Abstract:
The invention relates to ergonomically-correct golf club stands that prop up putters, other clubs, fishing poles, and plants. The stands also have attachment points for accessories. The stands protect golf clubs by keeping them off the ground and visual. This helps keep them clean and avoids inadvertently leaving them behind.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to golf club stands that prop up putters, other clubs, fishing poles, and plants. The stands also have attachment points for accessories. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    On a golf course, players often take a putter or other clubs out of their golf bag for hitting in a variety of locations including the green, rough, fringe, bunker, fairway, and surrounding green. They may also take a towel, cigar, beverage, or other items with them. While using one club there is no other place to set down the other clubs but the ground. In addition to the inconvenience of bending over to pick up clubs from the ground, the grips of the clubs tend to get wet and dirty. Additionally, golfers may walk away and leave their clubs on the ground only to later discover that they are missing. Losing clubs can be expensive or time-consuming if one backtracks to retrieve them. The same inconveniences and hazards apply to the other items, listed above, that may be set down on the ground. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The invention provides a golf club stand that may be accessorized to support items commonly used or enjoyed by golfers. In particular, the golf club stand of the invention comprises a solid shaft formed in the shape of a cane with the top portion having a loop angled at about a 45° angle from the straight portion of the shaft. The loop has a gripping material for securing a club that leans into the loop. This elegant design allows for the golf club stand to be easily pushed into the ground without the need for extraneous handles or footholds. The sleek and slim design allows for easy and unobtrusive storage in a golf bag. It also does not have any attachments that may break off or rip a golf bag. It is ergonomically sound to fit in men and women&#39;s hands and thus easy to use. The lack of moving parts makes it durable and long lasting. 
         [0004]    In other embodiments, the golf club stand can also be used to hold fishing poles or plants in need of extra support. 
         [0005]    Thus, the invention provides a golf club stand, comprising a shaft and a loop, wherein a proximal end of the shaft is angularly connected to a proximal end of a loop, a distal end of the shaft is operative to be inserted into the ground, the loop comprises a gripping surface for securing clubs, and wherein the golf club stand does not have an additional handle or foothold structure. 
         [0006]    In a preferred embodiment, the loop defines a plane that is offset from the shaft at an angle that is less than about 90°. In a more preferred embodiment, the angle is less than about 75°. In another more preferred embodiment, the angle is less than about 45°. In another more preferred embodiment, the angle is less than about 30°. In a most preferred embodiment, the angle is about 45°. In another most preferred embodiment, the angle is about 30°. 
         [0007]    In another preferred embodiment, the distal end of the shaft further comprises a spike. 
         [0008]    In another preferred embodiment, the gripping surface is selected from the group consisting of etched surfaces, vinyl, rubber, plastic, nylon, fabric, leather, tape, padding, and tacky adhesive surfaces. In a more preferred embodiment, the gripping surface is vinyl. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the shaft comprises plastic, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, nylon, a nylon blend, monel, beryllium, flexon, polycarbonate, graphite, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver, silver alloy, or tempered glass. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, the loop comprises plastic, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, nylon, a nylon blend, monel, beryllium, flexon, polycarbonate, graphite, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver, silver alloy, or tempered glass. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the golf club stands of the invention further comprise an accessory attachment structure selected from the group consisting of latches, clasps, hooks, snaps, screws, rings, springs, pressure sleeves, Velcro®, and lock structures. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, the invention provides an accessory for attaching to the accessory attachment structure, wherein the accessory is selected from the group consisting of a golf towel, cigar holder, cigarette holder, a beverage holder, a GPS range finder holder, an accessory pouch, a divot repair tool holder, a score card holder, a ball marker holder, a light holder, a phone holder, a bell for fishing, and a fishing towel. 
         [0013]    The invention provides a business method comprising selling the golf club stands of the invention, wherein the accessory attachment structure is a lock that connects with a key to form a two-part lock and key structure and offering for sale an ecosystem of ornamental or functional accessories that comprise a key that fits the lock. 
         [0014]    The invention provides a business method comprising selling the golf club stands of the invention, wherein the accessory attachment structure is a key that connects with a lock to form a two-part lock and key structure and offering for sale an ecosystem of ornamental or functional accessories that comprise a lock that fits the key 
         [0015]    In preferred embodiments of the business method, the locks and keys described herein are proprietary and comprise the further step of licensing third parties the right to sell accessories comprising the proprietary key that fits the proprietary lock. In other preferred embodiments, the locks and keys described herein are proprietary and comprise the further step of licensing third parties the right to sell accessories comprising said proprietary lock that fits said proprietary key. In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a business method comprising selling accessories that participate in an ecosystem that attach to the golf club stands of the invention by a proprietary lock and key attachment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1 : (A) shows a front view of the full-length golf club stand of the invention. (B) Shows the side view and a plane formed by the loop that is offset from the shaft by about 45°. (C) Shows a close-up view of the loop with a gripping surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    As stated above, on a golf course, if an approach shot does not get on the green in regulation, one usually needs to take more than one club up to the surrounding green. When using one club, the putter and other clubs may be laid on the ground. The grips of the clubs get wet or dirty and requires the nuisance of having to bend over to get them. When carrying a towel that is used to clean the clubs, if it is left on the ground, it may gather dirt and grass particles, which gets onto the clubs. Additionally, when left on the ground, clubs and towels often get left behind. The inventions disclosed herein solve these problems. 
         [0018]    A golfer penetrates the ground with the golf club stand to an appropriate depth, typically about two inches. Once penetrated into the ground, it supports the clubs in an approximately vertical position. This prevents the clubs from lying on the ground. In some embodiments, the loop has an accessory attachment device for attaching items such as towels, golf tools, beverage holders, cigar holders, and the like. 
         [0019]    It has been surprisingly found that a simple, elegant golf club holder can be formed if the loop for holding the clubs defines an approximate plane that can be angled from the down shaft to allow simple insertion into the ground without the need for extra handles or footholds. While not wishing to be bound by particular embodiments, an approximate 45° angle offset is a preferred embodiment for its ease of use and storage. In other embodiments, the angle is about a 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, 40°, 41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45°, 46°, 47°, 48°, 49°, 50°, 51°, 52°, 53°, 54°, 55°, 56°, 57°, 58°, 59°, 60°, 61°, 62°, 63°, 64°, 65°, 66°, 67°, 68°, 69°, 70°, 71°, 72°, 73°, 74°, 75°, 76°, 77°, 78°, 79°, or 80° offset. 
         [0020]    The elegant design of the golf club holders disclosed herein permits the simple storage and removal of the golf club holder from a golf bag. The golf club holders of the prior art suffer from cumbersome designs that require multiple hands or feet to insert into the ground or are bulky or oddly shaped. Bulky or oddly shaped golf club holders are not easily stored, transported, removed from bags, carried to locations along with clubs and other accessories, inserted into the ground, and returned to golf bags. Such inferior prior art golf club holders are not angled, have fixed 90 degree angle loops, multiple handles or loops, footholds, club engagement elements in the middle of the shaft that might not fit or damage golf club bags, moving parts, or are thick tubes that take up too much space. See, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,820,479; 6,497,327; 7,153,218; 8,066,119; D520,098; D63,2912; D695,374; D695,865; D472,598; D497,192; and D493,203. The foregoing are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0021]    The advantages of the claimed invention include angled loops, preferably 45°, that ergonomically fit into a hand and make it easier to penetrate the ground. Also, the 45° angle prevents the golf club stands from turning and getting tangled with other clubs when stored in golf bags. Thus, the loop stays accessible at all times and fit into golf bags but taking up little space. They do not hang on the outside of bags, a prior art embodiment that increases the chance of loss, damage, or injury. 
         [0022]    Optionally, the invention contemplates an accessory attachment structure, such as a loop, to attach accessories. In one embodiment, the accessory is a towel that won&#39;t clipping and unclipping from a golf bag. The invention contemplates no additional parts at risk of breaking The golf club holders of the invention are sleek, slim, durable and potentially colorful. 
         [0023]    The golf club stands of the invention may be made of any material rigid enough to be inserted into the ground and support a club. In some embodiments, the golf club stands are made from an alloy. The term “alloy” refers to a mixture or metallic solid solution composed of two or more elements. The alloys of the invention contemplate alloys of aluminum, bismuth, cobalt, copper, gallium, gold, indium, iron, lead, magnesium, mercury, nickel, potassium, plutonium, rare earth, rhodium, scandium, silver, sodium, titanium, tin, zinc, and zirconium. Likewise, rigid plastics may be used. The term “plastic” refers to any synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solid that is moldable. Plastics of the invention include organic polymers of high molecular mass and may be derived from petrochemicals or natural materials. 
         [0024]    The shafts and loops of the invention may be formed from a single, contiguous material or may be formed separately and joined by welding, adhesives, pressure, screws, bolts, or any other physical connection known in the art. 
         [0025]    In order that the invention described herein may be more fully understood, the following examples are set forth. It should be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting this invention in any manner. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
       [0026]    A golf club stand was made from a 36 ¾ inch single steel rod having a ¼ inch diameter. It was manipulated to form a loop at about a 45° angle offset from a down-shaft and a ring for attaching accessories such as a towel. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1A  shows the front side of the golf club stand comprised of the manipulated 36 ¾ inch steel rod ( 1 ).  FIG. 1B  shows the length of the shaft was manipulated such that the distance from the proximal ( 2 ) to the distal end ( 3 ) of the shaft was 26 ¾ inches. In other embodiments, this length is varied. The rod was bent at ( 2 ) to create an approximately 45° angle offset from the shaft.  FIG. 1C  shows a loop having a 2½ inch diameter ( 4 ) was manipulated to form a plane that was offset from the shaft by a 45° angle ( FIG. 1B ). In other embodiments, this angle is varied such that the ergonomic advantages described herein are maintained. On the distal end of the loop a ring with a 1 inch diameter was formed ( 5 ). 
         [0028]    The loop was sheathed in a 10 inch vinyl sleeve ( 6 ) to create a gripping surface ( FIG. 1C ). Any gripping material as disclosed herein is applied, wrapped or sewn on. In one embodiment, the loop is dipped in a coating that, when solidified, forms the gripping surface. A colored powder coating was applied to the unit to make it more visible. Any colorful materials such as paint, decals, anodizing, and the like may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the loop at the end is omitted or an alternative accessory attachment structure is used. 
       Example 2 
       [0029]    The golf club stand is used as follows: The distal end of the shaft ( 3 ) was pierced down into the ground a few inches deep so that when released, it stood approximately vertically. Golf putters and clubs leaned into the loop in a vertical position. The vinyl sleeve ( 6 ) buffered the golf club grip or shaft so that they did not get chaffed from touching the steel rod. It also protected the powder coating on the Steel Rod from scratches. The ring ( 5 ) was used to attach a clip that held a golf towel for cleaning the golf clubs. The golf towel may stay on the stand so that when it is not in use, one can hang the unit inside the golf bag. This will enable the golf towel to hang outside of the golf bag for convenient continuous use without the need to clip and unclip it. The golf club stands of the invention may additionally be used as an alignment rod for practicing on the golf range. 
       Example 3 
       [0030]    Alternative uses for the invention include a fishing pole holder and a plant support rod. 
         [0031]    To use as a fishing pole holder, one pierces the unit into the ground as previously described. This frees the person fishing from continuously holding the fishing pole and leaving one&#39;s hands free for other activities. One leans the fishing pole against the loop and waits for a fish to bite. One also attaches a bell to the ring when a fish is on the line. 
         [0032]    Some plants are naturally top-heavy and require additional support. The golf club stands of the invention are placed in a pot or in the ground so that the plants grow straight and stay healthy. They are used for both indoor and outdoor plants. 
         [0033]    All publications and patent documents disclosed or referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The foregoing description has been presented only for purposes of illustration and description. This description is not intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.