Patent Publication Number: US-10780452-B2

Title: Multi-polymer grip member

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/137,735, filed Dec. 20, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/208,297, filed Aug. 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,617,664, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/055,289, filed Mar. 25, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,003,171, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/438,808, filed May 22, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,792. 
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     This application hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/137,735, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,566,375, 7,448,958, 7,448,957, 5,797,813, 6,676,534, 6,244,975, 6,627,027, 6,695,713, 6,843,732, 6,857,971, 7,186,189, 7,347,792, 8,003,171, and 8,617,664 each in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This application relates to an improved grip for shafts. In particular, this application relates to an improved grip for the shafts of golf clubs. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Applicant has previously developed resilient grips which successfully reduce impact shock to the muscle and arm joints of the users of golf clubs and also provide a feeling of tackiness between the player&#39;s hands and the grip. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,813 granted to Applicant on Aug. 25, 1998, U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,732 granted to Applicant on Jan. 18, 2005, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,971 granted to Applicant on Feb. 22, 2005. 
     Applicant has invented other grips in which different physical characteristics, including color, tackiness, and durometer, could be included by using separate panels or strips, each having different physical characteristics as desired. Color is also varied by adding a region of paint over the outer surface of the grip. 
     While such grips have continued to prove satisfactory in reducing impact shock, they allow for only limited display of decorative designs and limited placement of colors. Further, adding additional panels and/or inserts creates seams between the colors and increases the cost of manufacture. In addition, adding a region of paint over the outer surface of the grip creates regions on the surface, namely where the paint is positioned, with reduced tackiness and altered wear properties. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the golf club grip of the present invention provide a desired appearance without sacrificing tackiness, wear properties, slip resistance, and shock absorption properties. Desirably, a grip is formed from at least a sheet incorporating more than one color and/or other physical characteristic. Two or more polymers are combined wherein the polymers have one or more different characteristics. Though the polymers are combined, the different characteristics desirably remain separate and contrasting. The contrast of the characteristics may desirably create a pattern on the top surface of the grip. For example, embodiments of the present invention allow for the introduction of two or more colored polymers into a porous polymerized region exhibiting a pattern on its top surface defined by the different colors. Embodiments of the present invention also allow for the introduction of two or more polymers with different levels of tackiness, which, when combined, form a porous polymerized region where the different levels of tackiness create a pattern. Sheets made according to embodiments of the present invention may be formed into panels, strips, panels with cut-outs, or inserts for use in the various grip applications incorporated herein by reference. 
     Embodiments of the present invention can accommodate multiple color combinations, thus appealing to golfers and college programs who wish to display their school colors while playing the sport they love. Further, embodiments provide the opportunity to create a unique décor which may include random or semi-random patterns on the grips. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention allow placement of materials with different characteristics in various areas. The choice of materials can be made to adjust various parameters of the grip, such as tackiness, feel, color, and/or durability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures showing illustrative embodiments of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golf club provided with a grip according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a grip according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view showing a portion of a method of making a sheet according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a portion of the schematic view shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view showing an apparatus for use in a portion of a method of making a sheet according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  6  in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  7  in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a SEM image at 100 times magnification of a cross-section of a sample sheet made according to a method of one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  is a SEM image at 500 times magnification of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a SEM image at 100 times magnification of a cross-section of a sample sheet made according to a method of the prior art; 
         FIG. 9B  is a SEM image at 500 times magnification of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the sheet in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of a panel shaped grip interface of a grip according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view showing a first longitudinal side of a panel being skived according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view showing a second longitudinal side of a panel being skived parallel to the first side according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view showing the top and bottom sides of a panel of one embodiment being skived anti-parallel to each other; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of an underlisting sleeve of a grip according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  17 - 17  in  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  18  in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged view of the encircled area designated  19  in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a rear view showing adhesive being applied to a panel of a grip according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 21  is a front view showing adhesive being applied to the exterior of an underlisting sleeve according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is a rear view showing a panel being coupled to an underlisting sleeve according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  is a rear view showing another step in a panel being coupled to an underlisting sleeve according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  24 - 24  in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line designated  25 - 25  in  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a rear view of a panel coupled to an underlisting sleeve according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     While embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject invention as defined by the claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The terms top and bottom are used throughout the application in reference to elements on opposite sides from each other. For example, when describing the top end of a golf club grip, the term “top” is used to refer to that end which would be positioned farthest from the club head when the grip is installed on a club, i.e., the end closest to the golfer if that golfer were to be swinging or stroking the club. Similarly, when describing the bottom end of a grip, the term “bottom” is used to refer to that end which is furthest from the butt end of the club. When referring to surfaces, for example when describing the top surface of a region of polyurethane that will be used in a golf club grip, the term “top” is used to refer to the surface of the polyurethane which would be furthest from the shaft of the club when that grip is mounted. Similarly, when describing the bottom surface of the region, the term “bottom” is used to refer to the opposite surface, i.e. the surface closest to the shaft of the club. 
     Referring to the drawings, in  FIG. 1  a grip G according one embodiment of the present invention is shown attached to the shaft S of a golf club C. The grip G shown in  FIG. 2  is also made according to an embodiment of the present invention and includes a grip interface I having a pattern  28  and formed in the shape of a panel P ( FIG. 12 ). Panel P is coupled to a resilient underlisting sleeve U ( FIG. 16 ) to form grip G. Pattern as used herein is a broad term meaning a perceptual structure. Though the structure may include an arrangement of similar or identical parts, the parts need not be similar or identical. Visual patterns are understood to be those patterns that are capable of being seen by the naked eye. Other patterns may be structural and/or tactile arrangements. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a method of forming a sheet  26 . Referring to the upper right-hand portion of  FIG. 3 , there is shown a supply roll  30  of substrate  2 . Substrate  2  has a top surface  4  and a bottom surface  6 . In one embodiment, the substrate  2  includes a fabric, for example felt, which may include wool, polyester, nylon, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the substrate  2  comprises a felt including nylon and polyester. From the supply roll  30 , the substrate  2  is moved horizontally to the left below a first polyurethane dispensing machine  32 . The first dispensing machine  32  preferably continually deposits a first region of liquid polyurethane  8 , for example polyester or polyether dissolved in dimethyl formamide (DMF), onto the top surface  4  of the substrate  2  to form first web  14 . The first dispensing machine  32  preferably uses a nozzle, sprayer, or the like to deposit the first polyurethane region  8  and preferably uses a blade to control the thickness of the first polyurethane region  8 . The first polyurethane region  8  has a top surface  10  and a bottom surface  12 . 
     As the first web  14  continues to the left from the first dispensing machine  32 , a second polyurethane dispensing machine  34  deposits a second liquid polyurethane region  16  onto at least a portion of the top surface  10  of the first polyurethane region  8  to form second web  20 . Second polyurethane region  16  has a top surface  18 . This second web  20  is then moved into a water bath  36  contained in a first tank  38 . As the second web  20  is immersed in the water bath  36 , the urethanes  8  and  16  will coagulate so as to form a coagulated region  22  on substrate  2 . The coagulated region  22  and substrate  2  cooperate to form sheet  26 . 
     As is known, the coagulation time of the polyurethane will be determined by the desired thickness of the coagulated region  22 , with a thin region requiring less time to coagulate than a thick region. In some embodiments, the coagulation process bonds the bottom surface  21  of coagulated region  22  to the top surface  4  of substrate  2  so as to fix the coagulated region  22  to the substrate  2 . This bond interface  82  is shown in  FIG. 8A . A pair of rollers  40  and  42  are positioned within the tank  38  to carry sheet  26  horizontally and then upwardly out of the water bath  36  over roller  44 . Sheet  26  is then moved horizontally to the right between a pair of squeezing rollers  46 . These squeezing rollers  46  compress the sheet  26  so as to force a major portion of the DMF disposed within the pores  24  downwardly through the substrate  2 . Referring to  FIG. 8A , the bottom end of a sufficient number of the pores are in contact with the top surface  4  of the substrate  2  to permit fluid flow from the pores through the substrate  2 . Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the sheet  26  is then moved downwardly through one or more cleaning water bath tanks  48  (only one of which is shown), wherein the temperature of the water is sufficiently high to displace more DMF from the pores, with such DMF being replaced by the water  50  contained in the tank  48 . From tank  48 , the sheet  26  passes through another pair of squeezing rollers  52  to squeeze more of the DMF out of the pores to be replaced with water  50 . In practice, it may be necessary to utilize four or five cleaning baths to remove a desired amount of DMF from the pores. From the last water bath, the sheet  26  is passed through a heating chamber (not shown) which drives out any water remaining within the pores  24  so that such water is replaced by air. 
     In another embodiment (not shown), the substrate  2  includes a flexible temporary support for the polyurethane during the wet coagulation process described above. Such a temporary support would be configured to be removed from the bottom surface  21  of coagulated polyurethane region  22  after sheet  26  is formed. In such an embodiment, bond interface  82  is desirably relatively weak to facilitate separation of the coagulated region  22  from the substrate  2 . One preferred temporary support includes a smooth, flexible nylon cloth and is 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. Other materials include fluid-permeable textiles such as cotton or a synthetic cloth such as polyester. Preferably, the temporary support would have the fluid-passing characteristics and smooth top surface of nylon cloth allowing the DMF and water to be squeezed out of the polyurethane pores and allowing the coagulated polyurethane to be readily stripped off such temporary support. Removing substrate  2  from the coagulated polyurethane region  22  provides for use of the coagulated polyurethane region  22  alone or provides the opportunity to use an alternative substrate. For example, it is possible to replace the substrate  2  with a polymer region such as a region of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The EVA region may include an adhesive coating to bond the EVA region to the coagulated polyurethane region  22 . EVA having an adhesive coating covered by a protective paper is sold by the aforementioned Ho Ya Electric Bond Factory. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic illustration of the second dispensing machine  34  is shown. In  FIG. 5 , dispensing machine  34  preferably includes a first housing  54  having a first dispensing nozzle  56 . Housing  54  is connected to perpendicular rail  60  extending along the Y axis as illustrated. Rail  60 , in turn, is connected to parallel rails  58  extending along the X axis as illustrated. Dispensing machine  34  is configured to allow the first web  14  of substrate  2  and first polyurethane region  8  to pass beneath nozzle  56 , preferably at a constant pace, along the X axis (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The first polyurethane region  8  may provide a base region for the second polyurethane region  16 . In some regions, the second polyurethane region  16  may extend completely through the first polyurethane region  8  to be in contact with substrate  2 . Dispensing machine  34  is preferably further configured to move nozzle  56  in one or both of the X and Y directions. In addition, nozzle  56  may be configured to start and stop depositing the second polyurethane  16  as desired. The movement of the nozzle  56  in the X and Y directions and the start/stop feature of the nozzle  56  provides for the ability to create a unique appearance which may include random or semi-random patterns  28  in the second web  20  and, in turn, in sheet  26  (see  FIG. 4 ). In other embodiments, the web  14  is moved beneath a stationary nozzle  56  to create a pattern. For example, nozzle  56  could be fixed along the X axis and the pace with which the web  14  is moved under the nozzle  56  can be varied. Similarly, nozzle  56  could be fixed along the Y axis and the web  14  be shifted along the Y axis instead. Alternatively, the nozzle  56  can be moved in both directions. 
     In other embodiments (not shown), dispensing machine  34  may include two, three, or more nozzles  54  for dispensing third, forth, etc. polyurethane regions. Such additional nozzles may be included in the same housing, separate housings, or a combination thereof. It is also possible to include additional dispensing machines on separate rails to introduce still further variation in the application of the polyurethane regions. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown an enlarged view of the pattern  28  formed in the coagulated polyurethane region  22  of sheet  26 . Generally, top surface  23  includes pattern  28  because the first polyurethane  8  and the second polyurethane  16  each include at least one contrasting characteristic. In the illustrated embodiment, the contrasting characteristic is color. However, other contrasting characteristics, or combinations thereof, could be incorporated to create the pattern such as contrasting durometers or levels of tackiness. In the figures, first polyurethane  8  defines a first color  70  and second polyurethane  16  defines a second color  72 . As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 7 , the pattern  28  on the top surface  23  of coagulated region  22  includes a first region  78  and a second region  80  defined by the first color  70  of the first polyurethane  8  and the second color  72  of the second polyurethane  16 , respectively. 
     As described above, the two polyurethanes  8  and  16  are coagulated in the first water bath  36  onto substrate  2 . The application of the second polyurethane  16  onto a portion of the top surface  10  of the first polyurethane  8  prior to coagulation allows for the polyurethanes to mix and integrate below the top surface  10  of the first polyurethane region such that coagulation of the polyurethanes forms a single coagulated region  22  (see  FIGS. 8A and 8B ). Despite the mixing of the two polyurethanes prior to coagulation, and the integration of the two polyurethanes during coagulation, each of the polyurethanes substantially maintains its original characteristics. The contrast in one or more characteristics of the polyurethanes creates the pattern  28 . Though the characteristics remain substantially distinct, there may be some blending along the interface of the two polyurethanes. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface  10  of first polyurethane region  8  cooperates with the top surface  18  of the second polyurethane region  16  to form substantially smooth top surface  23  of the coagulated region  22 . Contrasting colors  70  and  72  on surface  23  cooperate to create the pattern  28 . If the first polyurethane is red and the second polyurethane is white, the process discussed above would result in a coagulated polyurethane region with distinct red and white regions, rather than a single blended pink region. Though the contrasting characteristics of the first  8  and second  16  polyurethanes remain substantially distinct, the polyurethane structure below the top surface  23  is preferably seamless between the different polyurethanes with a preferably continuous pore structure throughout (see  FIGS. 8A and 8B ). 
       FIG. 8A  is a 100 times magnification of a cross-section of a sample coagulated sheet  26  taken along the Line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 8A  shows substrate region  2 , in the sample a polyester nylon felt, with its top surface  4  bonded to the bottom surface  21  of coagulated polyurethane region  22  along bond interface  82 . Top surface  23  is generally smooth. The structure is desirably seamless on both the top surface  23  between first region  78  and second region  80  and inside the coagulated region  22  where first polyurethane  8  interfaces with second polyurethane  16 . It is apparent that the structure is not just seamless and not just coagulated, but the two polymers polymerize with each other to form the coagulated region  22 . Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment the coagulated region  22  is a polymerized region. Coagulated region  22  preferably further includes a plurality of generally vertically extending pores  24 , a top surface  23 , and a bottom surface  21 . The pores  24  generally form throughout coagulated region  22  including in the regions where the first polyurethane  8  interfaces with the second polyurethane  16  between the top  23  and bottom  21  surfaces. Though polyurethane is preferred to form the coagulated region, other liquid polymers having contrasting characteristics may be used. Generally, the polymers will be combined while in their liquid states and allowed to polymerize together. As the polymers polymerize together, the structure of the polymerized region  22  will preferably be seamless while maintaining the contrasting characteristics at least on the outer surface  23  of the polymerized region  22 . 
       FIG. 8B  is a 500 times magnification of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 8A . As is apparent from the figures, the first  8  and second  16  polyurethanes are coagulated together to form coagulated region  22  with a substantially seamless structure between the first color region  78  and second color region  80  and between the polyurethanes inside the coagulated region  22 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  may be contrasted with a prior art method of using paint to create a sheet with multiple colors, as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . In the prior art, a single polyurethane region  108  is coagulated onto a substrate  102  to form sheet  126  including coagulated region  122 . To achieve regions of different color, paint  198  having a top surface  199  and a bottom surface  197  was applied to the top surface  123  of the coagulated polyurethane region  122  where desired. The polyurethane was coagulated prior to application of the paint and the paint forms a thin separate region over the surface of the sheet. 
     The prior art method of coating a coagulated region of polyurethane  122  with paint  198  alters the characteristics of the sheet  126 . As shown in  FIG. 9A  and in greater detail in  FIG. 9B , the paint  198  did not integrate with the polyurethane region  108 . Rather, the bottom surface  197  of paint  198  bonds to the top surface  123  of polyurethane region  108 . In embodiments known to the Applicant, the paint coating the surface had different tactile characteristics from the polyurethane it coated, including different levels of tackiness or durometer. For example, painted grips are generally less tacky in the region covered by paint than in the unpainted regions of polyurethane. In addition, during use, the paint on the polyurethane may wear off giving the grip a weathered or worn appearance. Though valuable and unique, Applicant&#39;s other solutions for introducing contrasting characteristics (including the use of multiple sheets, strips, or inserts) result in seams between the various components. 
     Embodiments of the present invention allow for the manufacture of grips having regions of contrasting characteristics wherein the structure of the region is seamless. For example, a red polyurethane having a desired level of tackiness and durometer may be used in conjunction with a blue polyurethane having the same desired level of tackiness and durometer. The sheet formed from the two materials would include a uniquely colored pattern and a seamless structure having a substantially uniform level of tackiness and durometer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a partial schematic cross-sectional view of sheet  26  taken along the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 6 . Contrasting regions  78  and  80  are visible on top surface  23 . Due to the movement of nozzle  56  relative to web  14  during the application of the second polyurethane  16  onto the top surface  10  of the first polyurethane  8 , as discussed above, differing amounts of the second polyurethane  16  are applied in different areas or regions. As the polyurethanes mix, second polyurethane  16  settles into first polyurethane  8 . 
     After the water bath  36 , coagulated region  22  defines a total depth D PolyT  between its top surface  23  and its bottom surface  21 . In various regions, second polyurethane  16  extends from the top surface  23  into the coagulated region  22  to a depth D Poly2 . The ratio of D Poly2  to D PolyT  may vary, depending on a number of factors including the speed with which the web  14  passes below the nozzle  56 , the flow rate of the second polyurethane  16  from the nozzle  56 , and the rate of movement of the nozzle  56  in the X and Y directions. In some embodiments, the maximum and, preferably, the average ratio of D Poly2  to D PolyT  in some regions is at least 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, and/or 1 to 2. In some regions, the ratio is 1 to 1 where the second polyurethane  16  extends from the top surface  23  to the bottom surface  21 . In some embodiments, the ratio varies in different regions of the sheet  26 . 
     As discussed above, coagulated region  22  is generally porous. This porous region has a total depth D PorousT  between the top surface  23  and the bottom surface  21  of coagulated region  22 . In various regions, the second polyurethane  16  extends from the top surface  23  into the porous coagulated region  22  to a maximum depth D Porous2 . The ratio of D Porous2  to D PorousT  may vary. In some embodiments, the maximum and, preferably, the average ratio of D Porous2  to D PorousT  in some regions is at least 1 to 50, 1 to 40, 1 to 30, 1 to 20, 1 to 15, 1 to 10, 1 to 5, 1 to 4, 1 to 3, and/or 1 to 2. In some regions, the ratio is 1 to 1 where the second polyurethane  16  extends through the porous coagulated region  22  from the top surface  23  to the bottom surface  21 . In some embodiments, the ratio varies in different regions of the sheet  26 . 
     The pattern  28  shown in the figures is an example of the patterns achievable with Applicant&#39;s method of making the polyurethane sheet. Other patterns are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, nozzle  56  is held steady as second polyurethane  16  is applied to web  14  to create a solid band of second polyurethane  16  across the upper surface  10  of first polyurethane  8 . Depending on how the sheet  26  is formed into grip interface I, the band may extend horizontally, vertically, or at an angle on the grip interface I. 
     In some embodiments, top surface  10  of the first polyurethane region  8  forms substantially all of the top surface  23  of coagulated region  22 . In such embodiments, relatively smaller quantities of second polyurethane  16  may be applied prior to the coagulation process. In other embodiments, top surface  18  of the second polyurethane  16  forms substantially all of the top surface  23  of coagulated region  22 . In such embodiments, relatively large quantities of second polyurethane  16  may be applied prior to the coagulation process. Embodiments of the present invention may include different regions of similar patterns. In some, the pattern may be repeated and positioned such that a grip interface I formed from the sheet includes at least three regions having contrasting characteristics, such as colors. In some embodiments, a grip interface I may be formed with at least 5 regions of contrasting characteristics. In some, there may be at least 7 regions of contrasting characteristics. In some, there may be 10 or more regions of contrasting characteristics. These regions of contrasting characteristics may be arranged throughout the top surface  23  of the coagulated region  22  of the grip interface I, whether across the width of the grip interface I, along the length of grip interface I, or in a combination of the two. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the sheet  126  shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . Coagulated region  122  is porous and includes a generally smooth top surface  123  and a bottom surface  121 . Top surface  123  may include one or more irregularities  125  which may extend downward into coagulated region  122 . Paint  198  is applied over the top surface  123  of coagulated region  122 . Due to the irregularities  125  in the top surface  123  of coagulated region  122 , paint  198  may extend into coagulated region  22  to a depth D Porous2 . Though unclear, the ratio of D Porous2  to D PorousT  shown in  FIG. 9B  appears to be no more than 1 to 100. Thus, if the paint was a second polymer applied to the surface of a coagulated region, the ratio of D Porous2  to D PorousT  of a paint covered sheet is far from the 1 to 50 ratio discussed above. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , sheet  26  may be formed into a grip interface I. Grip interface I is shown in the shape of a panel P. Preferably, panel P is die cut from sheet  26 . As will be understood by those of skill in the art, sheet  26  may be formed into any of a number of shapes, including strips, panels, inserts, or panels with cut-outs. 
     Panel P includes top surface  74 , a top side  84 , a bottom side  86 , a first side  88 , and a second side  90 . A line drawn from top side  84  to bottom side  86  on at least a portion of top surface  74  preferably crosses multiple regions of polyurethane having a different characteristic. In some embodiments, grip interface I, in the shape of a panel P or a different shape, may include at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having a different characteristic along the line drawn from top side  84  to bottom side  86  on at least a portion of top surface  74 . In some embodiments, grip interface I may include in the range of between 2 and 500 regions of at least one different characteristic along the line. It should be understood that the different characteristics of the regions may be alternating two or more colors along the line. Alternatively, the different characteristics of the regions may be alternating levels of tackiness or durometer along the line. 
     Similarly, a line drawn from first side  88  to second side  90  on at least a portion of top surface  74  also will preferably cross multiple regions having different characteristics. In some embodiments, grip interface I may include at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having a different characteristic along the line drawn from first side  88  to second side  90  on at least a portion of top surface  74 . In some embodiments, grip interface I may include in the range of between 2 and 500 regions of at least one different characteristic along the line. 
     Likewise, a line drawn into panel P from the top surface  74  to the bottom surface  21  of coagulated region  22  may cross multiple regions. In some embodiments, grip interface I may include at least 2, at least 3, at least 5, at least 7, or at least 10 regions having different characteristics along the line drawn from the top surface  74  to the bottom surface  21  of coagulated region  22 . In some embodiments, grip interface I may include in the range of between 2 and 50 regions of at least one different characteristic along the line. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , the sides of panel P are preferably skived. It will be noted from  FIGS. 13 and 14  that the skiving on the first and second sides of panel P are preferably parallel to one another. Such a configuration of skiving may be advantageously used to form a substantially longitudinal overlapping intersection of the first and second skived longitudinal sides. Alternatively, first and second sides of panel P may be skived anti-parallel in a similar manner to the skiving of top and bottom sides of panel P shown in  FIG. 15 . With anti-parallel longitudinal side edges, the substantially longitudinal intersection may be formed by over lapping the edges. Alternatively, the intersection may be sewn or otherwise joined. 
     Generally, the top surface  74  of the panel P is in direct contact with the hand of the user using a grip G. However, as one of skill in the art would appreciate, an additional coating region over the panel P may be included. It should be understood that the top surface of a grip embodying the present invention may also be coated, in whole or in part, by means of a brush, nozzle, spray, or the like with a thin region of polyurethane and/or other material (not shown) to protect such surface, add tackiness thereto, and/or increase the durability thereof. The additional coating region is preferably transparent, or semi-transparent, such that some or all of any visual pattern on the outer surface of the panel P created by contrasting characteristics of the multiple polyurethanes in the coagulated region  22  remains visible. The additional coating region may be somewhat opaque, as long as a portion of the panel P is observable through the additional coating region. The additional coating region may be incorporated into a previously formed grip G or may be applied to the panel P prior to attachment to the underlisting sleeve U. If used, the additional coating region would be in direct contact with the user&#39;s hand rather than the top surface of the grip. However, even when an additional coating region is included, the top surface of the panel P is considered to be the top surface of the grip G. 
     Panel P may be further enhanced with a friction enhancing pattern as shown, for example, in Applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,843,732 and 6,857,971. If an additional coating region is included over the top surface of the grip, this region may also be further enhanced with a friction enhancing pattern. In addition to being attached to an underlisting sleeve U configured for use with irons, as shown in  FIGS. 16-26 , panel P may also be attached to a sleeve configured for use with putters (not shown). Such a putter sleeve may include a substantially flat region as shown, for example, in Applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,843,732 and 6,857,971. 
     Many individual golfers and high school, college, and professional teams like the camaraderie and unification that can be achieved by putting team colors on their golf grips without sacrificing comfort, durability, or tackiness because of paint embossment. These embodiments allow the application of the multiple colors to golf club and putter grips to allow these teams and individuals to express their spirit and enthusiasm in a way never before possible. Multiple colors or other contrasting characteristics can be combined in a seamless construction. 
     It will be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the principles of the invention, and that various modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.