`Totes`, Incorporated

Paul J Uffindell

The invention pertains to a method of installing a grip on a hand held implement. The method includes the steps of providing a grip with a tubular body, closed end, open end, and cup-shaped flange about the open end, deforming the flange so that is is spaced from the tubular body and forms a gap therewith; stretching the flange over a collar of a vacuum chamber; exposing the grip to a vacuum; inserting the hand held implement into the grip; releasing the vacuum; and then severing the cup-shaped flange from the grip.

Handle grip

A grip for the handle of a hand held implement of the type that is comprised of a thin wall stretchable tubular member radially stretchable upon exposure to a vacuum which allows for insertion of a handle, the tubular member being sized and configured to contract into a tight friction fit with the handle when the vacuum is released. With this type grip, an outwardly flaring generally cup-shaped flange is formed integral with the tubular member at an open end. The flange has a maximum radial dimension relative to the tubular member's longitudinal axis, at least twice the minimum radial dimension of the tubular member. The flange is sized and configured so that its outer periphery can be provided with a stable cuff, that stable cuff being stretchable over a collar on a vacuum chamber without significantly stretching the tubular member during installation of the grip on the handle.

A hand grip for a hand-held implement, e.g., a golf club, that consists of a rigid cap and a one-piece flexible foam tubular sleeve. The cap is structured to cooperate with the implement's handle shaft for locating and retaining the grip on that shaft, and for protecting the end of the shaft and the outer end of the foam sleeve. The one-piece flexible foam sleeve, preferably with an outer skin thereon to resist abrasion, provides a cushioned grip to the user. A novel method is also provided by which the rigid cap and foam sleeve grip are fabricated.

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Morrow, OH, United States of America

Paul J Uffindell