GOLF TOWEL APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A golf towel for attaching to a golf bag is disclosed having a left section, a central section, and a right section. The towel may be folded so that at least part of the left and right sections overlap the central section. The apparatus may be further comprised of a first grommet which attaches at least part of the left, central, and right sections together. The first grommet may surround first, second, and third openings which pass through the left, central, and right sections, respectively. The first, second, and third openings may be located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel. The towel may have a fourth opening located in the central section, wherein the fourth opening is located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning golf towels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are various devices known in the prior art for hanging a golf towel onto a golf bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A golf towel apparatus that can be hung from a golf bag whereby the lower portion of the towel is folded upwards and semi permanently attached to a fastening clip from which the golf towel is hung.

One or more embodiments of the present invention overcome some of the problems associated with a golf towel that can be selectively attached and detached from a golf bag. While golfers like a towel to be large and long enough to perform the usual functions of a towel, the size of the golf towel has its drawbacks. Often, golf towels are so long that they touch the ground when a golf bag is placed on the ground. This makes the golf towel wet and or dirty. Even if the golf towel does not touch the ground, the towel often gets in the way when the golfer tries to open various pockets that are part of most golf bags. In short, a long golf towel has its good points and its bad points. One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a golf towel that can be easily shortened and lengthened by the golfer without the golfer having to completely remove the towel from his golf bag.

In one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus is provided comprising a towel. The towel has a left section, a central section, and a right section. The left section is connected to the central section and the central section is connected to the right section. The left section, the central section, and the right section may be substantially parallel to each other. The towel may be folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap the central section.

The apparatus may be further comprised of a first grommet which attaches at least part of the left section, at least part of the central section, and at least part of the right section together. The first grommet may surround first, second, and third openings which pass through the left section, central section, and the right section, respectively. The first, second, and third openings may be located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel. The towel may have a fourth opening located in the central section, wherein the fourth opening is located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel. The apparatus may be further comprised of a second grommet surrounding the fourth opening.

The second opening located in the central section and the fourth opening located in the central section may be oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the second opening and a center of the fourth opening is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel.

The apparatus may be further comprised of a band located between the second opening and the fourth opening, wherein the band is attached to the central section. The band may be used in the following manner. When the towel is doubled over, the part of the towel without the band can be inserted or tucked within the band so that the towel is held in a folded over state.

Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may be comprised of a loop attached nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel. The second opening located in the central section and the loop may be oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the second opening and a middle of the loop is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel.

The apparatus may be further comprised of a band located between the second opening and the loop, wherein the band is attached to the central section.

In one embodiment, the first, second, and third openings are arranged so that a first line segment from the first opening to the second opening, a second line segment from the second opening to the third opening, and a third line segment from the third opening to the first opening, substantially form a triangular shape. First, second, and third grommets may be attached to the towel and may surround the first, second, and third openings, respectively.

In one embodiment of the present invention a method is provided comprising attaching a towel to a golf bag, wherein the towel may be configured as previously described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a towel and an attached grommet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B shows a view of the towel of FIG. 1A, with a section of the towel folded over;

FIG. 1C shows a view of the towel of FIG. 1A, with two sections of the towel folded over one section;

FIG. 1D shows a view of the top and bottom edges of the towel of FIG. 1A, with two sections of the towel folded over one, and with the towel then further folded in half;

FIG. 1E shows a view of a central section of the towel and two attached grommets in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a slip hook for use with any of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-4 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a golf bag with golf clubs, with the slip hook of FIG. 5 attached to the golf bag and to the towel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A shows a front view of a towel and three attached grommets in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B shows a view of the towel of FIG. 10A, with a section of the towel folded over;

FIG. 10C shows a view of the towel of FIG. 10A, with two sections of the towel folded over one section;

FIG. 10D shows a view of the top and bottom edges of the towel of FIG. 10A, with two sections of the towel folded over one, and with the towel then further folded in half;

FIG. 11 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A shows a front view of a towel and two attached grommets in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12B shows a view of the towel of FIG. 12A, with a section of the towel folded over;

FIG. 12C shows a view of the top and bottom edges of the towel of FIG. 12A, with a section of the towel folded over, and with the towel then further folded in half;

FIG. 13 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 shows a front view of an apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a towel 11 and an attached grommet 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The towel 11 includes right, central, and left sections 12, 14, and 16. Sections 12, 14, and 16 have openings 18c, 18b, and 18a, near a top edge or end 11a of the towel 11. The towel 11 includes folds or creases 19a and 19b. Fold or crease 19a separates section 16 from section 14. Fold or crease 19bseparates section 14 from section 12. Sections 12, 14, and 16 have front surfaces 12a, 14a, and 16a, respectively. There is a grommet 20 located near a bottom edge or end 11bof the towel 11. The grommet 20 is inserted in and surrounds an opening 18d.

FIG. 1B shows a view of the towel 11 with the section 12 of the towel 11 folded over the section 14. In FIG. 1B front surface 16a of the section 16 is visible and rear surface 12b of the section 12 is visible. The front surface 12a, not shown in FIG. 1B, is aligned with front surface 14a of the section 14. In addition, the opening 18c of section 12 is aligned with the opening 18b of section 14. The section 12 covers the opening 18d, so that it cannot be seen in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1C shows a view of the towel 11 with the sections 12 and 16 of the towel 11 folded over the section 14. In FIG. 1C, section 16 lies on top of and is aligned with section 12, and section 12 lies on top of and is aligned with section 14. The opening 18alies on top of and is aligned with the opening 18c which lies on top of and is aligned with the opening 18b. In addition, in FIG. 1C, a grommet 22 is shown inserted into and through all three openings 18a, 18c, and 18b, and the grommet 22 holds the sections 12, 14, and 16 together near the top edge or end 11a of the towel 11. However, the towel 11 can be unfolded near the opposing edge or end 11b, so that a substantial portion, such as a majority of each of sections 12, 14, and 16, can be seen at the same time. The combination of the towel 11 and grommets 20 and 22 form apparatus 10.

FIG. 1D shows a view of the top and bottom edges or ends 11a and 11b of the towel 11 of FIG. 1A, with two sections of the towel folded over one section, and with the towel 11 then further folded in half. In FIG. 1D, the towel 11 has been folded so that ends or edges 11a and 11b meet. Dashed lines in FIG. 1D show the locations of openings 18a, 18c, 18b, and 18d, through the towel 11.

FIG. 1E shows a view of the towel 11 with the sections 12 and 16 of the towel 11 folded over the section 14. The FIG. 1E view is opposite of the FIG. 1C view. FIG. 1E shows the grommets 20 and 22. The grommet 20 only passes through the central section 14 and does not pass through the sections 12 or 16. In this manner, a substantial portion, such as a majority, of the towel 11, can be unfolded so that each of sections 12, 14, and 16 can be seen at the same time. This allows towel 11, to be opened substantially, in order to use a large portion of towel 11 for cleaning golf clubs.

In operation, the towel 11, can be initially laid out as shown in FIG. 1A. Section 12 of the towel 11 can be folded over section 14 as shown in FIG. 1B. Next section 16 can be folded over sections 12 and 14 as shown by FIG. 1C. After the towel 11 has been folded up into the configuration of FIG. 1C, the grommet 22 can be attached to sections 12, 14, and 16 through openings 18c, 18b, and 18a, respectively. The sections 12, 14, and 16 are thus attached near the top end or edge 11a. However, the sections 12, 14, and 16 remain unattached near the bottom end or edge 11b. Thus, the towel 11 can be substantially unfolded, but not completely, since the sections 12, 14, and 16 are attached by grommet 22 near top edge 11a.

The grommet 20 as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1E, only goes through one layer, i.e. the section 14 of the towel 11. The grommet 20 thus does not attach sections 12, 14, and 16 together.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a slip hook 400 for use with the apparatus 10 of FIG. 1C and 1E in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The slip hook 400 may be metal, plastic, or wire. The slip hook 400 includes loop sections 402 and 404, substantially straight section 406, loop section 408, substantially straight section 410, a section 412, a section 414, and a section 416. The slip hook 400 includes an end 402aand an end 416a. The slip hook 400 is used to secure the apparatus 10, including the towel 11 and grommets 20 and 22, to the golf bag 500.

The slip hook 400 may be a special “hanger” spring round wire hook or a metal or plastic hook. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into an opening or openings within a grommet such as the openings 18a, 18b, and 18c, within grommet 22 or the opening 18d within grommet 20 of FIG. 1E. As an example, the end 402a can be inserted through openings 18a, 18b, and 18c within grommet 22, and thus through sections 12, 14, and 16 of the towel 11. The grommet 22 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto a loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 11 can be doubled over or folded in half as shown in FIG. 6 and the end 416a of the slip hook 400 can be inserted into the opening 18d within the grommet 20. The grommet 20 would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

The length, L1, of the slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, may be about two inches. The slip hook 400 of FIG. 5 can be replaced by any other hanger device such as a J-hook, a spring hook, a slip hook, or a lanyard. The slip hook 400 can be made of either plastic or metal. The material for the towel 11 can be cotton.

One or more embodiments of the present invention overcome problems associated with golf towels that hang from golf bags that often are so long that they touch the ground. One or more embodiments of the present invention keep a towel neat and tidy and one side of the towel can be easily detached so a golfer can fold out and use a substantial portion of the towel such as the towel 11 after grommet 22 has been attached as shown in FIG. 1C, and when finished using it, he/she can easily fold it back and attach the towel 11 as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of golf clubs 512, such as golf clubs 512a, 512b, and 512c may be located in a chamber 502 of the golf bag 500. The chamber 502 is located inside a body portion 510 of the golf bag 500.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of an apparatus 100 including a grommet 102, a loop 104, and a towel 106. The grommet 102 surrounds an opening 106a in the towel 106. The towel 106 has a top edge or end 106b, an opposing bottom edge or end 106c, and a body portion 106d. The towel 106 may be made of cotton. The grommet 102 may be made of metal or plastic. The loop 104 may be made of cotton fabric or nylon. The towel 106 may have three sections, similar to the sections 12, 14, and 16 shown for the towel 11 in FIG. 1A, but not shown for the towel 106 in FIG. 2. The grommet 102 may connect the three sections similar to the sections 12, 14, and 16 shown for the towel 11 in FIG. 1A. The body portion 106d may be the central section of the towel 106, similar to section 14 of the towel 11.

In operation, the formation of the apparatus 100 can be similar to the formation of apparatus 10. I.e. the towel 106 may be laid out similar to FIG. 1A, with three sections, similar to 12, 14, and 16 showing. The towel 106 may be folded over similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The grommet 102 may be used to attach three sections similar to the manner in which grommet 22 attaches the three sections 12, 14, and 16.

After the formation of the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 can be attached to the slip hook 400 in the following manner. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into opening 106a within the grommet 102 and typically thus through three sections of the towel 106 similar to sections 12, 14, and 16 of the towel 11. The grommet 102 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto the loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 106 can be doubled over or folded in half, similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIG. 6 and the end 416a can be inserted into the opening 104a within the loop 104 of FIG. 2. The loop 104 would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an apparatus 200 including a grommet 202, a band 204, a loop 206, and a towel 208. The grommet 202 surrounds an opening 208a in the towel 208. The towel 208 has a top edge or end 208b, an opposing bottom edge or end 208c, and a body portion 208d. The towel 208 may be made of cotton. The grommet 202 may be made of metal or plastic. The band 204 may be made of cotton or nylon. The loop 206 may be made of cotton fabric or nylon.

The towel 208 may have three sections, similar to the sections 12, 14, and 16 shown for the towel 11 in FIG. 1A, but not shown in FIG. 3. The grommet 202 may connect the three sections similar to the sections 12, 14, and 16 shown for the towel 11 in FIG. 1A. The body portion 208d may be the central section of the towel 208, similar to section 14 of the towel 11.

In operation, the formation of the apparatus 200 can be similar to the formation of apparatus 10. I.e. the towel 208 may be laid out similar to FIG. 1A, with three sections, similar to 12, 14, and 16 showing. The towel 208 may be folded over similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The grommet 202 may be used to attach three sections similar to the manner in which grommet 22 attaches three sections 12, 14, and 16.

After the formation of the apparatus 200, the apparatus 200 can be attached to the slip hook 400 in the following manner. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into opening 208a within the grommet 202 and typically thus through three sections of the towel 208 similar to sections 12, 14, and 16 of the towel 11. The grommet 202 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto the loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 208 can be doubled over or folded in half, similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIG. 6. The half of the towel 208 without the band 204 can inserted underneath the band 204 between the band 204 and part of the towel 208, thus holding the towel 208 in a doubled over position similar to FIG. 6. Thereafter, the end 416a can be inserted into the opening 206a within the loop 206 of FIG. 3. The loop 206 would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an apparatus 300 including a grommet 302, a band 304, a grommet 306, and a towel 308. The grommets 302 and 306 surround openings 308a and 308b, respectively, in the towel 308. The towel 308 has a top edge 308c, a bottom edge 308d, and a body portion 308e. The towel 308 may be made of cotton. The grommets 302 and 306 may be made of metal or plastic. The band 304 may be made of cotton fabric or nylon.

The towel 308 may have three sections, similar to the sections 12, 14, and 16 shown for the towel 11 in FIG. 1A, but not shown in FIG. 4. The grommet 302 may connect the three sections similar to the sections 12, 14, and 16 shown for the towel 11 in FIG. 1A. The body portion 308e may be the central section of the towel 308, similar to the section 14 of the towel 11.

In operation, the formation of the apparatus 300 can be similar to the formation of apparatus 10. I.e. the towel 308 may be laid out similar to FIG. 1A, with three sections, similar to 12, 14, and 16 showing. The towel 308 may be folded over similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The grommet 302 may be used to attach three sections similar to the manner in which grommet 22 attaches three sections 12, 14, and 16.

After the formation of the apparatus 300, the apparatus 300 can be attached to the slip hook 400 in the following manner. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into opening 308a within the grommet 302 and typically thus through three sections of the towel 308 similar to sections 12, 14, and 16 of the towel 11. The grommet 302 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto the loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 308 can be doubled over or folded in half, similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIG. 6 and the end 416a can be inserted into the opening 308ba within the grommet 306 of FIG. 4. The grommet 306 only goes through one layer of the three sections in the towel 308, as opposed to the grommet 302 which goes through and attached all three sections. The grommet 306 would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of an apparatus 600 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 600 includes a grommet 602, a grommet 604, a grommet 606, and a towel 608. The grommets 602, 604, and 606 surround openings 608a, 608b, and 608c, respectively, in the towel 608. The grommets 602, 604, and 606 are in a triangular configuration, such that lines segments from grommet 602 to grommet 604, grommet 604 to grommet 606, and grommet 606 to grommet 608 substantially form a triangle.

The towel 608 has a top edge 608d, a bottom edge 608e, and a body portion 608f. The towel 608 has sides 610a and 610b. The towel 608 has fold or crease 612a and 612b to facilitate folding the towel 608 so that side 610a lies substantially on top of side 610b and grommet 604 and opening 608b are aligned over grommet 606 and opening 608c, respectively. The towel 608 may be made of cotton. The grommets 602, 604, and 606 may be made of metal or plastic.

In operation, the towel 608 of FIG. 7 can be first folded over so that side 610alies on top of side 610b and opening 608b lies over opening 608c. Next the end 402a of the slip hook 400 can be inserted into the opening 608a of the towel 608. The grommet 602 would then be slid over portions or sections 402, 404, and 406, down to section or portion 408 of hook 400. Next, the end 402a of the slip hook 400 would be inserted through the overlapping openings of 608b and 608c. The aligned grommets 604 and 606 would next be slid over portions or sections 402, 404, and 406, down to section or portion 408 of hook 400. The towel 608 is now neatly attached to the slip hook 400.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of an apparatus 700 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 700 includes grommets 702, 704, 706, and 708, and a towel 710. The grommets 702, 704, 706, and 708 surround openings 710a, 710b, 710c, and 710d, respectively, in the towel 710. The towel 710 has a top edge 710e, a bottom edge 710f, and a body portion 710g. The towel 710 has sides 711a, 711b, and 711c. The towel 710 has fold or crease 712a to facilitate folding the towel 710 so that side 711a lies substantially on top of side 711b and grommet 704 and opening 710b are aligned over grommet 706 and opening 710c, respectively. The towel also has fold or crease 712b to facilitate folding the towel 710 so that side 711c lies substantially on top of side 711b and grommet 708 and opening 710d are aligned over grommet 706 and opening 710c, respectively. The towel 710 may be made of cotton. The grommets 702, 704, 706, and 708 may be made of metal or plastic.

In operation, the towel 710 of FIG. 8 can be first folded over so that side 711 a lies substantially on top of side 711b and opening 710b lies over opening 710c. Thereafter, the side 711c would be folded over so that side 711c lies substantially on top of sides 711a and 711b and opening 710d lies over opening 710c and opening 710b. Next the end 402aof the slip hook 400 can be inserted into the opening 710a of the towel 710. The opening 710 may not be completely covered by sides 711a and 711c or part of the sides 711a and 711c may be pulled up to allow the end 402a to be inserted into the opening 710a. The grommet 702 would then be slid over portions or sections 402, 404, and 406, down to section or portion 408 of slip hook 400. Next, the end 402a of the slip hook 400 would be inserted through the overlapping openings of 710b, 710c, and 710d. The aligned grommets 704, 706, and 708 would next be slid over portions or sections 402, 404, and 406, down to section or portion 408 of hook 400. The towel 710 is now neatly attached to the slip hook 400.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of an apparatus 800 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 800 includes grommets 802, 804, and 806, and a towel 810. The grommets 802, 804, and 806 surround openings 810a, 810b, and 810c, respectively, in the towel 810. The towel 810 has a top edge 810d, a bottom edge 810e, and a body portion 811. The towel 810 has sections or sides 811a, 811b, and 811c. The towel 810 has fold or crease 812a to facilitate folding the towel 810 so that section 811a lies substantially on top of section 811b. The towel 810 also has fold or crease 812b to facilitate folding the towel 710 so that side 811c lies substantially on top of side 811b. With both sections 811a and 811c lying on top of section 811b, the openings 810b and 810c are substantially aligned as are the grommets 804 and 806, so that a pin or hook can be inserted through the combination of openings 810b and 810c and through grommets 804 and 806. The towel 810 may be made of cotton. The grommets 802, 804, and 806 may be made of metal or plastic.

In operation, the towel 810 of FIG. 8 can be first folded over so that side 811 a lies substantially on top of side 811b. Thereafter, the side 811c would be folded over so that side 811c lies substantially on top of sides 811a and 811b and opening 810c lies over opening 810b. Next the end 402a of the slip hook 400 can be inserted into the opening 810a of the towel 710. Part of the sides 811a and 811c may be lifted up to allow the end 402a to be inserted into the opening 810a. The grommet 802 would then be slid over portions or sections 402, 404, and 406, down to section or portion 408 of slip hook 400. Next, the end 402a of the slip hook 400 would be inserted through the overlapping openings of 810c and 810b. The aligned grommets 804 and 806 would next be slid over portions or sections 402, 404, and 406, down to section or portion 408 of hook 400. The towel 810 is now neatly attached to the slip hook 400.

FIG. 10A shows a front view of a towel 911 and three attached grommets 920, 922, and 924 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The towel 911 includes right, central, and left sections 912, 914, and 916. Sections 912, 914, and 916 have openings 918c, 918b, and 918a, near a top edge or end 911a of the towel 911. The towel 911 includes folds or creases 919a and 919b. Fold or crease 919a separates section 916 from section 914. Fold or crease 919b separates section 914 from section 912. Sections 912, 914, and 916 have front surfaces 912a, 914a, and 916a, respectively. There are grommets 920, 922, and 924 located near a bottom edge or end 911b of the towel 911. The grommets 920, 922, and 924 are inserted in and surround openings 918d, 918e, and 918f, respectively.

FIG. 10B shows a view of the towel 911 with the section 912 of the towel 911 folded over the section 914. In FIG. 10B front surface 916a of the section 916 is visible and rear surface 912b of the section 912 is visible. The front surface 912a, not shown in FIG. 1B, is aligned with front surface 914a of the section 914. In addition, the opening 918c of section 912 is aligned with the opening 918b of section 914. Also the opening 918f of section 912 is aligned with the opening 918e of section 914.

FIG. 10C shows a view of the towel 911 with the sections 912 and 916 of the towel 911 folded over the section 914. In FIG. 10C, section 916 lies on top of and is aligned with section 912, and section 912 lies on top of and is aligned with section 914. The opening 918a lies on top of and is aligned with the opening 918c which lies on top of and is aligned with the opening 918b. In addition, in FIG. 1C, a grommet 926 is shown inserted into and through all three openings 918a, 918c, and 918b, and the grommet 926 holds the sections 912, 914, and 916 together near the top edge or end 911a of the towel 911. However, the towel 911 can be unfolded near the opposing edge or end 911b, so that a substantial portion, such as a majority of each of sections 912, 914, and 916, can be seen at the same time. The combination of the towel 911 and grommets 920, 922, 924, and 926 form apparatus 10.

In FIG. 10C, the grommets 920, 922, and 924 are aligned with each other and the openings 918d, 918e, and 918f are aligned with each other.

FIG. 10D shows a view of the top and bottom edges or ends 911a and 911b of the towel 911 of FIG. 10A, with two sections of the towel folded over one section, and with the towel 911 then further folded in half. In FIG. 10D, the towel 911 has been folded so that ends or edges 911a and 911b meet. Dashed lines in FIG. 10D show the locations of openings 918a, 918c, 918b, 918e, 918f, and 918d, through the towel 11.

FIG. 11 shows a front view of an apparatus 1000 including a grommet 1002, a band 1004, a grommet 1006, and a towel 1008. The grommets 1002 and 1006 surround openings 1008a and 1008b, respectively, in the towel 1008. The towel 1008 has a top edge 1008c, a bottom edge 1008d, and a body portion 1008e. The towel 1008 may be made of cotton. The grommets 1002 and 1006 may be made of metal or plastic. The band 1004 may be made of cotton fabric or nylon.

The towel 1008 may have three sections, similar to the sections 912, 914, and 916 shown for the towel 911 in FIG. 10A, but not shown in FIG. 11. The grommet 1002 may connect the three sections similar to the sections 912, 914, and 916 shown for the towel 911 in FIG. 11. The body portion 1008e may be the central section of the towel 1008, similar to the section 914 of the towel 911.

In operation, the formation of the apparatus 1000 can be similar to the formation of apparatus 910 of FIG. 10C. I.e. the towel 1008 may be laid out similar to FIG. 10A, with three sections, similar to 912, 914, and 916 showing. The towel 1008 may be folded over similar to what is shown for towel 911 in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The grommet 1002 may be used to attach three sections similar to the manner in which grommet 1002 attaches three sections 1002, 1014, and 1016.

After the formation of the apparatus 1000, the apparatus 1000 can be attached to the slip hook 400 in the following manner. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into opening 1008a within the grommet 1002 and typically thus through three sections of the towel 1008 similar to sections 912, 914, and 916 of the towel 911. The grommet 1002 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto the loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 1008 can be doubled over or folded in half, similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIG. 6 and the end 416a can be inserted into the opening 1008b within the grommet 1006 of FIG. 11, and into two openings within grommets similar to openings 918e and 918f within grommets 922 and 924, respectively, of towel 911 of FIG. 10A. The grommet 1006 and grommets similar to grommets 922 and 924 in FIG. 10A, would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

FIG. 12A shows a front view of a towel 1111 and two attached grommets 1120 and 1122, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The towel 1111 includes right, and left sections 1112 and 1114. Sections 1112 and 1114 have openings 1118b and 1118c, respectively, near a top edge or end 1111a of the towel 1111. The towel 1111 includes fold or crease 1119a. Fold or crease 1119a separates section 1112 from section 1114. Sections 1112 and 1114 have front surfaces 1112a and 1114a, respectively. There are grommets 1120 and 1122 located near a bottom edge or end 1111b of the towel 1111. The grommets 1120 and 1122 are inserted in and surround openings 1118c, and 1118d, respectively.

FIG. 12B shows a view of the towel 1111 with the section 1112 of the towel 1111 folded over the section 1114. The front surface 1112a, not shown in FIG. 12B, is aligned with front surface 1114a of the section 1114. In addition, the opening 1118b of section 1112 is aligned with the opening 1118a of section 1114. Also the opening 1118dof section 1112 is aligned with the opening 1118c of section 1114.

FIG. 12C shows a view of the top and bottom edges or ends 1111a and 1111b of the towel 1111 of FIG. 12A, with section 1112 folded over section 1114 and with the towel 1111 then further folded in half. In FIG. 12C, the towel 1111 has been folded so that ends or edges 1111a and 1111b meet. Dashed lines in FIG. 12C show the locations of openings 1118a, 1118b, 1118d, and 1118c through the towel 1111.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of an apparatus 1200 including a grommet 1202, a band 1204, a grommet 1206, and a towel 1208. The grommets 1202 and 1206 surround openings 1208a and 1208b, respectively, in the towel 1208. The towel 1208 has a top edge 1208c, a bottom edge 1208d, and a body portion 1208e. The towel 1208 may be made of cotton. The grommets 1202 and 1206 may be made of metal or plastic. The band 1204 may be made of cotton fabric or nylon.

The towel 1208 may have two sections, similar to the sections 1112 and 1114 shown for the towel 1111 in FIG. 12A, but not shown in FIG. 13. The grommet 1202 may connect the two sections similar to the sections 1112 and 1114, shown for the towel 1111 in FIG. 12A. The body portion 1208e may be similar to the section 1112.

In operation, the formation of the apparatus 1200 can be similar to the formation of apparatus 1100 of FIG. 12B. I.e. the towel 1208 may be laid out similar to FIG. 12A, with two sections, similar to 1112 and 1114 showing. The towel 1208 may be folded over similar to what is shown for towel 1111 in FIG. 12B. The grommet 1202 may be used to attach two sections similar to the manner in which grommet 1124 attaches the two sections 1112 and 1114.

After the formation of the apparatus 1200, the apparatus 1200 can be attached to the slip hook 400 in the following manner. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into opening 1208a within the grommet 1202 and typically thus through two sections of the towel 1208 similar to sections 1112 and 1114 of the towel 1111. The grommet 1202 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto the loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 308 can be doubled over or folded in half, similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIG. 6 and the end 416a can be inserted into the opening 1208b within the grommet 1206 of FIG. 13 an into another grommet not shown similar to grommet 1120 in section 1114 of FIG. 12A. The grommet 1206, and a grommet similar to grommet 1120 would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of an apparatus 1300 including a grommet 1302, a loop 1304, and a towel 1306. The grommet 1302 surrounds an opening 1306a in the towel 1306. The towel 1306 has a top edge or end 1306b, an opposing bottom edge or end 1306c, and a body portion 1306d. The towel 1306 may be made of cotton. The grommet 1302 may be made of metal or plastic. The loop 1304 may be made of cotton fabric or nylon. The towel 1306 may have two sections, similar to the sections 1112 and 1114 shown for the towel 1111 in FIG. 12A, but not shown for the towel 1306 in FIG. 14. The grommet 1302 may connect the two sections similar to the sections 1112 and 1114 shown for the towel 1111 in FIG. 12A. The body portion 1306d may be similar to section 1112 of the towel 1111 of FIG. 12A.

In operation, the formation of the apparatus 1300 can be similar to the formation of apparatus 1100 of FIG. 12B. I.e. the towel 1306 may be laid out similar to FIG. 12A, with two sections, similar to 1112 and 1114 showing. The towel 1306 may be folded over similar to what is shown for towel 1111 in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The grommet 1302 may be used to attach two sections similar to the manner in which grommet 1124 attaches the two sections 1112 and 1114.

After the formation of the apparatus 1300, the apparatus 1300 can be attached to the slip hook 400 in the following manner. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into opening 1306a within the grommet 1302 and typically thus through two sections of the towel 1306 similar to sections 1112 and 1114 of the towel 1111. The grommet 1302 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto the loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 1306 can be doubled over or folded in half, similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIG. 6 and the end 416a can be inserted into the opening 1304a within the loop 1304 of FIG. 14. The loop 1304 would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

FIG. 15 shows a front view of an apparatus 1400 including a grommet 1402, a band 1404, a loop 1406, and a towel 1408. The grommet 1402 surrounds an opening 1408a in the towel 1408. The towel 1408 has a top edge or end 1408b, an opposing bottom edge or end 1408c, and a body portion 1408d. The towel 1408 may be made of cotton. The grommet 1402 may be made of metal or plastic. The band 1404 may be made of cotton or nylon. The loop 1406 may be made of cotton fabric or nylon.

The towel 1408 may have two sections, similar to the sections 1112 and 1114, shown for the towel 1111 in FIG. 12A, but not shown in FIG. 15. The grommet 1402 may connect the two sections similar to the sections 1112 and 1114 shown for the towel 1111 in FIG. 12A. The body portion 1408d may be the central section of the towel 1408, similar to section 1114 of the towel 1111.

In operation, the formation of the apparatus 1400 can be similar to the formation of apparatus 1100 of FIG. 2B. I.e. the towel 1408 may be laid out similar to FIG. 12A, with two sections, similar to 1112, 1114, and 1116 showing. The towel 1408 may be folded over similar to what is shown for towel 1111 in FIGS. 12B. The grommet 1402 may be used to attach two sections similar to the manner in which grommet 1124 attaches two sections 1112 and 14.

After the formation of the apparatus 1400, the apparatus 1400 can be attached to the slip hook 400 in the following manner. An end 402a of slip hook 400, shown in FIG. 5, can be inserted can be inserted into opening 1408a within the grommet 1402 and typically thus through three sections of the towel 1408 similar to sections 1412 and 14 of the towel 1111. The grommet 1402 can then be slid over sections or portions 402, 404, and 406, and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400. The slip hook 400 can then be hooked onto the loop or strap 503 of a golf bag 500 such as shown in FIG. 6. The loop or strap 503 is inserted through the gap 403 of the slip hook 400 and into the region 405 substantially surrounded by the loop or portion 404. Next, the towel 1408 can be doubled over or folded in half, similar to what is shown for towel 11 in FIG. 6 and the end 416a can be inserted into the opening 1406a within the loop 1406 of FIG. 15. The loop 1406 would then be slid over sections or portions 416, 414, 412, and 410 and finally come to rest over section 408 of the slip hook 400.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a towel having a left section, a central section, and a right section;

wherein the left section is connected to the central section and the central section is connected to the right section;

wherein the left section, the central section, and the right section are substantially parallel to each other;

wherein the towel is folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap the central section;

further comprising a first grommet which attaches at least part of the left section, at least part of the central section, and at least part of the right section together;

wherein the first grommet surrounds first, second, and third openings which pass through the left section, central section, and the right section, respectively;

wherein the first, second, and third openings are located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel;

further comprising a fourth opening located in the central section, wherein the fourth opening is located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising

a second grommet surrounding the fourth opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein

the second opening located in the central section and the fourth opening located in the central section are oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the second opening and a center of the fourth opening is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising

a band located between the second opening and the fourth opening, wherein the band is attached to the central section.

5. An apparatus comprising:

a towel having a left section, a central section, and a right section;

wherein the left section is connected to the central section and the central section is connected to the right section;

wherein the left section, the central section, and the right section are substantially parallel to each other;

wherein the towel is folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap the central section;

further comprising a first grommet which attaches at least part of the left section, at least part of the central section, and at least part of the right section together;

wherein the first grommet surrounds first, second, and third openings which pass through the left section, central section, and the right section, respectively;

wherein the first, second, and third openings are located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel; and

further comprising a loop attached nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein

the second opening located in the central section and the loop are oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the second opening and a middle of the loop is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising

a band located between the second opening and the loop, wherein the band is attached to the central section.

8. An apparatus comprising:

a towel having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening;

wherein the first opening is located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel;

wherein the second and third openings are located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel; and

wherein the first, second, and third openings are arranged so that a first line segment from the first opening to the second opening, a second line segment from the second opening to the third opening, and a third line segment from the third opening to the first opening, substantially form a triangular shape.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising

a first grommet which is attached to the towel and which surrounds the first opening;

a second grommet which is attached to the towel and which surrounds the second opening; and

a third grommet which is attached to the towel and which surrounds the third opening.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein

the towel has a fourth opening; and

wherein the fourth opening is intersected by the second line segment from the second opening to the third opening.

11. A method comprising

attaching a towel to a golf bag;

wherein the towel has a left section, a central section, and a right section;

wherein the left section is connected to the central section and the central section is connected to the right section;

wherein the left section, the central section, and the right section are substantially parallel to each other;

wherein the towel is folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap the central section;

further wherein a first grommet attaches at least part of the left section, at least part of the central section, and at least part of the right section together;

wherein the first grommet surrounds first, second, and third openings which pass through the left section, central section, and the right section, respectively;

wherein the first, second, and third openings are located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel;

further wherein there is a fourth opening located in the central section, wherein the fourth opening is located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel;

and wherein the towel is attached by further folding the towel so that the first end and the second end of the towel substantially meet, and inserting a hook through the first, second, third, and fourth openings.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein

a second grommet surrounds the fourth opening.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein

the second opening located in the central section and the fourth opening located in the central section are oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the second opening and a center of the fourth opening is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein

there is a band located between the second opening and the fourth opening, wherein the band is attached to the central section.

15. A method comprising

attaching a towel to a golf bag;

wherein the towel has a left section, a central section, and a right section;

wherein the left section is connected to the central section and the central section is connected to the right section;

wherein the left section, the central section, and the right section are substantially parallel to each other;

wherein the towel is folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap the central section;

wherein a first grommet attaches at least part of the left section, at least part of the central section, and at least part of the right section together;

wherein the first grommet surrounds first, second, and third openings which pass through the left section, central section, and the right section, respectively;

wherein the first, second, and third openings are located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel; and

wherein there is a loop which is attached nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein

the second opening located in the central section and the loop are oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the second opening and a middle of the loop is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel.

17. The method claim 15 wherein

there is a band located between the second opening and the loop, wherein the band is attached to the central section.

18. A method comprising

attaching a towel to a golf bag;

wherein the towel has a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening;

wherein the first opening is located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel;

wherein the second and third openings are located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel; and

wherein the first, second, and third openings are arranged so that a first line segment from the first opening to the second opening, a second line segment from the second opening to the third opening, and a third line segment from the third opening to the first opening, substantially form a triangular shape.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein

there is a first grommet which is attached to the towel and which surrounds the first opening;

there is a second grommet which is attached to the towel and which surrounds the second opening; and

there is a third grommet which is attached to the towel and which surrounds the third opening.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein

the towel has a fourth opening; and

wherein the fourth opening is intersected by the second line segment from the second opening to the third opening.

21. An apparatus comprising

a towel having a left section, a central section, and a right section;

wherein the left section is connected to the central section and the central section is connected to the right section;

wherein the left section, the central section, and the right section are substantially parallel to each other;

wherein the towel is folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap the central section;

further comprising a first grommet which attaches at least part of the left section, at least part of the central section, and at least part of the right section together;

wherein the first grommet surrounds first, second, and third openings which pass through the left section, central section, and the right section, respectively;

wherein the first, second, and third openings are located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel;

further comprising second, third, and fourth grommets which surround fourth, fifth, and sixth openings, which pass through the left section, central section, and right section, respectively, wherein the fourth, fifth and sixth openings are located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein

the second opening located in the central section and the fourth, fifth, and sixth openings located in the left, central, and right sections respectively, are oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the second opening and a center of the fourth, fifth and sixth openings is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel, when the left, central, and right sections are substantially aligned.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising

a band located between the second opening and the fifth opening, wherein the band is attached to the central section.

24. The apparatus comprising

a towel having a left section and a right section;

wherein the left section is connected to the right section;

wherein the left section and the right section are substantially parallel to each other;

wherein the towel is folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap;

further comprising a first grommet which attaches at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section together;

wherein the first grommet surrounds first, and second openings which pass through the left section and the right section, respectively;

wherein the first and second openings are located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel;

further comprising third and fourth openings located in the left and right sections, respectively,

wherein the third and fourth openings are located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein

the first opening located in the left section and the second opening located in the right section are oriented with respect to each other such that a line segment passing through a center of the first opening and a center of the second opening is substantially perpendicular to the first end of the towel and to the second end of the towel.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising

second and third grommets that surround the third and fourth openings, respectively.

27. The apparatus of claim 24 further comprising

a band located between the second opening and the fourth opening, wherein the band is attached to the central section.

28. A method comprising

attaching a towel to a golf bag;

wherein the towel has a left section, a central section, and a right section;

wherein the left section is connected to the central section and the central section is connected to the right section;

wherein the left section, the central section, and the right section are substantially parallel to each other;

wherein the towel is folded so that at least part of the left section and at least part of the right section overlap the central section;

further wherein a first grommet attaches at least part of the left section, at least part of the central section, and at least part of the right section together;

wherein the first grommet surrounds first, second, and third openings which pass through the left section, the central section, and the right section, respectively;

wherein the first, second, and third openings are located nearer a first end of the towel than an opposing second end of the towel;

further wherein there is a fourth opening located in the central section, wherein the fourth opening is located nearer the second end of the towel than the first end of the towel;

and wherein the towel is attached to the golf bag by further folding the towel so that the first end and the second end of the towel substantially meet, and inserting a hook through the first, second, third, and fourth openings.