Golf club grip for retaining an insert

Abstract

There are disclosed systems and methods for making golf clubs unique and in some cases personalized. A gripping system includes a grip for a golf club that is either completely clear or a portion thereof is clear, and an insert, to be maintained in the grip in contact with the shaft of the club. Typically, the inset is positioned with respect to the grip for maximum viewability. Methods for placing this gripping system onto golf clubs and the like are also disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A gripping system, comprising: 
 at least one insert configured for extending at least partially around the shaft of a golf club; and    a gripping member including an inner portion configured for enveloping at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club and at least a portion of said at least one insert, and retaining said at least one insert intermediate said inner portion and the shaft of the golf club.    
     
     
         2 . The gripping system of  claim 1 , wherein said gripping member is clear.  
     
     
         3 . The gripping system of  claim 1 , wherein said insert includes a first side and a second side.  
     
     
         4 . The gripping system of  claim 3 , wherein said first side includes visible matter.  
     
     
         5 . The gripping system of  claim 3 , wherein said second side includes at least one adhesive material.  
     
     
         6 . The gripping system of  claim 1 , wherein said inner portion configured for enveloping at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club, includes a bore, said bore extending from an open end in said gripping member to a closed end of said gripping member.  
     
     
         7 . The gripping system of  claim 6 , wherein said bore is configured to completely envelope said insert.  
     
     
         8 . A gripping system, comprising: 
 at least one insert configured for extending at least partially around the shaft of a golf club; and    a gripping member including a bore, said bore dimensioned for creating a frictional engagement with at least portions of said insert for placing said at least one insert into contact with the shaft and for creating a frictional engagement with at least portions of said shaft, said frictional engagements being of sufficient force to retain said gripping member on said shaft.    
     
     
         9 . The gripping system of  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of said gripping member is of a clear material.  
     
     
         10 . The gripping system of  claim 9 , wherein said bore extends from an open end in the gripping member to a closed end of the gripping member, said open end configured for receiving a shaft of a golf club and said closed end being a cover for the end of the shaft of the golf club.  
     
     
         11 . The gripping system of  claim 9 , wherein said gripping member is configured for enveloping said insert.  
     
     
         12 . The gripping system of  claim 8 , wherein said insert includes a first side and a second side.  
     
     
         13 . The gripping system of  claim 12 , wherein said first side includes visible matter.  
     
     
         14 . The gripping system of  claim 13 , wherein said second side includes at least one adhesive material.  
     
     
         15 . A method for placing a gripping system on a golf club comprising: 
 providing an insert;    providing a gripping member including at least a clear portion, said gripping member having an inner portion configured for fitting along the shaft of a golf club;    placing said insert into contact with the shaft of the golf club; and    placing said gripping member along the shaft of the golf club in a position to retain at least a portion of said insert in contact with the shaft of the golf club.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , additionally comprising, applying a solvent to at least one of said insert or said inner portion of said gripping member.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said placing said gripping member along the shaft of the golf club includes placing the gripping member over the shaft of the golf club to a point where said gripping member envelopes said insert.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said placing said gripping member along the shaft includes aligning said clear portion with respect to said insert.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said placing said insert into contact with the shaft of the golf club includes attaching said insert to the shaft.