CN1649778A - Device and method for protecting and wiping surfaces - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (10) for application to an implement surface, such as the handle of a golf club. The device includes a shell (12) and an absorbent member (14). The outer sleeve includes a top and a bottom, an interior surface, an opening formed in the bottom of the outer sleeve, and an interior space. An absorbent member is positioned in the interior space of the outer cover for receiving the surface through the opening of the outer cover.

Description

Device and method for protecting and wiping surfaces

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of protective equipment, and more particularly, to devices and methods for protecting and wiping surfaces, such as golf clubs, tennis rackets or tool handles.

Background technique

The game of golf, unlike other sports and activities, requires precision and consistency to be struck accurately and precisely. Because golf swings can move the club head at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, any slight, inadvertent deviation from the club face hitting the golf ball will result in an inaccurate hit. This inadvertent deviation is caused by a variety of causes, including slipping of the golfer's grip on the handle or grip on the golf club.

For accurate and precise golf shots, the golfer's grip is key. The golfer's grip is the connection or connection between the golfer and the golf club. At address, the golfer's grip is critical in accurately aligning the golf club with the ball, and should ensure that no gaps in the grip occur between address and impact. any changes. Any change in grip between the time the ball is approached and when the ball is struck may result in an inaccurate hit of the golf ball.

Many golfers use golf gloves to reduce slippage and provide extra confidence during golf swings. Golf gloves are generally used on one hand of a golfer. But unfortunately, golf gloves are not effective at gripping golf clubs when they are wet, slippery or dirty. Golf gloves are also expensive, cumbersome to put on and take off, and uncomfortable to wear on hot days.

For golf club grips, slippage in the golfer's grip can be caused by wet or oily grips. Wet or oily handle surfaces can be caused by rain, condensation, sweat, lotions, sunscreen, insecticides, or natural skin oils. These foreign substances, when present on the hand or on the handle of a golf club, will produce unwanted and inadvertent slippage and inaccurate golf shots. Hand towels are useless when exposed to rain or other moisture, after being used to clean club surfaces, or when soiled with other substances. Hand towels can also be difficult to keep dry in rainy conditions. Hand towels have limited absorbent properties compared to other materials.

Contents of the invention

From the above description it can be seen that there is a need for an apparatus and method for protecting surfaces, such as golf club grips. According to the present invention, there is provided a device and a method for protecting surfaces which completely eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages and problems.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for use with an instrument surface, comprising a casing and an absorbent member. The casing includes a top and a bottom, an interior surface, an opening formed on the bottom of the casing, an interior space formed by a space defined by the interior surface of the casing and the opening of the casing, and an exterior surface. An absorbent member is located in the interior space of the casing for receiving said surface through the opening of the casing.

The present invention provides many technical advantages, including the ability to protect, wipe and clean surfaces, such as the surface of an instrument, which may be the grip of a golf club.

The present invention also provides a clear technical advantage in that it provides a dry and absorbent device so that the surface of an appliance or article remains dry when it rains. For example, golf towels get wet when it rains and become ineffective for drying golf club grips when it rains.

A clear technical advantage provided by the present invention is that it is secured or positioned in such a way that the outer casing can be used as an advertising space so that logos or advertisements can be located on or adjacent to the outer surface of the outer casing.

Other technical advantages provided by the present invention are that it can be easily disassembled for easy cleaning, sanitization if required, and mold suppression. In other embodiments, the present invention may be implemented with flexible materials for portability, light weight, and ease of handling.

Other technical advantages are readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, descriptions and claims.

