Club head cover

Abstract

A club head cover includes a head-protecting member for enclosing a club head, a cover body for separately enclosing a club shaft, the cover body being provided with a longitudinal opening and connected to the head protecting member, and a device for biasing the cover body in a direction where the opening is reduced, whereby, when the club shaft is enclosed by the cover body, an inner wall of the cover body can tightly contact the club shaft.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] (a) Filed of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a club head cover and, more particularly, to a golf club head cover that is made of elastic material or provided with an elastic member so that it can be more easily worn on or removed from golf club head.

[0003] (b) Description of the Related Art

[0004] Golfers typically carry a set of clubs in a golf bag with the club handles inserted into the bag. When the bags are moved from place to place, the heads and shafts repeatedly strike and batter each other or collide with other objects such as the branches of a tree and a vehicle body. This causes the heads and shafts to be scratched and damaged, generating noise.

[0005] Covers made of synthetic or natural fibers are provided for protecting the club heads.

[0006] Particularly, in recent years, as the shafts of the clubs are plated with gold or silver, the shafts are also covered with covers to be protected from the scratch and damage.

[0007] To cover the heads and shafts, “Sock” types of golf club covers that are made of synthetic or natural fibers have been used. These socks generally have a zipper or a Velcro fastener on them to hold them in place over the heads and shafts when they are in the bag.

[0008] However, such “Sock” type of covers have a problem that they are inadvertently removed from the heads and shafts as they are not yet securely fixed over the heads and shafts. Furthermore, the zipping and fastening is inconvenient for users.

[0009] As another conventional art, there is a head cover that is made of hard material and formed in a pipe-shape. The head cover is provided at its one side with a groove through which the club is inserted or removed. However, the hard cover may cause the club to be scratched or damaged, generating noise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention has been made in an effort to solve the above-described problems of the prior arts.

[0011] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a golf club head cover that is made of elastic material or provided with an elastic member so that it can be more easily worn over or removed from the club heads and shafts, while suppressing the generation of noise and preventing the scratch in the course of wearing and removing.

[0012] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a club head cover comprising a head-protecting member for enclosing a club head; a cover body for separately enclosing a club shaft, the cover body being provided with a longitudinal opening and connected to the head protecting member; and means for biasing the cover body in a direction where the opening is reduced, whereby, when the club shaft is enclosed by the cover body, an inner wall of the cover body can tightly contact the club shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the means for biasing may be selected from the group consisting of a flat spring, a rubber clip, and a coil spring.

[0014] Alternatively, the means for biasing may be realized by forming the cover body using elastic material through a foam process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf club covered with a head cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a body of a head cover depicted in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a head cover depicted in FIG. 2;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a head cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a head cover depicted in FIG. 5;

[0022] FIGS. 7a and 7b are sectional views illustrating a variety of examples of a section taken along line B-B of FIG. 5;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a head cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a head cover depicted in FIG. 8;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 8;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a head cover according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 11; and

[0028] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a preferred example of wearing a head cover on a golf club.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more in detail hereinafter in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a head cover according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The inventive head cover comprises a head protecting member 5 in which a head 3 of a golf club 1 is inserted and a cover body 7 for covering a shaft 9 of the golf club 1, the cover body 7 being integrally formed with the head protecting member 5.

[0032] The head-protecting member 5 encloses the head 3 of the golf club 1 to prevent the head 3 from being scratched and damaged when it strikes with other club heads. Such a head-protecting member 5 is made of fabric material or flexible synthetic resin so that it can properly conform to a variety of shapes of the club head 3.

[0033] In addition, the head-protecting member 5 is integrally or separately coupled to a top portion of the cover body 7 by riveting or sewing.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the cover body 7 encloses the shaft 9 to prevent the shaft from being scratched or damaged when the shaft 9 strikes with other club shafts.

[0035] The cover body 7 comprises first and second members 11 and 13 facing each other with a gap “t” through which the shaft 9 of the club 1 is inserted to be enclosed and an elastic member 15 for elastically connecting the first and second members 11 and 13 so that the first and second members 11 and 13 can be returned to their initial positions when the shaft 9 is inserted or removed.

[0036] Each of the first and second members 11 and 13 has a semi-circular section such that an internal space H in which the shaft 9 inserted through the gap “t” is located can be formed when the first and second members 11 and 13 are associated.

[0037] Preferably, the first and second members 11 and 13 are formed of rubber or synthetic resin and provided at their outer surfaces with plural projections 17 to enhance the grip force.

[0038] Furthermore, the first and second members 11 and 13 are provided at their inner surfaces with plural wrinkles to more stably protect the shaft when the shaft 9 is located in the internal space H.

[0039] In addition, the first and second members 11 and 13 are provided at their inner-lower circumference with an insertion groove 21 in a longitudinal direction. The elastic member 15 is fitted into the insertion holes 21. Accordingly, the first and second members 11 and 13 are connected to each other by the elastic member 15 inserted into the insertion grooves 21.

[0040] The elastic member 15 is preferably formed of a trip-shaped plate spring. When outer force is applied to the elastic member 15 in an arrow direction 23, the elastic member 15 is curved into the arrow direction 23, and when the outer force is released, the elastic member 15 is restored to its initial state. That is, the first and second members 11 and 13 are biased inward while maintaining the gap “t” in a state where they face each other.

[0041] Furthermore, the elastic member 15 is integrally fixed on the first and second members 11 and 13 in a state where it is inserted into the insertion grooves 21 of the first and second members 11 and 13. That is, the first and second members 11 and 13 are provided with at their predetermined positions with grooves 27. The grooves 27 are provided at their bottom with a vertical screw hole 29.

[0042] Meanwhile, the elastic member 15 is also provided with coupling holes 31 corresponding to the screw holes 29. Accordingly, even when the first and second members 11 and 13 are integrally connected to each other by screws 25, since the screws 25 are located in the screw holes 29, screw heads are not protruded.

[0043] When the club head cover is worn on the club 1, the club shaft 9 can be inserted into the cover body 7 through the gap “t.” The first and second members 11 and 13 are provided at an opposite side of the gap “t” with a chamber L for allowing them to be widened.

[0044] As a result, in the course of inserting the club into the cover, the first and second members 11 and 13 can be easily and smoothly widened.

[0045] The head cover wearing process will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2 and 13.

[0046] As shown in the drawings, the head-protecting member is first worn on the club head 3, and then the gap “t” of the cover body 7 is aligned with the club shaft 9. When outer force is applied to the cover body 7, the cover body 7 is moved in the arrow direction to contact the club shaft 9. When the outer force is further applied to the cover body 7, the gap “t” is widened as the outer force overcomes the elastic force of the elastic member 15.

[0047] When the gap “t” is widened to a predetermined width, preferably greater than the diameter of the club shaft 9, the shaft 9 is inserted into the cover body 7.

[0048] After the club shaft 9 is inserted into the cover body 7, the cover body 7 is returned to its initial poison by the elastic force of the elastic member 15, reducing the gap “t.” Accordingly, the cover body 7 gets to enclose the club shaft 9.

[0049] Meanwhile, the removing of the head cover from the club 1 is proceeded in the reverse process. That is, when outer force is applied to the cover body 7 in an opposite direction against the club shaft 9 along the arrow, the shaft 9 in the cover body 7 contacts and increases the gap “t.” When the outer force is further applied, the shaft 9 is removed out of the cover body 7 through the gap “t.”

[0050] In addition, by taking off the head-protecting member 9 from the club head 3, the head cover is completely separated from the golf club 1.

[0051] FIGS. 5 to 7 show a head cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] As shown in the drawings, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the elastic member is formed of more than one rubber clip 35.

[0053] That is, a head cover of this embodiment comprises first and second members 31 and 33 facing each other to receive a club shaft 9 and an I-shaped rubber clip 35 for elastically connecting the first and second members 31 and 33 to each other and biasing them inward.

[0054] The first and second members 31 and 33 are respectively provided with horizontal coupling holes 38 and 37. The coupling holes 38 and 37 are spaced away from each at a predetermined distance.

[0055] The rubber clips 35 are made of rubber material to elastically connect the first and second members 31 and 33 by penetrating the coupling holes 38 and 37 horizontally.

[0056] The rubber clip 35 comprises a horizontal portion 39 and vertical portions 41 and 43 formed on opposite ends of the horizontal portions 39.

[0057] Accordingly, when penetrating the first and second members 31 and 33, the vertical portion 41 is twisted to be identical to the horizontal portion 39 and inserted into the coupling hole 37 formed on the second member 37 and the coupling hole 38 of the first member 31.

[0058] After the insertion, when the twisting force applied to the vertical portion 41 is released, the vertical portion 41 is returned to its initial shape to be hooked on a wall defining the coupling hole 38 of the first member 31.

[0059] Through the above-described process, the plural rubber clips 35 are consequently inserted in the first and second members 31 and 33, as a result of which the first and second member 31 and 33 are integrally connected to each other by the rubber clips 35.

[0060] At this point, as the rubber clips 35 have elastic force, the first and second members 31 and 33 maintains depressed state inward, thereby enclosing the club shaft 9.

[0061] Meanwhile, a guide member 47 is mounted on a lower-inner surface 45 of the first and second members 31 and 33 to stably guide the pivot motion of the first and second members 31 and 33. That is, the guide member 47 comprises a receiving portion 49 extending from the first member 31 and a protruded portion 51 extending from the second member 33 and being pivotally inserted into the receiving portion 49.

[0062] The receiving portion 49 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape with a groove 44. The protruded portion 51 is formed in a circular shape to be inserted into the groove 44 of the receiving portion 49. Accordingly, when the first and second members 31 and. 33 are coupled to each other, the protruded portion 51 is pivotally inserted into the groove 44 of the receiving portion 49.

[0063] Furthermore, the cover body 30, as shown in FIG. 7a, is provided at its outer surface with projections 17 and, as shown in FIG. 7b, can have the smooth outer surface 32.

[0064] The wearing of the head cover of this embodiment is performed in a similar way to that of the first embodiment. That is, the gap “t” of the cover body 30 is aligned with the club shaft 9. When outer force is applied to the cover body 30, the cover body 30 contacts the club shaft 9.

[0065] When the outer force is further applied to the cover body 30, the gap “t” is widened as the outer force overcomes the elastic force of the rubber clips 35. Therefore, when the gap “t” is widened to a predetermined width, preferably greater than the diameter of the club shaft 9, the shaft 9 is inserted into the cover body 30.

[0066] After the club shaft 9 is inserted into the cover body 30, the cover body 30 is returned to its initial poison by the elastic force of the rubber clips 35, reducing the gap “t.” Accordingly, the cover body 30 gets to enclose the club shaft 9.

[0067] FIGS. 8 to 10 show a head cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As shown in the drawings, the head cover of this embodiment is similar to those of the first and second embodiments except that the elastic member is formed of coil spring 55.

[0069] That is, a head cover of this embodiment comprises first and second members 51 and 53 facing each other to receive a club shaft 9 and coil springs 55 for elastically connecting the first and second members 51 and 53 to each other.

[0070] The first and second members 51 and 53 are respectively provided with horizontal coupling holes 57. The coupling holes 57 are provided with sub-holes 59 on which opposite ends of the coil spring 55 is hooked.

[0071] The coil spring 55 is formed of a tensile spring, and provided at its opposite ends with hooks 61 hooked on the sub-holes 59. The coil spring 55 penetrates the coupling holes 57 of the first and second members 51 and 53.

[0072] Accordingly, as the coil springs 55 are mounted penetrating the first and second members 51 and 53, the first and second members 51 and 53 are subject to inward force.

[0073] The wearing of the head cover of this embodiment is performed in an identical way to that of the second embodiment. The detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

[0074] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a head cover according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] In this embodiment, the head cover 70 is elastically formed through a foaming process.

[0076] That is, the head cover 70 of this embodiment has a circular-shaped section. The head cover 70 comprises a receiving portion 72 defined by an insertion opening “h,” at its one side and a pair of guides 74 and 76 for guiding the shaft 9 in and out of the receiving portion 72, the guides 74 and 76 being formed extending from a frame of the receiving opening “h.” The receiving portion 72 is formed through a foaming process using material having predetermined elastic force. That is, a mixture is obtained by adding foaming agent to synthetic resin having elastic force, and then formed by foaming machine.

[0077] As the receiving portion 72 is formed through the foaming process, a surface of the receiving portion 72 is very smooth, preventing the shaft 9 from being scratched or damaged in the course of insertion and withdraw of the shaft in and out of the receiving portion 72.

[0078] Furthermore, the guides 74 and 76 are designed to be inclined at a predetermined angle so that the shaft 9 can smoothly received in the receiving portion 72 through the receiving opening “h.” As the receiving portion 72 is formed of material having a proper rigidity and friction, when the club head 3 covered with the head cover 70 is inserted into a golf bag. The taking off of the head cover due to the contact with the frame of the golf bag can be prevented.

[0079] As described above, the inventive club head cover has the following advantages.

[0080] (1) As an elastic member is mounted on the head cover, it can be easily worn on or taken off from the golf club.

[0081] (2) A variety of elastic members such as a flat spring, a rubber clip and a coil spring can be used in accordance with the use of the golf club.

[0082] (3) By mounting the guide portion composed of a receiving portion and a protruded portion on the first and second members, the first and second are not separated from each other when they pivots inward or outward, stably operating.

[0083] (4) Since the head cover is formed of formed of elastic material through a foaming process, the club is being prevented from being scratched and damaged. In addition, since the number of parts can be reduced, the manufacturing costs can be saved.

[0084] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A club head cover comprising:

a head-protecting member for enclosing a club head;

a cover body for separately enclosing a club shaft, the cover body being provided with a longitudinal opening and connected to the head protecting member; and

means for biasing the cover body in a direction where the opening is reduced, whereby, when the club shaft is enclosed by the cover body, an inner wall of the cover body can tightly contact the club shaft.

2. A club head cover of claim 1 wherein the means for biasing is selected from the group consisting of a flat spring, a rubber clip, and a coil spring.

3. A club head cover of claim 1 wherein the means for biasing is realized by forming the cover body using elastic material through a foam process.

4. A club head cover of claim 1 wherein the cover body comprises first and second members, and the means for biasing comprises an elastic members inserted into insertion grooves and fixed by screws.

5. A club head cover of claim 4 wherein the elastic member comprises a flat spring, both side ends of which are inserted into the longitudinal insertion grooves to bias the first and second members toward each other.

6. A club head cover of claim 1 wherein the cover body comprises first and second members facing each other, the first and second members being provided at the inner walls with horizontal coupling holes in which the elastic member is inserted and at a lower-inner wall with guide portion.

7. A club head cover of claim 6 wherein the elastic member comprises a rubber clip having a horizontal portion and vertical portions formed on opposite ends of the horizontal portion.

8. A club head cover of claim 6 wherein the guide portion comprises a receiving portion formed on an inner wall of the first member and a protruded portion formed on an inner wall of the second member and pivotally coupled on the receiving portion.

9. A club head cover of claim 1 wherein the cover body comprises first and second members facing each other, the first and second members being provided at the inner walls with horizontal coupling holes in which the elastic member is inserted and at a lower-inner wall with guide portion, the first and second member being further provided with sub-holes in which both ends of the elastic member are hooked, and the first and second members being further provided at a lower-inner wall with a guide portion.

10. A club head cover of claim 7 wherein the elastic member comprises a tension spring provided at opposite ends with hooks hooked on the sub-holes.

11. A club head cover of claim 1 wherein the opening becomes a gap through which the club shaft is inserted in the cover body.

12. A club head cover comprising:

a head protecting member for enclosing a club head; and

an elastic receiving portion that is formed through a foaming process and connected to the head-protecting member, an insertion opening, through which the club head is inserted in or separated from the receiving portion, being formed on the receiving portion in a longitudinal direction.

13. A club head cover of claim 11 wherein the receiving portion is further provided at frames defining the opening with a pair of guides for guiding the shaft into or out of the receiving portion.