Interchangeable sports grip

Abstract

A sports grips system features quick change capabilities for sports stick grips at point of purchase, or during usage, independent of the technique used. A sports stick grip is quickly placed and quickly removed such that a sportsman my try, demonstrate, test and select the best grip for them. The quick change of grips affords the user maximum functional capability in at point of purchase, practice or game play, coupled with the ability to replace or interchange grip systems. The system and apparatus provides numerous embodiments of grips, shafts and inserts, including the ability to tailor the gripping mechanisms to both right-handed and left-handed users. The system also provides golf clubs including interchangeable grips to be tried at time of purchase or to exchange after trying on a golf course.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An interchangable golf grip system comprising:
 a removably attached grip mechanism comprising a quick placement and quick removal system; and,   a grip insert mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The interchangeble golf grip system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a key lock assembly comprising:
 a key; 
 a constriction; and, 
 an upper area wherein the grip, the insert and the shaft comprise a central aperture to align the cross section of the key and key lock to provide anti-rotation of components and accidental disengagement; and, wherein the key lock is located in the central aperture of the grip to align the constriction which passes through the grip to engage the lower boarder and provide retention for the key lock. 
 
 
     
     
         3 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 1  wherein the grip insert further comprises a securing end and wherein the interchangeable golf club system further comprises:
 at least one end projection; and, 
 a compression member comprising a set of threads; 
 wherein the golf club grip insert is in sliding communication with the shaft and is secured with the compression member and once a grip is selected, the grip is secured with a leverage device by engaging a matching shaped end of the compression member. 
 
     
     
         4 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 3  wherein the grip insert securing end further comprises a threaded surface. 
     
     
         5 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 3  wherein the compression member is threaded over the securing end and wherein at least one end projection creates a frictional force against the shaft when the compression member is threaded over the securing end and wherein the compression member is partially tightened for quick exchange during grip trials. 
     
     
         6 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 3  wherein the at least one end projection comprises a range from two end projections to one hundred projections. 
     
     
         7 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 3  wherein the at least one end projection comprises one solid circumferential piece. 
     
     
         8 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 3  further comprising a liner mechanism and a set of stabilizing projections and wherein the shaft comprises a set of concave areas to accept the set of stabilizing projections and wherein the concave areas and the projections comprise rectangular, triangular, square, polygonal, and flat. 
     
     
         9 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 3  wherein the compression member comprises a recessed area shaped to accept the leverage device. 
     
     
         10 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an interchangeable grip mechanism comprising a set of snap projections; 
 a shaft member comprising a set of shaft concave areas; 
 an insert mechanism comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a set of insert concave areas and a set of projections located at the distal end; and, 
 an interlock comprising snap projections which engage the set of interlock concave areas of the insert when assembled. 
 
     
     
         11 . A method of attaching the sports shaft grip system of  claim 10  comprising the steps of:
 sliding the interlock over the shaft member; 
 sliding the grip over the shaft until the set of snap projections engage and snap into the set of shaft concave areas; and, 
 sliding the interlock onto the end of the insert until the set of interlock projections engage and snap into the set of insert concave area; and, 
 securing the interlock onto the insert which prevents dislodgement of the interlock snap projections. 
 
     
     
         12 . The interchangeable golf club system of  claim 10  wherein the shaft member further comprises;
 an access aperture disposed to accept the shaft insert at the distal end; and, 
 a secondary projection, wherein the secondary projection possesses a configuration disposed to match the configuration of the shaft insert and wherein the secondary projection engages the access aperture and the shaft insert. 
 
     
     
         13 . A sports shaft grip system comprising:
 an interchangeable grip mechanism;   a grip insert mechanism comprising a proximal end, a distal end; a set of projections located at the distal end; and an end body; wherein the proximal end of the set of projections is in communication with the grip insert; and,   at least two projection end mechanisms; wherein at least a set of two of the set of projections comprise an individual of the at least two projection end mechanisms, wherein the at least two projection end mechanisms extend outwardly from the distal end of the set of projections and wherein the at least two project end mechanisms comprise a different material then the set of projections.   
     
     
         14 . The sports shaft grip apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the projection ends comprise a shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal and pentagonal and may be constructed from materials selected from the group consisting of polymers, rubber, carbon fiber and composites of materials. 
     
     
         15 . The sports shaft grip apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the grip insert comprises a split insert comprising a spacial air gap separation to allow for expansion of the grip as the grip material expands under different conditions. 
     
     
         16 . The sports shaft grip apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the grip insert comprises a segmented configuration. 
     
     
         17 . The sports shaft grip apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising an interlock wherein the grip insert comprises a tapered end portion and wherein the grip and the interlock fit over the grip insert and wherein the grip insert is permanently affixed to the shaft at the tapered end portion. 
     
     
         18 . The sports shaft grip apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the grip insert comprises a tapered end portion of the grip insert is permanently affixed to the shaft by an affixing mechanism selected from the group consisting of glue, weld, braise and snapped. 
     
     
         19 . The sports shaft grip apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the grip insert comprises a set of projections comprising an identical configuration of the inner surface of the grip for stabilization. 
     
     
         20 . The sports shaft grip apparatus of  claim 13  further comprising:
 an insert shell; 
 an insert liner which houses the set of projections; 
 and, 
 a compression lock mechanism. 
 
     
     
         21 . The sports grip system of  claim 20  wherein the grip material comprises a different chemical composition than the insert material and wherein the grip material comprises a greater stiffness than the insert material. 
     
     
         22 . The sports grip system of  claim 20  wherein the insert is contiguous with grip and the grip material extends through a set of apertures in the open insert structure. 
     
     
         23 . The sports grip system of  claim 20  wherein the insert extends three quarters of the length of the shaft. 
     
     
         24 . The sports grip system of  claim 20  wherein the grip material extends over the upper portion of the shaft expands over the shaft. 
     
     
         25 . The sports grip system of  claim 20  wherein the projections comprise a larger inward dimension than the outer dimension of the shaft wherein upon attachment of the grip, the projections compress to slide down shaft during engagement and movement of the grip insert is further limited by this compression and eliminated when combined with compression lock. 
     
     
         26 . The sports grip system of  claim 20  wherein the grip insert comprises an end portion comprising a set of extensions. 
     
     
         27 . The sports grip system of  claim 20  wherein the set of extensions comprises at least two cutting extensions which enter into the outer surface of shaft creating improved resistance to movement. 
     
     
         28 . A quick change, sports grip system comprising:
 a grip;   a shaft comprising a slotted portion;   an attachment mechanism; and,   a rib; wherein the slotted portion of the shaft and the rib are in sliding communication.   
     
     
         29 . The quick change, sports grip system of  claim 28  further comprising an insert mechanism. 
     
     
         30 . The quick change, sports grip system of  claim 28  wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a screw wherein the screw mechanism secures the grip on the shaft. 
     
     
         31 . A threaded sports grip system comprising:
 a grip an inner core;   a shaft comprising a lower extension and an upper extension;   wherein the upper extension of the shaft is threaded into the inner core of the grip.   
     
     
         32 . A method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip comprising the steps of:
 providing an interchangeable grip system wherein a user can change a set of grips continuously; and,   providing a testing circuit wherein the user tests the functionabilty of the grips on a particular surface.   
     
     
         33 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 32  further comprising the step of:
 providing a grip comprising a central access aperture through a longitudinal substantially cylindrical cavity. 
 
     
     
         34 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 33  further comprising the steps of:
 utilizing a snap lock mechanism comprising a projection; 
 and, utilizing a shaft comprising:
 a main stem; 
 a first inclined plane; 
 a second inclined plane; and, 
 a projection lock. 
 
 
     
     
         35 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 34  further comprising the steps of:
 positioning the shaft into the grip through the access aperture until the main stem is fully seated; 
 sliding the snap lock down the main stem; 
 engaging the second inclined plane; 
 expanding the snap lock; and, 
 squeezed together the snap lock such that the first inclined plane is seated against the snap lock; and, 
 fully seating the snap lock by forcing the grip downward. 
 
     
     
         36 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft of  claim 35  further wherein the grip further comprises at least one projection in communication with at least one indentation. 
     
     
         37 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 32  further comprising the step of:
 utilizing a threaded securing system comprising:
 a shaft; 
 a screw member; 
 an insert member; and, 
 a snap mechanism. 
 
 
     
     
         38 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 37  further comprising the steps of:
 rotating the screw member in a clockwise direction; 
 driving the insert member downward on the shaft; and, 
 engaging the snap mechanism. 
 
     
     
         39 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 32  further comprising:
 an insert attachment; 
 a snap grip and, 
 a modified golf club shaft comprising a shorter span then normal for the proscribed user, and further comprising a shaft comprising an aperture, a proximal and a distal portion. 
 
     
     
         40 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 39  further comprising the steps of:
 fitting the insert into the proximal portion of the shaft through the shaft aperture; 
 placing a portion of the snap grip into the proximal portion of the shaft through the shaft aperture; 
 securing, with an adhesive compound, the portion of the snap grip into the proximal portion of the shaft through the shaft aperture. 
 
     
     
         41 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 32  further comprising:
 a shaft comprising a locking pin; 
 a grip comprising an aperture; 
 an internal grip lock; and, 
 a snap lock comprising a set of extensions. 
 
     
     
         42 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 41  further comprising the steps of:
 inserting the shaft into the grip through the opening; 
 pressing the shaft into position until the snap lock engages the internal grip lock; 
 placing the locking pin into the grip through the opening and between the extensions of the snap lock to prevent compression and release; and, 
 securing the snap lock. 
 
     
     
         43 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 32  further comprising:
 a grip comprising a set of pegs; and, 
 a shaft comprising a slot, the slot comprising a set of side slots, wherein the side slots comprise indentations. 
 
     
     
         44 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 43  further comprising the steps of:
 fitting the grip comprising a set of pegs over the shaft; 
 sliding the set of pegs down the slot; 
 aligning the set of pegs down the set of side slots; 
 rotating the grip into the side slots; and, 
 engaging the set of pegs with the set of side slot indentations. 
 
     
     
         45 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 44  wherein the set of side slots further comprise a distal wall which inhibits rotation in a clockwise direction. 
     
     
         46 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 32  further comprising:
 a golf club grip insert system; 
 a shaft; 
 a compression member; and, 
 a compression mechanism. 
 
     
     
         47 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 46  wherein the grip insert system comprises a threaded surface; a securing end and at least two securing projections. 
     
     
         48 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 47  further comprising the steps of:
 sliding the golf club grip insert system over the shaft; 
 forcing the end projections tightly onto the shaft with a squeezing action onto the shaft surfaces; and, 
 threading the compression member over the securing end to create a strong frictional force resulting in a secure grip to the shaft. 
 
     
     
         49 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 48  further comprising a liner and a set of stabilizing projections. 
     
     
         50 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 49  further comprising an insert comprising a set of concave areas; a set of projections, a set of snap concavity elements and an interlock. 
     
     
         51 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 50  further comprising the steps of:
 engaging the interlock snap projections  564  with the snap concavity of the insert; 
 sliding the interlock over the shaft; 
 sliding the grip over the shaft until the snap projections engage and snap into the set of snap concavity elements; 
 sliding the interlock onto the end of the insert until the snap projections engage and snap into the snap concavity; and, 
 securing the interlock onto the insert which covers and prevents dislodgement of the snap projections from the snap concave areas. 
 
     
     
         52 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 51  wherein the shaft comprises a set of snap and stabilizing concave areas and wherein the insert comprises matching projections which stabilize the insert against the shaft to prevent movement. 
     
     
         53 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 52  wherein the shaft possesses an aperture disposed to accept the shaft insert at the end portion and wherein the grip possesses a secondary projection which engages the aperture of a matching shape of the shaft insert. 
     
     
         54 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 53  wherein the grip insert comprises an end body and a set of projection ends comprising a cross sectional shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal and pentagonal. 
     
     
         55 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 54  further comprising a split insert separated by a space. 
     
     
         56 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 54  further comprising a segmented insert. 
     
     
         57 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 32  further comprising:
 an insert; 
 an insert shell; and, 
 an insert liner comprising a set of projections wherein each individual of the set of projections comprises a configuration selected from the group consisting of oblate, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rhombus-shaped, trapezoidal, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagon octagonal, nonagonal and decagonal. 
 
     
     
         58 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 57  wherein the insert comprises a less rigid material than the material of the set of grips. 
     
     
         59 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 57  further comprising a compression lock wherein movement of the grip insert is eliminated by engagement of the compression lock. 
     
     
         60 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 59  wherein the grip insert extends three quarters of the length of the grip and the grip material expands the insert and touches the shaft. 
     
     
         61 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 57  wherein the insert material is contiguous with the grip and extends through apertures provided by an open insert structure comprising a pattern of apertures. 
     
     
         62 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 57  wherein the projections of the insert liner provide a decreased surface area to all materials which stick to the shaft as it slides down into position. 
     
     
         63 . The method of providing a point of purchase sports shaft grip of  claim 57  wherein the projections are constructed to a dimension to provide a frictional component that limits movement. 
     
     
         64 . A sports grip comprising:
 a system for minimal adhesion during placement and maximum adhesion upon full placement comprising:   an inner and outer core; and,   a shaft and a set of core interfaces; wherein the inner core extends beyond the opening of the outer core when assembled.   
     
     
         65 . The sports grip of  claim 64  further comprising a liner mechanism and a lock pin. 
     
     
         66 . The sports grip of  claim 65  further comprising:
 a thread system comprising:
 a snapping component; and 
 a threaded screw. 
 
 
     
     
         67 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the outer core comprises a hollow cylindrical member comprising an aperture. 
     
     
         68 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the inside of the outer core is tapered with the widest part located at the distal of the grip and narrowest part located at the proximal end of the grip closest to the shaft. 
     
