PORTABLE GOLF CLUB HEAD CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable golf club head cleaning device designed to more conveniently and effectively clean golf club heads and comprising a housing with a top surface defining an enclosed club entrance aperture, a liquid storage cavity defined within the housing and operably configured to house a liquid therein, at least one cleaning brush with a central core, an upper brush end 140, a lower brush end 142, a plurality of bristles disposed along the brush length and extending radially outward from the central core and operably configured to rotate 360°, and at least one DC motor electrically coupled to a battery-powered power source and an electronic switch operably configured to selectively complete a circuit with the battery-powered power source and the at least one DC motor and cause rotation of the at least one cleaning brush about a central core axis.

Claims

1. A portable golf club head cleaning device comprising: a housing with a handle coupled thereto, a bottom wall, a sidewall surrounding the bottom wall, and with a top surface defining an enclosed club entrance aperture; a liquid storage cavity defined within the housing and operably configured to house a liquid therein and fluidly and spatially coupled to the enclosed club entrance aperture; at least one cleaning brush with a central core defining a central core axis oriented in a longitudinal direction, with an upper brush end, with a lower brush end opposing the upper brush end, with a brush length separating the upper and lower brush ends, having a plurality of bristles disposed along the brush length and extending radially outward from the central core, operably coupled to a shaft, disposed within the water storage cavity, and operably configured to rotate 360°; and at least one DC motor operably coupled to the shaft of the at least one cleaning brush and electrically coupled to a battery-powered power source and an electronic switch operably configured to selectively complete a circuit with the battery-powered power source and the at least one DC motor and cause rotation of the shaft and the at least one cleaning brush about the central core axis.

2. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of bristles on the at least one cleaning brush are of a substantially rigid and flexible material and disposed in a tightly spaced configuration with respect to one another.

3. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of bristles are disposed continuously along at least 75% of the brush length.

4. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of cleaning brushes each having the central core defining the central core axis, each with the brush length separating the upper and lower brush ends thereon, each having the plurality of bristles disposed along the respective brush length, each operably coupled to a shaft, each disposed within the water storage cavity, and each operably configured to rotate 360°; and a plurality of DC motors each respectively operably coupled to the shaft of one of the plurality of cleaning brushes and electrically coupled to the battery-powered power source and the electronic switch operably configured to selectively complete the circuit with the battery-powered power source and the plurality of DC motors and cause rotation of the shafts coupled thereto.

5. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein: the plurality of cleaning brushes are disposed in a parallel configuration with one another.

6. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein: the plurality of cleaning brushes are disposed in a configuration defining a tightly spaced channel therein between.

7. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising: a water tank having a tank sidewall surrounding and directly coupled to a tank bottom wall, the tank sidewall and the tank bottom wall defining the liquid storage cavity shaped and sized to house 1-3 gallons of the liquid therein.

8. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 7, wherein: the tank bottom wall is interposed between the bottom wall of the housing and defines a shaft aperture with the shaft disposed therein.

9. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising: the top surface having a thermoplastic polyurethane layer disposed thereon, the thermoplastic polyurethane layer defining an upper aperture proportionately sized and shaped to align with the enclosed club entrance aperture.

10. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein: the plurality of cleaning brushes are juxtaposed adjacent to one another, having a distance of approximately between 2.7 inches and 2.9 inches between each adjacent central core.

11. The portable club head cleaning device according to claim 4, further comprising: four cleaning brushes substantially cylindrical in shape and juxtaposed in parallel and equidistant configurations with one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an elevational side view of a club head cleaning brush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable golf club head cleaning device with a golf club insertable therein in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 9 is an elevational front view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0030] FIG. 10 is an elevational side view of a portable golf club head cleaning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0031] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.

[0032] The present invention provides a novel and compact portable golf club head cleaning device that overcomes known disadvantages of those known devices and methods of this general type and that effectively, efficiently, and safely cleans the head of a conventional golf club when desired by the user. The portable golf club head cleaning device is conveniently able to be transported by a user and used without wetting or dirtying a user's hands.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an exploded view. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a portable golf club head cleaning device 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a housing 102 with a handle 136 coupled thereto, a bottom wall 104, a sidewall 106 surrounding the bottom wall 104, and with a top surface 110 defining an enclosed club entrance aperture 112. The portable golf club head cleaning device 100 also comprises a liquid storage cavity 108 defined within the housing 102 and operably configured to house a liquid therein and fluidly and spatially coupled to the enclosed club entrance aperture 112. As best seen in FIG. 1, the liquid storage cavity 108 may also be defined by a separate canister or structure, i.e., a water tank 124, and may be capable of retaining approximately 1-3 gallons of a liquid, e.g., water. The water tank 124 has a tank sidewall 132 surrounding and directly coupled to a tank bottom wall 134, the tank sidewall 132 and the tank bottom wall 134 defining the liquid storage cavity 108 shaped and sized to house approximately 1-3 gallons of the liquid therein. The tank sidewall 132 and the tank bottom wall 134 may be directly coupled together in one embodiment, e.g., manufactured as a single, monolithic structure, or may be adhered, fastened, or appended together in another embodiment, e.g., coupled using an adhesive. In one embodiment, the housing 102 may be formed with selectively removable components that are joined together (with fastener(s), adhesive, etc.) in a watertight configuration. Seals may also be utilized between joints to reduce the possibility of leaking. The housing 102 may also include a base 126, or “bottom main casing”, to store and compartmentalize the electrical components in a watertight configuration using rubber seals or other fasteners. In accordance with one embodiment, the tank bottom wall 134 is interposed between the bottom wall 104 of the housing 102 and defines a shaft aperture with the shaft 116 disposed therein. The interposition of the tank bottom wall 134 between the bottom wall 104 and the liquid storage cavity 108 substantially prevents dirt, sand, water/liquid, and other particles accumulating in the liquid storage cavity 108 from polluting, damaging, and/or harming the electrical components housed in the base 126 or bottom main casing.

[0034] The housing 102, bottom wall 104, sidewall 106, water tank 124, tank sidewall 132, tank bottom wall 134, and base 126 are preferably of a high density poly ethylene (HDPE) composition. HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer with a large strength-to-density ratio, high impact-resistance, and high melting point. It is flexible, translucent/waxy, weatherproof, has a good low temperature toughness (to −60° C.), low cost, good chemical resistance, and is recyclable. HDPE has a tensile strength of approximately 0.20-0.40 N/mm.sup.2; a thermal coefficient of expansion of 100-220×10-6; a maximum continuous use temperature of 65° C., and a density of 0.944-0.965 g/cm3. In view of the foregoing properties and characteristics, HDPE is an ideal material for the housing 102, water tank 124, and base 126 though, in alternate embodiments, these components may be of another comparable constituent. Exemplary dimensions (in inches) of the housing 102 include a height of approximately 10.62 inches (269.748 mm), a width of approximately 5.98 inches (151.892 mm), and a length of approximately 5.98 inches (151.892 mm). The base 126 has a length and width of approximately 5.98 inches (151.892 mm) and a height of approximately 2.91 inches (73.914 mm).

[0035] The top surface 110 is fluidly and spatially coupled to the water storage cavity 108 and, in one embodiment, may have a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) layer or padding 148 disposed thereon, the thermoplastic polyurethane layer defining an upper aperture proportionately sized and shaped to align with the enclosed club entrance aperture 112 so as not to impede, block, or obstruct the enclosed club entrance aperture 112. Thermoplastic polyurethane is a melt-processable thermoplastic elastomer with high durability and flexibility and beneficial properties including, without limitation, excellent tensile strength, high elongation at break, and good load bearing capacity. In alternate embodiments, the thermoplastic polyurethane layer may be formed from another deformably resilient material such as natural rubber yet achieve the same intended function of preventing damage to the golf club when inserting the golf club head through the enclosed club entrance aperture 112. In additional embodiments of the present invention, a similar sidewall padding 150 surrounds the sidewall 106 of the housing 102 to prevent damage thereto.

[0036] In another embodiment, the enclosed club entrance aperture 112 may be defined partially or in whole on other surfaces of the housing 102. The thermoplastic polyurethane layer may span across the tank sidewall 132 and/or the tank bottom wall 134 to protect the housing 102, surrounding objects, and electrical components used by the device 100, e.g., a PCB board 146. In an exemplary embodiment, the top surface 110 has a length and width of approximately 5.19 inches (131.826 mm) and the enclosed club entrance aperture 112 and upper aperture of the thermoplastic polyurethane layer have a length of approximately 4.72 inches (119.888 mm) and a width of approximately 2.36 inches (59.944 mm).

[0037] In one embodiment, the portable golf club head cleaning device 100 also comprises at least one cleaning brush 114a-n, wherein “n” refers to any number greater than one, with a central core 300 defining a central core axis 302 oriented in a longitudinal direction, with an upper brush end 140, with a lower brush end 142 opposing the upper brush end 140, with a brush length separating the upper and lower brush ends 140, 142, having a plurality of bristles 138 disposed along the brush length and extending radially outward from the central core 300, operably coupled to a shaft 116, disposed within the water storage cavity 108, and operably configured to rotate 360°. The shaft 116 is of a steel composition to structurally support the device 100, particularly during use. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon containing less than 2% carbon and 1% manganese and small amounts of silicon, phosphorus, sulphur and oxygen. Steel has a high melting point, a high density (approximately 7.9 g/cm3), and a high tensile strength (i.e., its ability to withstand applied loads, or forces, without losing its shape). Exemplary dimensions of the cleaning brush 114 include a height of approximately 5.91 inches (150.114 mm) and an overall diameter 304 of approximately 2.36 inches (59.944 mm). The central core 300 may also define an internal diameter 306 and an internal core channel shaped and sized to receive the shaft (preferably in a friction-fit configuration).

[0038] An exemplary brush and type of bristles are also depicted best in FIG. 3. In preferred embodiments, the plurality of bristles 138 on the at least one cleaning brush 114a-n are of a substantially rigid and flexible material, e.g., bronze, brass, nylon, aluminum, or a combination of the same having a hardness greater than approximately 40 Shore D, and are disposed in a tightly spaced configuration with respect to one another, wherein “tightly spaced” is defined as no more than 1 inch (25.4 millimeters) between the distal ends of the plurality of bristles 138 on the at least one cleaning brush 114a-n. The plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n may also be disposed in a configuration defining a tightly spaced channel 700 therein between, with the tightly spaced channel 700 being no greater than 1 inch (25.4 millimeters) between the distal ends of the plurality of bristles 138 on the at least one cleaning brush 114a-n. The tightly spaced configuration and channel 700 prevent the bristles 138 from scratching or otherwise damaging the golf clubs while simultaneously juxtaposing the bristles 138 close enough to the golf club to clean it. The tightly spaced channel 700 is preferably uniform in size and shape between all the cleaning brushes 114 and the plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n are disposed in a parallel configuration with one another to create the tightly spaced channel 700. In preferred embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, there are four cleaning brushes 114a-n that are substantially cylindrical in shape and juxtaposed in parallel and equidistant configurations with one another so as to reach substantially all of the surface area of the golf club head and sufficiently clean the golf club head. In another embodiment, the plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n are juxtaposed adjacent to one another, having a distance of approximately between 2.7 inches and 2.9 inches between each adjacent central core 300. The plurality of bristles 138 are disposed continuously along at least 75% of the brush length to provide a quantity and concentration of bristles 138 that is sufficient to adequately clean the golf club head. Nylon bristles are ideal for cleaning wooden components or surfaces. Brass bristles are ideal for cleaning iron and hybrid components or surfaces. The cleaning brushes 114a-n may also be longitudinally oriented and disposed in the water storage cavity 108 as seen in FIG. 1.

[0039] As seen in the figures, the cleaning brushes 114a-n define cleaning channels, e.g., tightly spaced channel 700, separating adjacent cleaning brushes 114a-n. In other embodiments, there are no channels defined by the cleaning brushes 114a-n and the bristles 138 on the brushes are flexed and/or deformed upon being subjected by the golf club head inserted therein. The bristles 138 on the cleaning brushes 114a-n may define a continuous and uniform cleaning surface such that the bristles 138 on the brushes are flexed and/or deformed upon being subjected by the golf club head inserted therein for effective and efficient cleaning of the golf club head. Each of cleaning brushes 114a-n enable fluid to pass therethrough and are at least partially submerged in a liquid substance, e.g., water or water-based solutions, housed in the cavity 108 and selectively refillable by the user. The cleaning brushes 114a-n are coupled to the shaft 116 that may span through the tank bottom wall 134 and into the base 126 or “bottom main casing.” The shaft(s) 116 may include a seal surrounding each shaft 116 at the joint formed by the tank bottom wall 134 and/or the bottom wall 104 to prevent any water leakage therefrom.

[0040] The portable golf club head cleaning device further comprises at least one DC motor 118 operably coupled to the shaft 116 of the at least one cleaning brush 114a-n and electrically coupled to a battery-powered power source 120 and an electronic switch 122 operably configured to selectively complete a circuit with the battery-powered power source 120 and the at least one DC motor 118 and cause rotation of the shaft 116 and the at least one cleaning brush 114a-n about the central core axis 302. In one embodiment, the electronic switch 122 is activated by a button (as depicted in the figures), while in other embodiments, the electronic switch 122 may be activated by a sensor communicatively coupled and/or electrically coupled to the electronic switch 122. Using the sensor, which is operably configured, for example, to detect motion through the enclosed club entrance aperture 112, the circuit may be completed and the assembly activated when the user places the club through the enclosed club entrance aperture 112. The completion of the electronic circuit causes rotation of the shaft 116 and the at least one cleaning brush 114a-n about a longitudinally oriented rotation axis 800 (as best seen in FIG. 8). The switch 122 is preferably electrically coupled to the PCB board 146 that controls the electrical components utilized in the assembly 100. In one embodiment, the battery-powered power source 120 may include a plurality of lithium-ion batteries that are couplable to a selectively removable casing 144 that is shaped, sized, and configured to be inserted into and removed from the base 126.

[0041] In one embodiment, a button for the switch is biased in the off position, thereby only activating the switch and motor(s) when depressing the button. Preferably, one motor is utilized for each cleaning brush, but in other embodiments one motor may be selectively and operably coupled with a plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery-powered power source 120 comprises two 18650 li-ion batteries, also commonly referred to as lithium-ion batteries, which are beneficially rechargeable and compact (approximately 18 mm in diameter and 65mm in length), and the at least one DC motor 118 is a 3.6V DC Motor.

[0042] Beneficially, the device 100 is portable and lightweight, e.g., 5-10 lbs, thereby making it convenient, effective and efficient for users to transport the device around with them while on a golf course playing (or another time desired by the user). To enable quick and effective transportation, the device may include the handle 136 extending from the top surface 110 of the housing 102 and one or more key ring fasteners 128 extending from a top surface 110 of the housing 102. Exemplary and beneficial dimensions and material compositions of the components used in the device 100 also enable quick and effective transportation of the device 100 (unlike known devices). The handle 136 is of a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) composition, a form of synthetic rubber having the following beneficial properties and characteristics: high flexural fatigue resistance; good tear and abrasion resistance; good dielectric properties; outstanding resistance to weathering and chemicals; high impact strength; elasticity similar to cross-linked rubber materials; available in a wide range of durometers, from 20 Shore OO to 85 Shore D; and broad temperature range: −30° C. to 140° C. (−22° F. to 284° F.).

[0043] Additionally, as seen in the figures, the base 126 or bottom main casing may include a tray operably configured to be selectively removed from the base 126 and that may include one or more batteries selectively couplable thereon for powering the one or more motor(s) 118. As best seen in FIG. 5, the housing 102, in particular the base 126, may include a door 500 rotatably coupled to the base 126 with a hinge, whereby opening of the door 500 may provide access to the tray with the batteries coupled thereto. The door 500 may be coupled to the base 126 using magnets or other fasteners. In an alternative embodiment, the door 500 may be coupled to the tray, whereby removal of the door 500 from the base 126 also removes the tray. Importantly, the operation of the device may be done with a standalone battery source that may be recharged or replaced by the user when needed, thereby enabling effective and efficient transportation and use of the device 100.

[0044] In one manner of exemplary operation, the user will activate the motor(s) 118 by depressing a button to complete a circuit between the motor(s) 118 and power source(s), thereby causing rotation of the cleaning brushes 114a-n. In most embodiments, the liquid storage cavity 108 will be filled with a cleaning or disinfecting liquid before use. In some embodiments, depressing of the switch will also electrically couple the power source with a pump to cause emission of a liquid (e.g., with one or more nozzles), housed in the canister onto the cleaning brushes114a-n. Then, after activation, the user will insert the head of a golf club through the enclosed club entrance aperture 112 and in close proximity to the cleaning brushes 114a-n (as best seen in FIG. 4) for cleaning of the golf club head, moving it back-and-forth therein as needed.

[0045] Although a specific order of executing the process steps has been disclosed, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more steps described or shown as occurring in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps can be combined into a single process.

[0046] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the device 100 comprises a plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n each having the central core 300 defining the central core axis, each with the brush length separating the upper and lower brush ends 140, 142 thereon, each having the plurality of bristles 138 disposed along the respective brush length, each operably coupled to a shaft 116, each disposed within the water storage cavity 108, and each operably configured to rotate 360°; and a plurality of DC motors 118 each respectively operably coupled to the shaft 116 of one of the plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n and electrically coupled to the battery-powered power source 120 and the electronic switch 122 operably configured to selectively complete the circuit with the battery-powered power source 120 and the plurality of DC motors 118 and cause rotation of the shafts 116 coupled thereto. The plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n provide additional structures operably configured to clean the golf club head whereas the plurality of DC motors 118 provide supporting electrical power to power the plurality of cleaning brushes 114a-n.