U.S. patent application number 10/145669 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for golf shoe cleat brush.
Invention is credited to Thompson, Dean Jeffery.
Application Number | 20030208932 10/145669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29400461 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030208932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thompson, Dean Jeffery |
November 13, 2003 |
Golf shoe cleat brush
Abstract
An attachment for fastening a brush to a shoe having a sole. The
attachment having a disk-like flange for fitting in a snug and
gripping manner against the shoe's sole. This flange having a
bottom surface opposite an upper surface. Extending down from the
bottom surface are a number of bristles for supplying brushing
surface for brushing an object. Extending up from the center of the
upper surface is a threaded stud for removably attaching the
attachment to the shoe.
Inventors: |
Thompson, Dean Jeffery;
(Burbank, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DYKAS, SHAVER & NIPPER, LLP
P O BOX 877
BOISE
ID
83701-0877
US
|
Family ID: |
29400461 |
Appl. No.: |
10/145669 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/127 ; 36/134;
36/136 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20130101; A43D
999/00 20130101; A43B 1/009 20130101; A43B 5/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/127 ; 36/134;
36/136 |
International
Class: |
A43B 005/00; A43B
023/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A shoe attachment enabling a shoe to be used as a cleaning
instrument, said shoe attachment comprising a number of flexible
bristles attaching to and extending generally downwards from the
sole of said shoe.
2. A brush attachment adapted for attachment to a golf shoe, said
brush attachment comprising: a disk-like flange, said flange having
an upper surface configured for attachment to and placement
underneath and in contact with a sole of said golf shoe, said
flange further having an opposing bottom surface; a plurality of
bristles, said bristles extending from said bottom surface, said
bristles for cleaning a surface, and a fastener, said fastener
extending from said upper surface, said fastener for removably
attaching said brush attachment to said golf shoe.
3. The brush attachment of claim 2, wherein said fastener comprises
a threaded stud extending axially up from said upper surface, said
fastener for screwing into the bottom of said golf shoe.
4. The brush attachment of claim 2 further comprising a number of
rigid cleats for griping a ground surface, said cleats extending
generally down from said bottom surface.
5. A removable athletic shoe attachment for use with an athletic
shoe having a sole, comprising: a disk-like flange for fitting in a
snug and gripping manner against said shoe sole, said flange having
a bottom surface opposite an upper surface; a plurality of
bristles, said bristles extending down from said bottom surface,
said bristles for supplying brushing surface for brushing an
object; and a threaded stud, said threaded stud integrally formed
with and extending up from a center of said upper surface, said
threaded stud for removably attaching said disk-like flange to said
athletic shoe.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to sporting goods,
and more particularly relates to athletic shoes and attachments for
athletic shoes.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] In the sport of golfing, a club is used to strike a ball
lying upon or slightly elevated above a ground surface. Through
this process, frequently the head of the golf club will become
soiled with pieces of vegetation, soil, and other pieces of
detritus when the club engages the ball at or near the surface of
the ground. This club head soiling is accentuated when the golf
club is utilized on a driving range and dozens to hundreds of ball
strikes occur within a short period of time. This club head soiling
effects the use and accuracy of the club and must regularly be
removed.
[0005] Golfers have utilized many different means for cleaning
soil, grass clippings, sand and dew from golf heads. For instance,
it is known to carry a "golf towel." The golf towel is merely a
cloth towel, often able to be directly attached to the golfer's
golf bag, which is used to wipe down the golf club's face and any
other soiled surface. However, golf towels are not very abrasive
and thus have a difficult time removing ground in dirt. Such towels
are also frequently soiled to the point where they need to be
washed, and they are typically, as mentioned, connected to the golf
bag which often at times is not in close proximity to the
golfer.
[0006] Another device utilized by golfers for removing of soil and
other materials from the golf club face is a handheld golf brush.
Such a handheld brush has a handle having extending from it a
number of bristles, typically of a stiff synthetic material or
metal. Such a brush is typically connected to the golf bag, which
is not always near to the golfer. Utilization of a golf brush is
awkward in that the user often needs to hold the club in one hand
and the brush in the other hand while scrubbing the club face. A
golf brush typically is useless for removing dew or grass from the
golf club head.
[0007] A third type of device is a small housing containing two
brushes of varying materials that are enclosed in a housing and can
typically be carried in the pocket of a golfer. One brush at a time
can be used by pushing up through an opening in either end of the
housing. The disadvantage to this product is that it can be
difficult to use for those with poor hand strength, and requires a
certain level of dexterity to operate. Furthermore, any material
removed from the face of the golf club is likely to end up back in
the golfer's pocket.
[0008] What is needed is a device for use in cleaning soiled golf
club faces, which is an improvement over the prior art in that it
is abrasive enough to remove soil which has become encrusted upon
the club head face, which is never located in a position distant
from the golfer thereby making the golfer have easy and convenient
access to the device, which is easy and non-awkward to use, and
which does not clutter or dirty the clothing of the user. The
present invention solves these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is an attachment for fastening a brush
to a shoe. In the preferred embodiments, this the shoe is a golf
shoe and the brush is used to clean golf club heads.
[0010] In one embodiment the golf shoe wiping attachment is adapted
to be attached to a golfer's shoe for cleaning golf club heads.
Such a golfer's shoe will have a side wall. The attachment itself
comprises a generally L-shaped plate having a first flange
generally perpendicular to a second flange. The first flange being
formed with at least one orifice defined therein able to receive
and to be frictionally held by a single spike projecting from the
underside of the golfer's shoe. The second flange having an inner
side opposite an outer side. The inner side facing and generally
perpendicular to the golfer's shoe side wall when the first flange
is frictionally held by the spike. The attachment further comprises
a wiping element for wiping, contacting or scrubbing a surface.
Furthermore, the attachment comprises a connection for connecting
the wiping element to the second flange, this wiping element
extending from the golfer's shoe generally perpendicular to and
away from the outer side of the second flange. This wiping element
being operative to clean a golf club head by a sweeping movement of
said golf club head against the same. It is preferred that the
wiping element is a brush. It is preferred that this attachment
embodiment also comprise a plurality of overlapping orifices
thereby allowing said attachment second flange to be spaced a
desired distance from said golf shoe side wall. It is also
preferred that the connection for connecting be releasable, thereby
allowing the wiping element to be detached from the second
flange.
[0011] In a second embodiment, the golf shoe brush attachment is
adapted to be attached to a golfer's shoe for cleaning golf club
heads. The attachment comprises a disk-like flange having an upper
surface, this disk-like flange for placement underneath and in
contact with the sole of the golfer's shoe. This disk-like flange
also having an opposing bottom surface. The attachment further
comprises a plurality of bristles, these bristles extending down
from the bottom surface for the flange. These bristles for cleaning
golf club heads. The attachment further comprises an fastener
extending from the upper surface. This fastener for removably
attaching the attachment to the golfer's shoe. It is preferred that
the fastener comprise a threaded stud extending axially up from the
upper surface, this stud for screwing into the bottom of the
golfer's shoe, preferably into a threaded hole provided
therein.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a
removable athletic shoe attachment for use with an athletic shoe
having a sole. This attachment comprising a disk-like flange for
fitting in a snug and gripping manner against the shoe sole; a
plurality of bristles extending down from the bottom surface of the
flange for supplying brushing surface for brushing an object; and a
threaded stud integrally formed with and extending up from the
center of the upper surface of the flange for removably attaching
the attachment to the athletic shoe.
[0013] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the
following detailed description wherein I have shown and described
only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
modification in various obvious respects all without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the
preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,
and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an environmental view of a second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a reverse perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an environmental view of a fourth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
7.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
7.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an end view of the embodiment view shown in FIG.
7.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side, environmental view of a seventh
embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a second side sequential view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 14.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a third side sequential view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 14.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a top view of a ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment of
FIG. 18.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 18.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a side view of a tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a partial side view of the embodiment of FIG.
21.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 21.
[0037] FIG. 24 is an environmental side view of an eleventh
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 24.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications
and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments
thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below
in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed,
but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0040] The present invention is an attachment for fastening a
wiping element to a shoe. Any type shoe can be used, as can any
wiping element. In the preferred embodiments, the present invention
is an improved golf shoe brush attachment adapted to be attached to
a golfer's shoe for use in the cleaning of golf club heads and
other items, such as golf cleats.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, shown are the two main
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the golf shoe
toe brush embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is
shown used upon a golf shoe 3 having a number of cleats 2 and a
sole 6. The golf shoe brush attachment 10 comprises a disc-like
flange 50 attaching to the sole 6 of the shoe 3 through use of a
fastener, such as the threading used by a standard golf shoe spike.
The disc like flange 50 having a number of bristles 56 extending
therefrom. The preferred placement of the golf shoe brush
attachment 10 would be the as a replacement of the toe cleat, as
shown.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 2, the other main embodiment of the
golf shoe brush attachment 100 utilizes a first flange 20 extending
to a second flange (not shown) to which a wiping element 40
attaches. The first flange 20 having at least one orifice defined
therethrough for receiving the stud of a golf spike 102. The golf
shoe brush attachment 100 is able to be attached to the golf shoe 3
through first unscrewing an existing golf shoe spike 102, aligning
the orifice of the first flange 20 with the spike's 102 threaded
orifice located in the shoe's sole 6 and then inserting the spike
stud of the spike 102 through the orifice and into the threaded
hole located within the sole 6 of the golf shoe 3. Removal of such
an embodiment is just as easy--it is removed by unscrewing and
removing the spike 102 retaining the golf shoe brush attachment
100, removing the golf shoe brush attachment 100, and replacing the
golf spike 102.
[0043] Preferably, the golf shoe brush attachment 100 is located at
the foremost outside golf shoe heel spike location, as shown.
However, placement of the golf shoe brush attachment 100 could be
made at any golf shoe spike location, with the outside spikes
obviously being more preferred than the inside spikes.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 6, shown is the preferred
embodiment of the golf shoe brush cleat attachment 10 embodiment of
the present invention. This embodiment comprises a disc-like flange
50, preferable similar in size and structure as a typical golf shoe
spike disc-like flange. This disc like flange 50 having an upper
surface 52 opposite a bottom surface 54. Extending from the upper
surface 52 is a fastener 58, such as the threaded stud 60 shown.
This threaded stud 60 being of the same threading as a usual golf
shoe spike thereby enabling said stud to be easily screwed into an
existing threaded spike orifice located in a golf shoe's sole. The
length, diameter and threading of the threaded stud 60 may be
varied to accommodate many different makes, models and styles of
golf shoes. The disc-like flange and the fastener can be composed
of any suitable material, but will be composed most preferably of a
plastic. The fastener could comprise any manner of fastening,
including but not limited to screws, nails, rivets, adhesives,
etc.
[0045] Extending from the bottom surface 54 are a plurality of
bristles 56. It is preferred that these bristles be generally
perpendicular to the bottom surface, however angular mounts are
also possible. The preferred bristle matter of composition is
nylon, however other bristle compositions are also possible,
including, but not limited to animal hair, plastics, composites and
metals. Any number of bristles or clusters of bristles may be
utilized with the present invention, for instance the entire bottom
surface 54 may be covered with bristles. The type, length,
orientation, manufacture and style of the bristles used on one
attachment can be varied as well.
[0046] Preferably at least one fastening notch 62 (ideally an
opposing pair as shown) are provided for allowing a user to utilize
a key or other device to assist in the screwing or unscrewing of
the threaded stud 60 into a threaded golf shoe spike hole located
within a golf shoe sole.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 7 though 11, shown is one embodiment
of the golf shoe brush side attachment 100 embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the golf shoe brush
attachment 100 attaches to a golf shoe 3 through the attachment's
first flange 20 being held against the heel/sole 6 of the shoe 3 by
a spike 102. This embodiment of the golf shoe brush attachment 100
comprises a first flange 20 extending to a second flange 30. It is
preferred that the first flange 20 be generally perpendicular to
the second flange 30.
[0048] The first flange 20 having at least one orifice 22 able to
receive therethrough the spike stud of a golf shoe spike. In such a
manner, the present invention can be attached to the sole of a golf
shoe. In this embodiment, the second flange 30 has an inner side 32
and an outer side 34. This inner side 32 generally facing the shoe
side wall 8, whereas in use the outer side 34 generally faces away
from said shoe side wall 8. Attaching to the second flange 30 is
the wiping element 40.
[0049] It is preferred that such an attachment be releasable so
that the wiping element 40 can be attached and detached to the
second flange 30. For instance, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7
through 11 so the use of a squeeze clip buckle style attachment,
whereby attaching to the second flange 30 is the male portion of
the buckle, and formed within the wiping element 40 is the female
portion of the buckle. Other releasable attachments include but are
not limited to: hook-and-loop style attachments, magnets, snaps,
adhesives, groves, dove tails, etc. In being detachable, the
present invention can be selectively removed from the golfer's
shoe, a benefit to the golfer should the golfer prefer not to have
the attachment 100 attached and/or visible when the golfer is not
on the course or at the driving range. While releasable attachment
is preferred it is also understood that the wiping element could be
fixedly attached to the second flange.
[0050] In this embodiment, extending from the wiping attachment 40,
preferably generally perpendicular to the second flange 30, are a
plurality of bristles 42. These bristles may be shaped however
desired by the user or manufacturer and are not intended to be
limited to the gently sloping embodiment shown in the figures. For
instance, the brush shape could be rectangular, circular,
triangular, etc. Any number rows of bristles may be used, or a
single stand of bristles may be present. These bristles may
comprise animal hair, synthetic materials, or even stiff a metal.
Alternatively, the wiping attachment 40 may comprise a putter brush
43 comprising a cloth or chamois for wiping dew and grass off a
putter face, as shown in FIG. 17. A variety of interchangeable
wiping attachment/elements can be provided for different uses and
conditions.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 12, shown is an alternate embodiment
of a golf shoe brush attachment 100', this embodiment showing the
ability to use a spacer insert 24 within the first flange 20. This
insert able to be inserted into a trough inlaid within the first
flange 20. Utilization of such an insert would be useful where the
golf shoe spike stud utilized has a much narrower diameter whereby
necessitating the need for smaller diameter orifices 22'.
Utilization of such an insert would allow for greater
interchangeability between the present invention and various makes,
models and styles of golf shoes. This can be further seen in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 13, which would utilize a spacer ring 26
rather than the spacer 24 shown in FIG. 12. This spacer ring 26
having an outside diameter slightly smaller than the orifice 22
into which it is set.
[0052] Use of such inserts and the like allow the present invention
to be adjustable two ways. First, allowing the present invention to
be usable with various different styles of shoes and therefore
spike varieties and spike post sizes. Second, the present invention
would be adjustable with regard to the distance between the spike
and the vertical turn (the junction between the first flange and
the second flange). This is particularly useful because the spikes
on the heel of a golf shoe are typically closer to the outside edge
of the sole than the spikes on the toe/ball portion of the golf
shoe. Thus, the golfer would be able to purchase one device able to
be utilized on both the heel spikes and the toe/ball portion
spikes.
[0053] Additionally, the first flange could be configured similar
to the shape of a nutcracker in that it would have a hinge that
would allow the first flange to flex laterally to separate and fit
around the spike post while it was partially unscrewed from the
spike hole. In such a manner, the first flange could be bent,
flexed or stretched over the spike and then released, thereby
engaging the spike appropriately without necessitating the removal
of the spike from the sole.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 14 through 16, shown is an alternate
embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the golf
shoe brush attachment 200 comprises a wiping element 40 having
extending therefrom a pair of flanges or tabs 27, 28 wherein the
flanges or tabs could cooperate with the first flange 20 and/or the
second flange 30 for locking the wiping element 40 upon the second
flange 3 0. In the embodiment shown, the tab 27 is able to be
inserted through an orifice 23 defined within the first flange 20
and the second tab 28 is able to resiliently be flexed in order to
snap over the top portion of the second flange thereby locking the
wiping element having bristles 42 upon the second flange 30.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 18, shown is an alternative embodiment
of the present invention. In this embodiment, the attachment 300
could also be used in conjunction with spikes 202 or the spikes 202
could be used in conjunction with the attachment 300. In such an
arrangement, the bristles 142 would be placed in the middle of the
existing spike teeth 202. The bristles 142 which are softer than
the spike teeth 202 would then fold or collapse allowing the spikes
202 to enter the turf. The spike 202 could also be developed so
that the brush would actually collapse into a recessed pocket 90
when a certain amount of force is applied. This recessed pocket
could also be filled with a compressible material, such as a foam,
a spring, etc. The brush 202 could not collapse into the pocket 90
at the presence of any force or it would not work when a club face
was rubbed against it for the purpose of cleaning.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, shown in an alternative
embodiment for the first and second flanges 120, 130. In this
embodiment, the flanges would be made of a malleable or adjustable
material that could be curved to fit different shoes. Creases 125
or other means for aiding in regular curving may also be provided.
Additionally, the flanges themselves could have a spike post
attached to it and be screwed into the spike hole with and then
bent up and around the sole to a vertical position to accept the
brush attachment. The adjustment insert could also potentially be
replaced by spike holes that were self-adjusting. This may be
accomplished by having a forming material that would fit around any
spike.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 24, shown is another embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the attachment 400 could
also be adapted to have the brush portion able to be affixed to the
heel 5 of the golf shoe 3 using screws or an adhesive.
[0058] Although not shown in the figures, it is expressly
understood that the utilization of the present invention with the
side embodiments may require the provision of a replacement spike
having a longer than average spike post. This longer spike post may
be necessary to compensate for the thickness of the first flange.
Additionally, such a spike could be designed with a lower profile,
thereby compensating for the addition of the first flange which
would reside between the spike and the sole.
[0059] While there is shown and described the present preferred
embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that
this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied
to practice within the scope of the following claims.
[0060] From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that
various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *