GOLF CLUB TOWEL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Assemblies are provided for carrying a golf towel, the assembly comprising a hook, a hanger and a connector connecting the hook and the hanger. The assembly can be removably attached to the shaft of a golf club. The methods of making and using the assembly are also disclosed.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/442,619, filed Apr. 9, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/473,275 filed Apr. 8, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of accessories for golfing. More specifically, the invention pertains to golf towels and to assemblies for carrying such towels on a golf course.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular activity and many devices and items have been developed to assist golfers in improving their game and to make the activity more comfortable and pleasurable. Among these are devices useful for carrying golf towels.

When on a golf course, golf players often carry golf towels with them to be used for various purposes such as for cleaning dirt, grass residue and other materials on the golf ball, club faces and/or the player's hands. Existing devices that are used for carrying golf towels include carabiner-type assemblies and caddies. Typically, one or more golf towels are attached to his belt or to a carabiner (i.e., a D-shaped ring equipped with a spring catch on one side) on his golf bag. This occasionally may be distracting during the round of play and presents a nuisance to the player.

Some other existing devices for carrying golf towels provide for clipping a caddy on a golf shaft. The golf towel then can be removed by pulling on the caddy or the golf towel. The clip thus allows for unintended disconnections of the golf towel. The possibility of such accidental disconnection is very undesirable.

Accordingly, better devices and assemblies for carrying golf towels are desired. The present application provides some of such improved devices and assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an assembly for carrying a golf towel, the assembly including a hook and a flexible connector for removably connecting the hook to a golf towel, wherein the hook is configured to allow a detachable attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf club. Optionally, this embodiment of the invention can also include a golf towel having a hanging element such as opening or a loop, where the flexible connector is removably connected to the hanging element of the golf towel.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an assembly for carrying a golf towel, including a hook, a hanger and a flexible connector for removably connecting the hook to the hanger, wherein the hook is configured to allow a detachable attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf club and the hanger is configured for supporting a golf towel in an extended form. Optionally, this embodiment of the invention can also include a golf towel having a hanging element. In this embodiment, a top section of the hanger is inserted through the golf towel's hanging element and the flexible connector is removably connected to the top section of the hanger.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a golf towel to be used with the assembly for carrying a golf towel, the golf towel being a multi-layered golf towel composition comprising a microfiber wet side towel, a microfiber dry side towel and a waterproof barrier layer between the towels.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club, the golf towel having a hanging element, the method including making an assembly for carrying a golf towel, running the assembly through the hanging element of the golf towel, and hooking the assembly to the shaft of the golf club.

More particularly, the present invention provides an assembly that includes a hook, having a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section, where the hooking section and the connecting section define a first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening, where the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25″ and about 0.35″, and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30″ and about 0.50″, where the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, where the eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf club into the first opening; and a flexible connector fastened to the eyelet section for removably connecting the hook to a golf towel, where the hook is configured to allow a detachable attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf club. In certain embodiments, the assembly also includes a golf towel having a hanging element, where the flexible connector is fastened to the eyelet section of the hook and to the hanging element of the golf towel, thereby connecting the hook to the golf towel. The hanging element can be, for a loop, an opening, a strap, a grommet, a buttonhole, a ring, a carabineer, a clip, a hook or a combination thereof. The hanging element can be place anywhere on the golf towel, such as adjacent to an edge of the golf towel, is in the center of the golf towel or in a corner of the golf towel

In certain embodiments of the invention, the assembly can also include a hanger configured for supporting a golf towel in an extended form, the hanger including an upper portion defining a third opening, and two straight, coplanar arms integrated with and extending distally from the upper portion, where the two straight arms are positioned and held at a fixed angle to each other (such as between about 45° and about 160°) in an inverted V-shape over which the golf towel can be draped, where the flexible connector, such as a lanyard, is fastened to the hanger. The lanyard can be removably fastened to the hook and to the hanger by knots, loops or hitches or the like. In certain aspects, the arms of the hanger are substantially rigid and can flex no more than about 10% from their unflexed shape such that the arms cannot contact each other. Assemblies that include the hanger can also include a golf towel having a hanging element, such as an opening, where the upper portion of the hanger is inserted through the hanging element and the golf towel is draped over the arms of the hanger such that the surface of the golf towel is distributed evenly along the arms of the hanger.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the golf towel included in the assembly is a multi-layered composition comprising a microfiber wet side towel layer, a microfiber dry side towel layer and a waterproof barrier layer between the wet side towel layer and the dry side towel layer. The layers can be held together by stitching along two adjacent sides of the multi-layer golf towel. In certain aspects, the waterproof barrier layer is longer and wider than either of the microfiber wet side towel and the microfiber dry side towel, thereby preventing contact between the edges of the microfiber wet side towel and the microfiber dry side towel.

Also provided by the invention is a method for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club, the method comprising, making an assembly comprising steps of providing: a) a hook, comprising a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section, wherein the hooking section and the connecting section define a first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening, wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25″ and about 0.35″, and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30″ and about 0.50″, wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf club into the first opening; b) a flexible connector; and c) a golf towel having a hanging element; roving the flexible connector through the second opening in the eyelet section; fastening the flexible connector to the hook; roving the flexible connector through the hanging element of the golf towel; fastening the flexible connector to the hanging element of the golf towel; thereby making the assembly; and hooking the assembly to the shaft of the golf club via the hooking section of the hook, to thereby place the golf towel on the shaft of the golf club.

