US20060282967A1

US20060282967A1 - Golf club head cleaner

Info

Publication number: US20060282967A1
Application number: US11/157,706
Authority: US
Inventors: Brant Williams; Timothy Nelson
Original assignee: TBG VENTURES LLC
Current assignee: TBG VENTURES LLC
Priority date: 2005-06-21
Filing date: 2005-06-21
Publication date: 2006-12-21

Abstract

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to cleaning golf club heads. In aspects, an appliance is described for removing debris from a golf club head. The appliance may include a base that includes a first base surface and a second base surface, and a brushing assembly disposed along the first base surface of the base. In aspects, an article of footwear that includes features for removing debris may include a base defined by a first base surface and a second base surface, and a brushing assembly disposed along the first base surface of the base. Other aspects are described in the Detailed Description.

Description

BACKGROUND

In the sport of golfing, a club is used to strike a golf ball. When striking a golf ball, the head of the golf club frequently becomes soiled with pieces of vegetation, soil, and other pieces of debris. This club head soiling may be accelerated when the golf club is utilized on a driving range and dozens to hundreds of ball strikes occur within a short period of time. This club head soiling affects the use and accuracy of the club which may adversely affect the golfer's game or practice.

SUMMARY

Briefly, aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to cleaning golf club heads. In aspects, an appliance is described for removing debris from a golf club head that may include a base that includes a first base surface and a second base surface, and a brushing assembly disposed along the first base surface of the base. The brushing assembly of the appliance may include a plurality of bristles substantially perpendicular to the base and a plurality of solid pliable members substantially perpendicular to the base. The plurality of bristles may be longer than the plurality of solid pliable members and the plurality of bristles may be interspersed between the plurality of solid pliable members.
In aspects, an article of footwear that includes features for removing debris may include a base defined by a first base surface and a second base surface, and a brushing assembly disposed along the first base surface of the base. The brushing assembly of the appliance may be defined by a plurality of bristles substantially perpendicular to the base and a plurality of solid pliable members substantially perpendicular to the base. The plurality of bristles may be longer than the plurality of solid pliable members and the plurality of bristles is interspersed between the plurality of solid pliable members. The article of footwear may further include a housing defined by a first housing surface and a second housing surface. The first housing surface of the housing may be defined to receive the second base surface of the base, and the second housing surface of the housing may be defined by a mounting surface. The article of footwear may additionally include a shoe including a right outsole, a left outsole, uppers, mid-soles, and insoles. The right outsole of the shoe may include a right-hitting mounting area. The left outsole of the shoe may include a left-hitting mounting area. The uppers of the shoe may be attached to the outer circumference of the top of the outsoles. The mid-soles and the insoles of the shoe may be stacked sequentially to the outsoles within the uppers and the second surface of housing may be mounted to the mounting plate area.
In aspects, an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head may include a base defined by a first surface and a second surface, and a brushing assembly disposed along the first surface of the base. The brushing assembly of the appliance may be defined by brushing means interspersed with scraping means.
This Summary is provided to briefly identify some aspects of the subject matter that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The phrase “subject matter described herein” refers to subject matter described in the Detailed Description unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “aspects” should be read as “one or more aspects”. Identifying aspects of the subject matter described in the Detailed Description is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.
The foregoing and other aspects will become further apparent from the following Detailed Description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view generally illustrating an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view generally illustrating an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance in FIG. 2 that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 4 is an isometric view generally illustrating an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 5 is an isometric view generally illustrating the appliance of FIG. 4 that is attached to an article of footwear and configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 6 is an isometric view generally illustrating the appliance of FIG. 4 that is affixed to a limb of a user and configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view generally illustrating an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view generally illustrating the appliance of FIG. 7 that is attached to an article of footwear and configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance in FIG. 7 that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance in FIG. 7 that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 11 is a frontal view generally illustrating an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance in FIG. 1 1 that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein; and
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the appliance in FIG. 11 in operation in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although aspects have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, this Detailed Description is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter which resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
FIG. 1 illustrates an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 1 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 100 that may include a base 1 10 and a brushing assembly 120. Brushing assembly 120 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 131-134 and a plurality of bristles 141. Solid pliable members 131-134 and bristles 141 may be longitudinally provided on base 110.
Base 110 may be defined by a first base surface and a second base surface (not shown). The first base surface of base 110 may be substantially flat. In an example, the first base surface of base 110 may be a rectangle with dimensions of 2″W×1″H. Base 110 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
In one embodiment, solid pliable members 131-134 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 110, such as, by utilizing an adhesive, fasteners, or the like. Solid pliable members 131-134 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 110 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 110 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, solid pliable members 131-134 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 110 with a distance of 3/16″ between each pliable member. In another embodiment, solid pliable members 131-134 may be manufactured as part of base 110 and may form part of the first base surface of base 110 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 110 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, base 110 and solid pliable members 131-134 may be manufactured from the same material, such as, through a thermoplastic molding process. In yet another embodiment and described in conjunction with FIG. 3 below, solid pliable members 131-134 may be triangular in cross-sectional view and defined by a base and a tip with the base of the pliable members wider than the tip. Solid pliable members 131-134 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, polymer or other plastic materials, and the like.
Bristles 141 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 110 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 110 and may be substantially parallel to one another. Bristles 141 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 110 so as to be interspersed between the plurality of solid pliable members 131-134. In an example, bristles 141 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 110 with a uniform distance between each bristle. Bristles 141 may be of substantially uniform or variable length, stiffly resilient and made from, for example, a strong, heat-stable, oxidation-resistant metal or some such other materials with similar functionality. Suitable metals include, for example, brass, stainless steel, copper and copper alloys, aluminum alloys and the like. Suitable other materials may include nylon, polypropylene, silicon carbide, and the like. In one embodiment, bristles 141 may be slightly longer than solid pliable members 131 -134. In an example, bristles 141 may have a length of ⅝″ and solid pliable members 131-134 may have a height of ½″. In another embodiment, each row of brushes is manufactured from different materials. For example, the row of bristles 141 between pliable members 132 and 133 may be manufactured from a suitable metal material, and the rows of bristles 141 between pliable members 131 and 132 and pliable members 133 and 134 may be manufactured from suitable other materials.
FIG. 2 illustrates an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 200 that may include a base 210 and a brushing assembly 220. Brushing assembly 220 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 231-234 and a plurality of bristles 241. Solid pliable members 231-234 and bristles 241 may be longitudinally provided on base 210.
Base 210 may be defined by a first base surface and a second base surface (not shown). The first base surface of base 210 may comprise a generally curvilinear surface. Base 210 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
As in FIG. 1 above, in one embodiment solid pliable members 231-234 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 210, such as, by utilizing an adhesive, fasteners, or the like. Solid pliable members 231-234 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 210 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 210 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, solid pliable members 231-234 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 210 with a distance of 3/16″ between each pliable member. In another embodiment, solid pliable members 231-234 may be manufactured as part of base 210 and form part of the first base surface of base 210 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 210 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, base 210 and solid pliable members 231-234 may be manufactured from the same material, such as, through a thermoplastic molding process. In yet another embodiment and described in conjunction with FIG. 4 below, solid pliable members 231-234 may be triangular in cross-sectional view and defined by a base and a tip with the base of the pliable members wider than the tip. Solid pliable members 231-234 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, and the like.
Bristles 241 may be fixably attached (e.g. by utilizing a resin or adhesive) to the first base surface of base 210 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 210 and may be substantially parallel to one another. Bristles 241 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 210 so as to be interspersed between the plurality of solid pliable members 231-234. In an example, bristles 241 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 210 with a uniform distance between each bristle. Bristles 241 may be of substantially uniform or variable length, stiffly resilient and made from, for example, a strong, heat-stable, oxidation-resistant metal. Suitable metals include, for example, brass, stainless steel, copper and copper alloys, aluminum alloys and the like. In one embodiment, bristles 241 may be slightly longer than solid pliable members 231-234. In an example, bristles 241 may have a length of ⅝″ and solid pliable members 231-234 may have a height of ½″.
FIG. 3 illustrates an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 3 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 300 that may include a base 310, a brushing assembly 320, and a housing 350. Brushing assembly 320 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 331-334 and a plurality of bristles 341. Solid pliable members 331-334 and bristles 341 may be longitudinally provided on base 310. In FIG. 3, base 310 and its component parts and brushing assembly 320 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in FIGS. 1 and 2, above.
In FIG. 3, housing 350 may be defined by first housing surface 351 and a second housing surface (not shown). Housing 350 may be further defined by slot 355 disposed between first housing surface 351 and the second housing surface (not shown) of housing 350. Utilization of slot 355 and housing 350 in accordance to aspects of the subject matter described herein is further described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6, below. First housing surface 351 of housing 350 may be defined to receive base 310. In an example, the first housing surface of the housing may be defined to receive the base as described in conjunction with FIG. 4, below. In one embodiment, base 310 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 351 of housing 350. In an example, base 310 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 351 of housing 350 to allow base 310 to fixedly rotate axially within housing 350. In another embodiment (not shown), base 310 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 351 of housing 350 not allowing base 310 to rotate axially within housing 350. In yet another embodiment, base 310 may be manufactured as a portion of housing 350. Housing 350 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head cleaning appliance in FIG. 3 along the 4-4 axis. FIG. 4 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 400 that may include a base 410, a brushing assembly 420, and a housing 450. Brushing assembly 420 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 431-434 and a plurality of bristles 441. Solid pliable members 431-434 and bristles 441 may be longitudinally provided on base 410.
In FIG. 4, base 410 may be generally curvilinear in shape and may be defined by a first base surface 411 and a second base surface 412. First base surface 411 of base 410 may be generally curvilinear and may be defined by the surface portion of base 410 that is not within housing 450. Second base surface 412 of base 410 may be generally curvilinear and may be defined by the surface portion of base 410 that may be within housing 450. Base 410 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
As in FIG. 2 above, in one embodiment solid pliable members 431-434 may be fixably attached to first base surface 411 of base 410, such as, by utilizing an adhesive. Solid pliable members 431-434 may be fixably attached to first base surface 411 of base 410 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 410 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, solid pliable members 431-434 may be fixably attached to first base surface 411 of base 410 with a distance of 3/16″ between each pliable member. In another embodiment, solid pliable members 431-434 may be manufactured as part of base 410 and form part of first base surface 411 of base 410 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 410 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, base 410 and solid pliable members 431-434 may be manufactured from the same material, such as, through a thermoplastic molding process. In yet another embodiment, solid pliable members 431-434 may be triangular in cross-sectional view and defined by a base and a tip with the base of the pliable members wider than the tip. In this example, dimensions of solid pliable members 431-434 proximate base 410 are 2″W× 1/16″D and dimensions of solid pliable members 431-434 proximate the tip of each solid pliable member are 2″W× 1/32″D. Solid pliable members 431-434 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, and the like.
Bristles 441 may be fixably attached to first base surface 411 of base 410 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 410 and may be substantially parallel to one another. Bristles 441 may be fixably attached to first base surface 411 of base 410 so as to be interspersed between the plurality of solid pliable members 431-434. In an example, bristles 441 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 410 with a uniform distance between each bristle. Bristles 441 may be of substantially uniform or variable length, stiffly resilient and made from, for example, a strong, heat-stable, oxidation-resistant metal or some such other materials with similar functionality. Suitable metals may include, for example, brass, stainless steel, copper and copper alloys, aluminum alloys and the like. Suitable other materials may include nylon, polypropylene, silicon carbide, and the like. In one embodiment, bristles 441 may be slightly longer than solid pliable members 431-434. In an example, bristles 441 may have a length of ⅝″ and solid pliable members 431-434 may have a height of ½″.
Housing 450 may be defined by a first housing surface 451 and a second housing surface 452. First housing surface 451 may be defined to receive second base surface 412 of base 410. In one embodiment, second base surface 412 of base 410 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 451 of housing 450. In an example, second base surface 412 of base 410 may be fixedly attached to housing 450 to allow base 410 to fixedly rotate axially within housing 450. In another embodiment (not shown), second base surface 412 of base 410 may be fixedly attached to housing 450 not allowing base 410 to rotate axially within housing 450. In yet another embodiment, base 410 may be manufactured as a portion of housing 450. Housing 450 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
FIG. 5 illustrates the appliance of FIG. 3 that may be affixed to an article of footwear and configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a golf club head cleaner system 500 that may include an article of footwear referred to as a shoe 501 and a golf club head cleaner appliance 505 attached to shoe 501. Golf club head cleaner appliance 505 includes a base 510, a brushing assembly 520, and a housing 550. Golf club head cleaner appliance 505 may additionally include strap 560 and supports 561 and 562. Brushing assembly 520 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 531-534 and a plurality of bristles 541. Solid pliable members 531-534 and bristles 541 may be longitudinally provided on base 510. Housing 550 may be defined by slot 555 disposed between a first housing surface and a second housing surface (not shown). In FIG. 5, base 510 and its component parts and brushing assembly 520 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, above.
In FIG. 5, strap 560 and supports 561 and 562 may provide a means for attaching housing 550 and thereby base 510 and brushing assembly 520 to shoe 501. In one embodiment, the strap 560 and supports 561 and 562 may provide a means for attaching housing 550 to the outer portion opposite the instep portion of a given shoe (e.g. left or right) depending on the hitting type (e.g. right-hitting or left-hitting) of a user. Strap 560 may be defined by a first strap end operably coupled to slot 555 of housing 550 and a second strap end operably coupled to supports 561 and 562. Strap 560 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, an elastic material, for example polypropylene, nylon, rubberized material, and the like. Supports 561 and 562 each may be defined by a first support end operably coupled to strap 560 and a second support end operably coupled to a mounting point (not shown) on housing 550. Supports 561 and 562 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, an elastic material, for example polypropylene, nylon, rubberized material, and the like. The mounting means described above for attaching base 510, a brushing assembly 520, and a housing 550 portions of golf club head cleaner appliance 505 to shoe 501 is but one of many such means and is not intended to be limiting.
FIG. 6 illustrates the appliance of FIG. 3 as attached to a user's appendage and configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 6 illustrates a golf club head cleaner system 600 that may include a user's appendage referred to as a leg 601 and a golf club head cleaner appliance 605 attached to leg 601. Golf club head cleaner appliance 605 includes a base 610, a brushing assembly 620, and a housing 650. Golf club head cleaner appliance 605 may additionally include strap 660 and supports 661 and 662. Brushing assembly 620 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 631-634 and a plurality of bristles 641. Solid pliable members 631-634 and bristles 641 may be longitudinally provided on base 610. Housing 650 may be defined by slot 655 disposed between a first housing surface and a second housing surface (not shown). Slot 655 may be defined so that when in use (described below) housing 650 is disposed substantially parallel to a surface to which the appendage is provided purchase. In FIG. 6, base 610 and its component parts and brushing assembly 620 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, above.
In FIG. 6, strap 660 and supports 661 and 662 may provide a means for attaching housing 650 and thereby base 610 and brushing assembly 620 to leg 601. In one embodiment, the strap 660 and supports 661 and 662 may provide a means for attaching housing 650 to the outside portion of a given appendage, such as, for example a leg (e.g. left or right) depending on the hitting type (e.g. right-hitting or left-hitting) of a user. Strap 660 may be defined by a first strap end operably coupled to slot 655 of housing 650 and a second strap end operably coupled to supports 661 and 662. Strap 660 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, an elastic material, for example, polypropylene, nylon, rubberized material, and the like. Supports 661 and 662 each may be defined by a first support end operably coupled to strap 660 and a second support end operably coupled to a mounting point (not shown) on housing 650. Supports 661 and 662 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, an elastic material, for example, polypropylene, nylon, rubberized material, and the like. The mounting means described above for attaching base 610, a brushing assembly 620, and a housing 650 portions of golf club head cleaner appliance 605 to leg 601 is but one of many such means and is not intended to be limiting.
FIG. 7 illustrates an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 7 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 700 that may include a base 710, a brushing assembly 720, and a housing 750. Brushing assembly 720 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 731-734 and a plurality of bristles 741. Solid pliable members 731-734 and bristles 741 may be longitudinally provided on base 710. In FIG. 7, base 710 and its component parts and brushing assembly 720 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, above.
In FIG. 7, housing 750 may be defined by first housing surface 751 and a second housing surface (not shown). First housing surface 751 of housing 750 may be defined to receive base 710. In an example, the first housing surface of the housing may be defined to receive the base as described in FIG. 4, above. In one embodiment, base 710 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 751 of housing 750. In an example, base 710 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 751 of housing 750 to allow base 710 to fixedly rotate axially within housing 750. In another embodiment (not shown), base 710 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 751 of housing 750 not allowing base 710 to rotate axially within housing 750. In yet another embodiment, base 710 may be manufactured as a portion of housing 750.. Housing 750 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
FIG. 8 illustrates the appliance of FIG. 7 as attached to an article of footwear and configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 8 illustrates a golf club head cleaner system 800 that may include an article of footwear referred to as a shoe 801 and a golf club head cleaner appliance 805 attached to shoe 801. Golf club head cleaner appliance 805 includes a base 810, a brushing assembly 820, and a housing 850. Brushing assembly 820 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 831-834 and a plurality of bristles 841. Solid pliable members 831-834 and bristles 841 may be longitudinally provided on base 810. Shoe 801 may be defined by a right outsole portion 804, a left outsole portion 802, an uppers portion 803, a mid-soles portion (not shown), and an insoles portion (not shown). Uppers portion 803 may be attached to the outer circumstance of the top of the outsoles and the mid-soles and the insoles may be stacked sequentially to the outsoles within the uppers. In FIG. 8, base 810 and its component parts and brushing assembly 820 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, above.
In FIG. 8, housing 850 may be defined by first housing surface 851 and a second housing surface (not shown). First housing surface 851 of housing 850 may be defined to receive base 810. In an example, the first housing surface of the housing may be defined to receive the base as described in FIG. 4, above. In one embodiment, base 810 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 851 of housing 850. In an example, base 810 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 851 of housing 850 to allow base 810 to fixedly rotate axially within housing 850. In another embodiment (not shown), base 810 may be fixedly attached to first housing surface 851 of housing 850 not allowing base 810 to rotate axially within housing 850. In yet another embodiment, base 810 may be manufactured as a portion of housing 850. Housing 850 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
In FIG. 8, the second housing surface of housing 850 may be fixably attached to a mounting area (not shown) within a portion of uppers portion 803 and right outsole portion 804, such as, by utilizing an adhesive, fasteners, or the like. In another embodiment, shoe 801 may be manufactured with housing 850 as part of the mounting area (not shown) within uppers portion 803 and right outsole portion 804. In yet another embodiment, shoe 801 may be manufactured without housing 850 and having base 810 as part of the mounting area (not shown) within uppers portion 803 and right outsole portion 804. The mounting means described above for attaching base 810, a brushing assembly 820, and housing 850 portions of golf club head cleaner appliance 805 to shoe 801 is but one of many such means and is not intended to be limiting.
FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment that includes a portion of the appliance of FIG. 7 as attached to an article of footwear and configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 9 illustrates a golf club head cleaner system 900 that may include an article of footwear referred to as a shoe 901 and a golf club head cleaner appliance 905 attached to shoe 901. Golf club head cleaner appliance 905 includes a base area 910 and a brushing assembly 920. Brushing assembly 920 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 931-934 and a plurality of bristles 941. Solid pliable members 931-934 and bristles 941 may be longitudinally provided on base 910. Shoe 901 may be defined by a right outsole portion 904, a left outsole portion 902, an uppers portion 903, a mid-soles portion (not shown), and an insoles portion (not shown). Uppers portion 903 may be attached to the outer circumstance of the top of the outsoles and the mid-soles and the insoles may be stacked sequentially to the outsoles within the uppers. In FIG. 9, brushing assembly 920 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, above.
In FIG. 9, brushing assembly 920 may be mounted directly to mounting area 910 of uppers portion 903. In one embodiment, mounting area 910 includes additional mounting materials to facilitate mounting brushing assembly 920 directly to shoe 901 via uppers portion 903 of shoe 901. Examples of mounting materials include adhesives, resins, and the like. In one embodiment, mounting area 910 includes the materials from uppers portion 903 and brushing assembly 920 is mounted directly to uppers portion 903, such as, for example utilizing an adhesive, fasteners, or the like. The mounting means described above for attaching brushing assembly 920 portions of golf club head cleaner appliance 905 to shoe 901 is but one of many such means and is not intended to be limiting. In another embodiment, the brushing assembly is cast or built into the shoe. In an example, brushing assembly 920 and its component parts are cast as a part of shoe 901.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified golf club head cleaning appliance in FIG. 7 along the 10-10 axis. FIG. 10 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 1000 that may include a base 1010, a brushing assembly 1020, and a housing 1050. Brushing assembly 1020 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 1031-1034, a plurality of bristles 1041, and an absorption member 1046. Solid pliable members 1031-1034 and bristles 1041 may be longitudinally provided on base 1010. In FIG. 10, base 1010 and its component parts and brushing assembly 1020 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2, above.
In FIG. 10, base 1010 may be generally curvilinear in shape and may be defined by a first base surface 1011. First base surface 1011 of base 1010 may be generally curvilinear and may be defined by the surface portion of housing 1050. Base 1010 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
As in FIG. 2 above, in one embodiment solid pliable members 1031-1034 may be fixably attached to first base surface 1011 of base 1010, such as, by utilizing an adhesive, fasteners, or the like. Solid pliable members 1031-1034 may be fixably attached to first base surface 1011 of base 1010 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 1010 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, solid pliable members 1031-1034 may be fixably attached to first base surface 1011 of base 1010 with a distance of 3/16″ between each pliable member. In another embodiment, solid pliable members 1031-1034 may be manufactured as part of base 1010 and form part of first base surface 1011 of base 1010 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 1010 and may be substantially parallel to one another. In an example, base 1010 and solid pliable members 1031-1034 may be manufactured from the same material, such as, through a thermoplastic molding process. In yet another embodiment, solid pliable members 1031-1034 may be triangular in cross-sectional view and defined by a base and a tip with the base of the pliable members wider than the tip. In an example, dimensions of solid pliable members 1031-1034 proximate base 1010 are 2″W× 1/16″D and dimensions of solid pliable members 1031-1034 proximate the tip of each solid pliable member are 2″W× 1/32″D. Solid pliable members 1031-1034 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, and the like.
Bristles 1041 may be fixably attached to first base surface 1011 of base 1010 in a substantially perpendicular orientation to base 1010 and may be substantially parallel to one another. Bristles 1041 may be fixably attached to first base surface 1011 of base 1010 so as to be interspersed between the plurality of solid pliable members 1031-1034. In an example, bristles 1041 may be fixably attached to the first base surface of base 1010 with a uniform distance between each bristle. Bristles 1041 may be of substantially uniform or variable length, stiffly resilient and made from, for example, a strong, heat-stable, oxidation-resistant metal. Suitable metals include, for example, brass, stainless steel, copper and copper alloys, aluminum alloys and the like. In one embodiment, bristles 1041 may be slightly longer than solid pliable members 1031-1034. In an example, bristles 1041 may have a length of ⅝″ and solid pliable members 1031-1034 may have a height of ½″. Absorption member 1046 may be an absorption layer designed to absorb moisture from a golf club head. Absorption member 1046 may be fixedly attached to an edge of solid pliable member 1031 opposite a row of bristles 1041. In another embodiment (not shown), absorption member 1046 may be fixedly attached to an edge of solid pliable member 1034 opposite a row of bristles 1041. Absorption member 1046 can be manufactured from any suitable absorption material, such as, a sponge material for example polypropylene sponge material, a chamois material, and the like.
Housing 1050 may be defined by a first housing surface 1051. First housing surface 1051 may be defined to receive base 1010. In one embodiment, base 1010 may be fixedly attached to housing 1050 not allowing base 1010 to rotate axially within housing 1050. In another embodiment, base 1010 may be manufactured as a portion of housing 1050. Housing 1050 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a polymer or other plastic materials, metallic materials, and the like, for example, utilizing a thermoplastic molding process for the utilization of the plastic materials.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a modified golf club head cleaning appliance in FIG. 7 along the 10-10 axis. FIG. 11 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 1100 that may include a base 1110, a brushing assembly 1120, and a housing 1150. Brushing assembly 1120 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 1131-1134, a plurality of bristles 1141, and an absorption member 1146. Solid pliable members 1131-1134 and bristles 1141 may be longitudinally provided on base 1110. In FIG. 11, base 1110 and its component parts and brushing assembly 1120 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 2, and 10 above.
Absorption member 1146 may be an absorption layer designed to absorb moisture from a golf club head. Absorption member 1146 may be fixedly attached to an edge of solid pliable member 1131 opposite a row of bristles 1141. Absorption member 1146 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, a sponge material for example polypropylene sponge material, a chamois material, and the like. Abrasive member 1147 may be an abrasive layer designed to remove debris from a golf club head. Abrasive member 1147 may be fixedly attached to an edge of solid pliable member 1134 opposite a row of bristles 1141. Abrasive member 1147 can be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example steel wool. In another embodiment, abrasive member 1147 includes plastic bristles (not shown) oriented opposite of and substantially perpendicular to the outer edge of solid pliable member 1134.
FIG. 12 illustrates an appliance for removing debris from a golf club head that is configured in accordance with aspects of the subject matter described herein. FIG. 12 illustrates a golf club head cleaner appliance 1200 that may include a base 1210, a brushing assembly 1220, and a housing 1250. Brushing assembly 1220 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 1231-1234 and a plurality of bristles 1241. Solid pliable members 1231-1234 and bristles 1241 may be longitudinally provided on base 1210. In FIG. 12, base 1210 and its component parts and brushing assembly 1220 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2 and 10-11, above.
In FIG. 12, housing 1250 may be defined by a first housing surface 1251. First housing surface 1251 may be defined to receive base 1210. Base 1210 may be additionally defined by opening 1261, cap 1262, and ports 1263 (detailed in conjunction with FIGS. 13 and 14, below). Opening 1261 may provide access to an internal reservoir (not shown but described in conjunction with FIGS. 13 and 14, below) within base 1210. Cap 1262 may be used to secure the contents of the reservoir. Ports 1260 may be longitudinally provided on base 1210 and may be interspersed between bristles 1241 on base 1210. Ports 1260 may provide a means for the contents of the reservoir to flow to bristles 1241.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a modified golf club head cleaning appliance in FIG. 12. FIG. 13 illustrates a modified golf club head cleaner appliance 1300 that may include a base 1310, a brushing assembly 1320, and a housing 1350. Brushing assembly 1320 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 1331-1334 and a plurality of bristles 1341. Solid pliable members 1331-1334 and bristles 1341 may be longitudinally provided on base 1310. In FIG. 13, base 1310 and its component parts and brushing assembly 1320 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2 and 12, above.
In FIG. 13, housing 1350 may be defined by a first housing surface 1351. First housing surface 1351 may be defined to receive base 1310. Base 1310 may be additionally defined by an internal reservoir 1360, an opening 1361, a cap 1362, and ports 1363. Reservoir 1360 may be defined by and within base 1310. Reservoir 1360 may provide a means for containing fluid for operation of modified golf club head cleaner appliance 1300. Opening 1361 may provide access to reservoir 1360 within base 1310. Cap 1362 secures the contents of reservoir 1360. Ports 1360 may be longitudinally provided on base 1310 and may be interspersed between bristles 1341 on base 1310. Ports 1360 may provide a means for the contents of the reservoir to flow to bristles 1341.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a modified golf club head cleaning appliance in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 illustrates a modified golf club head cleaner appliance 1400 in operation that may include a base 1410, a brushing assembly 1420, a housing 1450, and a golf club head 1470: Brushing assembly 1420 may further include a plurality of solid pliable members 1431-1434 and a plurality of bristles 1441. Solid pliable members 1431-1434 and bristles 1441 may be longitudinally provided on base 1410. In FIG. 14, base 1410 and its component parts and brushing assembly 1420 and its component parts may function substantially similarly to similar components that are described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-2 and 12-13, above.
In FIG. 14, housing 1450 may be defined by a first housing surface 1451. First housing surface 1451 may be defined to receive base 1410. Base 1410 may be additionally defined by an internal reservoir 1460, an opening 1461, a cap 1462, and ports 1463. Reservoir 1460 may be defined by and within base 1410. Reservoir 1460 may provide a means for containing fluid for operation of modified golf club head cleaner appliance 1400. Opening 1461 may provide access to reservoir 1460 within base 1410. Cap 1462 may be used to secure the contents of reservoir 1460. Ports 1460 may be longitudinally provided on base 1410 and may be interspersed between bristles 1441 on base 1410. Ports 1460 may provide a means for the contents of the reservoir to flow to bristles 1441 and thereby to the surface of golf club head 1470.
As can be seen from the foregoing detailed description, aspects have been described for cleaning a golf club head. While aspects of the subject matter described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit aspects of the claimed subject matter to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of various aspects of the subject matter described herein.

Claims

1. An inflatable device comprising:

a housing including a chamber formed therein,

at least one battery received said chamber of said housing,

a cover attached onto an upper portion of said housing, and including at least one socket opening formed therein,

a support member including a plug provided thereon, for plugging into said at least one socket opening of said cover, and including a light device provided thereon,

an inflatable member attached onto said support member, and arranged to have said light device engaged in said inflatable member, and

actuating means for selectively actuating said at least one battery to energize said light device and

said support member including a heat insulating sheath provided thereon and engaged with said inflatable member for preventing said inflatable member from being heated by said light device.

2. The inflatable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inflatable member is a balloon.

3. (canceled)

4. The inflatable device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuating means includes a stationary conductor attached to said housing, a conductor member spaced away from said stationary conductor and electrically coupling to a center electrode of said at least one battery, and a movable conductor slidably received in said housing and movable to engage with said stationary conductor.

5. An inflatable device comprising:

a housing including a chamber formed therein,

at least one battery received said chamber of said housing,

actuating means for selectively actuating said at least one battery to energize said light device, said actuating means including a stationary conductor attached to said housing, a conductor member spaced away from said stationary conductor and electrically coupling to a center electrode of said at least one battery, and a movable conductor slidably received in said housing and movable to engage with said stationary conductor, and said stationary conductor including a bore formed therein, and a spacer engaged onto said stationary conductor, to separate said conductor member away from said stationary conductor.

6. The inflatable device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said spacer includes a diameter reduced extension extended therefrom, to form a peripheral flange thereon, and said diameter reduced extension of said spacer is engaged into said bore of said stationary conductor.

7. The inflatable device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said spacer includes an orifice formed therein, and a conductor element engaged into said orifice of said space and electrically coupled to the center electrode of said at least one battery.

8. An inflatable device comprising:

a housing including a chamber formed therein,

at least one battery received said chamber of said housing,

actuating means for selectively actuating said at least one battery to energize said light device, said actuating means including a stationary conductor attached to said housing, a conductor member spaced away from said stationary conductor and electrically coupling to a center electrode of said at least one battery and a movable conductor slidably received in said housing and movable to engage with said stationary conductor, and said conductor member including at least one cavity formed therein and defined by at least one rib, said cover including at least one conductor extension engaged therein and having one end engaged through said at least one cavity of said conductor member and electrically coupled to said stationary conductor.

9. The inflatable device as claimed in claim 8, wherein a conductor element is secured to said conductor member and electrically coupled to the center electrode of said at least one battery.

10. The inflatable device as claimed in claim 8, wherein said support member includes two electric wires electrically coupled to said at least one conductor extension and said conductor member respectively.

11. An inflatable device comprising:

a housing including a chamber formed therein,

at least one battery received said chamber of said housings

a support member including a plug provided thereon for plugging into said at least one socket opening of said cover, and including a light device provided thereon,

actuating means for selectively actuating said at least one battery to energize said light device, said actuating means including a stationary conductor attached to said housing, a conductor member spaced away from said stationary conductor and electrically coupling to a center electrode of said at least one battery and a movable conductor slidably received in said housing and movable to engage with said stationary conductor, and said movable conductor including a laterally extended flap having a spring member attached thereto, for electrically coupling to a case electrode of said at least one battery.

12. The inflatable device as claimed in claim 4, wherein a knob is slidably attached to said housing and coupled to said movable conductor, for moving said movable conductor relative to said housing.