Liner for golf equipment washer

Abstract

The present invention provides a liner for a golf equipment washer. The liner is adapted to fit within a conventional golf equipment washer and to hold cleaning solution of such a washer. When the cleaning solution needs to be changed, the old solution and liner are removed and replaced with new. In addition, the liner is adjustable in its volumetric capacity such that when the cleaning solution freezes, the liner expands to absorb the enlarged volume without imparting pressure on the reservoir of the washer and thereby damaging the washer. Moreover, through the use of the liner, anti-freeze within the cleaning solution cannot contact the washer itself and corrode the washer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/765,525, “Liner for Golf Equipment Washer,” which was filed on Feb. 6, 2006, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for washing sports equipment and, more particularly, to devices for washing golf balls and golf clubs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A golf course typically provides golf ball washers and golf club washers at various locations along the course so course patrons can periodically clean their equipment. The washers remain on the course and are fixed in position. As such they are exposed to ambient temperatures and the natural elements.

A conventional golf ball washer includes a reservoir into which a cleaning solution is placed. A golf ball agitator is attached to a removable lid attached to the reservoir. The agitator is adapted to reciprocate between upper and lower positions. A golf ball can be inserted when the agitator is in the upper position. The agitator is then reciprocated within the reservoir by the user pulling a handle up and down. In so doing, the ball is moved against a bristled surface within the reservoir to clean the ball. Such types of washers are well known and are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,044,089, 3,271,802, and 3,583,016.

Other types of golf ball washers employ a rotating mechanism wherein the ball is not reciprocated between upper and lower positions within the reservoir but rather is rotated through the reservoir for cleaning purposes. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,583,016 and 4,899,413 present examples of such rotational types of golf ball washers.

While both types of washers have been well received in the industry, they are not without drawbacks which manifest themselves in the form of unpleasant maintenance requirements and a susceptibility to cracking of the reservoir when the cleaning solution freezes. More specifically, golf course maintenance personnel are required, typically multiple times per month, to clean the washers and to refill the reservoirs. If such cleaning does not take place, the washers can generate a foul odor due to stagnating cleaning solution. This results in an unpleasant chore for the maintenance personnel and can result in a dissatisfied golf course patron.

In addition, golf courses, particularly those in northern climates, are typically open during seasons when the ambient temperature can fall below the freezing temperature of the cleaning solution. The cast aluminum reservoir can then crack as the cleaning solution freezes and expands, resulting in replacement expenses for the golf course. Known solutions for this problem are dissatisfactory. For example, use of anti-freeze within the solution quickly corrodes the inside of the cast aluminum reservoir which requires the maintenance personnel to manually scrub the washers, again resulting in an unpleasant chore for the maintenance personnel.

These reservoirs can be made of flexible plastic to avoid cracking during solution expansion, but such plastic washers have not been well received because they do not appear as professional as the cast aluminum type, and the color within the plastic can quickly fade.

A still further problem encountered by known golf equipment washers comes from the fact that the washer is typically attached to a pipe inserted into the ground. The reservoir typically includes a tubular neck portion for such attachment purposes which is received by the supporting pipe and secured thereto by, for example, a set screw. The set screw must be removed every time the reservoir is to be removed for cleaning purposes and reset every time the reservoir is reattached. If the personnel cleaning the apparatus tightens the set screw to a sufficient degree, the set screw can puncture through the neck of the reservoir resulting in a leak, often requiring the washer to be replaced, again at added expense.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a golf equipment washer which would avoid the aforementioned problems of unpleasant cleaning chores associated with prior art devices, reservoir cracking during below freezing temperatures, use of anti-freeze, and possible damage to the reservoir during attachment to a mounting pipe.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a golf equipment washer which is easier to clean and which is protected from damage due to climatic changes.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a golf equipment washer with reduced maintenance requirements.

It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a golf equipment washer with a longer serviceable life.

It is another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a golf ball washer comprising a reservoir, a lid, an agitator, a bristled surface, and a flexible liner. A reservoir includes an open top, and the lid is removably attached to the reservoir. The agitator is mounted in the lid for reciprocating motion through the lid and includes an aperture for receipt of a golf ball. The bristled surface is within the reservoir and is adapted to engage the golf ball when the agitator is reciprocatingly moved. The flexible liner is within the reservoir, with the agitator and bristled surface being within the flexible liner. The flexible liner is adapted to hold a cleaning solution.

In accordance with these objectives, it is a feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a golf equipment washer comprising a reservoir, a cleaning means within the reservoir, and a flexible liner disposed within the reservoir, the liner being adapted to hold a cleaning solution.

It is another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to manufacture the reservoir from cast aluminum and the liner from plastic.

It is another feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a golf equipment washer which is adapted to clean golf clubs in addition to golf balls.

It is a still further feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a golf equipment washer climatic protection device comprising a flexible liner sized to fit within a fluid reservoir of a golf equipment washer.

It is a still further feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a flexible liner which includes means for expanding and contracting the volumetric capacity of the liner in the form of a plurality of bellowed ridges biased radially inwardly, frozen cleaning solution causing the ridges to move radially outwardly to thereby expand the volumetric capacity of the liner.

These and other objectives and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

While the appended claims set forth features of the present invention, the invention, together with its objects and advantages, may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical golf ball washer usable with a liner of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the golf ball washer of FIG. 1 showing the position of a liner;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the reservoir and liner of FIG. 2 with the cleaning solution in a liquid state;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the reservoir and liner of FIG. 2 with the cleaning solution in a frozen state; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings and with specific reference to FIG. 1, a typical golf ball washer 20 is shown in detail. The golf ball washer 20 includes a reservoir 22 having, in one embodiment, a substantially cylindrical section 24 with an open top 26. A mounting neck 28 in this embodiment (see FIG. 2) is also substantially cylindrical in shape but of a reduced diameter relative to the cylindrical section 24. The mounting neck 28 is adapted to receive a set screw 30 for securing the reservoir 22 to a mounting post 32. A drain plug 33 (see FIG. 2) removably attaches to the bottom of the mounting neck 28. In one embodiment, the reservoir 22 is manufactured from cast aluminum, although other materials are possible. The reservoir 22 is preferably manufactured from metal for aesthetic purposes, but it is to be understood that it can be manufactured from other materials including plastic.

Also shown in FIG. 1, the golf ball washer 20 includes a removable lid 34 which is sized to close the open top 26 of the reservoir 22. The lid 34 can be temporarily secured to the reservoir 22 using suitable fasteners 36. It can therefore be seen that the reservoir 22 and the lid 34 together define a confined space for holding a suitable cleaning solution 38 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, an agitator 40 is mounted for reciprocating motion (up and down) within the lid 34. The agitator 40 includes an aperture 42, sized to receive a conventional golf ball 44, and a handle 46 (see FIG. 1) to facilitate the reciprocating motion. The agitator 40 is preferably helically shaped including flutes 48 (see FIG. 1) to partially rotate the golf ball 44 during reciprocation to allow for cleaning of its entire outer surface. Brushes 50 having suitably abrasive surfaces are provided within the reservoir 22 so that when the agitator 40 is reciprocated within the reservoir 22, the golf ball 44 is engaged against the brushes 50. A centering rod 51 extends downward from the agitator 40 and through an elastomeric grommet 53. While not depicted, it is to be understood that the present invention also encompasses known rotational types of washers wherein the golf ball 44 is not reciprocated but rather is rotated relative to an abrasive surface.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 through 5, within the reservoir 22 is placed a flexible liner 52 which is shaped congruently with the interior surface of the reservoir 22. More specifically, the liner 52, in a preferred embodiment, includes a substantially cylindrical section 54, along with an integral, reduced diameter mounting appendage 56. The liner 52 can be manufactured from a variety of flexible or elastomeric materials but is preferably manufactured from polypropylene plastic through an injection molding process. In many embodiments, the liner 52 provides a flexible, imperforated material suitable for retaining the cleaning solution 38. The brushes 50 and the agitator 40 easily fit within the liner 52, and the liner 52 itself easily fits within the reservoir 22.

As illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 4, the liner 52, in one embodiment, provides for the aforementioned volumetric expansion capability through the use of bellowed or ridged sections 58 connected at hinge points 59. The sections 58 are normally biased radially inward in a concave orientation so that the liner 52 normally has a relatively reduced volumetric capacity. However, upon freezing of the cleaning solution 38 at approximately 32° F., the cleaning solution 38 enlarges in volume causing the bellowed sections 58 to be pushed radially outward into a convex configuration. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the difference between the frozen and unfrozen volumetric capacities of the liner 52 is approximately fifteen percent, although it is to be understood that the present invention encompasses wider and narrower ranges of volumetric capacities.

It can therefore be seen by one of ordinary skill in the art, specifically with reference to FIG. 4, that even when the solution 38 is frozen and the liner 52 expands, radially outwardly directed force is not imparted to the cylindrical wall 24 of the reservoir 22. This therefore minimizes the stress directed to the reservoir 22 to avoid cracking.

Moreover, through the use of the liner 52, anti-freeze can be combined with the cleaning solution 38 without destructively corroding the reservoir 22. In other words, cleaning solution and anti-freeze can be held within the liner 52 for cleaning purposes and to avoid having the solution 38 reach a frozen state. After a suitable time period, the cleaning solution 38 can be easily replaced simply by removing the lid 34 and by removing the liner 52 from the reservoir 22. A new liner 52 and new solution 38 are added. The unpleasant chores associated with cleaning and emptying foul smelling and stagnating solution can therefore be avoided.

In addition, when the reservoir 22 is attached to a mounting post 32 with a fastener 30, puncture of the mounted neck 28 by the fastener 30 will not result in a leak. Rather, the appendage 56 will simply be elastically deformed inwardly with the liner 52 remaining intact.

In special situations, other ways may be used to provide the liner 52. A plastic material can be sprayed into the reservoir 22. The plastic then dries and forms the liner 52. Because the plastic does not strongly adhere to the inside wall of the reservoir 22, this spray-on liner 52 can be peeled out and discarded when necessary. Also, the liner 52 can be heat-sealed to the rim of the reservoir 22. These two techniques can be very useful for oddly shaped, or uncommon, reservoirs 22 where it is uneconomical to manufacture a specific, close-fitting liner 52.

While not depicted, it is to be understood that the present invention can be used in conjunction with variously sized and shaped golf ball washers, including rectangular or cubic washers, and washers designed to clean more than one ball. In addition, the present invention can be incorporated into golf club and shoe washers which would necessarily be subject to the same problems associated with golf ball washers if left in the ambient temperature of the golf course.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides a new and improved golf equipment cleaning device which substantially reduces the effort and associated costs of periodic cleaning. When the cleaning solution is to be changed, the liner can simply be removed from the reservoir, the old solution discarded, a new liner inserted, and new solution added. In addition, the liner eliminates the possibility of cracking or other damage to a metal reservoir by allowing the cleaning solution to expand upon freezing without placing stress on the reservoir. Finally, by containing the solution within the liner, anti-freeze or other elements within the solution will not be able to contact and corrode the reservoir.

Claims

1. A golf ball cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a reservoir having an open top;

a lid removably attached to the reservoir and closing the open top;

an agitator mounted in the lid for reciprocating motion through the lid, the agitator having an aperture for receipt of a golf ball;

a bristled surface within the reservoir and adapted to engage the golf ball when the agitator is reciprocatingly moved; and

a flexible liner within the reservoir, the agitator and bristled surface being within the flexible liner, the flexible liner adapted to hold cleaning solution.

2. The golf ball cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir includes a downwardly depending mounting neck adapted to be secured to a mounting pole by a set screw, the liner including an appendage sized to be received by the mounting neck, puncture of the mounting neck by the set screw causing the liner to deform while sealingly maintaining cleaning solution within the liner.

3. The golf ball cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the reservoir is manufactured from cast aluminum.

4. The golf ball cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the liner is manufactured from plastic.

5. The golf ball cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the liner includes means for expanding and contracting the volumetric capacity of the liner.

6. The golf ball cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the means for expanding and contracting includes a plurality of bellowed ridges biased inwardly, frozen cleaning solution causing the ridges to move radially outwardly to thereby expand the volumetric capacity of the liner.

7. The golf ball cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein material for the liner is sprayed into the reservoir.

8. The golf ball cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the liner is heat-sealed to the reservoir.

9. A golf equipment cleaning device, comprising:

a reservoir;

a cleaning means mounted within the reservoir; and

a flexible liner disposed within the reservoir, the liner adapted to hold cleaning solution and to prevent the cleaning solution from contacting the reservoir.

10. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the reservoir is manufactured from cast aluminum.

11. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the cleaning means includes a brush adapted to reciprocatingly move within the reservoir.

12. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the cleaning means includes a brush adapted to rotationally move within the reservoir.

13. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the flexible liner is congruently shaped with the reservoir and includes a plurality of expansion ridges. adapted to allow the volumetric capacity of the liner to expand and contract without imparting force against the reservoir.

14. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the liner is manufactured from plastic.

15. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the reservoir includes a reduced diameter mounting neck and the liner includes a reduced diameter appendage shaped to be congruent with the mounting neck.

16. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the golf equipment includes golf clubs and golf balls.

17. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein material for the liner is sprayed into the reservoir.

18. The golf equipment cleaning device of claim 9 wherein the liner is heat-sealed to the reservoir.

19. A golf ball washer climatic protection device, comprising:

a flexible liner sized to fit within a fluid reservoir of a golf ball washer and to prevent cleaning solution from contacting the fluid reservoir.

20. The golf ball washer climatic protection device of claim 19 wherein the flexible liner includes means for expanding and contracting the volumetric capacity of the liner.

21. The golf ball washer climatic protection device of claim 19 wherein the means for expanding and contracting includes a plurality of bellowed ridges biased inwardly, frozen cleaning solution causing the ridges to move radially outwardly to thereby expand the volumetric capacity of the liner.

22. The golf ball washer climatic protection device of the claim 19 wherein the flexible liner is manufactured from plastic.

23. The golf ball washer climatic protection device of claim 19 wherein the flexible liner is removable when fluid of the washer needs to be changed.

24. The golf ball washer climatic protection device of claim 19 wherein material for the liner is sprayed into the reservoir.

25. The golf ball washer climatic protection device of claim 19 wherein the liner is heat-sealed to the reservoir.