CA2170054A1 - Applicator for grip-enhancing substances - Google Patents
Applicator for grip-enhancing substancesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2170054A1 CA2170054A1 CA002170054A CA2170054A CA2170054A1 CA 2170054 A1 CA2170054 A1 CA 2170054A1 CA 002170054 A CA002170054 A CA 002170054A CA 2170054 A CA2170054 A CA 2170054A CA 2170054 A1 CA2170054 A1 CA 2170054A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- applicator
- polymer
- grip
- molecular weight
- substance
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/16—Cloths; Pads; Sponges
- A47L13/17—Cloths; Pads; Sponges containing cleaning agents
Abstract
The invention described herein pertains generally to an applicator for use in transferring a grip-enhancing substance onto a piece of equipment. The applicator is essentially tubular in nature and has a longitudinal slit along the length of the applicator thereby permitting a piece of equipment to be inserted thereto. The applicator has an absorbent inner component which is adhesively secured to the foamed exterior component, the inner layer having the grip-enhancing substance applied thereto. Through the application of a force, typically a squeezing action, onto the exterior of the applicator, a controllable amount of the grip-enhancingsubstance is transferred from the inner component to the inserted piece of equipment. In one embodiment, the grip-enhancing substance is a replacement for pine tar, and is a synthetic polymer blend, the degree of tack of the product being both a function of the composition of the polymer(s) used in the composition, and when the composition is a mixture of two or more polymers, by the ratio of the two components.
Description
217005~
Applicator for Grip-Enhancing Substances Tec~tllical Field The invention described herein pertains generally to an applicator for use in transferring a tacky or grip-enhancing substance onto a piece of equipment, S typically sporting equipment.
Backgrol~nd of tlle Invelttio~t The baseball bat is the offensive weapon by which the batter may impose his will upon the pitcher's delivery. According to Official Baseball Rule 3.02 "No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper, emery paper or other foreign substance." In baseball's inimitable quality of maintaining balance, similar restrictions are placed upon the batter and his weapon.
Early baseball rules required only that the bat be round, wood, no more than 2.5 inches in diameter at the thickest part and "of any length to suit the striker." In 1872 and 1873, the rules provided that the "batter shall be privileged to use his own private bat exclusively. No player of the opposing club shall have any claim to the use of the bat except by consent of the owner." In 1874, the rules required that the bat be entirely of wood, so that any metal or "other material" on it would render it illegal. In 1885, the handle of the bat could be wound with twine not to exceed 18 inches from the end. In 1886, this rule was modified to allow the bat to have "a granulated substance" (presumably rosin) on the bat handle for the same 18 inches. The maximum diameter of the bat was increased to
Applicator for Grip-Enhancing Substances Tec~tllical Field The invention described herein pertains generally to an applicator for use in transferring a tacky or grip-enhancing substance onto a piece of equipment, S typically sporting equipment.
Backgrol~nd of tlle Invelttio~t The baseball bat is the offensive weapon by which the batter may impose his will upon the pitcher's delivery. According to Official Baseball Rule 3.02 "No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, rosin, paraffin, licorice, sand-paper, emery paper or other foreign substance." In baseball's inimitable quality of maintaining balance, similar restrictions are placed upon the batter and his weapon.
Early baseball rules required only that the bat be round, wood, no more than 2.5 inches in diameter at the thickest part and "of any length to suit the striker." In 1872 and 1873, the rules provided that the "batter shall be privileged to use his own private bat exclusively. No player of the opposing club shall have any claim to the use of the bat except by consent of the owner." In 1874, the rules required that the bat be entirely of wood, so that any metal or "other material" on it would render it illegal. In 1885, the handle of the bat could be wound with twine not to exceed 18 inches from the end. In 1886, this rule was modified to allow the bat to have "a granulated substance" (presumably rosin) on the bat handle for the same 18 inches. The maximum diameter of the bat was increased to
2.75 inches in 1895 and the maximum length was fixed at 42 inches in 1893.
Although the bat rule was reworded in a major 1949 recodification, these basics still applied. In 1954, the rule allowed the bat handle to be roughened or wrapped with tape or twine for the "18 inches from which the bat is gripped." A
1975 modification permitted the other end of the bat to be "cupped," but the indentation must be "culved with no foreign substance added." In 1976, pine tar i~ 217005~
made its first official entry into the Rules, when Rule 1.10(b) was changed to allow the bat handle to be "covered or treated with any material (including pinetar) to improve the grip." A violation of the 18 inch limitation "shall cause the bat to be removed from the game." The material shall not "improve the reaction or 5 distance factor of the bat."
Rule 1.10(b) was an apparent exception to Rule 6.06(d), which allowed the umpire to declare a batter out and to eject him from the game if he uses or attempts to use a bat that "has been altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball," such as by being covered "with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc."
On ~uly 24, 1983, Kansas City Royals third baseman George Brett hit a two-run home run to give his team an apparent 5-4 win against the New York Yankees, but the umpire, upon the urging of Yankee manager Billy Martin, measured the pine tar and deterrnined that the pine tar was excessive. He ejected Brett under Rule 6.06(d), but the protest by the Royals was upheld by the leaguepresident. The fault, according to the league, lay in the rules, not in the umpire.
That winter the Official Rules Committee reworded and renumbered Rule 1.10(b).
It now reads: "The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches form its end, may be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip. Any such material or substance, which extends past the 18 inch limitation, shall cause the bat to be removed from the game. If the umpire discovers that the bat does not conform to the above until after a time during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the batter out, or ejected from the game." The Rule has not been changed since.
So pine tar entered baseball and baseball approved of it. That does not mean pine tar is attractive or desirable. As any baseball fan can tell you, George Brett was such a user of the substance that the visor of his Royals-blue battinghelmet took on a distinctive brown color by the mid-summer All Star game every year. And the preferred method of application leaves much to be desired. Pine tar . ~ ~
` 217005 1 is usually applied to a cloth, the "pine tar rag," from which it is transferred to the bat by rubbing the rag on the bat handle. This application generally occurs in the "on deck circle," a dirt area between the player bench and the batters box.
Between uses, the rag is thro~vn in the dirt and subjected to the weather, including S the rain. Before long, the majority of what actually gets applied to the bat is something other than pine tar, which results in more vigorous application, and an overall messy situation. Dirty and wet, the pine tar rag is not a pleasant sight to retrieve at the end of the game.
A need for a good grip is not unique to baseball. Golfers, racquet sports 10 players and hockey players, among others, need the gnp, but they have not adopted the cololful and aromatic pine tar and the wonderfully transportable pine tar rag.
While pine tar is as ubiquitous as rosin bags, palticularly at the major league level, the product is used simply because an effective alternative did not exist. When used regularly, the product tends to accumulate on the bat handle, and 15 is exhemely difficult to remove, palticularly in accommodations where major league ballplayers would reside. While gasoline and turpentine are somewhat effective solvents, fire regulations and safety concerns prohibit the use of such products within confined hotel spaces. Therefore, players have had to resort to hair dryers, and knives in an attempt to remove unwanted accumulations of pine 20 tar. The product is simply too sticky.
While a good grip is essential, there is a point beyond which it is a drawback. When a batter hits the ball onto the playing surface, there is an irnmediate need to have the bat released from the hitters' hands, thereby enabling him to assume the most aerodynamic position possible in his race to first base.
25 The difference between a batter being safe or out at first base can be as small as a few fractions of a second.
Pine tar also possess a drawback of having adverse reactions by many products onto which it is transferred. BaKing gloves for example, have a tendency to become stiff and uncomfortable aRer several exposures to pine tar applied to a J
- 2l70ns4 bat handle. It is for these reasons that Joe Carter embarked upon an inventive path to both improve upon the applicator used to impart a grip-enhancing substance onto a surface, and to cooperatively research synthetic substitutes to this natural product with the University of Akron.
S Su~mary of tlle Itlvelltio~l ln accordance with the present invention, there is provided an applicator which is effective in transferl-ing a tacky substance from the inside of the applicator onto an exterior surface of a piece of equipment where it is important to be able to grip the equipment securely.
It is an object of this invention to provide an applicator which is essentially tubular and having a longitudinal slit disposed therein to provide facile ingress and egress of a piece of equipment to which the tacky substance is to be applied to an e~ctelior surface thereof.
It is another object of this invention to provide an essentially foamed pliable soft extelior component for the applicator thereby facilita~ing the migration of the tacky substance from the interior of the applicator to the exterior of the piece of equipment to which the tacky substance is to be applied by a simply squeezing of the applicator, optionally with a simultaneous twisting action.
It is still another object of this invention to provide an applicator which due to its essentially eylindrieal shape, will not expose the tacky substanee disposed on the inside of the applicator to dirt and dust when a user throws the applicator onto the ground.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a tacky substance substitute for pine tar.
These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description, and appended claims.
De~ailed Descri~7tioll of t~le Drawitlgs The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of palts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the 217005~
specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the applicator;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. l;
S and Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner component of the applicator shown in Fig. 2 when the inner component is a multi-layered l~min~te.Defailed Descri~ion of ~he Illvention Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of lO illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the Figures show an applicator for use in transferring a tacky substance which resides on the interior of the essentially tubular applicator onto a piece of equipment, whether that equipment is rel~ted to sporting activities, e.g., baseball bats, hockey sticks, tennis racquets, racquetball racquets, golf clubs, pole-; 15 vaulting poles, etc., or the equipment is non-spolt-related, e.g., handles on tools such as axes, hatchets, hammers, etc.
As best seen in Fig. l, applicator 10 is shown having a longitudinal slit 16 disposed therein. The applicator has a pliable outer member 2 and a pliable inner member 4, the outer and inner members being secured to each other by adhesive 20 12. A tacky substance 8 resides either on the exterior surface of inner member 4 or depending upon the material of construction of the inner member, can be partially or totally absorbed thereinto.
In a preferred embodiment, the applicator is essentially tubular. The benefit of this tubular arrangement is that subsequent to the use of the product, it can25 simply be tossed onto the ground, without the unwanted consequence of acc~lmnl~tin~ an undesirable amount of dust onto the tacky component of the applicator, which quickly decreases the effective lifetime of the product. No : matter how the product is thrown, or upon what surface the product is tossed, the .~ 2l70n~4 essentially tubular nature of the product will prevent the accumulation of tack-reducing materials, e.g., dirt, from diminishing the effectiveness of the product.
For some applications however, the essenti~lly tubular applicator 10 may not have a longitudinal slit 16 disposed therein. In those applications, the S applicator's internal diameter is such that it is sufficiently large to be capable of insertion over the handle of the apparatus to which the tacky substance 8 is to be transferred onto. Depending upon the material of construction of the outer and inner members of the applicator, it is possible to have somewhat larger diametered apparatii to be inserted into the tubular applicator, palticularly when the members 10 are sufficiently pliable as to be capable of expansion in a radial direction without tearing.
For ease of application, the preferred material of construction of outer member 2 is a flexible foam. Examples of flexible foams are polyurethane, rubberlatex, PVC-nitriles, polyethylene or other vinyl polymers, e.g., polystyrene. The 15 list of potential candidates for the outer member is quite varied, in that both vulcanized and thermoplastic compounds have been successfully foamed. A non-limiting list of such matelials would include: (1) natural rubber; (2) syntheticrubbers, (e.g., polyisoprene, butyl rubber [poly(isobutene/isoprene)], halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene (e.g., neoprene~), ethylene propylene (EPM) and 20 ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, etc.); (3) urethane polymers, including thermoset and thermoplastics; (4) thelmoplastics (e.g., polyethylene, poly(ethylene/vinyl acetate) copolymers, polypropylene, poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), polyesters, etc.); (S) thermoplastic elastomers including styrenics 25 (e.g., styrenelbutadiene, styrene/ethylene/butene, styrene/olefin, and block copolymers thereofl, olefinics (e.g., ethylene/propylene and butene derivatives (Santoprene(~)) and urethanes including ether and ester types; (6) blends of theabove; and (7) latex foams, including natural and synthetic rubber latices. The list is not inclusive and is merely illustrative of a large specific number of materials 21700~
which could be contained therein. Other materials of the general nature described above are envisioned within the scope of the invention.
Characteristics which are desirable for the outer member are pliability and resistance to tearing upon the application of a twisting motion. ln operation, aS handle or cylindrical component of an apparatus is inserted into slit 16 or into opening 22 when the slit is not present. Since the applicator is pliable, there is no need to limit the dimensions of the product which is inserted into the slit.
Diameters of inserted materials which are both larger and smaller than the nominal internal diameter of the applicator can be accommodated since the applicator will simply expand when the diameter of the inserted material is larger than that of the applicator. The tacky substance 8 is transferred from the exterior of inner member 4 to the exterior surface of the inserted material through a squeezing action, optionally coupled with a twisting action by the user about the periphery of theapplicator. The outer member 2, typically foam, must possess sufficient integrity duling this squeezing and twisting motion so that it does not tear prematurely during normal use.
Another characteristic which is highly desirable is that the material retain its shape during temperature swings. The product is envisioned to be used duringthe hottest days of summer, and during the coldest days of winter.
Preferred materials for thç inner member 4 are those which can both absorb tacky materials and retain their integrity while being subjected to shear stresses which occur as the applicator is being used in applying the tacky substance to for example, the handle of a bat (e.g., cotton and felt).
Cotton is a major textile fiber and an important source of cellulose, which constitutes 88-96% of the fiber. In order to improve the heat, rot, and mildew resistance of cotton, the material can: acetylated, i.e., treated with acetic anhydride, acetic acid, and perchloric acid; aminized by reacting for example 2-aminoethylsulfuric acid with the cellulose of the fabric in a strongly alkaline solution; cyanoethylated, i.e., treated with aclylonitrile af~er passage througl1 a caustic bath, with subsequent neutralization with acetic acid, washing and drying;
or mercerized by passing through a 25-30% solution of base with the fibers undertension. In alternative embodiments, the cotton may be but one of several components incorporated into a blend material, e.g., cotton-polyester blends, such S as Dacron(~, a polyester fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate. Felt would be another example of an absorbent material, being a firm woven cloth of wool orcotton heavily napped and shrunk as would canvas. Of course, the composition of the inner member can include totally synthetic materials (e.g., plastic screen meshed materials, rubber or plastic sheets which are optionally embossed or textured with nipples, ribs, etc., synthetic woven products such as Scotch(~ Brite pads.
Another type of inner material would be a foamed polymer, of similar characteristics described previously. During the extrusion process, foamed polymers typically have a relatively non-penetrable surface layer imparted thereto, which would initially make them relatively unsuitable for use as an absorbent layer. However, if at least one of the relatively non-penetrable surface layers is removed, either through an etching process, or via mechanical removal, this type of material would then possess the desirable characteristics necessary for the inner component (e.g., a one-sided skinless foam).
In one embodiment of the invention, a single polymeric foamed material is fabricated with associated relatively non-penetrable surface layers on both sides of the foam. Through subsequent treatment of one side of the foam, the foam can now function as both an inner component and an outer component. In an optional embodiment, this unitary foamed product is provided with an essentially tubular shape through a post-processing heat treatment, or through other shaping methodologies known in the art.
In one alternative embodiment, the inner member is a l~min:~tc material as shown in Fig. 3. When employing this mode of construction, the inner component can be customized to maximize various functions. One layer of the laminate could , ' 21700~q be a first absorbent layer 16 in which a first tacky substance is absorbed, while a second absorbent layer 18 might be another absorbent layer, which may be the same or different from the first absorbent layer, in which a second tacky substance is absorbed, and yet a third layer 20 could be a barrier layer which prevents the absorbed tacky substances from penehating through to adhesive layer 12, e.g., polyolefin film layer. While a three layer laminate is described above, there is no need to limit the application as such, and the invention encompasses all inner components which have at least one layer, progressing up to multiple layers.
Manufacturing costs will be more of a product determinant, rather than any theoretical limitation.
The benefit of this l~min~ted product is that depending upon the amount of pressure exerted by the user on the outer foamed member, both valying amounts oftacky substances, and different types of tacky substances could be transferred onto an inserted material, thereby permitting the user to customize the degree of tack 1 5 imparted.
When the outer and inner members are not of unitary construction, they are typically fastened to each other by a permanent adhesive. Characteristics desirable for this adhesive would include the ability to withstand shear stresses during the twisting application of the product by the user without del~min~3tion of the outer and inner members. Another feature is the need for the adhesive to not fail whensubjected to temperature extremes, such as would occur during natural climatological variations in the temperate zones of the world. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive will not fail when exposed to water, as might occur should the product be left in the rain.
A non-limiting, exemplary list of such adhesives would include: (I) solvent-release (e.g., acrylics, acetates, rubber-based, crosslink acrylics, etc.); (2) hot melts;
Although the bat rule was reworded in a major 1949 recodification, these basics still applied. In 1954, the rule allowed the bat handle to be roughened or wrapped with tape or twine for the "18 inches from which the bat is gripped." A
1975 modification permitted the other end of the bat to be "cupped," but the indentation must be "culved with no foreign substance added." In 1976, pine tar i~ 217005~
made its first official entry into the Rules, when Rule 1.10(b) was changed to allow the bat handle to be "covered or treated with any material (including pinetar) to improve the grip." A violation of the 18 inch limitation "shall cause the bat to be removed from the game." The material shall not "improve the reaction or 5 distance factor of the bat."
Rule 1.10(b) was an apparent exception to Rule 6.06(d), which allowed the umpire to declare a batter out and to eject him from the game if he uses or attempts to use a bat that "has been altered or tampered with in such a way to improve the distance factor or cause an unusual reaction on the baseball," such as by being covered "with a substance such as paraffin, wax, etc."
On ~uly 24, 1983, Kansas City Royals third baseman George Brett hit a two-run home run to give his team an apparent 5-4 win against the New York Yankees, but the umpire, upon the urging of Yankee manager Billy Martin, measured the pine tar and deterrnined that the pine tar was excessive. He ejected Brett under Rule 6.06(d), but the protest by the Royals was upheld by the leaguepresident. The fault, according to the league, lay in the rules, not in the umpire.
That winter the Official Rules Committee reworded and renumbered Rule 1.10(b).
It now reads: "The bat handle, for not more than 18 inches form its end, may be covered or treated with any material or substance to improve the grip. Any such material or substance, which extends past the 18 inch limitation, shall cause the bat to be removed from the game. If the umpire discovers that the bat does not conform to the above until after a time during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be grounds for declaring the batter out, or ejected from the game." The Rule has not been changed since.
So pine tar entered baseball and baseball approved of it. That does not mean pine tar is attractive or desirable. As any baseball fan can tell you, George Brett was such a user of the substance that the visor of his Royals-blue battinghelmet took on a distinctive brown color by the mid-summer All Star game every year. And the preferred method of application leaves much to be desired. Pine tar . ~ ~
` 217005 1 is usually applied to a cloth, the "pine tar rag," from which it is transferred to the bat by rubbing the rag on the bat handle. This application generally occurs in the "on deck circle," a dirt area between the player bench and the batters box.
Between uses, the rag is thro~vn in the dirt and subjected to the weather, including S the rain. Before long, the majority of what actually gets applied to the bat is something other than pine tar, which results in more vigorous application, and an overall messy situation. Dirty and wet, the pine tar rag is not a pleasant sight to retrieve at the end of the game.
A need for a good grip is not unique to baseball. Golfers, racquet sports 10 players and hockey players, among others, need the gnp, but they have not adopted the cololful and aromatic pine tar and the wonderfully transportable pine tar rag.
