Handle extension

Abstract

An endcap system for a sporting implement includes a base portion and a transverse extension projecting from the base portion. The base portion has a bottom surface with a central axis normal thereto. A receptacle opposite the bottom surface is configured to receive a portion of the sporting implement. The extension is configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifth metacarpal of the hand and the hand is constrained in both the transverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An endcap system for a sporting implement, comprising:
 a rigid base portion including:
 a bottom surface having a central axis normal thereto; 
 opposite the bottom surface, a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the sporting implement; 
 surrounding the receptacle, at least one sidewall flaring towards the bottom surface; and 
   a rigid transverse extension projecting from the base portion and configured such that:
 during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifth proximal phalanx of the hand; and 
 the hand is constrained in both the transverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis. 
   
     
     
         2 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the extension is further configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement with the hand gripping around the handle pallet, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of the fourth or third proximal phalanxes of the hand. 
     
     
         3 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the extension curves towards the central axis. 
     
     
         4 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the extension sweeps through an arc of less than 90 degrees towards the first end. 
     
     
         5 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the extension further comprises a generally smooth inside surface facing generally towards the central axis. 
     
     
         6 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the extension has a concave surface facing towards the central axis. 
     
     
         7 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the extension further comprises a branch. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the base is comprised of first and second mating shells. 
     
     
         10 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 9 , further comprising a retaining clip for securing the first and second mating shells around the handle pallet. 
     
     
         11 . The endcap as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising teeth provided to the receptacle and configured to mesh with teeth provided to an exterior surface of a portion of the sporting implement. 
     
     
         12 . A pallet system for a sporting implement, comprising:
 a prism comprising first and second mating shells configured to house and grip a handle core of the sporting implement, the prism having:
 configured to receive an endcap, a first end with a center; 
 distal from the first end, a second end having a center; 
 a central axis defined between the center of the first end and the center of the second end; 
 an exterior surface defined between first and second ends, surrounding the central axis and flaring towards the first end; and 
   a transverse extension projecting from the exterior surface near the first end and configured such that:
 during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the prism, the extension contacts the hand on an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifth proximal phalanx of the hand; and 
 the hand is constrained in both transverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis. 
   
     
     
         13 . The pallet system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the extension is further configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement with the hand gripping around the prism, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a a fourth or third proximal phalanx of the hand. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The pallet system as set forth in  claim 12 , further comprising teeth provided to an interior surface opposite the exterior surface and configured to mesh with teeth provided to an exterior surface of the handle core of the sporting implement. 
     
     
         16 . The pallet system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the extension curves towards the central axis. 
     
     
         17 . The pallet system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the extension further comprises a branch. 
     
     
         18 . The pallet system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the extension further comprises first and second extensions relatively rotated about the central axis. 
     
     
         19 . The pallet system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the extension sweeps through an arc of less than 90 degrees towards the second end. 
     
     
         20 . The pallet system as set forth in  claim 12 , wherein the extension further comprises a generally smooth inside surface facing generally towards the central axis. 
     
     
         21 . An endcap system for a sporting implement, comprising:
 a base portion including:
 a bottom surface having a central axis normal thereto; 
 opposite the bottom surface, a receptacle configured to receive a portion of the sporting implement; 
 surrounding the receptacle, at least one sidewall flaring towards the bottom surface; 
   projecting from the base portion, a first transverse extension is configured such that during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifth proximal phalanx of the hand; and   projecting from the base portion, rotated relative to the first extension about the central axis and also twisted about its own length, a second transverse extension is configured such that during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifth metacarpal of the hand.