Decorative grip and method for manufacturing

Abstract

A grip includes a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface and a design formed along the inner surface. The grip is formed by forming a transparent polymeric body shaped and dimensioned for attachment to an article and for gripping by an individual and applying laser energy to the inner surface of the body in a manner forming a design along the inner surface of the polymeric body.

1 . A grip, comprising: 
 a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface; and    a design formed along the inner surface the body, the design comprising a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.    
   
   
       2 . The grip according to  claim 1 , wherein the design is three-dimensional.  
   
   
       3 . The grip according to  claim 1 , wherein the grip is shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a shaft of a golf club.  
   
   
       4 . The grip according to  claim 1 , wherein the grip is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       5 . The grip according to  claim 1 , wherein the grip includes a first end and a second end, the first end being closed and the second end being open for attachment to an article.  
   
   
       6 . A method for forming a decorative grip, comprising the following steps: 
 forming a transparent polymeric body shaped and dimensioned for attachment to an article and for gripping by an individual, the body including an inner surface and an outer surface;    applying a high energy source to the inner surface of the body in a manner forming a design along the inner surface of the polymeric body.    
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the polymeric body is cylindrical shaped.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the high energy source is laser energy, infrared, or high energy X-ray.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the laser energy forms a three-dimensional design within the body.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the high energy source forms a three-dimensional design within the body.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 6 , further including the step of securing the grip to an article.  
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the article is a shaft of a golf club.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the design comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.  
   
   
       14 . A golf club with a transparent grip, the grip being shaped and dimensioned to fit over a shaft of a golf club, the golf club comprising: 
 a shaft having a first end with a club head secured thereto and a second end with a grip secured thereto, wherein the grip includes: 
 a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface; and  
 a design formed along the inner surface of the body, the design comprising a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.  
   
   
   
       15 . The golf club according to  claim 14 , wherein the design is three-dimensional.  
   
   
       16 . The golf club according to  claim 14 , wherein the grip is substantially cylindrical.  
   
   
       17 . The golf club according to  claim 14 , wherein adhesive is positioned between the shaft and the grip.  
   
   
       18 . The gold club according to  claim 17 , wherein the adhesive fills in space defined by the recesses.  
   
   
       19 . The golf club according to  claim 18 , wherein the adhesive is colored.