Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/397,785, filed Sep. 21, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent that it is not conflicting with the present application. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
       [0004]    The invention relates generally to sporting equipment and more specifically to accessories for using with clubs, bats, poles, rods, rackets, and other similar sporting equipment held in the user&#39;s hands. 
       2. Description of the Related Art 
       [0005]    Many people who wish to improve their performance in various types of sports or recreational activities have difficulties while learning proper form, or do not have the knowledge or guidance for achieving the proper form or grip of an object used in the sport or activity. In particular, users practicing or playing with sporting equipment such as a baseball bat, golf club, tennis racket, fishing rod, or any other similar piece of equipment may have difficulty achieving the proper form while holding and swinging the equipment. For example, some golfers may find that they struggle with achieving the correct grip when holding a golf club. Using the correct grip with the club positioned in the pad of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers can be important to a proper golf swing, and can affect the player&#39;s game. However, some golfers may not have the strength to hold the club with the proper grip, or may be in need of practice. Some golfers may improperly grip the golf club by gripping too much in the palm rather than the fingers. Another problem may be that during practice or training, the user may position the club differently each time they practice a swing, which may lead to an inconsistent swing or may hinder the user&#39;s ability to improve their swing. Some golfers may also squeeze too hard and use excess pressure to grip the club, which may also cause problems with their swing, which may also lead to pain or risk of injury. These golfers may need some assistance in gripping the golf club properly while they build up their strength or continue their practice to achieving the proper grip. As another example, users practicing or playing baseball may experience similar problems while using a baseball bat. Similar issues may arise for users engaging in other sports or recreational activities involving a club, bat, racket, or similar sports equipment item. 
         [0006]    Continued practice while using an improper grip may be a serious issue for sports participants, players, athletes, or casual users, due to the possibility of an improper grip being learned by the user. The improper grip may become a habit for the user, and continually using poor or improper form may lead to risk of injury or pain. Again, similar problems may also be present for users practicing or playing other sports or activities that involve holding an item in their hands, such as, for example, baseball, tennis, badminton, fishing, and so on. Therefore, there is a need for a solution to these problems. 
         [0007]    The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented in this section could be or could have been pursued; they are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this section of the application. 
       BRIEF INVENTION SUMMARY 
       [0008]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0009]    In an aspect, a sports equipment grip apparatus is provided, having a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of a sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the sports equipment item; a plurality of coplanar rings extending radially from the proximal cut of the cylindrical side wall, the coplanar rings being equal in size and being configured to fit onto a user&#39;s fingers; and wherein the sports equipment grip apparatus is configured to train the user in holding and using a sports equipment item with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position, by forcing the user to place the sports equipment item near user&#39;s finger base into the grip member before gripping the sports equipment item, such that the sports equipment item is gripped primarily with user&#39;s fingers, and in the relaxed grip by providing a supplemental grip of the sports equipment item exercised by the grip member, and wherein the sports equipment grip apparatus is configured to be worn selectively on user&#39;s left or right hand and selectively with the lengthwise opening facing the user&#39;s palm or with the lengthwise opening facing the user&#39;s fingers. 
         [0010]    Thus, an advantage is the user may be provided with proper form and grip of the equipment item while tension and pressure in the user&#39;s muscles and hands are reduced. Another advantage is that the user may learn how to achieve the proper grip such that through practice and training in order to develop sensory memory, such that the user may properly hold and use the equipment item without the assistance of the grip apparatus. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, a sports equipment grip system is providing, having a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of a sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the sports equipment item; a glove for a user&#39;s left or right hand; and an attachment means for securing the grip member to the glove; wherein the sports equipment grip system is configured to train the user in holding and using the sports equipment item with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position, by forcing the user to place the sports equipment item near user&#39;s finger base into the grip member before gripping the sports equipment item, such that the sports equipment item is gripped primarily with user&#39;s fingers, and in the relaxed grip by providing a supplemental grip of the sports equipment item exercised by the grip member. 
