Weight holding device attachable to golf club head

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6652387
  • Patent Number
    6,652,387
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, November 21, 2001
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, November 25, 2003
    20 years ago
Abstract
A weighting device for use on a golf club head as during swinging of the club, comprising in combination, a receptacle having an opening via which the club head is received into the receptacle, a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in fitting relation to the club head, and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the club head weight, for use as in club head swinging. Various other forms of the receptacle and retainer are provided.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates generally to swinging of golf clubs, as for example irons; and more particularly concerns removably adding weight to a golf club, such as at a selectable location or locations proximate the head.




When golfers warm-up, or train, they commonly use two clubs, such as irons, and swing them in unison a few times to loosen muscles. Holding and swinging two clubs is awkward, uncomfortable, and does not achieve the right feel, needed as by gripping and swinging only one club; but one club does not achieve additional weight as can be provided by two clubs. There is need to overcome this dilemma, in a simple, effective and efficient manner, as is now provided by the present invention.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




It is a major object of the invention to provide a simple and effective weighting device or devices meeting the above need, for golf clubs. Basically, the device comprises:




a) a receptacle having an opening via which the club head is received into the receptacle,




b) a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in generally fitting relation to the club head,




c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the club head, for use as in club swinging,




d) said receptacle having a front portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a back portion, and a top portion; and said weighting structure located proximate at least one of said portions.




The invention is applicable, for example, to devices which comprises:




x) a receptacle having an opening via which the club head is received into the receptacle,




y) a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in fitting relation to the club head,




z) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the head weight, for use as in club swinging.




As will be seen, the retainer preferably comprises a flap or strap carried to extend at least part way about the receptacle, when closed on a golf club head, and hook and pile fastening material such as VELCRO may be provided to adhere the flap or strap in fastening position.




Another object includes provision of a receptacle having at least two of the following:




i) a wall portion to extend adjacent the front face of the club head




ii) a wall portion to extend adjacent the rear side of the club head




iii) a wall portion to extend adjacent the bottom surface of the club head




iv) a wall portion to extend adjacent the toe of the club head




v) a wall portion to extend adjacent the heel of the club head




vi) a wall portion to extend adjacent the top edge of the club head; and the weighting structure is located at or proximate at least one of such wall portions.




Further, the weighting structure is typically located proximate one of the following:




vii) at least one of the wall portions,




viii)at least two of the wall portions,




ix) at least three of the wall portions,




x) at least four of said wall portions.




In addition, the weighting structure typically includes metallic material, solid or flowable; it is typically concealed by the receptacle; and it may include separate localized metallic portions. It may be sewn or otherwise held in a pocket or pockets provided by the receptacle, and at opposite sides of a club head retained in the receptacle.




Yet another object includes location of the weighting material in a pocket provided by the receptacle, the pocket sized to enable adjustment of the position of the material, relative to the pocket; and in this regard the pocket or pockets may enable selective use of the material in one or more pockets, for adjustable weighting, as to positioning, or as to selected weighting; or both. The receptacle may be sized to fit different or all sizes of heads.




A further object is to provide a receptacle as for reception of any golf club iron head, or wedge head, or other head; and for use of the receptacle on a head as a swing trainer, or to cure a slice or hook; or to help “release” of the club during warm-up; or to increase golfer muscle strengths or flexibility and/or to improve tempo, and/or swing speed, and/or wrist action.




Additional objects include:




1) Structure to removably carry weighting in close association to a golf club head;




2) Structure as in 1) above, which is connectible to a golf club bag;




3) Structure as in 2) above, including one of the following:




a) a flap foldable for attachment to a loop on a golf bag;




b) a fastener, having parts on the flap and on the bag or handle;




4) Structure as in 1) above wherein the flap is folded over a golf club head near the hosel, but to leave the club hosel exposed; 5) Structure as in 1) above, including a sealed or sealable enclosure or enclosures for at least one weight;




6) Structure as in 5) above including multiple of such weight enclosures located in side-by-side sequence, allowing weight relative close fitting movement when retained adjacent at a golf club head.




7) Structure as in 1) above including a club head receptacle, which is weighted, and which has a moisture proof wall or walls;




8) Structure as in 3) above in which the moisture-proof wall or walls substantially enclose a golf club head;




9) Structure as in 1) above which defines a receptacle having an expansible toe portion, to receive and fit club heads of differing sizes;




10) Structure as in 1) above including a flap that has a length to wrap over and conform to golf club heads of differing sizes including irons, putters, etc.;




11) Structure as in 1) above including a club head receptacle having an upper entrance or opening to receive the head, the receptacle having an upper flap portion that folds over the opening, with reinforcement material on an upper part of the receptacle or flap allowing unreinforced portions of the receptacle or flap to be highly flexible to conform to club head curvature;




12) The structure of 11) above wherein the reinforcement material comprises binding;




13) The structure of 1) above defining an opening to receive entrance of a golf club head into a receptacle having an upper reinforced fold proximate the club hosel;




14) The structure of 1) above that includes two like flaps that fold upwardly at front and rear sides of a club head, the metallic weighting carried at inner sides of the two flaps;




15) The structure as in 14) above in which the flaps are joined at a seamless location proximate the bottom of the club head, and are joined with reinforcement proximate the top of the club head.




16) The structure as in 15) above in which the weighting includes multiple weights encapsulated in pockets at the inner sides of said flaps.




17) The structure as in 1) above wherein such structure extends at opposite sides of a club head, and there being a first indicator color on said structure at one side of the head, and a second indicator color on said structure at the opposite side of the head.




18) The structure as in 1) above that defines a wrap to wrap closely around a club head, and a retainer to hold the wrap closed about the head.




19) The structure as in 18) above wherein the retainer includes VELCRO material;




20) The structure as in 1) above that includes a sheath that extends onto the club shaft, and the weighting is carried on said sheath. The sheath may be wrap connected to the shaft.




21) The structure as in 20) above wherein a sheath lower portion encompasses the club head, and a part of the weighting is on the sheath lower portion.




These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as well as the details of illustrative embodiments, will be more fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in which:











DRAWING DESCRIPTION





FIG. 1

is a side elevation showing a head receptacle enveloping a golf club head, with a retainer wrapped over a side of the receptacle near the club hosel;





FIG. 2

is a toe end elevation taken on lines


2





2


of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 3

is a heel end elevation taken on lines


3





3


of

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 4

is a rear side elevation taken on lines


4





4


of

FIG. 2

;





FIG. 5

is a bottom plan view taken on lines


5





5


of

FIG. 4

;





FIG. 6

is a view like

FIG. 1

, but showing the retainer in unwrapped, open position;





FIG. 7

is a fragmentary elevation showing a weight structure carried by a club head receptacle, near the toe end of the receptacle and club head;





FIG. 8

is a fragmentary elevation showing a weight structure carried by a club head receptacle, near the top of the receptacle and club head;





FIG. 9

is a side elevation showing removability of a weight structure, from a club head and/or adjustability of the weight structure;





FIG. 10

is a side elevation showing weight structures carried by a club head receptacle, adjacent the head hosel;





FIG. 11

is a side elevation showing a weight structure carried by a club head receptacle adjacent the heel of the receptacle and club head;





FIG. 12

is a side elevation showing cooperating weight structure on a carrier to be attached to a golf club head as by folding straps;





FIGS. 13-15

show modifications;





FIG. 16

is a diagram showing elements of a weighting device for use on a golf club;





FIG. 17

is an elevation showing a club weighting device connected to a golf bag;





FIG. 18



a


is an elevation showing attachment of a weighting device flap to a golf bag;





FIG. 18



b


is an elevation showing fastener connection of a weighting device to a golf bag;





FIG. 18



c


is a modification;





FIG. 19

is an elevation showing a flap on a weighting device proximate a golf club hosel;





FIG. 20

is a cross section showing sealed weight enclosures for a weighting device;





FIG. 21

is an elevation showing multiple sealed enclosures for weights;





FIG. 22

is a section showing a weight carrier having a moisture proof enclosure for a club head;





FIG. 22



a


show similar expansible weight sock structure;





FIG. 23

is an elevation also showing an expansible sock or receptacle for a club head;





FIG. 24

is an elevation showing a flap on a receptacle that allows fitting to heads of different sizes;





FIG. 25

is a section showing a weight carrying receptacle having a reinforced top opening;





FIG. 26

is a fragmentary section showing reinforcement in the form of binding material;





FIG. 27

shows a receptacle having a rear reinforcement;





FIG. 28

shows a receptacle opened up with two like halves that carry weights;





FIG. 29

is a section showing seamless connection of two like halves of a receptacle;





FIG. 30

is a section showing flap pocket encapsulation of a weight;





FIG. 31

is an elevation showing indicator coloring at one side of a weight receptacle;





FIG. 32

is an elevation showing alternate indicator coloring at the opposite sides of a weight receptacle;





FIG. 33

is an elevation showing wrapping of a weight carrier about a club head;





FIG. 34

is a section showing wrapping of a weight carrier about a club head, and employing VELCRO;





FIG. 35

is an elevation showing a weight carrying sheath that extends onto a club shaft; and





FIG. 36

is like

FIG. 35

, but showing a wrapped sheath.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION




Referring to

FIGS. 1-6

, a weight holder device is shown at


10


, for use on a golf club


100


as during warm-up swinging of the club. The club may for example be an iron or a putter. It includes a receptacle


11


having an opening


12


via which, or through which, a golf club head


13


is received. The receptacle has a front side


11




a,


a rear side


11




b,


a toe end


11




c,


a heel at


11




d,


a top


11




e,


and a bottom


11




f.


In this example, and referring to

FIG. 1

, the opening


12


extends in the top lie, and in the upper extent of the receptacle, and may have a long dimension indicated at


14


. That dimension is typically greater than the maximum height dimension


15


of the head, to allow entry of the head, endwise, through the opening, and into the receptacle, as well as removal from the receptacle. The receptacle typically consists of flexible fabric or material which is tough and durable, as for example synthetic resinous (plastic) material.




The receptacle preferably has wall portions, and typically at least two of the following:




i) a front side or first inner wall portion


16


to extend adjacent, or proximate the face of the golf club head;




ii) a rear side or second inner wall portion


17


to extend adjacent or proximate the club head rear side;




iii) a lower or third wall portion


18


to extend adjacent the elongated bottom surface of the club head;




iv) a forward or fourth wall portion


19


extend forwardly of or adjacent the toe of the club head;




v) a rearward of fifth wall portion


20


to extend adjacent or proximate the heel of the club head;




vi) a top or sixth wall portion


21


to extend adjacent or proximate the top edge of the club head.




The receptacle further defines an interior slot


22


receiving the club head, as for example an iron.




As will be seen, a retainer is carried on the receptacle to be extended and fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in close fitting relation to the club head.




In the example, a retainer in the form of a flap


25


is shown in open, raised position in

FIG. 6

; and in closed, lowered position in FIG.


1


. The flap is or may be integral with the rear side wall portion


17


of the receptacle, and has forward and rearward angled edges


25




a


and


25




b,


and an outer or upper edges (in

FIG. 6

)


25




c.


When folded downwardly at fold zone


25




d,


rearward edge


25




b,


folds over the hosel upper surface zone


10




a


of a received club head (iron), and then downwardly adjacent the front surface


16




a,


of the receptacle front side


11




a,


as indicated in FIG.


1


and FIG.


2


. The flap inner surface


25




f


may be retained to front surface


16




a,


as by hook and pile attachment, enabling easy opening and closing of the flap, and its adjustable closing of the opening at


14


, as well as tightening to closely fit the receptacle to the club head, while at the same time providing very firm attachment of the device to a club head, preventing loosening and/or detachment, as during club swinging. The flap fits closely over the top of the head, near the hosel, i.e. at an elevation lower than maximum head height, to retain the receptacle to the head.




Hook and pile structure typically but not necessarily extends over a major extent of the receptacle front side


11




a,


so that the flap can be adjustably attached in selected positions (tightened or loosened), considering the different sizes of different iron heads and hosels to be protectively confined. Therefore, versatility of the device is enhanced. The majority of opening


14


is covered by the flap in FIG.


1


.




Further in accordance with the invention, weighting structure carried by the receptacles to add substantive weight to the head weight, for use in said swinging.




The weighting structure is so carried that it is located at or proximate one of the following:




vii) at least one of said wall portion;




viii) at least two of said wall portions




ix) at least three of said wall portions




x) at least four of said wall portions




xi) one or both sides of the head.




In

FIGS. 1-6

, the weighting structure includes two metallic (steel for example) weights


35


and


36


located in pockets


35




a


and


36




a


at opposite sides of the club head


10




b.


Such pockets may be formed by receptacle material in the inner sides of the front and rear wall portions


16


and


17


, to position weight


36


in registration with the club head “sweet spot” (central portion of the club face); and to position weight


35


at the opposite side of the head, in sidewise general registration with weight


36


. The thickness of each weight is typically less than its length and less than its width, as shown. The pockets may be closed to hold the weights in positions, as described; however,

FIG. 9

shows a modified pocket


40


that is open ended at


40




a,


allowing adjustment of the weight position, in directions


41


and


42


. The weight


43


may be suitably retained in an adjusted position as by a holder strap


44


attached to the weight, and selectively attached to receptacle wall fabric, as by hook and pile elements, or other structure.

FIG. 13

shows two external pockets


48


and


49


on a side


51


of the receptacle fabric, for selective reception of one or both weights


52


and


52


′. Pockets covers


48




a


and


49




a


may be closed, and held in position by hook and pile elements, or snaps


53


, as shown.




Weight material may alternatively consist of metallic granules, or pebbles.





FIG. 7

shows alternative positioning of a weight


60


proximate the toe


61


of the receptacle


62


, and proximate the toe


63


of the received club head. Weight


60


is carried in a pocket on the receptacle


62


.

FIG. 8

shows alternative positioning of a weight


65


proximate the upper edge


66


of the receptacle


64


, and proximate the upper edge


67


of the received club head


72


. A suitable pocket for weight


70


may be provided as in,

FIG. 11

showing alternative positioning of a weight


70


proximate the heel


71


of the receptacle, and proximate the heel of a received club head. A suitable pocket for weight


70


may be provided.





FIG. 10

shows downward reception of a club head


80


into a receptacle


81


, via an elongated top edge slot at


82


, defined by the receptacle. Flap


83


carried by the receptacle folds downwardly over the slot, and attaches to the front side


81




a


of the receptacle, as by hook and pile material, or other attachment. Two weights


84


and


85


are carried by the receptacle, adjacent the hosel of the club head, as in suitable pockets. Weights


84


and


85


may be located at opposite sides of the hosel, and interconnected.





FIG. 12

shows weight holders


90


carried by a bracket


91


that fits over a club head


96


. Strap or straps


92


have ends


92




a


attached to one side


91




a


of the bracket, and fold over the open side of the bracket to attach to the opposite side


91




b


of the bracket. Retained weights appear at


95


.




Finally, the weights


35


and


36


may be joined together, as by a bend that extends at the exterior of the club head.




Referring to

FIG. 14

, it is a view like

FIG. 1

; however, it shows a scuff protector at a periphery or peripheries of the receptacles to protect said periphery or peripheries against scuffing in the event of contact with a surface as during swinging of the club.




As shown the scuff protector


80


extends at


80




a,




80




b


and


80




c,


or any of those locations. They are defined as:




x


1


) lowermost extent of the receptacle, as along its lower edge


11




f


′,




x


2


) at toe portion of the receptacle, as at


11




a′






x


3


) a lower heel portion of the receptacle


11




d′.






The protector is made of scuff resistant material (plastic, metal, or other).




Referring to

FIG. 15

, it is a view like

FIG. 1

, however, it shows a striker


86


on the front of the receptacle


11


, for striking impact with a ball, during swinging of the club. It may consist of a plate, as for example, consisting of metal, plastic, or other material. The striker is located and attached to the receptacle to register with the front face including the sweet spot, of the golf club head


100




b


received in receptacles. The flap


25


′ folds over the top of the head, to the rear side thereof, so as not to interfere with the striker.




In a preferred form of the invention, the weighting structure is sized and snugly positioned and retained proximate at least one of the following portions of a club head received in the receptacle;




i) front side portion




ii) rear side portion




iii) toe portion




iv) heel portion




v) top portion




vi) bottom portion





FIG. 16

is an end view of a golf club head


100


and shaft


101


, with structure


102


such as a sock as described above, carrying a metallic weight


103


adjacent the head face


100




a.


The sock or wrap


102


may be wrapped at


102




a


and


102




b


about the head, and secured, as by VELCRO


300


, at the rear


100




b


of the head.





FIG. 17

shows the structure


102


, such as a weighted sock of any of the forms described above, attached at


105


to a golf club bag


106


, for example by VELCRO.

FIG. 18



a


shows the structure


102


attached as by structure flap


102




c


to a loop


107


attached at


108


to golf bag


106


. Flap


102




c


fits through the loop and folds down to attach to structure


102


.





FIG. 18



b


shows weighted structure


102


having a snap fastener part


111




a


attachable to snap fastener part


111




b


connected to the golf bag


106


.





FIG. 18



c


shows weighted structure


102


having a separate flap


113


attachable to a loop


107


on bag


106


, as referred to in

FIG. 18



a.







FIG. 19

shows flap


102




c


configured to fold down over head region


100




d


′ into fastened (VELCRO) position indicated by broken lines


102




c′


, at the side of structure


102


. Such folding causes the flap to miss contact with shaft


101


, and hosel region


120


′.





FIG. 20

is a cross section showing a weight


100




d


in a sealed enclosure


120


, such as a plastic sheet, carried by sock structure


102


.





FIG. 21

is a side view of multiple sealed enclosures


120




a


for weights


100




d,


carried by sock structure


102


to fit a golf club head. A flap


102




c.


when closed, covers the enclosures


120




a,


and may connect to


102


by VELCRO.





FIG. 22

is a section showing structure


102


carrying weight


103


; and a moisture proof enclosure


125


at the inner side of


102


fits around and encompasses the club head


100


. This prevents moisture from getting inside the structure


102


or sock and prevents moisture contact with head


100




e.







FIG. 22



a


shows a structure or sock


102


, as in

FIG. 18



c,


the sock having an expansible toe portion


102




d,


to fit larger club heads.

FIG. 23

is similar.





FIG. 24

shows a sock structure


102


, and an elongated flap (see dimension “d”)


102




c


″ the length of the flap and VELCRO on it allowing the sock to fold to cover sock zone


130


, and to fit different size golf clubs.





FIG. 25

shows a sock-like flexible receptacle


102


carrying metallic weights


100




f,


and having reinforcement


131


at the fabric top opening


132


. The sock front is shown at


102




e.


The sock fabric


102




f


is more flexible, i.e. weaker. Lower region


301


may be reinforced.

FIG. 26

shows a sock having reinforcement such as binding


133


at the fabric top area


102




f.


Weights


100




f


are carried at the side of the sock.

FIG. 27

shows a club head receptacle or sock


102


having reinforcement


136


at the heel zone


102




q.







FIG. 28

shows a fabric receptacle


102


for a club head, and opened up about fold line


140


to form two mirror images halves


102




h


and


102




h′


, each carrying multiple weights


100




w,


as shown. See also bottom reinforcement


180


.





FIG. 29

is a section shows seamless connection at


140




a


of the two receptacle halves


102




h


and


102




h′


.

FIG. 30

is a section showing a weight


100




t


encapsulated in a pocket


151


carried by a receptacle or sock half


102




h.







FIG. 31

is an elevation showing indicator coloring at X on the inward facing surface of a club head receptacle


102


, that carries weights as referred to above.

FIG. 32

shows the same receptacle carrying indicator coloring at Y at its outward facing surface.





FIG. 33

is an elevation showing wrapping of a U-shaped weight supporting carrier


202


about a club head, and secured by flap


203


, using VELCRO or other fastener material.

FIG. 34

is a section showing the carrier


202


and weight


204


, before fastening to the club head


205


. The club shaft is shown at


205




a.







FIG. 35

is an elevation showing a flexible fabric sheath


160


fitting the club shaft


161


, and carrying weights at


162


. The sheath may be attached or attachable at


166


to the sock


102


that also carries a weight or weights as referred to above.

FIG. 36

shows a sheath


160




a


that wraps about the shaft, and secures by means of flaps


170


that also wrap about and attach as by VELCRO. Weights may be selectively carried by pockets at the flaps.



Claims
  • 1. A weighting device for use on a golf club head as during swinging of the club, comprising in combination:a) a receptacle having an opening via which the club head is received into the receptacle, b) a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle in generally fitting relation to the club head, c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the club head, for use as in club swinging, d) said receptacle having a front portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a back portion, and a top portion; and said weighting structure located proximate at least one of said portions, and e) said retainer being foldable to extend at least partly over said opening, and which then extends generally forwardly from proximate said heel portion toward said toe portion, thereby to bring a side of the retainer into position for releasable attachment to a surface carried by the receptacle.
  • 2. The combination of claim 1 including hook and pile fastening material for fastening said retainer in said position.
  • 3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said retainer comprises a flap which when folded and releasably attached to the receptacle extends along a side of the receptacle.
  • 4. The combination of claim 2 wherein said retainer comprises a lap which when folded and releasably attached to the receptacle extends along a side of the receptacle.
  • 5. The combination of claim 1 wherein said retainer at least partly covers a lowermost extent of said opening in said fastened position.
  • 6. The combination of claim 3 wherein said flap extends along a lower rear side of the receptacle in said fastened position.
  • 7. The com bination of claim 1 wherein said receptacle has at least two of the following:i) a wall portion to extend adjacent the front face of the club head ii) a wall portion to extend adjacent the rear side of the club head iii) a wall portion to extend adjacent the bottom surface of the club head iv) a wall portion to extend adjacent the toe of the club head v) a wall portion to extend adjacent the heel of the club head vi) a wall portion to extend adjacent the top edge of the club head; and said weighting structure is located at or proximate at least one of said wall portions.
  • 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said weighting structure is located at or proximate one of the following:vii) at least one of said wall portions, viii)at least two of said wall portions ix) at least three of said wall portions x) at least four of said wall portions.
  • 9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said weighting structure includes metallic material.
  • 10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said material is concealed by said receptacle.
  • 11. The combination of claim 8 wherein said weighting structure includes separate local metallic portions.
  • 12. The combination of claim 9 wherein said material is held in a pocket or pockets provided by the receptacle.
  • 13. The combination of claim 9 including a club head received in the receptacle, and wherein said material is received in pockets at opposite sides of the club head.
  • 14. The combination of claim 9 wherein said material is received in a pocket provided by the receptacle, the pocket sized to enable adjustment of the position of the material, relative to the pocket.
  • 15. The combination of claim 9 wherein the material is received in a pocket or pockets provided by the receptacle, to enable selective use of the pocket or pockets of the material.
  • 16. The combination of claim 1 including a scuff protector at a periphery or peripheries of the receptacle to protect said periphery or peripheries against scuffing in the event of contact with a surface as during swinging of the club.
  • 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said scuff protector extends at one of the following:x1) a lowermost extent of the receptacle x2) a toe portion of the receptacle x3) a lower heel portion of the receptacle.
  • 18. The combination of claim 1 including a striker at a front side of the receptacle, for striking impact with a ball, during swinging of the club.
  • 19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said striker comprises a plate.
  • 20. The combination of claim 1 wherein said weighting structure is sized and snugly positioned and retained proximate at least one of the following portions of a club head received in the receptacle:i) front side portion ii) rear side portion iii) toe portion iv) heel portion v) top portion vi) bottom portion.
  • 21. A weighting device for use on a golf club as during swinging of a club head, comprising in combinationa) a structure defining an associated space for receiving, removably carrying said structure, b) said structure positionable in generally fitting relation to the club head, c) weighting carried by said structure to add substantial weight to the club head, for providing enhanced momentum in the direction of head swinging, and for use as in club swinging, d) and a retainer comprising a flap operatively connected to said structure to extend at least partly on a structure opening in position in which the flap, has forward extent releasably attachable to a surface carried by said structure, the club head receivable into said space via said opening.
  • 22. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure includes a flap connectible to a golf bag.
  • 23. The combination of claim 22 including one of the following:a) the flap anchored to said structure to be foldable for attachment to a loop on a golf bag, b) a fastener associated with the flap to attach a fastener part on a golf bag.
  • 24. The combination of claim 21 wherein the flap is folded over a rear portion of a golf club head zone to leave the club hosel exposed.
  • 25. The combination of claim 21 including sealed or sealable enclosure or enclosures for at least one weight carried by said structure.
  • 26. The combination of claim 25 including a multiple of said enclosures in side-by-side sequence, allowing the weight to have a relative close fitting movement when held adjacent a golf club head.
  • 27. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure includes a receptacle having a moisture-proof wall or walls.
  • 28. The combination of claim 27 wherein said wall or walls substantially enclose a golf club head zone.
  • 29. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure includes a receptacle having an expansible toe portion to receive and fit golf club head toe portions of different size.
  • 30. The combination of claim 21 wherein said flap has a length to wrap over and conform to golf club heads of different sizes.
  • 31. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure includes a golf club head receptacle to receive the head, and including reinforcement material on an upper part of said receptacle allowing an unreinforced portion of the receptacle to be flexible and conform to club head curvature.
  • 32. The combination of claim 31 wherein said reinforcement material comprises binding.
  • 33. The combination of claim 21 wherein said receptacle has a reinforced portion below a club hosel.
  • 34. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure includes two like halves that fold, upwardly at front and rear sides of the club head, said weight carried at an inner side of said flap.
  • 35. The combination of claim 34 wherein said halves are joined at seamless location proximate the bottom of the club head, and are joined with reinforcement proximate the top of the club head.
  • 36. The combination of claim 34 wherein said weighting includes multiple weights encapsulated in pockets at the inner sides of said halves.
  • 37. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure extends at opposite sides of a club head, and there being a first indicator color on said structure at one side of the head, and a second indicator color on said structure at the opposite side of the head.
  • 38. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure defines the wrap to wrap closely around a club head, and to be held by a retainer closed about the club head.
  • 39. The combination of claim 38 wherein said retainer comprises hook and pile fastening material.
  • 40. The combination of claim 21 wherein said structure includes a sheath that extends onto the club shaft, and said weighting is carried on said sheath.
  • 41. The combination of claim 40 including a sheath lower portion that encompasses the club head, and a part of said weighting is on said sheath lower portion.
  • 42. A weighting device for use on a golf club of the head as during swinging club head, comprising in combination:a) the receptacle having an opening via which the club head is received into the receptacle, b) a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle to the club head, during said swinging, c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add substantial weight to the club head, for use as in club swinging, d) said receptacle having a front portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a back portion, and a top portion; and said weighting structure located proximate at least one of said portions, and e) said retainer being foldable to extend at least partly over said opening, so that a portion of the retainer then extends generally forwardly from proximate said receptacle heel portion toward said toe portion, thereby to bring a size of said portion of the retainer into position for releasable attachment to a surface carried by the receptacle.
  • 43. A weighting device for use on a golf club head as during swinging of the club comprising in combination:a) a receptacle having an opening via which a club head is received into the receptacle, b) a retainer carried on the receptacle to be fastened in a position for retaining the receptacle to the club head, during said swinging, c) and weighting structure carried by the receptacle to add, substantial weight to the club head, for use as in club swinging, d) said receptacle having a front portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, a back portion, and a top portion; and said weighting structure located proximate at least one of said portions, and e) said retainer being manipulable to extend at least partly over said opening so that a portion of the retainer then extends generally forwardly toward said toe portion, thereby to bring a side of said portion of the retainer into position for releasably attachment to a surface carried by the receptacle.
Parent Case Info

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/799,913, filed Mar. 5, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,851.

US Referenced Citations (27)
Number Name Date Kind
1674136 Shidler Jun 1928 A
D169880 Williams Jun 1953 S
2676803 Damaske Apr 1954 A
2737394 Abel Mar 1956 A
3145749 Rosenow Aug 1964 A
3231281 Wallo Jan 1966 A
3398961 Higdon Aug 1968 A
3593769 Spears Jul 1971 A
4213614 Philippi Jul 1980 A
4602788 Wendt Jul 1986 A
4842280 Hilton Jun 1989 A
5000238 Zeller Mar 1991 A
5230512 Tuttershell Jul 1993 A
5294127 Keelan Mar 1994 A
5403009 Gleason, Jr. Apr 1995 A
5527038 Mabie Jun 1996 A
5609531 Gates Mar 1997 A
5615720 O'Sullivan Apr 1997 A
5776006 Gruber Jul 1998 A
6015354 Ahn et al. Jan 2000 A
6065516 Chang May 2000 A
6083116 Loredo Jul 2000 A
6102810 Boland Aug 2000 A
6120385 Nemeckay Sep 2000 A
6126556 Hsieh Oct 2000 A
6443851 Liberatore Sep 2002 B1
6461249 Libertore Oct 2002 B2
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry
SwingSock Golf, Inc. v. Wizard Golf, Inc. Case No.CV-2003-5032 In The United States District Court For The Western District of Arkansas Fayetteville Division.
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 09/799913 Mar 2001 US
Child 09/988862 US