While pine tar is as ubiquitous as rosin bags, palticularly at the major league level, the product is used simply because an effective alternative did not exist. When used regularly, the product tends to accumulate on the bat handle, and 15 is exhemely difficult to remove, palticularly in accommodations where major league ballplayers would reside. While gasoline and turpentine are somewhat effective solvents, fire regulations and safety concerns prohibit the use of such products within confined hotel spaces. Therefore, players have had to resort to hair dryers, and knives in an attempt to remove unwanted accumulations of pine 20 tar. The product is simply too sticky.
While a good grip is essential, there is a point beyond which it is a drawback. When a batter hits the ball onto the playing surface, there is an irnmediate need to have the bat released from the hitters' hands, thereby enabling him to assume the most aerodynamic position possible in his race to first base.
25 The difference between a batter being safe or out at first base can be as small as a few fractions of a second.
Pine tar also possess a drawback of having adverse reactions by many products onto which it is transferred. BaKing gloves for example, have a tendency to become stiff and uncomfortable aRer several exposures to pine tar applied to a J
- 2l70ns4 bat handle. It is for these reasons that Joe Carter embarked upon an inventive path to both improve upon the applicator used to impart a grip-enhancing substance onto a surface, and to cooperatively research synthetic substitutes to this natural product with the University of Akron.
S Su~mary of tlle Itlvelltio~l ln accordance with the present invention, there is provided an applicator which is effective in transferl-ing a tacky substance from the inside of the applicator onto an exterior surface of a piece of equipment where it is important to be able to grip the equipment securely.
It is an object of this invention to provide an applicator which is essentially tubular and having a longitudinal slit disposed therein to provide facile ingress and egress of a piece of equipment to which the tacky substance is to be applied to an e~ctelior surface thereof.
It is another object of this invention to provide an essentially foamed pliable soft extelior component for the applicator thereby facilita~ing the migration of the tacky substance from the interior of the applicator to the exterior of the piece of equipment to which the tacky substance is to be applied by a simply squeezing of the applicator, optionally with a simultaneous twisting action.
It is still another object of this invention to provide an applicator which due to its essentially eylindrieal shape, will not expose the tacky substanee disposed on the inside of the applicator to dirt and dust when a user throws the applicator onto the ground.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a tacky substance substitute for pine tar.
These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description, and appended claims.
De~ailed Descri~7tioll of t~le Drawitlgs The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of palts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the 217005~
specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the applicator;
Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. l;
S and Fig. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inner component of the applicator shown in Fig. 2 when the inner component is a multi-layered l~min~te.Defailed Descri~ion of ~he Illvention Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of lO illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the Figures show an applicator for use in transferring a tacky substance which resides on the interior of the essentially tubular applicator onto a piece of equipment, whether that equipment is rel~ted to sporting activities, e.g., baseball bats, hockey sticks, tennis racquets, racquetball racquets, golf clubs, pole-; 15 vaulting poles, etc., or the equipment is non-spolt-related, e.g., handles on tools such as axes, hatchets, hammers, etc.
As best seen in Fig. l, applicator 10 is shown having a longitudinal slit 16 disposed therein. The applicator has a pliable outer member 2 and a pliable inner member 4, the outer and inner members being secured to each other by adhesive 20 12. A tacky substance 8 resides either on the exterior surface of inner member 4 or depending upon the material of construction of the inner member, can be partially or totally absorbed thereinto.
In a preferred embodiment, the applicator is essentially tubular. The benefit of this tubular arrangement is that subsequent to the use of the product, it can25 simply be tossed onto the ground, without the unwanted consequence of acc~lmnl~tin~ an undesirable amount of dust onto the tacky component of the applicator, which quickly decreases the effective lifetime of the product. No : matter how the product is thrown, or upon what surface the product is tossed, the .~ 2l70n~4 essentially tubular nature of the product will prevent the accumulation of tack-reducing materials, e.g., dirt, from diminishing the effectiveness of the product.
For some applications however, the essenti~lly tubular applicator 10 may not have a longitudinal slit 16 disposed therein. In those applications, the S applicator's internal diameter is such that it is sufficiently large to be capable of insertion over the handle of the apparatus to which the tacky substance 8 is to be transferred onto. Depending upon the material of construction of the outer and inner members of the applicator, it is possible to have somewhat larger diametered apparatii to be inserted into the tubular applicator, palticularly when the members 10 are sufficiently pliable as to be capable of expansion in a radial direction without tearing.
For ease of application, the preferred material of construction of outer member 2 is a flexible foam. Examples of flexible foams are polyurethane, rubberlatex, PVC-nitriles, polyethylene or other vinyl polymers, e.g., polystyrene. The 15 list of potential candidates for the outer member is quite varied, in that both vulcanized and thermoplastic compounds have been successfully foamed. A non-limiting list of such matelials would include: (1) natural rubber; (2) syntheticrubbers, (e.g., polyisoprene, butyl rubber [poly(isobutene/isoprene)], halogenated butyl rubber, chloroprene (e.g., neoprene~), ethylene propylene (EPM) and 20 ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), nitrile rubber (NBR), silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, etc.); (3) urethane polymers, including thermoset and thermoplastics; (4) thelmoplastics (e.g., polyethylene, poly(ethylene/vinyl acetate) copolymers, polypropylene, poly(vinylchloride) (PVC), polyesters, etc.); (S) thermoplastic elastomers including styrenics 25 (e.g., styrenelbutadiene, styrene/ethylene/butene, styrene/olefin, and block copolymers thereofl, olefinics (e.g., ethylene/propylene and butene derivatives (Santoprene(~)) and urethanes including ether and ester types; (6) blends of theabove; and (7) latex foams, including natural and synthetic rubber latices. The list is not inclusive and is merely illustrative of a large specific number of materials 21700~
which could be contained therein. Other materials of the general nature described above are envisioned within the scope of the invention.
Characteristics which are desirable for the outer member are pliability and resistance to tearing upon the application of a twisting motion. ln operation, aS handle or cylindrical component of an apparatus is inserted into slit 16 or into opening 22 when the slit is not present. Since the applicator is pliable, there is no need to limit the dimensions of the product which is inserted into the slit.
Diameters of inserted materials which are both larger and smaller than the nominal internal diameter of the applicator can be accommodated since the applicator will simply expand when the diameter of the inserted material is larger than that of the applicator. The tacky substance 8 is transferred from the exterior of inner member 4 to the exterior surface of the inserted material through a squeezing action, optionally coupled with a twisting action by the user about the periphery of theapplicator. The outer member 2, typically foam, must possess sufficient integrity duling this squeezing and twisting motion so that it does not tear prematurely during normal use.
Another characteristic which is highly desirable is that the material retain its shape during temperature swings. The product is envisioned to be used duringthe hottest days of summer, and during the coldest days of winter.
Preferred materials for thç inner member 4 are those which can both absorb tacky materials and retain their integrity while being subjected to shear stresses which occur as the applicator is being used in applying the tacky substance to for example, the handle of a bat (e.g., cotton and felt).
Cotton is a major textile fiber and an important source of cellulose, which constitutes 88-96% of the fiber. In order to improve the heat, rot, and mildew resistance of cotton, the material can: acetylated, i.e., treated with acetic anhydride, acetic acid, and perchloric acid; aminized by reacting for example 2-aminoethylsulfuric acid with the cellulose of the fabric in a strongly alkaline solution; cyanoethylated, i.e., treated with aclylonitrile af~er passage througl1 a caustic bath, with subsequent neutralization with acetic acid, washing and drying;
or mercerized by passing through a 25-30% solution of base with the fibers undertension. In alternative embodiments, the cotton may be but one of several components incorporated into a blend material, e.g., cotton-polyester blends, such S as Dacron(~, a polyester fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate. Felt would be another example of an absorbent material, being a firm woven cloth of wool orcotton heavily napped and shrunk as would canvas. Of course, the composition of the inner member can include totally synthetic materials (e.g., plastic screen meshed materials, rubber or plastic sheets which are optionally embossed or textured with nipples, ribs, etc., synthetic woven products such as Scotch(~ Brite pads.
Another type of inner material would be a foamed polymer, of similar characteristics described previously. During the extrusion process, foamed polymers typically have a relatively non-penetrable surface layer imparted thereto, which would initially make them relatively unsuitable for use as an absorbent layer. However, if at least one of the relatively non-penetrable surface layers is removed, either through an etching process, or via mechanical removal, this type of material would then possess the desirable characteristics necessary for the inner component (e.g., a one-sided skinless foam).
In one embodiment of the invention, a single polymeric foamed material is fabricated with associated relatively non-penetrable surface layers on both sides of the foam. Through subsequent treatment of one side of the foam, the foam can now function as both an inner component and an outer component. In an optional embodiment, this unitary foamed product is provided with an essentially tubular shape through a post-processing heat treatment, or through other shaping methodologies known in the art.
In one alternative embodiment, the inner member is a l~min:~tc material as shown in Fig. 3. When employing this mode of construction, the inner component can be customized to maximize various functions. One layer of the laminate could , ' 21700~q be a first absorbent layer 16 in which a first tacky substance is absorbed, while a second absorbent layer 18 might be another absorbent layer, which may be the same or different from the first absorbent layer, in which a second tacky substance is absorbed, and yet a third layer 20 could be a barrier layer which prevents the absorbed tacky substances from penehating through to adhesive layer 12, e.g., polyolefin film layer. While a three layer laminate is described above, there is no need to limit the application as such, and the invention encompasses all inner components which have at least one layer, progressing up to multiple layers.
Manufacturing costs will be more of a product determinant, rather than any theoretical limitation.
The benefit of this l~min~ted product is that depending upon the amount of pressure exerted by the user on the outer foamed member, both valying amounts oftacky substances, and different types of tacky substances could be transferred onto an inserted material, thereby permitting the user to customize the degree of tack 1 5 imparted.
When the outer and inner members are not of unitary construction, they are typically fastened to each other by a permanent adhesive. Characteristics desirable for this adhesive would include the ability to withstand shear stresses during the twisting application of the product by the user without del~min~3tion of the outer and inner members. Another feature is the need for the adhesive to not fail whensubjected to temperature extremes, such as would occur during natural climatological variations in the temperate zones of the world. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive will not fail when exposed to water, as might occur should the product be left in the rain.
A non-limiting, exemplary list of such adhesives would include: (I) solvent-release (e.g., acrylics, acetates, rubber-based, crosslink acrylics, etc.); (2) hot melts;
(3) ethylene/vinyl acetate based; (4) olefin based; (5) polyesters; (6) and thermosetting adhesives (e.g., urethane-based and epoxy-based, etc.). The list is not inclusive and is merely illustrative of a large specific number of materials which could be contained therein. Other materials of the general nature described above are envisioned within the scope of the invention.
The ultimate goal of the product however, is to impart a tacky substance 8 onto an inserted material. In its simplest form of operation, this tacky substance 5 can be pine tar, which has been applied to inner component 4. However, pine tar is by its very nature, a sticky, viscous, dark brown to black liquid or semisolid with strong odor and sharp taste. Pine tar has been used historically in baseball to improve the batters grip and purported aid in the ability of the batter to make contact with a ball, which may at times be hurled toward the plate in a relatively 10 straight line, but is today increasingly being tossed with varying degrees of spins thereby making the pitch an ever increasingly difficult target to hit effectively.
However, the modern day player is typically not satisfied with the use of pine tar, and many have moved toward batting gloves as an altemative, or at least to ameliorate the negative aspects of pine tar. One of the aspects of this invention 15 is the development of a substitute to pine tar, whicl1 is safe and yet economical to use. One such product which has been developed is the combination of a thermoplastic saturated polymer, e.g., polyisobutylene (Vistanex6~), and beeswax, which consists largely of myricyl palmitate, cerotic acid and esters, and some high carbon paraffins. The degree of tackiness of the combination can be controlled by 20 varying the relative weight ratios of the components used. A higher percentage of Vistanex(~ in the composition will impart a higher tack value than one with a higher percentage of beeswax.
In general, the grip enhancing formulation would include any relatively low molecular weight polymer and wax combination. The requirements for the tacky 25 substance would be that it impart good tack to the handle of the article which is to be gripped by the participant (e.g., baseball bat), have good transfer from the inner member of the applicator to the handle of the article, and additionally have good adhesion to the bat grip, which typically would be rubber-based, leather-based, or wood.
r 2170~54 As a general ~ e~llel-t, the relatively low molecular weight polymer will range from about 50 - 100,000. In a more preferred embodiment, this range will be about 2,000 - 80,000. And in a still more preferred embodiment, this range will be about 20,000 - 60,000. These molecular weight ranges are provided for 5 guidance purposes only, and the-molecular weights actually employed can be either higher or lower depending upon the inclusion of tackifiers, which would in general extend the upper molecular weight acceptable in the product folmulation.
The glip-enhancing formulation could include other typically additives which are known in the art, and might include for example, anti-oxidants, 10 plasticizers, curing agents, tackifiers and other additives well-known in the polymer art.
The effectiveness of the grip-enhancing folmulation is dependent upon its "tack", a widely used term, but difficult to quantify. Much of this is attributable to the fact that tack is a combination of many physical properties. In the adhesive15 industry, tack is demonstrated by what a system possessing it does, usually involving a simplistic measurement involving the thumb, forefinger, or both.
Quantitatively, this leaves much to be desired.
For use in this application, tack may be thought of as the property of a material which enables it to form a bond of measurable strength immediately upon20 contact with another surface, usually with low applied pressure. Tack is thus, "instantaneous" adhesion and differs from ultimate strength. Within broad limits, tack would appear to be a rheological property. The strength developed is undoubtedly due to "van der Waals" forces and, to a lesser extent, diffusion andchain entanglement. Tack is sensitive to variations in temperature, pressure, rate 25 of application and removal, and time of contact. Above a certain modicum of adhesiveness, tack varies as the rheological properties of the system. Thus, tack is a direct function of rheological properties such as viscous flow, tensile strength or cohesion, modulus of elasticity, rate of elastic recovery, and deformability.
`~ 21700~ 1 Tackifiers are additives which increase the tack of a substance. They are available in softening point ranges from room temperature to 150C, and are usually quite soluble in aromatic solvents.
The best mode for carrying out the invention will now be described for the 5 purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time. Theexamples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.
l~xa~lples The following grip-enhancing formulations were synthesized wherein all 10 quantities are parts by weight.
Table I
v ~ c~ i A .
. 1 2 .5
The ultimate goal of the product however, is to impart a tacky substance 8 onto an inserted material. In its simplest form of operation, this tacky substance 5 can be pine tar, which has been applied to inner component 4. However, pine tar is by its very nature, a sticky, viscous, dark brown to black liquid or semisolid with strong odor and sharp taste. Pine tar has been used historically in baseball to improve the batters grip and purported aid in the ability of the batter to make contact with a ball, which may at times be hurled toward the plate in a relatively 10 straight line, but is today increasingly being tossed with varying degrees of spins thereby making the pitch an ever increasingly difficult target to hit effectively.
However, the modern day player is typically not satisfied with the use of pine tar, and many have moved toward batting gloves as an altemative, or at least to ameliorate the negative aspects of pine tar. One of the aspects of this invention 15 is the development of a substitute to pine tar, whicl1 is safe and yet economical to use. One such product which has been developed is the combination of a thermoplastic saturated polymer, e.g., polyisobutylene (Vistanex6~), and beeswax, which consists largely of myricyl palmitate, cerotic acid and esters, and some high carbon paraffins. The degree of tackiness of the combination can be controlled by 20 varying the relative weight ratios of the components used. A higher percentage of Vistanex(~ in the composition will impart a higher tack value than one with a higher percentage of beeswax.
In general, the grip enhancing formulation would include any relatively low molecular weight polymer and wax combination. The requirements for the tacky 25 substance would be that it impart good tack to the handle of the article which is to be gripped by the participant (e.g., baseball bat), have good transfer from the inner member of the applicator to the handle of the article, and additionally have good adhesion to the bat grip, which typically would be rubber-based, leather-based, or wood.
r 2170~54 As a general ~ e~llel-t, the relatively low molecular weight polymer will range from about 50 - 100,000. In a more preferred embodiment, this range will be about 2,000 - 80,000. And in a still more preferred embodiment, this range will be about 20,000 - 60,000. These molecular weight ranges are provided for 5 guidance purposes only, and the-molecular weights actually employed can be either higher or lower depending upon the inclusion of tackifiers, which would in general extend the upper molecular weight acceptable in the product folmulation.
The glip-enhancing formulation could include other typically additives which are known in the art, and might include for example, anti-oxidants, 10 plasticizers, curing agents, tackifiers and other additives well-known in the polymer art.
The effectiveness of the grip-enhancing folmulation is dependent upon its "tack", a widely used term, but difficult to quantify. Much of this is attributable to the fact that tack is a combination of many physical properties. In the adhesive15 industry, tack is demonstrated by what a system possessing it does, usually involving a simplistic measurement involving the thumb, forefinger, or both.
Quantitatively, this leaves much to be desired.
For use in this application, tack may be thought of as the property of a material which enables it to form a bond of measurable strength immediately upon20 contact with another surface, usually with low applied pressure. Tack is thus, "instantaneous" adhesion and differs from ultimate strength. Within broad limits, tack would appear to be a rheological property. The strength developed is undoubtedly due to "van der Waals" forces and, to a lesser extent, diffusion andchain entanglement. Tack is sensitive to variations in temperature, pressure, rate 25 of application and removal, and time of contact. Above a certain modicum of adhesiveness, tack varies as the rheological properties of the system. Thus, tack is a direct function of rheological properties such as viscous flow, tensile strength or cohesion, modulus of elasticity, rate of elastic recovery, and deformability.
`~ 21700~ 1 Tackifiers are additives which increase the tack of a substance. They are available in softening point ranges from room temperature to 150C, and are usually quite soluble in aromatic solvents.
The best mode for carrying out the invention will now be described for the 5 purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time. Theexamples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.
l~xa~lples The following grip-enhancing formulations were synthesized wherein all 10 quantities are parts by weight.
Table I
v ~ c~ i A .
. 1 2 .5
4 1 2 .5 2 7 2 .5 8 2 1 .5 9 2 1 .5 .5 .5 .5 1 .8 .3 r 11 1 .5 12 .5 2 .5 13 .5 3 .5 14 2 .5 2 .3 1 8 2 .5 .5 1.5 2 Suppliers for the above materials were: beeswax (Akrochem, yellow refined), Vistanex(~ LMMH (Exxon), paraffin wax (Arthur H. Thomas Co., refined paraffln 56-58C melting point, mineral oil (Fisher Chemical, white heavy Saybolt viscosity 162 min., Hercolyn(~ C (Hercules Inc.), and Wingtack(~) 98 (Goodyear). In preparing the above polymeric adhesive folmulations which used beeswax (Akrochem yellow refined) and Vistanex~ LMMH (Exxon), the components were mixed using the weight ratios indicated above in a beaker and heated to ~100C until the beeswax melted. The blend was removed from the oven and stirred while cooling, thereby building shear as it cools. This heating/cooling step was repeated if necessary to insure adequate mixing.