In another embodiments, a method for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club, is provided comprising: making an assembly comprising the following steps providing: a) a hook, comprising a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section, wherein the hooking section and the connecting section define a first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening, wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25″ and about 0.35″, and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30″ and about 0.50″, wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf club into the first opening; b) a flexible connector; and c) a hanger comprising configured for supporting a golf towel in an extended form, the hanger comprising an upper portion defining a third opening, and two straight, coplanar arms integrated with and extending distally from the upper portion, wherein the two straight arms are positioned and held at a fixed angle to each other in an inverted V-shape over which the golf towel can be draped; roving the flexible connector through the second opening in the eyelet section; fastening the flexible connector to the hook; roving the flexible connector through the third opening in the upper portion of the hanger; fastening the flexible connector to the hanger to thereby make the assembly; providing a golf towel having a hanging element; inserting the hook through the hanging element of the golf towel; drawing the flexible connector and upper portion of the hanger through the hanging element of the golf towel; draping the golf towel over the arms of the hanger so as to have the golf towel rest upon the two arms of the hanger; and hooking the assembly to the shaft of the golf club via the hooking section of the hook, to thereby place the golf towel on the shaft of the golf club.

The present invention also provides methods for removing a golf towel placed on the shaft of a golf club by hooking as described above, comprising rotating the hook from a position perpendicular to the shaft to a position parallel to the shaft, to thereby unhook the assembly from the shaft. In certain aspects of the removing method, the eyelet section of the hook is grasped and moved to rotate the hook.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

When referring to the drawings, like reference numbers denote like elements throughout the various views. Structures shown in dashed outline do not form any part of the invention. Structures shown in dotted lines are not visible in the view shown.

FIG. 1A depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 115 according to an embodiment of the invention and a golf towel that is used with the assembly. Arms of the hanger are shown in dotted line to indicate they are not visible with the golf towel overhanging them.

FIG. 1B depicts schematically parts of an exemplary assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in which the flexible connector 2a has two ends and the hanger 3 has an upper portion 3a in which the opening 3d is parallel to the plane of the coplanar arms 3b and 3c.

FIG. 1C depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 105 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1D depicts schematically parts of an exemplary assembly according to an embodiment of the invention in which the flexible connector 2b is continuous and the hanger 3 has an upper portion 3a in which the opening 3d traverses the plane of the coplanar arms 3b and 3c.

FIG. 2 depicts schematically an early prototype of a hook 1x used in an assembly according to an prior embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C provide further details pertaining to the use in some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3A illustrates the dimensions of the hook, particularly the dimensions of cavity 1d. FIG. 3B illustrates the angular relationship between the axis of the hooking section 1a is and the axis of the eyelet section 1c. FIG. 3C illustrates the offset position of the eyelet section 1c in relation the path (shaded box 20) of a golf club shaft being inserted into the hook. The arrow indicates the direction of insertion of the golf club shaft into the hook.

FIG. 4A depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 110 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict schematically side and perspective views, respectively, of hangers 3 that are used in exemplary assemblies according to embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 5C and 5D depict schematically side and perspective views, respectively, of an alternative hanger that is used in an exemplary assemblies according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 115 according to an embodiment of the invention including a golf towel. The knot 12a in the flexible connector 2 and arms 3b, 3c of the hanger 3 are shown in dotted lines to indicate that they are not visible behind the golf towel 4.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depicts schematically multi-layer golf towels that can be used with the assembly in some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of the multi-layer golf towel shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 7B shows a multi-layer golf towel according to certain embodiments of the invention where the waterproof barrier 7d is larger than either of the microfiber dry side towel 7e or the microfiber wet side towel 7c. FIG. 7C is a cross sectional view of the multi-layer towel shown in FIG. 7B.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C depict schematically an exemplary assembly according to an embodiment of the invention and schematic demonstration of how the assembly can be removed from the shaft of a golf club. FIG. 8A show shows the hook securely hooked onto to the golf club shaft (represented in cross-section by the circle 5). FIG. 8B shows an early stage of removing the hook from the golf club shaft. FIG. 8C shows a later stage of removing the hook from the golf club shaft. The golf club section 5 is shown for illustrative purposes and does not form part of the invention.

FIG. 9 depict schematically a variety of golf towels 4, 4a (folded towel) and multilayer towel 7 containing non-limiting examples of hanging elements and combinations of elements: 9a is an opening; 9b is a carabineer; 9c is a hook; 9d is a loop; 9e is a strap; 9f is a ring; 9g is a elongated button hole; 9h is a round buttonhole; 9i is a grommet; and 9j is a clip.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D show exemplary knots for use in assemblies of the invention. FIG. 10A shows a knot 12a formed with a continuous circular flexible connector 2b; FIG. 10B shows a knot 12a formed in a flexible connector with two ends 2a; FIG. 10C shows a knot 12a formed in one strand of a flexible connector 2a; FIG. 10D shows a square knot 12a formed from two ends of a flexible connector 2a.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show exemplary hitches for use in the invention. For illustration purposes, bars is shown in dashed outline that the hitch is formed around. The bars do not form part of the invention. FIG. 11A shows a hitch 12b formed in a flexible connector having two ends; FIG. 11B shows a hitch 12b formed with a continuous circular flexible connector; FIG. 11C shows a hitch 12b that can only be formed with two ends of a flexible connector.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate combinations of knots and hitches in the flexible connector of exemplary assemblies of the invention. FIG. 12A shows an assembly with two knots 12a; FIG. 11B shows an assembly with two hitches 12b; FIG. 12C shows an assembly with one knot 12a and one hitch 12b.

FIGS. 13A-13E show removal of an assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, from the shaft of a golf club. The golf club and hand shown in this series of illustrations form no part of the invention. In FIG. 13A, the golfer grasps the eyelet section 1c of the hook. In FIG. 13B, the golfer lifts up on the eyelet section 1c, rotating it toward the golf club shaft until it is nearly parallel to the shaft as shown in FIG. 13C. FIG. 13D shows the assembly immediately after being removed from the golf club shaft, still in a substantially parallel position. FIG. 13E shows another view of the removed assembly being grasped by the eyelet section 1c.

