US20160151689A1 - Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment - Google Patents
Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160151689A1 US20160151689A1 US14/557,185 US201414557185A US2016151689A1 US 20160151689 A1 US20160151689 A1 US 20160151689A1 US 201414557185 A US201414557185 A US 201414557185A US 2016151689 A1 US2016151689 A1 US 2016151689A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- brush head
- neck
- handle
- bristles
- scraper
- 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
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- A63B57/0087—
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
- A46B13/02—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers power-driven carriers
- A46B13/023—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers power-driven carriers with means for inducing vibration to the bristles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B5/00—Brush bodies; Handles integral with brushware
- A46B5/0095—Removable or interchangeable brush heads
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- 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
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A46—BRUSHWARE
- A46B—BRUSHES
- A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
- A46B2200/30—Brushes for cleaning or polishing
- A46B2200/3073—Brush for cleaning specific unusual places not otherwise covered, e.g. gutters, golf clubs, tops of tin cans, corners
Definitions
- This invention relates to apparatus for cleaning golf equipment.
- Golf brushes clear away dirt, grass and other debris from the surface of golf equipment, such as the clubface of golf clubs. Clearing away debris from the club face is important for golf club performance. For example, grooves on a clubface should be kept clean to facilitate proper frictional engagement with the golf ball surface for imparting backspin. Apparatus with improved efficacy and efficiency for cleaning golf equipment are desirable.
- an apparatus for cleaning golf equipment comprises: a brush head assembly comprising a brush head comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the brush head comprising bristles, and a neck connected to the brush head, the neck comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; an ultrasonic transducer in vibratory communication with the bristles; and a handle connected to the proximal portion of the neck, wherein the handle houses a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer.
- the handle or the brush head assembly may house the ultrasonic transducer.
- the distal portion of the neck may be narrower than the handle and the brush head.
- a width of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one half of a width of the handle, the width of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one half of a major dimension of the brush head, and a thickness of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one quarter of a thickness of the handle.
- the handle may be detachably connected to the proximal end of the neck.
- the apparatus may further comprise a shaft extending from the ultrasonic transducer to at least some of the bristles through hollow portions of the handle, the neck and the brush head to enhance vibratory communication between the ultrasonic transducer and the at least some of the bristles.
- the brush head may comprise a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the major dimension may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the major dimension may be at least twice the minor dimension.
- the major dimension may be at least 4.5 cm and the minor dimension may be at least 2 cm.
- the brush head may be connected to a lower surface of the neck.
- the brush head may be detachably connected to the lower surface of the neck.
- the brush head may be slidably connected to the lower surface of the neck.
- the brush head further may comprise a scraper fixed adjacent to or along an edge of the brush head.
- the scraper may be fixed adjacent to or along a distal edge of the brush head.
- the scraper may comprise a rectangular, tapered blade.
- the scraper may span up to a major dimension of the brush head.
- the scraper may extend at an upward angle relative to a central plane of the brush head.
- a tapered edge of the scraper may have a thickness of less than 0.9 mm.
- the neck extends from an upper position to a lower position in the proximal to distal direction, wherein a central plane of the brush head may be lower than a central plane of the handle by at least 2 cm.
- each bristle of the brush head ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.
- the second array of bristles may be disposed on the upper surface of the brush head or an upper surface of the neck.
- the ultrasonic transducer may comprise an electric motor, wherein transfer means transfer rotation of a shaft of the electric motor to at least some of the bristles, and wherein translation means translate the rotation of the shaft into a rotary and/or reciprocating linear motion of the at least some of the bristles, the transfer means and translation means comprising one or more suitably configured shafts and/or gears.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf brush according to an embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a right side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a left side view of a golf brush according to an embodiment
- FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is a right side view of a golf brush according to an embodiment
- FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a cutaway right side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
- proximal means a position or orientation closer to or toward the free end of the handle of the golf brush
- distal means a position or orientation closer to or toward the free end of the brush head of the golf brush.
- upper means a position or orientation closer to or toward the opposite direction as the direction in which the bristles of the golf brush extend
- lower means a position or orientation closer to or toward the same direction as the direction in which the bristles of the golf brush extend.
- FIGS. 1 to 4 show a golf brush 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Golf brush 10 has a brush head assembly 20 connected to a handle 22 .
- Brush head assembly 20 includes a brush head 24 and a neck 26 .
- Brush head assembly 20 is detachably connected to handle 22 .
- Detachable connection is provided by the mating of tab 28 and notch 30 .
- the detachable connection may be provided by any suitable means, for example by mating of corresponding threaded elements.
- Detachability of brush head assembly 20 permits switching out brush head assembly 20 for example when bristles 34 wear out, or when a brush head assembly 20 with different features (e.g. different brush head size, different bristle material, etc.) is desired.
- brush head assembly 20 is integrally formed with, and not detachable from, handle 22 .
- Brush head 24 has an upper surface 31 and a lower surface 32 .
- a plurality of bristles 34 extend from lower surface 32 .
- Bristles 34 may for example be formed of metal, plastic, or any other suitably stiff and resilient material, or any combination thereof.
- the cross-sectional diameter of individual bristles 34 is less than about 0.9 mm, which is the maximum width of a groove of a typical golf clubface. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter of individual bristles 34 ranges from about 0.4 mm to about 0.8 mm.
- Brush head 24 has a major dimension 36 and a minor dimension 38 perpendicular to major dimension 36 .
- Major dimension 36 is at least twice the length of minor dimension 38 . In some embodiments, major dimension 36 may be less than twice the length of minor dimension 38 .
- Major dimension 36 is at least 4.5 cm, and minor dimension 38 is at least 2 cm. In some embodiments, major dimension 36 may be less than 4.5 cm, and minor dimension 38 may be less than 2 cm.
- Major dimension 36 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22 , and minor dimension 38 is parallel to longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22 . In some embodiments, major dimension 36 may not be perpendicular to longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22 , and minor dimension 38 may not be parallel to longitudinal axis 40 of handle 22 .
- Neck 26 has a distal portion 42 and a proximal portion 44 .
- Distal portion 42 is connected to brush head 24 .
- Distal portion 42 is narrower than both handle 22 and brush head 24 . The narrowing of neck 26 at distal portion 42 leverages transmission of ultrasonic vibrations (as described below) from handle 22 to brush head 24 .
- width W N of distal portion 42 of neck 26 is less than the width W H of handle 22 .
- width W N is less than one half, one third, or one quarter of width W H .
- width W N is also less than major dimension 36 of brush head 24 . In some embodiments, width W N is less than one half, one third, or one quarter of major dimension 36 .
- the thickness T N of distal portion 42 of neck 26 is less than the thickness T H of handle 22 .
- thickness T N is less than one half, one quarter, one sixth, or one eighth of thickness T H .
- Distal portion 42 may have a relatively flat cross-section, as also shown in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 as distal portions 142 , 242 .
- the aspect ratio (width to thickness) of a cross-section of distal portion 42 may be at least 4:1, or at least 3:1, or at least 2:1.
- Proximal portion 44 of neck 26 flares out in the proximal direction to detachably connect to handle 22 .
- Proximal portion 44 has an axial depression (not shown) for receiving a correspondingly shaped axial protrusion 46 of handle 22 .
- the axial depression and axial protrusion 46 fittingly mate to provide a mechanically strong connection between brush head assembly 20 and handle 22 . This mechanically strong connection facilitates efficient transmission of ultrasonic vibrations from handle 22 to bristles 34 of brush head 24 .
- neck 26 extends from a relatively upper position at proximal portion 44 to a relatively lower position at distal portion 42 such that a central plane P H of handle 22 is lower than a central plane P B of brush head 24 .
- central plane P H is lower than central plane P B by at least 1 cm, or at least 2 cm, or at least 3 cm.
- Handle 22 comprises a hollow interior for housing an ultrasonic transducer 48 and a power source 50 .
- Power source 50 provides electrical power to ultrasonic transducer 48 .
- Power source 50 may for example be a battery pack.
- Sufficient physical interfaces between components of handle 22 and brush head assembly 20 are provided to ensure efficient vibratory communication between ultrasonic transducer 48 and bristles 34 of brush head 24 .
- ultrasonic transducer 48 is disposed in a proximal portion 52 of handle 22 for direct, or at least close, contact between ultrasonic transducer 48 and axial protrusion 46 .
- On/off switch 56 is located on handle 22 .
- Switch 56 may be located on the lower surface of handle 22 , that is, the same side as bristles 34 , for convenient operation.
- Switch 56 is in electrical communication with power source 50 and ultrasonic transducer 48 for the user to actuate ultrasonic transducer 48 when desired.
- Eyelet 54 is disposed at a proximal end of handle 22 .
- Eyelet 54 can be used for example to attach golf brush 10 to a retractor mechanism (not shown).
- the retractor mechanism in turn can be attached to an external article such as a golf bag or golf cart for convenient storage and access to golf brush 10 .
- FIGS. 5 and 6 show a golf brush 100 according to another embodiment.
- the features and functions of golf brush 100 correspond to the features and functions of golf brush 10 except golf brush 100 additionally includes a scraper 170 fixed adjacent or along a distal edge 172 of brush head 124 .
- Scraper 170 is shaped as a rectangular, tapered blade. The width of scraper 170 extends parallel to a major dimension 136 of brush head 124 . Scraper 170 may span up to major dimension 136 . In some embodiments, scraper 170 spans less than major dimension 136 .
- Scraper 170 extends at an upward angle from a plane P B of brush head 124 . In some embodiments scraper 170 extends along the same plane as plane P B .
- Scraper 170 is constructed of a rigid, resilient material such as a plastic, rubber, or metal. In some embodiments scraper 170 may be constructed of a rigid, non-resilient material.
- scraper 170 tapers to a sharp edge 176 sized to fit within, and thereby clear debris from, a groove a typical golf clubface. Accordingly the thickness of edge 176 may in some embodiments be configured to be less than 0.9 mm. In some embodiments edge 176 of scraper 170 may have a thickness greater than 0.9 mm and thus not configured to fit within clubface grooves.
- a user may hang golf brush 10 , 100 from a golf bag using a retractor mechanism attached to eyelet 54 , 154 .
- a user can grasp golf brush 10 , 100 by handle 22 , 122 and direct it toward a clubface of a golf club in need of cleaning.
- the user may first use scraper 170 to scrape off larger debris from the clubface.
- the user may turn on ultrasonic transducer 48 using switch 56 so that scraper 170 undergoes ultrasonic vibrations to assist in clearing away the larger debris.
- the user can use ultrasonically vibrating bristles 34 to loosen and brush away finer debris in the clubface grooves.
- the user may also employ edge 176 of scraper 170 to remove finer debris from the clubface grooves.
- Brush assembly 20 , 120 may be switched as needed by detaching the original brush assembly from handle 22 , 122 and attaching a new brush assembly.
- FIGS. 7 to 9 show a golf brush 200 according to another embodiment.
- the features and functions of golf brush 200 correspond to the features and functions of golf brush 10 and 100 except for certain differences including the design of neck 226 and brush head 224 of golf brush 200 .
- neck 226 and handle 222 are integrally formed.
- neck 226 has a lower surface 227 to which replaceable brush head 224 detachably connects.
- Brush head 224 slidably connects to lower surface 227 .
- brush head 224 may not be replaceable and instead is affixed to or integral with lower surface 227 .
- a scraper (not shown) as described herein may be disposed on a suitable location on brush head 224 or neck 227 .
Abstract
An apparatus for cleaning golf equipment is provided. The apparatus includes a brush head assembly having a brush head having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the brush head having bristles, and a neck connected to the brush head, the neck having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer in vibratory communication with the bristles. The apparatus also includes a handle connected to the proximal portion of the neck, wherein the handle houses a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer.
Description
- This invention relates to apparatus for cleaning golf equipment.
- Golf brushes clear away dirt, grass and other debris from the surface of golf equipment, such as the clubface of golf clubs. Clearing away debris from the club face is important for golf club performance. For example, grooves on a clubface should be kept clean to facilitate proper frictional engagement with the golf ball surface for imparting backspin. Apparatus with improved efficacy and efficiency for cleaning golf equipment are desirable.
- According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for cleaning golf equipment is provided. The apparatus comprises: a brush head assembly comprising a brush head comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the brush head comprising bristles, and a neck connected to the brush head, the neck comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion; an ultrasonic transducer in vibratory communication with the bristles; and a handle connected to the proximal portion of the neck, wherein the handle houses a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer.
- The handle or the brush head assembly may house the ultrasonic transducer.
- The distal portion of the neck may be narrower than the handle and the brush head. A width of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one half of a width of the handle, the width of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one half of a major dimension of the brush head, and a thickness of the distal portion of the neck may be less than one quarter of a thickness of the handle.
- The handle may be detachably connected to the proximal end of the neck.
- The apparatus may further comprise a shaft extending from the ultrasonic transducer to at least some of the bristles through hollow portions of the handle, the neck and the brush head to enhance vibratory communication between the ultrasonic transducer and the at least some of the bristles.
- The brush head may comprise a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the major dimension may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the major dimension may be at least twice the minor dimension.
- The major dimension may be at least 4.5 cm and the minor dimension may be at least 2 cm.
- The brush head may be connected to a lower surface of the neck.
- The brush head may be detachably connected to the lower surface of the neck.
- The brush head may be slidably connected to the lower surface of the neck.
- The brush head further may comprise a scraper fixed adjacent to or along an edge of the brush head. The scraper may be fixed adjacent to or along a distal edge of the brush head. The scraper may comprise a rectangular, tapered blade. The scraper may span up to a major dimension of the brush head. The scraper may extend at an upward angle relative to a central plane of the brush head. A tapered edge of the scraper may have a thickness of less than 0.9 mm.
- The neck extends from an upper position to a lower position in the proximal to distal direction, wherein a central plane of the brush head may be lower than a central plane of the handle by at least 2 cm.
- The diameter of each bristle of the brush head ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.
- The second array of bristles may be disposed on the upper surface of the brush head or an upper surface of the neck.
- The ultrasonic transducer may comprise an electric motor, wherein transfer means transfer rotation of a shaft of the electric motor to at least some of the bristles, and wherein translation means translate the rotation of the shaft into a rotary and/or reciprocating linear motion of the at least some of the bristles, the transfer means and translation means comprising one or more suitably configured shafts and/or gears.
- In drawings which show non-limiting embodiments of the invention:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf brush according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is front view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a right side view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a left side view of a golf brush according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is a right side view of a golf brush according to an embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 ; and -
FIG. 9 is a cutaway right side view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 . - Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
- Certain directional conventions are employed in this specification to help clarify their meaning, as follows. The term “proximal” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the free end of the handle of the golf brush, and the term “distal” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the free end of the brush head of the golf brush. The term “upper” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the opposite direction as the direction in which the bristles of the golf brush extend, and the term “lower” means a position or orientation closer to or toward the same direction as the direction in which the bristles of the golf brush extend.
-
FIGS. 1 to 4 show agolf brush 10 according to an embodiment of the invention.Golf brush 10 has abrush head assembly 20 connected to ahandle 22.Brush head assembly 20 includes abrush head 24 and aneck 26. -
Brush head assembly 20 is detachably connected to handle 22. Detachable connection is provided by the mating oftab 28 andnotch 30. In some embodiments, the detachable connection may be provided by any suitable means, for example by mating of corresponding threaded elements. Detachability ofbrush head assembly 20 permits switching outbrush head assembly 20 for example whenbristles 34 wear out, or when abrush head assembly 20 with different features (e.g. different brush head size, different bristle material, etc.) is desired. In some embodiments,brush head assembly 20 is integrally formed with, and not detachable from, handle 22. -
Brush head 24 has anupper surface 31 and alower surface 32. A plurality ofbristles 34 extend fromlower surface 32.Bristles 34 may for example be formed of metal, plastic, or any other suitably stiff and resilient material, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter ofindividual bristles 34 is less than about 0.9 mm, which is the maximum width of a groove of a typical golf clubface. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional diameter ofindividual bristles 34 ranges from about 0.4 mm to about 0.8 mm. -
Brush head 24 has amajor dimension 36 and aminor dimension 38 perpendicular tomajor dimension 36.Major dimension 36 is at least twice the length ofminor dimension 38. In some embodiments,major dimension 36 may be less than twice the length ofminor dimension 38.Major dimension 36 is at least 4.5 cm, andminor dimension 38 is at least 2 cm. In some embodiments,major dimension 36 may be less than 4.5 cm, andminor dimension 38 may be less than 2 cm.Major dimension 36 is perpendicular to alongitudinal axis 40 ofhandle 22, andminor dimension 38 is parallel tolongitudinal axis 40 ofhandle 22. In some embodiments,major dimension 36 may not be perpendicular tolongitudinal axis 40 ofhandle 22, andminor dimension 38 may not be parallel tolongitudinal axis 40 ofhandle 22. -
Neck 26 has adistal portion 42 and aproximal portion 44.Distal portion 42 is connected to brushhead 24.Distal portion 42 is narrower than both handle 22 andbrush head 24. The narrowing ofneck 26 atdistal portion 42 leverages transmission of ultrasonic vibrations (as described below) fromhandle 22 to brushhead 24. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the width WN ofdistal portion 42 ofneck 26 is less than the width WH ofhandle 22. In some embodiments, width WN is less than one half, one third, or one quarter of width WH. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , width WN is also less thanmajor dimension 36 ofbrush head 24. In some embodiments, width WN is less than one half, one third, or one quarter ofmajor dimension 36. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , the thickness TN ofdistal portion 42 ofneck 26 is less than the thickness TH ofhandle 22. In some embodiments, thickness TN is less than one half, one quarter, one sixth, or one eighth of thickness TH. -
Distal portion 42 may have a relatively flat cross-section, as also shown in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 5 to 8 asdistal portions distal portion 42 may be at least 4:1, or at least 3:1, or at least 2:1. -
Proximal portion 44 ofneck 26 flares out in the proximal direction to detachably connect to handle 22.Proximal portion 44 has an axial depression (not shown) for receiving a correspondingly shapedaxial protrusion 46 ofhandle 22. The axial depression andaxial protrusion 46 fittingly mate to provide a mechanically strong connection betweenbrush head assembly 20 and handle 22. This mechanically strong connection facilitates efficient transmission of ultrasonic vibrations fromhandle 22 tobristles 34 ofbrush head 24. - As best shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 ,neck 26 extends from a relatively upper position atproximal portion 44 to a relatively lower position atdistal portion 42 such that a central plane PH ofhandle 22 is lower than a central plane PB ofbrush head 24. In some embodiments, central plane PH is lower than central plane PB by at least 1 cm, or at least 2 cm, or at least 3 cm. -
Handle 22 comprises a hollow interior for housing anultrasonic transducer 48 and apower source 50.Power source 50 provides electrical power toultrasonic transducer 48.Power source 50 may for example be a battery pack. Sufficient physical interfaces between components ofhandle 22 andbrush head assembly 20 are provided to ensure efficient vibratory communication betweenultrasonic transducer 48 and bristles 34 ofbrush head 24. For example, as shown inFIG. 1 ,ultrasonic transducer 48 is disposed in aproximal portion 52 ofhandle 22 for direct, or at least close, contact betweenultrasonic transducer 48 andaxial protrusion 46. - On/off
switch 56 is located onhandle 22.Switch 56 may be located on the lower surface ofhandle 22, that is, the same side as bristles 34, for convenient operation.Switch 56 is in electrical communication withpower source 50 andultrasonic transducer 48 for the user to actuateultrasonic transducer 48 when desired. - An
eyelet 54 is disposed at a proximal end ofhandle 22.Eyelet 54 can be used for example to attachgolf brush 10 to a retractor mechanism (not shown). The retractor mechanism in turn can be attached to an external article such as a golf bag or golf cart for convenient storage and access togolf brush 10. -
FIGS. 5 and 6 show agolf brush 100 according to another embodiment. The features and functions ofgolf brush 100 correspond to the features and functions ofgolf brush 10 exceptgolf brush 100 additionally includes ascraper 170 fixed adjacent or along adistal edge 172 ofbrush head 124.Scraper 170 is shaped as a rectangular, tapered blade. The width ofscraper 170 extends parallel to amajor dimension 136 ofbrush head 124.Scraper 170 may span up tomajor dimension 136. In some embodiments,scraper 170 spans less thanmajor dimension 136.Scraper 170 extends at an upward angle from a plane PB ofbrush head 124. In some embodiments scraper 170 extends along the same plane as plane PB. Scraper 170 is constructed of a rigid, resilient material such as a plastic, rubber, or metal. In some embodiments scraper 170 may be constructed of a rigid, non-resilient material. - In some embodiments scraper 170 tapers to a
sharp edge 176 sized to fit within, and thereby clear debris from, a groove a typical golf clubface. Accordingly the thickness ofedge 176 may in some embodiments be configured to be less than 0.9 mm. In some embodiments edge 176 ofscraper 170 may have a thickness greater than 0.9 mm and thus not configured to fit within clubface grooves. - In operation, a user may hang
golf brush golf brush handle scraper 170 to scrape off larger debris from the clubface. At this point the user may turn onultrasonic transducer 48 usingswitch 56 so thatscraper 170 undergoes ultrasonic vibrations to assist in clearing away the larger debris. Once the larger debris is cleared, the user can use ultrasonically vibrating bristles 34 to loosen and brush away finer debris in the clubface grooves. The user may also employedge 176 ofscraper 170 to remove finer debris from the clubface grooves.Brush assembly 20,120 may be switched as needed by detaching the original brush assembly fromhandle -
FIGS. 7 to 9 show agolf brush 200 according to another embodiment. The features and functions ofgolf brush 200 correspond to the features and functions ofgolf brush neck 226 andbrush head 224 ofgolf brush 200. Instead ofbrush assembly 220 detaching betweenneck 226 and handle 222,neck 226 and handle 222 are integrally formed. Instead,neck 226 has alower surface 227 to whichreplaceable brush head 224 detachably connects.Brush head 224 slidably connects tolower surface 227. In someembodiments brush head 224 may not be replaceable and instead is affixed to or integral withlower surface 227. A scraper (not shown) as described herein may be disposed on a suitable location onbrush head 224 orneck 227. - This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. For example:
-
- efficiency of the transmission of vibrations from the ultrasonic transducer to the bristles may be increased by providing a rigid shaft (not shown) extending through hollow portions of the handle, neck and brush head to directly connect the ultrasonic transducer to at least some of the bristles.
- the ultrasonic transducer may comprise a piezoelectric transducer or a capacitive transducer.
- the ultrasonic transducer may comprise an electric motor with an off-centered mass on its shaft for generating ultrasonic vibrations. In some such embodiments the rotation of the motor's shaft may be transferred and translated by suitable known means, such as suitably configured gears and/or shafts disposed between the motor shaft and at least some of the bristles, to rotary and/or reciprocating linear (i.e. sweeping) motion of those bristles (additionally or alternatively to the vibratory motion imparted on the bristles by the motor).
- the ultrasonic transducer may be located in the brush assembly (e.g. in the neck or in the brush head) instead of the handle, while still in electrical communication with the power source. For example, with reference to
FIG. 9 , some embodiments may haveultrasonic transducer 248 disposed withinneck 226 orbrush head 224 instead of withinhousing 222. - there may be bristles additional to the bristles on the lower surface of the brush head. One or more additional arrays of bristles may be disposed on other locations of the brush head assembly, such as one or more side edges of the brush head, an upper surface of the brush head, and/or an upper surface of the neck. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to be in vibratory communication with each such additional array of bristles. For example, with reference to brush 10 shown in
FIGS. 1-4 , a second array of bristles may be disposed onupper surface 31, in a direction opposite bristles 34 onlower surface 32. As another example, with reference tobrush 200 shown inFIGS. 7-9 , a second array of bristles may be disposed on an upper surface ofneck 226, in a direction opposite bristles 234.
- 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 and which fall within the limits of the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the description, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. cm 1. Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment comprising:
-
- a brush head assembly comprising:
- a brush head comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the brush head comprising bristles;
- a neck connected to the brush head, the neck comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion;
- an ultrasonic transducer in vibratory communication with the bristles; and
- a handle connected to the proximal portion of the neck, wherein the handle houses a power source in electrical communication with the ultrasonic transducer.
- a brush head assembly comprising:
Claims (21)
- 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the handle houses the ultrasonic transducer.
- 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the brush head assembly houses the ultrasonic transducer.
- 4. An apparatus according to
claim 2 , wherein the distal portion of the neck is narrower than the handle and the brush head. - 5. An apparatus according to
claim 4 , wherein a width of the distal portion of the neck is less than one half of a width of the handle, the width of the distal portion of the neck is less than one half of a major dimension of the brush head, and a thickness of the distal portion of the neck is less than one quarter of a thickness of the handle. - 6. An apparatus according to
claim 2 , wherein the handle is detachably connected to the proximal end of the neck. - 7. An apparatus according to
claim 2 further comprising a shaft extending from the ultrasonic transducer to at least some of the bristles through hollow portions of the handle, the neck and the brush head to enhance vibratory communication between the ultrasonic transducer and the at least some of the bristles. - 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the brush head comprises a major dimension and a minor dimension, wherein the major dimension is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the major dimension is at least twice the minor dimension.
- 9. An apparatus according to
claim 8 , wherein the major dimension is at least 4.5 cm and the minor dimension is at least 2 cm. - 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the brush head is connected to a lower surface of the neck.
- 11. An apparatus according to
claim 10 , wherein the brush head is detachably connected to the lower surface of the neck. - 12. An apparatus according to
claim 11 , wherein the brush head is slidably connected to the lower surface of the neck. - 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the brush head further comprises a scraper fixed adjacent to or along an edge of the brush head.
- 14. An apparatus according to
claim 13 , wherein the scraper is fixed adjacent to or along a distal edge of the brush head. - 15. An apparatus according to
claim 14 , wherein the scraper comprises a rectangular, tapered blade. - 16. An apparatus according to
claim 15 , wherein the scraper spans up to a major dimension of the brush head. - 17. An apparatus according to
claim 16 , wherein the scraper extends at an upward angle relative to a central plane of the brush head. - 18. An apparatus according to
claim 17 , wherein a tapered edge of the scraper has a thickness of less than 0.9 mm. - 19. An apparatus according to
claim 2 , wherein the neck extends from an upper position to a lower position in the proximal to distal direction, wherein a central plane of the brush head is lower than a central plane of the handle by at least 2 cm. - 20. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of each bristle of the brush head ranges from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.
- 21. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second array of bristles is disposed on the upper surface of the brush head or an upper surface of the neck.
- 22. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic transducer comprises an electric motor, wherein transfer means transfer rotation of a shaft of the electric motor to at least some of the bristles, and wherein translation means translate the rotation of the shaft into a rotary and/or reciprocating linear motion of the at least some of the bristles, the transfer means and translation means comprising one or more suitably configured shafts and/or gears.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/557,185 US20160151689A1 (en) | 2014-12-01 | 2014-12-01 | Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/557,185 US20160151689A1 (en) | 2014-12-01 | 2014-12-01 | Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160151689A1 true US20160151689A1 (en) | 2016-06-02 |
Family
ID=56078532
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/557,185 Abandoned US20160151689A1 (en) | 2014-12-01 | 2014-12-01 | Apparatus for cleaning golf equipment |
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US (1) | US20160151689A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11344111B1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2022-05-31 | Tim Johnes | Powered brushing assembly |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2708762A (en) * | 1953-05-06 | 1955-05-24 | Martha F Kling | Brush |
US5027463A (en) * | 1990-05-07 | 1991-07-02 | Daub Craig C | Toothbrush |
US5027796A (en) * | 1989-09-20 | 1991-07-02 | Linzey Robert P | Gum massager |
US20090211041A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Bock Robert T | Extended reach ultrasonic toothbrush |
US20090211046A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Richard Dean Kawka | Apparatus for cleaning the head of a golf club |
US20110314622A1 (en) * | 2010-06-28 | 2011-12-29 | Hyoung-Pyo Hong | Toothbrush using up-and-down movement pattern |
US20130220363A1 (en) * | 2012-02-23 | 2013-08-29 | Saam Zarrabi | Disposable teeth cleaning system |
US9198505B1 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2015-12-01 | Balbir S. Brar | Oscillating toothbrush |
US20150366709A1 (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2015-12-24 | Philip C. ROHOLT | Ophthalmic treatment apparatus |
-
2014
- 2014-12-01 US US14/557,185 patent/US20160151689A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2708762A (en) * | 1953-05-06 | 1955-05-24 | Martha F Kling | Brush |
US5027796A (en) * | 1989-09-20 | 1991-07-02 | Linzey Robert P | Gum massager |
US5027463A (en) * | 1990-05-07 | 1991-07-02 | Daub Craig C | Toothbrush |
US20090211041A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Bock Robert T | Extended reach ultrasonic toothbrush |
US20090211046A1 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2009-08-27 | Richard Dean Kawka | Apparatus for cleaning the head of a golf club |
US20110314622A1 (en) * | 2010-06-28 | 2011-12-29 | Hyoung-Pyo Hong | Toothbrush using up-and-down movement pattern |
US9198505B1 (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2015-12-01 | Balbir S. Brar | Oscillating toothbrush |
US20130220363A1 (en) * | 2012-02-23 | 2013-08-29 | Saam Zarrabi | Disposable teeth cleaning system |
US20150366709A1 (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2015-12-24 | Philip C. ROHOLT | Ophthalmic treatment apparatus |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11344111B1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2022-05-31 | Tim Johnes | Powered brushing assembly |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: KQC LTD., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WONG, KELLY CHYMING;REEL/FRAME:034663/0857 Effective date: 20141221 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |