Retractable golf club groove cleaning tool

Abstract

RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism. It has an alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club. The alloy tip is of the proper shape and length for fitting in the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club. It provides clean grooves for better contact with the golf ball. To operate, simply depress the retractable mechanism to expose the alloy tip for cleaning, and depress again for storing, so as not to harm the user, its clothing, pouch or golf bag. Its unique design has no covers or lids to fumble with or loose. The device has a plastic clip for attaching to the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag, making it portable and easy to use.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of groove cleaning devices and more specifically to RETRACTABLE GROOVE CLEANING TOOLS FOR CLEANING THE GROOVES ON THE FACE OF THE HEAD OF A GOLF CLUB.

This invention relates generally to the field of golf club groove cleaners and more specifically to groove cleaning devices that are retractable.

This invention relates to groove cleaning devices and, more particularly, to a portable cleaning device for cleaning the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club. The face of a golf club is typically made with narrow grooves. As a general design most golf club heads have parallel grooves spaced across the surface. The object of the grooves is to provide friction between the face of the club and the ball. The friction is necessary for a clean strike to the golf ball and allows for backspin and directional control when desired. During use the grooves tend to become embedded and clogged with dirt, grass, sand and other debris. When the grooves are clogged, there will not be an efficient transfer of energy from the club head to the ball, and the ball will not have backspin. Frequently between shots, the golfer is found standing on the tee box or the fairway removing debris from the grooves on the face of the head of the golf club with a wet towel, golf tee, brush, or some combination thereof. However, these devices are not designed to efficiently clean the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club and further they are generally inconvenient and ineffective to satisfactorily clean the grooves. Further, to the extent that these devices can clean the grooves, such cleaning requires an inordinate amount of time thereby slowing play. To try and clean the grooves with a golf tee, the pointed end of the golf tee is pushed down into the grooves and forced along the length of the grooves. However, the grooves are more narrow than the pointed end of the golf tee and it cannot completely penetrate into the grooves. Using a golf tee in this manner can result in a broken golf tee, an injured hand, or both. Using a wet towel is also an ineffective way to clean the grooves because it is impossible to apply enough force to push the towel completely into the grooves. Other devices incorporate brushes or comb-like aspects, some with covers or lids to protect their working surfaces, these are cumbersome and time consuming. Effective groove cleaning devices for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the face of the head of a golf club has always been a desire of golfers. What golfers around the world want is to have a groove cleaning device which is lightweight, portable and compact while also being easy to use to enhance a golfer's accuracy and enjoyment of the game. In response to this problem various types of groove cleaning devices have been developed.

Prior technology of these inventions do not allow for the ease of use and are not effective groove cleaning tools. Some have covers or lids to protect the tip and its user. Removing these covers or lids are cumbersome, time consuming and could easily be lost if dropped or misplaced. Such devices also require the use of both hands. This requires the user to put down the club in need of cleaning to prepare the groove cleaner for use. Other prior inventions have multiple tips attempting to clean more than one groove on the face of the head of a golf club at once. The problem with such prior technology is that the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club are not all of the same length so not all of the grooves can be cleaned at the same time. Other devices have been developed which have brushes to clean the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, such brushes will clean the face but not effectively clean each groove without wetting or applying excessive pressure to the brush. The wetting process or the applying of excessive pressure to the brush is time consuming and requires extra energy. Other prior inventions are comprised of materials that are equal to the hardness of the head of a golf club. This hard material could cause damage to the shape and integrity of the grooves which could cause adverse ball flight when striking the ball in the game of golf. There is thus a need in the prior art for an easy to use one hand operation device with no lids or covers to fumble with or loose. There is also a need for a groove cleaning device that is of proper shape, hardness and design to do the cleaning job properly without damage to the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club. A proper groove cleaning device will enhance the golfer's accuracy and enjoyment of the game without worry as to how well or effectively the golf club has been cleaned.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is the retractable alloy tip that is housed in a pen shaped case for cleaning the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club.

Another object of the invention is the pen shaped case is not a writing instrument, but a groove cleaning tool.

Another object of the invention is the device has a retractable alloy tip that will not damage the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club.

Another object of the invention is it provides clean grooves for better contact with the golf ball.

A further object of the invention is better contact promotes a clean strike to the golf ball and allows for backspin when desired.

Yet another object of the invention is it will clean grooves that are clogged with dirt, grass, sand and other debris.

Still yet another object of the invention is the alloy tip is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism.

Another object of the invention is it has the ease of one hand operation, the golf club does not have to be put down to prepare the device for use.

Another object of the invention is it is easy to depress the retractable mechanism to expose the alloy tip for cleaning, and depress again for storing.

A further object of the invention is the alloy tip retracts so as not to harm the user, its clothing, pouch or golf bag.

Yet another object of the invention is it has a clip for attaching to the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag.

Still yet another object of the invention is the clip makes the groove cleaning tool more accessible for use when needed.

Another object of the invention is it can go with the user anywhere for cleaning the club whenever necessary.

Another object of the invention is it is beneficial to all golfers regardless of skill levels.

A further object of the invention is it is an affordable cleaning device.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising: a retractable alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the alloy tip fits properly into each groove on the face of the head of a golf club for the purpose of cleaning, the alloy tip is of proper hardness so as not to cause excessive wear or any damage to the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the alloy tip may be constructed of any material to achieve the proper hardness for cleaning the grooves without damage, proper hardness can achieved by utilizing any material, the preferred example is a copper based alloy such as bronze, a bronze alloy is softer than the material that most common golf club heads are made of such as chrome plated steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten or combinations of these metals, said alloy tip is housed in an easily recognizable retractable pen shaped device, it is a cleaning device that has a plastic pen shaped case and plastic clip for attaching to the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag, the retractable pen shaped device is used as a housing for the solid alloy tip and does not contain a roller ball insert that holds ink, as is in a writing instrument

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising: the alloy tip is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism, the retractable mechanism is the means by which the alloy tip is extended for use and retracted for storage, the retractable mechanism allows for one hand operation, which requires no need to put the club down to prepare the device for use, said device is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use, and said device has a unique design that has no covers or lids to fumble with or loose,

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising: a retractable alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the alloy tip is of the proper shape and length for fitting in the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the device cleans the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the device has an alloy tip that is softer than the metals that a common golf club head is made of, the alloy tip will not damage the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club, the device provides clean grooves for better contact with the golf ball, the alloy tip will clean grooves that are clogged with dirt, grass, sand and other debris, and the alloy tip is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism, the alloy tip is used instead of a ball point pen insert and the device is a groove cleaning tool and not a writing instrument

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention as a whole.

FIG. 2 is a view, in perspective of an enlarged sectional view showing the tip and internal tube partly broken away of a second illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the housing and internal components of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a view, in perspective of the inner components of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the tool of the invention being used on the face of the head of a golf club.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention as it is a device for cleaning the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club. This lightweight device is comprised of a pointed alloy tip 10 that fits into each groove on the face of the head of a golf club for the purpose of cleaning. May it be noted that the tip is housed in an easily recognizable plastic pen shaped case as in prior art, and that the present invention differs from the prior art in that it is not a writing instrument. A common ball point pen is not able to perform the duties of the present invention. The present invention is a device for cleaning the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club as now described: In the said device, the pointed alloy tip which fits into the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club for the purpose of cleaning is illustrated in reference numeral 10. The alloy tip 10 is housed in a retractable plastic pen shaped case. The case of this retractable device is comprised of sections as now described: The main cylindrical tube section 11 attaches to a lower component of the device 12 which is of proper length and circumference and tapers down for the purpose of having an opening to allow the alloy tip 10 to be extended and retracted through it. The lower these metals. The synthetic tube 20 is approximately 3.75 inches in length and has an inside diameter of 0.095 inches to properly accept the 0.095 inch outside diameter of the alloy tip 10. The synthetic tube 20 is of proper length to fit into the retractable mechanism at the top of the plastic pen shaped case. The alloy tip 10 is secured into the synthetic tube 20 by adhesives or other methods, the attachment of the alloy tip 10 may be done in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a sectional view of the alloy tip 10 as it is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism. It is to be noted that the overall length of the present invention is approximately 5.15625 inches in accordance with the industry standard length of a common retractable ball point pen, and may have variances in exact shape and length without departing from the spirit of the invention. May it also be noted that the present invention differs from a common retractable ball point pen in that it is not a writing instrument, a common ball point insert is not able to perform the duties of a groove cleaning device. FIG. 3 illustrates that the alloy tip 10 is secured into the synthetic tube 20 which has a crimp 21 formed to be the abutment for the metal spring 22 to rest on. Such tube 20 has an outside diameter of 0.135 inches that is of proper size to fit into the ratcheting mechanism 23 of the present invention. Of the retractable portion, the plunger 14 is deployed by the user for the purpose of extending and retracting the alloy tip 10. The metal spring 22, ratcheting mechanism 23, synthetic tube 20 and plunger 14 are the working components of the spring assisted retractable mechanism which allows for one hand operation of this groove cleaning device. With one hand operation, the user does not need to put the golf club down to prepare it for cleaning. In the present form of the section 12 is covered above the taper by a rubber comfort grip which is indicated in the shaded area 13 of section 12. At the upper end of the main cylindrical tube 11 is the clip illustrated in reference numeral 15. The purpose of the clip 15 is for attaching onto the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag. Above the clip 15 at the shoulder of the device is an opening of proper size to allow the plunger 14 to move up and down through it. Plunger 14 is part of the retractable mechanism that is what the user utilizes to deploy and retract the cleaning device. As illustrated in the shaded areas 13, 14, and 15, these sections of the plastic pen shaped device are of the same decorative color, a number of color choices are available.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an enlarged view of the inside component of the present invention, partly broken away of a second illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the the alloy tip 10 which is approximately 1.35 inches in length and an outside diameter of 0.095 inches of which approximately 0.50 of an inch is exposed from the synthetic tube 20 for the purpose of fitting correctly into the pen shaped housing as to properly clean each groove on the face of the head of a golf club so as to remove dirt, grass, sand and other debris that becomes trapped or embedded into such grooves while striking the golf ball in the game of golf. The alloy tip 10 is shaped at its point to fit properly into each groove on the face of the head of a golf club and is of proper hardness so as not to cause excessive wear or any damage to the grooves. Proper hardness can be achieved by utilizing any material, the preferred example is a copper based alloy such as bronze. A bronze alloy is softer than the material that most common golf club heads are made of such as chrome plated steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten or combinations of invention, the alloy tip 10 is housed in a plastic pen shaped case as described in FIG. 1 and further illustrated in this sectional view of the invention as a whole. The clip 15 is connected at the top of the main cylindrical tube 11 for attaching to the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag which makes the groove cleaning tool more accessible for use when needed. The bottom of the main tube 11 has molded internal threads 24 which compliment the external threads of section 12. It is important to note that while the preferred embodiment utilizes threading for inter-mounting the casing sections, other forms of interconnection may be used. The present invention can also come in different colors of the plastic case and can be upgraded to a metal or wooden housing.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view, in perspective of the inner components of the invention. The plunger 14 is the part of the retractable mechanism that the user utilizes to deploy and retract the cleaning device. The plunger 14 is connected to the internal components that perform the ratcheting duties of the invention. The top of the synthetic tube 20 fits into the ratcheting mechanism 23 and near the lower end, a crimp 21 is formed to be the abutment for the metal spring 22. It is further illustrated that the alloy tip 10 is secured with adhesives or other means at the bottom of the synthetic tube 20 which extends and retracts by means of the spring assisted retractable mechanism. In its extended position the alloy tip 10 is exposed and is ready for use, in its retracted position the alloy tip 10 is stored in the plastic case so as not to harm the user, its clothing, pouch or golf bag.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is shown an isometric view of the tool of the invention being used on the face of the head of a golf club. As it is illustrated, the alloy tip 10 is housed in an easily recognizable pen shaped case of proper length and shape to ergonomically fit in the hand 52 of all users. The user will grip the groove cleaning tool in either a right hand as in reference 52 or a left hand for left handed users. The user has depressed the plunger 14 to expose the alloy tip for the purpose of cleaning the grooves 51 on the face 50 of the head of a golf club. The alloy tip 10 fits properly into each groove 51 so as to remove dirt, grass, sand and other debris that becomes trapped or embedded into such grooves 51 while striking the golf ball in the game of golf. The present invention is lightweight and portable for ease of use at any time, its unique design has no covers or lids to fumble with or loose. The retractable mechanism allows for one hand operation, which requires no need to put the club down to prepare it for cleaning. The groove cleaning tool is an affordable cleaning device which is beneficial to all golfers regardless of skill levels.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising:

a retractable alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club;

the alloy tip fits properly into each groove on the face of the head of a golf club for the purpose of cleaning;

the alloy tip is of proper hardness so as not to cause excessive wear or any damage to the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club;

the alloy tip may be constructed of any material to achieve the proper hardness for cleaning the grooves without damage;

proper hardness can be achieved by utilizing any material, the preferred example is a copper based alloy such as bronze which is softer than the material that most common golf club heads are made of such as chrome plated steel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten or combinations of these metals;

said alloy tip is housed in an easily recognizable retractable pen shaped device;

said pen shaped case is the housing for the present invention which is not a writing instrument; and

a cleaning device that has a plastic pen shaped case and plastic clip for attaching to the user's clothing, pouch or golf bag

2. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

said device is housed in an easily recognizable retractable pen shaped housing;

the device has a synthetic tube that houses the alloy tip;

the synthetic tube and alloy tip are used instead of an insert that contains a ball point and ink as with a common ball point pen;

the device has a metal spring which assists the retractable mechanism at the top of the device;

the device has a plunger that is part of the retractable mechanism for the purpose of operation; and

the plunger is what the user utilizes to operate the cleaning device

3. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising:

the alloy tip is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism;

the retractable mechanism is the means by which the alloy tip is extended for use and retracted for storage;

the retractable mechanism allows for one hand operation, which requires no need to put the club down to prepare the device for use;

said device is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use; and

said device has a unique design that has no covers or lids to fumble with or loose;

4. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 3 further comprising:

the device is lightweight and portable for ease of use at any time; and

said device has the ease of one hand operation, the golf club does not have to be put down to prepare the device for use

5. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 3 further comprising:

the device has a rubber grip for comfort and ease of use;

said device is lightweight, made of 90% composite materials;

said device is made of recyclable materials; and

the cleaning tool is a portable and easy to use device that can go with the user anywhere for cleaning the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club whenever necessary

6. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 3 further comprising:

different colors of the plastic case are available; and

an upgrade to a metal or wooden case is available

7. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL comprising:

a retractable alloy tip for removing dirt, grass, sand and other debris from the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club;

the alloy tip is of proper shape and length for fitting in the grooves of the head of a golf club;

the device cleans the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club;

the device has an alloy tip that will not damage the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club;

the alloy tip is made of any softer material than that of the head of a golf club to not cause excessive wear to the grooves on the face of the head of a golf club;

the device provides clean grooves for better contact with the golf ball;

the alloy tip will clean grooves that are clogged with dirt, grass, sand and other debris;

the alloy tip is housed in a plastic pen shaped case containing a spring assisted retractable mechanism; and

the alloy tip and its housing are not a writing instrument

8. RETRACTABLE GOLF CLUB GROOVE CLEANING TOOL as claimed in claim 7 further comprising:

it is easy to depress the retractable mechanism to expose the alloy tip for cleaning, and depress again for storing; and

the alloy tip retracts so as not to harm the user, its clothing, pouch or golf bag;