     
         69 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the inner tapered surface of the outer core of squeeze the inner core of tightly to the shaft by pressing against the tapered outer surface of the inner core. 
     
     
         70 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the inner core comprises a hollow cylinder comprising at least one split portion that runs the length of the hollow cylinder. 
     
     
         71 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the inner core comprises a set of circumferential indentations and the outer core comprises a set of protrusions wherein the set of circumferential indentations fit into the set of protrusions of the outer core to limit movement back and forth. 
     
     
         72 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the grip is in an inactive position, such that the narrowest end of the inner core engages the shaft to provide a tight fit and resistance when the outer core is activated. 
     
     
         73 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the outer core comprises a set of extensions and the inner core comprises a set of grooves wherein the set of extensions is disposed to fit into set of grooves and limit motion of the inner core. 
     
     
         74 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein upon engagement, the inner core remains stationary relative to the shaft as the outer core slides up and over the inner core. 
     
     
         75 . The sports grip of  claim 74 , wherein the outer surface of the inner core and the inner surface of the outer core comprise mechanical resistance members which greater great resistance to motion upon contact. 
     
     
         76 . The sports grip of  claim 75 , wherein the inner core mechanical resistance members comprise round shaped protrusions and wherein the shaft comprises indentations; wherein the round shaped protrusions on the inner surface of the inner core contact the indentations on the shaft for improved resistance to motion. 
     
     
         77 . The sports grip of  claim 76 , wherein the round shaped protrusions comprise a flexible material such that upon the protrusions are disposed to collapse upon compression to increasing surface area contact. 
     
     
         78 . The sports grip of  claim 77 , wherein the inner core and the outer core each comprise a layer of material allowing the surfaces to slide effectively over each other during activation so the outer core compresses the inner core. 
     
     
         79 . The sports grip of  claim 78  wherein the surfaces of the layers of material are selected from the group consisting of non-friction, textured and patterned depending on how surface texture is going to be controlled. 
     
     
         80 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , further comprising a set of threaded components comprising a screw mechanism utilized to move the grip over the shaft wherein the screw mechanism can be an integral part of the grip or a separate apparatus to be installed after grip placement. 
     
     
         81 . The sports grip of  claim 80 , wherein the threaded components run the entire length of the inner and outer cores and wherein screw comprises a lock to prevent accidental dislodging of the grip from the shaft. 
     
     
         82 . The sports grip of  claim 80 , wherein the threaded components are constructed such that the outer core slides over the inner core when placed on the shaft and turned so that the threads move the outer core up or down the shaft; and wherein the tapered surfaces compress the inner core producing more surface area, increased adhesion or increased friction that resist forces of play. 
     
     
         83 . The sports grip of  claim 80 , wherein upon actuation of the threaded components, the grip is limited to upward travel. 
     
     
         84 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the inner core comprises a material comprising lower rigidity than the material of the outer core. 
     
     
         85 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the internal surface of the grip comprises a set of textures and set of projections. 
     
     
         86 . The sports grip of  claim 86 , wherein the projections comprise a set of angulations which control the force of resistance of the grip such that placement of a test grip requires less force application than removal of a test grip. 
     
     
         87 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein the grip comprises a single construction wherein when forced over the shaft, the grip and layers move as one unit resulting in compression onto a shaft for increased adherence or friction. 
     
     
         88 . The sports grip of  claim 64 , wherein, upon full seated of the grip, the outer core presses onto the tapered inner core to compress and increase retention and the set of protrusions of the inner core snaps into the indentation of the shaft, while the set of protrusions of the outer core snaps over the inner core outer edge to be secured. 
     
     
         89 . The sports grip of  claim 64  wherein, wherein the grip is secured when the grip is its final position, the outer core of is secured by mechanisms selected form the group consisting of friction, snaps, pins, screws, and set screws. 
     
     
         90 . A quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase comprising:
 a compression/friction restraint system comprising:
 a grip; and, 
 an insert mechanism. 
   
     
     
         91 . The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of  claim 90  wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a snap technology system. 
     
     
         92 . The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of  claim 90  wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a controlled friction system. 
     
     
         93 . The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of  claim 90  wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a threaded fitting system. 
     
     
         94 . The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of  claim 90  wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises a controlled compression system. 
     
     
         95 . The quick change sports grip utilized at point of purchase of  claim 90  wherein the compression/friction restraint system comprises an air compression system. 
     
     
         96 . A sports grip apparatus comprising:
 a slideably attached grip mechanism comprising at least one set of flexible projection members comprising a snap lock mechanism; and,   a shaft member comprising a non-uniform area disposed to receive the at least one set of flexible projection members comprising a snap lock mechanism.