U.S. patent application number 14/288485 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-04 for golf club stand.
This patent application is currently assigned to Just Believe International Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Just Believe International Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Joseph Campos, JR..
Application Number | 20140353440 14/288485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51984009 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140353440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campos, JR.; Robert Joseph |
December 4, 2014 |
GOLF CLUB STAND
Abstract
The invention relates to ergonomically-correct golf club stands
that prop up putters, other clubs, fishing poles, and plants. The
stands also have attachment points for accessories. The stands
protect golf clubs by keeping them off the ground and visual. This
helps keep them clean and avoids inadvertently leaving them
behind.
Inventors: |
Campos, JR.; Robert Joseph;
(Vacaville, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Just Believe International Inc. |
Sacramento |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Just Believe International
Inc.
Sacramento
CA
|
Family ID: |
51984009 |
Appl. No.: |
14/288485 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61830468 |
Jun 3, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/156 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/10 20130101;
A63B 55/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/156 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/10 20060101
A63B055/10 |
Claims
1. A golf club stand, comprising a shaft and a loop, wherein: a. a
proximal end of said shaft is angularly connected to a proximal end
of a loop, b. a distal end of said shaft is operative to be
inserted into the ground, c. said loop comprises a gripping surface
for securing clubs, and wherein said golf club stand does not have
an additional handle or foothold structure.
2. The golf club stand of claim 1, wherein said loop defines a
plane that is offset from said shaft at an angle that is less than
about 90.degree..
3. The golf club stand of claim 2, wherein said angle is less than
about 75.degree..
4. The golf club stand of claim 2, wherein said angle is less than
about 45.degree..
5. The golf club stand of claim 2, wherein said angle is less than
about 30.degree..
6. The golf club stand of claim 2, wherein said angle is about
45.degree..
7. The golf club stand of claim 2, wherein said angle is about
30.degree..
8. The golf club stand of claim 1, wherein said distal end of said
shaft further comprises a spike.
9. The golf club stand of claim 1, wherein said gripping surface is
selected from the group consisting of etched surfaces, vinyl,
rubber, plastic, nylon, fabric, leather, tape, padding, and tacky
adhesive surfaces.
10. The golf club stand of claim 9, wherein said gripping surface
is vinyl.
11. The golf club stand of claim 1, wherein said shaft comprises
plastic, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, nylon, a nylon
blend, monel, beryllium, flexon, polycarbonate, graphite, steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium
alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver, silver
alloy, or tempered glass.
12. The golf club stand of claim 1, wherein said loop comprises
plastic, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, nylon, a nylon
blend, monel, beryllium, flexon, polycarbonate, graphite, steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium
alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver, silver
alloy, or tempered glass.
13. The golf club stand of claim 1, further comprising an accessory
attachment structure selected from the group consisting of latches,
clasps, hooks, snaps, screws, rings, springs, pressure sleeves,
Velcro.RTM., and lock structures.
14. An accessory for attaching to the accessory attachment
structure of claim 13, wherein said accessory is selected from the
group consisting of a golf towel, cigar holder, cigarette holder, a
beverage holder, a GPS range finder holder, an accessory pouch, a
divot repair tool holder, a score card holder, a ball marker
holder, a light holder, a phone holder, a bell for fishing, and a
fishing towel.
15. A business method comprising selling the golf club stand of
claim 13, wherein said accessory attachment structure is a lock
that connects with a key to form a two-part lock and key structure
and offering for sale an ecosystem of ornamental or functional
accessories that comprise a key that fits said lock.
16. A business method comprising selling the golf club stand of
claim 13, wherein said accessory attachment structure is a key that
connects with a lock to form a two-part lock and key structure and
offering for sale an ecosystem of ornamental or functional
accessories that comprise a lock that fits said key
17. The business method of claim 15, wherein said lock and said key
are proprietary and comprise the further step of licensing third
parties the right to sell accessories comprising said proprietary
key that fits said proprietary lock.
18. The business method of claim 16, wherein said lock and said key
are proprietary and comprise the further step of licensing third
parties the right to sell accessories comprising said proprietary
lock that fits said proprietary key.
19. A business method comprising selling accessories that
participate in an ecosystem that attach to the golf club stand of
claim 13 by a proprietary lock and key attachment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to golf club stands that prop up
putters, other clubs, fishing poles, and plants. The stands also
have attachment points for accessories.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] On a golf course, players often take a putter or other clubs
out of their golf bag for hitting in a variety of locations
including the green, rough, fringe, bunker, fairway, and
surrounding green. They may also take a towel, cigar, beverage, or
other items with them. While using one club there is no other place
to set down the other clubs but the ground. In addition to the
inconvenience of bending over to pick up clubs from the ground, the
grips of the clubs tend to get wet and dirty. Additionally, golfers
may walk away and leave their clubs on the ground only to later
discover that they are missing. Losing clubs can be expensive or
time-consuming if one backtracks to retrieve them. The same
inconveniences and hazards apply to the other items, listed above,
that may be set down on the ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention provides a golf club stand that may be
accessorized to support items commonly used or enjoyed by golfers.
In particular, the golf club stand of the invention comprises a
solid shaft formed in the shape of a cane with the top portion
having a loop angled at about a 45.degree. angle from the straight
portion of the shaft. The loop has a gripping material for securing
a club that leans into the loop. This elegant design allows for the
golf club stand to be easily pushed into the ground without the
need for extraneous handles or footholds. The sleek and slim design
allows for easy and unobtrusive storage in a golf bag. It also does
not have any attachments that may break off or rip a golf bag. It
is ergonomically sound to fit in men and women's hands and thus
easy to use. The lack of moving parts makes it durable and long
lasting.
[0004] In other embodiments, the golf club stand can also be used
to hold fishing poles or plants in need of extra support.
[0005] Thus, the invention provides a golf club stand, comprising a
shaft and a loop, wherein a proximal end of the shaft is angularly
connected to a proximal end of a loop, a distal end of the shaft is
operative to be inserted into the ground, the loop comprises a
gripping surface for securing clubs, and wherein the golf club
stand does not have an additional handle or foothold structure.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the loop defines a plane that is
offset from the shaft at an angle that is less than about
90.degree.. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle is less than
about 75.degree.. In another more preferred embodiment, the angle
is less than about 45.degree.. In another more preferred
embodiment, the angle is less than about 30.degree.. In a most
preferred embodiment, the angle is about 45.degree.. In another
most preferred embodiment, the angle is about 30.degree..
[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the distal end of the shaft
further comprises a spike.
[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the gripping surface is
selected from the group consisting of etched surfaces, vinyl,
rubber, plastic, nylon, fabric, leather, tape, padding, and tacky
adhesive surfaces. In a more preferred embodiment, the gripping
surface is vinyl.
[0009] In another embodiment, the shaft comprises plastic,
cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, nylon, a nylon blend,
monel, beryllium, flexon, polycarbonate, graphite, steel, stainless
steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy,
nickel, a nickel alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver, silver alloy,
or tempered glass.
[0010] In another embodiment, the loop comprises plastic, cellulose
acetate, cellulose propionate, nylon, a nylon blend, monel,
beryllium, flexon, polycarbonate, graphite, steel, stainless steel,
aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a
nickel alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver, silver alloy, or tempered
glass.
[0011] In another embodiment, the golf club stands of the invention
further comprise an accessory attachment structure selected from
the group consisting of latches, clasps, hooks, snaps, screws,
rings, springs, pressure sleeves, Velcro.RTM., and lock
structures.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention provides an accessory
for attaching to the accessory attachment structure, wherein the
accessory is selected from the group consisting of a golf towel,
cigar holder, cigarette holder, a beverage holder, a GPS range
finder holder, an accessory pouch, a divot repair tool holder, a
score card holder, a ball marker holder, a light holder, a phone
holder, a bell for fishing, and a fishing towel.
[0013] The invention provides a business method comprising selling
the golf club stands of the invention, wherein the accessory
attachment structure is a lock that connects with a key to form a
two-part lock and key structure and offering for sale an ecosystem
of ornamental or functional accessories that comprise a key that
fits the lock.
[0014] The invention provides a business method comprising selling
the golf club stands of the invention, wherein the accessory
attachment structure is a key that connects with a lock to form a
two-part lock and key structure and offering for sale an ecosystem
of ornamental or functional accessories that comprise a lock that
fits the key
[0015] In preferred embodiments of the business method, the locks
and keys described herein are proprietary and comprise the further
step of licensing third parties the right to sell accessories
comprising the proprietary key that fits the proprietary lock. In
other preferred embodiments, the locks and keys described herein
are proprietary and comprise the further step of licensing third
parties the right to sell accessories comprising said proprietary
lock that fits said proprietary key. In another preferred
embodiment, the invention provides a business method comprising
selling accessories that participate in an ecosystem that attach to
the golf club stands of the invention by a proprietary lock and key
attachment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1: (A) shows a front view of the full-length golf club
stand of the invention. (B) Shows the side view and a plane formed
by the loop that is offset from the shaft by about 45.degree.. (C)
Shows a close-up view of the loop with a gripping surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] As stated above, on a golf course, if an approach shot does
not get on the green in regulation, one usually needs to take more
than one club up to the surrounding green. When using one club, the
putter and other clubs may be laid on the ground. The grips of the
clubs get wet or dirty and requires the nuisance of having to bend
over to get them. When carrying a towel that is used to clean the
clubs, if it is left on the ground, it may gather dirt and grass
particles, which gets onto the clubs. Additionally, when left on
the ground, clubs and towels often get left behind. The inventions
disclosed herein solve these problems.
[0018] A golfer penetrates the ground with the golf club stand to
an appropriate depth, typically about two inches. Once penetrated
into the ground, it supports the clubs in an approximately vertical
position. This prevents the clubs from lying on the ground. In some
embodiments, the loop has an accessory attachment device for
attaching items such as towels, golf tools, beverage holders, cigar
holders, and the like.
[0019] It has been surprisingly found that a simple, elegant golf
club holder can be formed if the loop for holding the clubs defines
an approximate plane that can be angled from the down shaft to
allow simple insertion into the ground without the need for extra
handles or footholds. While not wishing to be bound by particular
embodiments, an approximate 45.degree. angle offset is a preferred
embodiment for its ease of use and storage. In other embodiments,
the angle is about a 30.degree., 31.degree., 32.degree.,
33.degree., 34.degree., 35.degree., 36.degree., 37.degree.,
38.degree., 39.degree., 40.degree., 41.degree., 42.degree.,
43.degree., 44.degree., 45.degree., 46.degree., 47.degree.,
48.degree., 49.degree., 50.degree., 51.degree., 52.degree.,
53.degree., 54.degree., 55.degree., 56.degree., 57.degree.,
58.degree., 59.degree., 60.degree., 61.degree., 62.degree.,
63.degree., 64.degree., 65.degree., 66.degree., 67.degree.,
68.degree., 69.degree., 70.degree., 71.degree., 72.degree.,
73.degree., 74.degree., 75.degree., 76.degree., 77.degree.,
78.degree., 79.degree., or 80.degree. offset.
[0020] The elegant design of the golf club holders disclosed herein
permits the simple storage and removal of the golf club holder from
a golf bag. The golf club holders of the prior art suffer from
cumbersome designs that require multiple hands or feet to insert
into the ground or are bulky or oddly shaped. Bulky or oddly shaped
golf club holders are not easily stored, transported, removed from
bags, carried to locations along with clubs and other accessories,
inserted into the ground, and returned to golf bags. Such inferior
prior art golf club holders are not angled, have fixed 90 degree
angle loops, multiple handles or loops, footholds, club engagement
elements in the middle of the shaft that might not fit or damage
golf club bags, moving parts, or are thick tubes that take up too
much space. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,820,479; 6,497,327;
7,153,218; 8,066,119; D520,098; D63,2912; D695,374; D695,865;
D472,598; D497,192; and D493,203. The foregoing are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0021] The advantages of the claimed invention include angled
loops, preferably 45.degree., that ergonomically fit into a hand
and make it easier to penetrate the ground. Also, the 45.degree.
angle prevents the golf club stands from turning and getting
tangled with other clubs when stored in golf bags. Thus, the loop
stays accessible at all times and fit into golf bags but taking up
little space. They do not hang on the outside of bags, a prior art
embodiment that increases the chance of loss, damage, or
injury.
[0022] Optionally, the invention contemplates an accessory
attachment structure, such as a loop, to attach accessories. In one
embodiment, the accessory is a towel that won't clipping and
unclipping from a golf bag. The invention contemplates no
additional parts at risk of breaking The golf club holders of the
invention are sleek, slim, durable and potentially colorful.
[0023] The golf club stands of the invention may be made of any
material rigid enough to be inserted into the ground and support a
club. In some embodiments, the golf club stands are made from an
alloy. The term "alloy" refers to a mixture or metallic solid
solution composed of two or more elements. The alloys of the
invention contemplate alloys of aluminum, bismuth, cobalt, copper,
gallium, gold, indium, iron, lead, magnesium, mercury, nickel,
potassium, plutonium, rare earth, rhodium, scandium, silver,
sodium, titanium, tin, zinc, and zirconium. Likewise, rigid
plastics may be used. The term "plastic" refers to any synthetic or
semi-synthetic organic solid that is moldable. Plastics of the
invention include organic polymers of high molecular mass and may
be derived from petrochemicals or natural materials.
[0024] The shafts and loops of the invention may be formed from a
single, contiguous material or may be formed separately and joined
by welding, adhesives, pressure, screws, bolts, or any other
physical connection known in the art.
[0025] In order that the invention described herein may be more
fully understood, the following examples are set forth. It should
be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes
only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any
manner.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0026] A golf club stand was made from a 36 3/4 inch single steel
rod having a 1/4 inch diameter. It was manipulated to form a loop
at about a 45.degree. angle offset from a down-shaft and a ring for
attaching accessories such as a towel.
[0027] FIG. 1A shows the front side of the golf club stand
comprised of the manipulated 36 3/4 inch steel rod (1). FIG. 1B
shows the length of the shaft was manipulated such that the
distance from the proximal (2) to the distal end (3) of the shaft
was 26 3/4 inches. In other embodiments, this length is varied. The
rod was bent at (2) to create an approximately 45.degree. angle
offset from the shaft. FIG. 1C shows a loop having a 21/2 inch
diameter (4) was manipulated to form a plane that was offset from
the shaft by a 45.degree. angle (FIG. 1B). In other embodiments,
this angle is varied such that the ergonomic advantages described
herein are maintained. On the distal end of the loop a ring with a
1 inch diameter was formed (5).
[0028] The loop was sheathed in a 10 inch vinyl sleeve (6) to
create a gripping surface (FIG. 1C). Any gripping material as
disclosed herein is applied, wrapped or sewn on. In one embodiment,
the loop is dipped in a coating that, when solidified, forms the
gripping surface. A colored powder coating was applied to the unit
to make it more visible. Any colorful materials such as paint,
decals, anodizing, and the like may be used. In an alternative
embodiment, the loop at the end is omitted or an alternative
accessory attachment structure is used.
Example 2
[0029] The golf club stand is used as follows: The distal end of
the shaft (3) was pierced down into the ground a few inches deep so
that when released, it stood approximately vertically. Golf putters
and clubs leaned into the loop in a vertical position. The vinyl
sleeve (6) buffered the golf club grip or shaft so that they did
not get chaffed from touching the steel rod. It also protected the
powder coating on the Steel Rod from scratches. The ring (5) was
used to attach a clip that held a golf towel for cleaning the golf
clubs. The golf towel may stay on the stand so that when it is not
in use, one can hang the unit inside the golf bag. This will enable
the golf towel to hang outside of the golf bag for convenient
continuous use without the need to clip and unclip it. The golf
club stands of the invention may additionally be used as an
alignment rod for practicing on the golf range.
Example 3
[0030] Alternative uses for the invention include a fishing pole
holder and a plant support rod.
[0031] To use as a fishing pole holder, one pierces the unit into
the ground as previously described. This frees the person fishing
from continuously holding the fishing pole and leaving one's hands
free for other activities. One leans the fishing pole against the
loop and waits for a fish to bite. One also attaches a bell to the
ring when a fish is on the line.
[0032] Some plants are naturally top-heavy and require additional
support. The golf club stands of the invention are placed in a pot
or in the ground so that the plants grow straight and stay healthy.
They are used for both indoor and outdoor plants.
[0033] All publications and patent documents disclosed or referred
to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The
foregoing description has been presented only for purposes of
illustration and description. This description is not intended to
limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is intended
that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended
hereto.
* * * * *