Grip for Handles on Sports Equipment

Abstract

Provided herein are grip devices and handle grips for the handle of a baseball bat. The devices and grips generally are a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body or a tubular sleeve adapted to receive the handle therein. The devices and grips have an outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface therein with proximal and distal open ends. A slit is formed into the bore between the open ends through which the handle is securely and removably received. The outer diameter of the grip is uniform along the length. The diameter of the bore may be uniform along its length or greater than the uniform diameter at the proximal open end and tapering to the uniform diameter.

Claims

1. A grip device for a handle on sports equipment, comprising: a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface and a bore that defines an inner surface therein, a proximal open end and a distal open end, said outer surface comprising a slit therethrough to the bore disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end, said inner surface comprising a plurality of nub-like protuberances uniformly disposed thereon adapted to grip the handle when placed thereon, said bore sized and shaped to securely and removably receive the handle on the sports equipment.

2. (canceled)

3. The grip device of claim 1, further comprising a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

4. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the bore has a uniform diameter from the proximal open end to the distal open end.

5. The grip device of claim 4, wherein the uniform diameter is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch.

6. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the bore comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion formed therefrom such that a diameter of the bore at the proximal open end is greater than the diameter of the distal portion of the bore, said diameter at the proximal open end tapering to equal the diameter of the distal portion.

7. The grip device of claim 6, wherein the diameter at the proximal open end of the bore is greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the diameter of the distal portion of the bore is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch.

8. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the proximal open end and the distal open end of the hollow member are each substantially flat across an outer surface thereof.

9. The grip device of claim 1, wherein either the proximal open end or the distal open end, each at an outer surface thereof, is beveled inwardly to the bore.

10. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the hollow member has a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the handle of the sports equipment.

11. The grip device of claim 10, wherein the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches.

12. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the hollow member is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the sports equipment in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein.

13. The grip device of claim 1, wherein the sports equipment is a baseball bat.

14. A handle grip for a baseball bat, comprising: a tubular sleeve having a proximal open end and a distal open end each with an outer diameter, a textured outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface from the proximal open end to the distal open end and with a plurality of nub-like protuberances uniformly disposed on the inner surface, said bore having a uniform diameter from the proximal open end to the distal open end less than the outer diameter, said tubular sleeve having a slit disposed lengthwise from the proximal open end to the distal open end through to the bore.

15. The handle grip of claim 14, wherein the outer diameter is about 2.5 inches and the uniform diameter along the bore is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch.

16. The handle grip of claim 14, wherein the tubular sleeve has a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate simultaneously both hands of a user gripped thereon when the tubular sleeve is placed on the handle of the baseball bat.

17. The handle grip of claim 16, wherein the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches.

18. The handle grip of claim 14, wherein the proximal open end and the distal open end of the tubular sleeve are each substantially flat across an outer surface thereof.

19. The handle grip of claim 14, wherein either the proximal open end or the distal open end, each at an outer surface thereof, is beveled inwardly to the bore.

20. The handle grip of claim 14, wherein the tubular member is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the baseball bat in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein.

21. The handle grip of claim 14, wherein the plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface engage the handle of the baseball bat in a gripping relationship when the tubular sleeve is placed thereon.

22. A handle grip for a baseball bat handle, comprising: a tubular sleeve having a proximal portion with a proximal open end and a distal portion with a distal open end formed therefrom, a textured outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface from the proximal open end to the distal open end and with a plurality of nub-like protuberances uniformly disposed on the inner surface, said bore having a diameter at the proximal open end that is greater than a diameter of the bore along the distal portion, said diameter at the proximal open end tapering to equal the diameter along the distal portion, said tubular sleeve having a slit disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end through to the bore.

23. The handle grip of claim 22, wherein the distal open end is substantially flat across an outer surface thereof or the distal open end at the outer surface is beveled inwardly to the bore.

24. The handle grip of claim 23, wherein the diameter of the bore at the proximal open end is greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the diameter of the distal portion of the bore is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch.

25. The handle grip of claim 22, wherein the tubular sleeve has a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate simultaneously both hands of a user gripped thereon when the tubular sleeve is placed on the handle of the sports equipment.

26. The handle grip of claim 25, wherein the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches.

27. The handle grip of claim 22, wherein the tubular sleeve is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the baseball bat in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein.

28. The handle grip of claim 22, wherein the plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface engage the handle of the baseball bat in a gripping relationship when the tubular sleeve is placed thereon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] So that the matter in which the above-recited features, advantages and objects of the invention, as well as others that will become clear, are attained and can be understood in detail, more particular descriptions of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to certain embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings form a part of the specification. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore are not to be considered limiting in their scope.

[0011] FIGS. 1A-1C show a front view (FIG. 1A), a back view (FIG. 1B) and a perspective view (FIG. 1C) of a grip device for a handle on a baseball bat.

[0012] FIGS. 2A-2C show FIGS. 1A-1C, respectively, with a textured pattern formed on the outer surface.

[0013] FIGS. 3A-3D are cross-sections of FIG. 1A showing alternate configurations (FIGS. 3A-3B) of the bore and alternate configurations of the open ends (FIGS. 3C-3D) of the grip device.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates how the grip device is positioned on the handle of the baseball bat.

[0015] FIGS. 5A-5F show different views of a handle grip for a golf club and the textured pattern formed on the outer surface (FIGS. 5A-5C) and a cross-section showing the configuration of the bore (FIG. 5D) and alternate configurations of the open ends (FIGS. 5E-5F) of the handle grip.

[0016] FIGS. 6A-6F show different views of a handle grip for a hockey stick and the textured pattern formed on the top and bottom surfaces (FIGS. 6A-6C), a cross-section showing the configuration of the bore (FIG. 6D) and an alternate configuration of the handle grip with a stop and pocket formed thereby within the bore (FIGS. 6E-6F).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] As used herein in the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein in the claim(s), when used in conjunction with the word “comprising”, the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one.

[0018] As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification, may refer to “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”. Some embodiments of the invention may consist of or consist essentially of one or more elements, components, method steps, and/or methods of the invention.

[0019] As used herein, the term “or” in the claims refers to “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or”.

[0020] As used herein, terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included.

[0021] As used herein, term “including” is used herein to mean “including, but not limited to”. “Including” and “including but not limited to” are used interchangeably.

[0022] As used herein, the term “about” refers to a numeric value, including, for example, whole numbers, fractions, and percentages, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numerical values (e.g., ±5-10% of the recited value) that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In some instances, the term “about” may include numerical values that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In a non-limiting example, when referring to the bore of the grip device or handle grip, a diameter of 0.82 inches or 26/32 inches or 0.91 inches or 29/32 inches 0.97 inches or 31/32 is within the scope of about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch as is 0.75 inches or 24/32 inches. In another non-limiting example, when referring to the length of the grip device or handle grip, a length of 8.67 inches is within the scope of a length of about 8.5 inches.

[0023] As used herein, the terms “grip device”, “handle grip” and “device” are used interchangeably and refer to a device or object, for example, but not limited to, a hollow member or tubular sleeve placed on, around, or over a handle on sports equipment.

[0024] As used herein, the term “sports equipment” refers to handled equipment, for example, but not limited to, a baseball bat, a golf club or a hockey stick.

[0025] As used herein, the terms “proximal” and “distal” in reference to the grip device and handle grip disclosed herein refer to those components, features, parts and aspects thereof that are nearer or nearest to or farther or farthest from the hand held end of the sports equipment, respectively.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “front” and “back” in reference to the grip device and handle grip disclosed herein refer to the part, portion or side thereof comprising the slit through which the handle on the sports equipment is inserted and the part, portion or side opposite the front, respectively.

[0027] As used herein, the term “nub-like protuberances” refers to a plurality of small rounded knobs formed on the inner surface, as defined by the bore, of the grip device. Each of the nub-like protuberances when in contact with the handle on sports equipment maintain the position of the grip device via friction or a gripping force.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a grip device for a handle on sports equipment, comprising a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface and a bore that defines an inner surface therein, a proximal open end and a distal open end, where the outer surface comprises a slit therethrough to the bore disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end, where the bore is sized and shaped to securely and removably receive the handle on the sports equipment.

[0029] Further to this embodiment the grip device comprises a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface adapted to grip the handle when placed thereon. In another further embodiment, the grip device comprises a texture formed on the outer surface of the hollow member.

[0030] In all embodiments the sports equipment is a baseball bat. Also, the bore may have a uniform diameter from the proximal open end to the distal open end. Particularly, the uniform diameter is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. Also, the bore may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion formed therefrom such that a diameter of the bore at the proximal open end is greater than the diameter of the distal portion of the bore, where the diameter at the proximal open end tapers to equal the diameter of the distal portion. Particularly, the diameter at the proximal open end of the bore may be greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the diameter of the distal portion of the bore may be about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. In addition the proximal open end and the distal open end of the hollow member each may be substantially flat across an outer surface thereof. Furthermore either the proximal open end or the distal open end, each at an outer surface thereof, may be beveled inwardly to the bore.

[0031] Also in all embodiments, the hollow member may have a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate both hands of a user gripped thereon when the grip device is placed on the handle of the sports equipment. Particularly, the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In addition the hollow member is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the sports equipment in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a handle grip for a baseball bat, comprising a tubular sleeve having a proximal open end and a distal open end each with an outer diameter, a textured outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface from the proximal open end to the distal open end and with a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface, where the bore has a uniform diameter from the proximal open end to the distal open end less than the outer diameter, where the tubular sleeve has a slit disposed lengthwise from the proximal open end to the distal open end through to the bore.

[0033] In this embodiment the outer diameter may be about 2.5 inches and the uniform diameter along the bore may be about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. Also the tubular sleeve may have a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate simultaneously both hands of a user gripped thereon when the tubular sleeve is placed on the handle of the baseball bat. Particularly, the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In addition, the proximal open end and the distal open end of the tubular sleeve each may be substantially flat across an outer surface thereof. Furthermore, either the proximal open end or the distal open end, each at an outer surface thereof, may be beveled inwardly to the bore.

[0034] Also in this embodiment the tubular member is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the baseball bat in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein. In addition, the plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface engage the handle of the baseball bat in a gripping relationship when the tubular sleeve is placed thereon.

[0035] In yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a handle grip for a baseball bat, comprising a tubular sleeve having a proximal portion with a proximal open end and a distal portion with a distal open end formed therefrom, a textured outer surface and a bore defining an inner surface from the proximal open end to the distal open end and with a plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface, where the bore has a diameter at the proximal open end that is greater than a diameter of the bore along the distal portion, where the diameter at the proximal open end tapers to equal the diameter along the distal portion, where the tubular sleeve has a slit disposed lengthwise from the open proximal end to the open distal end through to the bore.

[0036] In this embodiment the distal open end is substantially flat across an outer surface thereof or the distal open end at the outer surface is beveled inwardly to the bore. Particularly, the diameter of the bore at the proximal open end is greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the diameter of the distal portion of the bore is about 0.80 inches to about 1 inch. Also, the tubular sleeve may have a length and an outer diameter sufficient to accommodate simultaneously both hands of a user gripped thereon when the tubular sleeve is placed on the handle of the sports equipment. Particularly, the length is about 8.5 inches and the outer diameter is about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. In addition, the tubular sleeve is designed to conform to a shape of the handle on the baseball bat in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein. Furthermore, the plurality of nub-like protuberances disposed on the inner surface engage the handle of the baseball bat in a gripping relationship when the tubular sleeve is placed thereon.

[0037] Provided herein are grips, grip devices and handle grips adapted to be placed, affixed, applied or otherwise brought into contact with the handles of sports equipment, for example, but not limited to, those handles for which both hands are required to grip to play the sport. These grips are form-fitting and constructed or customized to firmly contact and engage the handle with the inner surface of the grip without a user having to apply an additional compressing force or squeezing force to the grip device to maintain its position and/or to obtain the benefit of strengthening the hands, fingers, wrists, forearms, and upper arms. The increase in diameter of the handle and concomitant increase in weight from the grip device or handle grip along its length requires a user to automatically grip the handle harder with both hands during practice of the sport to develop strength through the natural swing motion of the sport.

[0038] The grip devices and handle grips may have a length and outer diameter that, when disposed on or engaged with the handle, is sufficient to accommodate both hands in a grip appropriate for holding, swinging or otherwise moving the particular sports equipment. This is an improvement over and lessens or removes complexity from any grip strengthening device or system which requires separate devices for each hand. Alternatively, the grip devices and handle grips may be customized for a specific pair of hands.

[0039] The grips, grip devices and handle grips are designed or customized to conform to the varied and unique shapes of the handles on the sports equipment in a non-slipping relationship when the handle is received therein. This eliminates problems from a “one size fits all” approach. The grips, grip devices and handle grips are made from a material that does not compress when strongly gripped by a user. The friction between the inner surface of the grips and the handle keeps the grip positioned on the handle. Alternatively, the inner surface may comprise a plurality of nub-like protuberances or nubs on the inner surface which keep the grip in position via friction. Such materials are known in the art. The outer surface of the grip may have a textured pattern formed thereon that provides for a more secure grip for a user. A non-limiting example of a textured pattern or texture is a diamond pattern.

[0040] The grip device or handle grip may be adapted or configured for the handle of a baseball bat. Generally, the grip device may be a hollow member with a substantially cylindrical body or may be a tubular sleeve a bore therein which defines or outlines an inner surface in the device. A slit is formed into the bore and along its length for easier insertion of the handle into the bore. The grip device may flex open along the slit to receive the handle, however, once positioned around the handle, the grip becomes form-fitting, is not compressible and is stabilized on the handle by friction. The grip device or handle grip may comprise a plurality of nub-like protuberances formed on or disposed over the inner surface. The nub-like protuberances increase the friction between the inner surface and the handle.

[0041] The device generally has a uniform outer diameter along the length. For example, the outer diameter may be about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches, or alternatively, 1.75 inches to 2.2 inches. The bore may a uniform diameter or inner diameter along its length. For example, the bore diameter may be about 0.8 inches to about 1 inch, for example, 0.82 inches or 26/32 inches, 0.91 inches or 29/32 inches or 0.97 inches or 31/32. Alternatively, the bore may comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has a larger diameter at the open end that tapers to a diameter equal to a uniform diameter in the distal portion. The larger diameter of the proximal portion is sufficient to accommodate the wider knob of the baseball bat handle. For example, at its widest, the proximal portion may have a diameter of greater than 1 inch to about 1.5 inches and the distal portion may have a uniform diameter of about 1 inch, for example, the 0.82 inches or 26/32 inches, 0.91 inches or 29/32 inches or 0.97 inches or 31/32 described herein.

[0042] The grip device or handle grip may be adapted for the handle of a golf club. The device has a structure similar to that adapted for a baseball bat. The handle grip generally may be a hollow member with a cylindrical body or a tubular sleeve each comprising a textured pattern thereon and a bore therein which defines or outlines an inner surface in the device. The handle grip has a length sufficient to accommodate the hands in any of the ways in which a golf club may be held. One end of the handle grip has a diameter greater than the opposite end to accommodate the shape of the grip end of the golf club. The handle grip also may optionally comprise a slit disposed thereon and open to the bore as for the baseball bat handle grip. The handle grip when placed over the golf club grip is form-fitting and is held in place by friction as with the baseball handle grip and comprises a non-compressible material. The outer dimensions, inner dimensions and length of the handle grip are adjustable and/or customizable depending on the size and configuration of the golf club.

[0043] The grip device or handle grip may be adapted for the handle of a hockey stick. The device may be a hollow member with a substantially cuboidal body made of the flexible, but non-compressible, material to accommodate the butt end of the shaft on the hockey stick. The top and bottom surfaces may comprise a textured pattern and with the sides form a bore therein. The handle grip also may optionally comprise a slit disposed thereon and open to the bore as for the baseball bat handle grip. The bore may be open along its entire length or, alternatively, may comprise a stop therein which forms a pocket in the bore. This provides additional securement of the handle grip on the butt end of the hockey stick shaft. The outer dimensions, inner dimensions and length of the handle grip including the dimensions of the pocket are adjustable and/or customizable depending on the size of the hockey stick.

[0044] Particularly, embodiments of the present invention are better illustrated with reference to the Figure(s), however, such reference is not meant to limit the present invention in any fashion. The embodiments and variations described in detail herein are to be interpreted by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0045] FIG. 1A is front view of the grip device 1. The view is a general depiction of the front surface 2a of the grip device. The grip device generally comprises an outer surface 2 with an open end 3a and an open end 3b. A slit 4 is disposed therethrough to the bore 5 (see FIG. 1C) and extends lengthwise along the front surface from the open end at 2a to the open end at 2b.

[0046] With continued reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B is back view of the grip device 1. The view is a general depiction of the back surface 2b of grip device 1. The back of the grip device is a uniform surface disposed oppositely to the front surface between the open end 3a and the open end 3b.

[0047] With continued reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the grip device 1. The view shows open end 3a opening into one end of the bore 5. The bore defines the inner surface 6 of the grip device and shows some of the plurality of nub-like protuberances or nubs represented by 7 (see FIG. 3A) disposed thereon. The slit 4 is shown extended through to the inner surface of the open end 3a at 4a and at 3b (not shown) such that the slit will flex to receive the handle of a baseball bat therein against the nubs (see FIG. 4).

[0048] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate the pattern of texturing on the grip device 1. FIG. 2A corresponds to the front view shown in FIG. 1A showing the texture 8 formed on the outer surface 2 of the grip device such that area 2c is not textured and is smooth. FIG. 2B corresponds to the back view shown in FIG. 1B better illustrating the area 2c. It is contemplated that text may be formed on or disposed on the smooth area. FIG. 2C corresponds to the perspective view of the grip device shown in FIG. 1C illustrating the texture on the outer surface 2 with respect to the area 2c and the slit 4. The texture as formed well enables a user of the sports equipment to position the palms and fingers of both hands on the textured surface to securely grip the device. The grip device may also be textured over the entirety of the outer surface.

[0049] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the grip device 1 depicted in FIG. 1A. The bore 5 is shown with the plurality of nub-like protruberances represented by 7 disposed on the inner surface 6. The diameter d1 of the bore is uniform from the open end 3a to the open end 3b. The outer diameter d2 is uniform across the grip device.

[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B is an alternate cross-sectional view of the grip device 1 depicted in FIG. 1A. The bore 5 comprises a proximal portion 5a and a distal portion 5B with the plurality of nub-like protruberances represented by 7 disposed on the inner surface 6 across the proximal and distal portions. The diameter d3 across the bore at the open end 3a at the proximal portion is greater than the diameter d1 across the bore at the open end 3b at the distal portion. The diameter d3 tapers along the bore until it equals the diameter d1 of the bore along the distal portion. The outer diameter d2 is uniform across the grip device. The greater diameter d3 enables the grip device to flex apart sufficiently to accommodate the knob on the handle of the bat when the handle is inserted into the device along the bore.

[0051] FIG. 3C depicts one configuration for the open ends 3a and/or 3b on the grip device. The open end 3a,3b is beveled at 9 to the bore 5. The plurality of nub-like protuberances 7 are shown on the inner surface defined by the bore and the slit 4 is shown through from the outer surface 2 to the bore.

[0052] With continued reference to FIG. 3C, FIG. 3D depicts another configuration for the open ends 3a and/or 3b on the grip device. The open end 3a,3b is level across 9 from the outer surface 2 to the bore 5.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates the grip device 1 on the handle of a baseball bat 10. The device is flexed apart along the slit 4 so that the handle 10a is inserted with the proximal open end 3a at the knob 10b. When inserted, the nubs along the inner surface of the bore (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) contact the surface of the handle such that the friction between each of them and the handle keeps the grip device in place without sliding.

[0054] FIGS. 5A-5C depict different views of a handle grip for a golf club 15. FIG. 5A is a view of the handle grip showing a tubular sleeve with an outer surface 16 with open ends 17a,17b. Open end 17a has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of open end 17b. An optional slit 18 is disposed through the outer surface to the bore 19 which defines an inner surface 20 (see FIG. 5C) and extends lengthwise from the open end at 17a to the open end at 17b. The handle grip may be slid over the grip end of the shaft of a golf club or, alternatively, with the slit may be flexed open along the slit to insert the grip end of the shaft therein. A textured pattern 21 to enhance grip is formed on the outer surface of the handle grip such that area 16a is not textured and is smooth. FIG. 5B is a view better illustrating the area 16a in relation to the textured pattern. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the handle grip showing the open end 17b opening into one end of the bore 19. The slit 18 is shown extended through to the inner surface of the open end 17b at 18b and at 17a (not shown). The relationship of the textured pattern on the outer surface with respect to the area 16a and the slit 18 is illustrated.

[0055] FIGS. 5D-5F are cross-sectional views of the handle grip. FIG. 5D shows inner surface 20, as defined by the bore 19, extending from open end 17a to open end 17b. The outer diameter d4 at open end 17a is larger than outer diameter d5 at open end 17b. The diameter d6 of the bore at open end 17a is larger than the diameter d7 of the bore at open end 17b but less than diameter d5. FIGS. 5E-5D are views of the open ends 17a and/or 17b on the handle grip showing the optional slit 18 through from the outer surface 16 to the bore 19.

[0056] FIGS. 6A-6F depict different views of a handle grip for a hockey stick 25. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the handle grip showing a hollow member with a substantially cuboidal body with open ends 26a and 26b (see FIG. 6B), a top 26c, a bottom 26d (see FIG. 6C) both with a textured pattern 27 disposed thereon and sides 26e, 26f (see FIG. 6D) which form a bore 28 therein. An optional slit 29 is disposed through side 26f (see FIG. 6B) to the bore and extends lengthwise from the open end at 26a to the open end at 26b. The handle grip may be slid over the butt end of the shaft of the hockey stick or, alternatively, with the slit, may be flexed open along the slit to insert the grip end of the shaft therein. FIG. 6B depicts open end 26b and slit 29. FIG. 6C depicts bottom 26d with the textured pattern 27. FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view through top 26c and bottom 26d showing side 26f and optional slit 29 across side 26f from open end 26a to open end 26b. With continued reference to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6D shows a stop 30 disposed within the bore 28 to form a pocket 31 proximate to open end 26a. FIG. 6E is a cross-sectional view through sides 26e and 26f of the handle grip illustrating how the pocket 31 is formed. When positioned on the butt end of the hockey stick the combination of the stop and the pocket keeps the handle grip from slipping off.