This invention relates a product that cleans a golf clubface while rejuvenating the grips in a manner acceptable under the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Association (R&A) rules of golf, as well as a related method and product-by-process.
Golf club cleaners of various types are well-known. They include various brushes, bristles and other scrubbing devices using a soap and water solution. Although these devices remove the majority of the foreign debris, they do not restore the surface to a factory-like finish nor do they leave a protective surface to the face of the club. The surface of the face of a golf club is subjected to harsh elements contained in the soil and grass. Such elements contained in the soil and grass include the residue from the chemicals used to fertilize the fairways for a more appealing look. These elements attach to the surface of the club, causing distortion, which has been shown to cause increased sidespin while reducing the backspin desired by the golfer. Further, as grips dry out and loose their suppleness, the grip can slip or twist as contact with the ball is made, causing reduced backspin and often increased sidespin; with resulting hooking or slicing.
Various documents defining the general state of the art which are not of particular relevance to the novelty or inventiveness of the present invention, include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,472,851; 5,054,153; 5,195,743; 5,385,160; 5,404,610; 5,787,539; 6,430,770; 6,733,016; and 7,162,766.
It would be desirable to provide a formulation that will clean and restore the clubface making it resistant to the natural and foreign elements in the soil while rejuvenating the club grips to a new feel.
It is further desirable to develop a suitable method for the production of such a formulation.
Disclosed herein is a golf club cleaner, conditioner and protectant product, formulated to reduce sidespin in golfing while increasing the backspin, which can result in longer and straighter drives on the golf course. The club cleaner, conditioner and protectant comprises alpha-olefins, low-odor aromatic solvents; and at least one base oil selected from the base oil group consisting of Hydroisomerized high base oils and HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base oils; as well as other (optional) ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for producing this product and related product-by-process. The invention when sprayed on the clubface removes foreign materials and when wiped dry protects the face of the clubs from harsh stains, caused by soils, grass and chemicals related to fertilizers. In experimental testing, the invention increases drive distances by reducing sidespin and increasing backspin. The club is left with a factory-like finish making it easy to wipe clean of soiling. The invention when applied to the grips will restore the surface to the new feel.
The invention relates to the use of a cleaning product that will not only clean the clubface and grips but will restore and add a microscopic layer of protection imbedded into the crystalline surface of the face of the club while rejuvenating and restoring the surface of the grips. The product has utility with all types of clubs including synthetic and non-synthetic grips. The invention has been submitted to both the USGA and the R&A Golf Association under confidential terms, and it has been deemed that this product is “Permitted under the Rules of Golf,” “Allowable under the Rules of Golf,” and that it “Conforms to the Rules of Golf.” The invention further has demonstrated soil-repellency while offering the user ease of cleaning.
Primary Ingredients
The finished product (preferred embodiment of the invention) comprises:
Working in combination, the foregoing ingredients achieve the desired affect of cleaning of protecting the golf club face when applied thereto, and, when applied to the grips, restoring the grips to a “new” feel.
Other Ingredients
Each of the foregoing ingredients further improves the overall performance of the product for cleaning and protecting the clubface, and restoring the grips.
Preferred Blending Ratios
The preferred blending Ratios for each component are shown as below. It is important to maintain a blend of components that falls within the following percentages. Note that in the event one or more of the ingredients shown below is omitted from the golf club cleaner and protectant, the percentages by weight of the remaining ingredients are proportionately increased:
Alpha-Olefins: 5 to 30% by weight and preferably 7.0 to 25% by weight and more preferably 9.0 to 18% by weight. Most preferable is 13.5% by weight.
Low-Odor Aromatic Solvents: 2 to 25% by weight and preferably 4.5 to 18% by weight and more preferably 7 to 14% by weight. Most preferable is 9.4% by weight.
Hydroisomerized High-Base Oils or HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base Oils: 7 to 35% by weight and preferably 10 to 32% by weight and more preferably 15 to 30% by weight. Most preferable is 26.5% by weight.
Low-Flash Mineral Spirits: 15 to 60% by weight and preferably 20 to 55% by weight and more preferably 25 to 49% by weight. Most preferable is 40% by weight.
Synthetic Calcium Sulfonates: 0.05 to 1.25% by weight, preferably 0.20 to 0.97% by weight and more preferably 0.40 to 0.72% by weight. Most preferable is 0.625% by weight.
Methyl-Isobutyl Ketones: 3.0 to 25% by weight and preferably 5 to 20% by weight and more preferably 7 to 16% by weight. Most preferable is 10% by weight.
Solvent-Activated Fragrance: 0.001 to 0.005% by weight and preferably 0.0015 to 0.004% and more preferably 0.00175 to 0.003% by weight. Most preferable is 0.002% by weight.
Solvent-Activated Dyes: 0.002 to 0.005% by weight and preferably 0.0025 to 0.004% by weight and more preferably 0.027 to 0.035% by weight. Most preferable is 0.003% by weight.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (fluoroadditive): 0.012 to 0.097% by weight and preferably 0.022 to 0.0825% and more preferably 0.042 to 0.071% by weight. Most preferable is 0.0625% by weight.
Preferred Sequence of Blending Components
The initial blend (primary blend) will require the Poly Alpha Olefins, the Low Aromatic Solvent and the Base Oil being blended until the liquid is a consistent amalgamation without any appearance of separation. Blending is based on speed of the agitator and temperature will dictate the amount of time for the blend to complete. The blending time range may vary from 4 to 6 hours. The ideal temperature for each component is between 22 to 30 degrees centigrade for ideal blending. While this is blending, a secondary blend for the Methyl Isobutyl Ketones, Solvent-Activated Fragrance and Solvent-Activated Dyes is prepared in a much smaller high speed enclosed blender, and then added to the main blend.
The mineral spirits will be blended with the Synthetic Calcium Sulfonates in an approximate 70/30 ratio in the initial stage of the blend to produce a tertiary blend. (The mineral spirits used will be from the preferred percentage set forth earlier.) This tertiary blend, or the mineral spirits alone absent the synthetic calcium sulfonates, together with the balance of the ingredients, can be then added to the primary blend and the agitator is run until the components appear to have thoroughly blended into a consistent liquid.
Preferred Blend Equipment
The Process sequence involves a series of blending and holding tanks where the product can be weighed and then pumped through control valves to maintain consistent flow and pressure. The blending should be performed in an enclosed tank to reduce product evaporation (loss) and prevent exposure to open spark. Blending equipment can be by a combination of high or low speed blending apparatus. Size or volume of tank is not critical to the blend.
Universal Use of Invention
The product has been submitted to the USGA and the Royal and the R&A Golf Association for evaluation under confidential terms, to determine its allowance according to the rules of Golf when applied according to specific directions of use. Both the USGA and R&A Golf Association have determined the product is “Permitted Under the Rules of Golf” and “Allowable under the Rules of Golf,” (USGA Decision 2007-46) and “Conforms to the Rules of Golf,” (R&A Decision Reference #ES2007-0841). The invention when applied to the clubface has demonstrated soil repellency, weather/water resistance and ease of cleaning.
Experimental Testing Procedures
As the product is unique to the field of golf, there are limited methods to experimentally test the effect of the product on the club other than actual testing on the golf course or the driving range. Samples of the product have been put to test with remarkable results demonstrating consistently-increased distances brought about by reduced sidespin and increased backspin.
Experimental Test Results
As there are no known ASTM-D test protocols to measure results, the inventor has had to rely on actual results of golfing and driving balls on the range. Along with the decision by the USGA and the R&A Golf Association, the results have demonstrated a positive impact the product can and will have on lowering golf scores.
This experimental testing has demonstrated the ability of the invention to dramatically reduce negative sidespin that is currently being experienced by the majority of golfers today.
While only certain preferred features of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
This application is a 371 of PCT/US2008/050951 filed Jan. 13, 2008, which is a CIP of PCT/US2007/088252 filed Dec. 19, 2007, which is a CIP of Ser. No. 11/290,596 filed Dec. 1, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,745,382, which claims benefit of 60/644,494, filed Jan. 18, 2005.
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PCT/US2008/050951 | 1/13/2008 | WO | 00 | 6/16/2010 |
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WO2009/079020 | 6/25/2009 | WO | A |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/US2007/088252 | Dec 2007 | US |
Child | 12808495 | US | |
Parent | 11290596 | Dec 2005 | US |
Child | PCT/US2007/088252 | US |