U.S. patent application number 11/625551 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for portable cleaning device for golf equipment and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Willie J. Wade.
Application Number | 20070169297 11/625551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38284114 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070169297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wade; Willie J. |
July 26, 2007 |
PORTABLE CLEANING DEVICE FOR GOLF EQUIPMENT AND METHOD THEREFOR
Abstract
A portable cleaning device for golf equipment that may be folded
and carried in a golfer's pocket without interfering with the
golfer's swing or leaking any cleaning liquid. The cleaning device
is capable of cleaning not only golf balls but other golf
equipment, such as golf clubs, as well. The cleaning device also
has a golf ball marker removably coupled thereto so that the golfer
may conveniently mark the place of the golf ball before picking it
up to clean it. The cleaning device is also capable of being safely
washed in a washing machine.
Inventors: |
Wade; Willie J.; (Anthem,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
38284114 |
Appl. No.: |
11/625551 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60761644 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/209.1 ;
15/210.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 57/60 20151001;
A63B 47/04 20130101; A63B 55/408 20151001; A63B 57/207 20151001;
A63B 57/353 20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/209.1 ;
15/210.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 13/16 20060101
A47L013/16 |
Claims
1. A portable cleaning device comprising: a substantially flat
liquid resistant layer; a substantially flat liquid absorbent layer
coupled to at least a portion of a bottom surface of the liquid
resistant layer; and at least one coupling mechanism to removably
couple a first side of the cleaning device to a second side of the
cleaning device to form a cylindrical tube with the liquid
absorbent layer facing interiorly.
2. The cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the coupling mechanism
comprises at least one hook fastener and at least one loop
fastener.
3. The cleaning device of claim 2 wherein one of a hook fastener
and a loop fastener is coupled to at least one of the bottom
surface of the liquid resistant layer and the liquid absorbent
layer and is coupled along the first side of the cleaning device
and wherein the other of the hook fastener and the loop fastener is
coupled to a top surface of the liquid resistant layer and is
coupled along the second side of the cleaning device.
4. The cleaning device of claim 2 wherein one of a plurality of
hook fasteners and a plurality of loop fasteners is coupled to at
least one of the bottom surface of the liquid resistant layer and
the liquid absorbent layer and is coupled along the first side of
the cleaning device and wherein the other of the plurality of hook
fasteners and the plurality of loop fasteners is coupled to a top
surface of the liquid resistant layer and is coupled along the
second side of the cleaning device.
5. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical
tube is dimensioned to receive a golf ball.
6. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the liquid
resistant layer and the liquid absorbent layer are substantially
flexible so that the cleaning device may be folded for at least one
of storage and transport.
7. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the liquid
absorbent layer is coupled to a center portion of the bottom
surface of the liquid resistant layer.
8. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the liquid
absorbent layer has a length and a width sufficient to clean a golf
club head when the cleaning device is laid flat and the liquid
absorbent layer is exposed.
9. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the liquid
absorbent layer has a length and a width sufficient to envelop a
golf ball when the cleaning device is formed into the cylindrical
tube.
10. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the cleaning
device defines an aperture dimensioned to receive a coupling device
therethrough for at least one of storage and transport.
11. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 further comprising a
golf ball marker that is removably coupled to the cleaning
device.
12. The portable cleaning device of claim 1 wherein the cleaning
device is capable of being safely washed in a washing machine.
13. A portable cleaning device for golf equipment comprising: a
substantially flat liquid resistant layer, the liquid resistant
layer being substantially flexible to allow the cleaning device to
be folded for at least one of storage and transport; a
substantially flat liquid absorbent layer coupled to a center
portion of a bottom surface of the liquid resistant layer, the
liquid absorbent layer being substantially flexible to allow the
cleaning device to be folded for at least one of storage and
transport; one of a male coupling mechanism and a female coupling
mechanism coupled to the bottom surface of the liquid resistant
layer and coupled along a first side of the cleaning device; the
other of the male coupling mechanism and the female coupling
mechanism coupled to a top surface of the liquid resistant layer
and coupled along a second side of the cleaning device, wherein the
cleaning device forms a cylindrical tube with the liquid absorbent
layer facing interiorly when the male coupling mechanism is coupled
to the female coupling mechanism and wherein the cylindrical tube
is dimensioned to receive a golf ball; a golf ball marker that is
removably coupled to the cleaning device; and an aperture defined
by the cleaning device and dimensioned to receive a coupling device
therethrough for at least one of storage and transport.
14. The portable cleaning device of claim 13 wherein the liquid
absorbent layer has a length and a width sufficient to clean a golf
club head when the cleaning device is laid flat with the liquid
absorbent layer exposed and sufficient to envelop a golf ball when
the cleaning device is formed into the cylindrical tube.
15. The portable cleaning device of claim 13 wherein the male
coupling mechanism is at least one hook fastener and wherein the
female coupling mechanism is at least one loop fastener.
16. A method of cleaning golf equipment comprising the steps of:
providing a portable cleaning device comprising: a substantially
flat liquid resistant layer; a substantially flat liquid absorbent
layer coupled to at least a portion of a bottom surface of the
liquid resistant layer; and at least one coupling mechanism that
removably couples a first side of the cleaning device to a second
side of the cleaning device to form a cylindrical tube; soaking the
liquid absorbent layer with cleaning liquid; coupling the first
side of the cleaning device with the second side of the cleaning
device to form the cylindrical tube with the liquid absorbent layer
facing interiorly; inserting a golf ball into one of a first end
and a second end of the cylindrical tube; squeezing the cylindrical
tube at alternating points surrounding the golf ball so that the
golf ball travels back and forth along a length of the liquid
absorbent layer; ejecting the golf ball from one of the first end
and the second end of the cylindrical tube.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of: laying
the cleaning device flat so that the liquid absorbent layer is
exposed; and rubbing the liquid absorbent layer against at least
one of a golf club head, a golf cleat, and a golf tee.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to a corresponding
provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/761,644, filed Jan. 24,
2006 in the name of the applicant of this application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to cleaning devices, and
more specifically, to a portable cleaning device for golf equipment
and method therefor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As most golfers are aware, golf balls and golf clubs often
become soiled during a game. Dirt, mud, grass, sand, and other
debris may stick to the golf balls and/or golf clubs, thereby
affecting the direction of the golf ball's flight. Many golf
courses offer cleaning stations, however, these cleaning stations
are located near the tee boxes. Therefore, a golfer must walk off
of the green or the fairway back toward the tee box to clean
his/her equipment and doing so causes game delay.
[0004] Several portable golf ball cleaners exist today; however,
most of those are constructed of solid materials, thereby making
them somewhat cumbersome for the golfer to carry. The golfer must
either clip or hang these golf ball cleaners onto his/her golf bag
(which would still require the golfer to walk off the green or the
fairway) or onto his/her belt. Having such a cumbersome object
attached to the golfer's belt, however, would obstruct his/her
swing. Although it is possible to carry some of those golf ball
cleaners in one's pocket, it is disadvantageous to do so because
having such large objects in one's pocket would also obstruct the
golfer's swing. Carrying some of those golf ball cleaner's in one's
pocket may also cause the cleaning liquid to leak onto the golfer's
clothes. Furthermore, those golf ball cleaners are designed only to
clean golf balls, and are insufficient to clean other golf
equipment such as golf clubs. Still further, none of those golf
ball cleaners are capable of being safely washed in a washing
machine.
[0005] For more versatile cleaning capabilities, some golfers may
wet a towel and carry it with them onto the fairway and onto the
green to clean their equipment. The golfer cannot carry the wet
towel in his/her pocket however, without his/her clothes becoming
wet. Also, most towels would be too large to fold up and carry in
the golfer's pocket without hindering the golfer's swing. And
simply carrying the towel and placing it on the grass during play
causes the towel itself to become dirty. Furthermore, constantly
having to bend down to pick up the towel may also prove to be
inconvenient to the golfer.
[0006] Therefore a need existed for a portable cleaning device for
golf equipment that may be folded up and carried in a golfer's
pocket without interfering with the golfer's swing or leaking any
cleaning liquid onto the golfer's clothing. The cleaning device
should be capable of cleaning not only golf balls but other golf
equipment, such as golf clubs, as well. The cleaning device would
preferably have a golf ball marker removably coupled thereto so
that the golfer may conveniently mark the place of the golf ball
before picking it up to clean it. The cleaning device should also
be capable of being safely washed in a washing machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
portable cleaning device for golf equipment that may be folded up
and carried in a golfer's pocket without interfering with the
golfer's swing.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
portable cleaning device for golf equipment that may be folded up
and carried in a golfer's pocket without leaking any cleaning
liquid onto the golfer's clothing.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
portable cleaning device for golf equipment that cleans golf balls
as well as other golf equipment such as golf clubs.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a portable cleaning device for golf equipment having a golf ball
marker removably coupled thereto so that the golfer may
conveniently mark the place of the golf ball before picking it up
to clean it.
[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a portable cleaning device for golf equipment that is
capable of being safely washed in a washing machine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a portable cleaning device is disclosed. The portable cleaning
device comprises a substantially flat liquid resistant layer, a
substantially flat liquid absorbent layer coupled to at least a
portion of a bottom surface of the liquid resistant layer, and at
least one coupling mechanism to removably couple a first side of
the cleaning device to a second side of the cleaning device to form
a cylindrical tube with the liquid absorbent layer facing
interiorly.
[0013] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a portable cleaning device for golf equipment is
disclosed. The portable cleaning device for golf equipment
comprises a substantially flat liquid resistant layer that is
substantially flexible to allow the cleaning device to be folded
for storage and/or transport, a substantially flat liquid absorbent
layer that is coupled to a center portion of a bottom surface of
the liquid resistant layer and that is substantially flexible to
allow the cleaning device to be folded for storage and/or
transport, one of a male coupling mechanism and a female coupling
mechanism that is coupled to the bottom surface of the liquid
resistant layer and is coupled along a first end of the cleaning
device, the other of the male coupling mechanism and the female
coupling mechanism that is coupled to a top surface of the liquid
resistant layer and that is coupled along a second end of the
cleaning device. The cleaning device forms a cylindrical tube with
the liquid absorbent layer facing interiorly when the male coupling
mechanism is coupled to the female coupling mechanism and the
cylindrical tube is dimensioned to receive a golf ball. The
portable cleaning device for golf equipment also comprises a golf
ball marker that is removably coupled to the cleaning device and an
aperture that is defined by the cleaning device and is dimensioned
to receive a coupling device therethrough for storage and/or
transport.
[0014] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a method of cleaning golf equipment is disclosed. The
method comprises the steps of providing a portable cleaning device
comprising a substantially flat liquid resistant layer, a
substantially flat liquid absorbent layer coupled to at least a
portion of a bottom surface of the liquid resistant layer, and at
least one coupling mechanism that removably couples a first side of
the cleaning device to a second side of the cleaning device to form
a cylindrical tube. The method further comprises the steps of
soaking the liquid absorbent layer with cleaning liquid, coupling
the first side of the cleaning device with the second side of the
cleaning device to form the cylindrical tube with the liquid
absorbent layer facing interiorly, inserting the golf ball into
either a first end or a second end of the cylindrical tube,
squeezing the cylindrical tube at alternating points surrounding
the golf ball so that the golf ball travels back and forth along a
length of the liquid absorbent layer, and ejecting the golf ball
from one of the first end and the second end of the cylindrical
tube.
[0015] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the present invention will be apparent from the following, more
particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable cleaning device
for golf equipment of the present invention. The cleaning device is
shown as being formed into a cylindrical tube.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golfer squeezing the
cylindrical tube of FIG. 1 at alternating points surrounding a golf
ball so that the golf ball travels back and forth.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf ball being inserted
into the cylindrical tube of FIG. 1 for cleaning.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cleaning device of the
present invention having been folded. The folded cleaning device is
shown as being placed into a pocket of the golfer.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a top view of the cleaning device of the present
invention. The cleaning device is shown laid flat with a golf ball
marker removably coupled thereto.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the cleaning device of FIG. 5.
The cleaning device is shown cleaning a golf club head.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will be best
understood by reference to the following detailed description of
illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols
represent like elements.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a portable cleaning device for golf
equipment, referred to generically as cleaning device 10, is
disclosed. The cleaning device 10 preferably comprises a
substantially flat liquid resistant layer 16, a substantially flat
liquid absorbent layer 24, and at least one coupling mechanism
26.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the cleaning device 10 forms a
cylindrical tube 30 when a first side 12 and a second side 14 of
the cleaning device 10 are joined by the coupling mechanism 26.
Preferably, the cylindrical tube 30 is dimensioned to receive a
golf ball 40 (shown in FIG. 3) through either a first end 32 or a
second end 34 of the cylindrical tube 30. Further preferably, the
liquid absorbent layer 24 (see FIG. 6) has a length and a width
sufficient to envelop the golf ball 40 when the cleaning device 10
is formed into the cylindrical tube 30.
[0025] The liquid resistant layer 16 is preferably made of
GORE-TEX.RTM., but it should be clearly understood that some
alternative material may be used so long as the material is
substantially resistant to liquid and may be safely washed in a
washing machine. The liquid absorbent layer 24 is preferably made
of terry cloth, but it should be clearly understood that some
alternative material may be used so long as the material is
substantially absorbent to liquid and may be safely washed in a
washing machine. The liquid that would be used by a golfer 28
(shown in FIG. 3) would preferably be some type of cleaning liquid
sufficient to clean the golfer's 28 equipment such as, but not
limited to, soap and water.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, the liquid resistant layer 16 and the
liquid absorbent layer 24 are preferably substantially flexible so
that the cleaning device 10 may not only be formed into a
cylindrical tube 30 (see FIGS. 1-3), but it may also be folded for
either storage or transport. Preferably, the cleaning device 10 may
be folded and placed in a pocket 44 of the golfer 28 when the
cleaning device 10 is not in use. In order to prevent any leakage
of cleaning liquid onto the clothing of the golfer 28, the cleaning
device 10 should be folded so that the liquid resistant layer 16 is
exposed and the liquid absorbent layer 24 is concealed.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the coupling mechanism 26 comprises
a male coupling mechanism 26a (referred to generically as coupling
mechanism 26) coupled to a top surface 18 of the liquid resistant
layer 16 along the second side 14 of the cleaning device 10 and a
female coupling mechanism 26b (referred to generically as coupling
mechanism 26) coupled to a bottom surface 20 of the liquid
resistant layer 16 along the first side 12 of the cleaning device
10. It should be clearly understood, however, that substantial
benefit may derived from the male coupling mechanism 26a being
coupled to the bottom surface 20 of the liquid resistant layer 16
and the female coupling mechanism 26b being coupled to the top
surface 18 of the liquid resistant layer 16. It should also be
clearly understood that substantial benefit may be derived from the
male coupling mechanism 26a being coupled to the first side 12 of
the cleaning device 10 and the female coupling mechanism 26b being
coupled to the second side 14 of the cleaning device 10. And while
it is shown that a single female coupling mechanism 26b and a
single male coupling mechanism 26a are coupled along the first side
12 and second side 14, it should be clearly understood that further
substantial benefit may be derived from a plurality of female
coupling mechanisms 26b and a plurality of male coupling mechanisms
26a that are coupled along the first side 12 and the second side 14
so long as they are sufficient to hold the shape of the cylindrical
tube 30 when coupled together and sufficient to prevent the leakage
of any cleaning liquid. It is further preferable that the male
coupling mechanism 26a and the female coupling mechanism 26b be
VELCRO.RTM. hook and loop fasteners, however, it should be clearly
understood that substantial benefit may nevertheless be derived
from alternative coupling mechanisms, such as snaps, hooks,
buttons, zippers, etc., so long as the coupling mechanisms are
removably coupled to one another and may be safely washed in a
washing machine.
[0028] The liquid absorbent layer 24 is preferably smaller in size
than the liquid resistant layer 16 and is coupled to a center
portion 22 (shown in FIG. 6) of a bottom surface 20 (see FIG. 4 and
6) of the liquid resistant layer 16. It should be clearly
understood, however, that further substantial benefit may be
derived from the liquid absorbent layer 24 being the same size as
the liquid resistant layer 16.
[0029] Where the liquid absorbent layer 24 is smaller in size than
the liquid resistant layer 16, the female coupling mechanism 26b is
preferably coupled to the bottom surface 20 of the liquid resistant
layer 16 along the first side 12 of the cleaning device 10. It
should be clearly understood, however, that further substantial
benefit may be derived from the female coupling mechanism 26b being
coupled to both the bottom surface 20 of the liquid resistant layer
16 and the liquid absorbent layer 24 along the first side 12 of the
cleaning device 10. Where the liquid absorbent layer 24 is the same
size as the liquid resistant layer 16, the female coupling
mechanism 26b is preferably coupled to the liquid absorbent layer
24 along the first side 12 of the cleaning device 10.
[0030] It is preferred that the liquid absorbent layer 24 be
smaller than the liquid resistant layer 16, because the liquid
absorbent layer 24 would be bordered by the liquid resistant layer
16, thus making leakage of the cleaning liquid less likely. It is
also preferable because the female coupling mechanism 26b will be
coupled to the sturdier liquid resistant layer 16, thereby causing
less wear and tear to the cleaning device 10.
[0031] The male coupling mechanism 26a (shown in FIG. 5) is
preferably coupled to a top surface 18 of the liquid resistant
layer 16 along the second side 14 of the cleaning device 10. The
male coupling mechanism 26a is dimensioned to be removably coupled
to the female coupling mechanism 26b. Preferably, the male coupling
mechanism 26a may be detached from the female coupling mechanism
26b, so that the cleaning device 10 may be laid flat. It is
preferred that the liquid absorbent layer 24 have a length and a
width sufficient to clean a golf club head 42 when the cleaning
device 10 is laid flat and the liquid absorbent layer 24 is
exposed. It should be clearly understood that the cleaning device
10 may be used to clean not only golf balls 40 and golf club heads
42, but golf cleats, golf tees, and any other golf equipment.
[0032] When a golfer 28 is on the green and wishes to pick up
his/her golf ball 40 to clean it, the golfer 28 may wish to mark
the place of his/her golf ball 40 before picking it up. It is
therefore preferred that the cleaning device 10 have a golf ball
marker 38 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) removably coupled thereto. While it
is preferred to have such a golf ball marker 38 removably coupled
to the cleaning device 10, it should be clearly understood that
substantial benefit may be derived from a cleaning device 10 with
more than one golf ball marker 38 or with no golf ball marker
38.
[0033] It is also preferred that the cleaning device 10 define an
aperture 36 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The aperture 36 would be
dimensioned to receive a coupling device, such as a tie, rope,
cord, string, etc., therethrough for storage and/or transport with
the golfer's 28 golf bag. While the presence of such an aperture 36
is preferred, it should be clearly understood that substantial
benefit may be derived from a cleaning device 10 having more than
one aperture 36 or having no aperture 36.
Statement of Operation
[0034] A golfer 28 may anticipate that some of his/her golf
equipment, e.g. golf balls, golf tees, golf clubs, golf cleats,
etc, may become soiled during a game. Since the golf course
cleaning stations are few and far between, the golfer 28 may wish
to have the cleaning device 10 on hand at all times during the
game.
[0035] The golfer 28 may first wish to soak the liquid absorbent
layer 24 with some type of cleaning liquid such as soap and water.
When the cleaning device 10 is not being used, the golfer 28 may
fold the cleaning device 10 (preferably with the liquid absorbent
layer 24 being concealed) and place the cleaning device 10 in
his/her pocket 44. If the golfer's 28 equipment, such as his/her
golf club head 42 becomes soiled, the golfer 28 may remove the
cleaning device 10 from his/her pocket 44, lay it flat (exposing
the liquid absorbent layer 24) and rub the liquid absorbent layer
24 against the soiled golf club head 42 (or other golf equipment)
to clean it. After cleaning the golf club head 42 (or other
equipment), the golfer 28 may fold the cleaning device 10 again and
replace it in his/her pocket 44.
[0036] If the golfer 28 has made it to the green and wishes to
clean his/her golf ball 40 at that time, the golfer 28 may remove
the golf ball marker 38 from the cleaning device 10 and mark the
place of the golf ball 40. The golfer 28 may then remove the
cleaning device 10 from his/her pocket 44 and couple the male
coupling mechanism 26a to the female coupling mechanism 26b,
thereby forming the cylindrical tube 30. The golfer 28 may insert
the soiled golf ball 40 into either the first end 32 or the second
end 34 of the cylindrical tube 30 and then squeeze the cylindrical
tube 30 at alternating points surrounding the golf ball 40. Doing
so causes the golf ball 40 to travel back and forth along the
length of the liquid absorbent layer 24 within the cylindrical tube
30, thereby cleaning the golf ball 40. After some time, the golfer
28 may then eject the golf ball 40 from either the first end 32 or
the second end 34 of the cylindrical tube 30, replace the golf ball
40 on the green, and reattach the golf ball marker 38 to the
cleaning device 10. Once again, the golfer 28 may wish to fold the
cleaning device 10 and place the cleaning device 10 in his/her
pocket 44. Such steps may be repeated as the golfer's 28 golf balls
40, golf club heads 42, and other golf equipment become soiled.
[0037] Between games, the golfer 28 may wish to insert a securing
device such as a tie, rope, cord, string, etc., through the
aperture 36 for storage and/or transport with the golfer's golf
bag. The golfer 28 may also wish to wash the cleaning device 10 in
a washing machine between games.
[0038] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *