US20070101524A1 - Shoe cleaning sand rake - Google Patents
Shoe cleaning sand rake Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070101524A1 US20070101524A1 US11/395,595 US39559506A US2007101524A1 US 20070101524 A1 US20070101524 A1 US 20070101524A1 US 39559506 A US39559506 A US 39559506A US 2007101524 A1 US2007101524 A1 US 2007101524A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rake
- sand
- rake head
- head
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D7/00—Rakes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
- A46B15/0055—Brushes combined with other articles normally separate from the brushing process, e.g. combs, razors, mirrors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
- A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/50—Golfing accessories specially adapted for course maintenance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/60—Cleaning or maintenance of golf clubs, putters, shoes or other golf accessories
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
- A46B2200/306—Shoe cleaning or polishing brush
Definitions
- the present invention relates to sand rakes, and, more particularly, to sand rakes adapted for cleaning shoes.
- a player may find his or her golf ball in a bunker. In order to continue play, the player must hit a shot from the bunker which normally requires a player to stand in the sand. After advancing the golf ball out of the bunker, the player exits the bunker and may have sand stuck to or lodged near or on the sole of the player's golf shoes, i.e., golf spikes.
- sand stuck to or lodged near or on the sole of the player's golf shoes i.e., golf spikes.
- Common courtesy in the game of golf provides that the player or the player's caddy should rake the bunker after exiting to provide a smooth surface for the next player to hit from the bunker.
- the bunker is thus restored to its prior condition, a player's golf shoes or a caddy's shoes remain encumbered with sand on or near the soles.
- the sand stuck or lodged on the player's shoes is often tracked onto the green, next to which most bunkers are situated, thereby possibly encumbering his or her own putting line or another player's putting line.
- the bunker is distant from the green, e.g., next to or in the fairway, the sand stuck or lodged on the player's shoes may hinder the player's footing and stability for the next shot.
- the player usually must walk to the next tee box to find a shoe cleaning station to remove the sand from the player's shoes, or, alternatively, the player must wait until the round is completed and clean the sand from the player's shoes at the shoe cleaning station near the clubhouse.
- the player may try to remove the sand from his or her shoes by tapping his or her shoes with the golf club used to hit the sand shot, thereby risking injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the golf shoes.
- the present invention generally provides a sand rake which serves two purposes: 1) raking the sand in a bunker to provide a smooth sand surface; and 2) efficient and safe removal of the sand trapped or lodged on or near the soles of a player's golf shoes.
- the dual purpose sand rake may be used to conveniently clean the player's shoes before he or she steps foot on the putting green, thereby reducing the amount of sand and other debris tracked onto the green, or, alternatively, before the player attempts another shot, thereby enhancing the player's footing.
- the sand rake removes the need for the player to walk to the next tee box to clean his or her shoes before finishing the current hole, or, alternatively, removes the need for the player to wait until the round is finished to clean his or her shoes. Moreover, the sand rake removes the need for the player to tap his or her shoes with the golf club, thereby eliminating the risk of injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the golf shoes.
- the present invention provides a sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes, including a handle; and a rake head connected to the handle, the rake head including a plurality of tines connected to and extending from the rake head in a first direction, and at least one brush extending from the rake head in a second direction different from the first direction.
- the present invention provides a sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes encumbered with sand or other debris, including a handle; and a rake head connected to the handle, the rake head including raking means for raking the sand connected to and extending from the rake head in a first direction, and cleaning means for removing sand or other debris from the shoes, the cleaning means connected to the rake head, the cleaning means extending from the rake head in a second direction different from the first direction.
- the present invention provides a method for preventing sand from being tracked from a bunker to a green in a golf course environment, the method including the steps of providing a sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes, the rake including a handle and a rake head connected to the handle, the rake head including a plurality of tines connected to and extending from the rake head in a first direction, and at least one brush extending from the rake head in a second direction different from the first direction; and subsequent to stepping in the bunker and prior to stepping on the green, brushing a sole portion of a shoe with the at least one brush of the sand rake to dislodge sand particles from the sole portion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sand rake according to one embodiment
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the rake head and a portion of the handle of the sand rake of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of a rake head with a brush attachment in an alternative embodiment sand rake;
- FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake of FIG. 3 , further illustrating an extension piece on the brush attachment;
- FIG. 6 is a side view of a rake head with a brush attachment in another alternative embodiment sand rake, further illustrating a partial cross-sectional view of fasteners extending into the rake head;
- FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake of FIG. 6 , further illustrating an extension piece on the brush attachment;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of a rake head with a brush attachment in yet another alternative embodiment sand rake, further illustrating a partial cross-sectional view of fasteners extending into the brush attachment;
- FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake of FIG. 9 , further illustrating an extension piece on the brush attachment;
- FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a still further alternative embodiment sand rake
- FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake of FIG. 12 , further illustrating the brushes extending along the extension portion of the brush attachment;
- FIG. 14 is a side view of the sand rake of FIG. 12 taken along line 14 - 14 .
- the present invention generally provides a sand rake which serves two purposes: 1) raking the sand in a bunker to provide a smooth sand surface; and 2) efficient and safe removal of the sand trapped or lodged on or near the soles of a player's golf shoes.
- the dual purpose sand rake may be used to conveniently clean the player's shoes before he or she steps foot on the putting green, thereby reducing the amount of sand and other debris tracked onto the green.
- the sand rake removes the need for the player to walk to the next tee box to clean his or her shoes before finishing the current hole, or, alternatively, removes the need for the player to wait until the round is finished to clean his or her shoes.
- the sand rake removes the need for the player to tap his or her shoes with the golf club, thereby eliminating the risk of injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the golf shoes.
- the term brush is meant to denote a brush for cleaning golf shoes, such as those commercially available from Par Aide Products Co. of St. Paul, Minn.
- the term brush as used in this context is a device having a large plurality of independent bristles grouped closely together and effective to dislodge sand from a sole portion of a golf shoe. The brush will generally not allow sand particles to pass through the brush, but rather will dislodge sand and other debris from the sole portion of the shoe.
- sand rake 20 is shown including handle 22 with handle grip 23 and rake head 24 connected to handle 22 .
- the connection between handle 22 and rake head 24 may comprise any suitable connection, for example, the connection may include a threaded engagement wherein handle 22 includes a threaded projection and rake head 24 includes a threaded recess capable of cooperating engagement with the threads on handle 22 .
- handle 22 and rake head 24 may be held together by a friction-fit engagement, for example.
- rake head 24 includes rake head body 25 having rake head axis 32 and handle 22 includes handle longitudinal axis 30 disposed substantially perpendicular to rake head axis 32 .
- Rake head body 25 includes a plurality of rake tines 26 extending therefrom in a general direction along rake head axis 32 .
- Rake tines 26 may be formed into various shapes and the number of tines 26 employed on rake head body 25 may be varied.
- rake tines 26 may have a cross-sectional dimension of between 1 ⁇ 8 in. and 1 ⁇ 2 in., e.g., if rake tines 26 have a substantially circular cross-section, the dimension may be the diameter of the cross-section.
- rake tines 26 may taper in cross-sectional size from a larger cross-section near rake head body 25 to a smaller cross-section distant from rake head body 25 .
- Rake tines 26 may include spacing between each tine 26 of approximately 1 ⁇ 4 in. to 2 in.
- Handle 22 and rake head body 25 may be comprised of metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, a composite material, or any other suitable material.
- Rake head body 25 also has brushes 27 extending therefrom each of which includes a plurality of bristles 28 .
- Each brush 27 extends from rake head body 25 at an angle ⁇ with respect to rake head axis 32 .
- Angle ⁇ may be any angle suitable for the purpose of cleaning golf shoes, and, in one embodiment, angle ⁇ is between about 0° and 90°, or, about 45°.
- brushes 27 are most effective when angle ⁇ is at least less than 90°, i.e., when brushes 27 are at least slightly above a horizontal orientation of brushes 27 with respect to the ground when tines 26 are directed toward the ground.
- Bristles 28 may be comprised of metal, plastic, a composite, foam, or any other material suitable for cleaning golf shoes. Bristles 28 may be integrally formed with rake head body 25 or may be inserted into apertures (not shown) provided in rake head body 25 after body 25 is formed. In the latter instance, bristles 28 may be held in rake head body 25 by a friction-fit engagement or by a glue or glue-like substance.
- tines 26 and brushes 27 allows a golfer to first rake the bunker with rake 20 after hitting a shot therefrom and then lay rake 20 on the ground in the usual and correct manner, i.e., with tines 26 directed toward the ground. With tines 26 directed toward the ground, a golfer may rub or clean his or her shoes on brushes 27 which are in an ideal orientation for such cleaning. Moreover, the force exerted by the golfer on rake head 24 while cleaning his or her shoes forces tines 26 to dig into the ground and further stabilize rake head 24 for cleaning the golf shoes with brushes 27 .
- rake 20 may be held generally vertically with respect to the ground, for example, at an approximately 30° angle from vertical, such that tines 26 may partially engage the ground and the player may efficiently clean his or her shoes on brushes 27 .
- Sand rake 40 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 ( FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.
- Sand rake 40 includes handle 42 and rake head 44 .
- Rake head 44 includes rake head body 45 having rake head axis 52 and rake head recess 41 defined by rake head recess wall 43 .
- Rake head body 45 also includes rake head aperture 53 extending along a chord of the cross-sectional circle defined by rake head body 45 .
- Brush attachment 49 is shaped to fit within recess 41 and has surface 55 which, in certain embodiments, contacts wall 43 of recess 41 upon insertion of brush attachment 49 into recess 41 .
- Brushes 47 each having a plurality of bristles 48 , extend from brush attachment 49 and are disposed at an angle ⁇ which may be any angle suitable for the purpose of cleaning golf shoes. In one embodiment, angle ⁇ may be between about 0° and 90°, or, about 45°.
- brushes 47 are most effective when angle ⁇ is at least less than 90°, i.e., when brushes 47 are at least slightly above a horizontal orientation of brushes 47 with respect to the ground when tines 46 are directed toward the ground.
- the efficiency of brushes 47 may increase, depending on the orientation of brushes 47 , as angle ⁇ decreases, i.e., moves closer to vertical or 0°.
- brushes 47 could be located at an angle ⁇ of 90°, as described below ( FIGS. 12-13 ).
- Brush attachment 49 also includes aperture 51 .
- pin 54 is inserted through rake head aperture 53 and brush connector aperture 51 to secure brush attachment 49 to rake head body 45 .
- Pin 54 may form an interference fit within apertures 51 and 53 to secure brush attachment 49 to rake head body 45 .
- pin 54 may also be tapered and apertures 51 and 53 correspondingly tapered to match that of pin 54 .
- pin 54 may comprise a nut and bolt arrangement (not shown) or a threaded engagement (not shown).
- the surface of brush attachment 49 on which bristles 48 are positioned is flush with the circumference of rake head body 45 to form a continuous circular cross-section.
- Rake head body 45 includes a plurality of rake tines 46 extending therefrom in a general direction along rake head axis 52 .
- An advantage of rake 40 is that brush attachment 49 may be replaced. For example, brushes 47 of brush attachment 49 may become worn over time.
- the configuration of rake 40 permits easy replacement of brushes 47 by simply removing the old brush attachment 49 and replacing it with a new brush attachment 49 .
- brush attachment 49 may include extension piece 56 integrally formed therewith or later attached thereto with brushes 47 on opposing sides thereof to provide at least one additional surface of bristles 48 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes, i.e., the additional surfaces facilitate cleaning the sides of the golf shoes.
- Sand rake 60 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 ( FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.
- Sand rake 60 includes handle 62 and rake head 64 .
- Rake head 64 includes rake head body 65 having a plurality of rake tines 66 extending therefrom.
- Brush attachment 69 is connected to rake head body 65 via fasteners 70 inserted through apertures in brush attachment 69 and threaded or driven into rake head body 65 .
- brush attachment 69 has an arcuate shape to match the curvature of rake head body 65 to ensure touching engagement between brush attachment 69 and rake head body 65 .
- Brushes 67 extend from brush attachment 69 and include a plurality of bristles 68 .
- An advantage of rake 60 is that brush attachment 69 provides retrofit capability to existing rakes. For example, by simply drilling or punching a few fastener holes in an existing rake, brush attachment 69 may be retrofitted onto the existing rake to produce rake 60 .
- brush attachment 69 may include extension piece 72 integrally formed therewith or later attached thereto with brushes 67 on opposing sides thereof to provide at least one additional surface of bristles 68 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes.
- Sand rake 80 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 ( FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.
- Sand rake 80 includes handle 82 and rake head 84 having rake head body 85 with a plurality of rake tines 86 extending therefrom.
- rake head body 85 includes a hollow interior defined by surface 83 .
- Brush attachment 89 has surface 91 which mates with the arcuate shape of surface 83 .
- Fasteners 90 extend through apertures in rake head body 85 and are threaded or driven into brush attachment 89 .
- Brush attachment 89 has brushes 87 extending therefrom away from rake head body 85 .
- Each brush 87 includes a plurality of bristles 88 .
- brush attachment 89 may include extension piece 94 integrally formed therewith or later attached thereto with brushes 87 on opposing sides thereof to provide at least one additional surface of bristles 88 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes.
- Sand rake 100 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 ( FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.
- Sand rake 100 includes handle 102 and sand rake head 104 .
- Sand rake head 104 includes rake head body 105 with a plurality of rake tines 106 extending therefrom.
- Brush attachment 109 includes aperture 111 in extension portion 112 sized to slidably engage handle 102 .
- Brush attachment 109 is slid down handle 102 until the arcuate shape of brush attachment 109 mates with the arcuate surface of rake head body 105 and handle 102 extends out aperture 111 in extension portion 112 .
- Brush attachment 109 is secured to rake head body 105 via fasteners 110 inserted through apertures in brush attachment 109 and threaded or driven into rake head body 105 .
- Brushes 107 extend from brush attachment 109 in a direction away from rake head body 105 .
- Each brush 107 includes a plurality of bristles 108 .
- brush attachment 109 may include brushes 107 on opposing sides of extension portion 112 to provide at least one additional surface of bristles 108 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes.
- FIGS. 12-14 advantageously allow the player to use rake 100 while holding rake 100 such that handle 102 is substantially vertical to the ground such that brushes 107 are easily accessed.
- Brush attachment 109 may alternatively include brushes 107 on a portion thereof which essentially extend from rake head body 105 in a direction opposite to the direction of extension of tines 106 , thereby making rake 100 more usable while handle 102 is horizontal to the ground.
- brush attachment 69 ( FIGS. 6-8 ), brush attachment 89 ( FIGS. 9-11 ), and brush attachment 109 ( FIGS. 12-14 ) may easily allow existing sand rakes to be retrofitted to include brush attachments.
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Abstract
A sand rake which serves two purposes: 1) raking the sand in a bunker to provide a smooth sand surface; and 2) efficient and safe removal of the sand trapped or lodged on or near the soles of a player's golf shoes. The dual purpose sand rake may be used to conveniently clean the player's shoes before stepping foot on the putting green, thereby reducing the amount of sand and other debris tracked onto the green, or, alternatively, before the player attempts another shot, thereby enhancing the player's footing. The sand rake removes the need for the player to walk to the next tee box or wait until the round is finished to clean his or her shoes. Moreover, the sand rake removes the need for the player to tap his or her shoes with the golf club to clean his or her shoes, thereby eliminating the risk of injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the shoes.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to sand rakes, and, more particularly, to sand rakes adapted for cleaning shoes.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- During a typical round of golf, a player may find his or her golf ball in a bunker. In order to continue play, the player must hit a shot from the bunker which normally requires a player to stand in the sand. After advancing the golf ball out of the bunker, the player exits the bunker and may have sand stuck to or lodged near or on the sole of the player's golf shoes, i.e., golf spikes. Common courtesy in the game of golf provides that the player or the player's caddy should rake the bunker after exiting to provide a smooth surface for the next player to hit from the bunker. Although the bunker is thus restored to its prior condition, a player's golf shoes or a caddy's shoes remain encumbered with sand on or near the soles. The sand stuck or lodged on the player's shoes is often tracked onto the green, next to which most bunkers are situated, thereby possibly encumbering his or her own putting line or another player's putting line. Also, if the bunker is distant from the green, e.g., next to or in the fairway, the sand stuck or lodged on the player's shoes may hinder the player's footing and stability for the next shot. The player usually must walk to the next tee box to find a shoe cleaning station to remove the sand from the player's shoes, or, alternatively, the player must wait until the round is completed and clean the sand from the player's shoes at the shoe cleaning station near the clubhouse. Alternatively, the player may try to remove the sand from his or her shoes by tapping his or her shoes with the golf club used to hit the sand shot, thereby risking injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the golf shoes.
- The present invention generally provides a sand rake which serves two purposes: 1) raking the sand in a bunker to provide a smooth sand surface; and 2) efficient and safe removal of the sand trapped or lodged on or near the soles of a player's golf shoes. Advantageously, the dual purpose sand rake may be used to conveniently clean the player's shoes before he or she steps foot on the putting green, thereby reducing the amount of sand and other debris tracked onto the green, or, alternatively, before the player attempts another shot, thereby enhancing the player's footing. The sand rake removes the need for the player to walk to the next tee box to clean his or her shoes before finishing the current hole, or, alternatively, removes the need for the player to wait until the round is finished to clean his or her shoes. Moreover, the sand rake removes the need for the player to tap his or her shoes with the golf club, thereby eliminating the risk of injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the golf shoes.
- In one form thereof, the present invention provides a sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes, including a handle; and a rake head connected to the handle, the rake head including a plurality of tines connected to and extending from the rake head in a first direction, and at least one brush extending from the rake head in a second direction different from the first direction.
- In another form thereof, the present invention provides a sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes encumbered with sand or other debris, including a handle; and a rake head connected to the handle, the rake head including raking means for raking the sand connected to and extending from the rake head in a first direction, and cleaning means for removing sand or other debris from the shoes, the cleaning means connected to the rake head, the cleaning means extending from the rake head in a second direction different from the first direction.
- In yet another form thereof, the present invention provides a method for preventing sand from being tracked from a bunker to a green in a golf course environment, the method including the steps of providing a sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes, the rake including a handle and a rake head connected to the handle, the rake head including a plurality of tines connected to and extending from the rake head in a first direction, and at least one brush extending from the rake head in a second direction different from the first direction; and subsequent to stepping in the bunker and prior to stepping on the green, brushing a sole portion of a shoe with the at least one brush of the sand rake to dislodge sand particles from the sole portion.
- The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sand rake according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the rake head and a portion of the handle of the sand rake ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of a rake head with a brush attachment in an alternative embodiment sand rake; -
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake ofFIG. 3 , further illustrating an extension piece on the brush attachment; -
FIG. 6 is a side view of a rake head with a brush attachment in another alternative embodiment sand rake, further illustrating a partial cross-sectional view of fasteners extending into the rake head; -
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake ofFIG. 6 , further illustrating an extension piece on the brush attachment; -
FIG. 9 is a side view of a rake head with a brush attachment in yet another alternative embodiment sand rake, further illustrating a partial cross-sectional view of fasteners extending into the brush attachment; -
FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake ofFIG. 9 , further illustrating an extension piece on the brush attachment; -
FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a still further alternative embodiment sand rake; -
FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the sand rake ofFIG. 12 , further illustrating the brushes extending along the extension portion of the brush attachment; and -
FIG. 14 is a side view of the sand rake ofFIG. 12 taken along line 14-14. - Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
- The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings.
- The present invention generally provides a sand rake which serves two purposes: 1) raking the sand in a bunker to provide a smooth sand surface; and 2) efficient and safe removal of the sand trapped or lodged on or near the soles of a player's golf shoes. Advantageously, the dual purpose sand rake may be used to conveniently clean the player's shoes before he or she steps foot on the putting green, thereby reducing the amount of sand and other debris tracked onto the green. The sand rake removes the need for the player to walk to the next tee box to clean his or her shoes before finishing the current hole, or, alternatively, removes the need for the player to wait until the round is finished to clean his or her shoes. Moreover, the sand rake removes the need for the player to tap his or her shoes with the golf club, thereby eliminating the risk of injury to the player's ankle or foot as well as damage to the golf shoes. As used throughout this document, the term brush is meant to denote a brush for cleaning golf shoes, such as those commercially available from Par Aide Products Co. of St. Paul, Minn. For example, the term brush as used in this context is a device having a large plurality of independent bristles grouped closely together and effective to dislodge sand from a sole portion of a golf shoe. The brush will generally not allow sand particles to pass through the brush, but rather will dislodge sand and other debris from the sole portion of the shoe.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 ,sand rake 20 is shown including handle 22 withhandle grip 23 andrake head 24 connected to handle 22. The connection betweenhandle 22 andrake head 24 may comprise any suitable connection, for example, the connection may include a threaded engagement whereinhandle 22 includes a threaded projection andrake head 24 includes a threaded recess capable of cooperating engagement with the threads onhandle 22. Alternatively, handle 22 andrake head 24 may be held together by a friction-fit engagement, for example. As shown inFIG. 2 ,rake head 24 includesrake head body 25 havingrake head axis 32 andhandle 22 includes handlelongitudinal axis 30 disposed substantially perpendicular torake head axis 32.Rake head body 25 includes a plurality ofrake tines 26 extending therefrom in a general direction alongrake head axis 32.Rake tines 26 may be formed into various shapes and the number oftines 26 employed onrake head body 25 may be varied. In one embodiment,rake tines 26 may have a cross-sectional dimension of between ⅛ in. and ½ in., e.g., ifrake tines 26 have a substantially circular cross-section, the dimension may be the diameter of the cross-section. In another embodiment,rake tines 26 may taper in cross-sectional size from a larger cross-section nearrake head body 25 to a smaller cross-section distant fromrake head body 25.Rake tines 26 may include spacing between eachtine 26 of approximately ¼ in. to 2 in.Handle 22 andrake head body 25 may be comprised of metal, plastic, wood, aluminum, a composite material, or any other suitable material. -
Rake head body 25 also hasbrushes 27 extending therefrom each of which includes a plurality ofbristles 28. Eachbrush 27 extends fromrake head body 25 at an angle θ with respect to rakehead axis 32. Angle θ may be any angle suitable for the purpose of cleaning golf shoes, and, in one embodiment, angle θ is between about 0° and 90°, or, about 45°. In certain embodiments, e.g., embodiments in which the shoe cleaning feature of the rake is meant to be used withhandle 22 resting on the ground, brushes 27 are most effective when angle θ is at least less than 90°, i.e., when brushes 27 are at least slightly above a horizontal orientation ofbrushes 27 with respect to the ground whentines 26 are directed toward the ground. However, ifrake 20 is desired to be used in another fashion, for example, whenhandle 22 is perpendicular to the ground surface, brushes 27 could be located at an angle θ of 90°, as described below (FIGS. 12-13 ).Bristles 28 may be comprised of metal, plastic, a composite, foam, or any other material suitable for cleaning golf shoes.Bristles 28 may be integrally formed withrake head body 25 or may be inserted into apertures (not shown) provided inrake head body 25 afterbody 25 is formed. In the latter instance, bristles 28 may be held inrake head body 25 by a friction-fit engagement or by a glue or glue-like substance. - The configuration of
tines 26 and brushes 27 allows a golfer to first rake the bunker withrake 20 after hitting a shot therefrom and then layrake 20 on the ground in the usual and correct manner, i.e., withtines 26 directed toward the ground. Withtines 26 directed toward the ground, a golfer may rub or clean his or her shoes onbrushes 27 which are in an ideal orientation for such cleaning. Moreover, the force exerted by the golfer onrake head 24 while cleaning his or her shoes forces tines 26 to dig into the ground and further stabilizerake head 24 for cleaning the golf shoes with brushes 27. Alternatively, rake 20 may be held generally vertically with respect to the ground, for example, at an approximately 30° angle from vertical, such thattines 26 may partially engage the ground and the player may efficiently clean his or her shoes on brushes 27. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3-4 , in another embodiment,sand rake 40 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 (FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.Sand rake 40 includeshandle 42 and rakehead 44.Rake head 44 includesrake head body 45 havingrake head axis 52 and rakehead recess 41 defined by rakehead recess wall 43.Rake head body 45 also includesrake head aperture 53 extending along a chord of the cross-sectional circle defined byrake head body 45.Brush attachment 49 is shaped to fit withinrecess 41 and hassurface 55 which, in certain embodiments,contacts wall 43 ofrecess 41 upon insertion ofbrush attachment 49 intorecess 41.Brushes 47, each having a plurality ofbristles 48, extend frombrush attachment 49 and are disposed at an angle α which may be any angle suitable for the purpose of cleaning golf shoes. In one embodiment, angle α may be between about 0° and 90°, or, about 45°. In certain embodiments, e.g., embodiments in which the shoe cleaning feature of the rake is meant to be used withhandle 42 resting on the ground, brushes 47 are most effective when angle α is at least less than 90°, i.e., when brushes 47 are at least slightly above a horizontal orientation ofbrushes 47 with respect to the ground whentines 46 are directed toward the ground. The efficiency ofbrushes 47 may increase, depending on the orientation ofbrushes 47, as angle α decreases, i.e., moves closer to vertical or 0°. However, ifrake 40 is desired to be used in another fashion, for example, whenhandle 42 is perpendicular to the ground surface, brushes 47 could be located at an angle α of 90°, as described below (FIGS. 12-13 ).Brush attachment 49 also includesaperture 51. Upon insertion ofbrush attachment 49 intorecess 41,pin 54 is inserted throughrake head aperture 53 andbrush connector aperture 51 to securebrush attachment 49 to rakehead body 45.Pin 54 may form an interference fit withinapertures brush attachment 49 to rakehead body 45. In such a configuration,pin 54 may also be tapered andapertures pin 54. Alternatively, pin 54 may comprise a nut and bolt arrangement (not shown) or a threaded engagement (not shown). In one embodiment, the surface ofbrush attachment 49 on which bristles 48 are positioned is flush with the circumference ofrake head body 45 to form a continuous circular cross-section.Rake head body 45 includes a plurality ofrake tines 46 extending therefrom in a general direction alongrake head axis 52. An advantage ofrake 40 is thatbrush attachment 49 may be replaced. For example, brushes 47 ofbrush attachment 49 may become worn over time. The configuration ofrake 40 permits easy replacement ofbrushes 47 by simply removing theold brush attachment 49 and replacing it with anew brush attachment 49. - In an alternative embodiment shown in
FIG. 5 ,brush attachment 49 may includeextension piece 56 integrally formed therewith or later attached thereto withbrushes 47 on opposing sides thereof to provide at least one additional surface ofbristles 48 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes, i.e., the additional surfaces facilitate cleaning the sides of the golf shoes. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6-7 , in yet another embodiment,sand rake 60 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 (FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.Sand rake 60 includeshandle 62 and rakehead 64.Rake head 64 includesrake head body 65 having a plurality ofrake tines 66 extending therefrom.Brush attachment 69 is connected to rakehead body 65 viafasteners 70 inserted through apertures inbrush attachment 69 and threaded or driven intorake head body 65. In one embodiment,brush attachment 69 has an arcuate shape to match the curvature ofrake head body 65 to ensure touching engagement betweenbrush attachment 69 and rakehead body 65.Brushes 67 extend frombrush attachment 69 and include a plurality ofbristles 68. An advantage ofrake 60 is thatbrush attachment 69 provides retrofit capability to existing rakes. For example, by simply drilling or punching a few fastener holes in an existing rake,brush attachment 69 may be retrofitted onto the existing rake to producerake 60. - In an alternative embodiment shown in
FIG. 8 ,brush attachment 69 may includeextension piece 72 integrally formed therewith or later attached thereto withbrushes 67 on opposing sides thereof to provide at least one additional surface ofbristles 68 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes. - Referring now to
FIGS. 9-10 , in a still further embodiment,sand rake 80 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 (FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.Sand rake 80 includeshandle 82 and rakehead 84 havingrake head body 85 with a plurality ofrake tines 86 extending therefrom. As shown inFIG. 9 ,rake head body 85 includes a hollow interior defined bysurface 83.Brush attachment 89 hassurface 91 which mates with the arcuate shape ofsurface 83.Fasteners 90 extend through apertures inrake head body 85 and are threaded or driven intobrush attachment 89.Brush attachment 89 hasbrushes 87 extending therefrom away fromrake head body 85. Eachbrush 87 includes a plurality ofbristles 88. - In an alternative embodiment shown in
FIG. 11 ,brush attachment 89 may includeextension piece 94 integrally formed therewith or later attached thereto withbrushes 87 on opposing sides thereof to provide at least one additional surface ofbristles 88 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes. - Referring now to
FIGS. 12 and 14 , in another alternative embodiment,sand rake 100 is shown which, except as described below, is substantially similar in structure and operation to sand rake 20 (FIGS. 1-2 ) described above.Sand rake 100 includeshandle 102 andsand rake head 104.Sand rake head 104 includesrake head body 105 with a plurality ofrake tines 106 extending therefrom.Brush attachment 109 includesaperture 111 inextension portion 112 sized to slidably engagehandle 102.Brush attachment 109 is slid downhandle 102 until the arcuate shape ofbrush attachment 109 mates with the arcuate surface ofrake head body 105 and handle 102 extends outaperture 111 inextension portion 112.Brush attachment 109 is secured to rakehead body 105 viafasteners 110 inserted through apertures inbrush attachment 109 and threaded or driven intorake head body 105.Brushes 107 extend frombrush attachment 109 in a direction away fromrake head body 105. Eachbrush 107 includes a plurality ofbristles 108. - In an alternative embodiment shown in
FIG. 13 ,brush attachment 109 may includebrushes 107 on opposing sides ofextension portion 112 to provide at least one additional surface ofbristles 108 upon which a golfer may clean his or her shoes. The embodiments ofFIGS. 12-14 advantageously allow the player to userake 100 while holdingrake 100 such that handle 102 is substantially vertical to the ground such that brushes 107 are easily accessed. -
Brush attachment 109 may alternatively includebrushes 107 on a portion thereof which essentially extend fromrake head body 105 in a direction opposite to the direction of extension oftines 106, thereby makingrake 100 more usable whilehandle 102 is horizontal to the ground. - Advantageously, brush attachment 69 (
FIGS. 6-8 ), brush attachment 89 (FIGS. 9-11 ), and brush attachment 109 (FIGS. 12-14 ) may easily allow existing sand rakes to be retrofitted to include brush attachments. - While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, the present invent on may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.
Claims (20)
1. A sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes, comprising:
a handle; and
a rake head connected to said handle, said rake head including a plurality of tines connected to and extending from said rake head in a first direction, and at least one brush extending from said rake head in a second direction different from said first direction.
2. The sand rake of claim 1 , wherein said at least one brush is integrally formed with said rake head.
3. The sand rake of claim 1 , wherein said rake head further comprises a brush attachment structure, said brush attachment structure including said at least one brush, said brush attachment structure selectively connected to said rake head.
4. The sand rake of claim 3 , wherein said brush attachment structure is connected to said rake head via a friction-fit engagement between said brush attachment structure and said rake head.
5. The sand rake of claim 3 , wherein said brush attachment structure is connected to said rake head with at least one fastener.
6. The sand rake of claim 3 , wherein said brush attachment structure comprises a surface contoured to match a surface of said rake head.
7. The sand rake of claim 3 , wherein said brush attachment structure further comprises an extended portion, said extended portion including at least one brush.
8. The sand rake of claim 7 , wherein said extended portion includes a throughbore and extends along at least a portion of said handle, said handle extending through said throughbore.
9. The sand rake of claim 1 , wherein said first direction and said second direction form an angle therebetween, said angle measuring between approximately 45° and 180°.
10. The sand rake of claim 1 , wherein said handle includes a longitudinal axis and said rake head includes an axis perpendicular to said handle longitudinal axis, said second direction and said rake head axis forming an angle therebetween, said angle measuring between approximately 0° and 90°.
11. A sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes encumbered with sand or other debris, comprising:
a handle; and
a rake head connected to said handle, said rake head including raking means for raking the sand connected to and extending from said rake head in a first direction, and cleaning means for removing sand or other debris from the shoes, said cleaning means connected to said rake head, said cleaning means extending from said rake head in a second direction different from said first direction.
12. The sand rake of claim 11 , wherein said cleaning means is integrally formed with said rake head.
13. The sand rake of claim 11 , wherein said rake head further comprises a cleaning means attachment structure, said attachment structure including said cleaning means, said attachment structure selectively connected to said rake head.
14. The sand rake of claim 13 , wherein said attachment structure is connected to said rake head via a friction-fit engagement between said attachment structure and said rake head.
15. The sand rake of claim 13 , wherein said attachment structure is connected to said rake head with at least one fastener.
16. The sand rake of claim 13 , wherein said attachment structure comprises a surface contoured to match a surface of said rake head.
17. The sand rake of claim 13 , wherein said attachment structure further comprises an extended portion, said extended portion including cleaning means.
18. The sand rake of claim 11 , wherein said first direction and said second direction form an angle therebetween, said angle measuring between approximately 45° and 180°.
19. The sand rake of claim 11 , wherein said handle includes a longitudinal axis and said rake head includes an axis perpendicular to said handle longitudinal axis, said second direction and said rake head axis forming an angle therebetween, said angle measuring between approximately 0° and 90°.
20. A method for preventing sand from being tracked from a bunker to a green in a golf course environment, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a sand rake adapted for cleaning shoes, the rake including a handle and a rake head connected to the handle, the rake head including a plurality of tines connected to and extending from the rake head in a first direction, and at least one brush extending from the rake head in a second direction different from the first direction; and
subsequent to stepping in the bunker and prior to stepping on the green, brushing a sole portion of a shoe with the at least one brush of the sand rake to dislodge sand particles from the sole portion.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/395,595 US20070101524A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2006-03-31 | Shoe cleaning sand rake |
US11/866,499 US7587780B2 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2007-10-03 | Shoe cleaning sand rake |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US73369105P | 2005-11-04 | 2005-11-04 | |
US11/395,595 US20070101524A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2006-03-31 | Shoe cleaning sand rake |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/866,499 Division US7587780B2 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2007-10-03 | Shoe cleaning sand rake |
Publications (1)
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US20070101524A1 true US20070101524A1 (en) | 2007-05-10 |
Family
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/395,595 Abandoned US20070101524A1 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2006-03-31 | Shoe cleaning sand rake |
US11/866,499 Expired - Fee Related US7587780B2 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2007-10-03 | Shoe cleaning sand rake |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/866,499 Expired - Fee Related US7587780B2 (en) | 2005-11-04 | 2007-10-03 | Shoe cleaning sand rake |
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US (2) | US20070101524A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN104120512A (en) * | 2014-08-13 | 2014-10-29 | 安徽华茂纺织股份有限公司 | Special cleaning device for large and small grids of carding machine |
USD806490S1 (en) * | 2016-10-21 | 2018-01-02 | John O. H. Niswonger | Rake head |
US10188258B2 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2019-01-29 | James Deveau | Multi-function cleaning tool |
KR102101582B1 (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2020-04-16 | 임홍길 | Cleaning Tool |
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US9533206B2 (en) | 2010-12-13 | 2017-01-03 | WISP Industries, Inc. | Turf maintenance device |
US20130247533A1 (en) * | 2012-03-25 | 2013-09-26 | Andy T. Zupan | Landscape And Construction Tool With Multiple Heads |
US8820042B1 (en) * | 2013-05-31 | 2014-09-02 | Trust Visions, LLC | Landscape rake |
US10827821B2 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2020-11-10 | Gutterglove, Inc. | Universal gutter guard cleaning brush |
US10687689B1 (en) | 2017-01-20 | 2020-06-23 | Raymond Antonucci | Footwear cleaning device |
USD826503S1 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2018-08-21 | WISP Industries, Inc. | Dustpan |
USD999534S1 (en) * | 2017-12-11 | 2023-09-26 | Gutterglove, Inc. | Universal gutter guard cleaning brush |
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US10188258B2 (en) * | 2015-07-06 | 2019-01-29 | James Deveau | Multi-function cleaning tool |
USD806490S1 (en) * | 2016-10-21 | 2018-01-02 | John O. H. Niswonger | Rake head |
KR102101582B1 (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2020-04-16 | 임홍길 | Cleaning Tool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US7587780B2 (en) | 2009-09-15 |
US20080110149A1 (en) | 2008-05-15 |
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Legal Events
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