Low-odor single element equipment grip

Abstract

A low odor grip is disclosed for a handle of a hand-held implement such as a sports implement or a manual or electric tool which is essentially free of disagreeable odors, which can be installed and quickly shrunk into a tight vapor resistant grip within a matter of a few minutes rather than requiring extended periods of time, and can be installed without the need for any application of heat or use of special tools, equipment or materials. The present device is therefore easy to install, merely sliding over the handle while in dilated state and then allowed to shrink and set by evaporation of the solvent, and thus can be satisfactorily installed in both fabrication facilities and in the field either as an original or replacement grip. The invention also includes an implement fitted with such grip. Representative implements include sports implements such as golf clubs, tennis racquets, weight bars and fishing poles, as well as tools such as hammers, drills, pliers, shovels, axes, and the like. The grip is preferable made of a swellable elastomeric material, preferably a natural or synthetic rubber. Suitable rubbers include EPDM rubber, neoprene or chlorosulfonate polyethylene (Hypalon™) rubber, of which EPDM rubber is preferred.