Easily embroiderable golf club covers and accessory bags

Abstract

The present invention relates to a golf club cover or accessory bag such a shoe bag, a glasses bag, a cigar bag, a valuables bag and the like. The distinguishing features of each of these items is the fact that they have inner layer and an outer layer which can be separated from one another without visually disrupting the pleasing aesthetic appearance of these items. The inner layer and outer layer may be separated from one another by means of velcro strips or a hidden zipper, for example, so that the outer layer may be embroidered thereon without the threads of the embroidery contacting the contents on the inside of the golf club cover or the accessory bag.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1.) Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a golf club head cover and/or accessory bags that are embroiderable. The golf club cover or accessory bag can be quickly disassembled, embroidered with a country club name, logo, or the golfer's name, for example, and quickly reassembled. In particular, the outside layer of the golf club cover or accessory bag can be separated from the remainder of the head cover or bag by means of a hidden zipper, or velcro, or any other suitable means.

[0003] 2.) Prior Art

[0004] Golf club covers are well known in the art. They can be made from knitted fabrics, leather, woven fabrics, plastic, real or synthetic fur, or a combination of two or more of these. In view of the high price for top quality golf clubs, it is desired to protect such clubs with thickly padded covers. Golf clubs must be well protected against jostling on a golf cart, or in the trunk of a car, or in a carry bag, for example.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,145,749 to Rosenow describes a form-fitting flexible cover having an interior shape mated to the shape of the hitting head on a conventional golf club. A zipper construction extends along the back surface of the cover, whereby the cover can be opened to fit around the club head.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,283 to Lawrence describes a golf club head cover with a storage pocket. The storage pocket is zippered and is for storing tees, balls, markers, etc.

[0007] The problem with well-padded golf club covers is the difficulty in embroidering a word or a logo thereon. Moreover, because an arm of the embroidering machine slips inside the golf head cover, it is often necessary to rotate the cover around the arm in order to get the entire name or logo embroidered thereon. The degree of rotation must be precise to avoid poor quality and unesthetically, unappealing club covers. Moreover, the threads from the embroidering are often abrasive and tend to scratch the club. Additionally, abrasion causes the embroidery to break and appear ratty when a sufficient number of threads have come apart.

[0008] To avoid these problems, golf club cover manufacturers would embroider the exterior layer of the head cover and then assemble the padding and interior layers into a unitary head cover. This made embroidered head covers expensive and required large orders. Thus there is a need for a simpler system of embroidering golf head covers that can be done post manufacturing and at an inexpensive cost, such that smaller orders can occur.

[0009] There is also a need to protect the golf club from the more abrasive embroidering and to protect the embroidering from being abraded by the club.

[0010] The problems associated with embroidering a golf club cover are also similar relative to various bags like shoe bags, valuables bag, glasses bag, or cigar case bag. More specifically, the arm of the embroidering machine must be slipped within the shoe bag, valuables bag, glasses bags, etc. and it is difficult to rotate these bags around the arm in order to embroider a large name or logo thereon. Thus there is a need for a simpler system of embroidering bags that can be done post manufacturing and an inexpensive cost, such that smaller orders can be economically feasible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention seeks to protect both the golf club and the embroidering itself and provide a simple and quick method for easily embroidering a club cover especially those having large names, or large logos, or both. The key to the present invention is to create a club cover that can be quickly disassembled, embroidered, and reassembled having the embroidered message thereon. The head cover may be disassembled by means of a zipper, and preferably what is known in the art as a hidden zipper, velcro, and any other quick disassembling means.

[0012] The present invention also seeks to provide a simple and quick method for easily embroidering shoe bags, valuable bags, glasses bags, cigar case bags, etc., especially those having large names, or large logos, or both. The key to the present invention is to create a bag that can be quickly disassembled, embroidered, and reassembled having the embroidered message thereon. The disassembly may be by means of a zipper and preferably what is known in the art as a hidden zipper, velcro, and any other quick disassembly means.

[0013] In the broadest sense, the present invention relates to a golf club head cover having an inner layer designed to be in contact with a golf club head, and an outer layer capable of indicating the manufacturer of the club, the name of the club owner, a country club name, logo, or any other indicia desired and means to disassemble the outer layer from the inner layer for a quick embroidery and reassembly.

[0014] In the broadest sense, the present invention relates to a bag having an inner layer in contact with the items stored in the bag, and an outer layer capable of being embroidered with the name of the owner, country club name, logo or other indicia desired, and means to disassemble the outer layer from the inner layer for the quick embroidery as well as for reassembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The drawings of the present invention are designed to aid those skilled in the art in understanding the invention. The drawings are not intended to limit the invention in scope, nor provide an interpretation of the invention different from the claims.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf club head cover illustrating the path of the hidden zipper in dotted line.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of a golf club head cover illustrating the path of the hidden zipper in a dotted line.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the golf club head cover of FIG. 1 with the outer layer unzippered and ready for embroidering.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing the outer layer of the golf head cover being open and ready for embroidering.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a golf club head cover illustrating the path of the hidden zipper in dotted line.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 showing the outer layer being disassembled and ready for embroidering.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a side view of a golf club head cover for a putter.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a side view of the golf club head cover of FIG. 7 showing the outer layer disassembled and ready for embroidering.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the golf club head cover disassembled and ready for embroidering.

[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shoe bag showing a hidden zipper, which allows the outer layer of the shoe bag to be disassembled from the remaining layer.

[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shoe bag shown in FIG. 10 illustrating the outer layer disassembled from the remainder of the bag for embroidering.

[0027] FIG. 12 is another shoe bag in perspective view showing the hidden zipper and the outer layer being partially disassembled for embroidering.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The raw materials for constructing a golf club head cover or various bags can be made from natural materials, such as leather, wool, cotton, or synthetic materials such as plastic, synthetic fibers, synthetic fur, plush velvet or a combination of one or more of these materials. Preferably, the golf head covers and bags of the present invention are made of plush velour or velvet type materials, or Propex®, a synthetic polypropylene fiber or soft supple suede leather, or a combination thereof.

[0029] In order to construct golf club head covers or accessory bags that are plush, it is generally necessary to have several layers of material that form the head cover or accessory bags. For example, it may be desirable to have a plush velour or velvet forming the inner layer in contact with the club head itself, or the valuables in the bags, and have an exterior layer which can be the same or different material. Between these layers, it may also be desirable to incorporate additional padding to further cushion the banging of the clubs or other items against one another, while in the golf cart, car, or carry bag.

[0030] The present invention is designed such that the outer layer, can be easily separated and disassembled from the inner layer in such a way that it can be laid flat on an industrial embroidery machine, or screen printing device with a desired name or logo. The disassembly between the inner layer and the outer layer can be accomplished by a zipper, and particularly what is known in the trade as a hidden zipper. Hidden zippers are smaller, and sewn differently so that very little is visible to the naked eye. Likewise, velcro and other quick fastening type devices or apparatus can be employed to disassemble the outer layer from the inner layer.

[0031] Now turning to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally illustrates a golf club cover. The golf club cover is shaped similar to the golf head itself and is particularly suited for woods such as the driver, three wood or five wood. The head cover may optionally have a pull strap 12. It has an opening 14 at the bottom thereof so that the club head may be inserted therein. The crown portion 16 of the head cover can either be a solid material or a clear material so that golfers can see if the club is a driver, three wood, or five wood, for example. A hidden zipper 18 is shown by dotted line.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except that the hidden zipper 18 takes a path different from that shown in FIG. 1 and allows substantially the entire outer layer to be embroidered.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the disassembled head cover 10 has been unzipped along the path of hidden zipper 18 and thereby exposes the outer layer 20 from the inner layer 22. The inside of the golf club actually contacts the inside of the inner layer 22. FIG. 3 shows the outside of the inner layer 22 and the inside of the outer layer 20. In the disassembled position, the outer layer 20 is now ready to be embroidered. The embroidery will appear correctly on the outer surface of the outer layer 20 and the threads will be present on the inside of outer layer 20, as shown. Accordingly the backside of the embroidery 24 does not contact the club head, but instead contacts the outside of the inner layer 22.

[0034] FIG. 4 is the head cover shown in FIG. 2 with the hidden zipper actuated so that the outer layer 20 is open for embroidering. Like FIG. 3 the embroidering will contact the outer surface of the inner layer 22 and not the golf club. The open position shown in FIG. 4 exposes almost the entire outer layer so that all of it may be used for embroidering, as compared to FIG. 3 which exposes a much smaller portion.

[0035] FIG. 5 is another golf club cover comprising the head or upper portion 30 and the lower knitted skirt portion 32 designed to protect the lower portion of graphite golf clubs. This golf club cover also shows the optional pull strap 34. The crown portion 36 may be clear or may be of a material similar to the upper club portion 30. A hidden zipper 18 is shown in dotted line.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows the golf club of FIG. 5 including hidden zipper 18 unzipped to expose the inside of the outer layer 37 of the upper portion 30. Reference numeral 38 is the outside of the inner layer. The insider of the inner layer 38 is the surface that contacts the golf club. The outer surface 38 of the inner layer merely contacts the inside of the outer layer 36 and any embroidery.

[0037] FIGS. 5 and 6 could be made without the skirt portion 32. A head cover modified in this manner is a barrel type head cover.

[0038] FIG. 7 shows a club cover for a blade style putter. This head cover 10 shows hidden zipper 18.

[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates the bladed putter head cover shown in FIG. 7, with the hidden zipper 18 disassembled thereby exposing the bladed putter head cover for embroidery purposes.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a golf club cover 40 for a mallet putter, shown in the open position. The hidden zipper 18 has a path shown by the dotted line and opens the outer layer 42 of the putter cover so that the top portion may be embroidered thereon. The putter is inserted within the lower opening portion 44 and never contacts the embroidering (not shown). The embroidering contacts only the outside of the inner layer 45. The inside of the inner layer 45 contacts the putter.

[0041] FIG. 10 shows a shoe bag 60 having the shape of a box and having a working zipper 62 that provides access to the inside of the shoe bag. The working zipper has a path that is in 3 planes, namely, two vertical sides and the top of the bag. Additionally, this shoe bag may optionally have pull strap 64. A hidden zipper 18 is sewn to the outer layer 65 and has a pathway such that it exposes most of the outer layer of the shoe bag for embroidering purposes. This is more clearly illustrated in FIG. 11

[0042] FIG. 12 shows a flexible shoe bag 70 having an opening 72 that can be closed by a drawstring or a working zipper that is in one plane only. A hidden zipper 18 is sewn within the bag in a U-shaped path, so that the outer layer 74 can be separated from inner layer 76. In this manner the outer layer 74 can be embroidered and the stiff threads from the embroidering will not abrade or make scuff marks on the shoe or shoes within the bag 70. FIG. 12 could also be used as an all-purpose accessory bag for storing keys, cell phone, sunglasses, cigars or the like.

[0043] Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention, a golf club cover or a bag that has fully satisfied the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments to a golf club cover, or a bag, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the claims.

Claims

1) A golf club cover comprising: an inner layer in contact with a golf club, an outer layer secured to said inner layer to form a golf club cover, said outer layer being visible to a golfer, said outer layer having a section for embroidery, and means to disassemble and reassemble said section from said outer layer, whereby said section can be disassembled from said outer layer, embroidered, and reassembled.

2) The golf club cover of claim 1, wherein said means to disassemble and reassemble is either a zipper or velcro fastener.

3) The golf club cover of claim 2, wherein said zipper is a hidden zipper.

4) The golf club cover of claim 1, wherein said section is substantially the entire outer layer.

5) The golf club cover of claim 1, wherein said cover has a crown.

6) The golf club cover of claim 5, wherein said crown is made from clear material.

7) The golf club cover of claim 5, wherein said crown is made from solid material.

8) The golf club cover of claim 1, wherein said inner layer and said outer layer are made from one or more of leather, wool, cotton, synthetic materials such as synthetic fibers, synthetic fur, velour, or velvet.

9) The golf club cover of claim 1, wherein said cover includes a pull strap secured to said outer layer.

10) The golf club cover of claim 1, wherein said cover is designed for a putter.

11) The golf club cover of claim 1, wherein said cover is designed for a wood club.

12) A shoe bag comprising: an inner layer in contact with a shoe or shoes, an outer layer secured to said inner layer to form a shoe bag, said outer layer being visible, said outer layer having a section for embroidery, and means to disassemble and reassemble said section from said outer layer, whereby said section can be disassembled from said outer layer, embroidered, and reassembled.

13) The shoe bag of claim 12, wherein said means to disassemble and reassemble is either a zipper or velcro fastener.

14) The shoe bag of claim 13, wherein said zipper is a hidden zipper.

15) The shoe bag of claim 12, wherein said inner layer and said outer layer are made from one or more of leather, wool, cotton, synthetic materials such as synthetic fibers, synthetic fur, velour, or velvet.

16) The shoe bag of claim 12, wherein said bag includes a pull strap secured to said outer layer.

17) The shoe bag of claim 12, wherein shoe bag has a zipper to open said bag.

18) The shoe bag of claim 17, wherein said zipper is in at least 2 different planes.

19) The shoe bag of claim 17, wherein said zipper is in the same plane.

20) The shoe bag of claim 12, wherein said shoe bag is shaped as a box.