Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for installing an elastomeric handgrip on an article. The handgrip is initially stretched over a hollow core consisting of one or more sections that can be removed from within the handgrip using slight tension. The proximal end of the assembly is placed over the article with the distal end of the handgrip aligned with the desired position, in some cases a positioning member being used to ensure proper alignment. The core is removed by tensioning the distal end, permitting the tubular handgrip to contract progressively starting from the distal end. In one embodiment, the core is a thin flat strip wound spirally and connected along abutting edges to form a helical tear line. The free end of the strip passes longitudinally through the bore from the distal to proximal end. Tension on the free end breaks the leading edge of the tear line, causing the strip to unwind and sequentially collapse each looped segment due to the force exerted by the handgrip. In another embodiment, the core is formed from sections mating along longitudinal seams. Longitudinal strips of tape material are disposed between the handgrip and core, with their free ends extending through the bore from the distal to proximal end. The strips have a lower friction surface contacting the core and a higher friction surface contacting the handgrip. Tension on the free ends slidably withdraws the core from the handgrip, which contracts onto the article.

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First Claim