Method of providing a golf equipment container with adornment thereon and a golf equipment container provided with the adornment

Abstract

A method of providing a golf equipment container to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container. The method includes the steps of: providing a golf equipment container; providing at least a first adornment fixedly secured so that the golf equipment container has a first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the first appearance; identifying an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container having an appearance different than the first appearance; removing the at least first adornment; providing at least a second adornment on the golf equipment container having a second appearance different than the first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the second appearance; and making the golf equipment container with the second appearance available for use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 11/043,002 entitled "Method of Providing an Adorned Article and Adorned Article Made Using the Method" and Ser. No. 11/053,964 entitled "Ornamentation for Apparel Article".

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to golf equipment containers, such as receptacles for golf related products and golf club head covers and, more particularly, to a method of applying adornment thereon. The invention is also directed to such golf equipment containers having adornment thereon.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] Golf pro shops, and other establishments that sell golf-related equipment, generally offer a number of different containers for golf equipment and paraphernalia. Among these products are a) bags/receptacles for clubs, shoes, and accessories such as tees, balls, and markers, and b) golf club head covers.

[0006] More and more, golf courses, and particularly private golfing clubs, have been offering golf-related merchandise with identifying adornment thereon. It is common for these courses and golfing clubs to offer apparel, tee markers, etc. with a name, logo, or other material identifiable with the course or golfing club. On one level, this identifying material serves as an advertising means. At prestigious courses, and those that hold notable events, this "signature" merchandise becomes popular as souvenirs for those who have either played, or witnessed an event, at the particular course.

[0007] Heretofore, course/golfing club identification has generally been limited to articles that lend themselves to bulk production with the particular adornment thereon without any appreciable expense. This is not to say that expensive articles are not offered with such adornment. However, certain articles do not lend themselves to the application of affordable, relatively high end, adornment that would be appealing to club members and souvenir hunters.

[0008] Among this last category of golf equipment containers are golf club bags, head covers, and some receptacles such as for shoes and other paraphernalia. Professional golfers typically have personalized identifying adornment on their golf bags. However, this is commonly performed on a single bag at a relatively high cost. For the club player and souvenir hunter, bag adornment is usually in the nature of a "bag tag", consisting of a flat component that is releasably secured to the bag through a strap with joinable parts. The flat component typically will bear the desired course identification as well as that of an individual that owns the bag.

[0009] The sale of adorned golf club head covers offers a unique challenge to merchandisers. In years past, stocking of head covers for clubs identified as "woods" was more manageable. Golf club sets typically came with the same number and type of woods. However, in recent years, golfers have selected many diverse combinations of woods to accommodate their golf game. As a result, most operations selling such head covers have been reluctant to offer high end, fixed adornment on such club covers that includes any type of identification for the club, i.e. "1, 3, 5, 7," etc. for fear of ending up with an accumulation of customized inventory that must be sold at a substantial discount, or discarded.

[0010] The above problems have led those that offer head covers to generally provide stock with a relatively inexpensive adornment with club identification on the head covers. One known expedient that addresses inventory control is to provide pressed on patches for the head covers. A universal head cover is sold with a collection of the patches having different numbers. The appropriate patch can be pressed on to the head cover using hook and loop fastener components. While functional, this system is deficient in two regards. First of all, these patches are not normally made with high end adornment, given that the appeal thereof is generally to the casual golfer. Secondly, these patches are prone to falling off during transportation, or during a round of golf.

[0011] Ideally, high end adornment could be placed on the above type of golf equipment in a manner that would facilitate inventory control and thereby reduce the financial risk assumed by those establishments offering such products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In one form, the invention is directed to a method of providing a golf equipment container to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container. The method includes the steps of: providing a golf equipment container having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer; providing at least a first adornment fixedly secured on the substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the first appearance; identifying an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container having an appearance different than the first appearance; removing the at least first adornment from the at least one substrate layer; providing at least a second adornment on the at least one substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a second appearance different than the first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the second appearance; and making the golf equipment container with the second appearance available to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the second appearance.

[0013] The step of providing a golf equipment container may involve providing a cover for a golf club head or a bag for golf clubs.

[0014] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing a first patch.

[0015] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve securing the first patch through sewn thread or, alternatively, an adhesive.

[0016] In one form, the step of providing a first patch involves preliminarily securing the first patch fixedly to the at least one substrate layer. The method may further include the steps of committing to provide the golf equipment container with the first appearance and thereafter performing a supplemental securing step to more permanently secure the first patch to the at least one substrate layer.

[0017] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing the at least first adornment on the at least one substrate layer at a first location and the step of providing at least a second adornment may involve providing the at least second adornment on the at least one substrate layer at the first location.

[0018] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing the at least first adornment on the at least one substrate layer at a first location, with the step of providing at least a second adornment involving providing the at least second adornment on the at least one substrate layer at a second location spaced at least partially from the first location.

[0019] The step of removing the at least first adornment may involve heating the adhesive.

[0020] In one form, the step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing the at least first adornment with an identification of a first golf club type, with the step of providing at least a second adornment involving providing at least a second adornment with an identification of a second golf club type.

[0021] The step of providing at least first and second adornments may involve providing the at least first and second adornments that at least one of a) are different in shape, b) have different information thereon, and c) are different in appearance.

[0022] The method may further include the step of displaying the golf equipment container with the second appearance for sale at a first site. The step of providing at least a second adornment may involve providing the at least second adornment at the first site.

[0023] In one form, the at least first adornment overlies a first area on the exposed surface on the at least one substrate layer and the step of providing the at least second adornment involves providing the at least second adornment so as to fully cover the first area.

[0024] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing a patch with a woven design thereon.

[0025] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing a patch having a substrate component and a design piece that is separately formed from and attached in relationship to the substrate component.

[0026] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing a patch having a substrate component and a design piece defined by thread that is formed to produce at least a part of a viewable design.

[0027] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing a patch comprising a substrate component and a design piece with a perimeter edge and having thread that is formed to produce at least a part of a viewable design, wherein the substrate component extends beyond the perimeter edge of the design piece to define a frame surface at least partially around the perimeter edge of the design piece.

[0028] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing the identification of an individual on the frame surface.

[0029] The step of providing a patch may involve providing a patch with a substrate component that is made from a material that does not appreciably fray upon being cut.

[0030] The step of providing the at least first adornment may involve sewing the patch through the frame surface to the at least one substrate layer.

[0031] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing an identification of a first golf club type, with the step of providing a second adornment involving providing a second patch with an identification of the individual and a second golf club type.

[0032] The step of providing at least a first adornment may involve providing a patch with an identification of a golf course/golfing club or a golfing event.

[0033] The invention is further directed to the combination of a golf equipment container having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer, a first adornment that was initially fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer to produce a golf equipment container having a first appearance and thereafter removed from the golf equipment container, and a second adornment fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a second appearance.

[0034] In one form, the first adornment is fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer to cover a first area and the second adornment fully covers the first area.

[0035] In one form, the golf equipment container is one of a cover for a golf club head or a bag for golf clubs.

[0036] In one form, the golf equipment container has a residual alteration from at least one of sewn thread and an adhesive used to secure the first adornment to the substrate layer.

[0037] In one form, the first adornment has an identification of a first golf club type and the second adornment has an identification of a second golf club type.

[0038] In one form, the first adornment includes a patch.

[0039] The patch may be defined by a substrate component and a design piece separately formed from and applied over the substrate component.

[0040] The design piece may include woven thread.

[0041] In one form, the design piece has a perimeter edge and the substrate component extends beyond the perimeter edge of the design piece to define a frame surface at least partially around the perimeter edge of the design piece.

[0042] The first adornment may include the identification of a golf club type.

[0043] The first adornment may include an identification of an individual on the frame surface.

[0044] The second adornment may be in the form of a patch.

[0045] In one form, the first adornment has an identification of at least one of a golf course/golfing club and a golfing event.

[0046] The invention is further directed to the combination of a golf equipment container having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer and first and second adornments. The first adornment is fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer to produce a self-contained design and a golf equipment container having a first appearance. The second adornment consists of a patch fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer at least partially over, so as to at least partially obscure, the first adornment, to produce a golf equipment container having a second appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a kit, according to the present invention, including a golf equipment container with a substrate layer to which first and second adornments can be selectively applied;

[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one form of golf equipment container, as in FIG. 1, in the form of a golf bag, with adornment applied at different locations thereon;

[0049] FIG. 3 is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of a golf equipment container, as in FIG. 1, in the form of a cover for the head of a golf club identified as a wood, with the adornment at different locations on the club head cover and with the club head being directed into the club head cover;

[0050] FIG. 4 is a view as in FIG. 3 wherein the golf equipment container is a cover for a head of a golf club identified as an iron;

[0051] FIG. 5 is a view as in FIGS. 3 and 4, wherein the cover is associated with a putter head;

[0052] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a golf equipment container, as in FIG. 1, in the form of a closeable element with a receptacle and with adornment applied at different locations thereon;

[0053] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the golf equipment container in FIG. 1 with adornment applied thereon through thread;

[0054] FIG. 8 is a view as in FIG. 7 wherein the adornment is a self-contained element/patch applied to the golf equipment container through thread;

[0055] FIG. 9 is a view as in FIG. 8 wherein the adornment is applied through an adhesive;

[0056] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram representation of a method of providing a golf equipment container to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container, according to the invention;

[0057] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view of a substrate layer(s) on a golf equipment container in relationship to first and second adornments, with the first adornment having been applied through an adhesive and removed;

[0058] FIG. 12 is a view as in FIG. 11 wherein the first adornment was initially applied through sewn thread;

[0059] FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of a golf equipment container having adornment preliminarily secured thereto and having a supplemental securing structure to more permanently attach the adornment;

[0060] FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of first adornment in the form of a self-contained element/patch; and

[0061] FIG. 15 is an elevation view of one form of self-contained element/patch, as shown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Referring initially to FIG. 1, one form of the invention is shown schematically at 10, in the form of a kit with a golf equipment container 12 and first and second adornments 14, 16, respectively, which can be fixedly secured to at least one substrate layer 18 on the golf equipment container 12.

[0063] The golf equipment container 12 can take virtually an unlimited number of different forms. In one form, as shown in FIG. 2, the golf equipment container 12 is in the form of a bag for golf clubs and other accessories. These types of bags come in many diverse sizes and shapes, and with many different capabilities. The term "golf bag", as used herein, is intended to encompass all such models and types.

[0064] Another type of container for golf equipment, contemplated by the invention, is shown in different forms 12', 12'', 12''' in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. In each of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the golf equipment container is in the form of a club "head cover". The head cover 12' in FIG. 3 is designed to receive the head 20 of a golf club 22 identified conventionally as a "wood". In this embodiment, the head cover 12 has a generally cylindrical shape with a closed end 23 and an open end 24. The club head 20 is moved in the direction of the arrow 26 through the open end 24 into a receptacle 28 bounded by a substrate layer 18'.

[0065] The club head cover 12'' is designed to accept the head 30 of a golf club 32, conventionally identified as an "iron". The club head cover 12'' has a substrate layer 18'' bounding a receptacle 34 for the club head 30.

[0066] The head 30 on the golf club 32 is moved in the direction of the arrow 36 through a bottom opening 38 in the club head cover 12''.

[0067] In FIG. 5, the club head cover 12''' has a substrate layer 18''' that surrounds a receptacle 40 within which a head 42 on a golf club 44, conventionally identified as a "pufter", can be directed. The head 42 is moved in the direction of the arrow 46 through an opening 48 in the club head cover 12''' into the receptacle 40.

[0068] The invention contemplates use in conjunction with other types of golf equipment containers, such as that shown at 12.sup.4x' in FIG. 6. The golf equipment container 12.sup.4x' is intended to generically represent all containers that hold conventional golf equipment and accessories used during a round of golf, and can be independently transported or releasably or permanently attached to a golf bag, as shown at 12 in FIG. 2. More specifically, the golf equipment container 12.sup.4x' has a substrate layer 18.sup.4x' bounding an internal receptacle 50. The receptacle 50 has an open region 52 through which objects can be introduced to the receptacle 50, and a repositionable closure element 54, that can be maintained in a closed configuration, shown in FIG. 6, wherein the open region 52 is blocked, by a clasp 56, or other suitable structure.

[0069] Representative golf related articles are shown in the receptacle 50, among which are a golf ball 58, a tee 60, a ball mark repair tool 62, and a golf shoe 64. As noted above, the golf equipment container 12.sup.4x' can be independently transported or permanently or releasably attached to the golf bag 12, as through an appropriate connector 66.

[0070] According to the invention, the first and second adornments 14, 16 are provided, in the nature of a kit form in conjunction with the golf equipment container 12 to be interchangeably attached, or attached, one over the other, to selectively create two different appearances for the golf equipment container 12. The first and second adornments 14, 16 may be different or the same. In the latter case, worn or faded information on the first adornment 14 can be replaced with like ornamentation on the second adornment 16, to provide an improved appearance.

[0071] The substrate layer 18, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and 18', 18'', 18''', and 18.sup.4x', as shown in FIGS. 3-6, may be any layer or layers with a surface that lends itself to the application of adornment, by stitching therethrough, through the use of an adhesive, or otherwise.

[0072] In FIGS. 2-6, the first and second adornments 14, 16 are shown generically at A at exemplary different locations on the various golf equipment containers 12, 12', 12'', 12''', 12.sup.4x'. The adornments may be provided at virtually any other location on the containers 12, 12', 12'', 12''', 12.sup.4x'. The possible shapes of the adornment A are unlimited, and thus shown in dotted lines in FIGS. 2-6, with various exemplary different geometrical shapes, including random patterns. The precise shape and nature of the adornment A is not critical to the present invention. The first and second adornments 14, 16 may be applied in any manner known to those skilled in the art, i.e. by weaving, embroidery, application of a patch, etc.

[0073] In FIG. 7, there is a generic showing of the use of thread 68 to form either of the adornments 14, 16. The thread 68 may be woven, sewn, embroidered, stitched, etc. directly on the golf equipment container 12.

[0074] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, a modified form of the adornment 14', 16' may be in the form of self-contained elements, such as patches, that are applied through thread 68' to the golf equipment container 12.

[0075] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, the adornment 14', 16', in patch form, may be applied to the golf equipment container 12 through an adhesive 70.

[0076] Regardless of the manner of applying the adornment 14', 16', it is contemplated that the adornment 14' initially be fixedly secured through the thread 68', adhesive 70, or by other means, which includes, but is not limited to, a combination of thread 68' and adhesive 70. Generally, a more positive fixing than results from the use of cooperating hook and loop type fastener on the adornment 14', 16' and golf equipment container 12 is contemplated.

[0077] The thread 68' in FIG. 8 may be applied in any known manner to maintain the adornment 14' fixedly upon the golf equipment container 12. For example, the thread 68' may be tack stitched, preferably at a plurality of spaced locations on the adornment 14'. Alternatively, lock stitching, chain stitching, and virtually any type of stitching known in the industry, may be utilized.

[0078] With the first adornment 14, 14' applied to the golf equipment container 12, the golf equipment container 12 has a first appearance. With the second adornment 16, 16' applied to the golf equipment container 12, the golf equipment container 12 has a second appearance. The difference in appearance may be attributable to a difference in the design, subject matter, or shape of the adornment 14, 14', 16, 16'. Alternatively, the difference may be attributable to the state/quality of the adornment 14, 14', 16, 16'.

[0079] In one preferred form, the adornment 14, 14', 16, 16' has "information" thereon, which may take virtually any shape or form and have any color or combination of colors. The information may be in the form of a decoration, an identification of a golf course/golfing club, a golf event, an individual participating in a competition, a logo, the depiction of an object or scene, etc.

[0080] With the structures described above, a method of providing golf equipment to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment can be practiced for purposes of inventory control, as described in flow diagram form with respect to FIG. 10. As shown at block 72, a golf equipment container is provided having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer. As shown at block 74, at least a first adornment is provided fixedly on the substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment with the first appearance. As shown at block 76, an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container having an appearance different that the first appearance is identified. As shown at block 78, at least part of the first adornment is removed from the substrate layer on the golf equipment container. As shown at block 80, a second adornment is provided fixedly on the at least one substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a second appearance different than the first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the second appearance. As shown at block 82, a golf equipment container with the second appearance is then made available to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the second appearance.

[0081] In the event that thread 68, 68' is utilized to form or fix the first adornment 14, 14' to the golf equipment container 12, the removal thereof, shown at block 78, can be effected by severing the thread 68, 68'. In the event that the adhesive 70 is used as in FIG. 9, the first adornment 14' can be peeled to defeat the adhesive 70. The adhesive 70 may be heated to facilitate removal of the self-contained element/patch defining the adornment 14'.

[0082] Once the first adornment 14, 14' is removed, the second adornment 16, 16' can be applied in any of the manners described above. The second adornment 16, 16' may be provided at the location from which the first adornment 14, 14' is removed. The second adornment 16, 16' may fully cover that location and have a greater areal extent. Alternatively, the second adornment 16, 16' may be provided at a location at least partially spaced from the first location at which the first adornment was initially located.

[0083] As a further variation of the method depicted in FIG. 10, and as an alternative to removing the first adornment, as shown at block 78, either the first adornment 14, 14' can be partially removed or kept intact. By reason of partial removal, the second adornment 16, 16' can be coordinated with the first adornment 14, 14' to produce, in conjunction therewith, a second appearance for the golf equipment container 12.

[0084] By leaving the first adornment 14, 14' potentially fully intact, the second adornment 16, 16' may be applied to fully overlie the first adornment 14, 14' so that the first adornment 14, 14' becomes obscured.

[0085] In FIG. 11, a portion of the substrate layers 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x is shown with the self-contained element/patch defining the first adornment 14' separated from the substrate layer 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x'. In this embodiment, the adornment 14' was applied through the adhesive 70. By peeling the first adornment 14', there is a residual alteration of the exposed surface of the substrate 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x', in this case by reason of there being a residual deposit of the adhesive 70 at the location at 86. The second adornment 16' can then be reapplied by whatever means, and preferably fully covers the area previously occupied by the first adornment 14'.

[0086] FIG. 12 depicts a portion of the substrate 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x', as in FIG. 11, wherein the first adornment 14' was applied through the thread 68, 68' and thereafter removed. The thread 68, was cut, or otherwise removed, to release the adornment 14'. There is a residual alteration of the surface of the substrate 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x', in this case by reason of the formation of holes 88 from the thread 68, 68'. While the holes 88 may not be significantly visible, the second adornment 16, 16' may nonetheless fully cover the same to avoid the appearance of any blemish on the exposed portion of the substrate 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x'.

[0087] With the above-described structure, inventory control is facilitated. For example, particular pieces of the golf equipment containers can be more liberally ordered with the understanding that the adornment can be changed, either on site or by shipping the same to a location or entity that effects the change of adornment. The purveyor of the golf equipment containers does not have to contend with throwing out excess inventory that has adornment that is inappropriate for the particular product, the point of sale, a particular event, a particular user, etc.

[0088] As just one example, as will be explained in greater detail hereafter, the first adornment 14, 14' may have a combination of information relating to a particular golf event and/or golfing club/golf course, as well as the identification of a particular type of club. If, for whatever reason, the first adornment 14, 14' is not appropriate, be it by reason of not identifying the required type of club or pertaining to an event, location, or individual that is inappropriate, the first adornment 14, 14' can be removed and replaced by the second adornment 16, 16'. As noted above, other options are available, including partial removal of the first adornment 14, 14' or complete obscuring of the first adornment 14, 14' by overlaying the second adornment 16, 16'.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 13, the first and second adornments 14, 14', 16, 16' may be fixedly secured in a preliminary manner using a securing structure 90, of the type generally described above. The securing structure 90 is designed to fixedly maintain the adornment 14', 16' in place and potentially permit its removal, if necessary. As shown further in FIG. 13, a supplemental securing structure is provided, as shown at 92, and is used to more permanently secure the adornment 14', 16' to the golf equipment container 12, once a final decision is made with respect to the final appearance of the golf equipment container 12 that will be offered/sold.

[0090] Additional details of the structure hereinabove described are set out more specifically in co-pending application Ser. No. 11/043,002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Some potential configurations for self-contained elements/patches used for the adornment 14', 16', will now be described. Many different variations of this adornment 14', 16' are disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/053,964, the disclosure of which is likewise incorporated herein by reference.

[0092] In one preferred form, as shown schematically in FIG. 14, the self-contained adornment 14' consists of a design piece 94 that is associated with a substrate component 96. The design piece 94 is maintained in a desired relationship to the substrate component 96 by an appropriate connection 98, in one manner directly to the substrate component 96. Alternatively, through the connection 98, the design piece 94 can be joined to the substrate layer(s) 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x', whereby the substrate component 96 becomes captive between the design piece 94 and the substrate layer 18, 18', 18'', 18''', 18.sup.4x'.

[0093] In one form, as shown in FIG. 15, the substrate component 96 is made from a material that can be cut without appreciable fraying. For example, the substrate component 96 may be made from a plastic material, a metal material, or more preferably a felt material. The design piece 94 has information thereon, generally identified as "INFO" at 98, corresponding to the information, described above. The information 98 may be applied by any means and is preferably applied through thread that creates a viewable design. In a highly preferred form, the thread is woven.

[0094] The design piece 94 has a peripheral edge 100 that is smaller in effective diameter than the peripheral edge 101 of the substrate component 96. This leaves an exposed frame surface 102 upon which information, shown as "INFO" at 104, can be applied. The information 104 can be applied at one location, at several locations, or continuously over a substantial part, or all, of the frame surface 102.

[0095] Aside from providing a location to apply the information 104, the frame surface 102 also functions as a suitable location to accept thread 68' that can be used to secure the adornment 14' to the golf equipment container 12.

[0096] In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 100 of the design piece 94 is shown to be generally conforming to the shape of the peripheral edge 101 of the substrate component 96. This is not a requirement, however. It is preferred that there be some exposed frame surface 102, either partially or fully around the design piece 94, and that there be at least nominal conformity of shape of the peripheral edges 100, 101 around some, and preferably all, of the perimeter of the adornment 14'.

[0097] As previously noted, the information 98, 104 can be varied significantly in terms of its appearance and content. As one example, the information 98 may relate to a golf course, golfing club, or golf event. For example, the information 98 may contain the name of a golfing club, golf course, or location, or be a depiction of a person, place or thing associated with a particular venue.

[0098] The information 104 may be coordinated with the information 98 and/or have other significance. As one example, the information 104 may be customized information relating to the individual that purchases the golf equipment container, such as that individual's name or initials.

[0099] In the event that the adornment 14' is provided on a club cover, the information 94, 104 may relate to the particular identity of the club type.

[0100] There is virtually no limit to the nature or type of information, or number of different combinations of information 94, 104 that may be provided on the adornment 14' for the golfing environment.

[0101] While the information 98 has been described to be applied through the use of thread, this description is not intended to be limiting. The information 104 may be applied by any of a virtually limitless number of different methods, among which are embroidery, silk screen application, the application of a separate, self-contained element/patch, etc.

[0102] While the adornment 14' may have an effective diameter of virtually any size, with the design piece 94 having woven thread to produce a viewable design, the adornment 14' is particularly eye catching at a size less than 2'' and more preferably less than 1'' in diameter. Of course, as noted above, the particular shape and size of the adornment 14', 16', are not critical to the present invention.

[0103] While the invention has been described with particular reference to the drawings, it should be understood that various modifications could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of providing a golf equipment container, the method comprising the steps of: providing a golf equipment container having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer; providing at least a first adornment fixedly secured on the substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the first appearance; identifying an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container having an appearance different than the first appearance; removing the at least first adornment from the at least one substrate layer; providing at least a second adornment on the at least one substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a second appearance different than the first appearance and to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the second appearance; and making the golf equipment container with the second appearance available to meet an actual or anticipated demand for the golf equipment container with the second appearance.

2. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing a golf equipment container comprises providing a cover for a golf club head.

3. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing a golf equipment container comprises providing a bag for golf clubs.

4. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing a first patch.

5. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 4 wherein the step of providing at last a first adornment comprises securing the first patch to the at least one substrate layer through sewn thread.

6. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 4 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises securing the first patch to the at least one substrate layer through an adhesive.

7. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 4 wherein the step of providing a first patch comprises preliminarily securing the first patch fixedly to the at least one substrate layer and further comprising the steps of committing to provide the golf equipment container with the first appearance and thereafter performing a supplemental securing step to more permanently secure the first patch to the at least one substrate later.

8. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing the at least first adornment on the at least one substrate layer at a first location and the step of providing at least a second adornment comprises providing the at least second adornment on the at least one substrate layer at the first location.

9. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing the at least first adornment on the at least one substrate layer at a first location and the step of providing at least a second adornment comprises providing the at least second adornment on the at least one substrate layer at a second location spaced at least partially from the first location.

10. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 6 wherein the step of removing the at least first adornment comprises the step of heating the adhesive.

11. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing the at least first adornment with an identification of a first golf club type and the step of providing at least a second adornment comprises providing the at least second adornment with an identification of a second golf club type.

12. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least first and second adornments comprises providing the at least first and second adornments that at least one of a) are different in shape, b) have different information thereon, and c) are different in appearance.

13. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying the golf equipment container with the second appearance for sale at a first site and the step of providing at least a second adornment comprises providing the at least second adornment at the first site.

14. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the at least first adornment overlies a first area on the exposed surface on the at least one substrate layer and the step of providing the at least second adornment comprises providing the at least second adornment so as to fully cover the first area.

15. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing a patch with a woven design thereon.

16. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing a patch comprising a substrate component and a design piece that is separately formed from and attached in relationship to the substrate component.

17. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing a patch comprising a substrate component and a design piece comprising thread that is formed to produce at least a part of a viewable design.

18. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing a patch comprising a substrate component and a design piece with a perimeter edge comprising thread that is formed to produce at least a part of a viewable design, wherein the substrate component extends beyond the perimeter edge of the design piece to define a frame surface at least partially around the perimeter edge of the design piece.

19. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 18 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing the identification of an individual on the frame surface.

20. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 17 wherein the step of providing a patch comprises providing a patch with a substrate component that is made from a material that does not appreciably fray upon being cut.

21. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 18 wherein the step of providing the at least first adornment comprises sewing the patch through the frame surface to the at least one substrate layer.

22. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 19 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing an identification of a first golf club type and the step of providing a second adornment comprises providing a second patch with an identification of the individual and a second golf club type.

23. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing a patch with an identification of a golf course/golfing club.

24. The method of providing a golf equipment container according to claim 1 wherein the step of providing at least a first adornment comprises providing a patch with an identification of a golfing event.

25. In combination: a golf equipment container having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer; a first adornment that was initially fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer to produce a golf equipment container having a first appearance and thereafter removed from the golf equipment container; and a second adornment fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer so that the golf equipment container has a second appearance.

26. The combination according to claim 25 wherein the first adornment was fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer to cover a first area and the second adornment fully covers the first area.

27. The combination according to claim 25 wherein the golf equipment container comprises a cover for a golf club head.

28. The combination according to claim 25 wherein the golf equipment container comprises a bag for golf clubs.

29. The combination according to claim 25 wherein the golf equipment container has a residual alteration from at least one of sewn thread and an adhesive used to secure the first adornment to the substrate layer.

30. The combination according to claim 25 wherein the first adornment has an identification of a first golf club type and the second adornment comprises an identification of a second golf club type.

31. The combination according to claim 25 wherein the first adornment comprises a patch.

32. The combination according to claim 31 wherein the patch comprises a substrate component and a design piece separately formed from and applied over the substrate component.

33. The combination according to claim 32 wherein the design piece comprises woven thread.

34. The combination according to claim 32 wherein the design piece has a perimeter edge and the substrate component extends beyond the perimeter edge of the design piece to define a frame surface at least partially around the diameter edge of the design piece.

35. The combination according to claim 34 wherein the first adornment comprises the identification of a golf club type.

36. The combination according to claim 35 wherein the first adornment comprises an identification of an individual on the frame surface.

37. The combination according to claim 36 wherein the second adornment comprises a patch.

38. The combination according to claim 25 wherein the first adornment comprises an identification of at least one of a golf course/golfing club and a golfing event.

39. In combination: a golf equipment container having an exposed surface defined by at least one substrate layer; a first adornment fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer to produce a) a self-contained design and b) a golf equipment container having a first appearance; and a second adornment comprising a patch fixedly attached to the at least one substrate layer at least partially over, so as to at least partially obscure, the first adornment to produce a golf equipment container having a second appearance.