Abstract:
Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with bicycle handles. The grip preferably includes a multi-layered gripping member. The outer layer of the gripping member preferably includes a thin layer saturated by polyurethane. The outer layer of the gripping member can be attached to an inner base layer.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/173,561, filed Apr. 28, 2009 (entitled “GRIP FOR THE HANDLE OF AN ARTICLE”) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/183,478, filed Jun. 2, 2009 (entitled “GRIP FOR THE HANDLE OF AN ARTICLE”), the disclosures of each being hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    Embodiments of the invention relate to an improved grip for use with the handle portion of articles, in particular, the handle portion of a bicycle. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Though grips have been developed, there remains a need for an improved grip. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Some embodiments provide a grip that is light in weight and reduces or eliminates the absorption of water. Embodiments can be configured for use with at least a portion of the handle portion of a variety of articles including bicycles. Some embodiments include a gripping portion including an EVA inner or backing layer and a combination polyurethane and non-woven fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric layer can be impregnated with the polyurethane. In some embodiments, the fabric layer is pre-processed with a polymeric compound to enhance the elasticity of the fabric layer. In some embodiments, the polyurethane further includes a woven fabric mesh layer disposed outside the fabric layer. 
         [0007]    Some embodiments provide a method of manufacturing a grip use with at least a portion of the handle portion of a variety of articles including bicycles. In some embodiments, the method includes dipping a thin fabric substrate into a bath of polyurethane so as to coat both sides of the fabric substrate with polyurethane, removing a substantial portion of the polyurethane from one side of the fabric substrate and smoothing the outer surface of the polyurethane on the other side of the fabric substrate. In some embodiments, the polyurethane soaks into and permeates through the fabric substrate. In some embodiments, the fabric substrate receives a polymeric treatment prior to being dipped into the polyurethane bath to enhance the elasticity of the fabric. In some embodiments, the fabric substrate is compressed prior to being dipped into the polyurethane bath. In some embodiments, the fabric substrate receives a dimpled surface pattern prior to being dipped into the polyurethane bath. The method may further include dipping the polyurethane and fabric substrate into a water bath to facilitate the coagulation of the polyurethane in and around the fabric substrate. The coagulated combination substrate of polyurethane and fabric can be squeezed, by for example, by a pair of rollers, to squeeze fluid from the coagulated polyurethane pores. 
         [0008]    Some embodiments provide a grip configured for use with a handle portion of an article, the grip comprising a gripping member comprising an inner layer comprising ethylene vinyl acetate and an outer layer comprising polyurethane and an elastic fabric having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic fabric comprise a pattern of crests and troughs. In some embodiments, a substantial portion of the crests on the inner surface are substantially free of polyurethane and the polyurethane fills the majority of the troughs on both the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic fabric and covers the majority of the crests on the outer surface of the elastic fabric. In some embodiments, the polyurethane in the troughs of the inner surface of the elastic fabric and the crests of the inner surface of the elastic fabric are joined to the inner layer. 
         [0009]    Some embodiments provide a method of making a gripping member for use with the handle portion of an article which includes the steps of: (1) immersing a fabric sheet having an inner surface and an outer surface into liquid polyurethane such that polyurethane forms a coating over both the inner surface and the outer surface; (2) coagulating the polyurethane on and in the first fabric sheet to form an outer sheet; (3) joining the outer sheet to a sheet comprising ethylene vinyl acetate; and (4) forming a gripping member from the outer sheet joined to the ethylene vinyl acetate sheet, the gripping member defining an inner surface and an outer surface. 
         [0010]    Some embodiments provide a grip configured for use with a handle portion of an article, wherein the grip includes a gripping member with an inner layer including ethylene vinyl acetate joined to an outer layer. The outer layer can include polyurethane and fabric, wherein polyurethane substantially covers both sides of the fabric. In some embodiments, the grip is configured for use with a bike handle. 
         [0011]    Some embodiments provide a grip configured for use with a handle portion of an article, wherein the grip includes a gripping member with a an inner layer comprising ethylene vinyl acetate and an outer layer comprising polyurethane and an elastic fabric, the outer layer having an inner surface and an outer surface. In some embodiments, an inner and outer surface of the elastic fabric comprise a pattern of crests and troughs, the crests on the inner and outer surfaces defining an inner fabric surface plane and an outer fabric surface plane, respectively. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the outer layer and the outer fabric surface plane define a first thickness and the inner surface of the outer layer and the inner fabric surface plane define a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. 
         [0012]    Some embodiments include a bicycle grip kit including instructions for use and a gripping member configured as a strip, wherein the gripping member includes an inner layer comprising ethylene vinyl acetate and an outer layer comprising polyurethane and an elastic fabric having an inner surface and an outer surface. In some embodiments, the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic fabric comprise a pattern of crests and troughs, wherein some of the crests on the inner surface are substantially free of polyurethane and the polyurethane fills the majority of the troughs on both the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic fabric and covers the majority of the crests on the outer surface of the elastic fabric. In some embodiments, the polyurethane in the troughs of the inner surface of the elastic fabric and the crests of the inner surface of the elastic fabric are joined to the inner layer. 
         [0013]    Embodiments of the present invention include one or more advantages including offering great feel by transmitting sensitive vibrations to the hand of a user, providing shock absorption, and being light in weight and of low density. In the context of bicycle grips, the low density and extremely light weight ensures the grip remains as light as possible. For cyclists of all levels, and in particular at the more elite levels, every ounce counts when accessories are placed on a bicycle. Grips are desired that can provide shock absorption, are lightweight, and/or are readily applied to the handle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary bicycle handle incorporating a grip according to some embodiments; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a gripping member according to some embodiments; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a section view of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of the gripping member designated by the circle  4  in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an apparatus for use in the manufacturing of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  according to some embodiments; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a section view of a component of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a top view of a portion of the component shown in  FIG. 6  according to some embodiments; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view of a portion of the component shown in  FIG. 6  designated by the circle  6 B in  FIG. 6  according to some embodiments; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a section view of a component of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a section view of a component of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a section view of a component of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of a portion of the component shown in  FIG. 8  designated by the circle  10  in  FIG. 8  according to some embodiments; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of a portion of the component shown in  FIG. 9  designated by the circle  11  in  FIG. 9  according to some embodiments; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11A  is an alternative view of the portion shown in  FIG. 11  according to some embodiments; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12A  is a top view of the component shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12B  is a bottom view of the component shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view of an apparatus for use in the manufacturing of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  according to some embodiments; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a section view of a component of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  14 - 14  in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a section view of a component of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a section view of a component of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 2  taken along the line  16 - 16  in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged view of a portion of the component shown in  FIG. 16  designated by the circle  17  in  FIG. 16  according to some embodiments; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a section view of a gripping member cut as a strip from a sheet of gripping member material according to some embodiments; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a schematic view of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 18  in an apparatus for use in the manufacturing of a gripping member according to some embodiments; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a schematic view of the gripping member shown in  FIG. 18  being skived according to some embodiments; 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  is a section view of a gripping member prior to application to the handle of an article according to some embodiments; 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary bicycle handle prior to the application of a gripping member according to some embodiments; 
           [0040]      FIG. 23  is a side view of a gripping member being spirally wrapped around a handle according to some embodiments; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the gripping member and handle combination shown in  FIG. 23  after the end has been finished according to some embodiments. 
           [0042]      FIG. 25  is a SEM image of a cross-section of the component schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 6-6B . 
           [0043]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 25 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged SEM image of another portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 25 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 28  is a SEM image of a surface of the component schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 6-6B . 
           [0046]      FIG. 29  is a SEM image of a cross-section of the component schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 9 and 11 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 30  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 29 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 31  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the enlarged cross-section shown in  FIG. 30 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 32  is a SEM image of the bottom surface of the component schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 9 ,  11 , and  12 A-B. 
           [0050]      FIG. 33  is a SEM image of a portion of a cross-section of the gripping member schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 19 ,  20 , and  21 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 34  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 33 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 35  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 34 . 
       
    
    
       [0053]    While the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0054]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bicycle handle BH or handlebar incorporating a grip G according to some embodiments. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 2-4  illustrate a gripping member  50  according to some embodiments. The gripping member  50  is adapted to be applied to the handle of an article, for example, a bicycle handle. Shown as a strip S, the illustrated embodiment is spirally wrapped around the handle to form a generally helical seam  52  on the surface of the gripping member  50  that corresponds to the joint between the side edges  54 ,  56  of the strip as described in greater detail below. Alternatively, the gripping member  50  could be formed as a panel (not shown) and provide a number of the advantages of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2-4 . The gripping member  50  may include a mounting sleeve or tube (not shown) around which it would be folded or wrapped. In some such embodiments, the panel would form a substantially longitudinal seam extending along the axis of the sleeve. Such an embodiment may be advantageous in some bicycle applications where the handles are short and generally straight, for example, bmx bikes or mountain bikes. To conserve weight, the tube may be made from an ethylene vinyl acetate foam, as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, multiple strips and/or panels may be incorporated. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  is a section view of the gripping member  50  taken along the line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, the gripping member  50  preferably includes an outer layer  58  adhered, bonded, glued or otherwise attached to a base or inner layer  60 . The outer layer  58  defines an inner surface  62  and an outer surface  64 . Similarly, the inner layer  60  defines an inner surface  66  and an outer surface  68  ( FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments, a spray on adhesive  70  is applied to one or both of the inner surface  62  of the outer layer  58  and/or the outer surface  68  of the inner layer  60 . In some embodiments, the inner layer  60  comprises EVA to reduce the weight and lower the density of the finished grip G and to provide a cushioning material that is less inclined to absorb and hold water or other fluids. This is particularly useful in bicycle grip applications, for example when the rider sweats or rides through inclement weather, as the grip G resists absorbing water to maintain its light weight while still providing important cushioning and traction characteristics. In some embodiments, the EVA inner layer  60  is between approximately 1 and 3 millimeters thick. In some embodiments, the EVA inner layer  60  is between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters thick. In a preferred embodiment, the EVA inner layer  60  is approximately 2 millimeters thick. 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of the gripping member  50  designated by the circle  4  in  FIG. 3 . As described in greater detail below, the outer layer  58  preferably includes a thin non-woven fabric layer  72  or substrate that is saturated with polyurethane  74 , by, for example, dipping the thin fabric layer  72  into a polyurethane bath  102 . The polyurethane  74  is then preferably coagulated to form one or more closed cells or pores  76 . 
         [0058]    The non-woven fabric layer  72  may be fabricated of suitable materials such as nylon, cotton, polyester, or the like and may be felt. In some embodiments, the non-woven fabric substrate  72  receives a polymeric treatment (polymer  75  from polymeric treatment shown in, for example,  FIG. 27 ) prior to being dipped into the polyurethane bath  102  to enhance the elasticity of the fabric  72 . In some embodiments, the fabric substrate  72  is compressed prior to being dipped into the polyurethane bath  102 . In some embodiments, the fabric substrate  72  receives a dimpled surface pattern prior to being dipped into the polyurethane bath  102 . The dimpled pattern facilitates the flow of polyurethane  74  into the fabric layer  72  which can reduce the amount of space available for water and other fluids to soak into and become trapped within the gripping member  50 . Including a polyurethane outer layer  74  with an elastic thin felt layer  72  with dimples  84  extending partially and/or completely through the felt layer  72  enhances the flexibility of the grip while providing a tacky surface to be gripped. This is particularly useful in bicycle grip applications. In some embodiments, the thin non-woven fabric layer  72  is between approximately 0.1 and 0.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the thin non-woven fabric layer  72  is between approximately 0.25 and 0.4 millimeters thick. In some embodiments, the thin non-woven fabric layer  72  is between approximately 0.28 and 0.32 millimeters thick. In a preferred embodiment, the thin fabric layer  72  is approximately 0.3 millimeters thick. 
         [0059]    The use of low density EVA in the inner layer  60  permits a generally thick inner layer  60  to absorb shock and provide cushion while still maintaining a light overall grip weight. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the inner layer  60  to the thin non-woven fabric layer  72  is between approximately 3 and 15. In some embodiments, the thickness ratio is between approximately 5 and 10. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness ratio is approximately 6. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the inner layer  60  to the outer layer  58  of polyurethane  74  and fabric  72  is between approximately 2.5 and 5.5. In some embodiments, the thickness ratio is between approximately 3 and 4. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness ratio is approximately 3.5. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 5-17  illustrate a method of manufacturing a gripping member  50  according to some embodiments.  FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an apparatus  100  useful in some embodiments of the manufacturing method. Generally, in some embodiments, a thin non-woven fabric sheet  72  is dipped into a polyurethane bath  102 . As used in this application, dip is intended to be a broad term meaning, for example, to immerse or submerge an object. In some embodiments, the bath  102  is a solution of polyurethane  74  (e.g., polyester, polyether) dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF). The solids content of the polyurethane  74  will vary in accordance with the desired hardness of such polyurethane. A preferred solids content solution is approximately 28.5-30.5%, with a viscosity range of about 60,000-90,000 cps measured at 25.+−.0.5 degrees C. The viscosity of the polyurethane bath  102  can be manipulated to control the thickness of the polyurethane  74  that ultimately collects on the fabric sheet  72 . The polyurethane  74  preferably coats both sides of the fabric sheet  72  and saturates through the fabric sheet  72 . As discussed above, the fabric sheet  72  may be pre-dipped, saturated, or coated with a polymer treatment to enhance its elasticity. One suitable polymer is Vistamaxx Specialty Elastomer available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company. The Vistamaxx is a member of the Olefin Polymer family. In addition, the fabric sheet  72  may be compressed and/or receive a dimpled surface treatment. The dimples  84  can form crests  90  and troughs  92  on the outer  80  and/or inner surfaces  78  of the fabric sheet  72 . In some embodiments, the dimples  84  extend partially through the fabric sheet  72 . In some embodiments, the dimples  84  extend all the way through the sheet  72 . 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, the thin fabric layer  72  is coated with and/or saturated by polyurethane  74 . In some embodiments, the polyurethane  74  coating the thin fabric layer  72  is between approximately 0.1 and 0.4 millimeters thick measured from the outer surface  80  of the fabric layer  72 . In some embodiments, the polyurethane  74  coating the thin fabric layer  72  is between approximately 0.22 and 0.28 millimeters thick. In a preferred embodiment, the polyurethane  74  coating the thin fabric layer  72  is approximately 0.25 millimeters thick. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, not shown, additional liquid polyurethane can be added to the top surface of the uncoagulated polyurethane  74  that coats the thin fabric sheet  72  after the sheet  72  is directed out of the polyurethane bath  102 . The second polyurethane can include one or more different characteristics from the polyurethane  74  in the bath  102  to provide contrast on the gripping member  50 . For example, the second polyurethane can include a different color, durometer or level of tackiness. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the fabric/polyurethane sheet is directed out of the polyurethane bath  102  and into a first processing stage  104  in which a portion of the polyurethane  74  is removed from the bottom  80  of the fabric sheet  72 . In some embodiments, a majority of the polyurethane  74  is removed. In addition, the top surface  86  of the polyurethane  74  is preferably smoothed. In some embodiments, the processing stage  104  occurs in a compression system comprising a pair of rollers  106 ,  108 . The spacing of the rollers  106 ,  108  can be used to help determine the thickness of the polyurethane  74  coating the fabric sheet  72 . In some embodiments, the bottom roller  108  includes a rubber surface  110  or a surface comprising another similar resilient material. The bottom roller  108  preferably removes a portion of the polyurethane  74  and in some embodiments the majority of the polyurethane  74  from the bottom  80  of the fabric sheet  72 . In some embodiments, the bottom roller  108  can be substituted with any other similar apparatus which strips off polyurethane  74  from the bottom  80  of the fabric sheet  72 . For example, a non-rotating edge may be used. In some embodiments, the top roller  106  includes a stainless steel surface  112  or a surface comprising another similar smooth, hard surface. The top roller  106  preferably smoothes the top surface of the polyurethane  74  that coats the fabric sheet  72 . 
         [0064]    When a wet coagulation process is used, the saturated and coated fabric sheet  72  is then preferably directed into one or more water baths  120  to displace the DMF from the polyurethane  74  and to facilitate the formation of pores  76  in the polyurethane  74 . From the water bath  120 , the coagulated polyurethane sheet  74  is preferably directed to another processing stage  114  to press water and DMF from the coagulated polyurethane sheet  58 . In some embodiments, the processing stage  114  includes one or more pairs of rollers  116 ,  118 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 6  is a section view taken along the line  6 - 6  of the thin non-woven fabric sheet  72  before it is dipped in the polyurethane bath  102  according to some embodiments.  FIG. 6A  is an enlarged surface view of the thin fabric sheet  72 . As described above, the non-woven sheet  72  is preferably compressed prior to being dipped. The compression process in some embodiments can create a pattern of dimples  84  or crests  90  and troughs  92  as shown in  FIG. 6A . These holes  84  facilitate the saturation of polyurethane  74  into and through the fabric sheet  72  during the dipping and coagulation process.  FIG. 6B  is an enlarged surface view of the thin fabric sheet  72 . In some embodiments, the dimples  84  extend a through the fabric sheet  72  as shown in  FIG. 6B . Alternatively, in some embodiments a portion of the sheet  72  remains across the troughs  92  of the dimples  84 . For example, if sheet  72  has a polymeric treatment before dipping as described above, polymer  75  may extend across the dimples  84  as shown, for example, in  FIG. 27 . In some embodiments, the upper or outer surface  78  of the fabric sheet  72  defines an outer surface plane  94  generally defined by the crests  90  on the outer surface  78 . In some embodiments, the lower or bottom or inner surface  80  of the fabric sheet  72  defines an inner surface plane  96  generally defined by the crests  90  on the inner surface  80 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 7  is a section view taken along the line  7 - 7  of the thin fabric sheet  72  after it has been dipped into the polyurethane bath  102  according to some embodiments. The polyurethane  74  preferably coats both sides  78 ,  80  of the fabric sheet  72  and penetrates through the sheet  72 . In some embodiments, the polyurethane  74  fills the crests and troughs on both sides  78 ,  80  of the sheet. 
         [0067]      FIG. 8  is a section view taken along the line  8 - 8  of the thin fabric sheet  72  after it has been dipped into the polyurethane bath  102  and a portion of the polyurethane  74  has been stripped from the bottom side  80  according to some embodiments.  FIG. 10  is an enlarged section view of the sheet  72  after the bottom  80  has been substantially stripped of polyurethane  74 , and before the polyurethane  74  on top and inside is coagulated. The non-woven fabric  72  generally includes holes  84  that allow portions of the polyurethane  74  to extend from the top surface  86  of the polyurethane  74  coating the fabric to the bottom surface  80  of the saturated sheet of fabric  72 . In some embodiments, the polyurethane  74  coats outer surface  78  of the fabric sheet  72  and extends between the inner  96  and outer planes  94  of the fabric sheet  72 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 9  is a section view taken along the line  9 - 9  of the coated and saturated sheet  58  after it has been dipped into the water bath  120  according to some embodiments.  FIG. 11  is an enlarged section view of the coated and saturated sheet  58  after the polyurethane  74  is coagulated. The coagulation process generally allows the polyurethane  74  to expand and increase in thickness. In addition, pores  76  preferably form within the polyurethane  74  and enhance can enhance features of the grip G including tackiness of the gripping member  50 . 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, the polyurethane  74  coating the top or outer surface  78  of the fabric sheet  72  defines an outer surface  86 . Similarly, the polyurethane  74  coating the bottom or inner surface  80  of the fabric sheet  72  defines an inner surface  88 . The polyurethane  74  defines a first thickness between the outer surface  86  of the polyurethane  74  and the outer surface  78  or plane  94  of the fabric sheet  72 . The polyurethane  74  defines a second thickness between the inner surface  88  of the polyurethane  74  and the inner surface  80  of the sheet  72 . In some embodiments, the first thickness is substantially greater than the second thickness. In some embodiments, the first thickness is between approximately 2 and 50 times as thick as the second thickness. In some embodiments, the first thickness is between approximately 10 and 15 times as thick as the second thickness. In some embodiments, the second thickness is approximately zero. 
         [0070]      FIG. 11A  is an alternative view of the portion shown in  FIG. 11  according to some embodiments. In this embodiment, an additional woven fabric mesh  82  is included in the polyurethane layer  74  during the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the fabric mesh  82  is attached to the thin non-woven fabric layer  72  prior to dipping in the polyurethane bath  102 . For example, the fabric mesh  82  can be stitched to an end of the thin fabric layer  72  and the combination dipped into a polyurethane bath  102 . An example of the dipping process is described in greater detail above. The woven fabric mesh  82  generally does not absorb the polyurethane  74  during the preparation process. In some embodiments, the outer layer  58  of the gripping member  50  includes a saturated thin fabric layer  72  and an un-saturated fabric mesh layer  82 . In some embodiments, the fabric mesh  82  includes longitudinally extending fibers (fibers that extend generally along the length of the long axis of a grip for a grip formed by a panel or along the long axis of a strip is the finished grip is formed from a spirally wrapped strip ( FIG. 24 )) and transversely extending fibers. In some embodiments, the longitudinally extending fibers will preferably be of a larger diameter than the transversely extending fibers. For example, the longitudinal fibers may have a diameter between approximately 0.4 and 0.75 millimeters and the transverse fibers may have a diameter between approximately 0.25 and 0.5 millimeters. In some embodiments, the longitudinal and transverse fibers may be of substantially equal diameters. The woven fabric mesh  82  may be fabricated of suitable materials such as nylon, cotton, polyester, or the like. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 12A  and B illustrate top and bottom surface views, respectively, of the coagulated polyurethane/fabric sheet  58 .  FIG. 12A  shows the generally smooth surface  86  of the coagulated polyurethane  74 . This surface  86  can be further manipulated, such as, for example, by using a heated mold or platen to form a friction enhancing pattern thereon or to imprint logos or other indicia. In addition, the surface  86  can include printed materials as known to those of skill in the art.  FIG. 12B  shows the bottom surface  62  of the coagulated polyurethane/fabric sheet  58 . In some embodiments, the bottom surface  62  includes both fabric fibers from the thin non-woven fabric sheet  72  as well as polyurethane  74 . The bottom surface  62  is preferably rougher than the smooth top surface  64  which can facilitate bonding, adhering, or otherwise joining the polyurethane/felt sheet  58  to its EVA inner layer  60  as described in greater detail below according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a portion of polyurethane  74  remains on the bottom or inner surface  80  of the fabric sheet  72  after the treatments described above. In some embodiments, the fabric sheet  72  is discernable through at least a portion of the polyurethane  74  remaining on the inner surface  62 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view of an apparatus  130  useful in some embodiments of the manufacturing method. The polyurethane/felt sheet  58  described above is preferably bonded to an EVA inner or base layer  60 .  FIGS. 14-17  illustrate section views of the gripping member  50  during various points of the manufacturing process according to some embodiments.  FIG. 15  shows a section view of the EVA inner layer  60  covered by an adhesive upper layer  70  and protective tape  132  according to some embodiments. Suitable EVA sheets are available 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. In some embodiments, the EVA sheet  60  includes an adhesive  70  that is covered with a protective sheet  132  as shown in  FIG. 15 . The sheet  132  is removed prior to bringing the EVA sheet  60  into contact with the bottom side  62  of the polyurethane/felt sheet  58  (see  FIG. 13 ). Alternatively, adhesive  70  can be sprayed or otherwise applied to one or both of the bottom side of the polyurethane/felt sheet  58  and/or the EVA sheet  60 .  FIG. 16  shows a section view of the polyurethane/felt sheet  58  and the EVA inner layer  60  after they have been joined. The finished sheet  50  can then be wound onto to a spool  134  to wait for further processing. Alternatively, it can be directed to another location for continuous further processing. 
         [0073]      FIG. 14  shows the polyurethane/felt sheet  58  prior to being bonded to the EVA inner layer  60 .  FIG. 15  shows the EVA inner layer  60  prior to being bonded to the polyurethane/felt sheet  58 .  FIG. 16  shows the bonded polyurethane/felt/EVA sheet  50 . In some embodiments, the polyurethane/felt sheet  58  is glued to the EVA inner layer  60 . 
         [0074]    Once formed, the polyurethane/felt/EVA sheet  50  can be cut into any suitable shape, such as the strip S shown in  FIG. 2 . The strip S includes first and second side edges  54 ,  56 .  FIG. 18  is a section view of a strip S cut from the sheet  50  according to some embodiments and prior to being further processed as described in greater detail below.  FIG. 19  illustrates a mold  150  that can be used to form a friction enhancing pattern  152  on the top surface  64  of the polyurethane/felt/EVA strip  50 . Heat compressed side edges  54   a ,  54   b  are also shown being created in the polyurethane  74  along the first and second sides  54 ,  56 . Though shown as a separate step, the friction enhancing pattern  152  and/or compressed side edges can be created after the strip is formed from the sheet, at the same time as the strip is created, or before.  FIGS. 20-21  show skiving tools that can be used to form skived edges on the strip S. In some embodiments, the first and second side edges  54 ,  56  can be skived through one or more layers of the strip S. In the illustrated embodiment, the skiving extends through at least a portion of all of the layers of the strip S. In some embodiments, the side edges  54 ,  56  are skived in an anti-parallel fashion such that, when spirally wrapped around the handle portion, one of the skived edges of the strip S overlaps and contacts the polyurethane portion  64  of the other side edge. (See  FIG. 23 ). In some embodiments, the side edges  54 ,  56  are skived in a parallel fashion such that, when wrapped around the mounting surface, the edges  54 ,  56  overlap with like layers in contact with and glued to like layers (not shown). 
         [0075]      FIG. 21  shows a section view of a strip according to some embodiments. The strip includes a layer of adhesive backed tape  154  substantially covering the inner surface  66  of the strip S. In some embodiments, the tape  154  only covers a portion of the bottom surface  66  of the EVA base layer  60 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 22  shows an exemplary handle BH for a bicycle. The curved radius of the handle BH is effectively covered by the flexible strip S according to some embodiments. 
         [0077]      FIGS. 23-24  show the application of a gripping member or strip S onto a bicycle handle BH according to some embodiments. The protective tape  154  can be removed from the inner surface  66  of the strip S and the strip S can be spirally wound from an end portion  156  of the handle BH toward a mid portion  158  of the handle BH. In some embodiments, the strip S is skived with anti-parallel sides  54 ,  56  such that a portion of the skived EVA base layer  60  of one side edge overlaps the polyurethane  64  on the other side edge during the winding process. When the winding is complete, the strip S can be secured near the mid portion with tape or other rubber or adhesive means. The excess  158  strip, shown at the first end portion  156  shown in  FIG. 23 , can be trimmed off with a knife or other sharp tool. Alternatively, the excess  158  can be folded into the hollow end portion  164  of the bike handle BH. As shown in  FIG. 24 , the end  156  of the grip G can be finished off with a cap  166 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cap  166  is configured to extend into the hollow end portion  164  of the handle BH to trap at least a portion of the strip S therein. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 25-35  are SEM images of an embodiment of a grip and various components of the grip at different stages of the manufacturing process. 
         [0079]      FIG. 25  is a SEM image of a cross-section of the thin fabric sheet  72  schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 6-6B . To facilitate the imaging, the sheet  72  was attached to an SEM stub  202  (shown in the foreground/bottom of  FIG. 25 ) with double sided carbon tape  204  (shown between the stub and component in  FIG. 25 ). The stub  202  and the tape  204  are not illustrated in the schematics and are not part of the imaged sheet  72 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 26  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 25 . The image also shows the SEM stub  202  and carbon tape  204  as described above with respect to  FIG. 25 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 27  is an enlarged SEM image of another portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 25 . The image also shows the SEM stub  202  and carbon tape  204  as described above with respect to  FIG. 25 . The image shows sheet  72  including a polymer  75  extending across the dimples  84  as described above. 
         [0082]      FIG. 28  is a SEM image of a surface of the sheet  72  schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 6-6B . 
         [0083]      FIG. 29  is a SEM image of a cross-section of the outer layer  58  schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 9 and 11 . The image also shows the SEM stub  202  and carbon tape  204  as described above with respect to  FIG. 25 . In addition, the outer layer  58  appears upside down as compared to the schematics (with the polyurethane  74  of the outer layer  58  in the illustrated embodiment attached to the stub  202  by the carbon tape  204  on the bottom of the image). 
         [0084]      FIG. 30  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 29 . The image also shows the SEM stub  202  and carbon tape  204  as described above with respect to  FIG. 25 . In addition, the outer layer  58  appears upside down as compared to the schematics (with the polyurethane  74  of the outer layer  58  in the illustrated embodiment attached to the stub  202  by the carbon tape  204  on the bottom of the image). Polyurethane  74  is also shown penetrating into sheet  72  as described above. 
         [0085]      FIG. 31  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the enlarged cross-section shown in  FIG. 30 . The outer layer  58  appears upside down as compared to the schematics (with the polyurethane  74  of the outer layer  58  in the illustrated embodiment on the bottom). Polyurethane  74  is also shown penetrating into sheet  72  as described above. 
         [0086]      FIG. 32  is a SEM image of the bottom surface  62  of the outer layer  58  schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 9 ,  11 , and  12 A-B. 
         [0087]      FIG. 33  is a SEM image of a portion of a cross-section of the gripping member  50  schematically illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 19 ,  20 , and  21 . The image also shows the SEM stub  202  and carbon tape  204  as described above with respect to  FIG. 25 . In addition, the gripping member  50  appears upside down as compared to the schematic illustrated in  FIG. 19  (with the polyurethane  74  of the outer layer  58  in the illustrated embodiment attached to the stub  202  by the carbon tape  204  on the bottom of the image). 
         [0088]      FIG. 34  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 33 . The image also shows the SEM stub  202  and carbon tape  204  as described above with respect to  FIG. 25 . In addition, the gripping member  50  appears upside down as compared to the schematic illustrated in  FIG. 19  (with the polyurethane  74  of the outer layer  58  in the illustrated embodiment attached to the stub  202  by the carbon tape  204  on the bottom of the image). Polyurethane  74  is also shown penetrating into sheet  72  as described above. 
         [0089]      FIG. 35  is an enlarged SEM image of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 34 . The gripping member  50  appears upside down as compared to the schematic illustrated in  FIG. 19  (with the polyurethane  74  of the outer layer  58  in the illustrated embodiment on the bottom). Polyurethane  74  is also shown penetrating into sheet  72  as described above. 
         [0090]    As described above, it may be advantageous to apply the gripping member  50  to a sleeve prior to application to the handle portion of the article. In some embodiments, that sleeve can be made from EVA. According to some embodiments, an initial block of EVA is ground down into its final shape and the gripping member is applied thereto. In some embodiments, the EVA sleeve is injection molded rather than ground down from a block of EVA foam. Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers possess many excellent characteristics such as low weight, low density, flexibility, transparency, non-toxicity and good resistance to environmental stress cracking, etc. Some embodiments of the present invention overcome the difficulties of working with injection molded EVA. For example, EVA coagulation is a relatively slow process. After injection molding a rough EVA sleeve, a core bar can be inserted inside the sleeve and the sleeve can be transferred to an appropriate mold to control the shape of the finished product. Controlling temperature and time facilitates effective control of the EVA coagulation. In some embodiments, the density of the EVA injected to form the sleeve is less than approximately 1 g/cm 3 . In some embodiments, the density is between approximately 0.9 and 1 g/cm 3 . In a preferred embodiment, the density is between approximately 0.930 and 0.943 g/cm 3 . Controlling the degree of coagulation of the EVA allows embodiments of the invention to include an EVA sleeve whose volume is, for example, approximately doubled or tripled from the original volume. Therefore, in some embodiments, the density of the finished sleeve can be approximately one half or one third of the original density. 
         [0091]    The invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments. One or more aspects of each of the embodiments can be combined with one or more aspects of other embodiments and such combinations are specifically contemplated herein. Further, general modifications of the disclosure are also contemplated.