US20090314398A1

US20090314398A1 - Customizable golf club wood protector

Info

Publication number: US20090314398A1
Application number: US12/457,525
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert Shaar, JR.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-23
Filing date: 2009-06-15
Publication date: 2009-12-24

Abstract

Customizable golf club wood protectors are a fun and affordable method of customizing your golf club to suit your personality, while at the same time creating a protection for the head of the golf club. Our customizable protectors extend the lifetime value of the golf club by protecting the head from scratches. It is a semi permanent solution that does not leave any marks on the club once removed and every protector is made to fit each club individually. The protector can include photos, company logos or any other graphic or saying that is desired.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

provisional patent application No. 61/113,2773 filed Jun. 23, 2008

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None

SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention
The present invention is related to the protection of the head of a golf club. The invention will protect the club head from damage when in use as well as provide personalized customization through the use of photos and/or logos.
2. Description of Related Art
Head covers were invented many years ago to protect the club from damage while in the golf bag. The problem with them however is that they do not protect the club once removed from the bag and are in use. This is primarily when a club becomes damaged and/or scratched.
Protective tape has been invented to protect the head and face of a golf club. It is generally used by pro shops when lending out demos to protect the club from damages so that they can sell it at a later date. The setback of this tape is that it is not intended for prolonged use and it does not fit the club closely.
These two products are good for protecting the club when not in use, however are not capable of protecting the club over time during the actual golf game itself.
The present invention, is therefore different from the concepts of prior art and provides protection as well as customization for your club while in personal use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In today's society, golf is considered a sport of leisure and requires a significant investment into clubs, memberships and gadgets. During ones golf game, the club could become scratched, dented or damaged. For example, there is a good chance that a golfer will hit the ball with a driver in such a way that the ball goes over the top of the club creating a scratch. Its not only beginner golfers that can incorrectly hit the ball, even someone who is experienced can strike the ball such that the surface not intended for striking the ball, strikes the ball instead of the club face. In addition, if a golfer was to hit a hazard such as a rock or tree, the club head can become damaged. These scratches and marks not only are unwanted, however they can distract the golfers swing, creating a bad shot. Abrasions, nicks and scratches also reduce the trade in value of the club, causing the golfer to have to spend more when buying a new set.
In the game of golf, it is very difficult for the golfer to express his/hers individuality and style through their golf clubs. Sure, there are different driver sizes and shapes however these are usually common to many golfers and they do not express who you are. In order to differ from the norm, many people purchase head covers that are flamboyant and unusual, as these allow them to show off their personality. Some golfers have their club heads painted in order to be different and some golfers purchase customizable shafts. As such, golfers may desire a way of customizing their clubs in a different way that is semi permanent and can be changed every season, month or according to their moods. For example, a golfer may wish to place his company logo, grandchild, dog or even favourite hockey team on their club. They may also want to show off their children or new car. Also, a golfer may find the manufacturers markings distracting and may wish to cover this up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Psychologically, the appearance of a golf club is extremely important to a golfer during their setup and as they swing. When looking down at a club with scratches and unpleasant markings, the golfer may be reminded of shots that went bad and this may affect their swing negatively.
The current invention offers a new way to protect your clubs lifetime value while providing a fun and appealing look that expresses oneself. The main function of the invention which will later be described in greater detail is to provide a method of protection for the club while in personal use. The Secondary function is provide a method of customization for the golfer.
To achieve this purpose, the invention consists of a white water resistant vinyl adhesive that can be coloured or printed with various photos and designs. It is intended to fit the contours of the club and when affixed provides a semi permanent protective barrier against scratches caused by miss hits or banging of the club.
The invention has many advantages:

- A fun and affordable method of customizing your club to suit your personality, while at the same time creating a protection for the head of the golf club
- Extends the lifetime value of the club, by reducing scratching and allowing for a better trade in value
- Semi-permanent and can be removed at any time, leaving no residue and does not remove the paint
- Created to fit each club individually and therefore does not need to be cut or adjusted
- Attachable to any brand, shape or size wood
- Does not interfere with the normal operations of a golf club
- Does not significantly increase the club weight or balance
- Does not affect the speed of ones swing

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are only a sample made to fit one club, and they will vary in shape and size according the clubs manufacturer

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a golf club head with the protective guard attached and shows the components of both the guard and the golf club.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the protective guard when not placed on the golf club

FIG. 3-5 are diagrams showing the method required for placing the invention on the golf club.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The attached drawings illustrate the club head protector, which consists of a white adhesive vinyl that is intended to fit the contours of the club and when correctly attached provides a protective barrier against scratches.
FIG. 1 is a view of the head of a golf club with the protective piece attached. This view allows one to see the common features of a golf club and demonstrates how the club looks with the guard attached.
FIG. 2 illustrates the invention itself when not attached to a golf club. It is constructed of a white vinyl fabric that is water resistant. It is shaped to fit the contours of any wood. The vinyl has a cut away that is designed to fit around the hosel of the golf club as well as two V shaped cuts which allow the user to better fit the adhesive to the club. The 2 v shaped cuts reduce the possibility of having air bubbles when applied and allow the adhesive to be easier moulded to the head of the club. This protective piece can also include a picture, color or design as is shown but is not always the case. The protective guard may wear after a few years of use, however will reveal a clean and not damaged club head when removed and it does not remove the paint.
FIG. 3-5 illustrate the procedure for attaching the guard to a golf club head. The guard will be pre-cut to the size of each club and will not need to be tampered with or reduced in size. The first step of the installation procedure is to make sure that the surface of the golf club is free of any dust, dirt or grass stains. For best results it is recommended to use rubbing alcohol to make sure the surface is a clean as possible.
Place the club head on a table, making sure to support the shaft with your shoulder. Next remove the backing from the protective covering and align points A and B with the edge of the club making sure there is no overhang. Use thumb to push bubbles out of point A. (FIG. 3)
Take point B with your right hand, stretch gently upward while tacking from point A half way to point B with left thumb. Make sure not to overlap onto the club face as this may cause the guard to peel off during the swing or with use. Next, while still holding point B, use your free hand to push out any air bubbles as shown in FIG. 3.
Take points B & C stretching both up and out removing excess slack between Points B & C. Now push down on each point to lock their position as shown in FIG. 4.
Take points D & E stretching both up and out removing excess slack between points D & E. now push down on each point to lock their position as shown in FIG. 5.
Use your fingers and rub the head of the club to remove any trapped air bubbles. If air bubbles remain, lift the guard at the point where the bubbles are and reposition. A hair dryer may also be used to help remove the air bubbles from the head. Once all of the air bubbles have been removed, the glue will take hold within the next 24 hours.
The abovementioned illustrations should be considered as illustrative only since numerous alterations and adjustments will be made to the size and shape. It is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction shown.

Claims

1. A protective covering for the head of a golf club including a flexible vinyl material that provides an abrasion resistant and deflective quality

2. The protective covering as in claim 1 is made with an adhesive on one side.

3. The protective covering is of adhesive that is easy to remove and does not remove the paint from the golf club

4. The protective covering from claim 1 is produced to fit the contours of the golf club head.

5. The protective guard of claim 1 comprises small V-shaped cuts that are adapted to prevent bunching and lifting of the guard when applied to the club head

6. The protective guard of claim 1 comprises a small cut designed to fit around the hosel of the club and conform to the shape of a golf club head

7. The cover from claim 1 is applied to an already existing, pre-manufactured golf club.

8. The protective guard as in claim 1, can be adapted to fit all club sizes.

9. The protective cover as in claim 1 will prevent damage to the surface of the club head from

10. The protective cover will protect from damages in the following way: scratches or scrapes generated from the miss-hitting of a golf ball, marks from hitting branches, rocks, trees or objects other than a golf ball

11. The golf club from claim 1 is a driver, wood, or hybrid

12. The covering from claim 1 is white, colored, or contains graphics, designs, company logos or advertisings as selected by the golf club owner

13. The protective covering from claim 1 does not affect the weight of the golf club in a manner that will make it illegal for play.