Portable golf club cleaning device

Abstract

A portable golf club cleaning device that integrates both electricity and water into the cleaning process. It features a battery-powered internal motor that drives a horizontal cleaning rotor with bristles at the front of the device, along with a water pump that interfaces with an internal water tank (located in the handle of the device), and nozzle to spray water onto the rotor. The device operates via a single momentary push button and is configured for dual-actuation: partial actuation activates the motor (and rotor), while full depression simultaneously activates the motor (and rotor) along with the water pump. It is primarily designed for cleaning golf club heads but can also be used to clean other golf-related equipment, such as shoes, balls, and bags.

Description

[0001] Portable Golf Club Cleaning Device

[0002] The present invention relates to a modified version of the embodiment disclosed in application GB2404369.7, specifically addressing improvements in the design and functionality of the portable golf club cleaning device (hereinafter referred to as 'the device').

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates generally to a device used for cleaning golf clubs.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] This application claims priority based on patent application GB2404369.7, filed on March 26, 2024.

[0007] At that time, portable, manual (non-electric) golf club cleaning devices with integrated water tanks were known, as were portable, electric golf club cleaning devices. However, this invention is the first to combine all three features: portability, electric operation, and an integrated water tank.

[0008] The need for this invention is evident. Like the electric toothbrush, an electric golf club cleaning device provides a more efficient means of performing a necessary task, reducing the manual effort required. The use of water in the cleaning process ensures that golf clubs are properly cleaned, as mud and grass stains cannot be effectively removed without it, and the portable nature of the device further allows for proper and efficient cleaning at any location and at any time.

[0009] A previous embodiment of the invention is described in application GB2404369.7. However, this prior design had limitations in some of its features, particularly with respect to the following (which are described in full in the Description of Embodiments) : - Sealing mechanism of the port to the water tank. Initially, it was uncertain whether a plug mechanism or a screw lid mechanism would best serve the intended purpose. The new configuration incorporates a plug mechanism, which simplifies both user operation and the manufacturing process.

[0010] - Shape of the plug to the port, and the shape of the port - in the new configuration, the previously circular design has been modified to a stadium shape to enhance compatibility with the new port location.

[0011] Location of the port to the water tank - the prior design had the port located on the lower surface of the device, the new configuration places it at the rear end of the proximal handle. This revision enables a modified water tank shape that simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0012] Housing - in the prior design, the housing was bifurcated into a top and a bottom portion. In the new design, the housing trifurcates into a shortened top portion, a shortened bottom portion, and a new proximal handle portion. This revision improves the shape of the water tank, simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0013] Nozzle for spraying water onto the cleaning rotor. The prior design, which uses a hose with perforations in the hose wall, is suboptimal due to the difficulty achieving consistent perforation sizes during the manufacturing process. The new configuration integrates the nozzle into the cleaning rotor housing, allowing the spray apertures to be plastic moulded to a consistent size.

[0014] - Control panel - in the prior design, the control panel of the device comprised two push buttons. The control panel of the new design has a single push button, configured to operate in a dual-actuation mode. This simplifies the operation of the device for the user.

[0015] Cleaning rotor disconnection mechanism - In the prior design, disconnection of the rotor required activation of a release button. In the new configuration, the release button is replaced by a tool-actuated button. This design improves the reliability of the disconnection mechanism compared to the prior design. Summary of the Invention

[0016] There is no change to the summary of the modified version compared to the previously disclosed embodiment described in application GB2404369.7, which is provided again below:

[0017] The portable golf club cleaning device comprises a portable housing defining a proximal handle portion retaining a water tank therein and a distal end portion exposing a cleaning rotor.

[0018] The housing retains an internal electric motor driving the rotor and an internal water pump interfacing the water tank and a nozzle directed onto the rotor.

[0019] The user may hold the device by the proximal handle portion to apply the rotating rotor against a golf club face to clean the golf club face. The nozzle wets the rotor to apply water (which may comprise cleaning detergent in embodiments) to the golf club face to enhance residue removal. The nozzle may alternatively wet the golf club face directly.

[0020] The device may also be used to clean other golf-related products such as golf shoes, golf balls and golf bags.

[0021] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed .

[0022] Description of Drawings

[0023] Notwithstanding other variations that may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate both the prior and new designs.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the portable golf club cleaning device, showing the new design.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the portable golf club cleaning device, showing the prior design.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the device showing both the prior design and the new design.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the device (the other side) showing both the prior design and the new design.

[0028] Figure 5 illustrates the underside view of the device of the prior design, particularly the circular port to the water tank with sealing mechanism in place .

[0029] Figure 6 illustrates the underside, overhead, side, and rear views of the new design device, highlighting the new stadium-shaped plug and the new port to the water tank. Figure 7 illustrates the front view of the device showing both the prior design and the new design.

[0030] Figure 8 illustrates the integrated nozzle of the new design , including a cutaway view and a cross-sectional view.

[0031] Figure 9 illustrates a disassembled perspective view of the device of the prior design . Figure 10 illustrates a disassembled perspective view of the device of the new design .

[0032] Description of Embodiments

[0033] The present invention relates to an improved portable golf club cleaning device. For clarity, the feature numbering remains consistent across both the prior and new designs where the features have not changed. Both the prior and new designs are illustrated and explained in detail.

[0034] A portable golf club cleaning device 100 (Figures 1 and 2) comprises a portable housing 101 defining a proximal handle portion 102 (Figure 3) retaining a water tank 103 (Figures 9 and 10) therein and a distal end portion 104 (Figure 3) exposing a cleaning rotor 105.

[0035] The device 100 comprises an internal electric motor 106 (Figures 9 and 10) that drives the rotor 105, along with an internal water pump 107 interfacing with the water tank 103. The prior design features a nozzle 108 (Figure 9) directed at the rotor 105, whereas the new design integrates the nozzle 208 (Figure 8) into the cleaning rotor housing 209, also directed at the rotor 105.

[0036] The prior design nozzle 108 may be a hose (or hoses) with one or more perforations found in the hose wall (or hose walls) that enables the distribution of water along the rotational axis 1 12 defined by the rotor 105. The hose (or hoses) may optionally be wrapped in a protective, supportive case.

[0037] The new design nozzle 208 is integrated into the cleaning rotor housing 209, enabling the distribution of water along the rotational axis 1 12 defined by the rotor 105. The nozzle 208 is arranged in a linear configuration, though it may be arranged in any fluid-dispensing manner, including straight, curved, or other configurations, and comprises a plurality of spray apertures, each designed to emit a controlled spray pattern and ensure water distribution across the surface of the cleaning rotor 105. The nozzle 208 may be integrated anywhere within the cleaning rotor housing 209. Alternatively, the nozzle 208 may be attached at any position on or relative to the cleaning rotor housing 209. In another configuration, the integrated or attached nozzle 208 may distribute water directly onto the surface being cleaned, instead of onto the rotor 105.

[0038] A first internal supply hose 138 may interface the tank 103 and the water pump 107 and a second internal supply hose 139 may interface the water pump 107 and the new design nozzle 208.

[0039] The user may hold the device 100 by the proximal handle portion 102 to apply the rotating rotor 105 against a golf club face for cleaning. The new design nozzle 208 wets the rotor 105, applying water — which, in some embodiments, may contain a cleaning detergent — to the golf club face to facilitate residue removal. Alternatively, when appropriately positioned, the nozzle 208 may apply water directly to the surface being cleaned.

[0040] The device 100 comprises a control interface 109, which, in the prior design, includes a rotor control 1 10 and a water pump control 1 1 1 . These controls 1 10, 1 1 1 are pushbuttons that, when depressed, transmit electrical signals to the printed circuit board 136 located immediately below the controls, inside the housing 101 . The rotor control button 1 10 may be a momentary pushbutton that activates the motor 106 and , in turn, rotor 105 when depressed. The water pump control button 1 1 1 may be a momentary pushbutton that simultaneously activates the motor 106, rotor 105, and water pump 107 when depressed.

[0041] The control interface 109 has been revised to include a new design feature: a single control button 210. This may be a momentary push button and is configured to operate in a dual-actuation mode. A partial actuation activates the motor 106 through the transmission of electrical signals to the printed circuit board 136 located immediately below the control, inside the housing 101 , which in turn activates the rotor 105. A full depression simultaneously activates the motor 106, the rotor 105, and the water pump 107.

[0042] The rotor 105 is preferably a crosswise rotating rotor 105. In other words, the rotor 105 may rotate about a rotational axis 1 12 (Figure 7) orthogonal with respect to a longitudinal axis 1 13 (Figure 7) defined by the proximal handle portion 102.

[0043] In the prior design, the rotor 105 is retained by a bearing 1 14 held by the housing 101 on one side and by the gears 1 17 and gear housing 1 18 on the other side. In the new design, the rotor 105 is retained by a bearing 1 14 held by the cleaning rotor housing 209 on one side and by the new design thicker gears 217 and the new gear housing 218 on the other side.

[0044] As best shown in Figure 3, the opening of the distal end portion 104 exposing the cleaning rotor 105 may be orientated down at an angle 1 15 with respect to a plane 1 16 defined by the proximal handle portion 102. Alternatively, the opening of the distal end portion 104 exposing the cleaning rotor 105 may be orientated on the same plane as plane 1 16 defined by the proximal handle portion 102.

[0045] The internal electric motor 106 may be concealed behind the rotor 105 within the housing. Additionally, prior design gears 1 17 and new design gears 217 may be connected to, and driven by, the electric motor 106, which, in turn, drive the rotor 105. The previously designed gear housing 1 18 has been modified to form the new gear housing 218, which is configured to secure the new gears 217 in place.

[0046] In the prior design, the distal end portion 104 included a brush release button 1 19 on one side. In the new design, the distal end portion 104 features a tool-actuated release button 219 positioned on the opposite side of the device compared to the prior design. An associated internal compression spring and related components enable the complete disconnection of the rotor 105 from the housing 101 for cleaning or replacement. In the prior design, the housing 101 was bifurcated into a top portion 120 and a bottom portion 121 , each extending along the combined length of the distal end portion 104 and proximal handle portion 102. In the new design, the housing 101 is trifurcated into a top portion 220 and a bottom portion 221 , each extending along the length of the distal end portion, and a third portion, the unified housing portion 222, that integrates the top and bottom portions of the proximal handle portion into a single piece.

[0047] The tank 103 may be profiled 123 to accommodate a portion, or all, of a rechargeable battery (or batteries) 124 adjacently within the proximal handle portion.

[0048] In the prior design, Figure 5, the housing 101 defines a port 125 through the lower surface thereof for a threaded refill cap 126 that screws, or plug 140 that seals, the port 125 to the tank 103. An O-ring 127 may seal the threaded refill cap 126. In the new design, Figure 6, the new port 225 has been relocated to the rear of the proximal handle portion 102, and a redesigned plug 240 has been implemented, wherein the shape has been modified to a stadium configuration instead of a circular form, enhancing compatibility with the new port location.

[0049] An electric charging port 128 (such as a USB port) for charging the battery may be located on one side of the proximal handle portion 102, with an electric charging port cover 228 integrated into the housing 1 01 .

[0050] With reference to Figure 9 showing the disassembled prior design, the rotor 105 may comprise an external cylinder 131 , an internal cylinder 132, and a retaining rod 133 within the bearing 1 14 on one side. A disconnection piece 134 is movable along the rotational axis 1 12 of the rotor 105. The disconnection piece 134 is biased outwardly toward the insertion piece 130 and inwardly by an internal spring 129. The insertion piece 130, facing the disconnection piece 134, inserts into the adjacent gears 1 17, gear housing 1 18, and the release button 1 19. To disconnect the rotor 105, the disconnection piece 134 may be shifted inwardly by depressing the release button 1 19, which moves the insertion piece 130 along the rotational axis 112 of the rotor 105. In this manner, the rotor 105 may be disconnected for cleaning or replacement. The external cylinder 131 preferably includes integrally formed cleaning bristles 137, which may engage the channels defined along the golf club face.

[0051] With reference to Figure 10 showing the disassembled new design, the cleaning rotor 105 may comprise an external cylinder 131 , detachably secured to the device via a disconnection mechanism within the bearing 114 on one side. This mechanism includes a disconnection piece 134, movable along the rotational axis 112 of the rotor 105, and an internal spring 129. The disconnection piece 134 is positioned within the external cylinder 131 and biased by the internal spring 129 to maintain a locked position during operation. When force is applied via a tool-actuated release button 219, the disconnection piece 134 moves along the rotational axis 1 12, allowing for the removal of the cleaning rotor 105 so that it can be cleaned or replaced. At the other end of the cleaning rotor 105, a multi-sided knob 231 is provided, which is designed to slot into corresponding gears 217, and this interlocking connection allows the gears to transmit rotational motion directly to the cleaning rotor 105.

[0052] The external cylinder 131 preferably includes integrally formed cleaning bristles 137, which can reach into channels defined along the golf club face.

[0053] A splash guard may be provided, either permanently fixed or detachable, and integrated into or affixed to the cleaning rotor housing 209. The splash guard is configured to prevent residue from dispersing from the bristles 137 onto the user's hand.

[0054] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

[0055] Industrial Applicability

[0056] The portable golf club cleaning device is applicable in the sports and recreational equipment industry, specifically for maintaining golf equipment. It provides an efficient solution for cleaning golf club heads, ensuring they remain free from dirt, grass, and debris that could affect performance during play.

[0057] This device can be utilised by golf players, driving ranges, golf shops, and professional golfers. It allows for quick and effective cleaning of golf clubs, improving player performance and ensuring optimal conditions for equipment use. Additionally, the device's compact and portable design makes it ideal for personal use, allowing golfers to maintain their clubs while on the go.

[0058] Furthermore, the device could be marketed for alternative golf related uses such as golf ball, golf shoe or golf bag cleaning, and by other sports or recreational industries that require specialized cleaning tools for equipment maintenance, such as cleaning sports shoes, balls, or other sports-related accessories. It is particularly valuable in settings where efficiency and portability are essential, providing a practical solution for users in various industrial contexts.

Claims

Claims1 . A portable golf club cleaning device comprising a portable housing defining a proximal handle portion that retains a water tank therein and a distal end portion that exposes a cleaning rotor; an internal electric motor configured to drive the rotor; an internal water pump interfacing with the water tank; and a nozzle directed onto the rotor.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is configured to direct water onto the surface to be cleaned, rather than onto the rotor.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is integrated into the cleaning rotor housing and positioned behind the rotor.

4. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the nozzle is integrated anywhere within the cleaning rotor housing, or attached to, or positioned at any location relative to, the cleaning rotor housing.

5. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, comprising a control interface with a control button configured to operate both the electric motor and the water pump6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control button comprises a pushbutton.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control button is a momentary pushbutton, configured to operate in a dual-actuation mode, wherein partial actuation activates the electric motor and rotor, and full depression simultaneously activates the electric motor, rotor, and water pump.

9. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the rotor rotates about a rotational axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the proximal handle portion.

10. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the rotor is retained by a bearing held within the cleaning rotor housing on one side, and by gears and a gear housing on the other side.1 1 . The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein an opening at the distal end portion exposing the cleaning rotor is oriented at an angle relative to a plane defined by the proximal handle portion.

12. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein an opening at the distal end portion exposing the cleaning rotor is oriented in the same plane as the plane defined by the proximal handle portion.

13. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is configured to distribute water along the rotational axis defined by the rotor.

14. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the nozzle is configured to distribute water onto the surface to be cleaned.

15. The device as claimed in claims 13 and 14, wherein the nozzle is integrated within, attached to, or positioned at any location relative to the cleaning rotor housing, and is arranged in a fluid-dispensing manner, which may include straight, curved, or other configurations.

16. The device as claimed in claim 13 and 14, wherein the nozzle comprises a plurality of spray apertures, each designed to emit a controlled spray pattern and ensure water distribution across the surface of the cleaning rotor or the surface being cleaned, as applicable.

17. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the electric motor is concealed behind the rotor within the cleaning rotor housing, and the gears connected to the electric motor are also connected to the rotor.

18. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the distal end portion defines a tool-actuated release button that facilitates the disconnection of the rotor from the cleaning rotor housing.

19. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the cleaning rotor is detachable from the cleaning rotor housing.

20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cleaning rotor comprises a disconnection piece movable along the rotational axis of the rotor and biased by a compression spring, such that the rotor can be disconnected by depressing the tool- actuated release button, which moves the disconnection piece inward .21 . The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the housing is trifurcated into a top portion, a bottom portion and a unified housing portion.

22. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the water tank is profiled to adjacently accommodate a rechargeable battery or batteries.

23. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the housing defines a port through a surface thereof for a plug that seals the tank.

24. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the rotor comprises integrally formed cleaning bristles.

25. The device as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein a splash guard integrated into the cleaning rotor housing prevents water and residue from dispersing from the cleaning bristles onto the user’s hand.

Images