In form~ ting the product, a vinyl nitrile foamed polymer tube Halsted JC-HALDCH93121 was slit and cut to a length of about 7 inches. The inside of the slit foam was sprayed with spray adhesive (3M Super 77 spray adhesive) and felt,dimensioned to slightly larger than ~4 l/z inches by 5 inches was applied onto the
In form~ ting the product, a vinyl nitrile foamed polymer tube Halsted JC-HALDCH93121 was slit and cut to a length of about 7 inches. The inside of the slit foam was sprayed with spray adhesive (3M Super 77 spray adhesive) and felt,dimensioned to slightly larger than ~4 l/z inches by 5 inches was applied onto the
5 inner side of the foam onto the spray adhesive area. The foam / adhesive / felt producl was subsequently die-cut to ~4 t/2 inches by 5 inches. The above polym~ric adhesive formulation blend (5-7 grams) was applied onto the felt by heating the blend to ~100C using a hot roller applicator. To aid in the tubularconfig~lration of the product, a post-heat treatment using a heat gun was applied to 10 the product, with subsequent cooling in an essentially circular container. Similar proced~lres were employed using the other listed components in Table 1.
The tack of the prepared glip-enhancing products were tested for the following compositions using a 90 peel test, using a 1 inch sample and a crosshead speed of 0.5"/minute, the samples having been previously melted and 15 applied between two pieces of a mylar substrate.
Table 2 V ~~ ~: 3. ~ re .~v ~ ht~ .1 IC l 0.57 57 43 0.87 33 67 0.37 100 0 0.22 The range of tackiness for this combination would then be approximately between 0.2 to 1Ø Of course, this value may be higher or lower depending upon the particular grip-enhancing polymer blend used.
It is of course envisioned that the optimum grip enhancing formulation will S potentially be different for various sporting or other activities. The preferred degree of tackiness will even vary from player to player and individual to individual, depending upon the needs of the application, the degree of sophistication of the participant, etc.
The invention has been described with reference to prefened and alternate 10 embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
The tack of the prepared glip-enhancing products were tested for the following compositions using a 90 peel test, using a 1 inch sample and a crosshead speed of 0.5"/minute, the samples having been previously melted and 15 applied between two pieces of a mylar substrate.
Table 2 V ~~ ~: 3. ~ re .~v ~ ht~ .1 IC l 0.57 57 43 0.87 33 67 0.37 100 0 0.22 The range of tackiness for this combination would then be approximately between 0.2 to 1Ø Of course, this value may be higher or lower depending upon the particular grip-enhancing polymer blend used.
It is of course envisioned that the optimum grip enhancing formulation will S potentially be different for various sporting or other activities. The preferred degree of tackiness will even vary from player to player and individual to individual, depending upon the needs of the application, the degree of sophistication of the participant, etc.
The invention has been described with reference to prefened and alternate 10 embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
Claims (20)
1. An applicator for grip-enhancing substances which comprises:
(a) an essentially foamed pliable polymer tubular outer member having a longitudinal slit disposed therein;
(b) an absorbent inner member in adhesive contact with the outer member and essentially contiguous therewith; and (c) a synthetic polymeric-containing grip-enhancing substance in associative contact with the inner member, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a polymer blend of a polymer and a wax which is a solid at room temperature, and further wherein the degree of tack which is transferrable onto an apparatus is controlled by the relative ratios between the polymer and the wax.
(a) an essentially foamed pliable polymer tubular outer member having a longitudinal slit disposed therein;
(b) an absorbent inner member in adhesive contact with the outer member and essentially contiguous therewith; and (c) a synthetic polymeric-containing grip-enhancing substance in associative contact with the inner member, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a polymer blend of a polymer and a wax which is a solid at room temperature, and further wherein the degree of tack which is transferrable onto an apparatus is controlled by the relative ratios between the polymer and the wax.
2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the synthetic polymer-containing substance has a tack value of from 0.2 to 1Ø
3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 50 to 100,000.
4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 2,000 to 80,000.
S. The applicator of claim 4 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 20,000 to 60,000.
6. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the absorbent inner member is a laminate having at least two layers.
7. The applicator of claim 6 wherein the laminate further comprises a barrier layer.
8. An applicator for grip-enhancing substances which comprises:
(a) an essentially foamed pliable polymer tubular outer member;
(b) an absorbent inner member in adhesive contact with the outer member and essentially contiguous therewith; and (c) a grip-enhancing substance in associative contact with the inner member, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a polymer blend of a polymer and a wax which is a solid at room temperature, and further wherein the degree of tack which is transferrable onto an apparatus is controlled by the relative ratios between the polymer and the wax.
(a) an essentially foamed pliable polymer tubular outer member;
(b) an absorbent inner member in adhesive contact with the outer member and essentially contiguous therewith; and (c) a grip-enhancing substance in associative contact with the inner member, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a polymer blend of a polymer and a wax which is a solid at room temperature, and further wherein the degree of tack which is transferrable onto an apparatus is controlled by the relative ratios between the polymer and the wax.
9. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the grip-enhancing substance has a tack value of from 0.2 to 1Ø
10. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 50 to 100,000.
11. The applicator of claim 10 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 2,000 to 80,000.
12. The applicator of claim 11 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 20,000 to 60,000.
13. The applicator of claim 8 wherein the inner member is a laminate having at least two layers.
14. The applicator of claim 13 wherein the laminate further comprises a barrier layer.
15. An applicator for grip-enhancing substances which comprises:
(a) a foamed pliable polymer tubular member, the member having (i) an essentially non-absorbent outer portion, and (ii) an absorbent inner portion; and (b) a synthetic polymeric-containing grip-enhancing substance in associative contact with the inner portion, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a polymer blend of a polymer and a wax which is a solid at room temperature, and further wherein the degree of tack which is transferrable onto an apparatus is controlled by the relative ratios between the polymer and the wax.
(a) a foamed pliable polymer tubular member, the member having (i) an essentially non-absorbent outer portion, and (ii) an absorbent inner portion; and (b) a synthetic polymeric-containing grip-enhancing substance in associative contact with the inner portion, wherein the grip-enhancing substance is a polymer blend of a polymer and a wax which is a solid at room temperature, and further wherein the degree of tack which is transferrable onto an apparatus is controlled by the relative ratios between the polymer and the wax.
16. The applicator of claim 15 wherein the synthetic polymer-containing substance has a tack value of from 0.2 to 1Ø
17. The applicator of claim 15 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 50 to 100,000.
18. The applicator of claim 17 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 2,000 to 80,000.
19. The applicator of claim 18 wherein the polymer has a molecular weight from 20,000 to 60,000.
20. The applicator of claim 19 wherein the tubular member has a longitudinal slit disposed therein.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/272,226 US5492425A (en) | 1994-07-08 | 1994-07-08 | Applicator for grip-enhancing substances |
| US08/272,226 | 1994-07-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2170054A1 true CA2170054A1 (en) | 1996-01-25 |
Family
ID=23038926
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002170054A Abandoned CA2170054A1 (en) | 1994-07-08 | 1995-06-20 | Applicator for grip-enhancing substances |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5492425A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2170054A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996001699A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2324252B (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 2001-06-06 | Golf Gizmos Ltd | A golf club cleaner |
| AT406727B (en) * | 1999-02-02 | 2000-08-25 | Astron Elastomerprodukte Ges M | DEVICE FOR PROTECTING BODY PARTS OR OBJECTS FROM MECHANICAL SHOCK OR SHOCK |
| AUPQ104699A0 (en) * | 1999-06-18 | 1999-07-08 | Wolfe Research Pty Ltd | Grip enhancing method and composition |
| CA2330083C (en) * | 2000-01-07 | 2010-04-13 | Jas. D. Easton, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| CA2357331C (en) * | 2000-09-15 | 2010-07-20 | Jas D. Easton, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US7963868B2 (en) * | 2000-09-15 | 2011-06-21 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US6739021B2 (en) * | 2001-01-10 | 2004-05-25 | Billy Rabello | Therapeutic magnetic hand wrap or grip |
| TW595498U (en) * | 2001-12-31 | 2004-06-21 | Hice Cedar Entpr Co Ltd | Handle band |
| TWM244116U (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-09-21 | Hice Cedar Entpr Co Ltd | Multi-purposed handle belt |
| US20040115397A1 (en) * | 2002-12-17 | 2004-06-17 | Mao-Hsiu Wang | Protective strap for handle |
| US7111353B2 (en) * | 2003-04-18 | 2006-09-26 | Cowdery Dean J | Applicator |
| US7232386B2 (en) * | 2003-05-15 | 2007-06-19 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US7611156B2 (en) * | 2004-10-07 | 2009-11-03 | Dunser Alex H | Sanitizing apparatus for shopping cart handles and other handles |
| US20060076743A1 (en) * | 2004-10-07 | 2006-04-13 | Auris Media C/O Wolfe Companies, Llc | Sanitizing apparatus for shopping cart and other handles |
| WO2007059335A2 (en) * | 2005-11-16 | 2007-05-24 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US20080251102A1 (en) * | 2007-04-13 | 2008-10-16 | Us Endoscopy Group, Inc. | Cleaning device for endoscopic devices |
| US8210973B2 (en) | 2008-06-27 | 2012-07-03 | Nike, Inc. | Sport ball bladder |
| US7914403B2 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2011-03-29 | Easton Sports, Inc. | Hockey stick |
| US20120011749A1 (en) * | 2010-07-13 | 2012-01-19 | Mark French | Device attachable to item of clothing for dispensing material for enhancing gripping properties of shoe sole |
| US8627549B2 (en) | 2010-09-09 | 2014-01-14 | John Vernieu | Grip application device for applying a grip to a handle |
| US9073200B2 (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2015-07-07 | Tech Stape and Nail, Inc. | Pliant removeable airbrush grip |
| US10258705B2 (en) | 2014-10-03 | 2019-04-16 | Patrick Daniel Bord | Sanitizing device for tool and cart handles |
| USD767718S1 (en) | 2015-06-17 | 2016-09-27 | George Robert Lampman | Airbrush grip |
| US10617932B2 (en) | 2015-12-17 | 2020-04-14 | Michael Ferraro | Pine tar applicator for baseball bats and method of use |
| US10654164B1 (en) * | 2018-10-30 | 2020-05-19 | Michael P. Murray | Multipart cover and a handle formed therewith |
| US10875682B1 (en) * | 2019-10-03 | 2020-12-29 | James Laudon | Auxiliary gripping member |
| DE102020114375A1 (en) | 2020-05-28 | 2021-12-02 | VitaVital GmbH & Co. KG | Hygiene for the handle of a shopping cart |
Family Cites Families (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1936757A (en) * | 1932-07-29 | 1933-11-28 | James D Garvey | Wheel spoke washer |
| US2255154A (en) * | 1940-02-27 | 1941-09-09 | John W Fiore | Clothesline cleaner |
| US2490650A (en) * | 1947-02-24 | 1949-12-06 | Laurence L Reckler | Lubricant holder for sportsmen |
| US2604650A (en) * | 1949-10-10 | 1952-07-29 | Mottelson Anita | Self-cleaning clothesline cleaner |
| GB982599A (en) * | 1962-08-31 | 1965-02-10 | Cecil Ernest Watts | Record cleaning devices |
| US3712748A (en) * | 1970-12-30 | 1973-01-23 | S Wilmans | Paint applicator |
| US3869307A (en) * | 1972-10-04 | 1975-03-04 | Sharkey Melvin | Receptive copy sheets and process |
| US3922438A (en) * | 1972-10-04 | 1975-11-25 | Columbia Ribbon Carbon Mfg | Supercoated transfer elements and process for preparing and using same |
| US3924728A (en) * | 1974-02-04 | 1975-12-09 | Columbia Ribbon Carbon Mfg | Pressure-adhesive correction materials and method for producing same |
| US3978274A (en) * | 1974-07-15 | 1976-08-31 | Borden, Inc. | Adhesive tape having printable release coating |
| US4084286A (en) * | 1976-04-08 | 1978-04-18 | Post Herman D | Self-moistening cleaning device |
| US4139195A (en) * | 1976-09-27 | 1979-02-13 | Dreesen William R | Automatic powder dispenser for tennis racket handles and the like |
| US4135274A (en) * | 1977-02-17 | 1979-01-23 | Catherine Freeman | Liquid applicator |
| US4517702A (en) * | 1983-06-29 | 1985-05-21 | Jackson Frank W | Endoscopic scrub device |
| US4909650A (en) * | 1985-07-19 | 1990-03-20 | Ronnie Gilbert | Pine tar applicator |
| US4783354A (en) * | 1986-12-15 | 1988-11-08 | Coated Sales, Inc. | Adherable, yet removable sheet material |
| US4953999A (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1990-09-04 | Randr, Inc. | Golf club grip cleaner |
| US5060943A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1991-10-29 | Durasol Corporation | Gripping aid |
| US5094557A (en) * | 1989-12-08 | 1992-03-10 | Nelson Peter K | Golf club renovating device |
| US5022493A (en) * | 1990-05-24 | 1991-06-11 | Buckelew William E | Method and apparatus for lubricating cables |
-
1994
- 1994-07-08 US US08/272,226 patent/US5492425A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1995
- 1995-06-20 WO PCT/US1995/007809 patent/WO1996001699A1/en active Application Filing
- 1995-06-20 CA CA002170054A patent/CA2170054A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1996001699A1 (en) | 1996-01-25 |
| US5492425A (en) | 1996-02-20 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |