U.S. patent application number 14/848584 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-31 for securing systems for gloves or other objects.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Incorporated. Invention is credited to Darien Curl, Marci DuChene, Carl L. Madore.
Application Number | 20150374108 14/848584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48430919 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150374108 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Madore; Carl L. ; et
al. |
December 31, 2015 |
Securing Systems for Gloves or Other Objects
Abstract
Apparel, sporting equipment, and other items include magnetic
securing systems (e.g., for holding a ball marker on a golf glove.
Housings for such systems include a mount area defining a base
surface that includes a magnet or is made from a magnetic material.
At least two retaining walls extend from the mount area and
together with the base surface define a receptacle for receiving
another component (e.g., a golf ball marker) to be held by magnetic
force. In such housings, a combined total perimeter length of
interior surfaces of the retaining walls around the receptacle may
be less than 50% of a total length around the perimeter of the
component being held.
Inventors: |
Madore; Carl L.; (Portland,
OR) ; DuChene; Marci; (Beaverton, OR) ; Curl;
Darien; (Beaverton, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Incorporated |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48430919 |
Appl. No.: |
14/848584 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13450834 |
Apr 19, 2012 |
9155349 |
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14848584 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/209.13 ; 2/227;
2/243.1; 2/321; 24/303; 36/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/0054 20130101;
A42B 1/24 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; A41D 13/0015 20130101; A45F
5/022 20130101; A43B 3/0078 20130101; A63B 71/146 20130101; A63B
57/207 20151001; A63B 2225/687 20130101; A45F 5/021 20130101; A63B
57/50 20151001; A63B 57/353 20151001; A63B 2209/08 20130101; A42B
1/062 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A43B 5/001 20130101; A44B
99/00 20130101; A41D 1/06 20130101; A45C 13/1069 20130101; A63B
2209/10 20130101; A41F 9/002 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/02 20060101
A45F005/02; A42B 1/06 20060101 A42B001/06; A44B 99/00 20060101
A44B099/00; A41F 9/00 20060101 A41F009/00; A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A42B 1/24 20060101 A42B001/24; A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00; A41D 1/06 20060101 A41D001/06 |
Claims
1. A releasable magnetic securing assembly, comprising: a base
member including an outer perimeter; a mount area defining a first
base surface located at or within the outer perimeter of the base
member, wherein the mount area includes at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the mount area defines a
first receptacle for receiving a magnet or a ferromagnetic
material, (b) the mount area is at least partially made from a
magnet, and (c) the mount area is at least partially made from a
ferromagnetic material; at least two retaining walls extending from
the mount area above the first base surface and located at or
within the outer perimeter of the base member, wherein interior
surfaces of the retaining walls and the first base surface define a
connector receptacle; a connector component removably receivable in
the connector receptacle, wherein the connector component has an
outer perimeter, wherein a combined total perimeter length of the
interior surfaces of the retaining walls extends less than 50% of
the outer perimeter of the connector component, wherein the first
base surface includes a planar portion that extends less than an
entire interior area of the connector receptacle such that the
planar portion does not extend to at least some portion of an outer
edge of the connector receptacle, and wherein the connector
component is removably securable to the mount area by magnetic
forces.
2. A releasable magnetic securing assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the base member includes a flange, and wherein the flange
of the base member extends outside of the at least two retaining
walls.
3. A releasable magnetic securing assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the base member includes a flange, wherein the flange
includes at least one opening defined through it, and wherein the
at least one opening extends in an elongated manner adjacent an
outer perimeter of the flange.
4. A releasable magnetic securing assembly according to claim 1,
wherein a through hole is defined through the base member, wherein
at least a majority of the through hole is located within an area
defined by the at least two retaining walls, wherein the at least
two retaining walls include a first retaining wall and a second
retaining wall, wherein an interior surface of the first retaining
wall bridges a first location where the first base surface of the
mount area lies adjacent the through hole, and wherein an interior
surface of the second retaining wall bridges a second location
where the first base surface of the mount area lies adjacent the
through hole.
5. A releasable magnetic securing assembly according to claim 1,
further comprising a golf equipment base component, wherein the
base member is engaged with the golf equipment base component, and
wherein the golf equipment base component is a divot repair
tool.
6. A releasable magnetic securing assembly according to claim 5,
wherein the connector component is a golf ball marker, and wherein
the at least two retaining walls include four spaced apart
retaining walls.
7. A releasable magnetic securing assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the base member is provided on a container base and the
connector component is provided on a closure flap for a container
that includes the container base and the closure flap.
8. A housing for a releasable magnetic securing system, comprising:
a base member including an outer perimeter; a mount area defining a
first base surface located at or within the outer perimeter of the
base member, wherein the mount area includes at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the mount area defines a
first receptacle for receiving a magnet or a ferromagnetic
material, (b) the mount area is at least partially made from a
magnet, and (c) the mount area is at least partially made from a
ferromagnetic material; and at least two retaining walls extending
from the mount area above the first base surface and located at or
within the outer perimeter of the base member, wherein interior
surfaces of the retaining walls and the first base surface define a
releasable member receptacle having an inner perimeter for
receiving a releasable member to be held by magnetic force, wherein
a combined total perimeter length of the interior surfaces of the
retaining walls around the inner perimeter is less than 50% of a
total length of the inner perimeter, and wherein the first base
surface includes a planar portion that extends less than an entire
interior area of the inner perimeter such that the planar portion
does not extend to at least some portion of the inner
perimeter.
9. A housing for a releasable magnetic securing assembly according
to claim 8, wherein the base member includes a flange, wherein the
flange of the base member extends outside of the at least two
retaining walls, wherein the flange includes at least one opening
defined through it, and wherein the at least one opening extends in
an elongated manner adjacent an outer perimeter of the flange.
10. Golf apparel, comprising: an article of apparel; a base member
including an outer perimeter, wherein the base member is engaged
with the article of apparel; a mount area defining a first base
surface located at or within the outer perimeter of the base
member, wherein the mount area includes at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the mount area defines a
first receptacle for receiving a magnet or a ferromagnetic
material, (b) the mount area is at least partially made from a
magnet, and (c) the mount area is at least partially made from a
ferromagnetic material; at least two retaining walls extending from
the mount area above the first base surface and located at or
within the outer perimeter of the base member, wherein interior
surfaces of the retaining walls and the first base surface define a
golf ball marker receptacle; a golf ball marker removably
receivable in the golf ball marker receptacle, wherein the golf
ball marker has an outer perimeter, wherein a combined total
perimeter length of the interior surfaces of the retaining walls
extends less than 50% of the outer perimeter of the golf ball
marker, wherein the first base surface includes a planar portion
that extends less than an entire interior area of the golf ball
marker receptacle such that the planar portion does not extend to
at least some portion of an outer edge of the golf ball marker
receptacle, and wherein the golf ball marker is removably securable
to the mount area by magnetic forces.
11. Golf apparel according to claim 10, wherein the article of
apparel is a hat or visor.
12. Golf apparel according to claim 11, wherein the base member is
mounted on a visor component of the hat or visor.
13. Golf apparel according to claim 10, wherein the article of
apparel is a pair of pants.
14. Golf apparel according to claim 13, wherein the base member is
mounted at a pocket edge location of the pair of pants.
15. Golf apparel according to claim 14, wherein the pocket edge
location is an exterior pocket edge.
16. Golf apparel according to claim 10, wherein the article of
apparel is a shoe.
17. Golf apparel according to claim 16, wherein the base member is
mounted at a tongue portion of the shoe.
18. Golf apparel according to claim 10, wherein the article of
apparel is a belt.
19. Golf apparel according to claim 18, wherein the article of
apparel is a belt buckle.
20. Golf apparel according to claim 10, wherein the base member
includes a flange, wherein the flange of the base member extends
outside of the at least two retaining walls, wherein the flange
includes at least one opening defined through it, and wherein the
at least one opening extends in an elongated manner adjacent an
outer perimeter of the flange.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/450,834 filed April 19, 2012 in the names
of Carl L. Madore, Marci S. DuChene, and Darien Curl and entitled
"Securing Systems for Gloves or Other Objects." U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/450,834 is entirely incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] One aspect of the present invention relates to the field of
magnetic engagement or securing systems, e.g., for use in holding
two components together. Some more specific examples of aspects of
this invention relate to magnetic engagement systems for attaching
a golf ball marker to another object, such as a golf glove, other
golf equipment, articles of apparel, etc. As other examples,
aspects of this invention may be used for magnetic closure
mechanisms, e.g., for containers; as a replacement for buttons,
snaps or other connectors; etc. Still additional aspects of this
invention relate to gloves or other objects having hook-and-loop
fastener type securing systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many golfers wear at least one golf glove, for example, to
protect the hand, to enhance the player's grip on the golf club,
and/or to provide protection against the elements. Typically, at
least the front surface of such gloves is made of a leather
material (e.g., cabretta leather) or other suitable material that
exhibits grip enhancing properties.
[0004] During play, many golfers find the need to reach into their
pockets to remove various items, such as tees, ball markers, etc.
Reaching into one's pocket with a gloved hand, however, can cause
difficulties because the material of the golf glove also tends to
grip the fabric of the interior pocket material and pull that
material outside the pocket as the gloved hand is removed from the
pocket. This action can spill the contents of the pocket, causing
delays, potential loss of the pocket contents, and/or other
difficulties. Constantly donning and doffing the golf glove also is
inconvenient for the player, causes delays, and/or can lead to loss
or misplacement of the glove.
[0005] Additionally, inserting and removing the gloved hand from
the pocket can cause the securing mechanism of the glove to get
caught and loosened, thereby requiring the golfer to again secure
the glove on the hand. Such action also is inconvenient and causes
delays.
[0006] Accordingly, advances in the golf glove art that help
address at least some of these issues and alleviate at least some
of these problems would be welcome.
[0007] Additionally, easy to use securing systems, closure systems,
and the like would be welcome advances in those arts, including
securing systems and closure systems that are capable of being
manipulated and operated with one hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts
relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further
described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the
invention.
[0009] Aspects of this invention relate to housings for releasable
magnetic securing systems, e.g., for closure systems; for securing
golf ball markers to golf gloves or other golf equipment, articles
of clothing, etc.; and the like. Such housings may include, for
example: (a) a base member including an outer perimeter; (b) a
mount area defining a first base surface located at or within the
outer perimeter of the base member, wherein the mount area includes
at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (i) the
mount area defines a first receptacle for receiving a magnet or a
ferromagnetic material, (ii) the mount area is at least partially
made from a magnet, and (iii) the mount area is at least partially
made from a ferromagnetic material; (c) at least two retaining
walls (e.g., three, four, or even more walls) extending from or
above the mount area above the first base surface and located at or
within the outer perimeter of the base member. Interior surfaces of
the retaining walls and the first base surface define a releasable
member receptacle having an inner perimeter (e.g., a phantom line
extending from, along, and interconnecting the interior surfaces of
the retaining walls) for receiving a releasable member (e.g., a
golf ball marker, a securing element for a closure system, etc.) to
be held by magnetic force. In such housings, a combined total
perimeter length of the interior surfaces of the retaining walls
around the inner perimeter may be less than 50% of a total length
of the inner perimeter and/or less than 50% of a total length of
the outer perimeter of the object being releasably held, and in
some examples, less than 40% of these total lengths or even less
than 30% of these total lengths. The first base surface may include
a planar portion that extends less than an entire interior area
defined within the inner perimeter such that the planar portion
does not extend all the way to at least some portion of the inner
perimeter. A releasable connector, e.g., a golf ball marker, may be
engaged with the housing by magnetic attractive forces.
[0010] Such assemblies may be incorporated, for example, into
apparel (e.g., golf apparel, including clothing and shoes),
sporting equipment (e.g., golf gloves, golf grips, and other golf
equipment), closure systems, bags, containers, etc.
[0011] Additional aspects of this invention relate to gloves that
include: (a) a glove member including an opening for receiving a
wearer's hand; and (b) a closure system engaged with the glove
member. This closure system may include: (i) a flap component
including a first portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, wherein a
first edge of the flap component is engaged with the glove member
on a first side of the opening, and wherein the flap component
further includes a free edge located opposite the first edge, and
(ii) a base component including a second portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener engaged with the glove member on a second
side of the opening. An edge of the base component includes a
notched area free of the second portion of the hook-and-loop
fastener, wherein the free edge of the flap component extends over
the notched area when the first and second portions of the
hook-and-loop fastener are engaged together.
[0012] Closure systems of this type may be included on other types
of objects, including articles of clothing, articles of footwear,
sporting equipment, bags, containers, and/or other objects secured,
engaged, or closed by a hook-and-loop fastener element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the
following Detailed Description of the invention, will be better
understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or
similar elements in all of the various views in which that
reference number appears.
[0014] FIGS. 1A through 1H illustrate various views of a golf glove
and/or various components of a releasable golf ball marker assembly
in accordance with examples of this invention;
[0015] FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate cross sectional views of an
alternative golf ball marker assembly in accordance with examples
of this invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an overhead view of another example golf
ball marker assembly in accordance with examples of this
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an overhead view of still another example
golf ball marker assembly in accordance with examples of this
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an example golf ball marker
assembly incorporated into a hat in accordance with one example of
this invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a view of an example golf ball marker
assembly incorporated into a pocket edge in accordance with one
example of this invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of an example golf ball marker
assembly incorporated into a belt in accordance with one example of
this invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a view of an example golf ball marker
assembly incorporated into a shoe in accordance with one example of
this invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a view of an example golf ball marker
assembly incorporated into a divot repair tool in accordance with
one example of this invention;
[0023] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate cross sectional views of a
securing system assembly in accordance with other examples of this
invention;
[0024] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an example container having a
closure flap with a securing assembly in accordance with still
other examples of this invention;
[0025] FIGS. 12A through 12C illustrate example gloves including
closure systems with a notched grasping area in accordance with
some examples of this aspect of the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates another example closure system with a
notched grasping area in accordance with this aspect of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] In the following description of various examples of magnetic
engagement or securing systems according to the present invention,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various
example structures and environments in which aspects of the
invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and
functional modifications may be made from the specifically
described structures and methods without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
I. General Description of Aspects of This Invention
[0028] Aspects of this invention relate to magnetic engagement or
securing systems, e.g., for use in releasably holding two
components together. As noted above, more specific examples of
aspects of this invention relate to magnetic engagement systems for
attaching golf ball markers to other objects, such as golf gloves,
other golf equipment, articles of apparel, etc. As other examples,
aspects of this invention may be used for magnetic closure and/or
securing mechanisms, e.g., for containers, as a replacement for
buttons or snaps, for securing straps (e.g., for helmets, such as
cycling helmets), etc. More specific features and aspects of this
invention will be described in more detail below.
[0029] A. Magnetic Engagement System Housings in Accordance With
Examples of This Invention
[0030] Some aspects of this invention relate to housings for
releasable magnetic securing systems, e.g., for closure systems;
for securing golf ball markers to golf equipment, articles of
clothing, etc.; and the like. Such housings may include, for
example: (a) a base member including an outer perimeter; (b) a
mount area defining a first base surface located at or within the
outer perimeter of the base member, wherein the mount area includes
at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: (i) the
mount area defines a first receptacle for receiving a magnet or a
ferromagnetic material, (ii) the mount area is at least partially
made from a magnet, and (iii) the mount area is at least partially
made from a ferromagnetic material; and (c) at least two retaining
walls (e.g., three, four, or even more retaining walls) extending
from and/or above the mount area above the first base surface and
located at or within the outer perimeter of the base member.
Interior surfaces of the retaining walls and the first base surface
define a releasable member receptacle having an inner perimeter for
receiving a releasable member (e.g., a golf ball marker, a securing
element for a closure system, etc.) to be held by magnetic force.
This inner perimeter may correspond to a phantom line extending
around, along, and between the interior surfaces of the retaining
walls. In such housings, a combined total perimeter length of the
interior surfaces of the retaining walls around the inner perimeter
may be less than 50% of a total length of the inner perimeter, and
in some examples, less than 40% of this total length or even less
than 30% of this total length. The first base surface may include a
planar portion that extends less than an entire interior area
defined by the inner perimeter such that the planar portion does
not extend all of the way to at least some portion of the inner
perimeter.
[0031] If desired, at least some portions of the housing may be
formed as a unitary, one-piece construction (e.g., including any or
all of the base member, the mount area and/or the retaining walls).
Alternatively, the housing may be made from two or more separate
parts that are engaged together. The housing (including any of the
parts identified above) may be made from a flexible material, such
as a flexible rubber or polymer material, optionally a
thermoplastic polyurethane material, and made by molding processes,
such as injection molding.
[0032] As noted above, the first base surface may include a planar
portion that extends less than an entire interior area defined by
the inner perimeter such that the planar portion does not extend
all of the way to at least some portion of the inner perimeter. The
planar portion may engage the object to be held when it is mounted
in the mount area. The planar portion may stop short of at least
some portion of the inner perimeter of the releasable member
receptacle, e.g., by providing a through hole (through the housing)
within the inner perimeter, by providing a step portion within the
inner perimeter, by providing a curved or slanted wall within the
inner perimeter, etc.
[0033] B. Glove Ball Marker Assemblies and Products Incorporating
Such Assemblies in Accordance with Examples of This Invention
[0034] Additional aspects of this invention relate to golf ball
marker assemblies. Such assemblies may include: (a) a base member
including an outer perimeter; (b) a mount area defining a first
base surface located at or within the outer perimeter of the base
member, wherein the mount area includes at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (i) the mount area defines a
first receptacle for receiving a magnet or a ferromagnetic
material, (ii) the mount area is at least partially made from a
magnet, and (iii) the mount area is at least partially made from a
ferromagnetic material; (c) at least two retaining walls extending
from the mount area above the first base surface and located at or
within the outer perimeter of the base member, wherein interior
surfaces of the retaining walls and the first base surface define a
golf ball marker receptacle; and (d) a golf ball marker removably
receivable in the golf ball marker receptacle and removably secured
to the mount area by magnetic forces (e.g., magnetic attraction
between at least some portion of the mount area and at least some
portion of the golf ball marker), wherein the golf ball marker has
an outer perimeter. In such assemblies, a combined total perimeter
length of the interior surfaces of the retaining walls may extend
less than 50% of the outer perimeter of the golf ball marker, and
in some examples, less than 40% of this outer perimeter or even
less than 30% of this outer perimeter. The first base surface may
include a planar portion that extends less than an entire interior
area of the golf ball marker receptacle (and/or an inner perimeter
defined by the interior surfaces of the retaining walls) such that
the planar portion does not extend to at least some portion of an
outer edge of the golf ball marker receptacle (e.g., to the inner
perimeter, (e.g., as described above)). The assembly may have any
of the various features described above for the housing.
[0035] Golf ball marker assemblies of the types described above may
be incorporated into a variety of structures without departing from
this invention. For example, golf apparel may include the housings
described above (e.g., the base members described above engaged
with some portion of the article of apparel). Examples of such golf
apparel include: a hat or visor (e.g., with the base member mounted
on a visor component of the hat or visor); a pair of pants or
shorts, a shirt, a jacket, a rain jacket, a pair of rain pants, a
windshirt or wind breaker (e.g., optionally with the base member
mounted at or near a pocket edge location of the article of
apparel, including within an interior compartment of the pocket); a
shoe (e.g., with the base member mounted at a tongue portion of the
shoe, on the shoe upper, etc.); a belt (e.g., with the base member
mounted on a belt buckle or strap); on a watch band or other wrist
borne device; etc.
[0036] As additional examples, golf ball marker assemblies of the
types described above may be incorporated into golf equipment of
various types. For example, golf equipment may include the housings
described above (e.g., the base members described above engaged
with some portion of the golf equipment (also called a "golf
equipment base component" herein)). Examples of such golf equipment
include: divot repair tools; golf gloves (e.g., with the base
member included on a flap of a closure system of the glove); golf
bags; golf carts; golf club grips (e.g., putter grips); putter
heads (e.g., a top or bottom surface of a putter); golf yardage
measuring devices (e.g., laser distance measuring devices, GPS
devices, etc.); etc.
[0037] C. Releasable Magnetic Securing Assemblies and Products
Incorporating Such Assemblies in Accordance With Examples of This
Invention
[0038] Still additional aspects of this invention relate to other
releasable magnetic securing assemblies that may include housings,
base members, mount areas, and retaining walls of the types
described above. The housings or base members may be engaged with
one component that is to be engaged with another component. The
other component may be (or may have attached to it) a connector
component that is removably receivable in a connector receptacle of
the base member (e.g., the connector receptacle being defined by
the first base surface and the retaining walls). Magnetic
attraction between the mount area of the base member and the
connector component releasably holds the two components together.
Such securing assemblies may function as closure systems (e.g.,
closure flaps for boxes, bags, or other containers; replacements
for buttons, snaps, or hook-and loop type connectors, etc.; etc.).
Such securing assemblies may be easily manipulated and used, e.g.,
even with a single hand and/or a gloved hand.
[0039] D. Hook-and-Loop Fastener Systems for Securing Gloves and
Other Objects
[0040] Still additional aspects of this invention relate to
securing systems, such as closure systems for gloves or other
articles of apparel or objects, including golf gloves and other
hand-receiving devices. Such securing systems may include: (a) a
flap component including a first portion of a hook-and-loop
fastener, wherein a first edge of the flap component is engaged
(directly or indirectly) with a first portion of an item to be
secured (e.g., on a first side of an opening in a glove for
receiving a wearer's hand), and wherein the flap component further
includes a free edge located opposite the first edge, and (b) a
base component including a second portion of the hook-and-loop
fastener engaged with a second portion of an item to be secured
(e.g., on the other side of the glove opening), wherein an edge of
the base component includes a notched area free of the second
portion of the hook-and-loop fastener, and wherein the free edge of
the flap component extends over the notched area when the first and
second portions of the hook-and-loop fastener are engaged together.
The notched area provides a grasping area to help in releasing the
securing system.
[0041] The hook-and-loop fastener may be of any desired type,
including low profile or even ultra-low profile hook-and-loop
fastener components (e.g., thin hook-and-loop fasteners, optionally
wherein the first and second portions of the hook-and-loop
fastener, when engaged together, have an overall thickness of less
than 3/8 inch thick, less than 1/4 inch thick, less than 3/16 inch
thick, or even less than 1/8 inch thick).
[0042] In such structures, the notched area may include the base
component but not the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener.
Alternatively, if desired, the notched area need not include the
base component. As other potential features, a portion of the free
edge of the flap component that extends over the notched area may
include some of the first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener or
this portion of the free edge may be free of the first portion of
the hook-and-loop fastener.
[0043] The notched area may take on any desired shape or
construction without departing from this invention. For example,
the notched area may be centered along the edge of the base
component or it may be offset to one end or the other of this edge.
The notch may be defined by a smoothly curved edge of the base
component (or at least a portion of this edge) or by more squared
or abrupt corners including square corners).
[0044] In some example structures in accordance with this aspect of
the invention, the first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener will
cover at least 90% (and in some examples, at least 95% or even at
least 98%) of a major surface of the flap component, and the second
portion of the hook-and-loop fastener will cover at least 90% (and
in some examples, at least 95% or even at least 98%) of a major
surface of the base component. In such structures, the notched area
may be defined by an inward curvature of the edge of the base
component. In other example structures, the first portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener will cover at least 90% (and in some
examples, at least 95% or even at least 98%) of a major surface of
the flap component, and the second portion of the hook-and-loop
fastener will cover less than 95% (and in some examples, less than
90% or even less than 85%) of a major surface of the base
component. In such structures, the notched area may be defined by
an inward curvature of the second portion of the hook-and-loop
fastener along the edge of the base component (to thereby leave a
portion of the major surface of the base component along the edge
free of the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener).
[0045] As yet additional examples, the first portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener may extend to and along the free edge of the
flap component, the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener
may extend to and along the edge of the base component, and the
notched area may be defined by an inward curvature of the edge of
the base component. Alternatively, the first portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener may extend to and along the free edge of the
flap component, the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener
may extend to a top portion of the edge of the base component and
to a bottom portion of the edge of the base component, and the
second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener does not extend to the
edge of the base component for a portion of the edge between the
top portion and the bottom portion to thereby define the notched
area.
[0046] Closure or securing systems of this type may be included on
other types of objects, including articles of clothing, articles of
footwear, sporting equipment, bags, containers, cases, and/or other
objects engaged or closed by a hook-and-loop fastener element.
[0047] Given the general description of features, aspects,
structures, and arrangements according to the invention provided
above, a more detailed description of specific example components
in accordance with this invention follows.
II. Detailed Description of Example Structures According to This
Invention
[0048] Referring to the figures and following discussion, various
securing structures and features thereof in accordance with the
present invention are disclosed. The structures depicted and
discussed may be applied to a wide range of products, e.g., like
those described above. Accordingly, the present invention is not
limited to the precise embodiments disclosed herein.
[0049] FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate an example golf glove
structure 100 that includes a magnetic securing assembly 150 for
engaging a golf ball marker 152 with the golf glove 100. In such
assemblies 150, at least one of the marker 152 or at least some
portion of the structure for holding it (as will be described in
more detail below) will be made from a magnet (e.g., a permanent
magnet). Optionally, one or both of the marker 152 and at least
some portion of the structure for holding it will be made from a
material that is attracted to the magnet by magnetic force (e.g., a
ferromagnetic material). The golf ball marker 152 may be a thin
cylindrical element (e.g., coin shaped).
[0050] As is conventional, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the glove
100 includes a front portion 102 and a rear portion 104, each made
from any desired material with any desired construction and/or any
desired number of individual parts (e.g., natural or synthetic
leather materials, polymeric fabric materials, stretchable
materials, etc.). In this illustrated example, the front portion
102 and the rear potion 104 are engaged together, e.g., by sewing
or stitching, and a thumb portion 106 (constructed from one or more
parts) is engaged with the front portion 102 by sewing or
stitching. If desired, the glove structure 100 may include
additional individual parts, such as gussets for the sides of the
fingers, an elastic element 108 along the wrist area of glove
opening 110, stretch panels across the rear knuckle region or
fingers, mesh material for breathability, etc.
[0051] FIGS. 1B and 1C further show that this example glove
construction 100 includes a closure system 120 for closing the
glove opening 110 and securing the glove 100 to a wearer's hand.
While a variety of constructions are possible without departing
from this invention, in this illustrated example, the closure
system 120 includes a flap 122 engaged with the rear portion 104 on
one side of a slit 112 that forms part of the glove opening 110.
The flap 122 may include one portion of a releasable connector
system (e.g., a button, a button hole, a portion of a snap, a
portion of a hook-and-loop fastener system, etc.) that engages
another portion of the releasable connector system, e.g., that may
be mounted on the rear portion 104 of the glove structure 100. The
flap 122 may be engaged with the remainder of the glove structure
100 (e.g., at the seam where the front portion 102 and the rear
portion 104 are joined together) via an elastic element that allows
the flap 122 to be pulled and secured by the user at the desired
level of tightness.
[0052] FIGS. 1B and 1C, along with FIGS. 1D through 1H, illustrate
further details of the magnetic securing assembly 150 for
releasably engaging the golf ball marker 152 with the golf glove
100. FIG. 1D shows a close up view of the securing assembly 150
mounted to the glove flap 122 with the marker 152 outer perimeter
152a provided in broken lines and for context. FIG. 1E shows a
close up view of the securing assembly 150 with the marker 152
removed in which certain hidden features of this example assembly
are shown in broken lines. FIGS. 1F through 1H show cross sectional
views of the flap 122 and securing assembly 150 combination to
illustrate the function of this example of the invention.
[0053] In this illustrated example, a housing or base member 154
for the magnetic securing assembly 150 is engaged with the flap 122
of the glove closure system 120. An outer flange 156 of the housing
154 (having outer perimeter 156a) is secured between a leather (or
other fabric) top layer 124 of the flap 122 and a portion 126 of a
hook-and-loop fastener element used to secure the flap 122 to the
other portion of the hook-and-loop fastener element. A portion of
the housing 154 is exposed through an opening 124a in the top layer
124 of the flap. In some example structures in accordance with this
invention, the flange 156 will be made from a flexible material,
e.g., rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, other polymers, etc., so
that it may flex somewhat, e.g., as the wearer's hand also flexes,
to better conform to the shape of the hand, to provide better
comfort, etc. The flange 156 is engaged with the top layer 124 by
stitching or sewing. Adhesives or other connecting mechanisms may
be used for this engagement without departing from this invention
(e.g., gluing the housing 154 to the top layer 124 or the fastener
element portion 126).
[0054] The housing or base member 154 further includes a mount area
160 (exposed through the opening 124a of the top layer 124) that
defines an at least partially exposed base surface 160a on which
the ball marker 152 is releasably mounted. As best shown in FIGS.
1F through 1H, the base surface 160a includes a planar portion on
which the marker 152 rests when secured to the mount area 160.
[0055] FIGS. 1B through 1H further show that the securing assembly
150 of this example construction includes at least two retaining
walls 170 that extend from or above the mount area 160 and above
the base surface 160a (four walls 170 are shown in this illustrated
example structure). In this illustrated example, interior or facing
surfaces 170a of the retaining walls 170 and the base surface 160a
define a golf ball marker receptacle, e.g., the walls 170 are
located and their interior surfaces 170a are shaped so as to
closely fit around the outer perimeter edge 152a of the golf ball
marker 152. The retaining walls 170 are sized such that a total
length of the perimeter of the interior surfaces 170a of all the
retaining walls 170 defining the golf ball marker receptacle is
less than 50% of the outer perimeter 152a of the golf ball marker
152 to be held within the receptacle, and in some examples, less
than 40% or even less than 30% of this outer perimeter 152a length.
Additionally or alternatively, the retaining walls 170 may be sized
such that a total length of the perimeter of the interior surfaces
170a of all the retaining walls 170 defining the golf ball marker
receptacle is less than 50% of the perimeter length defined by
extending the interior surfaces 170a of the retaining walls 170
between the walls 170 to define an inner perimeter making up the
golf ball marker receptacle (see the interior perimeter extension
or the "phantom inner perimeter" 170b shown in FIG. 1E). In some
examples, the total (actual) interior perimeter length of the
interior surfaces 170a will be less than 40% or even less than 30%
of than of this phantom inner perimeter 170b length.
[0056] The short retaining walls 170 (in the inner perimeter
direction) and their dispersed distribution around the mount area
160 help securely hold the ball marker 152 in place on the base
surface 160a while still allowing for easy engagement and
disengagement of the ball marker 152 with respect to the base
surface 160a. As will become more clear in the discussion that
follows with respect to FIGS. 1F through 1H, the relatively large
gaps between separate retaining walls 170 allows the marker 152 to
be more easily grabbed and/or more easily slid in a variety of
different directions onto and off of the base surface 160a.
[0057] As noted above, the base surface 160a includes a planar
portion on which the marker 152 rests when secured to the mount
area 160. This planar portion may extend to less than an entire
interior area of the inner perimeter 170b defined by the extension
of the retaining walls 170 (the phantom perimeter) such that at
least some of the planar portion does not extend to at least some
portion of the inner perimeter 170b. In the example structure shown
in FIGS. 1C through 1H, the planar portion of the base surface 160a
ends at transverse or side wall 160b located within the inner
perimeter 170b (the wall 160b could extend at a non-perpendicular
angle to the planar portion of the base surface 160a or as a curved
surface, if desired). Therefore, in this illustrated example
structure, the housing or base member 154 has a through hole 172
defined through it. At least a majority of this through hole 172 is
located within an area defined by the retaining walls 170 (i.e.,
within phantom inner perimeter 170b). In the view shown in FIG. 1E,
the shaded portion represents the location of the through hole 172,
and the underside of the hook-and-loop fastener portion 126 is
visible through the through hole 172. While a single through hole
172 is shown in inner perimeter 170b in this illustrated example,
multiple through holes could be provided in inner perimeter 170b,
if desired, without departing from this invention.
[0058] The planar portion of the base surface 160a on which the
marker 152 rests when secured to the housing 154 may take up any
desired proportion of the inner perimeter 170b without departing
from this invention, provided a stable support surface is provided.
As some more specific examples, the planar portion of the base
surface 160a may take up from 15% to 95% of the area of the inner
perimeter 170b, and in some examples, from 20% to 90%, from 25% to
80%, or even from 30% to 75% of this area. When one or more through
holes 172 are present through the mount area 160, these through
holes may take up from 5% to 85% of the area of the inner perimeter
170b, and in some examples, from 10% to 80%, from 20% to 75%, or
even from 25% to 70% of this area. In some examples, a single
through hole 172 may take up from 10% to 25% of the area of the
inner perimeter 170b. Through holes of these types can lighten the
weight of the housing 154 and/or improve its flexibility.
[0059] The base surface 160a also may include one or more recessed
portions in it such that the base surface 160a (and particularly
its planar portion) is not continuous or uninterrupted (e.g., by
forming recessed holes (blind or through holes) or grooves or other
shapes in the base surface 160a). Such recessed portions also can
help lighten the weight of the housing 154 and/or improve its
flexibility. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1E, the flange 156 of the
housing or base member 154 also may include recessed portions or
openings 156b, which also can help lighten the weight of the
housing 154 and/or improve its flexibility.
[0060] In this illustrated example structure 150, two of the
retaining walls 170 are located at positions such that their
interior surfaces 170a bridge the locations where the base surface
160a of the mount area 160 lies adjacent or meets the through hole
172 (e.g., two of the walls 170 bridge the locations of the side
wall 160b). In this arrangement, a gap 170c exists adjacent the
through hole 172 between two of the retaining walls 170. This gap
170c allows for better access to the marker 152 at the hole
location 172 to disengage the marker 152 from the base surface 160a
as will be explained in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS.
1F through 1H.
[0061] While discussed above separately, if desired, any portions
of the securing system 150 may be made from a single material
and/or as a unitary, one-piece construction. For example, the
housing 154, optionally including the flange 156, the mount area
160, the base surface 160a (including any planar portion and other
portion(s) not co-planar with the planar portion), the side wall
160b, and/or the retaining walls 170, may be formed as a unitary,
one-piece construction. As a more specific example, any desired
number or combination of these elements may be formed as a unitary,
one-piece construction, e.g., from a flexible polymer material
(such as rubber, TPU, or the like, and optionally a material that
can be stitched through) in a molding step (e.g., injection
molding).
[0062] As described above, this securing assembly is used for
magnetically engaging a golf ball marker 152 with the housing or
base member 154. Accordingly, at least one of these components must
be made from or made to include a magnet, e.g., a permanent magnet.
As some more specific examples, the mount area 160 may be formed so
as to include at least one feature selected from the group
consisting of: (a) the mount area 160 defines a first receptacle
(which may be a blind or an open hole) for receiving a magnet 182
or a ferromagnetic material, (b) the mount area 160 is at least
partially made from a magnet, and/or (c) the mount area 160 is at
least partially made from a ferromagnetic material. Likewise, the
marker 152 may be formed so as to include at least one feature
selected from the group consisting of: (a) the marker 152 defines a
receptacle (which may be a blind or an open hole) for receiving a
magnet or a ferromagnetic material, (b) the marker 152 is at least
partially made from a magnet, and/or (c) the marker 152 is at least
partially made from a ferromagnetic material. In this illustrated
example, the mount area 160 includes a receptacle 180 formed
therein into which a magnet 182 is mounted (e.g., bonded by
adhesives). If the mount area 160 is made from or includes a magnet
182, then the marker 152 optionally may be made, at least in part,
from a material that is attracted to a magnet 182 (although it also
could be made from or include a magnet). If the marker 152 is made
from or includes a magnet, then the mount area 160 optionally may
be made, at least in part, from a material that is attracted to a
magnet.
[0063] If desired, one surface 182a of the magnet 182 may be
exposed at the housing 154 exterior and lie co-planar with or
substantially co-planar with the base surface 160a on which the
marker 152 is mounted. As other alternatives, if desired: (a) the
magnet's surface 182a may lie somewhat below the surface of the
base surface 160a, (b) the magnet 182 may be inserted into the
mount area from an opening on the bottom side (so that the magnet
182 is not exposed in the final configuration when the marker 152
is removed from the base area 160a), or (c) the magnet 182 may be
embedded within the body of the mount area 160.
[0064] FIGS. 1F through 1H illustrate mounting and disengagement of
the golf ball marker 152 on the base surface 160a of the housing
154. A ball marker receiving receptacle is defined by the base
surface 160a (at least a planar portion thereof) and the interior
surfaces 170a of the retaining walls 170, which may be dispersed
around the mount area 160 of the housing 154. A ball marker 152 in
the shape of a cylinder (round or other cross sectional shape) or
coin is mounted on the base surface 160a and held in place by the
retaining walls 170, as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1G and by magnetic
attraction forces. Because the planar portion of the base surface
160a supports a sufficient area portion of the marker 152, the
marker 152 rests comfortably and securely on the base surface 160a,
and it is not easily subjected to dislodgement inadvertently or in
an unintentional manner.
[0065] When it is desired that the ball marker 152 be removed from
the mount area 160, the user presses downward on the marker 152
over the area of the through hole 172, as shown by force arrow 190
in FIG. 1G. Sufficient downward force on the side of the marker 152
will cause the marker 152 to rotate upward, e.g., using the edge at
the side wall 160b as a fulcrum, thereby raising the far end of the
marker 152 above the level of the remote retaining wall(s) 170. See
FIG. 1H. The short perimeter lengths and the discontinuous nature
of the retaining wall(s) 170, particularly those located opposite
the side with the through hole 172, provide additional room through
which the user can grasp the raised edge of the marker 152 (e.g.,
the gap 176 between retaining walls 170 at the side of the marker
152 opposite the through hole 172 provides additional room for the
user to grab the marker 152). Additionally or alternatively, the
short perimeter lengths, the short heights, and the discontinuous
nature of the retaining wall(s) 170 allow the marker 152 to be slid
horizontally more easily (shown by arrow 192 in FIG. 1H), which can
also help dislodge the marker 152 from the mount area 160. The ball
marker 152 can be easily re-engaged by aligning the ball marker 152
within the inner perimeter area 170b defined between walls 170
(magnetic attraction between the ball marker 152 and the mount area
160 helps engage these elements and properly seat the ball marker
152 on the mount area 160). If necessary, the marker 152 can be
slid along the tops of two or more retaining walls 170 until it is
centered over the mount area 160.
[0066] In at least some example structures according to this
invention, at least some (and in some examples all) of the
individual retaining walls 170 will have inner surfaces 170a having
a perimeter length of less than 15% of the phantom inner perimeter
170b length and/or less than 15% of the marker 152 outer perimeter
152a length. The inner surfaces 170a of at least some of the
individual retaining walls 170 (and in some examples, all of the
retaining walls 170 in a housing) will have a perimeter length of
less than 10% of the phantom inner perimeter 170b length and/or
less than 10% of the marker 152 outer perimeter 152a length.
[0067] Many variations in ball marker securing assemblies of this
type are possible without departing from this invention. For
example, as noted above, in the illustrated example of FIGS. 1A
through 1H, the receptacle for holding the marker 152 is defined by
the mount area 160 (e.g., including a planar portion of base
surface 160a) and the inner surfaces 170a of retaining wall(s) 170,
and a through hole 172 is defined through a portion of this
receptacle (which exposes the lower flap layer 126 through the
mount area 160). There is no requirement that the mount area 160
include a through hole 172. FIGS. 2A through 2C (which are similar
to FIGS. 1F through 1H described above) provide an example of such
a housing 254 and mount area 260 construction. In this example
housing 254, the base surface 260a still has a planar portion
(e.g., at the left side of these figures), but at one edge, the
base surface 260a turns downward into an inclined or curved portion
260b. The transition location from the planar portion for
supporting the marker 152 to the inclined or curved portion 260b
may be gradual and smooth or more abrupt (e.g., with a definite
edge). This transition may take place at any desired location
across the marker's dimension provided an adequate supporting
surface is provided for securely holding the marker 152 under
magnetic attraction forces (e.g., where the planar portion of the
base surface 260a extends across at least 70% of the area within
the phantom inner perimeter 170b defined by the interior surfaces
170a of the retaining walls 170).
[0068] FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate mounting and removal of the
marker 152 from the mount area 260, e.g., which may take place in
manners similar to those shown and described above in conjunction
with FIGS. 1G and 1H.
[0069] Other variations are possible without departing from this
invention. As another example, the number of retaining walls need
not be four as shown in FIGS. 1B through 1H. FIG. 3 shows one
example (when the same reference numbers are used in FIG. 3 as used
in other figures, the same or a similar part is represented, and a
detailed discussion may be omitted). More specifically, FIG. 3
shows a portion of a housing construction 354 in which the two
retaining walls 170 located remote from the opening 172 (or remote
from non-coplanar portion 260b) are replaced with a single
retaining wall 370 (having inner surface 370a) such that the
overall housing 354 has three total retaining walls. While not
required, this retaining wall 370 may be located directly opposite
and centered on the opening 172 (or on the non-coplanar portion
260b of the mount area). Also, while the retaining wall 370 is
shown as having a longer inner surface 370a perimeter length than
the other walls 170, wall 370 could be the same length as or
shorter than walls 170 (which may have the same or different
perimeter lengths from one another). The total perimeter length of
the inner surfaces 170a and 370a may be less than 50% of the
phantom perimeter length 170b and less than 50% of the marker outer
perimeter 152a length (and in some examples, less than 40% or even
less than 30% of these perimeter lengths).
[0070] Notably, in this example structure 354, the inner surfaces
170a and 370a of the retaining walls 170 and 370 are shaped such
that continuous extensions thereof define a "phantom" inner
perimeter 170b, and this phantom inner perimeter 170b, together
with the base surface 160a, defines a receptacle for receiving the
marker 152. Also, the phantom inner perimeter 170b closely aligns
with and fits around the outer perimeter 152a of the marker 152.
Also, in this example structure, two retaining walls 170 are
provided at and bridge the location where the planar portion of the
base surface 160a meets the opening 172 (side wall 160b) or where
the planar portion of the base surface 160a transitions to the
non-coplanar portion 260b.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows another example housing construction 454 in
which a total of two retaining walls 470 are provided (having inner
surfaces 470a). Like the other examples described above, in this
example structure 454, the inner surfaces 470a of the retaining
walls 470 are shaped such that continuous extensions thereof define
a "phantom" inner perimeter 170b, and this phantom inner perimeter
170b, together with the base surface 160a, defines a receptacle for
receiving the marker 152. Also, the phantom inner perimeter 170b
closely aligns with and fits around the outer perimeter 152a of the
marker 152. The total perimeter length of the inner surfaces 470a
may be less than 50% of the phantom perimeter length 170b and less
than 50% of the marker outer perimeter 152a (and in some examples,
less than 40% or even less than 30% of these perimeter
lengths).
[0072] Also, in this example structure, the two retaining walls 470
are provided at and bridge the location where the planar portion of
the base surface 160a meets the opening 172 (side wall 160b) or
where the planar portion of the base surface 160a transitions to
the non-coplanar portion 260b. The retaining walls 470 need not be
centered with respect to one another on opposite sides about the
phantom inner perimeter 170b and/or the marker outer perimeter
152a. In other words, the gap between the edges of the two walls
470 at one side may be greater than the gap between the edges of
the two walls at the other side. The walls 470 may be of the same
or different sizes (e.g., perimeter lengths) without departing from
this invention.
[0073] In the above discussion relating to FIGS. 1A through 4, the
golf ball marker housing is disclosed as being mounted on a flap
122 of a closure system 120 for a golf glove 100. Other
arrangements are possible without departing from this invention.
For example, rather than on a flap, the housing 154, 254, 354, or
454 described above could be mounted on a rear panel or on the rear
portion 104 of the golf glove 100 (e.g., if the glove does not
include a closure flap 122 of the type described above). As
additional examples, if desired, the housings 154, 254, 354, and
454 may be mounted on other articles of golf apparel or other items
of golf equipment without departing from this invention (so that
the ball marker 152 may be secured on these other articles of
apparel or items of equipment). Examples of such variations will be
described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 5 through
9.
[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates a golf hat (or visor) 500 including a
visor component 502 and a head engaging component 504 (which may be
a full hat, a visor band that extends all the way around the head,
a band of material that extends partially around the head, etc.).
In this illustrated example, the housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or
454) and removable ball marker 152 are mounted on the right side
and on the outside of the visor component 502, although other
locations are possible, such as the left side, the center, as well
as any desired location on the underside of the visor component
502. The housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and ball marker 152
also could be mounted on the head engaging component 504, as well,
if desired. The hat 500 may be of any desired style, including
straw hats, brimmed hats, jaunty caps, fedoras, or the like.
[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates a pair of pants or shorts 600 on which a
housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and removable ball marker 152
are mounted. In this illustrated example, the housing (e.g., 154,
254, 354, or 454) and ball marker 152 are mounted along an exterior
pocket edge 602 so that it is easily accessible by the golfer. As
another alternative, if desired, the housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354,
or 454) may be mounted on an interior portion of the pocket
structure (e.g., at the interior edge) so that if the marker 152
should inadvertently become dislodged from the housing, it would
likely fall downward into the pocket and not be lost. In addition
to pants or shorts, housings of this type (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or
454) may be provided on other articles of apparel, such as shirts,
rain gear, jackets, sweaters, windshirts, wind breakers, and the
like, optionally at pockets and pocket edges of these articles of
apparel.
[0076] FIG. 7 shows a belt 700 including a strap 702 and a buckle
member 704 in which the housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and
removable ball marker 152 are mounted at an exterior surface of the
buckle member 704. Rather than providing them on the buckle member
704, if desired, the housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and ball
marker 152 may be provided on the strap 702, e.g., so as to be
located at a wearer's side when the belt 700 is worn. In addition
to belts for pants or shorts, the housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or
454) and removable ball marker 152 could be engaged with belts,
straps, or buckles provided for other purposes, such as on belts or
straps for securing a golf bag to a cart (motorized or pull cart),
on watches or watch band straps, etc.
[0077] Housings (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and removable ball
markers 152 of the types described above also may be incorporated
into footwear structures (e.g., golf shoes) in accordance with at
least some examples of this invention. FIG. 8 illustrates an
example article of footwear 800 in which the housing (e.g., 154,
254, 354, or 454) and removable ball marker 152 are engaged with a
tongue portion 802 of the shoe above the laces. As alternatives, if
desired, the housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and ball marker
152 may be provided on an upper portion 804 of the shoe, e.g.,
along the heel side or rear, in an instep area, etc. One or both
shoes of a pair may be equipped with housings (e.g., 154, 254, 354,
or 454) and/or removable ball markers 152 of the types described
above.
[0078] In addition to golf gloves 100 as described above, housings
(e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and removable ball markers 152 in
accordance with examples of this invention may be incorporated into
other types of golf equipment. FIG. 9 illustrates a divot repair
tool 900 in which a housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, or 454) and
removable ball marker 152 in accordance with an example of this
invention is incorporated into the handle portion 902 of the divot
tool (and remote from the separated tines of the divot repair
component 904). As still additional examples, housings (e.g., 154,
254, 354, or 454) and removable ball markers 152 in accordance with
examples of this invention may be incorporated into golf distance
measuring devices (e.g., laser range finders, GPS based devices,
including wrist borne devices of this type); on golf bags; on golf
carts (motorized or manually operated); at the butt end of a golf
club grip; on a surface of a putter; on carrying cases (e.g., for
cell phones or other portable electronic devices); etc.
[0079] Aspects of this invention are not limited for use in
securing golf ball markers to various articles. Rather, aspects of
this invention may be used for other types of securing systems,
e.g., as replacements for buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners,
and other types of connectors or fasteners. FIGS. 10A and 10B
illustrate an example article 1000 in which a housing (e.g., 154,
254, 354, or 454 of the types described above) is engaged with one
portion 1002 of the article 1000 (e.g., one side of a shirt or
other article to be "buttoned" or "snapped") and a releasable
connector 1010 is engaged with the other portion 1004 of the
article 1000 (e.g., the other side of the shirt or other article to
be "buttoned" or "snapped"). The housing 154, 254, 354, 454 may be
engaged with the portion 1002 in any desired manner, such as by
sewing or stitching, by mechanical connectors, or by cements or
adhesives. The releasable connector 1010 may be engaged with the
portion 1004 of the article 1000 to be connected in a permanent or
releasable manner. In this illustrated example, the releasable
connector 1010 is permanently engaged with the portion 1004 of the
article 1000 via a support element 1012 that extends through the
portion 1004 of the article to be connected and held there by an
enlarged head or stop member 1014. The engagement of the releasable
connector 1010 with the portion 1004 may be via any type of
mechanical connector of this type (e.g., rivets, thread, etc.) or
via adhesives or cements (in which instance the support element
1012 and/or the head or stop member 1014 optionally may be
omitted). As another alternative, if desired, the head or stop
member 1014 may be removable from the support element 1012 and/or
the portion 1004 so that it can be interchanged with another head
or stop member 1014.
[0080] As further shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the releasable
connector 1010 may function in the overall securing system in a
manner similar to the way in which the ball marker 152 functions in
the various embodiments described above. As shown in these figures,
the connector 1010 may be released from the housing (e.g., 154,
254, 354, or 454) by applying a force (shown by arrow 1016) at the
non-coplanar portion 260b side of the mount surface 260a (or at
opening 172 in housings including such openings). This action lifts
the opposite end of the connector 1010 above the tops of retaining
wall(s) 170 to enable the connector 1010 to be easily slid off the
mount area 260a. The connector 1010 can be easily re-engaged by
aligning the connector 1010 within the inner perimeter area 170b
defined between walls 170 (magnetic attraction between the
connector 1010 and the mount area 260a helps engage these elements
and properly seat the connector 1010 on the mount area 260a).
[0081] Releasable connectors 1010 of the types described above are
not limited for use on apparel. FIGS. 11A and 11B show releasable
connectors 1010 of the types described above used for closing a
container 1100, such as a box, briefcase, satchel, purse, bag, or
the like. In this illustrated example, a base portion 1102 of the
container 1100 includes the housing (e.g., 154, 254, 354, 454)
engaged with it (e.g., by mechanical connectors, by sewing or
stitching, by adhesives, etc.) and a flap portion 1104 of the
container 1100 includes the connector 1010 (e.g., engaged in any of
the various manners described above). In use, as shown by a
comparison of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the container 1100 may be closed
by extending the flap 1104 over the interior chamber 1106 of the
container 1100, and the flap 1104 may be secured in place using the
connector assembly (by engaging connector element 1010 with the
housing 154, 254, 354, 454 in the manner generally described above
in conjunction with FIGS. 10A and 10B). The flap 1104 may be shaped
to cover all or a portion of the opening to the interior chamber
1106 and/or it may be shaped to extend over the side walls of the
container beyond the edges of the interior chamber 1106. The
releasable connector 1010 may be released from the housing 154,
254, 354, 454 in the manner described above in conjunction with
FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0082] FIGS. 12A through 13 show examples of features of closure
and/or securing systems according to other aspects of this
invention. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an example glove structure
1200 including a closure system 1210 in accordance with this
example of the invention. While a golf glove is illustrated, given
the benefit of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will
understand that features of this aspect of the invention may be
applied to other types of gloves and/or used with other types of
closure systems and securing systems.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, this example golf glove
structure 1200 includes a glove member 1202 that includes an
opening 1204 for receiving a wearer's hand. This glove member 1202
may be made from any desired materials, any desired number of
parts, and any desired construction without departing from this
invention. As also shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the opening 1204 of
this example structure 1200 includes a transverse bottom opening
area 1204a and a longitudinal opening area 1204b. The glove member
1202 may include other features and structures that are commonly
incorporated into glove constructions, including common features of
golf glove constructions as are known and used in the art.
[0084] The glove 1200 of this example further includes a closure
system 1210 engaged with the glove member 1202. While the closure
system 1210 may include a magnetic ball marker securing system and
ball marker, e.g., as described above in conjunction with Figs. lA
through 4, this is not a requirement in all structures according to
this aspect of the invention. The example structure of FIGS. 12A
and 12B includes a static or permanent logo or other design element
1212 (FIG. 12A), but no logo or design element need be provided on
the closure system 1210, if desired (see FIG. 12C).
[0085] The closure system 1210 of this example structure 1200
includes a flap component 1214 that has a first portion of a
hook-and-loop fastener 1216a integrally formed or engaged with it
(e.g., the "loop" portion). While any desired type of construction
or engagement with the glove member 1202 may be provided, in this
illustrated example, a first edge 1214a of the flap component 1214
is engaged with the glove member 1202 on a first side of the
longitudinal opening area 1204b by sewing or stitching. While a
direct engagement is shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, if desired, one or
more elastic members may be provided between the edge 1214a of the
flap 1214 and the glove member 1202 so that the flap 1214 can be
stretched around the wearer's hand to tighten it. Additionally or
alternatively, if desired, the first edge 1214a of the flap
component 1214 may be engaged on the first side of the longitudinal
opening area 1204b at a location somewhat remote from the opening
1204b, such as along a seam between a front panel of the glove
member 1202 and a rear panel of the glove member 1202. Other flap
engagement locations, techniques, and/or structures also may be
used without departing from this invention.
[0086] The flap component 1214 further includes a free edge 1214b
located opposite the first or engaged edge 1214a, While the edges
1214a and 1214b may be parallel, straight, and/or similarly shaped,
this is not a requirement. In the example of FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
engaged edge 1214a is relatively straight whereas the free edge
1214b is somewhat curved, at least at its corners.
[0087] The closure system 1210 of this example glove structure 1200
further includes a base component 1218 having a second portion of
the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b engaged or integrally formed with
it. The base component 1218 is engaged with the glove member 1202
(e.g., a rear panel of a glove member 1202) on the opposite side of
the longitudinally oriented opening 1204b from the flap component
1214. The base component 1218 may be engaged with the glove member
1202 in any desired manner without departing from this invention,
including via stitching or sewing, via cements or adhesives, via
fusing techniques, etc.
[0088] The edge 1218a of the base component 1218 that corresponds
to the free edge 1214b of the flap component 1214 when the closure
system 1210 is engaged includes a "notched area" 1220 that does not
include the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b. In
this manner, the free edge 1214b of the flap component 1214 extends
over the notched area 1220 when the first and second portions of
the hook-and-loop fastener 1216a, 1216b are engaged together to
close the opening longitudinal 1204b. If desired (and as shown in
the example of FIGS. 12A and 12B), the portion of the flap
component 1214 that extends over the notched area 1220 may still
include the first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216a, even
though this first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216a will
not find any of the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener
1216b to engage with when secured. Alternatively, if desired, the
first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216a could be omitted,
e.g., and just a bare portion of the flap component 1214 may extend
over the notched area 1220.
[0089] In some conventional glove constructions, particularly glove
constructions that utilize low profile hook-and-loop fastener
elements (e.g., thin hook-and-loop fasteners), the flap can be
difficult to grasp to remove the glove because each part of the
hook-and-loop fastener element is very thin. The notched area 1220
in glove constructions in accordance with this aspect of the
invention provides an unsecured grasping area on the flap component
1214 when the hook-and-loop fastener portions 1216a and 1216b are
engaged. This feature allows the wearer to more easily bend and
grasp the flap component 1214, enlarge the opening 1204, and remove
the glove 1200 from the hand. More specifically, the unsecured
portion of the flap component 1214 keeps a portion of the free edge
1214b of the flap 1214 unsecured so that a finger can more easily
slide under the flap 1214 to grab it and pull it away from the base
component 1218. This notched area 1220 feature allows the use of
low profile or ultra-low profile hook-and-loop fasteners in glove
constructions while still providing glove constructions that are
easily securable and releasable. Hook-and-loop fasteners in which
the first and second portions of the hook-and-loop fastener, when
engaged together, have an overall thickness of less than 3/8 inch
thick, less than 1/4 inch thick, less than 3/16 inch thick, or even
less than 1/8 inch thick, may be used in at least some example
structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention.
[0090] The notched area 1220 may take on any desired shape without
departing from this invention. In this illustrated example, the
edge 1218a of the base component 1218 that provides the notched
area 1220 (or at least a portion of this edge 1218a) is smoothly
curved to form the notched area 1220. The corresponding edge of the
second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b is also curved
to correspond to the curve of edge 1218a. Thus, the rear panel of
the glove member 1202 is exposed within the notched area 1220 of
this example structure 1200. Other arrangements are possible. For
example, rather than a relatively smooth curve, the edge 1218a and
the notched area 1220 may be formed with more square corners and/or
in a more angular manner without departing from this aspect of the
invention.
[0091] In this example structure 1200, the top portion 1224a and
the bottom portion 1224b of the edge 1218a of the base component
1218 extend outward (toward the thumb-side of the glove 1200) to an
extent so as to fully underlie and engage the free edge 1214b of
the flap component 1214 while the free edge 1214b of the flap
component 1214 extends beyond the edge 1218a of the base component
1218 at the notched area 1220. This feature helps keep the flap
component 1214 secure on the base component 1218 (e.g., when the
gloved hand is placed in and/or removed from a pocket) because
there are no unsecured corners of the flap component 1214 that
might get grabbed inadvertently. Rather, the top and bottom corners
of the flap component 1214 are secured, and the notched area 1220
provides a central grasping area to better allow release of the
flap component 1214.
[0092] In order to better maintain the secure connection as
described above, in this illustrated glove structure 1200, the
first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216a covers at least
90% (and in some examples, at least 95% or even at least 98%) of a
major surface of the flap component 1214 to which it is secured.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, this first portion of
the hook-and-loop fastener 1216a may extend right up to and along
the free edge 1214b (and other edges thereof) of the flap component
1214. Similarly, the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener
1216b of this example 1200 covers at least 90% (and in some
examples, at least 95% or even at least 98%) of a major surface of
the base component 1218. Additionally or alternatively, if desired,
this second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b may extend
right up to and along the edge 1218a of the base component 1218
(and other edges thereof). In this illustrated example 1200, the
notched area 1220 is defined by an inward extension (e.g., an
inward curvature) of the edge 1218a of the base component 1218.
[0093] As further shown in FIG. 12A, a grasping element 1222 may be
provided on the flap component 1214, optionally over the notched
area 1220, to further enhance the improved grasping features of
this aspect of the invention. The grasping element 1222 may take on
any desired construction without departing from this invention,
including a raised rib (e.g., made of a rubber type material), a
plurality of raised ribs or other structures, one or more recessed
grooves, other recessed structures, etc. Additionally or
alternatively, one or more grasping elements may be provided on the
underside of the flap component 1214 near the notched area 1220, if
desired.
[0094] FIG. 12C shows a rear view of another example glove
structure 1250 in accordance with this aspect of the invention. The
glove structure 1250 shown in FIG. 12C is similar to that shown in
FIGS. 12A and 12B (and similar reference numbers are used for the
same or similar parts), but the flap 1214 does not include the logo
element 1212 and the optional grasping element 1222 is of a
somewhat different construction (small raised cylinders made of
rubber-type material). FIG. 12C further shows the base component
1218 (which is covered by the flap member 1214 in the view shown),
in broken lines, to better illustrate the location of the notched
area 1220 and the relative locations of the flap component 1214 and
the base component 1218 when the hook-and-loop fastener portions
1216a and 1216b are engaged.
[0095] FIG. 13 shows a rear view of another example glove structure
1300 in accordance with this aspect of the invention. The glove
structure 1300 shown in FIG. 13 is similar to those shown in FIGS.
12A through 12C (and similar reference numbers are used for the
same or similar parts), but the base component 1318 is somewhat
different in this glove structure 1300. More specifically, as
shown, the base component 1318 with which the second portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener 1216b is engaged has its outer edge 1318a
extending through the notched area 1220. Thus, in this example
structure, the notched area 1220 includes the base component 1318
but not the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b.
Also, while not a requirement, the base component 1318 is of
generally the same size and shape as the flap component 1214 (e.g.,
so that the flap component 1214 will substantially cover the base
component 1318 when engaged). This structure still creates the
notched area 1220 for grasping where the first portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener 1216a does not engage the second portion of
the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b (e.g., the second portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener 1216b has a notched edge 1216c while the
base component edge 1318c is not notched).
[0096] In this example structure 1300, the first portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener 1216a covers at least 90% (and in some
examples, at least 95% or even at least 98%) of a major surface of
the flap component 1214, and the second portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener 1216b covers less than 95% (and in some
examples, less than 90% or even less than 85%) of a major surface
of the base component 1318. Additionally or alternatively, the
first portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216a extends right to
and along the free edge 1214b of the flap component 1214 (as well
as to any of the other edges thereof), and the second portion of
the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b may extend right to a top portion
1324a of the edge 1318a of the base component 1318 and right to a
bottom portion 1324b of the edge 1318a of the base component 1318,
but the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b does not
extend to the edge 1318a of the base component 1318 for a portion
of the edge 1318a between the top portion 1324a and the bottom
portion 1324b to thereby define the notched area 1220. In this
illustrated example 1300, the notched area 1220 is defined by an
inward extension (e.g., an inward curvature) of the outer edge of
the second portion of the hook-and-loop fastener 1216b.
[0097] The notched area 1220 features of FIGS. 12A through 13 may
be applied to structures other than gloves without departing from
this invention. For example, this type of securing system could be
utilized with any type of closure element or securing system that
utilizes a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement. More specific
examples include: articles of clothing, articles of footwear,
sporting equipment, bags, containers, case, as replacements for
buttons or snaps, etc. Also, while the gloves depicted and
discussed are athletic gloves (and particularly golf gloves), and
the concepts disclosed with respect to various aspects of these
gloves may be applied to a wide range of athletic glove structures,
including, but not limited to: batting gloves, football gloves,
weightlifting gloves, and gloves for other sports. In addition, at
least some concepts and aspects of the present invention may be
applied to a wide range of non-athletic gloves, including gardening
gloves, yard work gloves, cleaning gloves, work gloves, and gloves
for other activities. Even further, the concepts disclosed herein
may be applied to other hand-receiving devices or structures, for
example, partial gloves, protective hand sheaths and/or manual and
remote controllers, hand-receiving devices for use in playing games
such as video games, etc. Accordingly, the present invention is not
limited to the precise embodiments disclosed herein, but also
applies to glove and hand-receiving devices generally.
III. Conclusion
[0098] The present invention is disclosed above and in the
accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments.
The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an
example of the various features and concepts related to the
invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in
the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and
modifications may be made to the embodiments described above
without departing from the scope of the present invention, as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *