U.S. patent application number 14/444478 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for dual purpose cover device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Paul Thomas JAMES. Invention is credited to Paul Thomas JAMES.
Application Number | 20150027604 14/444478 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52389454 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150027604 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JAMES; Paul Thomas |
January 29, 2015 |
DUAL PURPOSE COVER DEVICE
Abstract
A dual purpose cover device is provided. The cover device may
have a generally cylindrical shaped sleeve configuration having a
body providing a closed bottom end and a generally circular top end
sleeve opening. The exterior surface of the body may provide two
fasteners near the sleeve opening, wherein the two fasteners are
disposed a predetermined distance apart when the cover device is in
an open position, wherein the body defines a cavity adapted to
slidably receive and snugly secure a beverage container or,
separately, receive a golf club head. The cover design may be
configured into a closed position by connecting the two fasteners
so that a portion of the body extending over the predetermined
distance is urged to into the cavity and the sleeve opening area of
the open position, thereby pinching and/or clasping the sleeve
opening. Said pinching and/or clasping of the sleeve opening
secures the golf head club within the cavity while allowing the
club shaft to protrude through the sleeve opening.
Inventors: |
JAMES; Paul Thomas;
(Wilmington, NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JAMES; Paul Thomas |
Wilmington |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52389454 |
Appl. No.: |
14/444478 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61858471 |
Jul 25, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
150/160 ;
220/592.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/682 20130101;
A63B 2225/66 20130101; A47G 2023/0291 20130101; A63B 2209/10
20130101; A63B 60/62 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
150/160 ;
220/592.24 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/00 20060101
A63B055/00; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A dual purpose cover device comprising: a generally tubular
shaped body having an interior surface and an exterior surface,
wherein the body forms a cavity defined by a closed bottom end, an
open top end, and the interior surface; a sleeve opening defined by
a circumferential lip along the top end; and two fasteners disposed
on a portion of the exterior surface of the body near the top end,
wherein the two fasteners are a predetermined distance apart,
whereby the cover device moves from an open position to a closed
position when interconnecting the two fasteners across the
predetermined distance.
2. The dual purpose cover device of claim 1, further providing a
back plate integrated in a portion of the interior surface, wherein
the back plate comprises: a horizontal portion extending along the
bottom end; and a vertical portion perpendicularly joined to the
horizontal end, wherein the vertical portion extends from the
bottom end up a portion of the body to near the circumferential
lip.
3. The dual purpose cover device of claim 2, wherein the horizontal
portion of the back plate thickens as it extends toward the
vertical portion thereof.
4. The dual purpose cover device of claim 1, further providing a
front notch along a portion of the circumferential lip
diametrically opposed to the vertical portion of the back
plate.
5. The dual purpose cover device of claim 4, wherein the
predetermined distance circumscribes the front notch.
6. The dual purpose cover device of claim 1, further providing a
pull tab on the exterior surface of the body.
7. A dual purpose cover device comprising: a generally tubular
shaped body having an interior surface and an exterior surface,
wherein the body forms a cavity defined by a closed bottom end, an
open top end, and the interior surface; a sleeve opening defined by
a circumferential lip along the top end; two fasteners disposed on
a portion of the exterior surface of the body near the top end,
wherein the two fasteners are a predetermined distance apart; a
back plate integrated in a portion of the interior surface, wherein
the back plate comprises: a horizontal portion extending along the
bottom end; and a vertical portion perpendicularly joined to the
horizontal end, wherein the vertical portion extends from the
bottom end up a portion of the body to near the circumferential
lip; a front notch along a portion of the circumferential lip
diametrically opposed to the back plate; and a pull tab on the
exterior surface of the body, whereby the cover device moves from
an open position to a closed position when interconnecting the two
fasteners across the predetermined distance.
8. The dual purpose cover device of claim 7, wherein the horizontal
portion of the back plate thickens as it extends toward the
vertical portion thereof.
9. A method of using a unitary cover device configured to
separately hold a beverage container and a golf head club,
comprising: providing a generally tubular shaped body having an
interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the body forms a
cavity defined by a closed bottom end, an open top end, and the
interior surface; a sleeve opening defined by a circumferential lip
along the top end; and two fasteners disposed on a portion of the
exterior surface of the body near the top end, wherein the two
fasteners are a predetermined distance apart; slidably removing the
beverage container from the cavity; placing the golf club head into
the cavity; and interconnecting the two fasteners across the
predetermined distance so as to secure the golf head cover within
the cavity by urging the portion of the exterior surface of the
body into the cavity, whereby the cover device moves from an open
position to a closed position when interconnecting the two
fasteners across the predetermined distance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
provisional application number 61/858,471, filed 26 Jul. 2013, the
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to cover devices and, more
particularly, to a unitary device that is configurable to
protectively cover a golf club head or provide coverage for a
beverage container as a portable cooler/beverage holder.
[0003] Conventional beverage covers and/or insulators, commonly
referred to as "koozies," are used to thermally insulate a hot or
cold beverage and allow a user to comfortably grasp the container
regardless of the temperature of the beverage and container. Koozie
is a trademark of Norwood Promotional Products, LLC for a portable
cooler.
[0004] Golfer's frequently forget to pack a koozie when golfing,
which in a game played under the sun can be problematic, where cold
beverages are critical for hydration and making the game more
enjoyable. As golfers almost never leave behind a golf club head
cover, the combination of the two would be advantageous.
[0005] Golf club head-cover and beverage insulator combinations are
known in the art. However, these prior inventions are comprised of
a large sleeve or cylinder with sock, combined into one unit. The
mechanics of these prior inventions require a cumbersome amount of
material, take longer to transform between uses, which are both
impracticalities active golfers are averse to.
[0006] As can be seen, there is a need for a unitary device that is
easily configurable from a koozie to a golf club head cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a dual purpose cover
device comprises: a generally tubular shaped body having an
interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the body forms a
cavity defined by a closed bottom end, an open top end, and the
interior surface; a sleeve opening defined by a circumferential lip
along the top end; and two fasteners disposed on a portion of the
exterior surface of the body near the top end, wherein the two
fasteners are a predetermined distance apart, whereby the cover
device moves from an open position to a closed position when
interconnecting the two fasteners across the predetermined
distance.
[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a dual purpose
cover device comprises: a generally tubular shaped body having an
interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the body forms a
cavity defined by a closed bottom end, an open top end, and the
interior surface; a sleeve opening defined by a circumferential lip
along the top end; two fasteners disposed on a portion of the
exterior surface of the body near the top end, wherein the two
fasteners are a predetermined distance apart; a back plate
integrated in a portion of the interior surface that vertically
extends near the bottom end to near a portion of the
circumferential lip; a front notch along a portion of the
circumferential lip diametrically opposed to the back plate; and a
pull tab on the exterior surface of the body, whereby the cover
device moves from an open position to a closed position when
interconnecting the two fasteners across the predetermined
distance.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of
using a unitary cover device configured to separately hold a
beverage container and a golf head club, comprises: providing a
generally tubular shaped body having an interior surface and an
exterior surface, wherein the body forms a cavity defined by a
closed bottom end, an open top end, and the interior surface; a
sleeve opening defined by a circumferential lip along the top end;
and two fasteners disposed on a portion of the exterior surface of
the body near the top end, wherein the two fasteners are a
predetermined distance apart; slidably removing the beverage
container from the cavity; placing the golf club head into the
cavity; and interconnecting the two fasteners across the
predetermined distance so as to secure the golf head cover within
the cavity by urging the portion of the exterior surface of the
body into the cavity, whereby the cover device moves from an open
position to a closed position when interconnecting the two
fasteners across the predetermined distance.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, illustrating use as a beverage holder;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, illustrating use as a golf club head
cover;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, illustrating coverage of a beverage
container;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, illustrating coverage of a golf club head;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention in an open position;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention in a closed position;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, illustrating a back plate;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11; and
[0023] FIG. 13 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, taken along 13-13 in FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0025] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a
cover device. The cover device may have a generally cylindrical
shaped sleeve configuration having a body providing a closed bottom
end and a generally circular top end sleeve opening. The exterior
surface of the body may provide two fasteners near the sleeve
opening, wherein the two fasteners are disposed a predetermined
distance apart when the cover device is in an open position,
wherein the body defines a cavity adapted to slidably receive and
snugly secure a beverage container or, separately, receive a golf
club head. The cover design may be configured into a closed
position by connecting the two fasteners so that a portion of the
body extending over the predetermined distance is urged to into the
cavity and the sleeve opening area of the open position, thereby
pinching and/or clasping the sleeve opening. Said pinching and/or
clasping of the sleeve opening secures the golf head club within
the cavity while allowing the club shaft to protrude through the
sleeve opening.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 13, the present invention may
include a cover device 10. The cover device 10 may have a generally
cylindrical shaped sleeve configuration having generally circular
ends. The cover device 10 may have a body 12, a closed bottom end
16 and a top end 34 forming a sleeve opening 14. The sleeve opening
14 may be defined by a circumferential lip 32. A front notch 20 may
be formed in a portion of the circumferential lip 32. The front
notch 20 may be sized and shaped to keep the drinker's lips from
touching the cover device 10 when drinking from the covered
beverage container 28, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0027] The body 12 may form a cavity defined by an interior surface
of the cover device 10. The cover device 10 may provide a back
plate 18 extending along the interior surface of the body 12;
horizontally on the bottom end 16 and extending therefrom
vertically along a portion of the body 12 to the circumferential
lip 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The back plate 18 may
terminate near a portion of the circumferential lip 32
diametrically opposite the front notch 20. In certain embodiments,
the vertical portion of the back plate 18 may form a pedestal-like
shape, as illustrated in FIG. 8, as it extends from the bottom end
16 to the circumferential lip 32. In certain embodiments, the
horizontal portion of the back plate 18 may thicken along the
bottom end 16 as it nears its vertical portion so as to form a
wedge-shaped standing surface, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The back
plate 18 may be made of material that can be repeatedly bent
without fracturing, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl,
rubber, various impregnated or laminated fibrous materials, various
plasticized materials, thermoplastic rubber, combinations thereof
and the like. The back plate 18 may be integrated into the interior
surface of the cover device 10 so as to provide a structural
element for the cover device 10: as a golf head club cover the back
plate 18 may provide added protection to portions of the club that
are vulnerable damage when in transport and storage; and as a
koozie the back plate 18 provides firmness (possibly necessary
since the product is designed large enough to sufficiently cover a
golf club) so as to permit the cover device 10 to stand upright on
a surface and retain its generally cylindrical shape with or
without the beverage container 28 disposed within the cover device
10. The back plate 18 may also provide a non-slip bottom along the
interior surface of the bottom end 16. The cover device 10 may
provide a pull tab 22 disposed on a portion of the exterior surface
of the body 12 associated with the interior surface supporting the
back plate 18.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal portion of the
back plate 18 may form the bottom end 16, whereby the body 12 is a
tubular element that attaches along the periphery of said
horizontal portion, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. In either
embodiment, the back plate 18 may be slidably received by the body
12 when making the cover device 10.
[0029] The cover device 10 may provide a female fastener 26 and a
male fastener 24 disposed along the exterior side of the body 12
near the top end 34. The fasteners 24, 26 may be disposed a
predetermined distance apart when the cover device is in an open
position. In certain embodiments, the fasteners 24, 26 may be
disposed to on opposing sides of the front notch 20, or in other
words, the front notch is incorporated by the predetermined
distance. It should be understood that the fasteners 24, 26 may be
any fastener known in the art for removably fastening or securing
one object to another including, for example, standard push-button
snaps, Velcro-type fasteners, adhesive substances, combinations
thereof, and the like. It should also be that the fasteners 24, 26
may be configured in any array and/or number, so long as the
fasteners 24, 26 function in accordance with the present invention
as described herein.
[0030] In the open position, the cavity may be adapted to slidably
receive and snugly secure to a beverage container 28, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, so as to provide a better grip and as
well as insulate the temperature of the beverage container 28. The
body 12 may be made from flexible insulative material, such as, but
not limited to, polychloroprene, thermoplastic rubber, Lycra,
styrene-buradiene rubber (SBR), various plasticized materials,
combinations thereof and/or the like. Such body 12 material can
permit the cover device 10 to stand upright on a surface and to
retain the generally cylindrical shape with or without the beverage
container 28 disposed within the cover device 10.
[0031] The cover device 10 may be configurable from the open
position to a closed position, and vice versa. The female fastener
26 and the male fastener 24 are adapted to interconnect so as to
configure the cover device 10 to the closed position by urging a
portion of the top end 34, the circumferential lip 32 and the body
12 provided by the predetermined distance to be pinched into the
cavity and the sleeve opening 14 (as defined in the open position),
thereby decreasing the surface areas of the sleeve opening 14 in
the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 10, relative to the
open position, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In certain embodiments,
the predetermined distance includes the front notch 20 portion of
the circumferential lip 32. Said pinching or clasping of the sleeve
opening 14 secures the golf club head 30 within the cavity yet
allows the club shaft to protrude through the sleeve opening
14.
[0032] In the open position, the cavity may be adapted to receive a
conventionally sized golf club head 30 as illustrated in FIGS. 2
and 6. In the closed position, the interconnected fasteners 24, 26
may pinch the portion of the top end 34, the circumferential lip 32
and the body 12 so as to securely retain the golf club head 30
within in the cavity, yet allow the club shaft to protrude through
the sleeve opening 14. The shape and disposition of the back plate
18 may be adapted to assist in the clasping of the sleeve opening
14 by allowing the fasteners 24, 26 to more naturally combine.
[0033] A method of using the present invention may include the
following. The cover device 10 disclosed above may be provided.
When interested in slaking their thirst, a user may cover the
beverage container 28 by sliding the cover device 10 in the open
position upwardly, sleeve opening 14 first, over the bottom of the
beverage container 28, so that the front notch 20 is operably
dispose adjacent to the beverage container 28 opening, as
illustrated in FIG. 5. When not in use as a beverage holder, the
cover device 10 may slidably receive the golf club head 30 in a
manner similar to the one just described, and as illustrated in
FIG. 6. To secure the cover device 10 so that the retained golf
club head 30 will not be dislodged therefrom, the user would
interconnect the fasteners 24, 26 so as to configure the cover
device 10 into the closed position. When removing the cover device
10, the user would configure the fasteners 24, 26 to the open
position and manually pull on the pull tab 22.
[0034] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *