TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved grip for sporting equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved grip for sporting equipment that utilise a new design and materials.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many items of sporting equipment (such as golf clubs, cricket bats, tennis racquets, squash racquets, baseball bats, hockey sticks and so on) are provided with grips that are intended to enhance a user’s grip on the sporting equipment during use.

[0003] While in common usage, existing grips suffer from a number of drawbacks, including reduced grip when the user’s hands are wet or sweaty and limited shock absorbance when the sporting equipment impacts with another object (such as a ball or puck). Further, existing grips are largely consumable items with a relatively short useful life.

[0004] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a grip for sporting equipment that was not only relatively durable, but also provided improved performance in terms of enhanced grip and/or impact resistance.

[0005] 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 INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved grip for sporting equipment, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a grip for sporting equipment, the grip comprising an elongate tubular member configured to surround a portion of the sporting equipment, wherein the grip comprises a plurality of concentric layers, and wherein at least one of the plurality of layers is fabricated from an impact resistant and/or shock absorbing material.

[0008] The elongate tubular member of the grip may be fabricated in any suitable manner. For instance, the grip may be provided in the form of a relatively narrow band of material that is wound about the sporting equipment. Alternatively, the grip may be fabricated as two or more grip portions that are configured for connection to one another about the sporting equipment. In other embodiments, the grip may be formed as a unitary structure (such as in the form of a sleeve, sheath or the like) comprising the elongate tubular member. In this embodiment of the invention, the tubular grip defines a bore therewithin, the bore being configured to receive the portion of the sporting equipment.

[0009] The elongate tubular member may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape. For instance, the cross-sectional shape of the elongate tubular member may be square, rectangular, triangular, oval or the like. More preferably, the elongate tubular member may be substantially circular in cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the elongate tubular member may be fabricated such that the cross-sectional shape substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the portion of the sporting equipment.

[0010] In some embodiments of the invention, the elongate tubular member may be of substantially constant diameter along its length. In other embodiments of the invention, the diameter of the elongate tubular member may vary along its length. In a specific embodiment, such as when the sporting equipment comprises a golf club, the diameter of the elongate tubular member may taper along its length. It will be understood that the length of the grip may vary depending on the type of sporting equipment with which it is used. For instance, the length of a grip when used with a table tennis racquet will be less than the length of a grip used with a golf club or hockey stick.

[0011] The sporting equipment may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however, the sporting equipment comprises a bat, racquet, club or similar. Any suitable bat, racquet or club may be used with the grip such a, but not limited to, a golf club, cricket bat, tennis racquet, squash racquet, racketball racquet, table tennis racquet, baseball bat, hockey stick, hurling stick, lacrosse stick, croquet mallet or the like. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the sporting equipment comprises a golf club.

[0012] As previously stated, the grip comprises a plurality of concentric layers of material. Thus, the grip comprises at least an inner layer configured to be located in abutment with the sporting equipment and at least an outer layer configured to form an exterior surface of the grip. It is envisaged that a user’s hand or hands may be located in contact with the outer layer of the grip in use.

[0013] In some embodiments, the grip may comprise one or more intermediate layers located between the inner layer and the outer layer. The exact number of layers in the grip may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the nature of the sporting equipment, the nature of impacts (and therefore the amount of shock to be absorbed) that will be experienced by the sporting equipment, the conditions under which the sporting equipment will be used, the performance desired from the grip (in terms of greater or lesser impact resistance and/or shock absorbance etc.), the age and experience of the user and so on.

[0014] It will be understood that the number of layers present in the grip (and/or the materials used) may also affect the thickness of the grip. Thus, the thickness of the grip may vary depending on the type of sporting equipment and/or the materials used. In addition, the thickness of the grip may be tailored to suit an individual user. For example, in older users, or users suffering from medical conditions (such as arthritis) that may reduce the strength of their hands, a thicker grip may be used in order to compensate for player having a grip of reduced strength. In other embodiments, the thickness of the grip may simply be chosen to offer a user the most comfortable experience.

[0015] Any suitable materials may be used for the plurality of layers of the grip. In some embodiments, each layer may be fabricated from the same material. In other embodiments of the invention, at least two of the plurality of layers may be fabricated from different materials.

[0016] The thickness of each layer may be the same. Alternatively, the thickness of at least two of the plurality of layers may be different. The thickness of the layers may vary depending on the nature of the materials used, the degree of impact resistance and/or shock absorbance desired or required, the degree of comfort desired or required by the user and so on.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the layers of the grip may be fabricated from a synthetic material. Any suitable synthetic material may be used, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the synthetic material may comprise a polymeric material. The synthetic material may be of any suitable form, although in some embodiments, the synthetic material may comprise a smart material, such as a shape memory material, self-healing material, shear thickening non-Newtonian material and the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0018] In some embodiments of the invention, the synthetic material may comprise a urethane polymer, and particularly a viscoelastic urethane polymer. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the synthetic polymer may be in the form of a shear-thickening non-Newtonian colloidal material. In other embodiments, the synthetic polymer may be a closed cell polyurethane foam composite. In this embodiment, the closed-cell polyurethane foam composite may include a dilatant (such as, but not limited to, polyborondimethylsiloxane) dispersed within the foam matrix.

[0019] In broad terms, the synthetic polymeric material may comprise a set foam, a set elastomer, a formable foam, a formable elastomer or any suitable combination thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the synthetic polymeric material may comprise para-aramid.

[0021 ] In some embodiments of the invention, at least one layer of the grip may comprise a natural material. Any suitable natural material may be used, such as, but not limited to, cork, rubber, leather or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0022] As previously stated, the plurality of layers may be provided as concentric layers. The layers may be in the form of, for instance, concentric layers of sheet material, of sections of material, or of filaments. The grip may be constructed in a vertical or horizontal manner.

[0023] The plurality of the layers within the grip may be arranged in any suitable order. For instance, the degree of impact resistance and/or shock absorbance of each layer may increase from the inner layer to the outer layer. Alternatively, the degree of impact resistance and/or shock absorbance of each layer from decrease from the inner layer to the outer layer. In other embodiments, the degree of impact resistance and/or shock absorbance of each layer mat be substantially the same for each layer, or may vary between layers.

[0024] Similarly, the hardness of each layer may increase from the inner layer to the outer layer. Alternatively, the hardness of each layer from decrease from the inner layer to the outer layer. In other embodiments, the hardness of each layer mat be substantially the same for each layer, or may vary between layers.

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the outer layer of the grip may be fabricated from a grip-enhancing material. Any suitable grip-enhancing material may be used, such as, but not limited to, polyurethane including polyurethane gel.

[0026] Preferably, the outer layer may be provided with one or more grip-enhancing portions. The grip-enhancing portions may be of any suitable form, and may include one or more portions shaped so as to complement the contours of a user’s hand or hands, thereby improving the user’s grip. Alternatively, the grip-enhancing portions may include markings on an outer surface of the outer layer configured to enhance the user’s grip. The markings may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration although it is envisaged that the size, shape and configuration of the markings may assist in enhancing a user’s grip.

[0027] The markings may be in the form of raised portions projecting generally upwardly from the outer surface of the outer layer. Alternatively, the markings may comprise recess within the outer surface of the outer layer. In other embodiments, the markings may be fabricated from a grip-enhancing material and may be inlaid in, or provided on the surface of, the material comprising the outer layer.

[0028] The markings may be of any suitable shape. For instance, the markings may comprise geometric shapes, non-geometric shapes, lines, letters, numbers, drawings or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. In a specific embodiment of the invention, however, the markings may be in the form of hexagons. The hexagons may be spaced apart from one another or may abut one another, such as in a honeycomb pattern. In other embodiment, each hexagon marking may comprise a plurality of concentric hexagons.

[0029] In some embodiments of the invention, the markings on the outer surface of the outer layer may comprise fractal hexagons.

[0030] In some embodiments, the outer layer may extend along substantially the entire length of the elongate tubular member. In other embodiments, the outer layer may extend along a portion of the length of the elongate tubular member. It is envisaged that the outer layer may not extend to at least one end of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, the outer layer may not extend to either end of the elongate tubular member. Thus, the outer layer may be located inwardly towards the centre of the elongate tubular member from both ends thereof.

[0031] In these embodiments, one or both ends of the elongate tubular member may be provided with an installation portion. The installation portion may be configured to assist with installing the grip on the sporting equipment (e.g. to expand to slip over an end of the sporting equipment) and/or to assist in retaining the grip in place on the sporting equipment. In some embodiments of the invention, the installation portions may form part of the inner layer of the grip. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the length of the inner layer may be greater than at least one of the other of the plurality of layers in the grip.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the grip (or at least a portion thereof) may be fabricated from a resiliently deformable material in order to allow the grip to expand in order to slip over the end of the sporting equipment.

[0033] The inner layer may be fabricated from a material configured to have adhesive properties such that, when the grip is located on the sporting equipment, the inner layer may adhere to the outer surface of the sporting equipment. Alternatively, adhesives may be used to adhere the inner surface of the grip to the outer surface of the sporting equipment.

[0034] In a second aspect, the invention resides broadly in a golf club grip, the grip comprising an elongate tubular member configured to surround a portion of shaft of the golf club, wherein the grip comprises a plurality of concentric layers, and wherein at least one of the plurality of layers is fabricated from an impact resistant and/or shock absorbing material.

[0035] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. For instance, the present invention provides enhanced grip to a user during use, improving the user’s performance and consistency when using the sporting equipment. In addition, the present invention provides improved shock absorbance, reducing or eliminating the need for users to use other protective equipment (such as gloves, support tape or the like). Further, the improved shock absorbance provided by the present invention may reduce or eliminate both the negative effects on a user’s performance, as well as the likelihood of injuries caused by the shock or impact during use of the sporting equipment.

[0036] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0037] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a grip for sporting equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a grip for sporting equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041 ] Figure 3 illustrates a horizontal cross-sectional view of a grip for sporting equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of a grip for sporting equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a top perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a grip 10 for sporting equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention. The grip 10 illustrated in the Figures is for use specifically with golf clubs, but could also be used with other similar sporting equipment.

[0044] The grip 10 comprises an elongate tubular member that defines a bore 11 at the interior thereof. In use, the shaft of a golf club (not shown) is received within the bore 11 such that the grip 10 surrounds a portion of the length of the golf club. It will be noted that the grip 10 is formed as a sleeve or sheath, and is of substantially unitary construction.

[0045] An outer surface of the grip 10 is provided with markings 12 in the form of a plurality of concentric hexagons. The markings 12 are shaped so as to enhance a user’s grip on the grip 10.

[0046] In Figure 2 in particular it may be seen that the grip 10 tapers between opposed ends thereof. The tapered shape of the grip 10 is configured to complement the tapered shape of a golf club shaft so that the grip 10 is in close abutment with the outer surface of the golf club shaft along the length of the grip 10.

[0047] It will be seen in Figure 2 that the grip 10 comprises an installation portion 13a, 13b at opposed ends thereof. In this way, the markings 12 provided on an outer layer of the grip 10 may be spaced inwardly towards the centre of the grip from opposed ends 14, 15 thereof. The installation portion 13a is configured to expand or flex to be located over an end of the golf club (not shown) having a relatively large diameter. The grip 10 is then moved relative to the shaft of the golf club (not shown) until installation portion 13b is located at or in close proximity to the end of the golf club (not shown) having the relatively large diameter. Once installed, installation portion 13a will be positioned along the shaft of the golf club (not shown) intermediate opposite ends thereof.

[0048] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate, respectively, a horizontal cross-sectional view and a vertical cross-sectional view of a grip 10 for sporting equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In Figure 3, it may be seen that the bore 11 extends along substantially the entire length of the grip 10. In addition, it may be seen that the end portion 13b comprises a region of the inner layer 14 of the grip 10. Thus, the length of the inner layer 14 of the grip 10 is greater than the length of the other layers.

[0050] The markings 12 are provided on the surface of the outer layer 15. Between the inner layer 14 and the outer layer there is provided an intermediate layer 16. It may be seen that the layers 14, 15, 16 have different thicknesses, although it will be understood that the thicknesses of each layer 14, 15, 16 may vary depending on the type of sporting equipment, user preference and comfort and so on.

[0051] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 4, the layers 14, 15, 16 of the grip 10 are fabricated from smart materials. In particular, each later 14, 15, 16 of the grip 10 is fabricated from a shear-thickening non-Newtonian colloidal material. Specifically, the shear-thickening non-Newtonian colloidal material comprises a closed-cell polyurethane foam composite including a polyborondimethylsiloxane as a dilatant dispersed within the foam matrix.

[0052] The materials from which the grip 10 is fabricated are configured to harden on impact with an object. In conventional grips, as the golf club (not shown) impacts on a golf ball (not shown) the shock of the impact is transferred to a user’s hands. However, through the use of smart materials in the grip 10 of the present invention, the grip 10 hardens in order to absorb at least a portion of the shock caused by an impact with a golf ball (not shown). In this way, the grip 10 not only protects a user’s hands from injury, but also means that any interruption to the user’s swing caused by the impact with the golf ball (not shown) will be reduced or eliminated.

[0053] In the present specification and claims (if any), 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.