Sports Club Wearable Retention Device

The present invention relates generally to the field of retention devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sports club wearable retention device that creates an attachment between users and their equipment, reducing the risk that a user's equipment accidently flies out of their hands if they lose their grip on said equipment. The device is primarily comprised of at least one strap, at least one tether and at least one clamp. The tether features two clips fastened to each side of the tether. In this manner, the tether attaches to the clamp, which is fixed on the club, and to a strap that the user wears. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/289,223, which was filed on Dec. 14, 2021, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of retention devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sports club wearable retention device that creates an attachment between a user and the equipment, reducing the risk that a user's equipment accidently flies out of his or her hands if they lose the grip on said equipment. The device is primarily comprised of at least one strap, at least one tether and at least one clamp. The tether features two clips fastened to each side of the tether. In this manner, the tether attaches to the clamp, which is fixed on the club, and to a strap, which the user wears. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Engaging in different types of sporting events is a fun and enjoyable activity for many people. However, as one ages, or the aggressiveness of a sport increases, it may become more difficult to retain control over the different clubs, bats, sticks, etc., that may be used in each sport. For example, a golfer may unintentionally release his or her grip on a club on an aggressive swing, especially if the golfer suffers from certain ailments, such as arthritis and neuropathy. This may result in the club being erratically thrown, which may result in a myriad of mishaps. For example, a golf club may fly through the air and injure another player, be lost in a nearby pond or creek or damage part of the course. These risks make it less likely for someone with said aforementioned ailments to play golf confidently. Similarly, some players may be forced to reduce their swing speed, and consequently, their distance. Beyond the sporting arena, many other professions risk losing their equipment due to poor grip strength, such as construction workers and their tools and fishermen and their fishing rods. Without a better mechanism to retain control of their equipment, their work may suffer and there may be an increased risk of mishaps.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sports club wearable retention device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a sports club wearable retention device that prevents a sports club from flying out of a user's hands. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sports club wearable retention device that is durable enough to maintain secure attachment when considerable force is applied during a swing. Lastly, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sports club wearable retention device that is detachable and optimized for universal use on different sports clubs and objects.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a sports club wearable retention device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one strap, at least one tether and at least one clamp. The clamp is further comprised of a first curved member and a second curved member, wherein both members fit around the cylindrical shape of most clubs or other sporting objects. The device is preferably manufactured in a lightweight and durable material that is strong enough to maintain a secure attachment to the club and forearm or wrist of a user without interfering with a user's natural swinging motion. The device may also be optimized to fit other sporting objects and may feature decorative indicia on the wristband strap to enhance the device's appearance. The strap features a loop that receives one end of the tether while the clamp features a ring that receives the other end of the tether. The tether may be attached to these two points via two clips attached to each end of the tether.

In this manner, the sports club wearable retention device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides a mechanism to mitigate the risk that losing one's grip on a club will result in certain mishaps if it flies out of one's hand, such as losing one's club, damaging one's club or injuring another player. Further, because of the customizability of the clamp and fasteners, the sports club wearable retention device can be universally fixed to all sporting clubs and to all forearm sizes.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a sports club wearable retention device. The device is primarily comprised of at least one strap, at least one tether and at least one clamp further comprised of a first curved member and a second curved member. The clamp is preferably manufactured in a lightweight and durable material and can be optimized to fit different kinds of clubs, sporting objects and even tools. The tether is generally coiled in shape and is preferably made out of an elastic material. Each end of the tether features a metal clip. One end of the clip may attach to a clamp that is fixedly or removably attached to a club while the other end may be attached to a wristband strap. The wristband strap is preferably fixed with a metal loop that receives the clips and at least one fastener so that the wristband strap may be adjusted to the forearm size of each individual user.

When the device is deployed for use, the user will not risk losing his or her club in the event that they lose grip on the club during a swing. The tether forms a connection between the user and the club so that the club will always be connected to the user's person even though the user is not holding the club. The clips allow for an easy detachment and subsequent attachment to the next club that the user may need to use. In this manner, a user will always be able to engage in sporting activities without the fear that losing grip on their clubs will result in damage to either the club, the course or other players.

Accordingly, the sports club wearable retention device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it allows a user to aggressively swing a club or other object without a high risk that that club or other object will accidentally fall out of the hand and be flung through the air. Moreover, the device may be optimized to fit any other type of sports club, bat, stick, etc. Lastly, because the sports club wearable retention device is manufactured in lightweight and durable materials, the device can withstand considerable stress without interfering with the user's natural swinging motion. In this manner, the sports club wearable retention device provides a novel solution for an existing problem.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a sports club wearable retention device of the present invention attached to a right hand in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a sports club wearable retention device of the present invention attached to a left hand in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a sports club wearable retention device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a sports club wearable retention device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art to for a sports club wearable retention device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a sports club wearable retention device that mitigates the risk that a club will cause damage if unintentionally released from a user's hands when swinging. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a sports club wearable retention device that can withstand the considerable force applied to it when the club is swung. Lastly, there exists a long-felt need in the art for sports club wearable retention device that can be customized to fit different sports clubs and objects.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a sports club wearable retention device. More specifically, the device is primarily comprised of at least one strap, at least one tether and at least one clamp. The clamp is comprised of a first curved member and a second curved member, which allows the clamp to be fitted around a club or other sporting object. The tether is preferably coiled in shape and made out of an elastic material. A metal clip is fitted to each end of the tether. The clip on one end of the tether may be attached to the clamp, while the clip on the other end of the tether may be attached to the wristband strap. The wristband strap features a metal loop that receives one of the clips. The strap also features at least one fastener so that the strap can be adjusted to the forearm size of each individual user.

When the sports club wearable retention device is deployed for use, a user may swing the club freely without the risk that losing a user's grip on the club will result in losing the club itself. The tether forms a connection between the user and the club so that the club will always be connected to the user's person, even though the user is not holding the club. After a swing, the clips allow for an easy detachment and attachment to the next club that the user may need to use. In this manner, a user will always be able to engage in sporting activities without the fear that losing grip on the clubs will result in mishaps.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a sports club wearable retention device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is primarily comprised of at least one strap 110, at least one tether 120 and at least one clamp 130 further comprised of a first curved member 140 and a second curved member 150. The tether 120 is preferably manufactured with one clip 124 fixedly attached to the first end 122 of the tether 120 and one clip 128 fixedly attached to the second end 126 of the tether 120. In this manner, the tether 120 may be removably attached to a club 10, or any other object that a user may hold, via the clip 128 on the second end 126 and to the strap 110 via the clip 124 on the first end 122. In the preferred embodiment, the tether 120 is generally coiled in shape (to reduce the length of the tether 120 when it is not fully extended) and manufactured in a durable and elastic plastic, but may be comprised of any plastic such as, but not limited to, an acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, etc.

The strap 110 may be fitted and secured around the forearm 16 and/or wrist 14 of a user and to the shaft 12 of a club 10. Once the tether 120 is attached to the strap 110 with the clip 124 on the first end 122 and to the shaft 12 of the club 10 with the clip 128 on the second end 126, the user drastically reduces the chance of losing or dropping the club 10. In this manner, users may swing the club 10 with considerable force without the fear that the club 10 may fly out of their hands.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a sports club wearable retention device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The strap 110 is generally rectangular in shape, with its length being long enough to wrap around the forearm 16 and/or wrist 14 of a user. The strap 110 comprises at least one fastener 112 so that the strap 110 can be tightened around the user's forearm 16 or wrist 14 and secured in place to itself. The fastener 112 is preferably a hook and loop fastener 112 that allows for easy adjustment so that the strap 110 may universally fit all forearm 16 and/or wrist 14 sizes. In differing embodiments, the strap 110 may feature any fastener 112 known in the art such as, but not limited to, snap-button, adhesive, string, magnetic, etc. The strap 110 is preferably manufactured in a comfortable and durable fabric, but may be manufactured from any fabric known in the art such as, but not limited to, silk, satin, vinyl, canvas, cashmere, chenille, chiffon, cotton, damask, jersey, lace, linen, wool, modal, polyester, spandex, suede, tweed, twill, velvet, acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, vinylidene, benzoate, aramid, rayon, acetate, triacetate, etc. Other embodiments of the strap 110 may not feature a fastener 16 and instead be manufactured as one continuous loop whereby the strap 110 can be universally fitted to each individual's wrist 14 because of the elasticity of the strap fabric. To enhance the appearance of the strap 110, the outer surface 114 of the strap 110 may be comprised of a plurality of decorative indicia 116 such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc.

A loop 118 is fixed to the outer surface of the strap 110 so that the strap 110 may receive and secure the clip 124 from the first end of the tether 120. The clips 124, 128 may be manufactured from any metal or plastic known in the art. The loop 118 is preferably manufactured in the same material as the clips 124, 128, but may be manufactured from any metal, plastic, or fabric material. The clips 124, 128 may be any clip type known in the art such as, but not limited to swivel-eye snap hook, fixed-eye snap hook, slide-bolt spring-snap clip, spring-snap carabiners, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of a sports club wearable retention device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The clip 128 on the second end 126 of the tether 120 may be attached to a clamp 130 that may be fixedly or removably attached to an object such as, but not limited to, a golf club 10. The clamp 130 is preferably comprised of a first half and a second half that wrap around each side of the shaft 12 of the club 10. The first curved member 140 of the clamp 130 is generally half cylindrical in shape and is designed to fit around most rounded shafts 12. The first curved member 140 is fused to the first bracket 142. The first bracket features at least one fastener 160 and the first ring opening 144. The second curved member 150 of the clamp 130 is generally half cylindrical in shape and is designed to fit around most rounded shafts 12. The second curved member 150 is fused to the second bracket 152. The second bracket 152 features at least one fastener 160 and the second ring opening 154. Both the first curved member 140 and the second curved member 150 may be optimized in different embodiments to fit differently shapes and sizes of shafts 12 that may be founding on sporting equipment, tools or other similar objects of the like.

The first curved member 140 and the first bracket 142 may be fitted around the shaft 12 and fixedly or removably attached to the second curved member 150 and the second bracket 150. These two pieces may then form one secure clamp 130. The first fastener opening 144 and the second fastener opening 154 are preferably designed to form the clamp 130 through the use of at least one fastener 160 such as, but not limited to, screw, nut, bolt, magnet, etc. When the two pieces are joined together, the first ring opening 144 and the second ring-opening 154 form a continuous ring-opening where the clip 128 on the second end 126 of the tether 120 may be attached.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “sports club wearable retention device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the sports club wearable retention device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the sports club wearable retention device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the sports club wearable retention device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the sports club wearable retention device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the sports club wearable retention device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the sports club wearable retention device 100 may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A sports club wearable retention device comprising:

a strap;
a tether;
a first clip;
a second clip;
a clamp; and
a fastener.

2. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 1, wherein the strap attaches to the tether via the first clip.

3. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 1, wherein the clamp attaches to the tether via the second clip.

4. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 1, wherein the clamp is further comprised of a first half and a second half that are secured to one another via the fastener.

5. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 4, wherein the fastener is a screw, a nut, a bolt, or a magnet.

6. A sports club wearable retention device comprising:

a strap further comprised of a loop;
a clamp further comprised of a first half and a second half;
a tether;
a first clip attached to a first end of the tether and the loop;
a second clip attached to a second end of the tether and the clamp; and
a fastener.

7. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 6, wherein the strap is elastic.

8. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 6, wherein the loop is manufactured from a metal material.

9. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 6, wherein the tether is elastic.

10. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 7, wherein the tether is coiled.

11. A sports club wearable retention device comprising:

a strap further comprised of a loop and a first fastener;
a clamp further comprised of a first half comprising a first curved member, a first bracket, a first ring opening, and a first fastener opening, and a second half further comprising a second curved member, a second bracket, a second ring opening, and a second fastener opening;
a tether;
a first clip attached to a first end of the tether and the loop;
a second clip attached to a second end of the tether and the clamp; and
a second fastener.

12. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 11, wherein the first fastener of the strap allows the strap to be tightened.

13. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 12, wherein the first fastener is a hook and loop fastener, a snap-button fastener, an adhesive fastener, a string fastener, or a magnetic fastener.

14. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 11, wherein the first clip and the second clip are a swivel-eye snap hook, a fixed-eye snap hook, a slide-bolt spring-snap clip, or a spring-snap carabiner.

15. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 11, wherein the second clip attaches to the clamp via the first ring opening and the second ring opening.

16. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 11, wherein the second fastener secures the first bracket to the second bracket.

17. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 16, wherein the second fastener is a screw, a nut, a bolt, or a magnet.

18. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 11, wherein the tether is elastic.

19. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 18, wherein the tether is coiled.

20. The sports club wearable retention device of claim 11, wherein the first curved member and the second curved member are half cylindrical in shape.

Patent History
Publication number: 20230181989
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 21, 2022
Publication Date: Jun 15, 2023
Inventor: Thomas Hoopingarner (Tucson, AZ)
Application Number: 17/699,289
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 69/36 (20060101);