FIG. 14 is an environmental drawing illustrating three assemblies according to various embodiments of the invention that are attached to golf clubs (A, B and C, marked on the hosel of the club), the golf clubs resting in a golf bag with the eyelet section 1c of the hook hanging over the edge of the bag. Club A has an assembly with a strap-shaped golf towel 4 having a grommet hanging element 9i that is connected directly to the flexible connector. Club B has an assembly with a golf towel 4 having an opening 9a as hanging element 9, the golf towel being draped over the arms (3b, 3c) of hanger 3. Club C has a larger, draping rectangular golf towel 4 attached directly to the flexible connector through a loop hanging element 9d. Arms of the hanger are shown in dotted line to indicate they are not visible with the towels overhanging them. The golf clubs and golf bag are shown in broken lines and are not part of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention claimed. As used herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Terms not specifically defined herein are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning as understood by a skilled artisan familiar with the game of golf and equipment used to play golf.

As used herein, “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting and its meaning is the same as that of “comprising.”

The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting.

“About” as used herein means that a number referred to the subject matter described as “about” comprises the recited number plus or minus 1-10% of that recited number. For example, “about” 100″ (i.e., inches) can mean 95-105″ or as few as 99-101″ depending on the situation. Whenever it appears herein, a numerical range such as “1 to 20” refers to each integer or fractional unit thereof in the given range; for example and without limitation to a specific range content, “1 to 20″” means that a specified measurement can be 1″, 2″, 3″, etc., up to and including 20″, while 1.1 to 20.0″ means that a specified measurement can be 1.1″, 1.2″, 1.3″, etc., up to and including 20.0″.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a great extent or degree, e.g. “substantially similar” in context is used to characterize an object or property that is to great extent or degree similar to a reference object or property. For example, “substantially similar” or equivalents thereof means that the composition, process, property, method, or the like is at least 50%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% similar to the reference. For example, “substantially rigid” means that the object is at least 50% rigid, at least 80% rigid, at least 85% rigid, at least 90% rigid, at least 95% rigid, or at least 99% rigid when compared to a 100% absolutely rigid item.

“Rigid,” as used herein means unable to bend or be forced out of shape; not flexible; stiff, hard, firm, inflexible, unbending, unyielding, or inelastic.

“Flexible”, as used herein means capable of bending easily without breaking; pliable, supple, bendable, plastic, elastic, stretchy, whippy, springy, or resilient. Completely flexible, as used herein, is the opposite of completely rigid.

“Resilient”, as used herein, refers to the ability to return to an original shape after bending, stretching, being pulled, or being compressed.

“Knot” as used herein, is an interlacement of the parts of a flexible connector (e.g., a cord, rope, string, lanyard or the like), forming a lump or knob. In certain aspects, a knot according the invention, can be formed at the end of a single strand of flexible connector to restrict the strand from moving. In other aspects, the knot can be formed between two strands when the two ends of one embodiment of the flexible connector are joined, or between two strands when the flexible connector with two ends or the continuous flexible connector is looped. a restricting and joining function. Nonlimiting examples of knots are shown in FIG. 10A-10D.

“Hitch”, as used herein, refers to a specialized type of knot used to connect a flexible connector with another object, in which the flexible connector is interlaced with a part of the other object. In certain aspects of the invention, the other object to which the flexible connector is interlaced is a hook, a hanger, or a golf towel. Non-limiting examples of hitches are shown in FIGS. 11A-11C.

“Removably” as used herein, refers to a part of an assembly that is configured to be assembled with, or attached to, another part of the assembly and is also configured to be routinely separated or removed from the another part when the two parts are assembled together. Typically parts that are removably attached are configured to be repeatedly assembled and separated in the course of using the assembly.

“Slidably” refers to a part of an assembly that is configured to slide along another part of the assembly and when used in the context of a method, refers to a step that includes sliding motion.

“Coplanar”, as used herein, means that two or more objects lie in the same geometric plane. Where the objects have a dimension (e.g., thickness), such that the entirety of the coplanar object cannot line in a single plane, coplanar means that a single geometric plane intersects each of the objects.

“Hosel” as used herein, refers to the socket of a golf club head into which the shaft fits. A hosel can be e.g., round or rectangular.

“Towel” as used herein refers to woven or non-woven cloth or paper, which is typically absorbent, for wiping, cleaning, drying and/or polishing. A “golf towel” is a specific type of towel that is configured for use while playing golf, and is suitable for carrying by the golfer. A golf towel is smaller than bath or beach towels, often about the same size as a hand towel, and generally having an overall size of less than 2′×2′. Golf towels may or may not include a hanging element from which the golf towel can be fastened to another object. Golf towels include square-shaped, rectangular-shaped, strap-shaped, irregularly-shaped, elipitcally-shaped, folded (e.g. tri-fold), multi-layer and other forms. Golf towels are typically washable and suitable for use outdoors, such as towels that have been coated to withstand U.V. rays or other environmental conditions.

“As used herein, “configured for” and “configured to” are used interchangeably to refer to structural limitations on the parts, elements, constructions or assemblies to which these terms are applied. Specifically, the terms refer to a particular shape, structure, design, and/or arrangement that is specific to the recited use, purpose, movement, geometry, or complementarity to another part or reference structure, rather than simply an intended use. In some instances, “configured to” or “configured to” may refer to a reference structure or element that is recited in the claim but is not an element of the claim, per se. This indicates a structural limitation on the configured structure or element, without limiting the claim to include the reference element unless such reference element is independently and positively included in the claim. For example, an element “A” that is “configured to fit wholly under the shoe of a human being” is limited to a particular structure by a size, shape and complementarity to the specific size and shape of a shoe, yet the shoe is not part of the claimed invention (unless the claim also recites a shoe as a separate element). A claim that recites “a shoe and element A configured to fit wholly under the shoe” includes the shoe whereas a claim that only recites “element A configured to fit wholly under a shoe” is limited by the size and shape of the shoe, but does not include a shoe as part of the invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to embodiments of the present invention, various devices are provided for carrying a golf towel while playing golf as well as methods for using such devices. The devices of the present invention may be generally described with the reference to FIGS. 1-14 showing, but not limited to, certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, in which like elements have like reference numbers.

More specifically, FIGS. 1C, 4B, and 14 (clubs A and C) depict schematically assemblies 100 and 105 for carrying a golf towel while playing golf according to one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, FIG. 4B shows the assembly 100 alone, while FIGS. 1C and 14 (clubs A and C) show assembly 105, which includes an optional golf towel.

Alternative assemblies 110 and 115 are shown in FIGS. 1A, 4A, 6, 12A-C, 13, and 14 (club B). Of these, FIGS. 4A, 12A-C show assembly 110 alone, while FIGS. 1A, 6, 13, and 14 (club B) show assemblies 115 that include an optional golf towel.

Each of assemblies 100, 105, 110, and 115 comprises a hook 1 having a hooking section 1a, an eyelet section 1c, and a connecting section 1b that connects the hooking section 1a to the eyelet section 1c. The hooking section 1a taken together with the connecting section 1b define a first opening therebetween (the cavity 1d) that is used for attaching the hook 1 to the shaft of the golf club (not shown in FIG. 1A) as described in more detail below. The eyelet section 1c of hook 1 is connected to a flexible connector 2, which in turn can be connected to the upper portion 3a of a hanger 3 (assembly 100) or left free for connecting directly to a hanging element 9 of a golf towel 4 (assembly 110). In certain embodiments, an optional golf towel 4, which can be a multi-layer golf towel 7, is part of the assembly: assembly 105 includes all the parts of assembly 100, plus a golf towel 4; assembly 115 includes all the parts of assembly 110, plus a golf towel 4.

Parts of the Assemblies of the Invention

It is to be understood that various combinations of the parts embodied by the description herein can be used to form assemblies. Thus, an assembly 100, which is configured for carrying a golf towel, but does not include a golf towel, can include a flexible connector with two ends 2a or a flexible connector that is continuous 2b, such as a continuous loop or circle, or can include a flexible connector 2 that selected by those having ordinary skill in the art based on the description provided herein. Assembly 105 can similarly include any one of a variety of flexible connectors, but must also include a golf towel 4.

Hook

The hook 1 shown in more detail in FIGS. 1B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 8A, 8C, and 8C, is configured to allow detachable attachment of the assembly to the shaft of a golf club. In certain embodiments, the hook is slidably attached to the golf club shaft such that it can be moved along the length of the golf club shaft without first removing it.

The hook 1 can be fabricated of any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, glass-filled nylon or another sturdy plastic material, or a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum or bronze. Another suitable material may be selected, if desirable, by those having ordinary skill in the art based on the guidance provided herein.

The hook material will typically be a strong, resilient, and substantially rigid material that resists unintentional removal or unhooking of the hook 1 from the shaft of a golf club as may occur with hooks made of lightweight or flexible materials. Hooks made of flexible plastic or metal may be pulled off a golf club shaft accidentally if the assembly becomes entangled with other items and the club is pulled away from entangled items. If a towel attached to a golf club through a flexible hook or clip becomes caught on another item, the towel may be lost if the flexible hook or clip allows the assembly to become unhooked from the golf club. Thus, in certain embodiments of the invention, the hook material is sufficiently strong and rigid that the hook 1 can only be removed from the golf club shaft, using only manual force, by rotating the hook 1 from an engaged position on the shaft in which the hook 1 is perpendicular to the golf club shaft toward an orientation in which the hook is parallel to the golf club shaft, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C and 13A-13E and discussed further below. “Manual force” contemplates the typical golfer using only his hands, and does not include prying, sawing, melting, cutting or any other mechanism that that requires a tool. The hook 1 is also resilient. That is, upon hooking onto the shaft of a golf club (or thereafter, removing the hook 1 from the shaft of a golf club), the hook 1 rapidly (within several second) returns to its original shape, thereby maintaining the ability to secure the golf club within the hook cavity 1d.

The hook 1 can be manufactured by any suitable method to be selected by those having ordinary skill in the art. One example of a manufacturing technique that can be used is plastic injection molding. Alternative fabrication methods include machining, water jet cutting, metal injection molding and laser cutting. The hook 1 so fabricated includes the cavity 1d comprising two distinct curved portions, i.e., a narrower curved portion and a wider curved portion, the two curved portions being adjacent to, and integrated with, each other, as illustrated by FIGS. 3A and 3B. The cavity 1d is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted through opening point 1n and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion.

The greatest dimension if of the narrower curved portion can be between about 0.25″ and about 0.35″, such as between about 0.30″ and about 0.31″, for example, about 0.3077″. The greatest dimension 1g of the wider curved portion can be between about 0.30″ and about 0.50″, such as between about 0.35″ and about 0.40″, for example, about 0.3750″. The total length 1h of the cavity 1d can be between about 0.4″ and about 0.7″, such as between about 0.5″ and about 0.6″, for example, about 0.5481″ and the width 1i at the opening point 1n of the cavity 1d can be between about 0.15″ and about 0.25″, such as between about 0.16″ and about 0.20″, for example, about 0.17″, 0.18″, 0.19″, e.g., about 0.187″, 0.188″ or 0.189″. The hook 1 can have the thickness 1e (indicated in FIGS. 1B, 3C, 2) between about ⅛″ and about ⅝″, for example, about ⅜″.

As can be seen from FIG. 3A, the eyelet section 1c defines the inner cavity 1j that is substantially circular as illustrated, but can be any shape, and can have the diameter between about 0.125″ and about 0.50″ such as between about 0.30″ and about 0.32″, for example, about 0.3125″. The eyelet section 1c of the hook 1 has the primary function of providing the site for fastening the flexible connector 2. The eyelet section 1c is thus configured to accept a flexible connector 2 with a diameter up to about 0.6″, taking into account that the flexible connector 2 can be compressed for insertion through the inner cavity 1j. The inner cavity 1j can accommodate two thicknesses of flexible connector 2 each having about half the diameter of inner cavity 1j, or about 0.3″ each.

As can be also seen from FIGS. 3A and 3B, the axis 1o of the hooking section 1a is positioned at an angle to the axis 1p of the eyelet section 1c. This angle, 1k (FIG. 3B) can be between about 20 degrees and about 140 degrees, for example, between about 30 degrees and 45 degrees. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the eyelet section 1c is offset from the opening point 1n of the hooking section 1a such that it does not interfere with the insertion of the shaft of the golf club during hooking or removal. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the eyelet section 1c is positioned so that it does not enter the path 20 of a golf club being inserted through opening point 1n of the hook 1. Path 20 is illustrated in FIG. 3C by the shaded box showing cross sectional views of two exemplary golf club shafts (5, 6). In certain aspects of the invention, the eyelet section 1c is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet section 1c does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of a golf club through the insertion point 1n of the cavity 1d.

The hook was originally conceived to have a sleek and modern-looking design as illustrated by the early prototype 1x shown in FIG. 2. In that prototype, the eyelet section 1c was kept in-line with the hooking section 1a for a more compact design. It was originally thought that the overall rounded shape and smaller profile would be less awkward, and with no sharp projections or narrow exterior angles to catch on other objects, it would be less likely to become unintentionally unhooked from the golf club shaft. In use, however, this design has proven difficult to hook onto a golf club shaft and/or subsequently unhook. Particularly, with the eyelet section 1c in-line with the first opening in the hook 1x, it obstructs the path of entry to the first opening from access by the golf club. In use, it was found that the hook 1x shown in FIG. 2 could only be hooked onto the shaft of a golf club with great difficulty.

The present embodiment of hook 1 (shown for example in FIGS. 3A-3C) having the presently claimed offset eyelet section 1c has demonstrated unexpected advantages that have only become apparent through actual use of the hook 1. First, the offset placement of the eyelet section 1c allows it to function as a handle for removal of the hook 1 from the golf club shaft as illustrated in the series of drawings in FIGS. 13A-13E. The design of the original prototype 1x shown in FIG. 2 made this aspect of the invention difficult because its compact size and shape provided less structure to grasp onto and was too sleek to maintain a firm grip of. In addition, positioning the eyelet section 1c further away from the hooking section 1a, together with the additional length provided by the extended connecting section 1b, provides additional leverage needed to rotate the hook 1 off the golf club shaft (see FIGS. 13A-13E), as compared to the original prototype 1x shown in FIG. 2. In use, the golfer can grasp the eyelet section 1c and attached flexible connector 2 for hooking or unhooking the hook 1 to the golf shaft as illustrated by the series drawings of FIGS. 13A-13E.

Moreover, the offset position of the eyelet section 1c directs the flexible connector 2 and any golf towel 4 attached thereto, away from the hooking section 1a. This placement prevents the flexible connector 2 and/or golf towel 4 from interfering with hooking and unhooking of the hook 1. The offset also helps prevent the golf towel 4 from becoming caught between the hooking section 1a and the golf club shaft because these are more easily held away from the hooking section when hooking or unhooking to a golf club shaft. When grasping the eyelet section 1c, the golfer can simply secure the flexible connector 2 and attached golf towel 4 using the same hand that grasps the eyelet section 1c as shown in FIGS. 13A-13E. This figure shows the flexible connector 2 and attached golf towel 4 directed over the back of the golfer's hand, but the skilled artisan will appreciate that these can be held in the palm of the hand with the middle and/or pinky fingers while grasping the eyelet section 1c between the index finger and thumb. Moreover, the configuration of hook 1 places the golfer's fingers away from the hooking section 1a of the hook 1, thereby reducing the likelihood that the fingers will be pinched when hook 1 engages a golf club shaft.

Finally, offsetting the eyelet section 1c allows the golf towel to be hung over the edge of a golf bag in which the club is stored so that the golf towel is easily accessible when the club to which it is attached is stored in the golf bag. See FIG. 14. In this position, the golf towel can be used for wiping or drying while in a golf bag attached to a golf club, or the entire assembly can easily be removed from the golf club, while the golf club remains in the golf bag. Hanging the golf towel over the edge of the golf bag also allows easy identification and selection of the club carrying the golf towel, such as a putter.

Flexible Connector

Assemblies 100, 105, 110 and 115 further include a flexible connector 2, such as a lanyard, that has two ends 2a (also shown separately on FIG. 1B). When the flexible connector 2 has two ends, one end of the flexible connector 2a is roved through the circular inner cavity 1j in the eyelet section 1c of the hook 1 and the other through the opening 3d of the hanger 3 as shown in FIGS. 1A and 4, or through the hanging element 9 of the golf towel in alternative embodiments of the invention that do not include the hanger. Golf towels 4, 4a and 7 having exemplary, non-limiting hanging elements 9a-9j are illustrated in FIG. 9. The flexible connector 2 is not shown in FIG. 9, but it will be apparent to the skilled artisan how to connect the hanging elements 9a-9j with the flexible connector 2 using knots, hitches and/or loops describe herein. Other means for attaching the flexible connector 2 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment the flexible connector 2 is a continuous loop 2b as illustrated in FIG. 1C, such as a circle.

The flexible connector 2 is made of a suitable flexible material such as a rope, a cord, a string or a chain, for example, a nylon rope. In certain embodiments, the flexible connector is a lanyard.

The length of the flexible connector 2 may be between about 1″ and about 12″, for example, between about 3″ and about 10″, although longer lengths may be suitable in certain circumstances. The flexible connector 2 may be of any thickness so long as it is possible to draw the flexible connector 2 through the circular opening 1j in the eyelet section 1c of the hook 1 and through the opening 3d in the upper portion 3a of the hanger 3. Typically, the diameter of the flexible connector 2 is between about 0.125″ and about 0.375″, such as about 0.25″.

Each end of the flexible connector 2a or each loop end of continuous flexible connector 2b is securely but removably fastened, respectively, to the eyelet section 1c of the hook 1, and to the hanger 3 in assemblies 110 and 115, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 4A; or in assemblies 100 and 105, directly to a hanging element of golf towel 4, as shown in FIG. 14 (clubs A and C). In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 6, the flexible connector 2a is attached by making knots 12a and/or hitches 12b, but alternatively those reasonably skilled in the art may select another feasible means of fastening, if desired, such as using loops in flexible connector 2b to form hitches as exemplifies in FIG. 11B. The skilled artisan will appreciate that a continuous loop flexible connector can form hitch knots even though there are no ends to tie together. Thus, the flexible connector 2 connects the hook 1 to the hanger 3, or to the hanging element 9 of a golf towel 4.

Non-limiting examples of knots and hitches suitably for fastening flexible connectors 2 of the invention are shown in FIGS. 10 A-D (knots) and FIGS. 11A-C (hitches). As the skilled artisan will appreciate, some types of knots are suitable for forming either on the end of a flexible connector 2a or in a continuous loop flexible connector 2b, such as a circular lanyard. Others types of knots, such as the square knot depicted in FIG. 10D can be formed only when two ends are present. Similarly, the hitches depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B can be formed with a loop end of either flexible connector 2a or 2b, while the hitch shown in FIG. 11C requires two free ends to form and thus can only be formed with connector 2a having two-ends.

Hanger

The hanger 3 included in assemblies 110 and 115 is configured to support a golf towel in an extended form, thereby maximizing accessibility of the surface area of the towel and minimizing contact between various regions of the towel such as clean and dirty regions or dry and wet regions. The hanger 3 comprises the upper portion 3a that contains the opening 3d and two arms 3b and 3c integrated with the upper portion (see FIGS. 1B, 4, 5A, 5B and 6). In certain embodiments, the arms 3b and 3c are straight and coplanar. Each of the arms 3b and 3c can have the same or a different length within the range of between about 2″ and about 5″, for example, between about 1″ and about 4″, and the ends of each of the arms 3b and 3c can be optionally rounded to avoid having sharp edges.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1D, each of arms 3b and 3c includes a proximal end (3bi and 3ci, respectively) which is integrated with the upper portion 3a, and a distal end (3bii and 3cii, respectively), which is the termination of the distal extension of the arm (3b, 3c, respectively) from the upper portion 3a. In certain embodiments, the arms are disposed on the upper portion in a secure position such that they form a fixed angle to each other in an inverted “V” shape, the point of the “V” being formed by the disposition of the proximal ends (3bi, 3ci) of arms (3b, 3c) to the upper portion 3a. The angle formed between the arms can be about 45° to about 160°, typically about 60° to about 120°, and most often about 90°.

The hanger 3 can be fabricated of any suitable material that is sufficiently strong to support the weight of a golf towel carried thereupon, particularly when the golf towel is wet. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, glass-filled nylon, another sturdy plastic material, or a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum or bronze. Another suitable material may be selected, if desirable, by those having ordinary skill in the art. The same or different materials can be used for fabricating the hook 1 and the hanger 3. In certain embodiments, hanger is made of a sufficiently rigid material that the arms do not bend and cannot contact each other, and sufficiently resilient that the arms return to their original shape and position following any amount of flexion. Typically, the arms can flex no more than about 10% from their unflexed shape.

In certain embodiments, the hanger 3 can have the thickness 3e (FIG. 5B) between about ¼″ and about 1″, for example, about ½″.

Golf Towel

A golf towel to be used with or included in assemblies of the invention includes a hanging element 9 such as the opening 9a shown in FIGS. 1A and 9, which traverses the body of the golf towel. Alternative hanging elements such as loops 9d, straps 9e, buttonholes 9g and 9h, grommets 9i, rings 9f, carabineers 9b, hooks 9c, clips 9j and combinations of the aforementioned elements may be used as well. Non-limiting examples of hanging elements 9 suitable for use in or with the assemblies of the invention are illustrated in FIG. 9.

Various golf towels 4 are envisioned for the use with the assemblies described above. The golf towels 4 are typically made of a microfiber terry cloth, but if desired, those having ordinary skill in the art may choose golf towels made of another type of fabric, such as cotton terry cloth, cotton flannel, cotton waffle fabric, rayon, bamboo, and other woven or non-woven natural or synthetic fibers, including cellulose, or combinations thereof. Washable, reusable towels are contemplated for use in the assemblies of the present invention, as are single use and disposable towels

In some embodiments, the golf towels can be rectangular or square, such as squares having the sides with the length between about 5″ and about 15″, such as 10″ by 10″ squares. The golf towel can have any desirable thickness, for example, between about ⅛″ and about ¼″.

