Abstract:
A protective covering device for a wood-type golf club head, which is designed to allow a golf club to be removed therefrom without removing the protective cover from the golf bag. In this respect, several embodiments of the protective cover include a slit or opening formed at a top portion of the cover to allow the golf club to be retrieved from the golf bag through the slit or opening. By keeping the cover in the bag, the risk of inadvertently losing or misplacing the cover is mitigated. Also, when the club is returned to the bag, the club is inserted through the opening in the cover, so as to keep the club covered during periods of non-use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present disclosure relates generally to the storage of golf clubs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a golf club cover having an upper opening sized and configured to allow for passage of the golf club therethrough without requiring removal of the cover from the golf bag. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    For many, the sport of golf is a favored pastime, and one of the most significant investments a golfer makes is in their golf clubs. Typically, a golfer will store their golf clubs in a specially designed golf club bag, both on and off the course. 
         [0007]    Generally, while in a golf club bag, golf clubs are loose and frequently jostle with each other. Because golf clubs represent a significant investment, and the physical integrity of a golf club head can have a direct impact on a golfer&#39;s play, numerous measures have been undertaken in order to protect golf club heads from being damaged. 
         [0008]    For example, it is common for many golfers to cover the heads of their stored golf clubs with golf club head-covers made of a protective, usually padded material. Conventional wood-type club head covers generally include a closed upper end and an opposed open bottom configured to allow for insertion and removal of the golf club therefrom. Insertion of the club is typically achieved by advancing the club head into the opening pulling the club head down, over the club head. In general, the cover extends over the club head only, with the majority of the shaft being exposed, and never passing through the club head. 
         [0009]    When club is used, the golfer removes the club from the golf bag and the cover from the golf club. Removal of the cover includes pulling the club head through the bottom opening of the cover. When the cover is completely removed, the cover is oftentimes placed on the ground or in a basket on the golf cart. After the golfer completes the shot, the golfer returns the golf club to the bag. In many instances, when the golfer returns the golf club to the bag, the golfer&#39;s mind is pre-occupied by the success or disappointment of the golfer&#39;s last shot. As such, the golfer may forget to re-insert the club in the cover and inadvertently leave without the cover. Likewise, if the cover was placed in a basket in the golf cart, the golfer may also forget to retrieve the cover from the basket after the shot or at the end of the round, and thus, may leave the cover in the cart basket. 
         [0010]    When the golf club is returned to the golf bag without the cover placed thereon, the golfer not only runs the risk of losing the cover, but also incurring damage to the golf club, as the club may be left exposed, and thus, more susceptible to damage. 
         [0011]    Consequently, there is a need for an improved golf club cover that addresses the problem of inadvertent misplacement of the cover, as well as reducing the practice of returning a golf club into a bag without a cover. Various aspects of the present invention address these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0012]    Various aspects of the present invention are directed toward providing a protective covering device for a wood-type golf club head, which is designed to allow a golf club to be removed therefrom without removing the protective cover from the golf bag. In this respect, several embodiments of the protective cover include a slit or opening formed at a top portion of the cover to allow the golf club to be retrieved from the golf bag through the slit or opening. By keeping the cover in the bag, the risk of inadvertently losing or misplacing the cover is mitigated. Also, when the club is returned to the bag, the club is inserted through the opening in the cover, so as to keep the club covered during periods of non-use. 
         [0013]    According to one embodiment, there is provided a protective cover for a wood-type golf club having a shaft and a club head. The head cover comprises a tube disposed about a tube axis to define a tube opening sized and configured to allow at least a portion of the shaft to be received within the tube opening. A head cover body is coupled to the tube and defines a head cover cavity in communication with the tube opening. The head cover cavity is sized and configured to receive the club head. The head cover further comprises a proximal end portion having a proximal opening in communication with the head cover cavity and the tube opening, and a distal end portion having a distal opening formed therein to define a first distal section and a second distal section. The distal end portion is transitional between a closed configuration and an open configuration, wherein the size of the distal opening increases as the distal end portion transitions from the closed configuration toward the open configuration. 
         [0014]    The head cover body and the tube may be configured to allow the shaft of the golf club to be advanced through the distal opening, proximal opening and tube opening along the tube axis, and the club head to be advanced through the distal opening and received within the head cover cavity when distal end portion is in the open position. 
         [0015]    The tube may be cylindrical. 
         [0016]    The cover may further comprise a tube fastener coupled to the tube and a head cover fastener coupled to the head cover. The tube fastener may be selectively engageable with the head cover fastener. The tube fastener and the head cover fastener may be complimentary hook and loop fasteners. 
         [0017]    The distal opening may be spaced from the proximal opening. 
         [0018]    The head cover body may include a neck disposed about the tube axis and extending between the proximal opening and the distal opening. 
         [0019]    The cover may further include a first distal fastener coupled to the first distal section and second distal fastener coupled to the second distal section. The first distal fastener may be engaged with the second distal fastener when the distal end portion is in the closed position, and the first distal fastener may be disengaged from the second distal fastener when the distal end portion is in the open position. The first distal fastener and second distal fastener may be complimentary hook and loop fasteners or zipper portions. 
         [0020]    The cover may further comprise a support frame coupled to the head cover. The support frame may be configured to be disposable in compression. The support frame may be moveable relative to the tube as the distal end portion transitions between the closed configuration and the open configuration. The support frame may be moveable between a support closed configuration and a support open configuration. The support frame may move from the support closed configuration and the support open configuration as the distal end portion transitions from the closed configuration toward the open configuration. 
         [0021]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of one embodiment of a wood-type golf club cover in a closed configuration and placed on a golf club (shown in phantom) placed within a golf club bag; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the golf club cover in an open position to allow for passage of the golf club through an upper opening formed in the cover; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of the cover shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of the cover shown in  FIG. 3 , with the cover body being adjusted along a tube relative to the position shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a cover having a support structure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the cover depicted in  FIG. 5 , the cover being in a closed position; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the cover depicted in  FIG. 5 , the cover being in an open position. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. 
         [0032]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention only, and are not for purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted a protective head cover  10  for a wood-type golf club  12 . The head cover  10  is uniquely configured and adapted to allow for easy removal of the golf club  12  from the head cover  10  while also keeping the head cover  10  attached to or in close proximity to the golf bag  14 . In particular, several embodiments of the head cover  10  are configured to be attached to a support tube which is configured to be insertable within the golf bag  14  or alternatively, the club head cover  10  may be configured to be attached directly to the golf bag  14 . The head cover  10  additionally includes an access opening  16  located within the club head portion of the cover  10  and configured to allow the golf club  12  to pass therethrough when the club  12  is either retrieved from the golf bag  14  or returned to the golf bag  14 . Therefore, when the golf club  12  is retrieved from the bag  14 , the club head cover  10  may remain with the bag  14 , which minimizes the risk of inadvertently losing or misplacing the head cover  10 . Furthermore, since the golf club  12  may be returned to the golf bag  14  through the head cover  10 , the head of the golf club  12  will remain protected and covered by the cover  10  whenever the club  12  resides within the bag  14 . 
         [0033]    A conventional wood-type golf club  12  typically includes a club head  18  and a shaft  20  coupled to the club head  18 . A hosel  22  is typically formed on the club head  18  and is sized and adapted to facilitate the attachment of the club shaft  20  to the club head  18 . The shaft  20  extends along a shaft axis  24  (see  FIG. 3 ) and includes a first end portion  26  disposed adjacent the club head  18  and an opposed second end portion  28  which may include gripping material  30  for gripping the club  12 . 
         [0034]    The golf club  12  is typically stowed within a golf bag  14 , which normally includes an open upper end portion  32  and an opposed closed lower end portion  34  and a bag cavity extending between the upper end portion and lower end portion  34  for storing a plurality of golf clubs  12 . The upper end portion  32  includes an upper opening which may be divided or segregated into separate slots  36  or channels sized and configured to receive a single golf club  12 . Of course, other golf bags  14  may be formed slots  36  designed to receive several clubs  12 , or alternatively, formed without any slots  36 . 
         [0035]    According to one embodiment, the head cover  10  generally includes a head cover body  38  and a tube  40  coupled to the head cover body  38 . The tube  40  is disposed about a tube axis  45  so as to define a tube opening  42  which is sized and configured to allow at least a portion of the shaft  20  to be received within the tube opening  42 . The tube  40  is preferably cylindrical, and defines a circular configuration, although the tube  40  may define other shapes and configurations, such as quadrangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc., without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The tube  40  is preferably formed from a plastic material, although other implementations of the tube  40  may be formed from rubber, metal or other materials known in the art. 
         [0036]    The tube  40  includes an upper end portion  44  and an opposing lower end portion  46 , with the tube opening  42  extending between the upper and lower end portions  44 ,  46 . The upper end portion  44  may be threaded to facilitate threaded, adjustable engagement with the head cover body  38 , as will be described in more detail below. An end cap  48  may be engaged with the tube  40  at the lower end portion  46  thereof to close the tube opening  42 . The end cap  48  may include one or more apertures to allow for drainage through the end cap  48 . 
         [0037]    The head cover body  38  is preferably formed of a padded material which defines a head cover cavity  50  in communication with the tube opening  42 , with the head cover cavity  50  being sized and configured to receive the club head  18 . When the club head  18  is “received” within the head cover cavity  50 , the padded head cover body  38  substantially surrounds or encapsulates the club head  18  so as to protect the club head  18 , such as from contacting adjacent clubs within the bag  14 . 
         [0038]    The head cover body  38  generally includes a proximal end portion  52  which is coupled to the tube  40 , and a distal end portion  54  extending away from the tube  40 . The proximal end portion  52  includes a proximal opening  56  in communication with the head cover cavity  50  and the tube opening  42 . The distal end portion  54  includes a distal club access opening  16  formed therein to define a opposed sections of the club head body  38  on opposite sides of the access opening  16 ; specifically a first distal section  60  and a second distal section  62 . 
         [0039]    The distal end portion  54  is selectively transitional between a closed configured, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and an open configuration, as shown in  FIG. 2 . When the distal opening  16  is in the open configuration, the golf club  12  may pass through the distal opening  16  for removal of the club  12  from the golf bag  14 , or alternatively, insertion of the golf club  12  into the golf bag  14 . In this respect, when the distal end portion  54  transitions from the closed configuration toward the open configuration, the size of the distal opening  16  increases to a size which is at least large enough to allow for passage of the club head  18  therethrough. Conversely, when the distal end portion  54  transitions from the open configuration toward the closed configuration, the size of the distal opening  16  decreases. 
         [0040]    According to one embodiment, the head cover body  38  and the tube  40  are configured to allow the shaft  20  of the golf club  12  to be advanced through the access opening  16 , proximal opening  56  and tube opening  42  along the tube axis  45 , and the club head  18  to be advanced through the distal opening  16  and received within the head cover cavity  50  when the distal end portion  54  is in the open position. In other words, the club head  18  is not intended to pass through the proximal opening  56 , which is a significant departure from conventional club head covers. 
         [0041]    More specifically, the head cover  10  differs from conventional head covers due to the location of the opening through which the club  12  passes when the head cover  10  is placed on the club  12  or removed from the club  12 . The head cover  10  is configured and adapted to allow a golf club  12  to pass through the distal opening  16  which is located within the distal end portion  54  (the enlarged portion of the head cover  10 ) which is typically closed in a conventional head cover. Furthermore, conventional head covers are configured to allow the club head  18  to pass through a proximal opening, whereas the head cover  10  described herein is specifically configured and adapted to allow the club  12  to be inserted/removed from the head cover  10  without the club head  18  passing through the proximal opening  56 . Along these lines, the head cover body  38  may be configured such that the distal end  54  defines an enlarged bulbous configuration size to receive the club head  18 , while the proximal end portion  52  is smaller than the distal end portion  54  so as to prevent passage of the club head  18  through the proximal end portion  52 . Various embodiments of the head cover body  38  may include a neck  64  disposed about the tube axis  45  and extending between the proximal opening  56  and distal opening  16 . 
         [0042]    According to one embodiment, the head cover  10  further includes first and second distal fasteners  66 ,  68  to facilitate selective opening and closing of the distal end portion  54 . More specifically, the first distal fastener  66  is coupled to the first distal section  60  and the second distal fastener  68  is coupled to the second distal section  62 . The first and second distal fasteners  66 ,  68  are configured to be cooperatively engageable with each other, such that the first and second distal fasteners  66 ,  68  are engaged with each other when the distal end portion  54  is in the closed position. The first distal fastener  66  is disengaged from the second distal fastener  68  when the distal end portion  54  is in the open position. The first and second distal fasteners  66 ,  68  may include several different complimentary mechanical fastening elements. For instance, the first and second distal fasteners  66 ,  68  may include complimentary zipper portions, hook and loop fastening material, magnets, buttons, snaps, or other mechanical fastening elements known by those skilled in the art. 
         [0043]    As indicated above, the head cover body  38  is configured to be engaged with the tube  40 . Therefore, one embodiment of the invention includes a tube fastener  70  coupled to the tube  40  and a head cover fastener  72  coupled to the head cover body  38 , with the tube fastener  70  being selectively engageable with the head cover fastener  72  to effectuate engagement between the head cover body  38  and the tube  40 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the head cover fastener  72  includes a collar that is coupled to the proximal end portion  52  of the head cover body  38 . Furthermore, the tube fastener  70  includes external threads formed on the upper end portion  44  of the tube  40 . The collar  72  is threadably engageable with the threads  70  to allow for selective vertical adjustment of the head cover body  38  along the upper end portion  44  of the tube  40 . 
         [0044]    A tube connector  75  may be connected to the tube  40  and configured to connect the tube  40  to the golf bag  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tube connector  75  includes a strip of hook and loop fastening material (e.g., VELCRO), although other connectors known in the art may also be used. 
         [0045]    It is contemplated that the head cover body  38  may be formed from several different materials known by those skilled in the art. Certain materials have sufficient rigidity and inherent internal support to allow the head cover body  38  to extend away from the tube  40  without any additional support. However, referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , there is depicted another embodiment a head cover  110  having an internal support frame  112  supporting the head cover body  114  so as to allow the head cover body  114  to extend away from the tube  40 . In this respect, the support frame  112  is configured to support a compressive load so as to maintain the head cover body  14  in an extended configuration relative to the tube  40 . 
         [0046]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5-7 , the support frame  112  defines a clam-shell configuration including a first support portion  116  and a second support portion  118 . The first and second support portions  116 ,  118  are pivotably coupled to the tube  40  via coaxially aligned hinges  120 ,  122 . The first and second support portions are coupled to the head cover body  124  which defines a head cover cavity  126  for receiving the club head  18  of the golf club  12 . The support frame  112  is pivotable relative to the tube  40  between an open configuration and a closed configuration.  FIG. 6  shows the support frame  112  in the closed configuration, with the head cover cavity  126  being completely enclosed by the head cover body  124 .  FIG. 7  shows the support frame  112  in the open configuration, to allow for passage of the golf club  12  therethrough. 
         [0047]    According to one embodiment, the support frame  112  is biased toward the closed configuration. In this respect, the hinges  120 ,  122  may be spring-loaded hinges for biasing the respective support portions  116 ,  118  toward the closed configuration. Therefore, in order to pass the club through the cover  110 , the user must separate the first and second support portions  116 ,  118  by overcoming the biasing force. 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, the support frame  112  may be biased toward the open configuration. In particular, the hinges  120 ,  122  may be spring-loaded hinges which urge the respective support portions  116 ,  118  toward the open configuration. Thus, when the user wants to maintain the support portions  116 ,  118  in the closed configuration, a locking member (not shown) may be employed. In order to transition the head cover  110  from the closed configuration toward the open configuration, the user may simply disengage the locking member to allow the biasing force to move the support portions  116 ,  118  to the open position. Disengagement of the locking member may be effectuated by pressing a button (not shown), moving a hook/clip, etc. 
         [0049]    It is contemplated that the support frame may include other configurations which differ from the clam-shell configuration depicted in exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5-7 . Along these lines, the support frame may include an interconnected framework of support bars located internally, externally, or within the head cover body. 
         [0050]    Although the foregoing describes the head cover as including a head cover body as well as a tube, it is expressly contemplated that the head cover may simply include a head cover body designed for use without a tube. 
         [0051]    The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.