Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/927,567, filed on Jan. 15, 2014, and provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/833,745, filed on Jun. 11, 2013. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to golf equipment, and more particularly to an interchangeable putter grip system. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Golf has experienced a significant increase in popularity in recent years which has driven demand for a number of advances and innovations in golf club design. One golf club, however, has been the subject of more innovative efforts than the others, that golf club is the putter. One reason why the putter has been the subject of so much innovation efforts is that its use can account for over half of the strokes allotted for a regulation round at par. Simply put, in a typical round of golf, the putter is used more often than any other club in the bag. Golf courses are typically designed for a “par” score of 72, with layouts that allow for two putts per hole, or  36  putts per round. Thus, a golfer shooting a “par” score of 72 may use his/her putter for half of the shots. 
     As a result, golfers are known to have strong preferences as to the putter&#39;s look and feel, and often desire to modify certain characteristics. For example, it is not uncommon for a golfer to change the putter&#39;s grip, weighting, and even appearance in an effort to improve putting performance. Further, some golfers desire to adjust the feel of the putter depending on the conditions of the green, the type of grass, degree of undulations, speed of the green, etc. Other times, the golfer may simply wish to tailor the look of the putter by altering the color or appearance of the grip. 
     Conventional golf putter grips are affixed to the putter by a process that involves the application of grip tape and solvent to adhesively secure the grip to the putter shaft. Removal of the grip typically requires slicing the grip with a sharp blade and peeling the grip off of the shaft, a time consuming process that destroys the grip. Grip removal and replacement typically requires sending the putter to the “shop” or seeking the assistance of a golf equipment technician. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for advancements in the art of golf putters to allow for quick and easy modification of the golf putter. There further exists a need for an interchangeable grip system for golf putters to allow for customized modification. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the limitations and shortcomings in the art by providing an interchangeable grip system for golf putters that allows for quick and easy grip changes using a variety of interchangeable pre-manufactured grips. An interchangeable grip system in accordance with the present invention includes an inner sleeve installed on the butt end of a putter shaft, and a plurality of pre-manufactured outer grip sleeves adapted for universal removable installation on the inner sleeve. The golfer thus has the option of changing the look and/or feel of the putter by simply removing the outer sleeve and replacing it with an alternate outer sleeve. A threaded fastener secures the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve, and may further function to permit weight adjustment. A plurality of weighted fasteners is provided to allow for the overall weight of the putter to be adjusted. Each fastener is provided with a keyed head that requires a compatible tool or wrench for tightening and removal. A hand-tool is provided to allow for quick and easy removal of the fastener, and further functions to store various weighted fasteners to allow for weight adjustment. The outer grip sleeve may be wrapped with any of a variety of materials, including natural or synthetic materials fabricated with specific color schemes and patterns thereby allowing the user to customize his/her putter. The interchangeable grip system of the present invention complies with the Rules relating to the design and manufacture of golf clubs established by the United States Golf Association (“USGA”). 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide advancements in the art of golf equipment. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a system of interchangeable grips for golf clubs, particularly putters. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an interchangeable grip system that allows the user to quickly and easily change the look and or feel of the grip while remaining in conformance with the USGA rules relating to the design and manufacture of golf clubs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golf putter equipped with an interchangeable grip system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a golf putter equipped with an interchangeable grip in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a detailed view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded side view of an interchangeable golf club system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4 . is an exploded side sectional view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a top end view of the inner sleeve; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom end view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the inner sleeve taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the inner sleeve component; 
         FIG. 9  is a top end view of the outer sleeve; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom end view thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the outer sleeve taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the outer sleeve component; 
         FIGS. 13A-13E  are exploded illustrations showing installation of the outer sleeve on the inner sleeve; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of golf putters illustrating various grip sizes installed thereon; 
         FIGS. 15A-15E  illustrate various grip sizes for interchangeable grips in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a hand tool assembly for tightening and loosening grip weights in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a side sectional view thereof taken along line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side view thereof; 
         FIG. 19  is a top perspective view thereof; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded top perspective view thereof illustrating removal of the tightening tool removed from its stowed configuration; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded top perspective view thereof illustrating use of the tightening tool to remove stored weights from the handle; and 
         FIG. 22  illustrates various screw-in handle weights in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
     Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-22  depict a preferred embodiment of an interchangeable putter grip system, generally referenced as  10 , in accordance with the present invention. Grip system  10  is illustrated as being installed on a typical golf putter, generally referenced as  1 , which includes a putter head  2  and a shaft  3 .  FIGS. 2 and 2A  provide a detailed view of grip system  10  installed on putter  1 , and particularly reveal the outer sleeve member, generally referenced as  30 , including a main body  31 , a bottom cover  32  and a top cover  33 .  FIG. 12  depicts grip material  36  (shown in partial view) disposed on main body  30 . Grip material  36  may comprise any suitable material such as such as leather, rubberized material, or natural or synthetic grip material. Grip material may comprise the form of a wrap, a sleeve, or any other suitable structure. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  provide exploded illustrations of the interchangeable putter grip system  10  in accordance with the present invention. A butt end of the putter shaft  3  receives a suitable number of wraps of grip tape  4  to build up the outer diameter of the putter shaft to a sufficient degree to receive an inner sleeve, generally referenced as  20  inserted thereon. Grip tape  4  may comprise double sided tape, solvent activated golf grip tape, or any other suitable adhesive material or substance. Inner sleeve  20  is then slidably installed onto the butt end of the shaft  3  so as to become generally permanently affixed to the putter shaft. It should be noted, however, that inner sleeve  20  may be removed and transferred to another putter shaft if desired. Once inner sleeve  20  is installed, outer sleeve  30  is installed by receiving inner sleeve  20  concentrically disposed therein. A screw-in weight  40  is axially inserted through the top end of outer sleeve  30  and placed in threaded engagement with a threaded aperture formed in the top end thereof thereby fixing the outer sleeve  30  relative to the inner sleeve  20 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5-8 , there are provided detailed illustrations of inner sleeve  20 . Inner sleeve  20  comprises a generally tubular structure which is preferably fabricated from suitable injection molded plastic, however, any suitable material may be used. Inner sleeve  20  includes a generally tubular main sleeve body  21  having a generally open bottom end  22  and a top end  23 . Main body  22  defines a shaft receiving inner chamber bounded by an inner surface. A plurality of longitudinal radially inwardly projecting ribs  24  extend from said inner surface. Ribs  24  function as inner sleeve  20  is slid over the putter shaft to locally displace or dig into the grip tape  4  thereby anchoring sleeve  20  relative to putter shaft  3 . It should be noted at this juncture that inner sleeve  20  may function as a golf putter grip without use of outer sleeve  30 . Bottom end  22  includes a radially enlarged collar  25  defining a recessed groove  26  which includes a longitudinal inlet  26 A, a circumferential extension  26 B extending from inlet  26 A, and a bayonet detent  26 C which functions to lock in outer sleeve  30  as more fully discussed herein. Collar  25  may be integrally formed with sleeve  20 , or alternately formed by affixation of a separate annular member. The top end  23  of inner sleeve  20  includes an axially disposed centering projection or bumper  27  which functions to ensure that, upon installation, outer sleeve  30  is concentrically disposed about inner sleeve  20 . 
       FIGS. 9-12  provide various detailed illustrations of outer sleeve  30  which functions as the grip. Outer sleeve  30  comprises a generally tubular rigid structure which is preferably fabricated from suitable injection molded plastic; however, any suitable material may be used. Outer sleeve  30  further includes a bottom end cap  32  and a top end cap  33 . End caps  32  and  33  are preferably separate attachable members, however, forming end caps  32  and  33  integrally with outer sleeve  30 . At least outer sleeve  30 , and preferably bottom cap  32  and top cap  33 , define an irregular outer surface which allows for an enhanced ergonomic putting grip. With reference to the end view of top cap  33  as seen in  FIG. 9 , the irregular outer surfaces include an arcuate rear segment  33 A, a generally planar front segment  33 B with planar lateral segments, each referenced  33 C, connecting the front and rear segments. The outer surface  31  of outer sleeve  30  has corresponding segments as best illustrated in  FIG. 12  wherein actuate rear surface segment  31 A, planar top surface segment  31 B, and one of the planar lateral segments  31 C are seen. Bottom end cap  32  conceals a bayonet pin ring  34  having a pair of bayonet pins  35  projecting radially inward therefrom. Bayonet pins  35  are received within recessed groove  26  on inner sleeve  20  and function to retain outer sleeve  30  relative to inner sleeve  20 . Top end cap  33  defines an internally threaded aperture  36  for receiving an externally threaded weight  40  as more fully discussed below. Finally, the interior of sleeve  30  defines a chamber for receiving the inner sleeve inserted therein, and a plurality of longitudinal radially inwardly projecting ribs  38  project from the inner surface of sleeve  30 . Ribs  38  function to engage the outer surface of inner sleeve  20  to align and center the outer sleeve upon installation. 
       FIGS. 13A-13E  illustrate mating engagement of outer sleeve  30  with inner sleeve  20  with the putter shaft omitted for the purpose of this illustration. Outer sleeve  30  is positioned to slide onto inner sleeve  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 13A . Next, outer sleeve  30  is slidably installed concentric, axially aligned relation with inner sleeve  20  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , whereby bayonet pins  34  are received within bayonet groove  26  through inlet  26 A. A small axial force is applied such that bayonet pins  35  reach the end of grove inlet  26 A at circumferential groove extension  26 B. As illustrated in  FIG. 13C , the outer sleeve is then rotated approximately a quarter-turn whereby bayonet pins  35  travel along circumferential groove extension  26 B to detent  26 C. Next a screw  40  (which may be weighted) is inserted within internally threaded aperture  36  in top end cap  33  and tightened using a hand tool  50  thereby ensuring that the outer sleeve assembly is precisely centered relative to inner sleeve  20  and fixed relative thereto. 
     As best illustrated in FIGS.  14  and  15 A- 15 E, the interchangeable grip assembly of the present invention allows the user to quickly and easily install various grips.  FIG. 14  illustrates a putter having grips of varying sizes, namely small  30 S, medium  30 M, large  30 L, X-large  30 XL, and XX-large  30 XXL. As noted above, the grips may be adapted with logos or other indicia molded, stamped, printed, or embossed on or into the grip material.  FIG. 15A-15E  provide further illustrations of various grip sizes with end views illustrating the screw-in weights, referenced as  40 A- 40 E. Weights  40 A- 40 E may vary in mass as further discussed below thereby allowing the user to add or subtract weight from the putter. Each weight  40  defines an axial keyed recess which receives the mating end of tool  50 . 
       FIGS. 16-21  illustrate a hand tool, generally referenced as  50 , for use in installing and removing outer sleeve  30  from inner sleeve  20  in accordance with the present invention. Hand tool  50  includes a generally T-shaped main body  52  having an upper portion  53  and a lower portion  54 . Main body  52  defines a generally inverted L-shaped through bore  55  which terminates at an axial opening in the bottom of main body  52 . Through bore  55  receives a generally L-shaped wrench  56  having an end defining a male TORX® head. TORX® is a trademark for a type of screw head characterized by a 6-point star pattern. In addition, both opposing ends of wrench  56  may be adapted with the TORX® head. Wrench  56  is employed in installing and removing screw-in weights  40 , which are each also adapted with a female TORX® head. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and particularly wrench  56  and screw-in weights  40  are disclosed as incorporating the TORX technology, any suitable threaded fastener and wrench configuration are considered within the scope of the present invention. A magnet  57  is affixed to main body  52  within aperture  55  and functions to maintain wrench  56  removably magnetically attached thereto. The main body  52  of tool  50  is further adapted with female threaded apertures which function to removably receive a screw-in weights  40  as best illustrated in  FIGS. 18-21 . By simply removing wrench  56  from main body  50 , the user is able to remove one of the four screen-in weights stored on the tool body to alter the weight of the putter as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . As noted above, weights  40 A  40 E are provided with varying mass including a weight increments that range from a 0-gram screw in weight  40 A, 5-gram screw-in weight  40 B, 10-gram screw-in weight  40 C, 15-gram screw in weight  40 D, and a 20-gram screw-in weight  40 E. Each weight preferably includes an indicator that informs the user exactly how much the weight weighs. 
     While the present invention has been disclosed in its preferred embodiment as an interchangeable grip system for golf putters, the advances discloses herein may be adapted for use on other golf clubs, such as irons, metal woods, and drivers. In addition, the system interchangeable grip system herein may further be adapted for use with a wide variety of goods having grips, including without limitation, billiard/pool cue sticks, lacrosse sticks, tennis racquets, etc. Finally, the interchangeable grip system is further suitable for use with non-sports related goods, such as umbrellas. 
     The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

Technology Category: b