grip portion will be "sucked out" to a similar diameter as the tubular portion. The handle can then be inserted into the tubular portion while the reduced pressure is being applied in order to properly locate the handle relative to the grip portion. Ceasing the reduced pressure application will result in the handle resuming its default configuration and securing it relative to the handle.

Preferably, a chamber may be provided surrounding at least a portion of the tubular portion. The chamber will typically be coaxial with the tubular portion and be spaced from the tubular portion. The chamber will typically be cylindrical, but may be of any shape. The chamber will suitably have a pair of end walls. Each of the end walls will usually have an opening therein, through which the tubular portion may extend. The tubular portion and the chamber end walls will typically be sealed to one another.

Typically, a relatively short portion of the tubular portion may extend

beyond the chamber at each end to facilitate attachment of the grip portion. The chamber will typically be associated with a vacuum pump. It may be in communication with the vacuum pump via a tube attachable to the chamber using an appropriate attachment mechanism. The chamber and the tubular portion may be mounted on a bearing member which may also mount the vacuum pump.

Typically the device will be portable. The vacuum pump where provided, will generally require an electrical current to operate. This current may be provided by any means. It may be driven using an alternating or direct current, using a mains or storage power supply. It is preferred that the vacuum pump be driven using battery power as this will enhance portability of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional side view of a grip portion application device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with illustrative dimensions.

Figure 2 is an end view of the grip portion application device illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the grip portion application device along

Line A-A in Figure 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT hi one broad form, the present invention provides an attachment device for applying a grip portion to a handle. A particularly preferred embodiment of the device 10 is illustrated in the Figures and includes a tubular portion 11 adapted to receive a grip portion (not shown) therein.

The grip portion applied by the device of the present invention will typically be a rubberised grip portion applied over the handle of a bat, such as a cricket bat or a baseball or softball bat. These rubberised grips are in the form of a rubber tube which has an inner diameter which is slightly smaller in dimension than the outer size of the handle so that the rubberised grip closely grips the handle once applied.

The tubular portion 11 is adapted to apply the reduced pressure environment to the inside of the tubular portion 11. hi use, and prior to application to the handle, the grip portion will be located within the tubular portion 11 and then the reduced pressure applied. The tubular portion 11 is elongate and approximately equal in length to or slightly shorter than, the handle of the implement to which the grip portion is to be applied.

The tubular portion 11 is circular in cross-sectional shape. The cross- sectional shape of the tubular portion 11 ^' is not particularly important as it is the sealing nature of the tubular portion 11 and the ability of the device 10 to apply a reduced pressure environment to the inside of the tubular portion 11 and thence to the grip portion located therein, that provides the advantages of the invention.

The tubular portion 11 illustrated in Figure 1 is approximately 25 cm in length but this will vary according to the length of the grip portion or handle to which the grip portion is to be applied. The tubular portion 11 illustrated in the Figures is approximately 50mm in internal diameter. Again, this dimension is variable depending upon the handle dimensions. The internal dimension of the tubular portion

11 will be as small as possible, as the larger the internal diameter of the tubular portion 11, normally the more difficult it will be to induce the reduced pressure environment to the interior.

The tubular portion 11 of the preferred embodiment is manufactured of plastic material and preferably of poly- vinyl chloride (PVC).

The tubular portion 11 has a single arcuate sidewall defining a cylindrical channel or bore 12, which is the interior of the tubular portion 11 with a pair of opposed, open ends.

There are a plurality of openings 15 in the sidewall of the tubular portion 11. The openings are spaced over the sidewall. According to the particularly preferred embodiment illustrated, there is a regular array of openings aligned in groups, oriented in longitudinally extending lines along the sidewall of the tubular portion. The openings are all of the same size of approximately 3 mm in diameter. The longitudinally extending lines of openings alternate a line of six 13, 3mm diameter openings with a line of seven 14, 3mm diameter openings.

Altogether, there are six longitudinally extending lines of seven

openings in each line and six longitudinally extending lines of six openings in each line, twelve lines in total. The openings 15 in each line are spaced apart approximately 30 mm and the lines are spaced from each other line by approximately 30°. The array of openings assists with the application of the reduced pressure environment and the consistency of the reduced pressure environment within the tubular portion.

The device 10 further includes a reduced pressure chamber 18 associated with the tubular portion 11 for applying a reduced pressure to the tubular portion 11. The preferred form of reduced pressure chamber illustrated is a vacuum chamber 18 with a pump that removes atmosphere from the tubular portion 11 of the invention.

The chamber 18 is provided surrounding the tubular portion 11. The chamber 18 is coaxial with the tubular portion 11 and be spaced radially from the tubular portion 11. The chamber 18 illustrated in the Figures is cylindrical, but may be of any shape. The chamber also has a pair of end caps 19. Each of the end caps have an opening therein through which the tubular portion 11 extends and the tubular portion 11 and the chamber end caps 19 are sealed to one another.

Typically, a relatively short portion of the tubular portion 11 extends beyond the end caps 19 to facilitate attachment of the grip portion. The chamber is associated with a vacuum pump (not shown) via a tube attachable to the chamber 18 using an appropriate attachment valve 20.

The device 10 also includes a pair of attachment portions 17 to attach and seal the grip portion relative to the tubular portion 11, one at either end of the tubular portion 11 and they have the twin functions of attaching, and sealing the grip portion relative to the tubular portion 11.

The attachment portions 17 are located at either end of the tubular portion 11. The preferred form of attachment and sealing means as illustrated is accomplished by providing a shoulder portion 17 over which the grip portion can be located. The shoulder portions are generally the portions of the tubular portion 11 which extend beyond the length of the reduced pressure chamber 18. The rubberised grip portion will require an element of deformation in order to be so located, however, as the grip portions applied using the device are normally resilient, no damage to the grip portion should eventuate. Also, due to the deformation in order to locate the grip

portion, the resilience of the grip portion will seal the grip portion relative to the shoulder portion 17.

The chamber 18 and the tubular portion 11 may be mounted on a bearing member which may also mount the vacuum pump. Typically, the device will be portable. The vacuum pump where provided, will generally require an electrical current to operate. This current may be provided by any means. It may be driven using an alternating or direct current, using a mains or storage power supply. It is preferred that the vacuum pump be driven using battery power as this will enhance portability of the device. The method for applying a grip portion to a handle using the device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is as follows: the grip portion to be attached to the handle is first located inside the tubular portion 11 of the device 10. The ends of the rubberised grip portion are then deformed in order to be positioned over the shoulder portions 17 by folding the ends of the grip portion back over the shoulder portions 17. This will seal the grip portion to the tubular portion 11. The vacuum pump is then activated applying the reduced pressure to the inside of the tubular portion 11 by withdrawing atmosphere through the openings 15, which expands the grip portion. The handle is then placed at least partially in the tubular portion 11 and the reduced pressure is then removed. As the grip portion is located within the tubular portion 11 and is sealed at both ends, the grip portion is "sucked out" to a similar diameter as the tubular portion 11. The handle can then be inserted into the tubular portion 11 while the reduced pressure is being applied in order to properly locate the handle relative to the grip portion. Ceasing the reduced pressure application will result in the handle resuming its default configuration and securing it relative to the handle.

In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all

referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.