         [0012]    Again, an advantage is the user may be provided with proper form and grip of the equipment item while tension and pressure in the user&#39;s muscles and hands are reduced. Another advantage, again, is that the user may learn how to achieve the proper grip such that through practice and training, the user may properly hold and use the equipment item without the assistance of the grip apparatus. Another advantage is that the user may be provided with the convenience of a sports glove equipped to be used with a grip member for training or practicing purposes, for example. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, a method of holding and using a first sports equipment item is provided, having the steps of: providing a sports equipment grip apparatus comprising a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of the first sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the first sports equipment item; wearing the sports equipment grip apparatus; applying force to the grip member with the first sports equipment item; widening the lengthwise opening by applying force to the grip member with the first sports equipment item, the grip member having a shape memory and being flexible such that the portion of the first sports equipment item is pushed and received into the lengthwise opening; aligning the portion of the first sports equipment item with bases of the user&#39;s fingers, grasping the first sports equipment item with the user&#39;s hands, such that the portion of the sports item is held in the user&#39;s fingers, with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position; moving the user&#39;s arms while holding the relaxed grip and being in the suitable position; and making contact between the first sports equipment item and a second sports equipment item. 
         [0014]    Again, an advantage is the user may be provided with proper form and grip of the equipment item while tension and pressure in the user&#39;s muscles and hands are reduced. Another advantage, again, is that the user may learn how to achieve the proper grip such that through practice and training, the user may properly hold and use the equipment item without the assistance of the grip apparatus. 
         [0015]    The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspects or examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  shows the front perspective view of a sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2A-2B  show the back perspective view of other examples of the golf club grip apparatus, according to an aspect. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3A-3C  show the front view, the bottom view, and the side view, respectively, of the grip apparatus worn on a gloved hand, according to an aspect. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4A-4B  show the front view and the bottom perspective view, respectively, of the golf club grip apparatus worn on a user&#39;s hand without a glove, according to an aspect. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  shows the partial back perspective view of the golf club grip apparatus worn on a gloved hand, according to an aspect. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6A  shows a front view of a user&#39;s hands gripping a baseball bat in an example of a relaxed grip and a suitable position, according to an aspect. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6B  shows a front view of a gloved hand with the golf club grip apparatus used to hold a golf club, according to an aspect. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  shows the front view of an open gloved hand with a golf club held in place by the golf club grip apparatus worn on the hand, according to an aspect. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  shows seven examples of golf club grip apparatus that may be provided to fit a user&#39;s hand and golf club, according to an aspect. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a three-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of another example of a two-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a sporting equipment grip apparatus that may be used as a glove insert, according to an aspect. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12A  shows the front view of a glove with a pocket that may be used with an insert grip apparatus, according to an aspect. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 12B-12D  show the bottom view, the top perspective view, and the front view, respectively, of another example of a sporting equipment grip apparatus and glove device, according to an aspect. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 12A-12D  show the bottom view, the top perspective view, and the front view, respectively, of another example of a sporting equipment grip apparatus and glove device, according to an aspect. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 13A-13D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a two-ringed single slot sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 14A-14D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 15A-15C  show the front view, the top view, and the side view, respectively, of another example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus worn on a user&#39;s hand, according to an aspect. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/or examples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawings is part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/or examples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. 
         [0036]    For the following description, it can be assumed that most correspondingly labeled elements across the figures (e.g.,  102  and  402 , etc.) possess the same characteristics and are subject to the same structure and function. If there is a difference between correspondingly labeled elements that is not pointed out, and this difference results in a non-corresponding structure or function of an element for a particular embodiment, example or aspect, then the conflicting description given for that particular embodiment, example or aspect shall govern. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  shows the front perspective view of a sporting equipment grip apparatus (“grip apparatus,” “grip apparatus,” “holder,” or “golf club grip apparatus”)  100 , according to an aspect. A sports training device may be provided as a grip apparatus  100  as shown. The grip apparatus  100  may be used for any sport or activity involving a club, pole, rod, bat, racket, or any other similarly cylindrically-shaped or substantially cylindrically-shaped piece of equipment, item, or instrument held in the user&#39;s hand or hands. The apparatus may force or aid the user in positioning the equipment item within the fingers or base of the fingers as opposed to the palm, and thus gripping the equipment item substantially with the fingers rather than the palm. The apparatus may provide assistance to the user for proper positioning of the equipment, such as, again, at the base of the fingers, for maximum leverage during use. An advantage may be that the grip apparatus  100  may reduce the user&#39;s need for over-gripping the equipment item or instrument and thus may reduce pressure and tension in the user&#39;s hands. Holding and using the sports equipment item in a suitable position and alignment may also prevent injury when the user strikes an object with the item, or produces a swinging motion, or any other movement, for example. 
         [0038]    The grip apparatus  100  include at least one ring  101 - a  or may include a plurality of rings. As an example, the plurality of rings may be a double ring  101  (“double ring,” or “double ring support,”) comprising two rings  101 - a  and  101 - b , and a curved flange grip member  102  (“curved grip member,” “curved grip member,” “grip member” or “grip portion”). The curved grip member  102  may have a half-moon shape or similar curved shape, or the curved portion may be greater than a half-moon, and the grip member may be horizontally connected to a double ring  101 . A double ring support  101  may be included by proving two rings  101 - a  and  101 - b , which may be placed on a user&#39;s hand, by threading a user&#39;s finger through each ring  101 - a  and  101 - b , in order to hold the grip apparatus  100  on a user&#39;s hand. The rings of the plurality of rings in a grip apparatus, such as the examples shown as  101 - a  and  101 - b , may be coplanar, and may all be the same size. An advantage may be that a grip apparatus  100  may be reversible, and the same apparatus may be worn on a user&#39;s left hand or right hand. 
         [0039]    As another example, the grip apparatus  100  may be provided with any other suitable attachment means for holding the grip apparatus  100  to the user&#39;s hand, such as, for example, straps or bands. The curved grip member  102  may be ergonomically shaped such that the grip apparatus  100  is comfortable for the user to wear and may fit naturally in the hand of the user. The grip apparatus  100  may then assist the user in developing proper form, strength, and sensory memory for holding a golf club or similar sporting equipment item by bearing at least a portion of the weight of the golf club or similar sporting equipment item. An advantage may be that the grip apparatus  100  may also promote proper grip pressure by, again, preventing the user from over-gripping or applying excess pressure, which may cause an uncomfortable pinching in the fingers and hands. The combination of the rings  101 - a  and  101 - b  and the grip member  102  may help to properly position the sporting equipment being held by the user, such that the shaft of the sports equipment item may be positioned on the pads of the user&#39;s palm, below the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. An advantage may be that the user may be assisted in proper alignment of the sports equipment item in their hand, and may consistently correctly position the equipment item throughout their training, such that proper muscle movement and sensory memory may be developed through repetition of movements while using the grip apparatus  100 . Another advantage may be that relaxation of the muscles during use of the grip apparatus may assist the user in achieving proper speeds during swinging the sports equipment item or instrument. Thus, the user may be assisted in achieving consistent strikes and solid contacts with the bat, racket, club, or other sports equipment item. The grip apparatus  100  may also be ergonomically shaped, such that the grip apparatus  100  is comfortable for the user to wear and hold. The grip apparatus  100  may also facilitate grip assistance to the hand of the user, such that the user no longer has a need to apply excessive pressure to the hands while holding the sports equipment item. While applying excess tension or pressure, the user may be unable to achieve the requisite speeds needed while using the sports equipment item. Thus, an advantage may be that the muscles of the user may be exposed to less tension and strain. Another advantage may be that relieving tension in the muscles of the user may also assist in the user achieving the proper speeds needed during movement of the hands and arms while holding and using the sports equipment item. 
         [0040]    As an example, any suitable materials may be used for construction of the grip apparatus  100 , such as PVC or any other type of plastic. The composition of the material used to construct the grip apparatus may contain varying percentages of softer material such that the grip may be more or less flexible. The rings of the plurality of rings in a grip apparatus may be consistent in size in a single apparatus, such that a single grip apparatus may be used interchangeably on the left or right hand of a user. The grip apparatus may also be provided in different sizes of rings mixed and matched with different sizes of the grip member, such that a user may select any grip apparatus for their needs, comfort, personal preference, or fit for their sports equipment item. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 2A-2B  show the back perspective view of other examples of the golf club grip apparatus  200 , according to an aspect. The grip apparatus  200  may be of any suitable shape and size for a user to comfortably wear on their hand and hold a golf club or other piece of sporting equipment, and may be constructed of the following example dimensions. As shown by  FIG. 2A , the golf club grip apparatus may for example be 0.542 inches by 1.909 inches by 1.997 inches and may be 0.384 cubic inches in volume. As shown by  FIG. 2B , as another example, the golf club grip apparatus may be 0.541 inches by 1.909 inches by 1.998 inches and may be 0.192 cubic inches in volume. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 3A-3C  show the front view, the bottom view, and the side view, respectively, of the grip apparatus  300  worn on a gloved hand, according to an aspect. The grip apparatus  300  may, for example, be used as a golf club grip apparatus. Some golfers may choose to wear gloves while golfing such as the glove  306  shown as an example. The grip apparatus  300  may be worn over the glove  306 , as shown. The grip apparatus  300  may be worn by putting the two rings  301 - a  and  301 - b  (not visible in  FIG. 3A ) onto the middle  303 - a  and ring  303 - b  fingers as shown, for example. When worn, the golf club grip apparatus  300  may rest on the palm side  304 - a  of the hand of the user. Again, the grip apparatus  300  may be worn on either a left or a right hand and may be suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users. As shown in  FIGS. 3B-3C , the grip apparatus  300  may be worn with the lengthwise opening facing the user&#39;s fingers, a positioning that may be preferred for users wearing the grip apparatus for activities such as baseball, golf, and other similar sports, for example. As will be discussed when referring to  FIGS. 15A-15C , the grip apparatus  300  may also be worn with the lengthwise opening facing the user&#39;s palm. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 4A-4B  show the front view and the bottom perspective view, respectively, of the golf club grip apparatus  400  worn on a user&#39;s hand  407  without a glove, according to an aspect. As examples, the grip apparatus  400  may be worn with a glove as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , or without a glove as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B . Again, similar to the examples shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C , the rings  401 - a  and  401 - b  of the double ring support may be worn on the middle  403 - a  and ring  403 - b  fingers of the user, with the curved grip member  402  held in the palm  404 - a  of the hand. The curved grip member  402  may be placed approximately where a golf club, baseball bat, fishing pole, or any other similar equipment is held during normal use. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  shows the partial back perspective view of the golf club grip apparatus  500  worn on a gloved hand  507 , according to an aspect. As shown, the rings  501 - a  and  501 - b  may fit snugly on the middle  503 - a  and ring  503 - b  fingers, for example, of the user, and may be visible from the back side  504 - b  of the hand. The rings  501 - a  and  501 - b  may be positioned all the way to the base of the fingers. As shown as an example in  FIG. 5 , if the rings  501 - a  and  501 - b  do not fit on the user&#39;s fingers  503 - a  and  503 - b  all the way to the base of the fingers, the user may then be signaled that a different size of rings may be selected for use. The user may select the proper size of ring associated with the appropriate size of grip member needed for their chosen activity or sport. The grip apparatus  500  may have a snug fit on the hand such that the grip apparatus  500  may stay in place while the hand is moved. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6A  shows a front view of a user&#39;s hands  607  gripping a baseball bat  605 - a  in an example of a relaxed grip and a suitable position, according to an aspect. As shown, the suitable position for gripping a sports equipment item such as a baseball bat  605 - a  is in the user&#39;s fingers  603 , rather than in the user&#39;s palm. The relaxed grip and suitable position as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B  may be achieved with the use of the sports equipment grip apparatus worn one or both of the user&#39;s hands, for example. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6B  shows a front view of a gloved hand  607  with the golf club grip apparatus  600  used to hold a golf club  605 , according to an aspect. A relaxed grip in a suitable gripping position such as the example shown in  FIG. 6A  may be achieved with the use of a sports equipment grip apparatus. The golf club  605  may be inserted into the curved grip member portion  602  of the grip apparatus, as will be apparent in referring to  FIG. 7 . The grip apparatus  600  may hold the golf club  605  or any other similar piece of sporting equipment by tension and friction. The golf club  605  may be snapped or inserted into the curved grip member  602  of the grip apparatus  600 , and may then be held in place by a friction seal between the grip apparatus  600  and the club  605 . The grip apparatus  600  may also maintain a hold on the golf club  605  by the curved grip member  602  retaining its curved shape in a tight tensioned grip around the club  605 . As an example, the curved grip member  602  may be flexible such that a golf club  605  or any other similar sporting equipment item may engage the curved grip member  602  by applying force to the curved grip member  602  and widening the opening of the curved grip member  602 . Upon placement of the golf club  602  into the curved grip member  602 , the curved grip member  602  may then revert to its original shape, and grip the golf club  602  in a locking manner. As shown, the user may then have a loose grip on the golf club  605  when the golf club grip apparatus  600  is in use. The grip apparatus  600  may be strong enough to hold the weight of the golf club in the curved grip member (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). Thus, the grip apparatus may assist the user in achieving proper form and proper golf club grip, allowing the user to hold the golf club  605  without exerting excess pressure in the user&#39;s hand  607 . The golf club  605  may be removed from the curved grip member  602  by applying force to the golf club  605  to pull the club  605  out of the curved grip member  602 , such that the engagement of the club  605  to the curved grip member  602  is unlocked. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  shows the front view of an open gloved hand  707  with a golf club  705  held in place by the golf club grip apparatus  700  worn on the hand  707 , according to an aspect. Again, the golf club  705  may be inserted or snapped into the curved grip member  702  as shown, and may fit snugly in place. Again, the golf club  705  may then later be removed by pulling the club out of the curved grip member  702 . The curved grip member  702  may be flexible to allow the insertion and removal of the club  705 , and may also have memory such that its original shape is maintained when force is not applied to the curved grip member  702 . A suitable or preferred positioning of the golf club  705  into the user&#39;s hand may be achieved by the grip member  702  aligning the club  705  onto the bases of the fingers of the user&#39;s hand, such that the club  705  or any other sports equipment item is held within the fingers of the user rather than the palm of the user. A suitable positioning of the sports equipment item in the fingers of the user may have the advantage of helping to prevent injury or tension. For example, impact between a baseball bat and a ball, or any other sports equipment item and other equipment or object may cause unwanted vibrations in the user&#39;s hand when an unsuitable grip is used or when the object is hit off-center. By forcing the sports equipment item in the user&#39;s fingers and thus allowing a relaxed or loose grip in the hand, the user may be assisted in achieving a suitable motion and ultimately may be able to achieve a suitable grip and motion without the aid of the grip apparatus, through repeated use and development of sensory memory by repetition while using the grip apparatus. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  shows seven examples of golf club grip apparatuses  800  that may be provided to fit a user&#39;s hand and golf club, according to an aspect. A user may select any preferred size or shape of a golf club grip apparatus  800  that comfortably fits onto their fingers and securely holds the size of golf club that they wish to use in conjunction with the grip apparatus. The double rings  801  may be smaller or larger to fit smaller or larger fingers, and the size and shape of the grip portion  802  may vary to fit different types of clubs and user&#39;s hands. As an example, the grip member  802  of a grip apparatus may be shorter than the length of the rings, or equal to the length of the rings, or longer than the length of the rings. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 9A-9D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, another top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a three-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus (“three-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus,” or “three-ringed grip apparatus”)  900 - a , according to an aspect. As an example, the user may select a grip apparatus having a plurality of rings according to their personal preference or comfort. The user may use a grip apparatus having two rings, or three rings as shown as an example by  900 - a . The three-ringed grip apparatus  900 - a  may provide a stronger support or stronger grip than the two-ringed grip apparatus. An advantage may be that a user with limited strength may have greater ease in using the sports equipment item when assisted by the support of a three-ringed grip apparatus. The two-ringed or three-ringed grip apparatus may, again, provide differing levels of comfort or ease of use to different users. 
         [0050]    The three-ringed grip apparatus  900 - a  may be used for a fishing rod, for example. The three-ringed grip apparatus  900 - a  may, for example, include a curved grip member  902 , and a ring support  901  having three rings  901 - a ,  901 - b , and  901 - c . The user may select any preferred attachment means such as three rings or two rings, for example, for attaching or securing the grip apparatus to their hand. The sport or recreational activity the user intends to use the grip apparatus for may influence their decision on the type of grip apparatus to be used. For example, a three-ringed grip apparatus  900 - a  may be used for practicing baseball, while a two-ringed grip apparatus as shown in  FIG. 8  may be used for golf, and a slotted grip apparatus (as shown in  FIGS. 13A-13D  and  FIGS. 14A-14D ) may be used for fishing. As examples of dimensions that the three-ringed grip apparatus  900 - a  may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member  902  may have a height of 1.01 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member  902  may have a length of 2 inches. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 9B , the rings may be circular in shape, or may be oval, or any other suitable shape. The rings  901 - a - 901 - c  may be constructed in various sizes and fits and may be shaped to conform to the shape and size of the user&#39;s fingers. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 9C , the curved grip member  902  end may be a partial circle, such as, for example, a half-circle, or three-quarters of a circle, or more. As an example, a portion of the grip member  902  may have an arc that is larger than a half-circle, or 180 degrees. An arc larger than 180 degrees may have an advantage of achieving a better grip than that of a grip member having an arc of 180 degrees, for example. An advantage may be that users with a weak grip may find a better grip to be more comfortable to use than a grip apparatus with a looser grip. The end of the grip member  902  may be constructed in various sizes and may be shaped to conform to a handle or shaft of a sports equipment item. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 10A-10D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of another example of a two-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus (“two-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus,” or “two-ringed grip apparatus”)  1000 - b , according to an aspect. The two-ringed grip apparatus may be used for a golf club or a baseball bat, for example. Again, as described when referring to  FIG. 1 , the two-ringed grip apparatus  1000 - b  may include a ring support  1001 , and two rings  1001 - a  and  1001 - b , and a curved grip member  1002 . As examples of dimensions that the two-ringed grip apparatus  1000 - a  may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member  1002  may have a height of 1.02 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member  1002  may have a length of 2 inches. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 11A-11D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a sporting equipment grip apparatus that may be used as a glove insert (“insert grip apparatus”)  1100 - c , according to an aspect. The insert grip apparatus  1100 - c  may include a curved grip member  1102 , and a clip portion (“clip” or “clip portion”)  1109 , for example. The clip  1109  may be configured to slip into a sleeve, pocket, or similar portion of a glove, as will be further described when referring to  FIGS. 12A-12D , or may be attached by any suitable means to a glove, for example. The clip  1109  may thus also be provided with any suitable means for attaching the insert grip apparatus  1100 - c  to a glove. For example, clasps, fasteners, magnets, or any other means for attachment may be provided. As examples of dimensions that the insert grip apparatus  1100 - c  may be constructed in, the curved grip member may have a height of 1.17 inches and a length of 2.33 inches, the width of the curved grip member may be 1.13 inches, the thickness of the clip  1109  may be 0.09 inches, the thickness of the curved grip member may be 0.08 inches, and the height of the clip  1109  may be 0.65 inches. 
         [0055]      FIG. 12A  shows the front view of a glove with a pocket (“pocket glove,” “insert grip apparatus glove” or “insert glove”)  1206 - c  that may be used with an insert grip apparatus, according to an aspect. The insert grip apparatus as shown by  1100 - c  in  FIGS. 11A-11D  may be associated with a pocket glove  1206 - c , or the insert grip apparatus  1100 - c  may be integral with the pocket glove  1206 - c , for example. The pocket glove  1206 - c  may, for example, include a sleeve or pocket  1208 . The pocket  1208  may be provided on the pocket glove  1206 - c  along the palm of the hand of the user, as shown. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 12B-12D  show the bottom view, the top perspective view, and the front view, respectively, of another example of a sporting equipment grip apparatus and glove device (“insert grip apparatus and glove,” “insert grip apparatus and glove device,” or “grip apparatus and glove device”)  1210 , according to an aspect. As an example, a sports training device  1210  may include a grip apparatus  1200 - c , and may also include a glove  1207 . The sports training device  1210  be provided as a glove with a grip apparatus integral with each other, or, as another example, may be provided as a glove that may have a grip apparatus inserted into it. A pocket glove  1206 - c  may be worn by the user for sports training purposes, recreation purposes, or other similar sporting uses. The user may then associate a grip apparatus  1200 - c  with the pocket glove  1206 - c  by, for example, inserting a clip portion  1209  into the pocket  1208  of the pocket glove  1206 - c . The clip portion  1209  may be held securely in place within the pocket  1209  by friction, for example. As another example, a grip apparatus and glove device  1210  providing a grip apparatus integral with the glove may be worn by the user. A grip apparatus and glove device  1210  may be provided with a curved grip member  1202  of the grip apparatus  1200 - c  at the palm of the user&#39;s hand for receiving a piece of sporting equipment, such as, for example, a baseball bat, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a golf club, or any other similar item. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 13A-13D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a two-ringed single slot sporting equipment grip apparatus (“single slot grip apparatus,” or “two-ringed single slot grip apparatus”)  1300 - d , according to an aspect. As an example, a sports training device may be provided as a two-ringed grip apparatus as shown, having a single slot or cutout  1311  provided in the grip member  1302 , which may be used for insertion or proper positioning of sporting equipment, such as a fishing rod. Various pieces of fishing rod equipment may be fitted into the cutout  1311 . The single slot grip apparatus  1300 - d  may thus be provided with a curved grip member  1302  having two curved grip members  1302 - a  and  1302 - b . The individual portions of the grip member  1302 - a  and  1302 - b  may also be able to conform to oddly-shaped or irregularly-shaped fishing rods, for example. The single slot grip apparatus  1300 - d  may also include two rings  1301 - a  and  1301 - b . The cutout  1311  may provide the user with a guided positioning for a fishing rod or similar piece of equipment, for example. Varying levels of hand strength and personal preference, comfort, and flexibility of the user may determine the type, shape, or amount of cutouts, for example. As examples of dimensions that the two-ringed single slot grip apparatus  1300 - d  may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member  1302  may have a thickness of 0.10 inches, the cutout may be 0.33 inches long, and the curved grip member may have a height of 1.02 inches and a length of 1.91 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member  1302  may have a length of 2 inches. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 14A-14D  illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus (“three-ringed double slot grip apparatus,” or “double slot grip apparatus”)  1400 - e , according to an aspect. As an example, a sports training device may be provided as a three-ringed grip apparatus as shown, having two slots or cutouts  1411 - a  and  1411 - b  provided in the curved grip member  1402 , which may be used for insertion or proper positioning of sporting equipment, such as a fishing rod. Again, the individual portions of the grip member  1302 - a  and  1302 - b  may also be able to conform to oddly-shaped or irregularly-shaped fishing rods, for example. Again, the cutouts  1411 - a  and  1411 - b  may provide the user with a guided positioning for a fishing rod or similar piece of equipment, for example. Varying levels of hand strength and personal preference, comfort, and flexibility of the user may determine the type, shape, or amount of cutouts, for example. The curved grip member  1402  may thus be provided with three curved grip members  1402 - a ,  1402 - b , and  1402 - c , for example. As examples of dimensions that the three-ringed double slot grip apparatus  1400 - e  may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member  1402  may have a thickness of 0.10 inches, each cutout may be 0.33 inches long, and the curved grip member may have a height of 1.02 inches and a length of 2.83 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member  1402  may have a length of 2 inches. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 15A-15C  show the front view, the top view, and the side view, respectively, of another example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus  1500 - e  worn on a user&#39;s hand  1507 , according to an aspect. Again, as an example, the double slot grip apparatus  1500 - e  may be worn on the user&#39;s hand  1507  with or without a glove, and may be worn by each ring receiving a finger of the user&#39;s hand. Three curved grip members  1502 - a ,  1502 - b , and  1502 - c  may be provided, and two cutouts  1511 - a  and  1511 - b , for example. As shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C , the grip apparatus  1500  may be worn with the lengthwise opening facing the user&#39;s palm, a positioning that may be preferred for users wearing the grip apparatus for activities such as fishing, or other similar sports, for example. 
         [0060]    It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
         [0061]    Further, as used in this application, “plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. Whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. 
         [0062]    If present, use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in this application, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items. 
         [0063]    Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus or procedures disclosed or claimed. Although some of the examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. 
         [0064]    Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one aspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from a similar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples. 
         [0065]    Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described as processes, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depict the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should be understood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the steps as shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the described methods. 
         [0066]    If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in this application for performing the recited function, but are intended to cover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, for performing the recited function. 
         [0067]    If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0068]    Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated and described herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily detect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted for the aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternate aspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further, each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification.

Technology Category: 1