Patent ID: 8499665

Claim:
A manually operable impact tool comprising: an elongated handle; an impact head disposed at one longitudinal end portion of the handle; the handle including an internal core structure comprising a cross-section in the form of an I-beam, and a cushioning grip disposed over said core structure, the cushioning grip comprising: an inner layer of thermoplastic rubber having a Shore A durometer in the range of about 10 to about 40, the inner layer being in direct contact with the internal core structure; an outer layer of thermoplastic rubber disposed over the inner layer and having a Shore A durometer in the range of about 55 to about 90; wherein the inner layer is directly bonded to the outer layer, and, upon impact of the head, the inner layer substantially dampens torsional movement transmitted from the I-beam of the internal core structure to the outer layer, and wherein 4 degrees of angular displacement of the impact head relative to the outer layer applies a torque of less than about 47 in-lbs to the outer layer.