Multi-Layer Golf Towel

In some embodiments, multi-layer golf towels 7 can be used. One such embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 7A provides for a three-layered golf towel 7 which can be also seen as a combination of three individual towels. One of these towels, 7c, is designated as a microfiber wet side towel. The other towel, 7e is designated as a microfiber dry side towel. The two towels 7c and 7e are separated by a waterproof barrier 7d. The waterproof barrier can be fabricated of any suitable material, such as nylon, rubber, silicon or a fabric treated with waterproofing agent (e.g., a raincoat waterproofing solution). The three layers are sewn together along the edges 7b. As can be seen from FIG. 7A, the waterproof barrier 7d is even with the towel edge 7f, thus ensuring that no water will wick from the wet side 7c to the dry side 7e.

In certain aspects of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the waterproof barrier 7d is larger than the microfiber wet side towel 7c and the microfiber dry side towel 7e. That is, for a square multilayer towel in which the layers are stacked one upon the other, the waterproof barrier 7d extends beyond the edges of the two towels, thus further preventing moisture transfer from the wet to dry side. Also contemplated by the invention are absorbent towels or towel layers covered or enclosed in waterproof or other barriers to prevent dirt, rain or other contaminants from reaching the towel. In certain aspects of the invention the multi-layer golf towel 7 can include additional layers, such as outer protective barrier layers to protect the towel from the environment and/or maintain the moisture level of the towel layers.

Methods for Making Assemblies

For each of the assemblies of the invention, the first step in making the assembly is to fasten flexible connector 2 to the hook 1. The flexible connector 2 is roved through the eyelet section 1c of the hook 1 and secured in place with a knot, hitch and/or other fastening. Where the flexible connector 2a has two ends, for example, one end can be roved through the inner cavity 1j of the eyelet section 1c one or more times, resulting in the two ends of the flexible connector 2a free to connect to the hanger 3, or directly to hanging element 9 of the towel 4. Once the flexible connector has been attached to the hook 1, assembly 100 (illustrated e.g., in FIG. 4B) is complete and the flexible connector 2 is available to connect to a golf towel 4. Such golf towel 4, may be obtained independently or may be specifically designed to be used with assembly 100.

To prepare assembly 105, the hanging element 9 of golf towel 4, 4a or 7 is connected directly to the flexible connector 2 of assembly 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1C. The hanging element 9 can be located anywhere on or through the golf towel 4, such as at the edge of the golf towel, in a corner of the golf towel or in the center of the golf towel. When the golf towel is a multi-layer golf towel 7 or a folded golf towel 4a, the hanging element can be attached to any one or more, or all the golf towel layers.

In other embodiments that include the hanger 3 to accommodate a golf towel 4, 4a or 7, the user will first make the assembly 110 shown on FIG. 4B. The free ends of the flexible connector 2a, (or loop end where the continuous flexible connector 2b is used) are then roved through opening 3d in the hanger, and secured with a knot, hitch or the like. This forms assembly 110, as illustrated in FIG. 4A.

To attach the towel 4, 4a or 7 and thus form assembly 115, hook 1 of assembly 110 is then inserted through the hanging element 9 of the golf towel. The hook 1 is then drawn through the hanging element 9 followed by roving the flexible connector 2 through the hanging element 9 until the golf towel reaches the hanger 3. The process of setting the golf towel on the assembly 115 ends when the golf towel has been draped over and rests upon the arms 3b and 3c of the hanger 3, and the surface of the golf towel 4, 4a or 7 is distributed evenly along the arms as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 6. The hanger 3 allows the golf towel to be held in an extended fashion, rather than folded or crumpled, which exposes more surface area of the golf towel for use. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the towel can be positioned over the arms 3b and 3c of the hanger 3 before the flexible connector 2 is attached to opening 3d in the hanger 3 in alternative methods for making assembly 115

Hooking the Assembly to a Golf Club

Once the golf towel has been installed, the user hooks the assembly (e.g. 105 or 115) to a golf club. The club can be a putter or any other club. Clubs with a hosel which has either a round shape 5 (illustrated on FIG. 3A) or a rectangular shape 6 (FIG. 3B) can be accommodated. The assembly thus hooks to the shaft via the hooking section 1a of the hook 1 and is securely held in place by the force of friction. Yet at the same time, the above-described features of the hook 1 allow the user to easily slide the assembly up and down the shaft of the golf club, if the user so desires. The fact that the assembly is attached to the shaft of the golf club by hooking instead of the golf club shaft.

In certain aspects of the invention, the golf towel 4 can be removed for cleaning and replaced while the assembly is hooked onto the golf club shaft. For example, where the flexible connector 2 is attached to either the hanger 3 or the golf towel 4 with a knot 12a, the knot may be unknotted and the towel 4 (or towel 4 and hanger 3) may be slid off the assembly and then replaced by reversing these steps with a clean towel 4.

Removal of the Assembly from the Golf Club Shaft

Some embodiments of the present invention also allow the user to have both the secure connection when the assembly (100, 105, 110, 115) is mounted on the shaft of the club and easy removal. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, according to some embodiments the hook 1 includes protruding elements or “barbs” 1m that crate the narrow opening point 1n and prevent the hook 1 from unhooking on its own. To remove the hook 1 from the shaft the user needs to rotate the hook 1 as if trying to turn the “V” shape 1v from perpendicular to parallel the shaft (FIG. 8A). This uses the shaft to force the “V” shape 1v open enough so that the barbs 1m release from the shaft. Bevels of the barbs 1m help align the shaft in the middle of the “V” shape 1v as the user rotates the hook 1 (FIG. 8B). The closed end of cavity 1d acts as a pivot and contacts the shaft during the process of rotating, thus forcing barbs 1m against the opposing side of the golf club shaft and opening the barbs 1m (FIG. 8C). Accordingly, the hook 1 does not come off without being rotated off. The barbs 1m hold the hook 1 on the shaft and do not spread apart from each other easily without the rotation maneuver described above. It should also be noted that the offset position of the eyelet section 1c facilitates this maneuver by allowing the golfer to grasp the eyelet section 1c and rotate the hook 1, alone or while also rotating the golf club shaft.

Use and Features of the Assembly when Hooked to a Golf Club

When at the green the user would take the club out of the golf bag and the assembly (105, 115) including the towel 4 would come with the club. This means the user does not need to be concerned about remembering a separate golf towel to clean the equipment. While making a golf stroke, the user can simply rotate the assembly 105 or 115 off the shaft of the golf club and hook it onto a pocket or belt loop so there is no need for the user to hand carry the assembly. Once finished with the golf club, the user would hook the assembly including attached golf towel 4, back onto the club, replace the club into the bag and continue on until the golf towel is needed again. Embodiments of the present invention also allow for the golf towel 4 to be accessible while the club is in the bag because it hangs over the edge of the golf bag. See FIG. 14.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teaching of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising:

(a) a hook, comprising a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section,

wherein the hooking section and the connecting section define a first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening,

wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25″ and about 0.35″, and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30″ and about 0.50″,

wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion,

wherein the eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf club into the first opening; and

(b) a flexible connector fastened to the eyelet section for removably connecting the hook to a golf towel;

wherein the hook is configured to allow a detachable attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf club.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a golf towel having a hanging element, wherein the flexible connector is fastened to the eyelet section of the hook and to the hanging element of the golf towel, thereby connecting the hook to the golf towel.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the hanging element is selected from the group consisting of a loop, an opening, a strap, a grommet, a buttonhole, a ring, a carabineer, a clip, a hook or a combination thereof.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the hanging element is adjacent to an edge of the golf towel.

5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the hanging element is in the center of the golf towel.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hanger configured for supporting a golf towel in an extended form, the hanger comprising an upper portion defining a third opening, and two straight, coplanar arms integrated with and extending distally from the upper portion,

wherein the two straight arms are positioned and held at a fixed angle to each other in an inverted V-shape over which the golf towel can be draped,

wherein the flexible connector is fastened to the hanger.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the arms of the hanger are substantially rigid and can flex no more than about 10% from their unflexed shape such that the arms cannot contact each other.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the fixed angle is between about 45° and about 160°.

9. The assembly of claim 6, further comprising a golf towel having a having a hanging element, wherein the upper portion of the hanger is inserted through the hanging element and the golf towel is draped over the arms of the hanger such that the surface of the golf towel is distributed evenly along the arms of the hanger.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the flexible connector is a lanyard and the hanging element is an opening in the towel.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the lanyard is removably fastened to the hook and to the hanger by knots, loops or hitches.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the golf towel is a multi-layered composition comprising a microfiber wet side towel layer, a microfiber dry side towel layer and a waterproof barrier layer between the wet side towel layer and the dry side towel layer.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein in the multi-layered golf towel composition the microfiber wet side towel, the microfiber dry side towel and the waterproof barrier layer are held together by stitching along two adjacent sides of the towel.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the waterproof barrier layer is longer and wider than either of the microfiber wet side towel and the microfiber dry side towel, thereby preventing contact between the edges of the microfiber wet side towel and the microfiber dry side towel.

15. A method for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club, the method comprising:

a) making an assembly comprising the following steps: i) providing: 1. a hook, comprising a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section, wherein the hooking section and the connecting section define a first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening, wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25″ and about 0.35″, and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30″ and about 0.50″, wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf club into the first opening; 2. a flexible connector; and 3. a golf towel having a hanging element; ii) roving the flexible connector through the second opening in the eyelet section; iii) fastening the flexible connector to the hook; iv) roving the flexible connector through the hanging element of the golf towel; v) fastening the flexible connector to the hanging element of the golf towel, thereby making the assembly; and

b) hooking the assembly to the shaft of the golf club via the hooking section of the hook, to thereby place the golf towel on the shaft of the golf club.

16. A method for removing a golf towel from the shaft of a golf club after the hooking step of claim 15, the method comprising rotating the hook from a position perpendicular to the shaft to a position parallel to the shaft, to thereby unhook the assembly from the shaft.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the eyelet section of the hook is grasped and moved to rotate the hook.

18. A method for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club, the method comprising:

a) making an assembly comprising the following steps: i) providing: 1. a hook, comprising a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section, wherein the hooking section and the connecting section define a first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening, wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25″ and about 0.35″, and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30″ and about 0.50″, wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf club into the first opening; 2. a flexible connector; and 3. a hanger comprising configured for supporting a golf towel in an extended form, the hanger comprising an upper portion defining a third opening, and two straight, coplanar arms integrated with and extending distally from the upper portion, wherein the two straight arms are positioned and held at a fixed angle to each other in an inverted V-shape over which the golf towel can be draped; ii) roving the flexible connector through the second opening in the eyelet section; iii) fastening the flexible connector to the hook; iv) roving the flexible connector through the third opening in the upper portion of the hanger; v) fastening the flexible connector to the hanger to thereby make the assembly;

b) providing a golf towel comprising a hanging element;

c) inserting the hook through the hanging element of the golf towel;

d) drawing the flexible connector and upper portion of the hanger through the hanging element of the golf towel;

e) draping the golf towel over the arms of the hanger so as to have the golf towel rest upon the two arms of the hanger; and

f) hooking the assembly to the shaft of the golf club via the hooking section of the hook, to thereby place the golf towel on the shaft of the golf club.

19. A method for removing a golf towel from the shaft of a golf club after the hooking step of claim 18, the method comprising rotating the hook from a position perpendicular to the shaft to a position parallel to the shaft, to thereby unhook the assembly from the shaft.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the eyelet section of the hook is grasped and moved to rotate the hook.