U.S. patent application number 14/664845 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for golf club towel assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is David Dastrup. Invention is credited to David Dastrup.
Application Number | 20150190689 14/664845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53494454 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150190689 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dastrup; David |
July 9, 2015 |
GOLF CLUB TOWEL ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Assemblies are provided for carrying a golf towel, the assembly
comprising a hook, a hanger and a connector connecting the hook and
the hanger. The assembly can be removably attached to the shaft of
a golf club. The methods of making and using the assembly are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Dastrup; David; (Escondido,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dastrup; David |
Escondido |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53494454 |
Appl. No.: |
14/664845 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13442619 |
Apr 9, 2012 |
9010705 |
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14664845 |
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61473275 |
Apr 8, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/210.1 ;
248/342; 29/426.1; 29/525.02 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49815 20150115;
A63B 53/10 20130101; A63B 47/04 20130101; A63B 71/0045 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A63B 60/36 20151001; Y10T 29/4995 20150115;
Y10T 29/49948 20150115; A63B 57/60 20151001; A63B 2047/043
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 55/00 20060101
A63B055/00; A63B 57/00 20060101 A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. An assembly comprising: (a) a hook, comprising a hooking
section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects
the hooking section to the eyelet section, wherein the hooking
section and the connecting section define a first opening
therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening,
wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion
having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25'' and about
0.35'', and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated
with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having
the greatest dimension of between about 0.30'' and about 0.50'',
wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a
golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the
shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the eyelet section
is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet
section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf
club into the first opening; and (b) a flexible connector fastened
to the eyelet section for removably connecting the hook to a golf
towel; wherein the hook is configured to allow a detachable
attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf club.
2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a golf towel having
a hanging element, wherein the flexible connector is fastened to
the eyelet section of the hook and to the hanging element of the
golf towel, thereby connecting the hook to the golf towel.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the hanging element is selected
from the group consisting of a loop, an opening, a strap, a
grommet, a buttonhole, a ring, a carabineer, a clip, a hook or a
combination thereof.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the hanging element is adjacent
to an edge of the golf towel.
5. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the hanging element is in the
center of the golf towel.
6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hanger configured
for supporting a golf towel in an extended form, the hanger
comprising an upper portion defining a third opening, and two
straight, coplanar arms integrated with and extending distally from
the upper portion, wherein the two straight arms are positioned and
held at a fixed angle to each other in an inverted V-shape over
which the golf towel can be draped, wherein the flexible connector
is fastened to the hanger.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the arms of the hanger are
substantially rigid and can flex no more than about 10% from their
unflexed shape such that the arms cannot contact each other.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the fixed angle is between
about 45.degree. and about 160.degree..
9. The assembly of claim 6, further comprising a golf towel having
a having a hanging element, wherein the upper portion of the hanger
is inserted through the hanging element and the golf towel is
draped over the arms of the hanger such that the surface of the
golf towel is distributed evenly along the arms of the hanger.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the flexible connector is a
lanyard and the hanging element is an opening in the towel.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the lanyard is removably
fastened to the hook and to the hanger by knots, loops or
hitches.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the golf towel is a
multi-layered composition comprising a microfiber wet side towel
layer, a microfiber dry side towel layer and a waterproof barrier
layer between the wet side towel layer and the dry side towel
layer.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein in the multi-layered golf
towel composition the microfiber wet side towel, the microfiber dry
side towel and the waterproof barrier layer are held together by
stitching along two adjacent sides of the towel.
14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the waterproof barrier layer
is longer and wider than either of the microfiber wet side towel
and the microfiber dry side towel, thereby preventing contact
between the edges of the microfiber wet side towel and the
microfiber dry side towel.
15. A method for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club,
the method comprising: a) making an assembly comprising the
following steps: i) providing: 1. a hook, comprising a hooking
section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects
the hooking section to the eyelet section, wherein the hooking
section and the connecting section define a first opening
therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening,
wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion
having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25'' and about
0.35'', and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated
with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having
the greatest dimension of between about 0.30'' and about 0.50'',
wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a
golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the
shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the eyelet section
is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet
section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf
club into the first opening; 2. a flexible connector; and 3. a golf
towel having a hanging element; ii) roving the flexible connector
through the second opening in the eyelet section; iii) fastening
the flexible connector to the hook; iv) roving the flexible
connector through the hanging element of the golf towel; v)
fastening the flexible connector to the hanging element of the golf
towel, thereby making the assembly; and b) hooking the assembly to
the shaft of the golf club via the hooking section of the hook, to
thereby place the golf towel on the shaft of the golf club.
16. A method for removing a golf towel from the shaft of a golf
club after the hooking step of claim 15, the method comprising
rotating the hook from a position perpendicular to the shaft to a
position parallel to the shaft, to thereby unhook the assembly from
the shaft.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the eyelet section of the hook
is grasped and moved to rotate the hook.
18. A method for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club,
the method comprising: a) making an assembly comprising the
following steps: i) providing: 1. a hook, comprising a hooking
section, an eyelet section and a connecting section that connects
the hooking section to the eyelet section, wherein the hooking
section and the connecting section define a first opening
therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second opening,
wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved portion
having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25'' and about
0.35'', and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and integrated
with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved portion having
the greatest dimension of between about 0.30'' and about 0.50'',
wherein the first opening is configured to accept the shaft of a
golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably retain the
shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the eyelet section
is sufficiently offset from the first opening that the eyelet
section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft of the golf
club into the first opening; 2. a flexible connector; and 3. a
hanger comprising configured for supporting a golf towel in an
extended form, the hanger comprising an upper portion defining a
third opening, and two straight, coplanar arms integrated with and
extending distally from the upper portion, wherein the two straight
arms are positioned and held at a fixed angle to each other in an
inverted V-shape over which the golf towel can be draped; ii)
roving the flexible connector through the second opening in the
eyelet section; iii) fastening the flexible connector to the hook;
iv) roving the flexible connector through the third opening in the
upper portion of the hanger; v) fastening the flexible connector to
the hanger to thereby make the assembly; b) providing a golf towel
comprising a hanging element; c) inserting the hook through the
hanging element of the golf towel; d) drawing the flexible
connector and upper portion of the hanger through the hanging
element of the golf towel; e) draping the golf towel over the arms
of the hanger so as to have the golf towel rest upon the two arms
of the hanger; and f) hooking the assembly to the shaft of the golf
club via the hooking section of the hook, to thereby place the golf
towel on the shaft of the golf club.
19. A method for removing a golf towel from the shaft of a golf
club after the hooking step of claim 18, the method comprising
rotating the hook from a position perpendicular to the shaft to a
position parallel to the shaft, to thereby unhook the assembly from
the shaft.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the eyelet section of the hook
is grasped and moved to rotate the hook.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/442,619, filed Apr. 9, 2012, which claims
the benefit of priority under 35 USC .sctn.119 of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/473,275 filed Apr. 8, 2011, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of accessories
for golfing. More specifically, the invention pertains to golf
towels and to assemblies for carrying such towels on a golf
course.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golf is a popular activity and many devices and items have
been developed to assist golfers in improving their game and to
make the activity more comfortable and pleasurable. Among these are
devices useful for carrying golf towels.
[0004] When on a golf course, golf players often carry golf towels
with them to be used for various purposes such as for cleaning
dirt, grass residue and other materials on the golf ball, club
faces and/or the player's hands. Existing devices that are used for
carrying golf towels include carabiner-type assemblies and caddies.
Typically, one or more golf towels are attached to his belt or to a
carabiner (i.e., a D-shaped ring equipped with a spring catch on
one side) on his golf bag. This occasionally may be distracting
during the round of play and presents a nuisance to the player.
[0005] Some other existing devices for carrying golf towels provide
for clipping a caddy on a golf shaft. The golf towel then can be
removed by pulling on the caddy or the golf towel. The clip thus
allows for unintended disconnections of the golf towel. The
possibility of such accidental disconnection is very
undesirable.
[0006] Accordingly, better devices and assemblies for carrying golf
towels are desired. The present application provides some of such
improved devices and assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is
provided an assembly for carrying a golf towel, the assembly
including a hook and a flexible connector for removably connecting
the hook to a golf towel, wherein the hook is configured to allow a
detachable attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf
club. Optionally, this embodiment of the invention can also include
a golf towel having a hanging element such as opening or a loop,
where the flexible connector is removably connected to the hanging
element of the golf towel.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided an
assembly for carrying a golf towel, including a hook, a hanger and
a flexible connector for removably connecting the hook to the
hanger, wherein the hook is configured to allow a detachable
attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf club and the
hanger is configured for supporting a golf towel in an extended
form. Optionally, this embodiment of the invention can also include
a golf towel having a hanging element. In this embodiment, a top
section of the hanger is inserted through the golf towel's hanging
element and the flexible connector is removably connected to the
top section of the hanger.
[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a golf towel to be used with the assembly for carrying a
golf towel, the golf towel being a multi-layered golf towel
composition comprising a microfiber wet side towel, a microfiber
dry side towel and a waterproof barrier layer between the
towels.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method
for placing a golf towel on the shaft of a golf club, the golf
towel having a hanging element, the method including making an
assembly for carrying a golf towel, running the assembly through
the hanging element of the golf towel, and hooking the assembly to
the shaft of the golf club.
[0011] More particularly, the present invention provides an
assembly that includes a hook, having a hooking section, an eyelet
section and a connecting section that connects the hooking section
to the eyelet section, where the hooking section and the connecting
section define a first opening therebetween and the eyelet section
defines a second opening, where the first opening comprises a
narrower curved portion having the greatest dimension of between
about 0.25'' and about 0.35'', and a wider curved portion adjacent
to, and integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider
curved portion having the greatest dimension of between about
0.30'' and about 0.50'', where the first opening is configured to
accept the shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet
slidably retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, where
the eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening
that the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the
shaft of the golf club into the first opening; and a flexible
connector fastened to the eyelet section for removably connecting
the hook to a golf towel, where the hook is configured to allow a
detachable attachment of the assembly to the shaft of the golf
club. In certain embodiments, the assembly also includes a golf
towel having a hanging element, where the flexible connector is
fastened to the eyelet section of the hook and to the hanging
element of the golf towel, thereby connecting the hook to the golf
towel. The hanging element can be, for a loop, an opening, a strap,
a grommet, a buttonhole, a ring, a carabineer, a clip, a hook or a
combination thereof. The hanging element can be place anywhere on
the golf towel, such as adjacent to an edge of the golf towel, is
in the center of the golf towel or in a corner of the golf
towel
[0012] In certain embodiments of the invention, the assembly can
also include a hanger configured for supporting a golf towel in an
extended form, the hanger including an upper portion defining a
third opening, and two straight, coplanar arms integrated with and
extending distally from the upper portion, where the two straight
arms are positioned and held at a fixed angle to each other (such
as between about 45.degree. and about 160.degree.) in an inverted
V-shape over which the golf towel can be draped, where the flexible
connector, such as a lanyard, is fastened to the hanger. The
lanyard can be removably fastened to the hook and to the hanger by
knots, loops or hitches or the like. In certain aspects, the arms
of the hanger are substantially rigid and can flex no more than
about 10% from their unflexed shape such that the arms cannot
contact each other. Assemblies that include the hanger can also
include a golf towel having a hanging element, such as an opening,
where the upper portion of the hanger is inserted through the
hanging element and the golf towel is draped over the arms of the
hanger such that the surface of the golf towel is distributed
evenly along the arms of the hanger.
[0013] In certain embodiments of the invention, the golf towel
included in the assembly is a multi-layered composition comprising
a microfiber wet side towel layer, a microfiber dry side towel
layer and a waterproof barrier layer between the wet side towel
layer and the dry side towel layer. The layers can be held together
by stitching along two adjacent sides of the multi-layer golf
towel. In certain aspects, the waterproof barrier layer is longer
and wider than either of the microfiber wet side towel and the
microfiber dry side towel, thereby preventing contact between the
edges of the microfiber wet side towel and the microfiber dry side
towel.
[0014] Also provided by the invention is a method for placing a
golf towel on the shaft of a golf club, the method comprising,
making an assembly comprising steps of providing: a) a hook,
comprising a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting
section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section,
wherein the hooking section and the connecting section define a
first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second
opening, wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved
portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25'' and
about 0.35'', and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and
integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved
portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30'' and
about 0.50'', wherein the first opening is configured to accept the
shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably
retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the
eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that
the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft
of the golf club into the first opening; b) a flexible connector;
and c) a golf towel having a hanging element; roving the flexible
connector through the second opening in the eyelet section;
fastening the flexible connector to the hook; roving the flexible
connector through the hanging element of the golf towel; fastening
the flexible connector to the hanging element of the golf towel;
thereby making the assembly; and hooking the assembly to the shaft
of the golf club via the hooking section of the hook, to thereby
place the golf towel on the shaft of the golf club.
[0015] In another embodiments, a method for placing a golf towel on
the shaft of a golf club, is provided comprising: making an
assembly comprising the following steps providing: a) a hook,
comprising a hooking section, an eyelet section and a connecting
section that connects the hooking section to the eyelet section,
wherein the hooking section and the connecting section define a
first opening therebetween and the eyelet section defines a second
opening, wherein the first opening comprises a narrower curved
portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.25'' and
about 0.35'', and a wider curved portion adjacent to, and
integrated with, the narrower curved portion, the wider curved
portion having the greatest dimension of between about 0.30'' and
about 0.50'', wherein the first opening is configured to accept the
shaft of a golf club inserted therein and securely, yet slidably
retain the shaft within the wider curved portion, wherein the
eyelet section is sufficiently offset from the first opening that
the eyelet section does not interfere with insertion of the shaft
of the golf club into the first opening; b) a flexible connector;
and c) a hanger comprising configured for supporting a golf towel
in an extended form, the hanger comprising an upper portion
defining a third opening, and two straight, coplanar arms
integrated with and extending distally from the upper portion,
wherein the two straight arms are positioned and held at a fixed
angle to each other in an inverted V-shape over which the golf
towel can be draped; roving the flexible connector through the
second opening in the eyelet section; fastening the flexible
connector to the hook; roving the flexible connector through the
third opening in the upper portion of the hanger; fastening the
flexible connector to the hanger to thereby make the assembly;
providing a golf towel having a hanging element; inserting the hook
through the hanging element of the golf towel; drawing the flexible
connector and upper portion of the hanger through the hanging
element of the golf towel; draping the golf towel over the arms of
the hanger so as to have the golf towel rest upon the two arms of
the hanger; and hooking the assembly to the shaft of the golf club
via the hooking section of the hook, to thereby place the golf
towel on the shaft of the golf club.
[0016] The present invention also provides methods for removing a
golf towel placed on the shaft of a golf club by hooking as
described above, comprising rotating the hook from a position
perpendicular to the shaft to a position parallel to the shaft, to
thereby unhook the assembly from the shaft. In certain aspects of
the removing method, the eyelet section of the hook is grasped and
moved to rotate the hook.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] When referring to the drawings, like reference numbers
denote like elements throughout the various views. Structures shown
in dashed outline do not form any part of the invention. Structures
shown in dotted lines are not visible in the view shown.
[0018] FIG. 1A depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 115
according to an embodiment of the invention and a golf towel that
is used with the assembly. Arms of the hanger are shown in dotted
line to indicate they are not visible with the golf towel
overhanging them.
[0019] FIG. 1B depicts schematically parts of an exemplary assembly
according to an embodiment of the invention in which the flexible
connector 2a has two ends and the hanger 3 has an upper portion 3a
in which the opening 3d is parallel to the plane of the coplanar
arms 3b and 3c.
[0020] FIG. 1C depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 105
according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 1D depicts schematically parts of an exemplary assembly
according to an embodiment of the invention in which the flexible
connector 2b is continuous and the hanger 3 has an upper portion 3a
in which the opening 3d traverses the plane of the coplanar arms 3b
and 3c.
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts schematically an early prototype of a hook 1x
used in an assembly according to an prior embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C provide further details pertaining to
the use in some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3A illustrates
the dimensions of the hook, particularly the dimensions of cavity
1d. FIG. 3B illustrates the angular relationship between the axis
of the hooking section 1a is and the axis of the eyelet section 1c.
FIG. 3C illustrates the offset position of the eyelet section 1c in
relation the path (shaded box 20) of a golf club shaft being
inserted into the hook. The arrow indicates the direction of
insertion of the golf club shaft into the hook.
[0024] FIG. 4A depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 110
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 4B depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 100
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0026] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict schematically side and perspective
views, respectively, of hangers 3 that are used in exemplary
assemblies according to embodiments of the invention. FIGS. 5C and
5D depict schematically side and perspective views, respectively,
of an alternative hanger that is used in an exemplary assemblies
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 depicts schematically an exemplary assembly 115
according to an embodiment of the invention including a golf towel.
The knot 12a in the flexible connector 2 and arms 3b, 3c of the
hanger 3 are shown in dotted lines to indicate that they are not
visible behind the golf towel 4.
[0028] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depicts schematically multi-layer golf
towels that can be used with the assembly in some embodiments of
the invention. FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of the multi-layer
golf towel shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 7B shows a multi-layer golf towel
according to certain embodiments of the invention where the
waterproof barrier 7d is larger than either of the microfiber dry
side towel 7e or the microfiber wet side towel 7c. FIG. 7C is a
cross sectional view of the multi-layer towel shown in FIG. 7B.
[0029] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C depict schematically an exemplary
assembly according to an embodiment of the invention and schematic
demonstration of how the assembly can be removed from the shaft of
a golf club. FIG. 8A show shows the hook securely hooked onto to
the golf club shaft (represented in cross-section by the circle 5).
FIG. 8B shows an early stage of removing the hook from the golf
club shaft. FIG. 8C shows a later stage of removing the hook from
the golf club shaft. The golf club section 5 is shown for
illustrative purposes and does not form part of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 depict schematically a variety of golf towels 4, 4a
(folded towel) and multilayer towel 7 containing non-limiting
examples of hanging elements and combinations of elements: 9a is an
opening; 9b is a carabineer; 9c is a hook; 9d is a loop; 9e is a
strap; 9f is a ring; 9g is a elongated button hole; 9h is a round
buttonhole; 9i is a grommet; and 9j is a clip.
[0031] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D show exemplary knots for use in
assemblies of the invention. FIG. 10A shows a knot 12a formed with
a continuous circular flexible connector 2b; FIG. 10B shows a knot
12a formed in a flexible connector with two ends 2a; FIG. 10C shows
a knot 12a formed in one strand of a flexible connector 2a; FIG.
10D shows a square knot 12a formed from two ends of a flexible
connector 2a.
[0032] FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C show exemplary hitches for use in
the invention. For illustration purposes, bars is shown in dashed
outline that the hitch is formed around. The bars do not form part
of the invention. FIG. 11A shows a hitch 12b formed in a flexible
connector having two ends; FIG. 11B shows a hitch 12b formed with a
continuous circular flexible connector; FIG. 11C shows a hitch 12b
that can only be formed with two ends of a flexible connector.
[0033] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C illustrate combinations of knots and
hitches in the flexible connector of exemplary assemblies of the
invention. FIG. 12A shows an assembly with two knots 12a; FIG. 11B
shows an assembly with two hitches 12b; FIG. 12C shows an assembly
with one knot 12a and one hitch 12b.
[0034] FIGS. 13A-13E show removal of an assembly according to one
embodiment of the invention, from the shaft of a golf club. The
golf club and hand shown in this series of illustrations form no
part of the invention. In FIG. 13A, the golfer grasps the eyelet
section 1c of the hook. In FIG. 13B, the golfer lifts up on the
eyelet section 1c, rotating it toward the golf club shaft until it
is nearly parallel to the shaft as shown in FIG. 13C. FIG. 13D
shows the assembly immediately after being removed from the golf
club shaft, still in a substantially parallel position. FIG. 13E
shows another view of the removed assembly being grasped by the
eyelet section 1c.
[0035] FIG. 14 is an environmental drawing illustrating three
assemblies according to various embodiments of the invention that
are attached to golf clubs (A, B and C, marked on the hosel of the
club), the golf clubs resting in a golf bag with the eyelet section
1c of the hook hanging over the edge of the bag. Club A has an
assembly with a strap-shaped golf towel 4 having a grommet hanging
element 9i that is connected directly to the flexible connector.
Club B has an assembly with a golf towel 4 having an opening 9a as
hanging element 9, the golf towel being draped over the arms (3b,
3c) of hanger 3. Club C has a larger, draping rectangular golf
towel 4 attached directly to the flexible connector through a loop
hanging element 9d. Arms of the hanger are shown in dotted line to
indicate they are not visible with the towels overhanging them. The
golf clubs and golf bag are shown in broken lines and are not part
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention
claimed. As used herein, the use of the singular includes the
plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Terms not specifically
defined herein are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning
as understood by a skilled artisan familiar with the game of golf
and equipment used to play golf.
[0037] As used herein, "or" means "and/or" unless stated otherwise.
Furthermore, use of the term "including" as well as other forms,
such as "includes," and "included," is not limiting and its meaning
is the same as that of "comprising."
[0038] The section headings used herein are for organizational
purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting.
[0039] "About" as used herein means that a number referred to the
subject matter described as "about" comprises the recited number
plus or minus 1-10% of that recited number. For example, "about"
100'' (i.e., inches) can mean 95-105'' or as few as 99-101''
depending on the situation. Whenever it appears herein, a numerical
range such as "1 to 20" refers to each integer or fractional unit
thereof in the given range; for example and without limitation to a
specific range content, "1 to 20''" means that a specified
measurement can be 1'', 2'', 3'', etc., up to and including 20'',
while 1.1 to 20.0'' means that a specified measurement can be
1.1'', 1.2'', 1.3'', etc., up to and including 20.0''.
[0040] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a great
extent or degree, e.g. "substantially similar" in context is used
to characterize an object or property that is to great extent or
degree similar to a reference object or property. For example,
"substantially similar" or equivalents thereof means that the
composition, process, property, method, or the like is at least
50%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at
least 99% similar to the reference. For example, "substantially
rigid" means that the object is at least 50% rigid, at least 80%
rigid, at least 85% rigid, at least 90% rigid, at least 95% rigid,
or at least 99% rigid when compared to a 100% absolutely rigid
item.
[0041] "Rigid," as used herein means unable to bend or be forced
out of shape; not flexible; stiff, hard, firm, inflexible,
unbending, unyielding, or inelastic.
[0042] "Flexible", as used herein means capable of bending easily
without breaking; pliable, supple, bendable, plastic, elastic,
stretchy, whippy, springy, or resilient. Completely flexible, as
used herein, is the opposite of completely rigid.
[0043] "Resilient", as used herein, refers to the ability to return
to an original shape after bending, stretching, being pulled, or
being compressed.
[0044] "Knot" as used herein, is an interlacement of the parts of a
flexible connector (e.g., a cord, rope, string, lanyard or the
like), forming a lump or knob. In certain aspects, a knot according
the invention, can be formed at the end of a single strand of
flexible connector to restrict the strand from moving. In other
aspects, the knot can be formed between two strands when the two
ends of one embodiment of the flexible connector are joined, or
between two strands when the flexible connector with two ends or
the continuous flexible connector is looped. a restricting and
joining function. Nonlimiting examples of knots are shown in FIG.
10A-10D.
[0045] "Hitch", as used herein, refers to a specialized type of
knot used to connect a flexible connector with another object, in
which the flexible connector is interlaced with a part of the other
object. In certain aspects of the invention, the other object to
which the flexible connector is interlaced is a hook, a hanger, or
a golf towel. Non-limiting examples of hitches are shown in FIGS.
11A-11C.
[0046] "Removably" as used herein, refers to a part of an assembly
that is configured to be assembled with, or attached to, another
part of the assembly and is also configured to be routinely
separated or removed from the another part when the two parts are
assembled together. Typically parts that are removably attached are
configured to be repeatedly assembled and separated in the course
of using the assembly.
[0047] "Slidably" refers to a part of an assembly that is
configured to slide along another part of the assembly and when
used in the context of a method, refers to a step that includes
sliding motion.
[0048] "Coplanar", as used herein, means that two or more objects
lie in the same geometric plane. Where the objects have a dimension
(e.g., thickness), such that the entirety of the coplanar object
cannot line in a single plane, coplanar means that a single
geometric plane intersects each of the objects.
[0049] "Hosel" as used herein, refers to the socket of a golf club
head into which the shaft fits. A hosel can be e.g., round or
rectangular.
[0050] "Towel" as used herein refers to woven or non-woven cloth or
paper, which is typically absorbent, for wiping, cleaning, drying
and/or polishing. A "golf towel" is a specific type of towel that
is configured for use while playing golf, and is suitable for
carrying by the golfer. A golf towel is smaller than bath or beach
towels, often about the same size as a hand towel, and generally
having an overall size of less than 2'.times.2'. Golf towels may or
may not include a hanging element from which the golf towel can be
fastened to another object. Golf towels include square-shaped,
rectangular-shaped, strap-shaped, irregularly-shaped,
elipitcally-shaped, folded (e.g. tri-fold), multi-layer and other
forms. Golf towels are typically washable and suitable for use
outdoors, such as towels that have been coated to withstand U.V.
rays or other environmental conditions.
[0051] "As used herein, "configured for" and "configured to" are
used interchangeably to refer to structural limitations on the
parts, elements, constructions or assemblies to which these terms
are applied. Specifically, the terms refer to a particular shape,
structure, design, and/or arrangement that is specific to the
recited use, purpose, movement, geometry, or complementarity to
another part or reference structure, rather than simply an intended
use. In some instances, "configured to" or "configured to" may
refer to a reference structure or element that is recited in the
claim but is not an element of the claim, per se. This indicates a
structural limitation on the configured structure or element,
without limiting the claim to include the reference element unless
such reference element is independently and positively included in
the claim. For example, an element "A" that is "configured to fit
wholly under the shoe of a human being" is limited to a particular
structure by a size, shape and complementarity to the specific size
and shape of a shoe, yet the shoe is not part of the claimed
invention (unless the claim also recites a shoe as a separate
element). A claim that recites "a shoe and element A configured to
fit wholly under the shoe" includes the shoe whereas a claim that
only recites "element A configured to fit wholly under a shoe" is
limited by the size and shape of the shoe, but does not include a
shoe as part of the invention.
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0052] According to embodiments of the present invention, various
devices are provided for carrying a golf towel while playing golf
as well as methods for using such devices. The devices of the
present invention may be generally described with the reference to
FIGS. 1-14 showing, but not limited to, certain exemplary
embodiments of the invention, in which like elements have like
reference numbers.
[0053] More specifically, FIGS. 1C, 4B, and 14 (clubs A and C)
depict schematically assemblies 100 and 105 for carrying a golf
towel while playing golf according to one embodiment of the present
invention. Of these, FIG. 4B shows the assembly 100 alone, while
FIGS. 1C and 14 (clubs A and C) show assembly 105, which includes
an optional golf towel.
[0054] Alternative assemblies 110 and 115 are shown in FIGS. 1A,
4A, 6, 12A-C, 13, and 14 (club B). Of these, FIGS. 4A, 12A-C show
assembly 110 alone, while FIGS. 1A, 6, 13, and 14 (club B) show
assemblies 115 that include an optional golf towel.
[0055] Each of assemblies 100, 105, 110, and 115 comprises a hook 1
having a hooking section 1a, an eyelet section 1c, and a connecting
section 1b that connects the hooking section 1a to the eyelet
section 1c. The hooking section 1a taken together with the
connecting section 1b define a first opening therebetween (the
cavity 1d) that is used for attaching the hook 1 to the shaft of
the golf club (not shown in FIG. 1A) as described in more detail
below. The eyelet section 1c of hook 1 is connected to a flexible
connector 2, which in turn can be connected to the upper portion 3a
of a hanger 3 (assembly 100) or left free for connecting directly
to a hanging element 9 of a golf towel 4 (assembly 110). In certain
embodiments, an optional golf towel 4, which can be a multi-layer
golf towel 7, is part of the assembly: assembly 105 includes all
the parts of assembly 100, plus a golf towel 4; assembly 115
includes all the parts of assembly 110, plus a golf towel 4.
Parts of the Assemblies of the Invention
[0056] It is to be understood that various combinations of the
parts embodied by the description herein can be used to form
assemblies. Thus, an assembly 100, which is configured for carrying
a golf towel, but does not include a golf towel, can include a
flexible connector with two ends 2a or a flexible connector that is
continuous 2b, such as a continuous loop or circle, or can include
a flexible connector 2 that selected by those having ordinary skill
in the art based on the description provided herein. Assembly 105
can similarly include any one of a variety of flexible connectors,
but must also include a golf towel 4.
Hook
[0057] The hook 1 shown in more detail in FIGS. 1B, 3A, 3B, 3C, 8A,
8C, and 8C, is configured to allow detachable attachment of the
assembly to the shaft of a golf club. In certain embodiments, the
hook is slidably attached to the golf club shaft such that it can
be moved along the length of the golf club shaft without first
removing it.
[0058] The hook 1 can be fabricated of any suitable material.
Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to,
glass-filled nylon or another sturdy plastic material, or a metal,
such as stainless steel, aluminum or bronze. Another suitable
material may be selected, if desirable, by those having ordinary
skill in the art based on the guidance provided herein.
[0059] The hook material will typically be a strong, resilient, and
substantially rigid material that resists unintentional removal or
unhooking of the hook 1 from the shaft of a golf club as may occur
with hooks made of lightweight or flexible materials. Hooks made of
flexible plastic or metal may be pulled off a golf club shaft
accidentally if the assembly becomes entangled with other items and
the club is pulled away from entangled items. If a towel attached
to a golf club through a flexible hook or clip becomes caught on
another item, the towel may be lost if the flexible hook or clip
allows the assembly to become unhooked from the golf club. Thus, in
certain embodiments of the invention, the hook material is
sufficiently strong and rigid that the hook 1 can only be removed
from the golf club shaft, using only manual force, by rotating the
hook 1 from an engaged position on the shaft in which the hook 1 is
perpendicular to the golf club shaft toward an orientation in which
the hook is parallel to the golf club shaft, as illustrated in
FIGS. 8A-8C and 13A-13E and discussed further below. "Manual force"
contemplates the typical golfer using only his hands, and does not
include prying, sawing, melting, cutting or any other mechanism
that that requires a tool. The hook 1 is also resilient. That is,
upon hooking onto the shaft of a golf club (or thereafter, removing
the hook 1 from the shaft of a golf club), the hook 1 rapidly
(within several second) returns to its original shape, thereby
maintaining the ability to secure the golf club within the hook
cavity 1d.
[0060] The hook 1 can be manufactured by any suitable method to be
selected by those having ordinary skill in the art. One example of
a manufacturing technique that can be used is plastic injection
molding. Alternative fabrication methods include machining, water
jet cutting, metal injection molding and laser cutting. The hook 1
so fabricated includes the cavity 1d comprising two distinct curved
portions, i.e., a narrower curved portion and a wider curved
portion, the two curved portions being adjacent to, and integrated
with, each other, as illustrated by FIGS. 3A and 3B. The cavity 1d
is configured to accept the shaft of a golf club inserted through
opening point 1n and securely, yet slidably retain the shaft within
the wider curved portion.
[0061] The greatest dimension if of the narrower curved portion can
be between about 0.25'' and about 0.35'', such as between about
0.30'' and about 0.31'', for example, about 0.3077''. The greatest
dimension 1g of the wider curved portion can be between about
0.30'' and about 0.50'', such as between about 0.35'' and about
0.40'', for example, about 0.3750''. The total length 1h of the
cavity 1d can be between about 0.4'' and about 0.7'', such as
between about 0.5'' and about 0.6'', for example, about 0.5481''
and the width 1i at the opening point 1n of the cavity 1d can be
between about 0.15'' and about 0.25'', such as between about 0.16''
and about 0.20'', for example, about 0.17'', 0.18'', 0.19'', e.g.,
about 0.187'', 0.188'' or 0.189''. The hook 1 can have the
thickness 1e (indicated in FIGS. 1B, 3C, 2) between about 1/8'' and
about 5/8'', for example, about 3/8''.
[0062] As can be seen from FIG. 3A, the eyelet section 1c defines
the inner cavity 1j that is substantially circular as illustrated,
but can be any shape, and can have the diameter between about
0.125'' and about 0.50'' such as between about 0.30'' and about
0.32'', for example, about 0.3125''. The eyelet section 1c of the
hook 1 has the primary function of providing the site for fastening
the flexible connector 2. The eyelet section 1c is thus configured
to accept a flexible connector 2 with a diameter up to about 0.6'',
taking into account that the flexible connector 2 can be compressed
for insertion through the inner cavity 1j. The inner cavity 1j can
accommodate two thicknesses of flexible connector 2 each having
about half the diameter of inner cavity 1j, or about 0.3''
each.
[0063] As can be also seen from FIGS. 3A and 3B, the axis 1o of the
hooking section 1a is positioned at an angle to the axis 1p of the
eyelet section 1c. This angle, 1k (FIG. 3B) can be between about 20
degrees and about 140 degrees, for example, between about 30
degrees and 45 degrees. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the
eyelet section 1c is offset from the opening point 1n of the
hooking section 1a such that it does not interfere with the
insertion of the shaft of the golf club during hooking or removal.
As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the eyelet section 1c is positioned so
that it does not enter the path 20 of a golf club being inserted
through opening point 1n of the hook 1. Path 20 is illustrated in
FIG. 3C by the shaded box showing cross sectional views of two
exemplary golf club shafts (5, 6). In certain aspects of the
invention, the eyelet section 1c is sufficiently offset from the
first opening that the eyelet section 1c does not interfere with
insertion of the shaft of a golf club through the insertion point
1n of the cavity 1d.
[0064] The hook was originally conceived to have a sleek and
modern-looking design as illustrated by the early prototype 1x
shown in FIG. 2. In that prototype, the eyelet section 1c was kept
in-line with the hooking section 1a for a more compact design. It
was originally thought that the overall rounded shape and smaller
profile would be less awkward, and with no sharp projections or
narrow exterior angles to catch on other objects, it would be less
likely to become unintentionally unhooked from the golf club shaft.
In use, however, this design has proven difficult to hook onto a
golf club shaft and/or subsequently unhook. Particularly, with the
eyelet section 1c in-line with the first opening in the hook 1x, it
obstructs the path of entry to the first opening from access by the
golf club. In use, it was found that the hook 1x shown in FIG. 2
could only be hooked onto the shaft of a golf club with great
difficulty.
[0065] The present embodiment of hook 1 (shown for example in FIGS.
3A-3C) having the presently claimed offset eyelet section 1c has
demonstrated unexpected advantages that have only become apparent
through actual use of the hook 1. First, the offset placement of
the eyelet section 1c allows it to function as a handle for removal
of the hook 1 from the golf club shaft as illustrated in the series
of drawings in FIGS. 13A-13E. The design of the original prototype
1x shown in FIG. 2 made this aspect of the invention difficult
because its compact size and shape provided less structure to grasp
onto and was too sleek to maintain a firm grip of. In addition,
positioning the eyelet section 1c further away from the hooking
section 1a, together with the additional length provided by the
extended connecting section 1b, provides additional leverage needed
to rotate the hook 1 off the golf club shaft (see FIGS. 13A-13E),
as compared to the original prototype 1x shown in FIG. 2. In use,
the golfer can grasp the eyelet section 1c and attached flexible
connector 2 for hooking or unhooking the hook 1 to the golf shaft
as illustrated by the series drawings of FIGS. 13A-13E.
[0066] Moreover, the offset position of the eyelet section 1c
directs the flexible connector 2 and any golf towel 4 attached
thereto, away from the hooking section 1a. This placement prevents
the flexible connector 2 and/or golf towel 4 from interfering with
hooking and unhooking of the hook 1. The offset also helps prevent
the golf towel 4 from becoming caught between the hooking section
1a and the golf club shaft because these are more easily held away
from the hooking section when hooking or unhooking to a golf club
shaft. When grasping the eyelet section 1c, the golfer can simply
secure the flexible connector 2 and attached golf towel 4 using the
same hand that grasps the eyelet section 1c as shown in FIGS.
13A-13E. This figure shows the flexible connector 2 and attached
golf towel 4 directed over the back of the golfer's hand, but the
skilled artisan will appreciate that these can be held in the palm
of the hand with the middle and/or pinky fingers while grasping the
eyelet section 1c between the index finger and thumb. Moreover, the
configuration of hook 1 places the golfer's fingers away from the
hooking section 1a of the hook 1, thereby reducing the likelihood
that the fingers will be pinched when hook 1 engages a golf club
shaft.
[0067] Finally, offsetting the eyelet section 1c allows the golf
towel to be hung over the edge of a golf bag in which the club is
stored so that the golf towel is easily accessible when the club to
which it is attached is stored in the golf bag. See FIG. 14. In
this position, the golf towel can be used for wiping or drying
while in a golf bag attached to a golf club, or the entire assembly
can easily be removed from the golf club, while the golf club
remains in the golf bag. Hanging the golf towel over the edge of
the golf bag also allows easy identification and selection of the
club carrying the golf towel, such as a putter.
Flexible Connector
[0068] Assemblies 100, 105, 110 and 115 further include a flexible
connector 2, such as a lanyard, that has two ends 2a (also shown
separately on FIG. 1B). When the flexible connector 2 has two ends,
one end of the flexible connector 2a is roved through the circular
inner cavity 1j in the eyelet section 1c of the hook 1 and the
other through the opening 3d of the hanger 3 as shown in FIGS. 1A
and 4, or through the hanging element 9 of the golf towel in
alternative embodiments of the invention that do not include the
hanger. Golf towels 4, 4a and 7 having exemplary, non-limiting
hanging elements 9a-9j are illustrated in FIG. 9. The flexible
connector 2 is not shown in FIG. 9, but it will be apparent to the
skilled artisan how to connect the hanging elements 9a-9j with the
flexible connector 2 using knots, hitches and/or loops describe
herein. Other means for attaching the flexible connector 2 will be
apparent to those skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment
the flexible connector 2 is a continuous loop 2b as illustrated in
FIG. 1C, such as a circle.
[0069] The flexible connector 2 is made of a suitable flexible
material such as a rope, a cord, a string or a chain, for example,
a nylon rope. In certain embodiments, the flexible connector is a
lanyard.
[0070] The length of the flexible connector 2 may be between about
1'' and about 12'', for example, between about 3'' and about 10'',
although longer lengths may be suitable in certain circumstances.
The flexible connector 2 may be of any thickness so long as it is
possible to draw the flexible connector 2 through the circular
opening 1j in the eyelet section 1c of the hook 1 and through the
opening 3d in the upper portion 3a of the hanger 3. Typically, the
diameter of the flexible connector 2 is between about 0.125'' and
about 0.375'', such as about 0.25''.
[0071] Each end of the flexible connector 2a or each loop end of
continuous flexible connector 2b is securely but removably
fastened, respectively, to the eyelet section 1c of the hook 1, and
to the hanger 3 in assemblies 110 and 115, as shown in FIGS. 1A and
4A; or in assemblies 100 and 105, directly to a hanging element of
golf towel 4, as shown in FIG. 14 (clubs A and C). In the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 6, the flexible
connector 2a is attached by making knots 12a and/or hitches 12b,
but alternatively those reasonably skilled in the art may select
another feasible means of fastening, if desired, such as using
loops in flexible connector 2b to form hitches as exemplifies in
FIG. 11B. The skilled artisan will appreciate that a continuous
loop flexible connector can form hitch knots even though there are
no ends to tie together. Thus, the flexible connector 2 connects
the hook 1 to the hanger 3, or to the hanging element 9 of a golf
towel 4.
[0072] Non-limiting examples of knots and hitches suitably for
fastening flexible connectors 2 of the invention are shown in FIGS.
10 A-D (knots) and FIGS. 11A-C (hitches). As the skilled artisan
will appreciate, some types of knots are suitable for forming
either on the end of a flexible connector 2a or in a continuous
loop flexible connector 2b, such as a circular lanyard. Others
types of knots, such as the square knot depicted in FIG. 10D can be
formed only when two ends are present. Similarly, the hitches
depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B can be formed with a loop end of
either flexible connector 2a or 2b, while the hitch shown in FIG.
11C requires two free ends to form and thus can only be formed with
connector 2a having two-ends.
Hanger
[0073] The hanger 3 included in assemblies 110 and 115 is
configured to support a golf towel in an extended form, thereby
maximizing accessibility of the surface area of the towel and
minimizing contact between various regions of the towel such as
clean and dirty regions or dry and wet regions. The hanger 3
comprises the upper portion 3a that contains the opening 3d and two
arms 3b and 3c integrated with the upper portion (see FIGS. 1B, 4,
5A, 5B and 6). In certain embodiments, the arms 3b and 3c are
straight and coplanar. Each of the arms 3b and 3c can have the same
or a different length within the range of between about 2'' and
about 5'', for example, between about 1'' and about 4'', and the
ends of each of the arms 3b and 3c can be optionally rounded to
avoid having sharp edges.
[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1D, each of arms 3b and 3c
includes a proximal end (3bi and 3ci, respectively) which is
integrated with the upper portion 3a, and a distal end (3bii and
3cii, respectively), which is the termination of the distal
extension of the arm (3b, 3c, respectively) from the upper portion
3a. In certain embodiments, the arms are disposed on the upper
portion in a secure position such that they form a fixed angle to
each other in an inverted "V" shape, the point of the "V" being
formed by the disposition of the proximal ends (3bi, 3ci) of arms
(3b, 3c) to the upper portion 3a. The angle formed between the arms
can be about 45.degree. to about 160.degree., typically about
60.degree. to about 120.degree., and most often about
90.degree..
[0075] The hanger 3 can be fabricated of any suitable material that
is sufficiently strong to support the weight of a golf towel
carried thereupon, particularly when the golf towel is wet.
Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to,
glass-filled nylon, another sturdy plastic material, or a metal,
such as stainless steel, aluminum or bronze. Another suitable
material may be selected, if desirable, by those having ordinary
skill in the art. The same or different materials can be used for
fabricating the hook 1 and the hanger 3. In certain embodiments,
hanger is made of a sufficiently rigid material that the arms do
not bend and cannot contact each other, and sufficiently resilient
that the arms return to their original shape and position following
any amount of flexion. Typically, the arms can flex no more than
about 10% from their unflexed shape.
[0076] In certain embodiments, the hanger 3 can have the thickness
3e (FIG. 5B) between about 1/4'' and about 1'', for example, about
1/2''.
Golf Towel
[0077] A golf towel to be used with or included in assemblies of
the invention includes a hanging element 9 such as the opening 9a
shown in FIGS. 1A and 9, which traverses the body of the golf
towel. Alternative hanging elements such as loops 9d, straps 9e,
buttonholes 9g and 9h, grommets 9i, rings 9f, carabineers 9b, hooks
9c, clips 9j and combinations of the aforementioned elements may be
used as well. Non-limiting examples of hanging elements 9 suitable
for use in or with the assemblies of the invention are illustrated
in FIG. 9.
[0078] Various golf towels 4 are envisioned for the use with the
assemblies described above. The golf towels 4 are typically made of
a microfiber terry cloth, but if desired, those having ordinary
skill in the art may choose golf towels made of another type of
fabric, such as cotton terry cloth, cotton flannel, cotton waffle
fabric, rayon, bamboo, and other woven or non-woven natural or
synthetic fibers, including cellulose, or combinations thereof.
Washable, reusable towels are contemplated for use in the
assemblies of the present invention, as are single use and
disposable towels
[0079] In some embodiments, the golf towels can be rectangular or
square, such as squares having the sides with the length between
about 5'' and about 15'', such as 10'' by 10'' squares. The golf
towel can have any desirable thickness, for example, between about
1/8'' and about 1/4''.
Multi-Layer Golf Towel
[0080] In some embodiments, multi-layer golf towels 7 can be used.
One such embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 7A provides for a
three-layered golf towel 7 which can be also seen as a combination
of three individual towels. One of these towels, 7c, is designated
as a microfiber wet side towel. The other towel, 7e is designated
as a microfiber dry side towel. The two towels 7c and 7e are
separated by a waterproof barrier 7d. The waterproof barrier can be
fabricated of any suitable material, such as nylon, rubber, silicon
or a fabric treated with waterproofing agent (e.g., a raincoat
waterproofing solution). The three layers are sewn together along
the edges 7b. As can be seen from FIG. 7A, the waterproof barrier
7d is even with the towel edge 7f, thus ensuring that no water will
wick from the wet side 7c to the dry side 7e.
[0081] In certain aspects of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7B
and 7C, the waterproof barrier 7d is larger than the microfiber wet
side towel 7c and the microfiber dry side towel 7e. That is, for a
square multilayer towel in which the layers are stacked one upon
the other, the waterproof barrier 7d extends beyond the edges of
the two towels, thus further preventing moisture transfer from the
wet to dry side. Also contemplated by the invention are absorbent
towels or towel layers covered or enclosed in waterproof or other
barriers to prevent dirt, rain or other contaminants from reaching
the towel. In certain aspects of the invention the multi-layer golf
towel 7 can include additional layers, such as outer protective
barrier layers to protect the towel from the environment and/or
maintain the moisture level of the towel layers.
Methods for Making Assemblies
[0082] For each of the assemblies of the invention, the first step
in making the assembly is to fasten flexible connector 2 to the
hook 1. The flexible connector 2 is roved through the eyelet
section 1c of the hook 1 and secured in place with a knot, hitch
and/or other fastening. Where the flexible connector 2a has two
ends, for example, one end can be roved through the inner cavity 1j
of the eyelet section 1c one or more times, resulting in the two
ends of the flexible connector 2a free to connect to the hanger 3,
or directly to hanging element 9 of the towel 4. Once the flexible
connector has been attached to the hook 1, assembly 100
(illustrated e.g., in FIG. 4B) is complete and the flexible
connector 2 is available to connect to a golf towel 4. Such golf
towel 4, may be obtained independently or may be specifically
designed to be used with assembly 100.
[0083] To prepare assembly 105, the hanging element 9 of golf towel
4, 4a or 7 is connected directly to the flexible connector 2 of
assembly 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1C. The hanging element 9 can
be located anywhere on or through the golf towel 4, such as at the
edge of the golf towel, in a corner of the golf towel or in the
center of the golf towel. When the golf towel is a multi-layer golf
towel 7 or a folded golf towel 4a, the hanging element can be
attached to any one or more, or all the golf towel layers.
[0084] In other embodiments that include the hanger 3 to
accommodate a golf towel 4, 4a or 7, the user will first make the
assembly 110 shown on FIG. 4B. The free ends of the flexible
connector 2a, (or loop end where the continuous flexible connector
2b is used) are then roved through opening 3d in the hanger, and
secured with a knot, hitch or the like. This forms assembly 110, as
illustrated in FIG. 4A.
[0085] To attach the towel 4, 4a or 7 and thus form assembly 115,
hook 1 of assembly 110 is then inserted through the hanging element
9 of the golf towel. The hook 1 is then drawn through the hanging
element 9 followed by roving the flexible connector 2 through the
hanging element 9 until the golf towel reaches the hanger 3. The
process of setting the golf towel on the assembly 115 ends when the
golf towel has been draped over and rests upon the arms 3b and 3c
of the hanger 3, and the surface of the golf towel 4, 4a or 7 is
distributed evenly along the arms as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 6.
The hanger 3 allows the golf towel to be held in an extended
fashion, rather than folded or crumpled, which exposes more surface
area of the golf towel for use. The skilled artisan will appreciate
that the towel can be positioned over the arms 3b and 3c of the
hanger 3 before the flexible connector 2 is attached to opening 3d
in the hanger 3 in alternative methods for making assembly 115
Hooking the Assembly to a Golf Club
[0086] Once the golf towel has been installed, the user hooks the
assembly (e.g. 105 or 115) to a golf club. The club can be a putter
or any other club. Clubs with a hosel which has either a round
shape 5 (illustrated on FIG. 3A) or a rectangular shape 6 (FIG. 3B)
can be accommodated. The assembly thus hooks to the shaft via the
hooking section 1a of the hook 1 and is securely held in place by
the force of friction. Yet at the same time, the above-described
features of the hook 1 allow the user to easily slide the assembly
up and down the shaft of the golf club, if the user so desires. The
fact that the assembly is attached to the shaft of the golf club by
hooking instead of the golf club shaft.
[0087] In certain aspects of the invention, the golf towel 4 can be
removed for cleaning and replaced while the assembly is hooked onto
the golf club shaft. For example, where the flexible connector 2 is
attached to either the hanger 3 or the golf towel 4 with a knot
12a, the knot may be unknotted and the towel 4 (or towel 4 and
hanger 3) may be slid off the assembly and then replaced by
reversing these steps with a clean towel 4.
Removal of the Assembly from the Golf Club Shaft
[0088] Some embodiments of the present invention also allow the
user to have both the secure connection when the assembly (100,
105, 110, 115) is mounted on the shaft of the club and easy
removal. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, according to some embodiments the
hook 1 includes protruding elements or "barbs" 1m that crate the
narrow opening point 1n and prevent the hook 1 from unhooking on
its own. To remove the hook 1 from the shaft the user needs to
rotate the hook 1 as if trying to turn the "V" shape 1v from
perpendicular to parallel the shaft (FIG. 8A). This uses the shaft
to force the "V" shape 1v open enough so that the barbs 1m release
from the shaft. Bevels of the barbs 1m help align the shaft in the
middle of the "V" shape 1v as the user rotates the hook 1 (FIG.
8B). The closed end of cavity 1d acts as a pivot and contacts the
shaft during the process of rotating, thus forcing barbs 1m against
the opposing side of the golf club shaft and opening the barbs 1m
(FIG. 8C). Accordingly, the hook 1 does not come off without being
rotated off. The barbs 1m hold the hook 1 on the shaft and do not
spread apart from each other easily without the rotation maneuver
described above. It should also be noted that the offset position
of the eyelet section 1c facilitates this maneuver by allowing the
golfer to grasp the eyelet section 1c and rotate the hook 1, alone
or while also rotating the golf club shaft.
Use and Features of the Assembly when Hooked to a Golf Club
[0089] When at the green the user would take the club out of the
golf bag and the assembly (105, 115) including the towel 4 would
come with the club. This means the user does not need to be
concerned about remembering a separate golf towel to clean the
equipment. While making a golf stroke, the user can simply rotate
the assembly 105 or 115 off the shaft of the golf club and hook it
onto a pocket or belt loop so there is no need for the user to hand
carry the assembly. Once finished with the golf club, the user
would hook the assembly including attached golf towel 4, back onto
the club, replace the club into the bag and continue on until the
golf towel is needed again. Embodiments of the present invention
also allow for the golf towel 4 to be accessible while the club is
in the bag because it hangs over the edge of the golf bag. See FIG.
14.
[0090] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
and understanding, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in light of the teaching of this invention that certain
changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing
from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
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