U.S. patent application number 11/137733 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-27 for method of providing a golf equipment container with adornment thereon and a golf equipment container provided with the adornment.
Invention is credited to Ronald Kronenberger.
Application Number | 20060163093 11/137733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36695570 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060163093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kronenberger; Ronald |
July 27, 2006 |
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.
Inventors: |
Kronenberger; Ronald;
(Riverwoods, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
36695570 |
Appl. No.: |
11/137733 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11043002 |
Jan 25, 2005 |
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11137733 |
May 25, 2005 |
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11053964 |
Feb 9, 2005 |
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11137733 |
May 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.3 ;
150/160 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 55/00 20130101;
A63B 60/62 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/315.3 ;
150/160 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/02 20060101
B65D065/02; A63B 55/00 20060101 A63B055/00 |
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.
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.
* * * * *