Description of drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like numerals indicate like parts. In the attached picture:

1-3 are perspective views showing an apparatus for protecting and wiping surfaces such as golf club grips as applied to golf club grips;

4-7 are perspective views showing a device for protecting and wiping a golf club, and a method of making or forming an outer portion of the device;

8-10 are perspective views showing the use of folded sheets of absorbent material as the absorbent part of the device for protecting and wiping golf clubs;

Figures 11-13 are side, top and cross-sectional views of the device showing several states of the strap or hook attached to the device;

Figures 14-16 are side and top views of the device showing the various hook/strap attachments attached to the jacket;

Figures 17-19 illustrate different nylon bags that can be used as outerwear according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 20-22 show, in one embodiment, different absorbent members in a cylindrical configuration and a folded configuration;

Figures 23-25 show different absorbent members constructed in different shapes, such as cylinders/encapsulated ends/folded absorbent members, and the casings in which they are located, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 26-28 show an absorbent member inserted in the inner space of the jacket;

Figures 29-31 show different representative shapes of casings that may be used in the present invention;

Figures 32-34 show one embodiment of a housing comprising a metal cap, and in Figure 32, another embodiment comprising a dual chamber housing;

Figures 35-37 illustrate different embodiments and features that may be included as part of the present invention, such as a housing with open end tops, vent holes, encapsulated end tops, and caps attached to the housing;

Figures 38-40 show a part, such as a blocking flange located on, near, or adjacent to the opening of the outer cover, so that the absorbent member can be retained in the inner space of the outer cover, and a hook engagement member, such as VELCRO, for The absorbent part is fixed in the inner space of the outer casing;

Figures 41-44 illustrate retaining flanges or collars for retaining an absorbent member, such as an absorbent member that has been folded, within a casing, and using another embodiment of a fastener, such as a snap button, to retain the absorbent member within the casing; as well as

Figures 45-47 show an absorbent material, such as silica, or some other absorbent material or substance that keeps the absorbent member dry, and means that can be used to protect or wipe a ball such as a football.

Detailed ways

It should be understood at the outset that while representative embodiments of the invention are set forth below, the invention may be practiced using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The invention is not limited to the representative embodiments, drawings and techniques described below, including representative designs and implementations illustrated and described herein.

1-3 are perspective views showing an apparatus for protecting and wiping surfaces such as golf club grips as applied to golf club grips.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device 10, such as a device for protecting and wiping surfaces, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Device 10, shown in more detail in the figures below, can be used to protect or wipe any of a variety of surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, device 10 is used to protect or wipe the surface of the grip or handle of a golf club, as shown in FIG. 1 .

The handle of the golf club is shown within the device 10 , allowing the surface (three-dimensional surface) to be protected within the interior space of the device 10 . In a preferred embodiment, there is an absorbent member within the interior space of the cover so that any liquid or moisture on the surface of the golf club grip can come into contact with the absorbent member to wipe or remove such liquid or moisture.

FIG. 2 is a view of device 10 showing the handle of a golf club in a position entering the interior space of device 10 . This will allow the golf club grip to be protected by the device 10 and/or wiped or cleaned by the device 10 . The illustrated device 10 has an outer shell 12 and an absorbent member 14 . The outer shell 12 can be made of any of a variety of materials, such as foam, cloth, coating, or virtually any material that can be shaped or formed to include an interior volume. The absorbent member 14 can be made from any of a variety of materials, such as cellulose sponge, synthetic sponge, open cell foam, terry fabric, cotton fabric, nylon reinforced sponge, or any other useful absorbent material.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 with the grip or handle of the golf club shown inserted within the interior space of the outer casing 12 of the device 10 . Also shown is the handle of the golf club in contact with the absorbent member 14 so that the handle is protected and/or any liquid or moisture on the handle can be absorbed or removed by the absorbent member 14 .

However, it should be understood that the device 10 of the present invention may be in any of a variety of shapes and/or configurations, and may be used to protect and/or wipe virtually any available surface, such as the surface of an instrument, including tool handles , fishing rod handles, tennis racket handles, and virtually any other three-dimensional surface or article, including in another embodiment a football surface. Of course, the device 10 also needs to be shaped and/or configured differently in order to accommodate the particular surface or surface appliance being protected and/or wiped. However, the shapes of certain surfaces are similar enough that a device 10, such as the device 10 shown in Figure 3, can be used with different instruments. For example, the device 10 of FIG. 3 could be designed to fit the handle of a tennis racket or the handle of a golf club since they have similar shapes.

4-7 are perspective views showing a device for protecting and wiping a golf club, and a method of making or forming an outer portion of the device.

4 is a view of the device 10 showing a surface, such as the handle of a golf club, removed from the interior space of the casing 12 of the device 10 so that the surface of the golf club handle is in contact with the absorbent member 14. As mentioned above, this causes the surface of the golf club grip to be wiped to remove any unwanted moisture or liquid from the surface. This provides a distinct advantage to golfers, eg, golfers who do not require golf gloves to play golf, and/or ensure a firm or reliable grip during golf swings. This can greatly improve a golfer's score.

FIG. 5 is a view of a cover 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, it should be understood that the jacket 12 may be formed using any of a variety of materials or coatings. The embodiment of the cover 12 shown in Figure 5 is shown as a single piece of polyethylene foam with a cloth skin. Outer jacket 12 has a cloth sheath side, visible in FIG. 5 .

Of course, in other embodiments, the outer casing 12 may be multiple pieces, for example, the first portion 16 and the second portion 18 may be separate pieces forming the outer casing 12 . It should be understood that the casing 12 may be of virtually any configuration, with or without the rounded portion shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5 . The illustrated housing 12 has an aperture 20 in the first portion 16 and an aperture 22 in the second portion 18 . Aperture 20 and aperture 22 are aligned with each other when outer casing 12 is folded along a common boundary. This forms a common hole so that the device can be hung with straps and/or hooks. This device may be called GRIPL.

FIG. 6 is a view of the outer casing 12 similar to FIG. 5, showing the opposite side of the outer casing 12. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the exposed side of the outer cover 12 is free of the cloth laminate or skin shown in FIG. 5 . In a preferred embodiment, edge 24 and edge 26 are provided so that when outer cover 12 is folded, the edges mate with each other so that the edges can be bonded to each other by any available bonding mechanism. This may include sewing, gluing, acoustic sealing, interlocking such as with zippers, vulcanization, or any known or available method or technique for joining or bonding surfaces or edges.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the outer casing 12 (which may also be referred to as a layer or shell) is made of a transparent or translucent flexible material. This may place an insert, such as an advertising insert, between the outer covering, layer or shell and the inner core or inner part of the outer covering. This offers distinct advantages for custom advertising inserts made from virtually any material, including commonly available print substrates, and using the same outer and inner core.

The absorbent member 14, as partially visible in Figure 4, may comprise any of a variety of substances, such as antimicrobial substances, which may include 3M's STAYFRESH technology used in sponges, such as MICROBAND using tryclosan or similar substances technology, which inhibits the growth of cells such as fungi, mold, bacteria, etc. In other embodiments, there may be an adhesive substance in or around the absorbent member 14 to provide stickiness to the surface of an instrument, such as a golf club grip. In other embodiments, the outer casing 12 may include openings or apertures, such as vents, so that substances may be sprayed or injected onto the inner space of the outer casing where the absorbent member is located.

Figure 7 shows a casing with an opening at the bottom and a rounded top closure. This can be made of virtually any material, but preferably is cloth covered foam, such as closed cell foam. The cloth preferably has a surface for advertising, eg for screen printing logos, imprinting designs or embossing some logo.

Figures 8-47 will be described in more detail below, these figures represent different views, embodiments and technical solutions that the present invention can provide. Some of the embodiments, as shown, provide aesthetic and/or functional features. For example, Figures 9, 10, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 33 and 36 represent different absorbent member variants, while Figures 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 represent different variations of the jacket. The flange, blocking or retaining portion is shown in Figures 36, 37 and 39 to 44. Figure 34 shows the closed structure of the tubular member as the outer casing 12, and the formation of a closed end by different mechanisms, such as using caps, plugs, or by clamping the end of the outer casing 12 to form a closed end, which may also include holes for the suspension device 10 . Figure 32 shows a dual chamber cover that can hold two absorbent members, while Figure 37 shows a "leather" or film cover.

8-10 are perspective views showing the use of folded sheets of absorbent material as the absorbent member 14 of the device 10 of FIG. 8 for protecting and wiping golf clubs.

11-13 are side, top and cross-sectional views of device 10 showing several states of strap and hook 50 attached to device 10 .

14-16 are side and top views of device 10 showing various hook/strap attachments 50 secured to the housing of device 10. FIGS.

Figures 17-19 illustrate different flexible nylon bags 60 that may be used as outerwear in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated loop or hook 62 is located at the top (closed end) of the nylon bag 60, while the bottom of the nylon bag 60 is open to provide an opening for loading absorbent material into the nylon bag. The elastic portion 64 surrounds the opening and can help prevent the absorbent member from coming out of the device.

20-22 show different absorbent members 14, in one embodiment, a cylindrical configuration in FIGS. 20 and 21, and a folded configuration in FIG.

Figures 23-25 show different absorbent elements 14 designed in different shapes, such as the cylindrical/closed-end/folded absorbent element of Figure 23, and the outer casing 12 in Figures 24-25, which absorbent elements 14 can fit into the inner space of the outer casing 12 middle.

26-28 show an absorbent member 14 inserted into the opening and the interior space of the outer casing 12 to form the device 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

29-31 illustrate different representative embodiments of outerwear 12 that may be used in the present invention. These can provide aesthetic features as well as functional features, such as handles or holes for hanging devices. Preferably, the cover 12 can be soft to allow a user to insert an instrument, such as the handle of a golf club, and can compress the cover 12 to bring the absorbent member into closer contact with the surface being wiped or protected. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may include a rigid outer shell 12. Note that the term instrumentation as used herein may include, except in the definition of instrumentation which includes tools or instruments used in work, virtually any article having a surface. For example, handles for golf clubs, footballs, handles for fishing rods, etc.

Figures 32-34 show one embodiment of the sheath 12 that includes a metal cap 70 at the closed end of the sheath 12; in Figure 32, another embodiment includes a dual chamber sheath 12 so that two instruments can be wiped.

35-37 illustrate different embodiments and features that may be included as part of the present invention, such as an outer shell 12 having an open end top 90, a vent 92, a closed end top 94, and a cap 96 attached to the outer shell 12. Also shown in the figure is an absorbent member 10 . The jacket 12 can be made of plastic, polymer, or virtually any material, and can be manufactured by injection molding or by compression molding.

38-40 show a component 100, such as a blocking flange 100, located on, near or adjacent to the opening of the outer cover 12, so that the absorbent member 14 can be retained in the inner space of the outer cover 12; and the engaging member 110 of the hook , such as VELCRO, is used to fix the absorbent member 14 in the inner space of the outer shell 12 .

41-44 show retaining flanges or collars 200 for retaining an absorbent member, such as the folded absorbent member 10, within the outer casing 12; Retained in jacket 12.

45-47 show absorbent material 210, such as silicon dioxide or some other absorbent material or substance, for keeping absorbent member 14 dry; and device 10, which may be used to protect and/or wipe a ball, such as a football 220.

It should be understood that although the invention has been explained and described in connection with golf club handles, and in conjunction with its uses and advantages, the invention can be applied to virtually any handle or elongate article, such as tennis racquets, hammers, Baseball bats, tools, hand-held equipment, and similar items. The present invention also provides unique opportunities for creating new advertising spaces, which were not available before.

It is therefore apparent that, according to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus and method for protecting and wiping surfaces which fulfill one or more of the advantages described above. Although the preferred embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions and alternatives can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, although not all advantages are given above. For example, the invention may be employed in any number of shapes and designs. The invention may be practiced using any of a variety of materials and structures.

The various components, components, elements and methods described and illustrated in the preferred embodiment as separate or independent parts may be combined with other components, components, elements and methods or without departing from the scope of the present invention. integrated. The present invention can be used to wipe virtually any substance that can be wiped. Other examples of variations, substitutions, and alternatives can readily be found by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (43)

1. A device applied to an instrument surface, said device comprising: a casing comprising a top, a bottom, an interior surface, an opening formed on the bottom of the casing, an interior space formed by the space bounded by the interior interior surface of the casing and the casing opening, and an exterior surface; and An absorbent member is located in the interior space of the outer casing, the absorbent element is adapted to receive the surface through the opening of the outer casing. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is capable of preventing water from penetrating from the outer surface of the casing to the absorbent member located in the interior space of the casing. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is waterproof. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is a sponge. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is a cellulosic material. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is made of a nylon reinforced cellulosic material. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is made of chamois material. 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is made of a synthetic chamois material. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is folded before being enclosed in the casing. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is cylindrical. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the absorbent member comprises a top, a bottom, an absorbent interior surface, an absorbent member opening formed at the bottom of the absorbent member, a space bounded by the absorbent interior surface of the absorbent member and the opening of the absorbent member The inner space of the absorbent member is formed, and the absorbent member is used to receive the surface through the opening of the absorbent member and enter the inner space of the absorbent member. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is rectangular and is located in the inner space of the outer cover in a folded state. 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is substantially conical in shape with an open end and a closed end, the absorbent member being located in the interior space of the casing such that the open end is located adjacent to an opening formed in the bottom of the casing . 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member includes an antibacterial substance for inhibiting bacterial growth. 15. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member includes an antifungal substance for inhibiting fungal growth. 16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: An absorbent member located in the interior space of said absorbent member. 17. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is latex. 18. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is foam. 19. The device of claim 1, wherein the outer cover is a cloth material. 20. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cloth material on an exterior surface of the housing. 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is closed cell foam. 22. The device of claim 1, further comprising indicia displayed on an exterior surface of the housing. 23. The device of claim 1, further comprising advertisements displayed on an exterior surface of the casing. 24. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a rounded top. 25. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface, wherein the first exterior surface of the housing and the second exterior surface of the housing are substantially flat from top to bottom. 26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing includes vent holes extending from an outer surface of the housing to an inner surface of the housing. 27. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a second opening formed in a top portion of the housing, and further comprising a cap positioned over the second opening of the housing. 28. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: An engaging element attached to the outer shell, wherein the engaging element is one of the group consisting of clips, hooks, strings, straps and elastic bands. 29. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: A retaining collar is located circumferentially within the opening of the casing for preventing the absorbent member from coming out of the interior space of the casing. 30. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: A retaining flange located in the opening of the outer casing for preventing the absorbent member from coming out of the inner space of the outer casing. 31. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the implement is a fishing rod. 32. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the implement is a golf club grip. 33. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the surface is the surface of a soccer ball. 34. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is nylon. 35. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover is leather. 36. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is rubber. 37. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is plastic. 38. The device of claim 1, wherein the casing is made of one of the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, polyolefin, vinyl/nitrile, ARMAFLEX, RUBATEX, and polyurethane. 39. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is substantially cylindrical. 40. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: The loop that attaches to the top of the jacket. 41. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: Compound located in the absorbent part used to create the glued handle. 42. A method of using a device applied to an instrument surface, the method comprising: inserting the instrument surface into the opening and interior space of the housing of the device; bringing the surface of the device into contact with the absorbent part of the device located in the interior space of the casing; Remove the instrument surface from the opening and interior space of the device. 43. A method of manufacturing a device applied to an instrument surface, the method comprising: forming a casing comprising a top, a bottom, an interior surface, an opening formed on the bottom of the casing, an interior space formed by the space defined by the casing interior surface and the casing opening, and an exterior surface; forming an absorbent member; and An absorbent member is positioned in the interior space of the casing, wherein the absorbent member is positioned in the interior space of the casing for receiving the surface through the opening of the casing.

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