Patent Application
20160082326
The present invention relates to golf clubs, and, more particularly, to a multifunctional headcover for a golf club.
Golf club headcovers are a popular way to protect and store golf clubs. Covers keep dirt and grime off of clubs, and prevent scratching and marring of the surfaces. There are loose-fitting, sock-type covers as well as fitted covers made from stiff materials that define a three-dimensional shape to enclose a golf club head. Some golfers experience annoyance with their covers. For instance, some sock-type covers offer only limited protection from impact. Such covers tend to impart a skimpy and cheap appearance. They are also unable to maintain their form upon removal from a club head and are therefore less appealing than a fitted headcover. Some fitted covers are difficult to put on and take off, particularly when made with stiffer materials such as neoprene, leather, vinyl, and the like. A rigid material resists the folding and deformation necessary for the large head of a driver-type club to be removed.
The present invention provides a multifunctional headcover for a golf club head. More specifically, in addition to serving as a protective cover for a golf club head, the headcover is further configured to provide a standing means for the golf club. More specifically, the headcover is shaped and designed so as to be placed on a ground surface (e.g., grass playing surface on course, display floor of a retail store), or any relatively level surface, and provide the golf club in an upright position when the club head is inserted and positioned within the headcover. Accordingly, the design of the golf club headcover is unique in that it serves as a means of protecting a club head while also providing a stand for the golf club.
Additionally, or alternatively, the headcover of the present invention may serve as a medium for communication through the inclusion of information such as printing, indicia, markings or colorings, etc, on one or more portions of the headcover. For example, different portions of the headcover may include indicia for providing informative data for use in an activity, such as a game. In some embodiments, the headcover may be formed from six panels (e.g., side panels, top panel, and bottom panel) so as to have a cube shape and resemble a six-sided die, wherein each of the panels includes an associated pip symbol (or other symbol indicating rank) of a standard six-sided die. Accordingly, when not in use (e.g., when the headcover is not positioned over a golf club head), the headcover may be used as a die in a game incorporating the use of one or more dice. Accordingly, a headcover consistent with the present disclosure provides a golfer with a means to play a game of dice while waiting to hit their ball at the tee box or at any moment so as to pass the time.
In some embodiments, a headcover consistent with the present disclosure may include an energy collection device, energy storage device, or both. For example, a portion of the headcover may include an energy collection device for converting energy, such as mechanical energy (e.g., movement) or light (e.g., sunlight) into usable electricity. In one embodiment, the headcover may include a photovoltaic cell configured to harvest the sunlight's energy. This way, one or a number of different golfers can utilize the electricity to charge their devices (e.g., smartphones or other personal electronic devices) using the headcover while out on the golf course.
Accordingly, the headcover of the present disclosure serves multiple functions and may further improve a golfer's overall playing experience. In particular, the headcover serves first and foremost as a means of protecting any given club head from dirt and grime and further prevents scratching and marring of the surfaces. In addition, the headcover may be used as a stand to provide the golf club in an upright position (club head adjacent ground surface and grip off of ground surface), thereby preventing the need for a golfer to bend down to pick up their club, which may be difficult for some because of medical conditions, such as, but not limited to, back troubles. Additionally, by providing a standing means, the headcover may prevent a golfer from simply placing a golf club on the ground, which could result in the golf club coming into contact with dirt, wet grass, or other environmental conditions that could contribute to deterioration of one or more components of the golf club. A golfer may also use the headcover for playing games or for possibly charging their personal electronic devices.
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a headcover for a golf club. The headcover includes a head region for enclosing a golf club head within. The head region includes first and second sets of opposing side panels and a top panel and an opposing bottom panel materially coupled to each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels, thereby forming an interior cavity configured to receive a golf club head within. The headcover further includes a sleeve member having a first and second open ends in fluid communication with one another. The first open end is materially coupled to the bottom panel of the head region and in fluid communication with the interior cavity and the second open end configured to receive a golf club head-first. The interior cavity is configured to receive and enclose the golf club head within upon passage of the golf club head through the sleeve member. The head region is configured to provide the golf club in an upright position while the golf club head is positioned within the interior cavity. More specifically, the top panel is configured to rest on a surface and the head region is configured to provide sufficient stability so as to maintain the golf club in an upright position while the top panel is resting on the surface.
In some embodiments, the first and second sets of opposing side panels are formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels, top panel, and bottom panel are approximately the same shape and size. For example, each of the first and second sets of side panels, top panel, and bottom panel may be a polygonal shape selected from the group consisting of a square and a rectangle.
In some embodiments, the head region resembles a cube shape. In some embodiments, the first and second sets of side panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel have symmetrical width and length relative to one another. Since the panels are symmetrical, there is relatively little waste of material due in part to the fact that all cutting lines are relatively straight, which ultimately saves material and time because there is no need for rounded cutting, which generally requires additional time and precision and increases material waste. In some embodiments, the sleeve member may include an elastic material. In some embodiments, each of the first and second sets of opposing panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel includes a non-elastic material.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second sets of opposing panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel has indicia for providing informative data for use in an activity. The head region may resemble a six-sided die, such that each of the panels comprises an associated pip symbol of a standard six-sided die.
In some embodiments, the headcover may include an energy collection device configured to convert energy into electricity. For example, the energy collection device may include a photovoltaic cell.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a headcover for a golf club. The headcover includes a head region including first and second sets of opposing side panels formed from a single piece of material and a top panel and an opposing bottom panel materially coupled to each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels, thereby forming an interior cavity configured to receive a golf club head within. The headcover further includes a sleeve member having a first open end materially coupled to the bottom panel of the head region and in fluid communication with the interior cavity and a second open end in fluid communication with the first open end and the interior cavity of the head region. The second open end is configured to receive a golf club head-first and cover at least a portion of a shaft of a golf club. The interior cavity of the head region is configured to receive and enclose the golf club head within upon passage of the golf club head through the sleeve member. The first and second sets of opposing side panels, and top panel, and the bottom panel crown panel are approximately the same shape and size, such that head region comprises a cube shape.
In some embodiments, the first set of side panels are symmetrically opposed in shape, size, and disposition, the second set of side panels are symmetrically opposed in shape, size, and disposition, and the top and bottom panels are symmetrically opposed in shape, size, and disposition.
In some embodiments, the first and second sets of opposing side panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel have relatively symmetrical width and length. For example, in some embodiments, each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels, top panel, and bottom panel is a polygonal shape selected from the group consisting of a square and a rectangle.
According to another aspect, the present invention provides a headcover for a golf club. The headcover includes a head region configured to receive a golf club head within. The head region includes first and second sets of opposing side panels formed from a single piece of material and a top panel and an opposing bottom panel materially coupled to each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels and forming a generally cube-shaped head region having an interior cavity configured to receive a golf club head within. The headcover further includes a sleeve member having a first open end materially coupled to the bottom panel of the head region and in fluid communication with the interior cavity and a second open end in fluid communication with the first open end and the interior cavity of the head region. The interior cavity configured to receive a golf club head within upon passage of the golf club head through the sleeve member.
At least one of the first and second sets of opposing panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel has indicia for providing informative data for use in an activity. In some embodiments, the activity includes a game incorporating the use of one or more dice. For example, the head region may resemble a six-sided die, such that each of the panels comprises an associated pip symbol of a standard six-sided die.
By way of overview, the present invention is generally directed to a multifunctional headcover for golf clubs. More specifically, the headcover is configured to act as a protective cover for a golf club head. The headcover is further configured to provide a standing means for the golf club. More specifically, the headcover is shaped and designed so as to be placed on a ground surface (e.g., grass playing surface on course, display floor of a retail store), or any relatively level surface, and provide the golf club in an upright position when the club head is inserted and positioned within the headcover. Accordingly, the design of the golf club headcover is unique in that it serves as a means of protecting a club head while also providing a stand for the golf club.
Additionally, or alternatively, the headcover of the present invention may serve as a medium for communication through the inclusion of information such as printing, indicia, markings or colorings, etc, on one or more portions of the headcover. For example, different portions of the headcover may include indicia for providing informative data for use in an activity, such as a game. In some embodiments, the headcover may be formed from six panels (e.g., side panels, top panel, and bottom panel) so as to have a cube shape and resemble a six-sided die, wherein each of the panels includes an associated pip symbol (or other symbol indicating rank) of a standard six-sided die. Accordingly, when not in use (e.g., when the headcover is not positioned over a golf club head), the headcover may be used as a die in a game incorporating the use of one or more dice. Accordingly, a headcover consistent with the present disclosure provides a golfer with a means to play a game of dice while waiting to hit their ball at the tee box or at any moment so as to pass the time.
In some embodiments, a headcover consistent with the present disclosure may include an energy collection device, energy storage device, or both. For example, a portion of the headcover may include an energy collection device for converting energy, such as mechanical energy (e.g., movement) or light (e.g., sunlight) into usable electricity. In one embodiment, the headcover may include a photovoltaic cell configured to harvest the sunlight's energy. This way, one or a number of different golfers can utilize the electricity to charge their devices (e.g., smartphones or other personal electronic devices) using the headcover while out on the golf course.
Accordingly, the headcover of the present disclosure serves multiple functions and may further improve a golfer's overall playing experience. In particular, the headcover serves first and foremost as a means of protecting any given club head from dirt and grime and further prevents scratching and marring of the surfaces. In addition, the headcover may be used as a stand to provide the golf club in an upright position (club head adjacent ground surface and grip off of ground surface), thereby preventing the need for a golfer to bend down to pick up their club, which may be difficult for some because of medical conditions, such as, but not limited to, back troubles. Additionally, by providing a standing means, the headcover may prevent a golfer from simply placing a golf club on the ground, which could result in the golf club coming into contact with dirt, wet grass, or other environmental conditions that could contribute to deterioration of one or more components of the golf club. A golfer may also use the headcover for playing games or for possibly charging their personal electronic devices.
According to one aspect, the present invention provides a headcover for a golf club. The headcover includes a head region for enclosing a golf club head within. The head region includes first and second sets of opposing side panels and a top panel and an opposing bottom panel materially coupled to each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels, thereby forming an interior cavity configured to receive a golf club head within. The headcover further includes a sleeve member having a first and second open ends in fluid communication with one another. The first open end is materially coupled to the bottom panel of the head region and in fluid communication with the interior cavity and the second open end configured to receive a golf club head-first. The interior cavity is configured to receive and enclose the golf club head within upon passage of the golf club head through the sleeve member. The head region is configured to provide the golf club in an upright position while the golf club head is positioned within the interior cavity. More specifically, the top panel is configured to rest on a surface and the head region is configured to provide sufficient stability so as to maintain the golf club in an upright position while the top panel is resting on the surface.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second sets of opposing panels, the top panel, and the bottom panel has indicia for providing informative data for use in a activity. The head region may resemble a six-sided die, such that each of the panels comprises an associated pip symbol of a standard six-sided die.
In some embodiments, the headcover may include an energy collection device configured to convert energy into electricity. For example, the energy collection device may include a photovoltaic cell.
Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values, and percentages, such as those for amounts of materials, moments of inertia, center of gravity locations, and others in the following portion of the specification, may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following description and claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in any specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.
Referring to the figures and following description, golf clubs and golf club heads in accordance with the present invention are described. The golf club and club head structures described herein may be described in terms of wood-type golf clubs. However, the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiments disclosed herein but applies to golf clubs generally, including hybrid clubs, iron-type golf clubs, utility-type golf clubs, and the like.
Examples of golf club and golf club head structures in accordance with this invention may relate to “wood-type” golf clubs and hollow golf club heads, e.g., clubs and club heads typically used for drivers and fairway woods, as well as for “wood-type” utility or hybrid clubs, or the like. Although these club head structures may have little or no actual “wood” material, they still may be referred to conventionally in the art as “woods” (e.g., “metal woods,” “fairway woods,” etc.).
In the illustrated embodiments, the head region 102 generally includes a first set of opposing side panels 104a, 104b, a second set of opposing side panels 106a, 106b, and a top panel 108 and opposing bottom panel 110 materially coupled to each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels 104, 106. In some embodiments, at least some of the panels may be part of a single material (shown in
Once coupled to one another, the first and second sets of opposing side panels 104, 106, the top panel 108, and bottom panel 110 form an interior cavity within configured to receive a golf club head within. In certain embodiments, head region 102 is made large enough to enclose a driver with a head having at least a 460 cm3 volume. It should be noted, however, that the head region 102 can also be made smaller, for example, to cover a hybrid or a wedge or a putter.
The bottom panel 110 includes and opening 111 to which the sleeve member 112 can be attached. In particular, the sleeve member 112 includes a first open end 114 and a second open end 116 in fluid communication with one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first open end 114 is materially coupled to the bottom panel 110 at the opening 111, such that the first open end 114 of the sleeve member 112 is in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the head region 102. The second open end 116 is configured to receive a golf club head-first, such that, upon passing the club head past the second open end 116, through the sleeve member 112, and past the first open end 114, the interior cavity is configured to receive and enclose the golf club head within.
As generally understood, the sleeve member 112 may include an expansible material configured to facilitate sliding of the headcover 100 over a maximum girth of a club head. In some embodiments, the sleeve member 112 may include, for example, a generally cylindrical tube including expansible material. In some embodiments all or part of the sleeve member 112 may include an elastic material in a gusset form, including accordion folds. A gusset, generally, includes a zigzag, or accordion, folding area and defines a first area at rest, and can be expanded to define a larger area or compressed to define a smaller area.
The head region 102, specifically the first and second sets of side panels 104, 106, the top panel 108, and the bottom panel 110, may include any type of durable material configured to reasonably withstand environmental factors (e.g., heat, cold, wind, rain, sunlight, dirt, etc.) so as to provide protection to a golf club head within. Durable materials may include, for example, molded polymers, plastics, neoprene, mesh, leather, vinyl, fabric, reinforced fabric, or any combination thereof. Optionally, a knit or ribbed elastic material may be used for the sleeve member 112 portion, such as from neoprene, elasticized fabric, a ribbed and elasticized fabric, and/or similar expansible material.
In some embodiments, a headcover according to the invention is made with recycled material, thereby increasing an appeal to the environmentally minded consumer while also offering the manufacturer a sustainable product to make and sell, allowing the manufacturer to provide products for longer into the future. Material for a cover can be renewable or organic, such as hemp fiber. Hemp fiber and similar materials are durable, light, and popular, offering a cover that is light and durable with sales appeal.
Materials used may provide protection to the club head while enabling secure engagement of the headcover with the club head and a portion of the shaft. In some embodiments, a corrugated material is used to increase resiliency or decrease material. Exemplary corrugated materials include cardboards, fiberboards, plastics (e.g., Coroplast, IntePro, Correx, Twinplast, Corriflute, or Corflute), and stiff fabrics and can include any of A-Flute through F-Flute construction. In some embodiments, a plastic material is included having an SPI resin identification code of 5 or lower, or 4 or lower.
It should be noted that one or more portions of the headcover may include particular designs or graphics. For example, one or more of the panels may include a particular design, expression, logo, or the like, tied to a specific brand or manufacturer. Additionally, or alternatively, portions of the headcover may include a specific material for presenting a design or graphic. For example, in one embodiment, an electroluminescent material or coating may be applied to the headcover in a specific pattern such that, upon application of an electrical current to the material or coating, light is emitted from the material or coating in the desired pattern. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the headcover may include electronic circuity configured to provide an electrical current to one or more portions of the headcover including the electroluminescent coating. The electronic circuity may include, for example, an energy storage device (e.g., battery) and driver circuitry configured to apply an electrical signal from the energy storage device to the electroluminescent material. In one embodiment, the electroluminescent material may include LUMILOR, offered by Darkside Scientific (Medina, Ohio).
In some embodiments, some of the panels may be formed from a single piece of material. For example,
In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second sets of opposing side panels 104, 106, top panel 108, and bottom panel 112 are approximately the same shape and size. For example, each of the panels could be a polygonal shape selected from the group consisting of a square and a rectangle. Accordingly, once fully assembly, the head region 102 may resemble a cube shape. In some embodiments, each of the panels has symmetrical width and length relative to one another. Since the panels are symmetrical, there is relatively little waste of material due in part to the fact that all cutting lines are relatively straight, which ultimately saves material and time because there is no need for rounded cutting, which generally requires additional time and precision and increases material waste.
In the illustrated embodiment, at least some of the panels may serve as a medium for communication through the inclusion of information such as printing, indicia, markings or colorings, etc, on one or more portions of the headcover 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the panels includes indicia for providing informative data for use in an activity, such as a game. As shown, the head region 102 is generally formed from six panels (e.g., four opposing side panels 104a, 104b, 106a, 106b, and top and bottom panels 108, 110). Accordingly, the head region 102, once assembled, has a cube shape and resembles a six-sided die, wherein each of the panels includes an associated pip symbol (or other symbol indicating rank) 120 of a standard six-sided die. Accordingly, when not in use (e.g., when the headcover is not positioned over a golf club head), the headcover 100 may be used as a die in a game incorporating the use of one or more dice. Accordingly, a headcover consistent with the present disclosure provides a golfer with a means to play a game of dice while waiting to hit their ball at the tee box or at any moment so as to pass the time.
In addition to providing protection to the club head 202 and portion of the shaft 204, the headcover 100 of the present invention is configured to provide a standing means for the golf club 200. For example,
It should be noted that in some embodiments, the golf club head need not pass through the sleeve member 112 at all in order to be received within the interior cavity of the head region 112 and thus be used as standing means for the club 200. For example, as shown in
In addition to holding golf club heads, the headcover 100 of the present invention may be used to hold other objects. For example,
In some embodiments, a headcover consistent with the present disclosure may be configured to collect, store, and/or deliver energy. For example,
The headcover 100 may further include a means of storing (e.g., battery) or delivering the converted energy to one or more electronic devices. This way, one or a number of different golfers can utilize the electricity to charge their devices (e.g., smartphones or other personal electronic devices) using the headcover while out on the golf course. Different embodiments and methods for harvesting and delivering energy are discussed in GOLF BAG, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/256,423 to Peter L. Soracco, et al., filed Apr. 18, 2014, the content of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Accordingly, the headcover of the present disclosure serves multiple functions and may further improve a golfer's overall playing experience. In particular, the headcover serves first and foremost as a means of protecting any given club head from dirt and grime and further prevents scratching and marring of the surfaces. In addition, the headcover may be used as a stand to provide the golf club in an upright position (club head adjacent ground surface and grip off of ground surface), thereby preventing the need for a golfer to bend down to pick up their club, which may be difficult for some because of medical conditions, such as, but not limited to, back troubles. Additionally, by providing a standing means, the headcover may prevent a golfer from simply placing a golf club on the ground, which could result in the golf club coming into contact with dirt, wet grass, or other environmental conditions that could contribute to deterioration of one or more components of the golf club. A golfer may also use the headcover for playing games or for possibly charging their personal electronic devices.
While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is/are used.
Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.
All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.
The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”
The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.
References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.
Various modifications of the invention and many further embodiments thereof, in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the full contents of this document, including references to the scientific and patent literature cited herein. The subject matter herein contains important information, exemplification and guidance that can be adapted to the practice of this invention in its various embodiments and equivalents thereof.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/502,970, filed Sep. 22, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 29502970 | Sep 2014 | US |
| Child | 14598745 | US |
