Golf Clubhead Cleaning Device

Abstract

A golf clubhead cleaning device. The cleaning device is a single or multilayer flexible band which is secured to a golf shoe without interfering with the cleats. The device is elastic and stretches sufficiently to be slid over the circumference of a golfer's shoe, and when released, retracts sufficiently to snugly fit and remain in place. The outer surface includes an abrasive surface portion which a golf clubhead is rubbed against to remove any dirt. The lower portion of the device is sized to rest against the sole of a golf shoe such that it does not interfere with the cleats. The outer surface rests snugly against the golf shoe and does not protrude or interfere with the golfer's walking or swing. The outer surface may be detachable and replaceable. Indicia may be displayed on the device.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to golf equipment cleaning devices. In particular, it relates to a flexible golf clubhead cleaning surface which removably attaches to a golf shoe.

2. Background of the Invention

As golfers realize, keeping the face of the clubhead clean is an important element of playing golf proficiently. When dirt becomes embedded in the groove of a golf club, it can have a dramatic effect on how the golf ball travels. This is because the clubhead will not properly grip the golf ball when the grooves on the clubhead are filled with dirt. This results in the golf ball slipping on the surface of the clubhead with unpredictable results. In addition, the manner in which the golf ball spins will also be affected. Therefore, maintaining a clean clubhead can have a direct effect on both the golfer's score in the golfer's enjoyment of the game.

Many golfers keep a towel attached to their golf bag for just this purpose. However, to ensure that the clubhead is clean for each swing, golfers would have to carry towels with them when hitting off of the fairway. This is inconvenient for the golfer who may be carrying several clubs. In addition, after several uses a towel may result in the golfer's hands and clothing becoming dirty. It would be desirable to have a method of maintaining a clean clubhead without the inconvenience and disadvantages associated with carrying and using a hand towel.

To address this problem, a variety of devices have been provided to avoid the need to carry a clubhead cleaning towel. One type of device has been the use of a strap which wraps around the leg of the golfer's trousers. A strap used by this device typically has an abrasive cleaning surface against which the clubhead is rubbed. While this type of device eliminates the inconvenience of carrying a towel, it often results in a substantial amount of dirt winding up on the golfer's trouser leg. Further, when the strap is secured to the golfer's trouser leg, it may be uncomfortable for the golfer and consequently may interfere with the golfer's swing due to the discomfort. As a result, this may impact the golfer's swing such that the benefits of a clean clubhead are offset by the change in the golfer's swing caused by the discomfort. It would be desirable to have a golf clubhead cleaning device which would keep a golfer's trousers clean, which is not uncomfortable to wear, and which would be conveniently available at all times.

Yet another attempt to address this problem provides cleaning devices which attach to the golfer's shoe in one manner or another. These devices allow a clubhead to be cleaned by wiping the clubhead against the cleaning surface mounted on the golf shoe. However, these devices have a number of drawbacks. For example, some of them clip onto the side of the shoe such that the clip extends into the shoe. This results in discomfort for the wearer and discourages its use. Other devices extend outward from the shoe and can interfere with the golfer when walking or swinging. Still others attach to the cleats on the shoe and may affect walking by altering the position of the cleats. Still others project outward from a shoe to such an extent that they become a distraction and an annoyance to the golfer. It would be desirable to have a device which could be quickly attached to a golf shoe, which would not interfere with walking or swinging, and which would be unobtrusive when worn.

While the prior art has provided some devices capable of cleaning golf clubheads, it has failed to provide a clubhead cleaning device that can be obtrusively and comfortably worn without interfering with a golfer's swing, comfort and appearance, and can further be available at all times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides an elastic clubhead cleaning band sized to fit around a golf shoe without interfering with the cleats, or fit around other suitable footwear. It further provides an outer cleaning surface for scraping dirt from the face of a golf club. The elastic clubhead cleaning band is stretched to fit over a golf shoe or other footwear. Once attached to the shoe, it retracts to snugly secure itself against the shoe. It has a flat inner surface which rests against the sole of the shoe such that it does not interfere with the cleats. When secured to a golfer's shoe, the device remains in substantial conformity with the surface of the shoe and with minimal protrusion. An optional embodiment provides for indicia for use in conjunction with commercial messages, insignia, etc. Further, the entire device may be replaceable, and the outer surface may be individually detachable or replaceable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of a prior art golf shoe using tie laces.

FIG. 1B is a side view of a prior art golf shoe using an ornamental kiltie lace cover.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of a prior art golf shoe.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band secured to a conventional golf shoe with tie laces.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band secured to a conventional golf shoe with an ornamental kiltie lace cover.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of a conventional golf shoe with a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band secured to the golf shoe.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band secured to a conventional golf shoe while cleaning a clubhead.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band. In this embodiment, the cleaning surface extends partially around the surface of the elastic clubhead cleaning band.

FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band. In this embodiment, the elastic clubhead cleaning band is made in the form of a strip which is secured at either end.

FIG. 6 is an end view of another alternative preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band in which the cleaning surface is removably attached to the bottom portion of the elastic clubhead cleaning band.

FIG. 7 is yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention in which indicia are incorporated into the surface of the elastic clubhead cleaning band.

FIG. 8 is an end view of yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention in which the elastic clubhead cleaning band is made from a single layer of material and the cleaning surface extends around its entire length.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 8 in which the elastic clubhead cleaning band is secured to a conventional golf shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Prior to a discussion of the figures, an overview of the invention will be presented. The invention is a golf club head cleaning device which attaches to the upper surface of a conventional golf shoe. It is an elastic band structure which is stretched to fit over a shoe. When released, it retracts to fit snugly and securely against the surface of the golf shoe.

The golf club head elastic cleaning band provides a roughened outer surface which is suitable for cleaning the ball striking surfaces of the golf club head. It can be fabricated from a single piece of material, or fabricated with a substrate to allow replacement of the cleaning surface without discarding the entire elastic cleaning band. In the preferred embodiment, it is lightweight in construction such that it is not inconvenient to wear or noticeable by the golfer when worn. Further, the device is intended to snugly fit against the surface of the golf shoe such that it does not protrude outward to interfere with the golfer when walking or swinging.

Alternative embodiments provide for elastic golf club head cleaning bands which are fabricated as a single layer device, as a multilayered device with an elastic substrate secured to a cleaning surface, as a continuous loop which stretches to fit around the golfer's shoe, or as a strip having two separate ends which are secured together to form an adjustably sized loop that secures to the golfer shoe. Other alternative embodiments include detachable cleaning services which can read be removed from the elastic golf clubhead cleaning band for replacement when necessary, or for other reasons. This allows less expensive cleaning surfaces to be replaced at will. Offers can replace reclaiming surfaces due to wear, or for reasons such as matching colors to a golfer's clothing or attaching cleaning surfaces with indicia for special events, etc.

Having discussed the invention in general, we turn now to a detailed discussion of the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a side view of a conventional prior art golf shoe 1 using tie laces 2. Also shown are the cleats 3 which are typically secured to the bottom of the sole 4 on a conventional golfer's shoe 1.

FIG. 1B is a side view of another type of conventional prior art golf shoe 6 having an ornamental kiltie lace cover 5.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of a prior art golf shoe 1 or 6. This view illustrates the typical placement of the cleats 3 across the bottom of the sole 4 of the golf shoe 1 or 6. The middle portion 10 of the sole 4 typically does not have cleats 3. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while it is possible to have an elastic golf clubhead cleaning band 7 (shown below in regard to FIGS. 2A-B) which extends over the cleats 3 and accommodates them via apertures, etc. However, the simplest and preferred method is to secure the elastic golf club cleaning band 7 to the golf shoe 1 or 6 such that the middle portion 10 rests in the middle portion 10.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 secured to a conventional golf shoe 1 with tie laces 2. In this figure, the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 extends around the circumference of the shoe with the bottom segment 8 of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 resting against middle portion 10 of the golf shoe 1. The cleaning surface 9 on the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 extends across the top of the golfer shoe 1.

Prior to beginning play, the golfer merely stretches the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 to fit it over the golfer's shoe. Once in place, a golfer merely releases that and it retracts to fit snugly against the surface of the golf shoe 1. An advantage of using elastic material for this purpose is that it conforms to any size or shape golf shoe number 1 or 6. This reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for alternative sizes. In addition, when the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 retracts, it rests in substantial conformity with the shape of the golf shoe 1. As a result, elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 does not interfere with the golfer whether the golfer is walking or swinging the golf club. This is a significant advantage over the prior art devices which typically extend outward from the surface of the golf shoe 1.

The placement of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 also provides easier access to the golf clubhead 11 (shown below in regard to FIG. 3) by placing the cleaning surface 9 in a position where it is easy to access by the golfer. This improves over prior art devices which require the golfer to reach around to the side of the golf shoe for awkwardly placed cleaning surfaces. Also illustrated in this figure is the advantage provided by the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 and that it fits over the ties 2 used to secure the golf shoe 1 to the golfer's foot. This keeps them secured and out of the way, while protecting them from becoming dirty from the golf club head 11.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable material can be used to fabricate the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7. For example, it can be made from suitable fabric or synthetic material, or any flexible material which can stretch and conform to the shape of the golf shoe 1. The cleaning surface 9 can be made from any material which is sufficiently abrasive such that it has the ability to remove dirt from the golf club face 11. Further, any suitable combination of materials can be used to fabricate the device, or to fabricate individual components of the device, such as the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7, the cleaning surface 9, etc.

In the preferred embodiment, to properly grip the golfer's shoe 1 the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 must be laterally elastic such that it can stretched to fit around the circumference of the golfer's shoe 1. Further, once attached to the golf shoe 1 and released, the elastic cleaning band 7 should be sized such that when it retracts toward its rest position, it will snugly fit against the circumference of the golf shoe 1. For the purpose of attachment to the golfer's shoe 1, the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 may also be longitudinally elastic (shoe toe to shoe heel). However, longitudinal elasticity is not significant for the purposes of the invention.

An advantage provided by the invention is that a large cleaning service is conveniently provided for the golfer's use, but it does not interfere in any way with the golfer's game.

FIG. 2B is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 secured to another type of conventional golf shoe 6 with an ornamental kiltie lace cover 5. This figure illustrates the fact that invention can be used with any type of golf shoe 1 or 6, regardless of ornamental devices such as a kiltie lace cover 5 or tassels (not shown). As was the case above, in regard to tie laces 2, the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 also protects and covers ornamental devices such as the kiltie lace cover 2 illustrated in this figure. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 is designed to be used with any type of golf shoe. For example, it can be used in conjunction with traditional spiked golf shoes 1 or 6, such as those shown in the foregoing figures, or any other type of suitable shoe, such as athletic shoes, walking shoes, etc.

FIG. 2C is a bottom view of a conventional spiked golf shoe with a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 secured to the golf shoe 1. Those skilled in the art will recognize that while the invention can be used in conjunction with any suitable footwear, including ordinary shoes or athletic shoes, its unique structure also provides the ability for it to be used in conjunction with spiked golf shoes without interfering with the spikes. As shown in this figure, the bottom segment 8 of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 is positioned in the middle portion 10 of the golf shoe 1. This placement avoids interference with the golf spikes 3 and eliminates the need for apertures in the bottom segment 8 to accommodate the spikes. As a result, the invention provides a simple structure which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7 secured to a conventional golf shoe 6 while cleaning a golf clubhead 11. As notable, the large cleaning surface 9 which extends across the shoe, provides the golfer convenience in that the cleaning surface 1 is easy to reach and can be used with the golf clubhead 11 positioned at a variety of angles.

FIG. 4 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7. In this embodiment, the cleaning surface 9 extends partially around the surface of the elastic clubhead cleaning band. This embodiment uses a laminated structure in which the bottom portion 8 as an elastic structure that extends around the entire circumference of the golf shoe 1. The cleaning surface 9 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom portion 8. This structure eliminates the waste created when the cleaning surface 9 extends across the bottom of the golf shoe 1 where it is unlikely to be used. Further, it provides for a thinner bottom portion 8 which is less likely to be felt by the golfer on walking.

With a laminated structure as shown in this figure, the material selected can be anything suitable for their purpose. For example, the bottom portion 8 can be a fabric, rubber, or any suitable synthetic or natural material which has sufficient elasticity to achieve the purposes of this invention. Likewise, the cleaning surface 9 can also be replicated from anything suitable for its task. The cleaning surface 9 and the bottom portion 8 can be secured together by any suitable means, such as adhesive, chemical bonding, or welding, etc. The only requirement is that they remain secured together.

FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of an alternative preferred embodiment, in which a clubhead cleaning strap 12 replaces the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7. In this embodiment, the elastic clubhead cleaning strap 12 is made in the form of an elongated strap which is secured at either end 18-19. The ends 18-19 are secured together by any suitable means. For example, they may be secured by hook and loop material 13 as shown. Material is commercially available under the brand name Velcro™. Likewise, other suitable means such as adhesive may be used for single use applications. The strap structure provided by this embodiment allows the same size elastic clubhead cleaning strap 12 to be used by a wide variety of footwear sizes. Alternatively, the cleaning surface 9 can be placed at one of the ends 18-19 such that the hook and loop material is at the top of the shoe and the bottom portion 8 is flat such that it does not interfere with the golfer when walking or swinging.

FIG. 6 is an end view of another alternative preferred embodiment of the elastic clubhead cleaning band, in this case designated 14, in which the cleaning surface 9 is removably attached to the bottom portion 8 of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 14. The cleaning surface 9 can be secured to the bottom portion 8 by any suitable means. And this figure is illustrated with a layer of hook and loop material 15 as the securing means. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any other suitable method of securing the cleaning surface 9 and the bottom portion 8 together, such as adhesives, can be used.

An advantage provided by a removable cleaning surface 9 is that it can be replaced quickly and easily without removing elastic clubhead cleaning band 14 from the golf shoe 1. Further, it allows the cleaning surface 9 to be replaced for a variety of other reasons. For example, it allows the golfer to change colors, to add insignia or indicia to suit special events, or merely to replace the surface when it becomes too soiled.

FIG. 7 is yet another alternative preferred embodiment of the invention in which indicia 16 are incorporated into the surface of the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7. Any type of desired indicia 16 may be used. It can be used for premium items, such as corporate logos, etc. It can be used for sports or social organization logos, country club logos come or for political messages. Of course, it can also be used for purely decorative images or messages. In fact, any suitable type of promotional, business, political, religious, or social message can be incorporated into the elastic clubhead cleaning band 7.

FIG. 8 is an end view of yet another additional alternative preferred embodiment of the invention in which a single layer elastic clubhead cleaning band 17 is fabricated from a single layer of elastic material and the cleaning surface 9 extends around its entire length. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 8 is eliminated. This is the simplest and easiest to fabricate embodiment of the device. Further, it allows all sides of the device to be used. For example, each side may have a different color which allows the user to select the color which is most desirable for that particular user. Likewise, one side may have indicia while the other does not.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the alternative preferred embodiment of FIG. 8 in which the elastic clubhead cleaning band 17 is secured to a conventional golf shoe 1.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be implemented either as a single use disposable device, as a washable reusable device, as a multilayered device with a replaceable cleaning surface, or as a promotional device that displays a variety of indicia.

While specific embodiments have been discussed to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations in the embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the size of the elastic clubhead cleaning band can vary, the material used to fabricate the device can vary, any type of color or insignia can be used with the invention, etc. Therefore, the invention shall be limited solely by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A golf clubhead cleaning device, further comprising:

a flexible band sized to securely fit around the mid portion of a golfer's shoe, the flexible band further comprising: a cleaning surface disposed, when the flexible band is secured to the golfer's shoe, on the upper portion of the golfer's shoe, the cleaning surface further having a surface suitable for cleaning the face of a golf club; at least a portion of the flexible band having sufficient elasticity to securely attach the cleaning device to the golfer's shoe;

whereby the golfer may clean the face golf club of a golf club by rubbing the face against the cleaning surface.