Abstract:
A grip for the handle of a golf club having a single panel that is wrapped about an underlisting sleeve comprising a cap. The panel further comprises an inner layer and an outermost layer, the inner layer comprising one of a fabric and a polymer. The panel is adhered to the underlisting sleeve such that the outermost layer in the top region contacts the underside portion of the cap. The unitary grip reduces impact shock and also provides a feeling of tackiness in the manner of a spirally wrapped grip.

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/875,035, Filed Jun. 23, 2004, pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/392,480, filed Mar. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,971, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,764, filed Dec. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,732, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/572,604, filed May 19, 2004. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/062,046, filed Feb. 18, 2005, pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/392,480, filed Mar. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,971. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/029,328, filed Jan. 5, 2005, pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,764, filed Dec. 23, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,732. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/572,604, filed May 19, 2004.  
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE  
       [0002]     This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/062,046, filed Feb. 18, 2005; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/029,328, filed Jan. 5, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,815,028, issued Nov. 9, 2004; U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,027, issued Sep. 30, 2003; U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,971, issued Feb. 22, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,732, issued Jan. 18, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/572,604, filed May 19, 2004, in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     The present invention relates to an improved grip for golf clubs.  
         [0005]     2. Description of Prior Art  
         [0006]     Applicant has previously developed resilient grips which successfully reduce impact shock to the muscle and arm joints of the user&#39;s of golf clubs and also provide a feeling of tackiness between a player&#39;s hands and the grip. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,813 granted to Applicant on Aug. 25, 1998. Such earlier grips utilize a polyurethane-felt strip which is spirally wrapped around an underlisting sleeve that is slipped onto and adhered to a golf club handle. The sides of the strips are formed with overlapping heat depressed recessed reinforcement edges. While such grips have proven satisfactory in reducing impact shock, their fabrication is labor intensive, particularly since the strip must be wrapped manually about the underlisting sleeve within specific pressure parameters. Additionally, it is difficult to accurately align the adjoining side edges of the strip as such strip is being spirally wrapped about underlisting sleeve. The strip of such wrapped grips can become twisted during the wrapping process. This is a particularly difficult problem when wrapping putter grips. These wrapped grips also do not lend themselves to the display of decorative designs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     In one embodiment, the golf club grip overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of existing spirally wrapped grips while providing the same resistance to shock afforded by such grips, as well as providing tackiness and reducing the overall weight of the grip. An embodiment consists of a grip for a golf club comprising a resilient underlisting sleeve having a main portion, a top end, and a bottom end. The sleeve further comprises a cap positioned at the top end which defines an underside portion positioned between the end of the cap and the bottom end of the sleeve. The sleeve also comprises a hole configured to receive the end of a golf club shaft and positioned near the bottom end of the sleeve. The grip further comprises a single panel comprising a top region having skiving along the length of the region, a bottom region, and two side regions. The panel further comprises a configuration corresponding to the exterior shape of the resilient sleeve and an inner layer and an outermost layer, the inner layer comprising one of a fabric and a polymer. The panel is adhered to the underlisting sleeve such that the outermost layer in the top region contacts the underside portion of the cap.  
         [0008]     Another embodiment is a method of making a grip for a golf club including the following steps: providing an underlisting sleeve having a main portion, a top end, a bottom end, a cap defining an underside portion and positioned near the top end, and a hole configured to receive the end of a golf club shaft and positioned near the bottom end, providing a single panel having at least an inner layer and an outermost layer, the inner layer comprising one of a fabric and a polymer, configuring the panel to have a top region, a bottom region, and two side regions, further configuring the panel to correspond with the exterior shape of the resilient sleeve, skiving along the length of the top region of the panel, adhering the panel to the underlisting sleeve, and positioning the panel on the underlisting sleeve such that the outermost layer in the top region contacts the underside portion of the cap.  
         [0009]     The golf club grip may be manufactured at considerably less cost than existing spirally wrapped grips, since the intensive labor of spirally wrapping a strip around an underlisting sleeve within specific pressure parameters is eliminated. Additionally, the single panel grip will desirably not twist either during manufacture or after it is adhered to an underlisting sleeve. My new grip desirably has an appearance similar to conventional molded rubber grips so as to appeal to professional golfers and low-handicap amateurs, and desirably also provides a greater area for the application of decorative designs.  
         [0010]     These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golf club provided with a polyurethane-EVA single panel grip according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a putter provided with a polyurethane-EVA single panel grip according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the polyurethane-EVA single panel after being press cut to its final working shape;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  6  in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side view showing a first mold which may be utilized in forming a polyurethane-EVA single panel grip;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  9  in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  10  in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  11  in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a front view of the polyurethane-EVA single panel after it has been removed from the mold shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a front view of the polyurethane-EVA single panel after it has been removed from another version of the mold shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  is a front view of the polyurethane-EVA single panel after it has been removed from another version of the mold shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 15  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  15 - 15  of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 16  is a side view showing another mold which may be utilized in forming a polyurethane-EVA single panel grip;  
         [0027]      FIG. 17  is a vertical cross-sectional view of the mold taken along the line designated  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 18  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  18  in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 19  is a front view of the interior surface of the polyurethane-EVA single panel after it has been removed from one version of the mold shown in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 20  shows the top and bottom edges of the polyurethane-EVA single panel being skived;  
         [0031]      FIG. 21  shows a first side edge of the polyurethane-EVA single panel being skived;  
         [0032]      FIG. 22  shows a second side edge of the polyurethane-EVA single panel being skived;  
         [0033]      FIG. 23  is a front view of the interior surface of the polyurethane-EVA single panel after the top, bottom and side edges thereof have been skived in the manner depicted in  FIGS. 20, 21  and  22 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 24  is a front view of an underlisting sleeve member of the polyurethane-EVA single panel grip of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 25  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  25 - 25  of  FIG. 24 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  26  in  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  27  in  FIG. 25 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 28  is a front view showing one version of adhesive being applied to the exterior surface of the underlisting sleeve;  
         [0039]      FIG. 29  is a front view showing one version of adhesive being applied to the interior surface of the polyurethane-EVA single panel;  
         [0040]      FIG. 30  is a front view showing a first step in wrapping and adhering the polyurethane-EVA single panel to an underlisting sleeve;  
         [0041]      FIG. 31  is a front view showing a second step in wrapping and adhering the polyurethane-EVA single panel to an underlisting sleeve;  
         [0042]      FIG. 32  is a front view showing the polyurethane-EVA single panel adhered to an underlisting sleeve;  
         [0043]      FIG. 33  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  33 - 33  of  FIG. 30 ;  
         [0044]      FIG. 34  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  34 - 34  of  FIG. 31 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 35  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  35 - 35  of  FIG. 32 ;  
         [0046]      FIG. 36  an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  36  in  FIG. 34 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 37  an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  37  in  FIG. 35  showing a seam between the side edges of one embodiment of the single panel;  
         [0048]      FIG. 38  is a side view showing a heat depressed sealing channel being formed along the top portion of the seam shown in  FIG. 37 ;  
         [0049]      FIG. 39  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  39 - 39  of  FIG. 38 ;  
         [0050]      FIG. 40  shows the parts of  FIG. 39  after the sealing channel has been formed;  
         [0051]      FIG. 41  an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  41  in  FIG. 40 ;  
         [0052]      FIG. 42  is a front view of a completed polyurethane-EVA single panel grip according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 43  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  43 - 43  of  FIG. 42 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 44  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  44 - 44  of  FIG. 42 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 45  is a broken front view showing a first step in making a modification of the grip of  FIG. 42 ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 46  is a broken front view showing a second step in making a modification of the grip of  FIG. 42 ;  
         [0057]      FIG. 47  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  47 - 47  of  FIG. 46 ;  
         [0058]      FIG. 48  an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  48  in  FIG. 47 ;  
         [0059]      FIG. 49  is a front view of a polyurethane-EVA single panel grip as in  FIG. 32 , ready for modification;  
         [0060]      FIG. 50  is a broken front view showing a first step in making a modification of the grip of  FIG. 49 ;  
         [0061]      FIG. 51  is a broken front view showing a second step in making a modification of the grip of  FIG. 49 ;  
         [0062]      FIG. 52  is a front view of a grip made in accordance with  FIGS. 49-51 ;  
         [0063]      FIG. 53  is a broken front view showing another modification of the grip shown in  FIG. 49 ;  
         [0064]      FIG. 54  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  54 - 54  of  FIG. 53 ;  
         [0065]      FIG. 55  an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  55  in  FIG. 54 ;  
         [0066]      FIG. 56  is a broken front view showing another modification of the grip shown in  FIG. 49 ;  
         [0067]      FIG. 57  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  57 - 57  of  FIG. 56 ;  
         [0068]      FIG. 58  an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  58  in  FIG. 57 ;  
         [0069]      FIG. 59  is a side view of a die that can be utilized in modifying embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0070]      FIG. 60  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  60 - 60  of  FIG. 59 ;  
         [0071]      FIG. 61  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  61 - 61  of  FIG. 59 ;  
         [0072]      FIG. 62  an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  62  in  FIG. 61 ;  
         [0073]      FIG. 63  is a front view of a grip made in accordance with  FIGS. 59-62 ;  
         [0074]      FIG. 64  is a perspective front view of an underlisting sleeve of a putter grip according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0075]      FIG. 65  is a side view of the underlisting sleeve of  FIG. 64 ;  
         [0076]      FIG. 66  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  66 - 66  of  FIG. 64 ;  
         [0077]      FIG. 67  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  67 - 67  of  FIG. 65 ;  
         [0078]      FIG. 68  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  68 - 68  of  FIG. 65 ;  
         [0079]      FIG. 69  is a front view of the polyurethane-EVA single panel of a golf club putter grip according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0080]      FIG. 70  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  70 - 70  of  FIG. 69 ;  
         [0081]      FIG. 71  is a perspective front view of a completed polyurethane-EVA single panel putter grip according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0082]      FIG. 72  is a rear view of the putter grip of  FIG. 71 ; and  
         [0083]      FIG. 73  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  73 - 73  of  FIG. 71 .  
         [0084]      FIG. 74  is a front view showing the polyurethane-felt single panel adhered to an underlisting sleeve;  
         [0085]      FIG. 75  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  75 - 75  of  FIG. 74 ;  
         [0086]      FIG. 76  is a perspective front view of a completed polyurethane-felt single panel putter grip according to an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0087]      FIG. 77  is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  77 - 77  of  FIG. 76 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0088]     Referring to the drawings, in  FIG. 1 , a single panel grip G of one embodiment of the present invention is shown attached to the shaft  55  of a golf club GC. In  FIG. 2 , a single panel putter grip PG is shown attached to the shaft  57  of a putter P. Referring now to the remaining drawings, a preferred form of grip G includes a single panel S formed of a bonded-together outside or polymeric, preferably polyurethane, layer  60  and an inside or polymeric, preferably ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), layer  62 , which is wrapped about and adhered to a resilient underlisting sleeve U of conventional construction.  
         [0089]     The outside layer  60  of the single panel in this disclosure is generally referred to as a polyurethane layer. Though polyurethane is the preferred material, other materials could be used and achieve some advantages. In particular, other polymeric compounds can be used to create the outer layer and achieve some advantages. Similarly, the inside layer  62  is generally referred to as an EVA layer. Though EVA is preferred, it is understood that other polymeric layers can be used in alternative embodiments of this invention. In another embodiment, the inside layer may comprise a fabric, more preferably felt.  
         [0090]     Referring to  FIGS. 3-6 , the EVA layer  62  has its exterior surface secured to the interior surface of polyurethane layer  60  with an adhesive  30 , with such polyurethane layer  60  preferably being coagulated to define pores (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). One preferred method of forming a suitable polyurethane-EVA sheet (not-shown) is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,027 issued to Applicant on Sep. 30, 2003. One preferred method of forming the polyurethane layer  60  of the aforementioned polyurethane-EVA sheet is disclosed in, for example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,764, filed by Applicant on Dec. 23, 2003. Once the polyurethane-EVA sheet is formed, the sheet is preferably press cut in the conventional way to form the shaped panel S shown in  FIG. 3 . The same press cut desirably also forms notches N 1 , N 2  in the panel S at the center of the top edge  107  and bottom edge  108 , respectively. The notches N 1 , N 2  serve as markings to help center the panel S on the underlisting sleeve U. Though there are other methods of centering the panel S, these notches N 1 , N 2  are preferred because they reduce cost and do not affect the contours of the finished grip G. One example of another method of centering the panel S is discussed below in relation to  FIGS. 16-19 .  
         [0091]     Preferably, the thickness of the polyurethane layer will be about 0.3-0.5 millimeters and the thickness of the EVA layer about 0.8-1.7 millimeters. The polyurethane layer  60  provides a cushioned grasp of a golfer&#39;s hands on a golf club and also enhances the golfer&#39;s grip by providing increased tackiness between the player&#39;s hand and the grip. The EVA layer  62  provides strength to the polyurethane layer and serves as a moisture resistant means for attaching the secured-together polyurethane and EVA panel to underlisting sleeve U.  
         [0092]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-15  there is shown a first mold M which may be utilized to form a friction enhancing pattern  63  on the outer surface of polyurethane layer  60 , and top and bottom heat depressed horizontal edges  64  and  65  along the top and bottom edges  107 ,  108  of the single panel S and depressed horizontal edges  66   a,    66   b  along the sides of the panel  109 ,  110 , respectively. Mold M includes a base plate B and a heated platen  67  formed with a cavity  68 . The ends of the cavity  68  are provided with depending protrusions  69  that engage the outer surface of the polyurethane layer  60  so as to form the depressed friction enhancing pattern  63 , as seen in  FIG. 9 . In  FIG. 8 , depending protrusions  69   a,    69   b  form recessed edges  66   a,    66   b,  respectively. In  FIG. 11 , it will be seen that the right-hand edge of the cavity  68  is formed with a shoulder  70  which engages the top edge  107  of the panel S to form heat recessed top edge  64  in polyurethane layer  60 . The left-hand side of the cavity is formed with a similar shoulder  71  to form the heat depressed recessed bottom edge  65  along the bottom edge  108  of the panel S ( FIG. 10 ).  
         [0093]     In alternative embodiments, other patterns may be formed on the outer surface of the polyurethane layer  60 .  FIG. 12  shows one alternative design in which the mold M forms the friction enhancing pattern  63  but does not form the heat depressed edges  64 ,  65 ,  66   a,    66   b  along the periphery edges  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110  of the panel S. As seen in  FIG. 13 , another alternative design leaves the majority of the outside layer  60  smooth while visual indicia, such as logo  116 , is placed near the bottom edge  108  of the panel S. In  FIG. 14 , yet another embodiment of the friction enhancing pattern is shown. The second pattern  118  incorporates visual indicia extending the majority of the length of the panel surrounded by a tread pattern similar to the friction enhancing pattern  63  shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14  also shows an alternative means for imputing decorative designs or logos on the grip panel S. Stamped visual indicia, such as logo  114 , is ink stamped onto the polyurethane layer  60  using a suitable ink known to those of skill in the art. Preferably, the ink is waterproof and heat resistant and, more preferably, formulated to resist degradation when coming into contact with the lubrication fluid or solvent used to apply the completed grip G (underlisting U with panel S) over the end of a golf club GC shaft  55  ( FIG. 1 ) or a putter P shaft  57  ( FIG. 2 ). It is to be understood that these are representative and many other patterns and stamps may be used with this polyurethane-EVA single panel grip.  
         [0094]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  15 - 15  of  FIG. 12 . It shows the friction enhancing pattern  63  formed on the contiguous polyurethane layer  60 .  
         [0095]     Referring now to  FIGS. 16-19  there is shown a second mold M 2  which may be utilized in making a single panel grip G of one embodiment of the present invention. Panel S is shown inverted from its position in first mold M. The mold M 2  includes a base plate  71  and a heated platen  72  formed with a cavity  73 . The base plate is also formed with a cavity  74  that receives the polyurethane layer  60  while the EVA layer  62  is received within the cavity  73  of the heated platen  72 . The top and bottom edges and the side edges of the heated platen  72  are formed with a depending peripheral shoulders  76   a,    76   b  that engage the top and bottom edges  107 ,  108  and the side edges  109 ,  110  of the EVA layer  62 . When the heated platen  72  is urged downwardly towards the EVA layer the periphery thereof will be depressed by the shoulders  76   a,    76   b  and heat will be transferred through the EVA layer to densify the peripheral edges of the polyurethane layer  60 . The densification is effected by the heat transferred from the shoulders  76   a,    76   b  through the EVA layer  62 . An alternative to the centering notches N 1 , N 2  can be formed at the same time when heated platen  72  of second mold M 2  is also provided with a depending spur  72   a  ( FIG. 17 ) which forms a score line SL- 1  along the longitudinal center of the EVA layer  62  shown in  FIG. 19 . In alternative embodiments, the heated platen of second mold M 2  lacks depending shoulders  76   a,    76   b.  Rather, it only has depending spur  72   a  to form score line SL- 1  without densifying the peripheral edges  107 ,  108 ,  109 ,  110  of polyurethane layer  60   
         [0096]     Referring now to  FIGS. 20-23 , the peripheral edges of the panel S are shown being skived by a pair of rotating knives  120  and  122 , which engage the top edge  107  and bottom edge  108  of the panel S, as shown in  FIG. 20 , and a single rotating knife  124 . Knives  120  and  122  form top and bottom skived edges  130 ,  132 . Knife  124  is shown forming skived side edge  134  on one side of the panel S in  FIG. 21  and the other skived side edge  136  in  FIG. 22  after the first side  109  has been skived. A pressure plate  83  is utilized to secure the panel S on base  84  during the skiving operation. It will be noted that the skiving on the opposite sides  109 ,  110  of the panel S are preferably parallel to one another, as seen in  FIG. 22 . Preferably, the skiving will have a width of about 4.0-6.0 millimeters. In an alternative embodiments, the top edge  107  and/or bottom edge  108  is not skived.  
         [0097]     Referring now to  FIGS. 24-27 , there is shown an underlisting sleeve U formed of a resilient material such as a natural or synthetic rubber or plastic. Sleeve U may include an integral cap  85  at its top end, while the bottom end of the sleeve may be formed with an integral nipple  86 . The underside of the cap  85  is preferably formed with a circumferentially downwardly extending slot  87 . The slot  87  preferably receives the top skived edge  130  of the panel S as described hereinafter. The nipple  86  is preferably formed with an upwardly extending slot  88  which is preferably defined by a peripheral lip  89  formed outwardly of the slot  88  so as to admit the bottom skived edge  132  of the panel S in a manner to be described hereinafter. Preferably, underlisting sleeve U will be formed with centering notches N 3 , N 4  indicating a middle point for application of the completed grip panel S to the underlisting sleeve U to form a complete grip G. Alternatively, underlisting sleeve U may be formed with a vertically extending score line SL- 2  (not shown).  
         [0098]     Referring now to  FIGS. 28-37 , the panel S is shown being applied to underlisting sleeve U. In  FIG. 28 , the exterior surface of the underlisting sleeve U is shown receiving an adhesive  90  by means of a nozzle, brush or the like. In  FIG. 29 , the interior surface of the EVA layer  62  is shown receiving an adhesive  90  by means of a nozzle, brush or the like.  
         [0099]      FIG. 30  shows the panel S shown being wrapped around and adhered to the underlisting sleeve U. During this operation, the notches N 1 , N 2  of the panel S are disposed in alignment under notches N 3 , N 4  of the underlisting sleeve U. Alternatively, the score lines SL- 1  and SL- 2  may be disposed in alignment. In yet another embodiment, score lines may be used in combination with notches to center the panel S on the underlisting sleeve U. Also, top skived edge  130  of the panel S will be manually inserted within the slot  87  of the underlisting cap  85 , while the bottom skived edge  132  of the panel S is manually inserted within the slot  88  formed within the nipple  86  by temporarily flexing the peripheral lip  89  outwardly (See  FIGS. 43 and 44 ).  
         [0100]     As indicated in  FIGS. 35, 36  and  37 , the skived side edges  134 ,  136  of the panel S will be adhered together by a suitable adhesive  90  so as to define a seam  91  extending through the panel. Because of the skived side edges  134 ,  136 , the seam  91  extends through the panel at an angle relative to the depth of the panel S so as to increase the length of such seam as compared to a seam extending parallel to the depth of the panel. Increased length of the seam affords a stronger bond. As one of skill in the art would appreciate and as discussed in my earlier disclosures, there are different ways of attaching the panel to the underlisting sleeve U. A suitable adhesive  90  used to join the EVA layers and to wrap the polyurethane/EVA panel to the underlisting is preferably a combination of methyl-ethyl-kentone (C 6 H 5 CH 3 ) and TS008 polyurethane. As those of skill in the art will appreciate, these compounds can be combined in various ratios. However, one suitable ratio of the combination is 8:1. As one of skill in the art would appreciate and as stated in the disclosure of my U.S. Pat. No. 6,627,027, one can purchase EVA having an adhesive coating  30  covered by a protective paper from the Ho Ya Electric Bond Factory, Xin Xing Ind. Area. Xin Feng W. Rd., Shi Jie Town Dong Guan City, Guan Dong, Province, China. Still other possibilities are contemplated for securing the panel S to the underlisting U, including, but not limited to, the use of a tape, rather than liquid, form of adhesive  90 .  
         [0101]     In one embodiment, the seam  91  is left alone and the completed grip G- 1  resembles the grip in  FIG. 32 .  
         [0102]      FIGS. 43 and 44  show enlarged cross-sectional views along the lines designated  43 - 43  and  44 - 44 , respectively, of  FIG.42 . They demonstrate the final placement of the top skived edge  130  and the bottom skived edge  132  of the panel S after the panel S has been adhered to the underlisting U. It will be seen that the top edge skived edge  130  of the panel S is securely disposed within the cap  85  slot  87 . Similarly, the bottom skived edge  132  is securely disposed within the nipple  86  slot  88 . It is, of course, also possible to insert unskived top edge  107  and/or unskived bottom edge  108  into the respective slot  87  or  88 . The complete grip is then removed from the mandrel  92  and is ready to be slipped onto and adhered to the shaft of a golf club GC or putter P in a conventional manner.  
         [0103]     Referring to  FIGS. 38-42 , an embodiment is shown after the panel S has been adhered to the underlisting sleeve U.  FIG. 38  shows the underlisting sleeve U supported by mandrel  92  upon a base  93  while a longitudinally extending heated pressure tooth  94  ( FIG. 39 ) is urged against the polyurethane layer  60  at the outer edge of seam  91 . The heated tooth  94  forms a small depression  95  in the polyurethane layer  60  aligned with the outer edge of the seam  91  so as to further strengthen the seam  91 . An embodiment of a completed grip G- 2  is shown in  FIG. 42 .  
         [0104]      FIGS. 45-48  show a golf club grip G- 3  similar to grip G- 2  with the exception that the depression  95  is filled with hot polyurethane  96  by a nozzle, brush or the like ( FIG. 45 ). After the polyurethane  96  hardens, it can be buffed by a suitable brush or the like  97  to smoothly blend into the surface of the grip as shown in  FIG. 46 . Alternatively, channel  95  is not buffed after it is filled with hot polyurethane  96 .  
         [0105]     Referring now to  FIGS. 49-52 , there is shown another embodiment of a grip G- 4 . Grip G- 4  does not use the channel  95 . Rather, seam  91  is coated by a small deposit of hot polyurethane  96  by means of a nozzle, brush or the like, as shown in  FIG. 50 . After the polyurethane  96  hardens, it may be buffed by a suitable brush or the like  97  to smoothly blend into the surface of the grip, as indicated in  FIG. 51 . Alternatively, the polyurethane  96  is not buffed.  
         [0106]     In still another embodiment, the adhesive  90  is sprayed on the EVA layer  62  such that it covers only the EVA layer  62  and does not extend to cover the edges of the polyurethane layer  60 . After the panel S is wrapped around the underlisting sleeve U, hot polyurethane  96  may be injected between the polyurethane layers of the seam  91  by a needle, brush, sprayer or the like. After the polyurethane  96  hardens, it may be buffed by a suitable brush or the like  97  to smoothly blend in the surface of the grip any polyurethane  96  spilling from the seam. Alternatively, the polyurethane is not buffed.  
         [0107]     Referring to  FIGS. 53-63 , there is shown a modification of the grips of  FIGS. 32- 52 . In  FIGS. 53-55 , hot polyurethane  96  is shown being coated over the seam  91  by a nozzle, brush or the like. In  FIGS. 56-58 , hot polyurethane  96  is shown filling the depression  95  by a nozzle, brush or the like. In another embodiment, hot polyurethane  96  is injected between the edges of the polyurethane layer along the seam.  FIG. 59  shows a third mold M 3  having a heated platen  100 , the underside of which is formed with a segment  63   a  of the friction enhancing pattern  63 , which is embossed on the surface of the polyurethane layer  60  of the grip. The heated platen  100  is depressed against the outside surface of the polyurethane layer  60  over the area of the seam  91  while the polyurethane deposit  96  is still hot. With this arrangement, the area of the exterior of the polyurethane layer  60  outwardly of the seam  91  is formed with the friction enhancing segment  63   a  of  FIG. 60  whereby the segment  63   a  merges with the friction enhancing pattern  63  previously molded on the polyurethane layer  60  of the grip G.  FIG. 63  shows such a grip G- 5  with the merged friction enhancing pattern  63  placed over and adhered to the shaft  55  of a golf club GC. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the heated platen  100  may be urged against the naked seam  91  to form the friction enhancing pattern without first coating in or along the seam  91  with hot polyurethane  96 . Pressing the friction enhancing pattern  63  directly to the seam  91  eliminates a step in the production process and therefore reduces the costs of production.  
         [0108]     Referring now to  FIGS. 64-73 , there is shown a polyurethane-EVA single panel grip PG for use with a conventional putter P. The grip PG includes a resilient underlisting UP ( FIGS. 64-68 ), which is generally similar to the aforedescribed underlisting U, except that underlisting sleeve UP is not of an annular configuration. Instead, the front surface  98  of underlisting sleeve UP is of flat configuration in accordance with the design of most putters in general use. It should be understood that underlisting sleeve UP receives a single panel SP of polyurethane-EVA configuration, similar to the aforedescribed single panel S. Such single panel SP is wrapped-about and adhered to the underlisting sleeve in the same manner as described hereinbefore with respect to the panel P in the polyurethane-EVA single panel grips G- 1 -G- 5 , with like parts of the two grips marked with like reference numerals. Similarly, if a tooth  94 ′ is used to create a channel  95 ′, that channel  95 ′ may be left alone or filled with hot polyurethane  96 ′ and left alone or buffed with a brush or the like  97 ′ (refer to  FIGS. 38-63  for examples of possible modifications to the grips herein disclosed). In one embodiment, the panel SP is smooth as shown in  FIG. 69 . Because a putter P is generally subjected to less forces due to the shortened putting swing as compared to the generally longer swing associated with other clubs, it is contemplated that putter grip PG does not require the friction enhancing pattern  63 ′. Alternatively, the panel SP may incorporate a smaller heat embossed visual indicial such as logo  114 ′ (not shown), a heat embossed friction enhancing pattern  63 ′ (not shown), an inked visual indicia  118 ′ (not shown), a larger heat embossed pattern extending the majority of the length of the panel  118 ′ (not shown) or any combination or modification thereof.  
         [0109]     Referring now to  FIGS. 74-77 , there is shown embodiments of the grip having a polyurethane-felt single panel.  
         [0110]     It should be understood that the outer surface of a grip embodying the present invention may be coated by means of a brush, nozzle, sprayer or the like with a thin layer of polymeric material, preferably polyurethane (not shown), to protect such surface, add tackiness thereto and increase the durability thereof.  
         [0111]     Golf club grips of the present invention provide several advantages over existing wrapped grips and single panel grips. Additionally, such grips have the appearance of molded, one-piece grips familiar to professional and low-handicap golfers. Although some of such golfers are reluctant to use a non-traditional wrapped club, they are willing to play with a structurally integral grip of the present invention since such grip affords the shock-absorbing and tackiness qualities of a wrapped grip. Further, the use of a polymeric material such as EVA as the inner layer in some of the embodiments lightens the grip of the club and prevents undue absorption of moisture into the grip of the club.  
         [0112]     Various modifications and changes may be made with respect to the foregoing detailed description without departing from the spirit of the present invention.