Golf ball cleaner

Abstract

A golf ball cleaner 10 comprises: a first portion 100 comprising a first outer shell arranged around and outside a first inner shell, and first engagement means, and a second portion 200 comprising a second outer shell arranged around and outside of a second inner shell, and second engagement means, wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are configured to releasably engage one another to releasably join the first and second portions; and wherein the first and second inner shells each define a cavity housing a cleaning element 40, 60 and at least a portion of a golf ball, such that when the first and second portions are joined together with a golf ball located within the first and second portions, the first and second portions can be rotated with respect to each other such that the cleaning element or elements 40, 60 housed in the first and / or second inner shells can perform a cleaning action on the golf ball. Also disclosed is a golf ball cleaner including a cleaning element retained by cleaning element retainers in the form of spikes (180, Fig. 3)

Description

The present invention relates to a golf ball cleaner, in particular a portable golf ball cleaner. In the field of golfing it is recognized that golf balls should be clean to achieve a good flight and for accurate putting. Any dirt or debris on the surface of a golf ball may adversely affect the golf ball’s performance. Thus, it can be important and beneficial for golfers to be able to clean their golf ball(s) during a game of golf. In order to provide golfers with a way of cleaning their golf balls, some golf courses have golf ball cleaning stations. These golf ball cleaning stations are typically fixed in position at various points around the course. It is also known to provide portable golf ball cleaners, such as disclosed in US 5339486. According to a first aspect, there is provided a golf ball cleaner comprising: a first portion comprising a first inner shell, a first outer shell, and first engagement means, the first outer shell being arranged around and outside of the first inner shell; and a second portion comprising a second inner shell, a second outer shell, and second engagement means, the second outer shell being arranged around and outside of the second inner shell; wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are configured to releasably engage one another to releasably join the first and second portions whilst permitting rotation between the first and second portions; and wherein the first and second inner shells each define a cavity configured to house a cleaning element and at least a portion of a golf ball, such that when the first and second portions are joined together with a golf ball located within the first and second portions, the first and second portions can be rotated with respect to each other such that the cleaning element or elements housed in the first and / or second inner shells can perform a cleaning action on the golf ball. As such, a golf ball cleaner may be provided formed of two portions, each portion comprising inner and outer shells. By providing inner and outer shells, a space or cavity may be provided between them, for example, which may allow for drainage. The inner and outer shells are preferably concentrically arranged. The inner and / or outer shells are preferably substantially semi-spherical in form. The outer shell(s) preferably has (have) an inner radius that is slightly larger than an outer radius of the inner shell(s). The external diameter of the first and / or second outer shell may be around 80-120 mm, for example. In some cases, it is around 100 mm. The thickness of the first and / or second outer shell may be around 1-4 mm thick, for example. In some cases, it is around 2.5 mm thick. The inner diameter of the first and / or second inner shell may be around 40-80 mm, for example. In some cases, it is around 60 mm. The thickness of the first and / or second inner shell may be around 0.5-5 mm thick, for example. In some cases, it is around 2 mm thick. A first cavity may be provided between the first inner shell and the first outer shell and / or a second cavity may be provided between the second inner shell and the second outer shell. As described above, such cavities may provide a space for drainage of cleaning fluid, for example. The first inner shell may comprise at least one drainage port configured to allow fluid to flow into the cavity between the first inner shell and the first outer shell and / or the second inner shell may comprise at least one drainage port configured to allow fluid to flow into the cavity between the second inner shell and the second outer shell respectively. Preferably, a plurality of drainage ports are provided, e.g. in each inner shell. The first inner shell and the first outer shell may be spaced apart by one or more first spacers and / or the second inner shell and the second outer shell may be spaced apart by one or more second spacers. Such spacers may assist in positioning and / or retaining the inner shell(s) inside the outer shell(s). The first spacers may be integrally formed with the first outer shell. The second spacers may be integrally formed with the second outer shell. The first and / or second spacers may comprise indentations, or other such cooperation means, configured to cooperate with the first and / or second inner shells, respectively, for example to position the inner shell(s) within the respective outer shell(s). The first and / or second outer shell may comprise one or more clips configured to join the first and / or second outer shell to the first and / or second inner shell, respectively. The one or more clips may be integrally formed with the first and / or second outer shell. The first and / or second inner shell may comprise an aperture or indentation such as an orifice or slot configured to receive the clip (or a part thereof) of the first and / or second outer shell respectively. The first and / or second outer shell may comprise one or more location pins configured to fit into one or more corresponding recesses on the first and / or second inner shells to locate the first and / or second inner shell within the first and / or second outer shell. The first and / or second inner shell may comprise one or more cleaning element retainers for releasably attaching a cleaning element. The one or more cleaning element retainers are preferably provided on an inner surface of the first and / or second inner shell. As such, a cleaning element may be provided and releasably attached inside the first and / or second inner shells, i.e. with the one or more cleaning element retainers. The first and / or second inner shell may (e.g. each) comprise around 4-15 cleaning element retainers. For example, the first and second inner shells may each comprise 10 cleaning element retainers. The one or more cleaning element retainers may comprise or be provided in the form of one or more spikes. The use of spikes as cleaning element retainers allows the use of a simple circular cut piece of foam or sponge, for example, as a cleaning element. This means that the requirement of an expensive formed cleaning element may be avoided. Therefore, the golf ball cleaner can be used with one or more low cost cleaning elements which can easily be removed, replaced and / or cleaned for reuse. Further, the retention of a cleaning element in the golf ball cleaner may achieved by mechanical grip from the spike(s) alone. No additional surface treatment may be required on the inner or outer surface of the cleaning elements. The cleaning elements may also be reversed. For example, if the cleaning elements become soiled during a round of golf, they may be reversed providing a fresh cleaning surface during a round of golf. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning elements may be removed and cleaned, e.g. if a water source or tap is available. The cleaning element retainers or spikes may hold a cleaning element in the first portion and / or second portion, ready to receive a golf ball. This means that only a small amount of pressure may be needed to deform the cleaning element and close the golf ball cleaner around the golf ball. As the cleaning element is held in the first and / or second portion by the cleaning element retainers or spikes, there may be an equal pressure on all surfaces of the golf ball and, as such, no parts of the golf ball may be missed in the cleaning process with all surfaces of the golf ball receiving a similar cleaning action. The cleaning element retainers or spikes may protrude inwards by around 2-6 mm (e.g. around 3.9 mm) and may have a diameter or width (or a diameter or width at a base or axial mid-point thereof) of around 1-3 mm (e.g. around 2 mm). Preferably, each cleaning element retainer or spike reduces comprises a pointed end, e.g. for gripping and / or piercing into a cleaning element. The cleaning element retainers or spikes may have a diameter or width that reduces along their axial length. The end of each cleaning element spike may include a chamfered portion and a pointed or hemispherical tip. A cleaning element retainer or spike may protrude from an inner surface of the first and / or second inner shell at an angle substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the first and / or second inner shell at the base of that retainer or spike. The cleaning element retainers or spikes may protrude from an inner surface of the first and / or second inner shell at an angle of around 10-15 degrees (e.g. around 11.5 degrees) relative to a plane defined by circumferential rim of the first and / or second inner shell. The first and / or second outer shells may comprise one or more indentations on an outer surface thereof. Such indentations may provide enhanced grip to a user of the golf ball cleaner. The first and / or second outer shells may each comprise a gripping means. This could be provided in the form of a (larger) indentation (e.g. that those discussed above) or other gripping surface. The first and second portions may each be in the form of substantially semi-spherical shells. This may allow the golf ball cleaner to closely surround the golf ball and hence provide consistent cleaning of all surfaces of the golf ball when in use. The first portion and the second portion may be of substantially the same size and / or shape. The first portion and / or the second portion may be formed of a rigid polymer material. One or more of the first inner shell, second inner shell, first outer shell, and second outer shell may be formed of a rigid polymer material. One or more of the first inner shell, second inner shell, first outer shell, and second outer shell may be formed of a thermoplastic. One or more of the first inner shell, second inner shell, first outer shell, and second outer shell may be formed of nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, and / or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. One or more of the first inner shell, second inner shell, first outer shell, and second outer shell may be formed of a filled polymer, optionally glass or talc filled. The first inner shell and / or second inner shell may be formed of a different material to the first outer shell and / or the second outer shell. For example, the first inner shell and / or second inner shell may be formed of a material having greater elasticity than the first outer shell and / or second outer shell. Advantageously, the inner shells being formed of a material having greater elasticity than the outer shells means that the inner shells may have greater flexing capability for joining the inner shells together whilst the outer shells may be made of a material having better cosmetic appearance or better grip, for example. At least one of the first portion and the second portion may comprise an attachment means such as a loop or hook on an outer surface thereof for attachment of a clip, ring, strap, string, band or cord or the like. Such an attachment means may allow a user to tether the device in a convenient manner. For example, a golfer may use the loop or hook to attach the golf ball cleaner to their bag or person. In the case where both the first portion and the second portion comprise an attachment means, the first and second portion may be tethered together by a strap, string, band or cord or the like, thereby reducing the risk of one of the portions being misplaced. The golf ball cleaner may comprise one or more cleaning elements inside the first and / or second portion, the one or more cleaning elements being arranged for cleaning of a golf ball positioned in the golf ball cleaner. The one or more cleaning elements may comprise one or more sponges and / or foam pads. The one or more cleaning elements may be provided in the shape of a disc with a radius slightly larger than that of the golf ball cleaner. The one or more cleaning elements may be sized and shaped such that they can cover substantially all of an inner surface of the first and / or second portion. This can help to provide good cleaning coverage over the surface of a golf ball. The one or more cleaning elements may be sized and shaped such that they do not extend outside of an inner surface of the first and / or second portion. This can allow the golf ball cleaner to still be closed when the one or more cleaning elements are present. According to a second aspect, there is provided a golf ball cleaner, comprising: a first portion comprising a first engagement means and one or more cleaning element retainers in the form of spikes for releasably attaching a cleaning element; and a second portion comprising a second engagement means; wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are configured to releasably engage one another to releasably join the first and second portions whilst permitting rotation between the first and second portions; and wherein the first and second portions each define a cavity configured to house a cleaning element and at least a portion of a golf ball, such that when the first and second portions are joined together with a golf ball located within the first and second portions, the first and second portions can be rotated with respect to each other such that the cleaning element housed in the first inner shell can perform a cleaning action on the golf ball. As such, a golf ball cleaner may be provided with one or more cleaning element retainers in the form of spikes for releasably attaching a cleaning element. As described above, such cleaning element retainers in the form of spikes can allow for various sizes, shapes and forms of (cheap) cleaning elements to be used with the golf ball cleaner. Preferably, the second portion also comprises one or more cleaning element retainers in the form of spikes for releasably attaching a cleaning element. The golf ball cleaner of the second aspect may comprise any of the features (optional or otherwise) of the first aspect. The golf ball cleaners described herein may allow a golfer to clean their golf balls at any time or location desired. Furthermore, the golf ball cleaners may be easy and quick to use, as well as being lightweight, so that they can readily be taken around a golf course. According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of preparing a golf ball cleaner for cleaning a golf ball, the method comprising: providing a golf ball cleaner as described herein, e.g. in relation to either of the first or second aspect described above; and providing a cleaning element for cleaning a golf ball inside at least one of the first and second portions of the golf ball cleaner. Preferably, a cleaning element is provided inside both of the first and second portions. The method may further comprise wetting the cleaning element or elements, e.g. with water or another cleaning liquid. According to a further aspect, a method of cleaning a golf ball cleaner is provided, the method comprising providing a golf ball cleaner as described herein, e.g. in relation to either of the first or second aspect described above with any of the optional or preferred features, and preferably prepared as described according to the aspect above; placing a golf ball in either the first portion or the second portion of a golf ball cleaner; joining the first portion and the second portion of the golf ball cleaner e.g. by pressing the two together such that the first and second engagement means engage one another; rotating the first portion and the second portion of the golf ball cleaner relative to one another such that the cleaning element or elements perform(s) a cleaning action on the golf ball. The method may further comprise separating the first portion and the second portion of the golf ball cleaner, e.g. by pulling the two apart such that the first and second engagement means release one another; and then optionally removing the golf ball from the golf ball cleaner. According to a further aspect, a method of manufacturing a golf ball cleaner is provided. The golf ball cleaner is preferably as described herein, e.g. in relation to either of the first or second aspect described above, with any of the optional or preferred features. The method comprises: providing a first portion comprising first engagement means; and providing a second portion comprising second engagement means; wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are configured to releasably engage one another to releasably join the first and second portions whilst permitting rotation between the first and second portions. The method of manufacturing a golf ball cleaner may include the step of forming, e.g. by injection moulding, one or more of the first inner shell, second inner shell, first outer shell and second outer shell. The method of manufacturing a golf ball cleaner may include the step of forming the cleaning element, e.g. from a material by stamping and / or cutting by hot wire, saw or laser the material in order to form the cleaning element. Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a golf ball cleaner in a disassembled state and a golf ball; Fig. 2 illustrates a golf ball cleaner in an assembled and closed state; Fig. 3 illustrates a portion of a golf ball cleaner in more detail; Fig. 4 illustrates a second portion of a golf ball cleaner in more detail; Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-section of the portions of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 joined together; Fig. 6 illustrates the second portion in cross-section with a cleaning element attached; Fig. 7 illustrates an outer shell of the golf ball cleaner; Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-section view of an inner shell; Fig. 9 illustrates a plan view of an inner shell; Fig. 10 illustrates the joining of two portions of the golf ball cleaner in closeup; and Fig. 11 illustrates the joining of an inner and outer shell. Fig. 1 shows a portable golf ball cleaner 10 in a disassembled state. The golf ball cleaner 10 is formed of a first portion 100 and a second portion 200 in the form of two substantially semi-spherical shells or cases. The first portion 100 and second portion 200 are configured to be releasably joined to one another and, when joined, to allow relative rotational motion between the two portions 100, 200. Cleaning elements 40, 60 are provided inside each of the first and second portions 100, 200, respectively. The first and second portions 100, 200 and their respective cleaning elements 40, 60, are configured (i.e. sized, shaped and arranged) such that a golf ball 20 may be enclosed within them for cleaning by the cleaning elements 40, 60 when the first and second portions 100, 200 are rotated with respect to each other. In this example, a loop 112 is provided on an outer surface 110 of the first portion 100. The loop 112 provides a means for attaching the golf ball cleaner 10 to other items such as lanyards, bags, etc. via a cord or the like (not shown). However, in other cases, other or no such attachment means are provided. Fig. 2 shows the golf ball cleaner 10 in an assembled and closed state, i.e. when the first and second portions 100, 200 are joined to one another. In the assembled and closed state, with a golf ball 20 enclosed within, relative rotational motion between the two portions 100, 200 (as indicated by the solid arrows above and below the golf ball cleaner 10 in Fig. 2) causes the cleaning elements 40, 60 inside the first and second portions 100, 200 to perform a cleaning action on the golf ball 20. The outer surfaces of the first portion 100 and the second portion 200, more specifically the outer surface of the first outer shell 140 and second outer shell 240 (described in more detail below), both have a number of indentations 102, 202 provided over them. These indentations 102, 202 cause the golf ball cleaner 10 to resemble a golf ball but also advantageously provide enhanced grip to a user of the golf ball cleaner 10. In addition, the outer surface of the first portion 100 and second portion 200, more specifically the outer surface of the first outer shell 140 and second outer shell 240 (described in more detail below), both have a larger indentation (i.e. larger than the indentations 102, 202) to provide grips 104, 204 to provide yet further grip to the user of the golf ball cleaner 10. Fig. 3 shows the first portion 100 in more detail. The first portion 100 comprises a first inner shell 120 and a first outer shell 140. The first inner shell 120 and the first outer shell 140 are both in the form of two substantially semi-spherical shells or cases. The first inner shell 120 has a smaller radius than, and is located concentrically within, the first outer shell 140. The first inner shell 120 and the first outer shell 140 are attached to one another via a number of first spacers, clips and location pins such that they are held fixed with respect to one another and spaced apart from one another to define a cavity therebetween. This is best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, which show the second portion 200 with the corresponding second spacers 242, clips 244, location pins 246 and a cavity 250 between the second inner shell 220 and second outer shell 240, as discussed further below. However, the arrangement of the first spacers and cavity between the first inner shell 120 and first outer shell 140 is essentially the same as shown in Fig. 5. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the first inner shell 120 is formed of an annular surface 122, a curved inner semi-spherical portion 124 and a planar rim 126. The annular surface 122 extends radially outwardly from a circumferential edge of the curved inner semi-spherical portion 124 and terminates at the planar rim 126. The planar rim 126 extends (with some broken or “missing” sections in which engagement means 160 are provided, as described below) around an outer circumferential edge of the annular surface 122 and projects perpendicularly away from the annular surface 122, as well as away from the curved inner semi-spherical portion 124. The curved inner semi-spherical portion 124 of the first inner shell 120 defines a semi-spherical cavity 130 which is sized to receive a cleaning element 40 and a portion (half) of a golf ball 20. The external diameter of the first outer shell 140 is 100 mm. The first outer shell 140 has a thickness of 2.5 mm. The curved inner-spherical portion 124, and the semi-spherical cavity 130 defined thereby, has an inner diameter of 60 mm. The first inner shell 120 has a thickness of 2 mm. The planar rim 126 of the first inner shell 120 comprises spaces within which are provided first engagement means 160 in the form of three resilient tabs. These tabs 160 (and the spaces or gaps in which they are formed) are arranged at equally spaced intervals around the planar rim 126, as depicted in Fig. 9. Like the planar rim 126 itself, these three tabs 160 project perpendicularly away from the planar rim 126 of the first inner shell 120 and, when assembled, towards and into the second portion 200. The first engagement means 160 is configured to cooperate with a corresponding engagement means of the second portion 200 (described below) to join the first and second portions 100, 200 together as shown in Fig. 10. The planar rim 126 extends sufficiently away from the annular surface 122 that when the first portion 100 and second portion 200 are joined the planar rim 126 covers the area between the first outer shell 140 and second outer shell 240 along the circumference of the assembled golf ball cleaner 10. The first inner shell 120 also comprises a plurality of (in this example ten) cleaning element retainers 180 in the form of spikes. These are provided on the curved inner semi-spherical portion 124 of the first inner shell 120. The spikes protrude radially inwards, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the annular surface 122, by an amount sufficient to pierce into and / or mechanically retain or grip a cleaning element 40, such as a sponge. In this example the first inner shell 120 comprises 10, equally spaced in a circumferential direction, cleaning element retainers 180. The cleaning element retainers 180 protrude inwards by 3.9 mm and have a 2 mm diameter. The cleaning element retainers 180 protrude from the inner semi-spherical portion 124 at angle of 11.5 degrees relative to the annular surface 122 and towards the plane defined by the annular surface 122. The end of each cleaning element retainer 180 includes a chamfered portion and a hemispherical tip. The cleaning element retainers 180 allow a cleaning element 40, such as a sponge or foam pad, to be releasably held in the first inner shell 120 and in particular in the cavity 130. The cleaning element 40 may be shaped to conform to the shape of cavity 130 as illustrated in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the cleaning element 40 may be cylindrical in shape, e.g. a circular disk with a certain but relatively small thickness, but sufficiently flexible such that when pressed into the cavity 130 it conforms largely to the shape of the cavity 130. The cleaning element 40 is formed of a pierceable material such that it may be held in position by the cleaning element retainers 180. The cleaning element 40 is sized such that when held within cavity 130 it does not protrude beyond the annular surface 122 by an amount that would prevent the joining of the first portion 100 and second portion 200. In the case of a circular disk cleaning element, for example, it may have a diameter only slightly greater than the diameter of cavity 130 such that it can be pressed into the cavity 130 and largely conform to the shape of the cavity 130 without protruding out of the cavity 130. The cleaning element is also sized such that when pressed into the cavity 130 at least a portion, e.g. half, of a golf ball 20 can also fit snugly within the cavity 130. The cleaning element 40 is also sized such that it can cover substantially all of the inner surface of the curved inner semi-spherical portion 124. The cleaning element 40 has a thickness and absorbency sufficient to retain fluid (such as water) such that during cleaning of a golf ball it can disperse cleaning fluid over the golf ball. The cleaning element 40 is compressible such that it may be compressed slightly when the golf ball 20 is placed within the cleaner 100 and the two halves are closed for cleaning of the golf ball 20. The first inner shell 120 also comprises a plurality of (in this example ten) drainage ports 190 in the cavity 130. The drainage ports 190 enable cleaning fluid, when provided, to flow from the cleaning elements and / or inner cavity 130 formed by the curved inner semi-spherical portion 124 to the cavity between the first inner shell 120 and the first outer shell 140. The drainage ports 190 are arranged at equally spaced intervals around the curved inner semi-spherical portion 124. The drainage ports 190 also serve the function of improved molding of the cleaning element retainers 180 during manufacture and further provide a means of attachment for the clips 144. Fig. 4 shows the second portion 200 in more detail. The second portion 200 comprises a second inner shell 220 and a second outer shell 240. The second inner shell 220 and the second outer shell 240 are both in the form of two substantially semi-spherical shells or cases. The second inner shell 220 has a smaller radius than, and is located concentrically within, the second outer shell 240. The second inner shell 220 and the second outer shell 240 are attached to one another such that they are held fixed with respect to one another and define a cavity therebetween. This is best illustrated in Fig. 6 as discussed further below. The second inner shell 220 is formed of an annular surface 222, a curved inner semi-spherical portion 224 and a circumferential lip 226. The annular surface 222 extends radially outwardly from a circumferential edge of the curved inner semi-spherical portion 224 and terminates at the circumferential lip 226. The circumferential lip 226 extends around an outer circumferential edge of the annular surface 222 and projects perpendicularly away from the annular surface 222, as well as away from the curved inner semi-spherical portion 224. The curved inner semi-spherical portion 224 of the second inner shell 220 defines a cavity 230 which is sized to receive a cleaning element 60 and a portion (half) of a golf ball 20. The external diameter of the second outer shell 240 is 100 mm. The second outer shell 240 has a thickness of 2.5 mm. The curved inner-spherical portion 224, and the semi-spherical cavity 230 defined thereby, has an inner diameter of 60 mm. The second inner shell 220 has a thickness of 2 mm. The second inner shell 220 comprises second engagement means 260 in the form of the circumferential lip 226 in the illustrated example. The lip 226 projects perpendicularly away from the annular surface 222. The second engagement means 260 is configured to cooperate and engage with the first engagement means 160 of the first portion 100 to hold and connect the first and second portions 100, 200 together. More specifically, the second engagement means 260, in the form of the circumferential lip, is sized and shaped such that it is capable of providing an interference fit with the first engagement means 160. That is, when the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 are pressed towards one another the tabs of the first engagement means 160 contact the second engagement means 260, are deformed away from the second engagement means 260 before snapping into place when passing the lip. The second inner shell 220 also comprises a plurality of (in this example ten) cleaning element retainers 280 in the form of spikes. These have the same form as the cleaning element retainers 180 described above and provided in the first portion 100. Thus, the cleaning element retainers 280 allow a cleaning element 60, such as a sponge, to be releasably held in the second inner shell 220 and in particular in the cavity 230. The cleaning element 60 can have the same form as the cleaning element 40 described above. In this example, the second inner shell 220 comprises 10, equally spaced in a circumferential direction, cleaning element retainers 280. The cleaning element retainers 280 protrude inwards by 3.9 mm and have a 2 mm diameter. The cleaning element retainers 280 protrude from the inner semi-spherical portion 224 at angle of 11.5 degrees relative to the annular surface 222 and towards the plane defined by the annular surface 222. The end of each cleaning element retainer 280 includes a chamfered portion and a hemispherical tip. This arrangement is shown in detail in Fig. 8. The second inner shell 220 also comprises a plurality of (in this example ten) drainage ports 290 in the cavity 230. The drainage ports 290 enable cleaning fluid, when provided, to flow from the cleaning elements and / or inner cavity 230 formed by the curved inner semi-spherical portion 224 to the cavity 250 between the second inner shell 220 and the second outer shell 240. The drainage ports 290 also serve the function of improved molding of the cleaning element retainers 280 during manufacture and further provide a means of attachment for the clips 244. The two outer shells 140, 240 are sized and shaped such that they join together to form, substantially, a sphere. The two outer shells 140, 240 are sized such that when the first portion 100 and second portion 200 are joined together the two outer shells 140, 240 do not quite abut one another. That is, a small circumferential gap between the two outer shells 140, 240 remains such that relative rotation between the first and second portions 100, 200 is not impeded. Fig. 5 shows the previously described first portion 100 and second portion 200 joined together in cross-section. Fig. 6 shows the second portion 200 in cross-section. The second inner shell 220 and the second outer shell 240 are attached to one another via second spacers 242 and clips 244 such that they are held fixed with respect to one another and spaced apart from one another to define a cavity 250 therebetween. Fig. 11 provides another view of the second portion. In this example, the second spacers 242 and clips 244 are an integral portion of the second outer shell 240 and therefore when the golf ball cleaner 10 is manufactured the second inner shell 220 is effectively clipped into the second outer shell 240 via the clips 244. Both the first portion 100 and second portion 200 in this example are made of a rigid polymer (plastics) material. Fig. 7 shows an outer shell 140, 240 of the golf ball cleaner 10, which may correspond to either the first outer shell 140 or the second outer shell 240. As can be seen, the outer shell 140, 240 comprises a number of spacers 142, 242, as well as two clips 144, 242 that space the inner and outer shells apart and hold them in place. Additionally, the outer shell 100, 200 comprises two locating pins 146; 246 which are configured to be received in recesses of the corresponding inner shell 120, 220 and aid in aligning and locating the inner shell 120, 220 in the outer shell 140, 240 when joining the two together via clips 144, 244. With continued reference to Figs. 1 to 6, operation of the portable golf ball cleaner 10 is now described. With the golf ball cleaner 10 in a disassembled or open state, i.e. the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 being separated, cleaning elements 40, 60 are attached to the cleaning element retainers 180, 280 of the first portion 100 and second portion 200, respectively. The cleaning elements 40, 60 are pressed by the user into each cavity 130, 230 and are held in place by the cleaning element retainers 180, 280 as they project into and pierce the cleaning elements 40, 60. Fig. 5 shows an example of the cleaning element 60 that has been pressed into the second portion 200 and is held in place by the cleaning element retainers 280. The user then wets the cleaning elements 40, 60 with water, cleaning liquid or the like either before or after attachment of the cleaning elements 40, 60 to the retainers 180, 280. With the wetted cleaning elements 40, 60 in place in each of the first portion 100 and second portion 200 the user then places a golf ball 20 in either the cavity 130 of the first portion 100 or the cavity 230 of the second portion 200. The user then joins the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 by aligning and pressing the two together such that the first engagement means 160 is pressed against the second engagement means 260 with sufficient force to press the tabs of the first engagement means 160 over the lip of the second engagement means 260. In this way, the first and second engagement means act as male and female mechanical connectors, respectively. In this configuration, the first portion 100 and second portion 200 are connected but may be still be twisted or rotated relative to one another, thereby causing the cleaning elements 40, 60 to move across the golf ball 20, thereby cleaning it. To release the golf ball 20, the user simply pulls the first portion 100 and second portion 200 away from one another such that the tabs of the first engagement means 160 are pried over the lip of the second engagement means 260. The user at this point can choose to: leave the cleaning elements 40, 60 in place if they are deemed not too heavily soiled; flip the cleaning elements 40, 60 such that the surface of the cleaning element which was not previously in contact with the surface of the golf ball 20 will be in contact with the surface of the golf ball in next use, or they may choose to replace the cleaning elements 40, 60, if required. The cleaning elements 40, 60 may be washed or cleaned and reused. During cleaning, the drainage ports 190, 290, allow cleaning liquid to flow from the cleaning elements 40, 60 into the cavities 250 between the first and second inner and outer shells. When the cleaner 10 is opened, any liquid in the cavities 250 between the first and second inner and outer shells can be tipped out.

Claims

1. A golf ball cleaner comprising:a first portion comprising a first inner shell, a first outer shell, and first engagement means, the first outer shell being arranged around and outside of the first inner shell; anda second portion comprising a second inner shell, a second outer shell, and second engagement means, the second outer shell being arranged around and outside of the second inner shell;wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are configured to releasably engage one another to releasably join the first and second portions whilst permitting rotation between the first and second portions; andwherein the first and second inner shells each define a cavity configured to house a cleaning element and at least a portion of a golf ball, such that when the first and second portions are joined together with a golf ball located within the first and second portions, the first and second portions can be rotated with respect to each other such that the cleaning element or elements housed in the first and / or second inner shells can perform a cleaning action on the golf ball.

2. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in claim 1, wherein:a first cavity is provided between the first inner shell and the first outer shell; and / ora second cavity is provided between the second inner shell and the second outer shell.

3. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in claim 2, whereinthe first inner shell comprises at least one drainage port configured to allow fluid to flow into the cavity between the first inner shell and the first outer shell, and / orthe second inner shell comprises at least one drainage port configured to allow fluid to flow into the cavity between the second inner shell and the second outer shell respectively.

4. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein:the first inner shell and the first outer shell are spaced apart by one or more first spacers; and / orthe second inner shell and the second outer shell are spaced apart by one or more second spacers.

5. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, whereinthe first and / or second inner shell comprises one or more cleaning element retainers for releasably attaching a cleaning element.

6. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more cleaning element retainers are one or more spikes.

7. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or second outer shell comprises indentations on an outer surface thereof.

8. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or second outer shell comprises a gripping means.

9. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second portions are each in the form of substantially semi-spherical shells.

10. A golf ball cleaner comprising:a first portion comprising a first engagement means and one or more cleaning element retainers in the form of spikes for releasably attaching a cleaning element; anda second portion comprising a second engagement means;wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are configured to releasably engage one another to releasably join the first and second portions whilst permitting rotation between the first and second portions; andwherein the first and second portions each define a cavity configured to house a cleaning element and at least a portion of a golf ball, such that when the first and second portions are joined together with a golf ball located within the first and second portions, the first and second portions can be rotated with respect toeach other such that the cleaning element housed in the first inner shell can perform a cleaning action on the golf ball.

11. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second portion comprises one or more cleaning element retainers in the form of spikes for releasably attaching a cleaning element.

12. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first engagement means comprises one or more tabs and the second engagement means is a circumferential lip, the one or more tabs and the circumferential lip being configured to cooperate with one another such that the one or more tabs can be pressed over the lip to join the first portion and the second portion.

13. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises a loop or hook on an outer surface thereof for attachment of a clip or ring.

14. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising one or more cleaning elements inside the first and / or second portion, the one or more cleaning elements being arranged for cleaning of a golf ball positioned in the golf ball cleaner.

15. A golf ball cleaner as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more cleaning elements comprise one or more sponges or foam elements.

16. A method of preparing a golf ball cleaner for cleaning a golf ball, the method comprising:providing a golf ball cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim; and providing a cleaning element for cleaning a golf ball inside at least one of the first and second portions of the golf ball cleaner.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising wetting the cleaning element or elements.

18. A method of cleaning a golf ball, the method comprising:providing a golf ball cleaner prepared according to the method of claim 16 or 17;placing a golf ball in either the first portion or the second portion of the golf ball cleaner;joining the first portion and the second portion of the golf ball cleaner by pressing the two together such that the first and second engagement means engage one another;rotating the first portion and the second portion of the golf ball cleaner relative to one another such that the cleaning element or elements perform(s) a cleaning action on the golf ball.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising:separating the first portion and the second portion of the golf ball cleaner by pulling the two apart such that the first and second engagement means release one another; andremoving the golf ball from the golf ball cleaner.

20. A method of manufacturing a golf ball cleaner according to any of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising:providing a first portion comprising first engagement means; andproviding a second portion comprising second engagement means;wherein the first engagement means and the second engagement means are configured to releasably engage one another to releasably join the first and second portions whilst permitting rotation between the first and second portions.

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