WO2006034155A1

WO2006034155A1 - Portable retractable brush for sweeping loose impediments from golf greens and other surfaces

Info

Publication number: WO2006034155A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/033407
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Wicklas
Original assignee: Steven Wicklas
Priority date: 2004-09-16
Filing date: 2005-09-15
Publication date: 2006-03-30

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a retractable brush (100, 200) having a unique retraction mechanism wherein the brush bristles (108, 208, 418, 518) may be locked in an extended position during use and moved to a retracted position when not in use. The brush has brush bristles with properties that are particularly suited for removing loose impediments from the surface of a golf putting green to clear the path of a putt without affecting the surface of the green, in compliance with Rule 16-1a of the “Rules of Golf.”

Description

PORTABLERETRACTABLEBRUSHFORSWEEPINGLOOSE IMPEDIMENTSFROMGOLFGREENSANDOTHERSURFACES

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/610,766, filed September 16, 2004, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to a portable brush with retractable bristles for sweeping loose debris from a surface. The present invention is particularly suited for removing loose impediments or moveable obstructions from a golf putting green, e.g. prior to making a putt or after installing a new cup in the green.

[0003] Various forms of brushes having retractable bristles are known in the art. Examples of such prior art brushes include the Multi-purpose Tool With Brush described in Padden U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,584; the Device And Kit For Cleaning Lenses Of Telescopes, Cameras and the Like described in Wells U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,132; and the Retractable Brush Head described in Livermore U.S. Pat. No. 2,545,091. Other patents disclosing retractable brushes include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,348,030; 4,977,909; 4,574416; 4,498,211; 4,214,340; 4,162,554/ 4,103,387; 4,028,768; and 4,001,910. These patents describe a variety of retraction mechanisms, many of which require two hands to operate, are complex and expensive to manufacture, and/or are otherwise unsuitable for including in a portable brush that is useful in a sports situation.

[0004] The United States Golf Association (USGA) is the national governing body for golf in the United States, its territories and Mexico. One of the organization's core responsibilities is to write, interpret and maintain The Rules of Golf, which govern every aspect of the game and are updated and published every 4 years. Rule 16 generally covers the putting green, and prior to the January 1, 2004, provided that loose impediments in the line of a putt could only be removed with the back of the hand or a club. Rule 16- Ia was amended as of January 1, 2004 to read as follows:

"16-1. General

a. Touching line of putt. The line of putt must not be touched except:

(i) the player may remoce loose impediments, provided the player does not

press anything down;..."

Therefore, for the first time TIie Rules of Golf now allow loose impediments to be removed from the line of a putt on a putting green by any means, including a brush device. However, the brush device must be constructed so that nothing is pressed down in the line of the putt.

[0005] The use of a brush device to assist a golfer in clearing loose impediments from the path of a putt has been proposed in the past. For example, Goodman U.S. Pat. No. 2,739,331 describes a golf club having a retractable brush secured to its handle "to brush unnecessary dirt off the green and tee, and may be used to remove dust and dirt from a player's clothes and for various auxiliary purposes". La Pour U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,243 describes a blower on the end of a tubular shaft that also includes a brush positioned on the head of the blower which "can be employed to sweep the obstruction from the intended path of the ball" if the obstruction is too heavy to be moved by the air stream from the blower. Beers, Jr. et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,646 describes a golf greens brush "for assisting a golfer in the clearing of his path on a golf green", and is characterized by a telescopically retractable shaft that allows it to be collapsed to fit into a golfer's pocket.

[0006] Although the aforementioned brushes may be intended to remove loose impediments from a golf green, there is no guarantee that their use will comply with USGA Rule 16- Ia. For example, the bristles of these prior art brushes may press down the grass blades and/or impediments on the golf green and therefore violate Rule 16- Ia.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention is directed to a retractable brush having a unique retraction mechanism wherein the brush bristles may be locked in an extended position during use and moved to a retracted position when not in use. The retraction mechanism of the present invention may be conveniently operated with one hand and is inexpensive and simple to manufacture. The brush has brush bristles that are particularly suited for removing loose impediments from the surface of a golf green to clear the path of a putt in compliance with Rule 16-la of the Rules of Golf. [0008] In its most basic form, the retractable brush of the invention comprises a hollow housing and a brush assembly that is adapted to move within the interior space of the housing between a extended position, wherein bristles of the brush assembly project out of an open distal end of the housing, to a retracted position, wherein the bristles are completely enclosed by the housing. The housing is preferably elliptical or cylindrical in shape, wherein one or more walls of the housing define an interior space adapted to receive the moveable brush assembly. The proximal end of the housing is preferably closed and may contain means for attaching the brush assembly to other components, such as a putter shaft or clip.

[0009] The present invention provides a unique locking structure that allows the brush assembly to be conveniently locked in the extended position when in use and to be released so as to allow the brush assembly to be moved to the retracted position when not in use. A longitudinal elliptical shaped slot is cut lengthwise through a wall of the housing and communicates with its interior. In addition, a channel is cut in the interior surface of the same wall that runs lengthwise between the open distal end of the housing and terminal channel walls located at a point that is proximal to the distal end of the slot. The depth of the channel walls, including the terminal channel walls, is preferably about one-half the thickness of the housing wall. The overlap of the slot and the channel defines a area common to both the slot and the channel.

[0010] The brush assembly comprises a hollow brush holder and a plurality of bristles secured to a brush plug in the distal end of the base section. The brush holder has a levered springboard section therein that comprises a continuation of a wall of the brush holder that projects into a similarly shaped opening in the wall, thereby providing a fixed distal end and a vertically moveable proximal end. The proximal end of the springboard section incorporates a button positioned on top of a larger button base such that downward pressure on the button causes the proximal end of the springboard section to move downward, and release of the downward pressure on the button allows the proximal end to return to its original position in the plane of the brush holder wall.

[0011] When the brush assembly is positioned within the interior space of the housing, the button on the proximal end of the springboard section of the brush holder is adapted to protrude through and move the length of the slot in the housing wall. The button resides at the distal end of the slot when the brush assembly is in the extended position and at the proximal end of the slot when the brush assembly is in the retracted position. Since the common area of the channel and the slot is located at the distal end of the slot, the button base lodges in the common area abutting the terminal channel walls when the button is at the distal end of the slot (and the brush assembly is in the extended position). The terminal channel walls prevent the brush assembly from moving towards the proximal end of the housing and the distal end of the slot abutting against the button prevents the brush assembly from moving towards the distal end of the housing. As a result, the brush assembly is locked in the extended position with the brush bristles projecting out of the distal end of the housing. This arrangement prevents the brush assembly from retracting when the brush is being used.

[0012] When use of the brush is completed, the user may exert downward pressure on the button, e.g. using a forefinger when the brush is being held in the palm of the user's hand. This downward pressure deflects downward the proximal end of the springboard section of the brush holder, thereby dislodging the button base from the common area of the channel and disengaging the button base from the terminal channel walls. The brush assembly is then free to be moved to the retracted position by sliding the button to the proximal end of the slot.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the brush bristles are specifically designed for removing loose impediments on a golf green in the line of a putt in compliance with USGA Rule 16-la. Accordingly, the bristles are preferably made from solid polymeric filaments having a low initial tensile modulus (ITM), preferably no greater than 800 kpsi, most preferably 300-600 kpsi, with each filament having a diameter of 0.08-0.016", preferably 0.012"-0.016". Preferred polymeric materials are polyester or polypropylene. Performance of the brush may be further enhanced by crimping the bristles, e.g. providing 6.5-8.0 crimps per inch.

[0014] The retractable brush of the present invention can easily be carried in a golfer's pocket or clipped to a golf bag, or may be mounted to a shaft assembly that allows the golfer to use the brush while standing up. The shaft assembly may be fixed to or detachable from the retractable brush, and may include a golf accessory, e.g. a ball retriever, a green repair tool, a blower, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 a is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a retractable brush in accordance with the present invention, wherein the bristles of the brush are in the extended position ready for use. [0016] FIG. Ib is a perspective front view of the retractable brush shown in FIG. Ia, wherein the bristles of the brush are in the retracted position when not in use.

[0017] FIG. 2a is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a retractable brush in accordance with the invention, wherein the bristles of the brush are in the extended position.

[0018] FIG. 2b is a perspective front view of the retractable brush shown in FIG. 2a, wherein the bristles of the brush are in the retracted position.

[0019] FIG. 3a is a perspective front view of another embodiment of a retractable brush in accordance with the invention mounted on the end of a putter shaft, wherein the bristles of the brush are in the extended position.

[0020] FIG. 3b is a perspective front view of the retractable brush shown in FIG. 3a, wherein the bristles of the brush are in the retracted position.

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the retractable brush shown in FIGS. Ia and Ib.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the retractable brush shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section bottom view of the housing 401 shown in FIG. 4.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the retractable brush shown in FIG. 4 illustrating the positioning of button 413 in slot 405 of housing 401 in the extended position.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-section side view of the retractable brush shown in FIG. 7.

[0026] FIG. 9a is a cross-section side view of the retractable brush shown FIG. 7. illustrating the disengagement of button base 414 from terminal channel walls 422.

[0027] FIG. 9b is a cross-section side view of the retractable brush shown in FIG. 7 illustrating the movement of brush holder 406 into the retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to FIGS. Ia and Ib, one embodiment of the present invention comprises an elliptical (flat) brush 100 comprising an elliptical hollow housing 101 having closed proximal end 103 and open distal end 104, and brush assembly 106 positioned within the interior space of housing 101. Longitudinal slot 105 is cut lengthwise in top wall 102 of housing 101 between proximal end 103 and distal end 104. Moveable brush assembly 106 is adapted to be positioned within the interior space of housing 101 with button 107 protruding through and guided by slot 105. Brush assembly 106 is moveable between an extended position (FIG. Ia), wherein brush bristles 108 extend out of open distal end 104 and button 107 is located at the distal end of slot 105, and a retracted position (FIG. Ib), wherein brush bristles 108 are substantially completely enclosed within housing 101 and button 107 is located at the proximal end of slot 105. Accordingly, the length of slot 105 is commensurate with the length of travel of brush assembly 106 from the extended position to the retracted position. The size and shape of brush 100 and the retractability of brush bristles 108 make brush 100 particularly suited for carrying, for example, in a golfer's pocket or the pocket of a golf bag, when not in use.

[0029] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate another embodiment of the invention wherein cylindrical brush 200 comprises a hollow cylindrical housing 201 having closed proximal end 203 and open distal end 204. Brush assembly 206 is positioned within the interior space of housing 201. Longitudinal slot 205 is cut lengthwise in the cylindrical wall of housing 201 between proximal end 203 and distal end 204. Moveable brush assembly 206 is adapted to be positioned within the interior space of housing 201 with button 207 protruding through and guided by slot 205. Brush assembly 206 is moveable between an extended position (FIG. 2a), wherein brush bristles 208 fully extend out of open distal end 204 and button 207 is located at the distal end of slot 205, and a retracted position (FIG. 2b), wherein brush bristles 208 are substantially completely enclosed within housing 201 and button 207 is located at the proximal end of slot 205. Accordingly, the length of slot 205 is commensurate with the length of travel of brush assembly 206 from the extended position to the retracted position. A preferred embodiment of brush 200 has a loop 209 mounted on proximal end 203 for receiving clip 210. This embodiment allows brush 200 to be conveniently clipped to a golfer's belt, belt loop or golf bag when not in use.

[0030] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention wherein brush device 300 comprises putter shaft 301 mounted to proximal end 203 of brush 200 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. As with conventional putters, putter shaft 301 may have golf grip 302 at the opposite end for ease of handling and is of sufficient length to reach the putting surface while being held by the golfer in a standing position, e.g. a length of about 32". Li the extended position of brush 200 shown in FIG. 3a, brush device 300 may be used by the golfer while standing up to remove loose impediments from the golf green before putting. When not in use, brash 200 may be put in the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 3b, and brash device 300 may be conveniently stored in the golfer's bag in a manner similar to the golf clubs in the bag. In one embodiment, brash 200 may be detachable from putter shaft 301 and used in the manner previously described above. In another embodiment, putter shaft 301 may comprise any of the known telescopic mechanisms that allow it to be collapsed or extended to any desirable length. In yet another embodiment, putter shaft 301 may be used as a golf accessory, preferably when it is detached from brush 200. As one example, putter shaft 301 may have a conventional ball retriever mounted on the end opposite the one attachable to brash 200. As another example, a green repair tool may be mounted on the opposite end of putter shaft 301. As other examples of golf accessories that may be attached to putter shaft 301, mention may be made of an umbrella, a seat, a blower mechanism, etc.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates the components that comprise brash 100 shown in FIGS. Ia and Ib. Housing 401 is in the shape of a hollow elliptical shell having a closed proximal end 403 and an open distal end 404. Longitudinal slot 405 cut lengthwise in top wall 402 communicates with the interior space of housing 401 and may be approximately centrally positioned in top wall 402 between proximal end 403 and distal end 404. A channel 421 is cut lengthwise in the interior surface of top wall 402 from open distal end 404 to terminal channel walls 422, which are located proximal to the distal end 423 of slot 405. m a preferred embodiment, housing 401 maybe molded from a suitable plastic material, e.g. acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer, and may measure approximately 2.9 inches wide, 4.2 inches long and 0.7 inches deep.

[0032] Brash assembly 400 comprises brash holder 406, brash plug 416 and bristle tufts 418. Brash holder 406 is in the shape of a hollow elliptical shell having open proximal end 407 and open distal end 408, and is sized and shaped so as to fit within the interior space of housing 401 through open distal end 404 when brash 100 is assembled. Top wall 409 of brash holder 406 contains a U-shaped opening 410 into which levered springboard section 411 projects. Springboard section 411 comprises a continuation of top wall 409 and has fixed distal end 419 and proximal end 412 that is free to move vertically up and down. Circular button 413 is positioned on the top of a larger, generally square button base 414 at proximal end 412 of springboard section 411. Preferably, button base 414 and button 413 are molded into the proximal end 412 of springboard 411 as one integral piece. Button 413 may have a serrated top to provide a non-slip surface. [0033] When brush assembly 400 is positioned within housing 401, button base 414 is adapted to butt up against the interior surface of top wall 402 (which includes channel 421, described below in more detail in connection with FIG. 6), and button 413 is adapted to protrude through slot 405 a suitable distance above the outer surface of top wall 402. As one example, button base 414 may be about 0.08" in height and about 0.46" square; button 413 maybe about 0.172" in height and 0.35" in radius. Preferably, a coil spring (see FIGS. 8, 9a and 9b) may be positioned under button base 414 to assure that adequate upward pressure is applied to proximal end 412 of springboard section 411.

[0034] Raised ribs 415 may be molded into the surface of top wall 409 and the bottom surface of brush holder 406 (not shown) to maintain distance between the walls of brush holder 406 and the interior surface of housing 401. Brush holder 406 is preferably molded from a low friction plastic, e.g. polypropylene, and/or may be sprayed with a suitable lubricant, e.g. silicone, to further enhance its ability to slide back and forth within housing 401.

[0035] Brush plug 416 comprises an elliptical block of suitable plastic, e.g. polypropylene, having a plurality of holes 417 in one surface thereof. In one example, two rows of eleven 0.175" diameter holes per row may formed in a brush plug that is 0.5" thick, 0.4" wide and 2.45" long. Bristle tufts 418 are inserted and secured in holes 417 essentially perpendicular to the plane of brush plug 416 using modern CNC brush making machinery. Brush plug 416 is sized and shaped so as to be inserted into open distal end 408 of brush holder 406 when assembled, and may be held in place using a plurality of staples 420 through top wall 409 and the bottom wall (not shown) of brush holder 406. Staples 420 are preferably longitudinally placed, i.e. with their length parallel with the direction in which brush assembly 400 moves within housing 401, so as to reduce the resistance to the movement of brush assembly 400. In a preferred embodiment, staples 420 comprise commercially available 0.375" galvanized metal staples that are applied using a conventional pneumatic staple gun. Preferably, 2 staples in top wall 409 are positioned at the distal end 419 of springboard section 411 in a location that is not visible in slot 405 of housing 401 when assembled and one staple is positioned in the bottom surface of brush holder 406 approximately in the middle.

[0036] The sum of the lengths of brush holder 406 and bristle tufts 418 is designed to be slightly less than the length of housing 401 so that bristle tufts 418 are completely enclosed when brush assembly 400 is in the retracted position. Preferably, brush holder 406 may be about 1/2 the length of housing 401 and bristle tufts 418 may be trimmed to the appropriate length. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment wherein housing 401 is approximately 4" long, brush holder 406. may be approximately 2" long and bristle tufts 418 may be approximately 1.8" long, for a total length of brush assembly 400 of about 3.8".

[0037] The dimensions of springboard section 411 and U-shaped opening 410 of brush holder 406 should be sufficient to provide optimum flexing characteristics when vertical pressure is applied to button 413, without compromising the structural integrity of brush holder 406. For example, it has been found that when brush holder 406 is approximately 2" long, satisfactory results may be obtained when springboard section 411 is 1.125" long and 0.540 " wide.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates the components that comprise brush 200 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Housing 501 is in the shape of a hollow cylindrical shell having a closed proximal end 503 and an open distal end 504. hi a preferred embodiment, proximal end 503 has a centrally located hole 502 which can be used to secure a clip (such as loop 209/clip 210 shown in FIGS 2a/2b) or a putter shaft (such as putter shaft 301 shown in FIGS. 3a/3b). Longitudinal slot

505 cut lengthwise in the cylindrical wall of housing 501 communicates with the interior space of housing 501 and may be approximately centrally positioned between proximal end 503 and distal end 504. A channel 521 is cut lengthwise in the interior surface of housing

506 from distal end 504 to terminal channel walls 522, which are located proximal to the distal end 523 of slot 505. hi preferred embodiments, housing 501 may be molded from a suitable plastic material, e.g. ABS copolymer, and maybe approximately 1.2" in diameter and 4.3" long.

[0039] Brush assembly 500 comprises brush holder 506, brush plug 516 and bristle tufts 518. Brush holder 506 is in the shape of a hollow cylindrical shell having open proximal end 507 and open distal end 508, and is sized and shaped so as to fit within the interior space of housing 501 through open distal end 504 when brush 200 is assembled. The cylindrical wall of brush holder 506 contains a U-shaped opening 510 into which levered springboard section 511 projects. Springboard section 511 comprises a continuation of the cylindrical wall of brush holder 506 and has fixed distal end 519 and proximal end 512 that is free to move vertically up and down. Circular button 513 is positioned on the top of a larger, generally square button base 514 at proximal end 512 of springboard section 511. The top surface of button base 514 is curved to match the curvature of the interior surface of the cylindrical wall of housing 501. Preferably, button base 514 and button 513 are molded into the proximal end of springboard section 511 as one integral piece. Button 513 may have a serrated top to provide a non-slip surface.

[0040] When brush assembly 500 is positioned within housing 501, button base 514 is adapted to butt up against the curved interior surface of housing 501 (which includes channel 521), and button 513 is adapted to protrude through slot 505 a suitable distance above the outer surface of housing 501. As one example, button base 514 may be about 0.08" in height and button 513 may be about 0.172" in height. Preferably, a coil spring (see FIGS. 8, 9a and 9b) may be positioned under button base 514 to assure that adequate upward pressure is applied to proximal end 512 springboard section 511.

[0041] Raised ribs 515 may be molded into the top surfaces of brush holder 506, which is preferably molded from a low friction plastic, e.g. polypropylene. Brush holder 506 may also be sprayed with a suitable lubricant, e.g. silicone, to further enhance its ability to slide back and forth within housing 501.

[0042] Brush plug 516 comprises a circular block of suitable plastic, e.g. polypropylene, having a plurality of holes 517 in one surface thereof. In a preferred embodiment, brush plug 516 is 0.5" thick and 1.0" in diameter. Bristle tufts 518 are inserted and secured in holes 517 using modern CNC brush making machinery. Bristle tufts 518 are preferably set in 4mm diameter holes arranged in 3 concentric circles. In order to provide an optimum flare of the bristles when brush assembly 500 is in the extended position, bristle tufts 518 are preferably set in holes 517 in the following pattern: a bristle tuft 518 is inserted in a center hole 517 essentially perpendicular to the plane of brush plug 516, a bristle tuft 518 is inserted at an angle of 7.5° in each of 6 holes 517 arranged in a first circle around the center hole 517, and a bristle tuft 518 is inserted at an angle of 15.0° in each of 12 holes 517 arranged in a second circle around the first circle. The holes 517 may be staggered to minimize overlap of bristles and are overfilled with bristles to provide a dense flared brush.

[0043] Brush plug 516 is sized and shaped so as to be inserted into open distal end 508 of brush holder 506 when assembled, and may be held in place using a plurality of staples 520 through the cylindrical wall of brush holder 506. Staples 520 are preferably longitudinally placed, i.e. with their length parallel with the direction in which brush assembly 500 moves within housing 401, so as to reduce the resistance to the movement of brush assembly 500. In a preferred embodiment, staples 520 comprise commercially available 0.375" galvanized metal staples that are applied using a conventional pneumatic staple gun. Preferably 2 staples are applied in a location in the wall of housing that is not visible in slot 505 when assembled.

[0044] The sum of the lengths of brush holder 506 and brush bristle tufts 518 is designed to be slightly less than the length of housing 501 so that bristle tufts 518 are completely enclosed when brush holder 506 is in the retracted position. Preferably, brush holder 506 may be about 1/2 the length of housing 501 and bristle tufts 518 may be trimmed to the appropriate length. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment wherein housing 501 is approximately 4.3 " long, brush holder 506 may be approximately 2.1" long and bristle tufts 518 maybe approximately 1.7" long, for a total length of about 3.8".

[0045] The dimensions of springboard section 511 and U-shaped opening 510 of brush holder 506 should be sufficient to provide optimum flexing characteristics when vertical pressure is applied to button 513, without compromising the structural integrity of brush holder 506. For example, it has been found that when brush holder 506 is approximately 2.1 " long, satisfactory results may be obtained when springboard section 511 is about 1.125" long and 0.5 " wide.

[0046] The present invention provides a unique locking structure that allows the brush assembly described above to be locked in an extended position during use, yet conveniently be moved into a retracted position when desired using only one hand. This structure will be described below in connection with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. Ia, Ib, and 4; however, it is understood that the same principles will apply to the other embodiments of the invention.

[0047] FIG. 6 depicts a partial cross-section of housing 401 shown in FIG. 4, viewed from below. As previously described, slot 405 is cut lengthwise in top wall 402. Channel 421 is cut in interior surface 601 between distal end 404 and terminal channel walls 422 at a depth that is less than the thickness of top wall 402 and at a width that is greater than slot 405. Preferably, the depth and width of channel 421 are adapted to receive button base 414 of brush holder 406 (see FIG. 4). Terminal channel walls 422 are located proximal to distal end 423 of slot 405 and are created by the difference in thickness between top wall 402 and the depth of channel 421. Since terminal channel walls 422 are located proximal to distal end 423, channel 421 and slot 405 overlap to create common area 604. The portion of common area 604 that is located in channel 419 is approximately equal to the dimensions of button

Il base 414 of brush holder 406. The portion of area 604 that is located in slot 405 is approximately equal to the dimensions of button 413.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 7, brush holder 406 is shown within housing 401 in the extended position depicted in FIG. Ia. In that position, button 413 is located in that portion of common area 604 that is in the distal end of slot 405, and button base 414 is lodged in that portion of area 604 that is in the proximal end of channel 421. Accordingly, the distal end of slot 405 prevents button 413 (and therefore brush holder 406) from any further advancement towards distal end 404 of housing 401. At the same time, button base 414 abuts terminal channel walls 422, which prevent any movement of button base 414 (and therefore brush holder 406) towards the proximal end of housing 401. hi this manner, brush holder 406 is effectively locked in the extended position with brush bristles 418 protruding from distal end 404.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of the brush of FIG. 7 showing brush holder 406 in the extended position within housing 401. As previously described in connection with FIG. 7, button 413 protrudes through slot 405 in common area 604 at the distal end of slot 405, and button base 414 abuts terminal channel walls 422 at the proximal end of channel 421. Button 413 and button base 414 are located at the proximal end of springboard section 411 in brush holder 406 (see FIG. 4). hi one embodiment, the tensile strength of springboard section 411 may be sufficient to maintain button base 414 in engagement with terminal channel walls 422. However, in a preferred embodiment, coil spring 801 is positioned under button base 414 to exert upward pressure on the proximal end of springboard section 411 and maintain button base 414 in engagement with terminal channel walls 422. Most preferably, coil spring 801 has a tensile strength of about 20 pounds. In this manner, brush holder 406 and brush bristles 418 are locked in the extended position and are prevented from retracting during use in accordance with the present invention.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 9a and 9b, downward pressure may be applied to button 413 when retraction of the brush bristles 418 is desired. The proximal end of springboard section 411 deflects downward in response to this pressure, thereby dislodging button base 414 from channel 419, disengaging button base 414 from terminal channel walls 422, and compressing coil spring 801. As a result, button 413 is free to be moved towards the proximal end of slot 405, as shown in FIG. 9b., Therefore, brush holder 406 may be moved to proximal end 407 of housing 401 to completely retract brush bristles 418 within the interior of housing 401. When the downward pressure on button 413 is released, coil spring 801 acts to butt the top surface 901 of button base 414 against the top interior wall 902 of housing 401, thereby providing frictional resistance that helps maintain brush holder 406 in the retracted position. When it is desired to once again extend brush bristles 418 for use, downward pressure may be exerted on button 413 to release the frictional resistance between button base top surface 901 and interior wall 902, and button 413 may be moved towards the distal end of slot 405 to common area 604. When button base 414 enters common area 604, it is urged into channel 421 by coil spring 801. Once located in common area 604, brush holder 406 is again locked into position by the distal end of slot 405 against button 413 and by terminal channel walls 422 against button base 414, as previously described.

[0051] hi a preferred embodiment, retractable brushes of the present invention are particularly adapted to comply with Rule 16-1 of the Rules of Golf. It has been found that satisfactory results may be obtained when the bristles of the brush comprise solid filaments of a polymeric resin having certain desirable properties. For example, preferred brush bristle filaments exhibit certain stiffness characteristics that allow their use on a golf green without disturbing the blades of grass. Since use of the brush during a golf game and outdoor storage may expose the brush to the elements, the filaments also preferably have good resistance to sunlight and do not significantly change properties when wet. Acceptable bristles are made from polyester or polypropylene polymers, preferably polyester. Nylon filaments are not preferred in the practice of the invention because they absorb water in wet conditions, which may reduce their stiffness by 30-80%.

[0052] Tensile modulus (also known as elastic modulus or Young's modulus) is one of the factors that affect the stiffness of a fiber. It is the ratio of force used to stretch a fiber (stress) to the amount of stretch (strain) - the higher the modulus, the stiffer the fiber. Preferred brush bristles of the present invention are made from filaments having an initial tensile modulus

(ITM) no greater than about 800 thousand pounds per square inch (kpsi). The most preferred filaments have an ITM value of 300-600kpsi. The foregoing ITM values are obtained after the fibers are conditioned and tested at 50% relative humidity and 72⁰F. Stress and strain are measured using an Instron tensile testing machine and tensile modulus is calculated for the first few percent of strain (hence the term "initial").

[0053] The size and shape of a fiber also determines its stiffness. It has been found that performance of the brash on a golf green is enhanced when the diameter of each bristle, preferably a substantially round or slightly oval polyester or polypropylene filament, is in the range of 0.008"-0.016", most preferably 0.012"-0.016". Bristle diameter less than 0.008" may not provide the bristle strength necessary to effectively remove the loose impediments commonly encountered on golf greens, e.g. sand, pebbles, tree branches, bird droppings, leaves, etc., and the stiffness provided by bristle diameters greater than 0.016" may press down, or otherwise damage, the grass blades of the golf green in the line of the putt. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the stiffness characteristics of the brush bristles are further enhanced by crimping the bristles, preferably providing from 6.5-8.0 crimps per inch. Bristle filaments preferably are cut to a length of 1.5-2.0", most preferably 1.875".

[0054] Preferred bristles also have the ability to straighten completely after being moderately flexed for a long period (i.e., the fibers have a good "Set Resistance"). Set Resistance may be measured by winding the fiber around a 1" round bar for a certain period of time, then cutting them off, and letting them recover. The most preferred bristles for the practice of the invention have a percent recovery of 90-100%.

[0055] It has been found that polybutylene terephthlate polyester filaments are particularly suited for making bristles for retractable brushes of the present invention. Preferred filaments are marketed under the trademark PLYER by Specialty Filaments, Inc., Burlington, Vermont. These filaments have an ITM of 445 kpsi, good set resistance, a maximum water absorption of 0.5% (with excellent retention of stiffness in water), acceptable resistance to sunlight and excellent springiness. Another example of a suitable polyester filament is marketed by DuPont under the trademark CRASTIN 6129, which has a tensile modulus of 377 kpsi and water absorption of 0.2-0.4%. An example of a suitable, but less preferred, polypropylene filament is marketed under the trademark PROSTRAN by Specialty Filaments, Inc., Burlington, Vermont. These filaments have an ITM of 740 kpsi, a set resistance recovery of about 83%, a maximum water absorption of less than 0.1%, excellent resistance to sunlight and good springiness.

[0056] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognized or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described specifically herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

L A retractable brush comprising: a hollow housing having one or more walls defining an interior space and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a longitudinal elliptical slot cut lengthwise through a wall of the housing communicates with the interior space, wherein the interior surface of the wall has a channel that extends from the distal end of the housing to terminal channel walls located proximal to the distal end of the slot, thereby defining a common area in which the slot overlaps with the channel; and a brush assembly positioned within the interior space of the housing; said brush assembly comprising: (a) a brush holder having an open distal end and a wall with a levered springboard section therein, wherein the springboard section comprises a continuation of the wall that projects into an opening in the wall thereby providing a fixed distal end and a vertically moveable proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the springboard section incorporates a button positioned on top of a larger button base; and (b) a plurality of bristles secured to and extending from the open distal end of the brush holder; said brush assembly being longitudinally moveable between an extended position wherein the bristles project out of the open distal end of the housing and a retracted position wherein the bristles are enclosed within the housing, wherein the button is adapted to protrude through and move the length of the slot in the housing wall; the button residing at the distal end of the slot when the brush assembly is in the extended position and at the proximal end of the slot when the brush assembly is in the retracted position; wherein the button base is adapted to lodge in the common area of the channel when the brush assembly is in the extended position, whereby the terminal channel walls abut the button base and prevent the brush assembly from moving towards the proximal end of the housing, and wherein the button abuts the distal end of the slot and prevents the brush assembly from moving towards the distal end of the housing; thereby locking the brush assembly in the extended position; and wherein the button base is adapted to be dislodged from the common area of the channel and thereby disengaged from the terminal channel walls when downward pressure is exerted on the button, thereby allowing the brush assembly to be moved to the retracted position by moving the button to the proximal end of the slot.

2. A retractable brush as in claim 1 wherein the housing and brush assembly are elliptical in shape.

3. A retractable brush as in claim 1 wherein the housing a brush assembly are cylindrical in shape.

4. A retractable brush as in claim 1 further comprising a putter shaft attached to the proximal end of the housing.

5. A retractable brush as in claim 4 wherein the putter shaft is detachable from the housing.

6. A retractable brush as in claim 4 wherein a golf accessory is attached to the putter shaft.

7. A retractable brush as in claim 6 wherein the golf accessory is a ball retriever, a green repair tool, a seat, a blower and an umbrella.

8. A retractable brush as in claim 1 further comprising a clip attached to the proximal end of the housing.

9. A retractable brush as in claim 1 wherein a coil spring is positioned under the button base to place upward pressure on the button base.

10. A retractable brush as in claim 1 wherein the bristles comprise solid polymeric filaments having a initial tensile modulus no greater than 800kpsi.

11. A retractable brush as in claim 10 wherein the polymeric filaments have an initial tensile modulus of 300-600 kpsi.

12. A retractable brush as in claim 10 wherein the filaments are made from polyester or polypropylene.

13. A retractable brush as in claim 12 wherein the bristles have a diameter of from 0.012" to 0.016".

14. A retractable brush as in claim 13 wherein the bristles are crimped with 6.5-8.0 crimps per inch.

15. A retractable brush for removing loose impediments from a golf green, wherein the brush comprises: a hollow housing having an interior space; a brush assembly moveably positioned within the interior space of the housing between an extended position wherein brush bristles of the brush assembly extend out of the housing and a retracted position wherein the brush bristles of the brush assembly are completely contained within the housing; and a locking mechanism that retains the brush assembly in the extended position when in use and is adapted to release the brush assembly upon actuation by the user to allow the brush assembly to be moved to the retracted position when not in use; wherein the brush bristles comprise solid polyester or polypropylene filaments having an initial tensile modulus no greater than 800kpsi and a diameter of 0.008-0.016".

16. A retractable brush as in claim 15 wherein the filaments have an initial tensile modulus of 300-600kpsi.

17. A retractable brush as in claim 16 wherein the filaments have an initial tensile modulus of 440kpsi.

18. A retractable brush as in claim 15 wherein the filaments have a diameter of 0.012-0.016".

19. A retractable brush as in claim 15 wherein the bristles are crimped with 6.5-8.0 crimps per inch.