Abstract:
A golf club holder and display adaptable to the desired configuration of the user. The display includes a support member and a cradle, with the cradle being adjustably removable relative to the support member. The support member may accept different numbers and types of cradles, and the user can select the cradles based on the desired display configuration. The golf club holder and display is also adaptable to supporting both right-handed and left-handed golf clubs.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/858,526, filed Nov. 11, 2006. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/858,556, filed Nov. 13, 2006. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/859,272, filed Nov. 15, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a holder and display rack for golf clubs. More specifically, the present invention is directed towards a golf club display rack with removable cradles which allow the user to customize the appearance and function of the display rack. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many types of golf club display racks are available in the prior art. Available racks use various methods to hold and display the golf clubs. For example, there exist golf club racks that display the clubs where the golf club hangs from the head with the shaft hanging down. These racks are advantageous in that it allows for easy browsing of the golf clubs mounted on the rack, allowing the customer to quickly find the golf club desired. 
     An example of a golf club rack that displays the club upside down is a rack where the club heads are held in place by providing an upper and lower surface to support the head and part of the shaft, respectively. In this type of display, however, the display rack is not adaptable to accommodate different assortments of clubs depending on the desired selection that the golf club vendor wishes to display. Rather, the golf club vendor is forced to display only an assortment of clubs that will fit into the existing racks. 
     Another example of a golf club rack is a display that supports golf club heads using a cradle with arcuate arms and a trough. The golf club cradles used with this type of display, however, are limited in that a specific type of cradle must be used with this display, and therefore the rack is not adaptable to a variety of different environments and preferences. 
     Therefore, there is a need in the art for a golf club display rack operable with multiple cradle designs to maximize versatility. Further, the golf club rack should keep golf club heads organized and protected, making it unnecessary for a user to spend time spinning the golf club heads to find the model desired. The golf clubs should appear organized, neat and professional, and allow for easy viewing of shaft options. Finally it is desired to have a display rack that allows easy removal of the golf clubs from the display and it does not require lifting of clubs out of tubes as in previous devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a display for holding and displaying golf clubs comprises a support member and a cradle, with the cradle being adjustably removable relative to the support member. 
     In another embodiment, a display for holding and displaying golf clubs comprises a support member and a cradle, the cradle being adjustably removable relative to the support member, the cradle having a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot, a first arm and a second arm, and a recess formed in the space between the first arm and the second arm. 
     In another embodiment, a display for holding and displaying golf clubs comprises a support member and a cradle, the cradle being adjustably removable relative to the support member, where the cradle comprises a mount enabling the cradle to be slidably attached to the support member. 
     In yet another embodiment, a display for holding and displaying golf clubs comprises an arcuate support member comprising at least one cradle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a golf club holder and display, a support member and a plurality of cradles according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2-5  show enlarged views of a cradle for holding a golf club head according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a golf club head resting in a cradle according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a support arm with all the cradles removed according to an embodiment of the current invention; 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternate embodiment of a golf club holder and display, support channel and plurality of cradles; 
         FIG. 9  shows a cradle with a slide mount according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a cradle cap according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 11-13  show a support arm with a support channel with the cradle cap and all cradles removed according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows a golf club head resting in a cradle according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 15-17  show an alternate embodiment of a golf club holder and display, an arcuate support member, a plurality of cradles, and a plurality of spacers according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiments in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification for the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. In this disclosure, the use of the disjunctive is intended to include the conjunctive. The use of the definite article or indefinite article is not intended to indicate cardinality. In particular, a reference to “the” object or “a” object is intended to denote also one of a possible plurality of such objects. 
     It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description of the Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed therein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a golf club holder and display  10  is shown having a support member  14  with a plurality of cradles  20  removably attached on a fixed position thereto. Cradles  20  are designed so as to support a golf club head placed thereon. An optional bracket  30  may be disposed on an end of support arm  14  and may be used to mount support arm  14  to a wall or display rack. A plug  40  may be placed at a second end of support arm  14 . 
     Golf club holder and display  10  may comprise varying numbers of cradles  20 .  FIG. 1  shows golf club holder and display  10  comprising four cradles  20 . However, golf club holder and display  10  is easily modified to accommodate a larger or smaller number of cradles  20  spaced in varying configurations as required for the specific application of display  10 . Cradles  20  may be spaced along support arm  14  such that there is equal spacing between the cradles  20 . Alternatively, cradles may be spaced at varying distances along support arm  14 . In this way, the cradles  20  may be adjustable and removable relative to support arm  14 . 
     Support arm  14  may also be of varying length to support a greater number of cradles  20  and to accommodate a desired configuration of display  10  in a specific application. Further, the size and shape of cradles  20  may also vary significantly if required for a specific application. Therefore, support arm  14  can support a combination of different types of cradles for use in a single display. Consequently, golf club holder and display  10  can fit all drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. With minor modifications, other clubs may also be stored and displayed. The golf club holder and display  10  also holds either right-hand or left-hand clubs on the same armature and cradle configuration. 
     The different materials and manufacturing processes for support arm  14  also vary depending upon the application. For example, support arm  14  may be cast, milled or manufactured using other techniques. Support arm  14  may be made of metal, wood, plastic, a combination of materials, or any other materials that are capable of producing the shape necessary for support arm  14  to hold golf clubs. 
     As stated above, support arm  14  is adapted to receive a variety of different types of cradles. Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , an enlarged view of an exemplary cradle  20  is shown. Each cradle  20  has a first receiving slot  24 , a second receiving slot  25 , a first arm  26 , a second arm  27 , and a means for receiving one or more fasteners to provide for the fasteners  22  to connect cradle  20  to support arm  14 . First arm  26  and second arm  27  extend outward from support arm  14  in generally opposite directions. Cradle  20  may also comprise first leg  28 , second leg  29 , ridge  23  and third arm  21 . First leg  28  may extend outwardly from support arm  14  and is generally parallel to first arm  26 . Second leg  29  may extend outwardly from support arm  14  and is generally parallel to second arm  27 . Third arm  21  may extend outwardly from support arm  14  and is generally orthogonal to both first arm  26  and second arm  27 . 
     In one embodiment, first receiving slot  24  is generally formed between first arm  26  and first leg  28  on one side of cradle  20 , and second receiving slot  25  is generally created between a second arm  27  and second leg  29  on a second side of cradle  20 . Cradle  20  may also comprise third arm  21  and ridge  23  in order to hold a golf club head in place. Therefore, an embodiment of cradle  20  is adapted to receive both right and left-handed clubs simultaneously, without need for any configuration changes. 
     In one embodiment, the fasteners  22  may be screws. In other embodiments, other types of fasteners may be used to maintain cradles  20  in a removably fixed position on support arm  14 . Support arm  14  may not require holes if the corresponding fasteners do not require holes. In alternate embodiments, fasteners  22  are not required to attach cradles  20  to support arm  14 . 
     The varying materials and manufacturing processes for cradles  20  also vary depending upon the application. For example, cradles  20  may be cast, milled or manufactured using other techniques. Cradles  20  may be made of metal, wood, plastic, a combination of materials, or any other materials that are capable of producing the shape necessary for cradles  20  to hold golf clubs. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , one golf club in storage and display position within golf club holder and display  10  according to one embodiment is provided. In this embodiment, golf club head  60  rests on a cradle  20 , which is attached to support arm  14 . Golf club shaft  70  hangs in a downward position relative to support arm  14 . Bracket  30  is disposed at one end of support arm  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , support arm  14  with all the cradles removed from support arm  14  according to an embodiment of the current invention is shown. Support arm  14  has multiple holes  16  for receiving fasteners, and a plug hole  46  located at one end of support arm  14  providing means for receiving a plug (not shown) at a first end of the tube. A plug inserted into plug hole  46  can take a variety of shapes and sizes, or may not be present. 
     A bracket  30  may be disposed at one end of support arm  14 . The bracket  30  can be removably attached to one end of the support member  14  and is adapted to mount the support member  14  to a surface. In one embodiment, bracket  30  may have extension  33  having hole  34  and lip  36 . During use, bracket  30  may be used to mount display  10  to a merchandise exhibit or display rack, and bracket  30  can be of varying designs to effectuate its function. Bracket  30  allows for easy movement and reconfiguration of the golf club holder and display in a commercial setting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an alternate embodiment of a golf club holder and display  110  comprising a support arm  114  having a channel receiving portion  115  is provided. Support arm  114  supports a plurality of cradles  120  and cradle cap  142  that are movably secured within support arm  114 . Cradle cap  142  is removably fastened to support arm  114  by fastener  150 . Disposed at one end of support arm  114  is bracket  130 . 
     In one embodiment, support arm  114  may be mounted at an angle so that one end of support arm  114  is closer to the ground than the opposite end of support arm  114 . The angled position of golf club holder and display  10  when in its mounted position provide a waterfall effect which allows for easy viewing of the golf club models. This orientation of golf club holder and display  110  saves space and keeps shafts protected from scratches as clubs hang straight down from the cradles. 
     In another embodiment, golf club holder and display  110  fits all iron models, over-sized or blade. Further, golf club holder and display  110  also holds either right-hand or left-hand clubs on the same armature and cradle configuration. In yet other embodiments, cradles  120  may be spaced along support arm  114  either with equal spacing between the cradles, or they may be spaced at varying distances along support arm  114 . In some applications, support arm  114  may have any number of cradles necessary depending, for example, upon the length of the support arm  114 , channel receiving portion  115 , and the requirements for display  110  in a specific application. Spacers (not shown) may also be placed in between cradles  120 . Similarly, the spacing between cradles  120  may be any dimension required to provide for the specific application required for the golf club holder and display  110 . The size and shape of cradles  120  may also vary significantly if required for a specific application. In this way, the cradles  120  may be removable and adjustable relative to support arm  114 . 
     The varying materials and manufacturing processes for cradles  120  also may vary depending upon the application. For example, cradles  120  may be cast, milled or manufactured using other techniques. Cradles  120  may be made of metal, wood, plastic, a combination of materials or any other materials that are capable of producing the shape necessary for cradles  120  to hold golf clubs. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an enlarged view of one embodiment of the cradle  120  is shown. The illustrated embodiment of the cradle  120  comprises first receiving slot  121 , second receiving slot  122 , first arm  124 , first leg  134 , second arm  125 , second leg  135 , and recess  126 . First receiving slot  121  is generally formed in the space between first arm  124  and first leg  134 . Second receiving slot  122  is generally formed in the space between second arm  125  and second leg  135 . Some embodiments of cradle  120  may also comprise slide mount  128  that fits into channel receiving portion  115  to enable cradle  120  to slidably mount to support arm  114 . In an embodiment of the cradle  120 , a golf club head rests in either first receiving slot  121  or second receiving slot  122 . Golf club head may also rest in recess  126 . Therefore, an embodiment of cradle  120  is adapted to receive both right and left-handed clubs without need for any configuration changes. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, slide mount  128  may be constructed of a variety of different shapes and may use a variety of different mechanical structures to provide for cradle  120  to be mounted to support arm  114 . In some embodiments, cradle  120  may be permanently mounted to support arm  114  or, in yet other embodiments, cradle  120  may be an integrated portion of support arm  114 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a cradle cap  142  according to one embodiment is shown. The cradle cap  142  shown comprises plug  147 , first arm  143  and second arm  144 , whereby hole  146  is disposed in plug  147 . A fastener (not shown) for removably securing cradle cap  142  to a support arm through hole  146  may also be used in an embodiment of the invention. Cradle cap  142  also may be slidably mounted to a support arm, and prevents cradles from sliding off an end of the support arm. In some embodiments of the invention, the use of cradle cap  142  is not required. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13 , one embodiment of the support arm  114  with all cradles and cradle cap removed is shown.  FIG. 11 , which illustrates an isometric view of support arm  114 , and  FIG. 13 , which is a frontal view of support arm  114 , further illustrate an embodiment of the channel receiving portion  115 . Opening  116  receives a fastener (not shown) to removably secure a cradle cap. In some embodiments, a fastener is not required to secure a cradle cap, so opening  116  is not present in support arm  114 . 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of support arm  114  according to one embodiment, and it can be seen that when bracket  130  is mounted to a surface, support arm  114  slopes downward relative to bracket  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , one golf club in storage and display position within one embodiment of the golf club holder and display  110  is provided. In this embodiment, golf club head  160  rests on a cradle  120 , which is attached to support arm  114 . Golf club shaft  170  hangs in a downward position relative to support arm  114 . Bracket  130  may be disposed at one end of support arm  114 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15 ,  16 , and  17 , an alternate embodiment of a golf club holder and display  210  comprising a support arm  214  comprising multiple cradles  220  and spacers  224  disposed along support arm  214  is provided. A front cap  244  may be disposed at one end of support arm  214 . In this embodiment, support arm  214  is arcuate in order to allow easier viewing and removal of golf clubs resting thereupon. 
     Golf club holder and display  210  is easily modified to accommodate a number of different types of golf clubs, and modifications may be made in various ways. Support arm  214  may be a variety of different lengths and/or shapes and may have different forms of a variety of different bend angles. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 15  comprises ten cradles  220 , but other embodiments may comprise more or less cradles  220  along support arm  214 . In one embodiment, the golf club holder and display  210  may also hold either right-hand or left-hand clubs using the same armature and cradle configuration. 
     Cradles  220  may be spaced apart in varying configurations as required for the specific application of display  210 . In yet other embodiments, cradles  220  may be spaced along support arm  214  either with equal spacing between the cradles or may be spaced at varying distances along support arm  214 . In some applications, support arm  214  may have any number of cradles necessary depending upon the length of support arm  214  and the requirements for display  210  in a specific application. Similarly, the spacing between cradles  220  or openings  222  may be any dimension required to provide for the application required for display  210 . The size and shape of cradles  220  may also vary significantly if required for a specific application. Also, the size and shape of opening  222 , where a golf club rests, may vary depending upon the required specific application. For example, openings  222  may be curved or square in shape. In one embodiment of the invention, cradle  220  may have one or more openings  222  in various shapes. In this way, the cradles  220  may be adjustable and removable relative to support arm  214 . 
     Also shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17  are spacers  224 . Any number of spacers  224  may be provided at any position along support arm  214 . Spacers  224  may also be provided between cradles  220 . Spacers  224  do not all have to be of the same dimension; spacers  224  of different shapes and sizes may be installed on a single support arm  214  to accommodate to a desired configuration. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, front cap  244  may be disposed at one end of support arm  214 . In yet other embodiments, front cap  244  may be a variety of different shapes and sizes. In still yet other forms, front cap  244  may not be included. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, a bracket  230  may be disposed on a second end of support arm  214 . Bracket  230 , in one embodiment, may have extension  232 , hole  234  and lip  236 . During use, bracket  230  may be provided to mount display  210  to a merchandise exhibit or display rack. Bracket  230  allows for easy movement and reconfiguration of display  210  in a commercial setting. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the support member is comprised of cradles  220 , and, if the user so desires, the support member is also comprised of spacers  224 . 
     Any of the cradles disclosed above can be designed to work with one support arm system, so that the vendor may select different types of cradles to attach to one support arm. This allows a variety of types of clubs to be displayed, and the vendor may easily switch the cradles if a new configuration is desired. 
     Specific embodiments of novel methods and apparatus for construction and use of Golf Club Holder and Display according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention is made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of the invention and its various aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.