GOLF CLUB GRIP WITH DEVICE HOUSING

• US 20160166903A1
• Filed: 02/22/2016
• Published: 06/16/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/11/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cobra Golf Company (Puma SE)
• Original Assignee: Cobra Golf Company (Puma SE)
• Inventors: McDonnell, Mike, Yagley, Mike, Moreira, Scott
• Granted Patent: US 9,403,073 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0204 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/00 Golf clubs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/14 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/002 Resonance frequency related characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/08 characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/14 Coverings specially adapted for handles, e.g. sleeves or ribbons
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/42 Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/46 Measurement devices associated with golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like for measuring physical parameters relating to sporting activity, e.g. baseball bats with impact indicators or bracelets for measuring the golf swing
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/54 with means for damping vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3632 Clubs or attachments on clubs, e.g. for measuring, aligning A63B69/3614 takes precedence; clubs for swinging exercises in general A63B15/00

Abstract

The invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to mechanisms for fastening accessories to clubs. The invention provides a golf club configured to house an electronic device such as an RFID tag within a recess within the grip, thereby protecting the device from the stress, shock, and exposure that arises when a golf club is used.

Claims

1-27. -27. (canceled)

28. A golf club grip for a golf club, the golf club grip comprising:

a sleeve member comprising a gripping surface, a first end providing an elongated opening with an internal bore configured to receive a shaft of a golf club, and an opposed butt-end of the grip;

a recess into a material of the grip;

an insert disposed within the recess; and

an electronic device disposed within the insert.

29. The golf club grip of claim 28, wherein the electronic device comprises a microchip connected to an antenna.

30. The golf club grip of claim 29, wherein the insert defines a plastic shell housing the microchip and the antenna.

31. The golf club grip of claim 30, wherein the plastic shell comprises a base portion and a lid portion.

32. The golf club grip of claim 31, wherein the base portion and the lid portion define a hard plastic case.

33. The golf club grip of claim 32, wherein the grip is formed of rubber.

34. The golf club grip of claim 33, wherein the butt end defines a butt-cap formed of the rubber and fashioned to call attention to a functionality of the grip with indicia showing that the butt cap is part of the grip with the recess.

35. The golf club grip of claim 33, wherein the recess into the material of the grip defines a cylindrical shape.

36. The golf club grip of claim 35, wherein the insert is accessible via a part of the grip.