Patent Publication Number: US-2011070967-A1

Title: Secure golf club holder device

Description:
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND 
     I. Field 
     The present invention relates to golf club holders. 
     II. Background 
     When golfing, it common for the golfer to extract one or more clubs from the golf bag to play the golf game. The golfer may be undecided about which club to use during the game and places a club back in the bag only to grab the club again until a decision is made. Golfers may want to have one or more clubs readily accessible for rapid retrieval and to eliminate hunting for a frequently used club nestled among many clubs as well as reduce crowding in the golf bag while golfing. 
     The putter is the only club to be used at each hole, with the “wedges” being second most used in a round. Thus, for an 18 hole golf game, the putter is used 18 times. Although, the putter is most frequently used, the putter can be the most challenging to quickly retrieve from the golf bag as the putter is generally recessed lower in the bag then other clubs. 
     The putter size or length is specific to the user and the user&#39;s height. In many instances, the putter may be shorter (e.g., 33 inches or less) than the golf bag height (e.g., 35 inches). As a consequence, the putter is not easily accessible within the golf bag. Access to a golfer&#39;s putter becomes even more problematic for short golfers, children and midgets, as the length of putters becomes shorter and shorter and thus lowering the putter even further in the golf bag. 
     Some golfers, when using a golf cart to travel from one hole to another, wedge the putter in the cart&#39;s apparatus used to secure a golf bag to the golf cart. However, this expedient only leads to lost putters as the putter dislodges from impact forces exerted on the cart traveling over and engaging the hilly and bumpy golf course terrain. Other putters, like the “belly” length and the “broom stick” length have longer lengths than traditional putters to accommodate golfers with bad backs or other physical ailments or limitations. 
     Golf holders, such as for putters, are available to hold a putter or club outside of the golf bag. However, many of these golf holders are not very secure. Other golf holders may hold the club shaft with friction which can over time affect such shaft after repeated removal and insertion in the golf holder. 
     Some golf club holders also hold the club head upright. Thus, retrieving the club when held in the holder is cumbersome as the handgrip is not oriented for rapid grabbing by the user. This arrangement is problematic as the head of the putter may affect the location of the other clubs with a large head mass (with or without head covers). For example, some club heads that have an enlarged head mass with an associated head cover may be the size of a softball. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a golf club holder device configured and arranged to secure a club in the device while eliminating damage to the shaft of the club when inserting the club in the holder. The golf club holder device of the present invention is configured to orient the handgrip upright so that the putter or club can be quickly grabbed and removed from the device. 
     SUMMARY 
     The aforementioned problems, and other problems, are reduced, according to exemplary embodiments, by the golf club holder device. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a golf club holder device is provided. The golf club holder device comprises a club holder having a body with a quasi-spherical shape and a recessed internal seat. The device includes an opening formed in a front of the body, the opening configured to receive a diameter of a shaft of a golf club therethrough. The device has a through hole formed in the body to the seat, the through hole being configured to recess a portion of a handgrip of a golf club within the club holder while suspending a remaining length of the golf club from the body. 
     In the exemplary embodiments, the golf club holder device includes a manual locking or self-locking configuration. 
     In the exemplary embodiments, the golf club holder device accommodates a variety of shaft diameters and secures the golf club in the holder using the handgrip. 
     In one of the exemplary embodiments, the golf club holder device may include one or more club holders for supporting multiple clubs simultaneously. 
     Other systems, methods, and/or products according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings, and further description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The exemplary embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, and novel features are more clearly understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of a secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a front view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a top view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device along the plane  1 D- 1 D of  FIG. 1C ; 
         FIG. 1E  illustrates the cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 1D  with a golf club being inserted through the opening in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1F  illustrates the cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 1D  with a golf club seated in the device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of another secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device along the plane  2 B- 2 B of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a side view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates the perspective view of  FIG. 2A  with a strap installed in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of still yet another secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a side view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates a front view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates a top view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device along the plane  3 E- 3 E of  FIG. 3C ; 
         FIG. 3F  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device along the plane  3 F- 3 F of  FIG. 3C ; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an exploded view of yet another secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a front view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a rear view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of a secure golf club holder system in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device along the plane  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder system in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a golf club holder in an open state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective view of a golf club holder in a closed state in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder along the plane  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of yet another secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a top view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of yet another secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective view of yet another secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a top view of the yet another secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  illustrates a top view of yet another secure golf club holder device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a rear perspective view of the yet another secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a golf bag with a secure golf club holder attached thereto in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a golf bag with a secure golf club holder attached thereto in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13A  illustrates a perspective view of a golf club holder device, with an alternate embodiment of the attachment mechanism (with a portion removed) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates side cross-sectional view of the golf club holder device of  FIG. 13A  with a strap installed in the attachment mechanism in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14A  illustrates a front cross section view of a golf club holder device, with an alternate embodiment of an attachment mechanism and with a strap installed, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14B  illustrates a partial rear view of the attachment mechanism in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 14A ; and 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a front cross-sectional view of yet another golf club holder device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any configuration or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other configurations or designs. Furthermore, use of the words “present invention” is used herein to convey only some of the embodiments of the invention. For example, the word “present invention” would also include alternative embodiments and equivalent systems and components that one of ordinary skill in the art understands. An example is that the materials used for the exemplary embodiments may be made out of man-made materials, natural materials, and combinations thereof. A further example is that the apparatus or components of the apparatus may be manufactured by machine(s), human(s) and combinations thereof. 
     Some of the embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). 
     According to some exemplary embodiments, a golf club holder (GCH) device is provided. The GCH device includes a club holder having an exterior perimeter surface configured to simulate a golf ball. A front opening of the club holder is configured to receive a club shaft therethrough. A golf club, generally, has a head at one end of the club shaft (hereinafter referred to as a “first club end”) and a handgrip at an opposite end (hereinafter referred to as a “handgrip end”). A conventional club shaft is tapered with the handgrip end having the larger diameter and the first end nearest the club head having the smaller diameter. The GCH device is configured to recess a portion of the handgrip within the club holder while suspending the remaining length of the golf club from the device. The shaft may be made of a lightweight metal, graphite, or other metal composites. 
     The GCH device, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a golf club bag, person, or other structures. The attachment mechanism may include a clip, a snap, and a slot for attachment of a band, strap or other fastening members. 
       FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C illustrate perspective, front and top views of a GCH device  100  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  100  includes an attachment mechanism  110  configured to attach to a golf club bag, person, or other structures. The GCH device  100  further includes a club holder  130  coupled to or integrated with the attachment mechanism  110 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the club holder  130  includes a body  132  configured to simulate a golf ball. The body  132  is quasi-spherically shaped structure with a plurality of indentions or dimples  134  formed in the exterior perimeter surface  142  of the body  132 . 
     The quasi-spherically shaped of the body  132  includes a spherical structure having a truncated upper portion  136 A and a truncated bottom portion  136 B. Additionally, a rear portion of the spherical structure may not track a generally spherical shape as a portion of the rear side of the spherical structure is integrated with a connection bridge  125  so as to integrate the body  132  with the attachment mechanism  110 . 
     The body  132  has a through hole  150  formed through the truncated upper portion  136 A down to and through the truncated bottom portion  136 B. Furthermore, a front of the body  132  has an opening  138  configured to receive a shaft  6  of a golf club  5  therethrough as will be described in more detail in relation to  FIG. 1E . The body  132  includes an internal seat  160  to support within the body  132 , a portion of a handgrip  8  of the golf club  5 , as best seen in  FIG. 1F . 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device along the plane  1 D- 1 D of  FIG. 1C . The through hole  150  includes an inner diameter (ID) which varies. At the truncated upper portion  136 B, the ID is larger than the ID nearest to the truncated bottom portion  136 B. The through hole  150  of the body  132  has a first portion  152  with a first ID, denoted as ID 1 , a second portion  154  with a varying second ID, denoted as ID 2 , and a third portion  156  with a third ID, denoted as ID 3 . The first ID ID 1  is larger than the third ID ID 3 . The second ID ID 2  gradually slopes or tapers from the first ID ID 1  to the third ID ID 3 . The opening  138  has a clearance of approximately that of the third ID ID 3 . The opening  138  includes two parallel surfaces spaced apart to provide a clearance dimensioned to receive the shaft  6  of the golf club  5 . The two parallel surfaces track the curvature of the body  132  from the beginning of the through hole  150  to the curvature of the exterior perimeter surface  142 . 
     The internal seat  160  is shown to denote the upper end of the second portion  154 . However, as the handgrip diameter varies from one club to another club, the seat may be further down the second portion  154  or anywhere in the through hole. 
     Returning again to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C, in the exemplary embodiment, the attachment mechanism  110  is a U-shaped clip configured to attach to a rim of a golf bag, as will be described in relation to  FIG. 12 . When the GCH device  100  is attached to a rim or other suitable location of a golf bag, the club holder  130  is configured to hold and retain a golf club (e.g., putter) within the body  132 . In one exemplary embodiment, the club holder  130  is positioned outside of the golf bag. Thus, the club holder  130  suspends the putter or golf club  5  vertically and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the golf bag. 
     The U-shaped clip includes a top arch  112  terminating into a first leg  114  and a second leg  116 . The second leg  116  is essentially straight. The first leg  114  has a curved end  118  which curves in a direction opposite that of the second leg  116 . A bottom end of the second leg  116  has rounded edges  120 . The curved end  118  of the first leg  114  may-permit easier installation of the clip as the rim of the golf bag is received between the first leg  114  and the second leg  116 . 
     The first leg  114  extends above the body  132  so that a front surface on the first leg  114  is provided. This front surface is configured to have logos and advertisements in graved, embossed, etched, painted, applied or otherwise integrated with the front surface. 
     The GCH device  100  is configured to be attached to a belt, strap, band, pocket, fabric, plate or other thin structures which can slip through the first and second legs  114  and  116 . If the GCH device  100  was clipped to a belt worn about the waist, the club seated in the club holder  130  would hang down along a leg of the person wearing the belt. 
       FIG. 1E  illustrates the cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 1D  with a golf club  5  being inserted through the opening  138  ( FIG. 1D ) of body  132  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The through hole  150  and opening  138  are configured to receive any portion of the shaft of the putter or golf club  5  by moving the shaft through opening  138  toward the attachment mechanism  110 . 
     The through hole  150  is sized to receive any portion of the shaft  6 . During installation, the handgrip end of shaft  6  is slipped through the opening  138  while the handgrip  6  is kept above the top end of the body  132 . Once, the shaft  6  is fully received through the opening  138  and is within the though hole  150 , the handgrip  8  can be released to slide under the force of gravity into the internal seat  160 . 
     Nonetheless, in lieu of gravity acting on the golf club  5  to seat the handgrip  8 , the user can direct the handgrip  8  into the seat once the shaft  6  has cleared the opening  138  and is fully in the through hole  150 . 
     The opening is sized to receive the first end (smaller diameter), other reduced diameter or the handgrip end (larger diameter) of the shaft  6  of the golf club  5 . Once the shaft  6  has cleared the opening  138 , the golf club  5  can slide or move under the force of gravity downward such that the handgrip  8  is seated within the body  132 . 
       FIG. 1F  illustrates the cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder device of  FIG. 1D  with the golf club  5  seated in the device in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. After the putter or golf club  5  is inserted through opening  138 , the putter or golf club  5  is then allowed to slide down into the seat  160  to engage. The putter or golf club  160  will not become unseated from the GCH device  100  until the putter or golf club  5  is lifted upward so that a reduced diameter of the shaft  6  can pass through the opening  138 . 
     In  FIG. 1F , the dashed line represent the hidden opening  138 . A portion of the handgrip  8  of the golf club  5  is recessed or seated within the club holder  130  and secured as the handgrip  8  has a larger diameter than the clearance of opening  138 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a golf bag  1202  with a secure GCH device  1200  attached thereto in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  1200  is essentially the same as the GCH device  100  with a U-shaped clip (e.g., attachment mechanism  110 ). The golf bag  1202  has a top rim  1204  and handle  1206 . Near the top rim  1204 , the golf bag  1202  includes a plurality of snaps  1208  spaced around the golf bag in proximity to the top rim  1104 . The plurality of snaps  1208  may be used to install a golf bag cover used to close the opening into the golf bag  1202 . Nonetheless, the golf bag may include snaps at other locations. The GCH device  1200  is clip onto or over the top edge of the rim  1204  such that the club holder is positioned outside of the golf bag  1202 . 
       FIGS. 2A and 2C  illustrate perspective and side views of another golf club holder (GCH) device  200  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  200  includes a club holder  230  and attachment mechanism  210 . The club holder  230  is connected to or integrated with the attachment mechanism  210  via a connection bridge  225 . In the exemplary embodiment, the club holder  230  is essentially the same as the club holder  130  described in detail above. Thus, no further description is necessary. The description below will focus on the details of the attachment mechanism  210 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the GCH device  200  along the plane  2 B- 2 B of  FIG. 2A . In  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the attachment mechanism  210  includes a connector plate  212  which is essentially straight. An upper portion  214  of the connector plate  212  has wall  216  coupled to and integrated therewith. The wall  216  is parallel to the upper portion  214  and spaced therefrom to form a hollow passage  226  having aligned slots  218  being elongated vertically. The slots  218  are configured to pass therethrough a strap, band, belt, etc., in a horizontal or first plane, as best seen in  FIG. 2D . A bottom end of the connector plate  212  has rounded edges  220 . 
     The upper portion  214  is connected to and integrated with the wall  216  via top and bottom spacer sections  222 A and  222 B. The top and bottom spacer sections  222 A and  222 B have aligned slots  224 A and  224 B, respectively, being vertically separated, as best seen in  FIG. 2B . The slots  224 A and  224 B are configured to feed or receive therethrough a strap, belt, band, etc. The slots  224 A and  224 B are open to the hollow passage  226 . 
     The upper portion  214  extends above the body  232  so that a front surface on the upper portion  214  is provided. This front surface is configured to have logos and advertisements in graved, embossed, etched, painted, applied or otherwise integrated with the front surface. 
     The attachment mechanism  210  is a multi-directional band coupler which includes a first pair of aligned slots (e.g., slots  218 ) to receive a strap or band in a horizontal direction or first direction. The multi-directional coupler further includes a second pair of aligned slots (e.g., slots  224 A and  224 B) configured to receive a strap or band  20  in the first direction or the second direction wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular. 
     In  FIG. 2B , the hatched section includes portions of the attachment mechanism  210  and connection bridge  225 . The through hole  250  extends through the body  232  ( FIG. 2A ). 
       FIG. 2D  illustrates the perspective view of the GCH device  200  of  FIG. 2A  with a strap  20  inserted in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The attachment mechanism  210  is shown with a strap  20 . The strap  20  has free ends  22 A and  22 B which are configured to be secured together with fastener members  40 A and  40 B, such as a hook and loop type fastening system. The fastener members  40 A and  40 B may include a buckle type system, button, snap, Velcro, etc. The strap  20  may be a belt, strap, band, etc. configured to be secured to structures or a person&#39;s body (e.g., wrist). The strap  20  may be looped around a belt or belt loop of the user. The strap  20  is shown slipped through the hollow passage  226  ( FIG. 2A ) via aligned slots  218 . However, the strap  20  may be slipped through slots  224 A and  224 B. 
     The strap  20  can be placed vertically or horizontally so that the attachment mechanism  210  can be readily adaptable to a variety of attachment structures. Attachment structures may include, without limitation, belts, belt loops, wrists, golf bags, hooks, golf cart and pegs. The strap  20  can be used to hang from a variety of attachment structures the GCH device  200 . 
       FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D illustrate perspective, side, front and top views of still yet another secure GCH device  300  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  300  includes a club holder  330  and attachment mechanism  310 . In the exemplary embodiment, the attachment mechanism  310  is essentially the same as the attachment mechanism  110  described in detail above. Thus, no further description is necessary. Nevertheless, other attachment mechanisms described herein may be substituted. 
     The club holder  330  differs from club holder  130  in that the opening  338  is angled with respect to a center longitudinal axis LA ( FIG. 3B ) of the through hole  350 . The angled profile allows the shaft  6  ( FIGS. 1E and 1F ) to be inserted at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis LA ( FIG. 3B ) of the through hole  350 . During insertion of the club, the shaft  6  of club  5  ( FIGS. 1E and 1F ) enters the body  332  at an angle. As the shaft  6  clears the opening  338 , the shaft is automatically manipulated to orient the longitudinal axis of the shaft to align with the longitudinal axis LA of the through hole  350 . 
     There are at least two angled opening configurations. In one configuration, the opening is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis LA of the through hole, but the channel of the opening (passage) is straight toward the through hole  350 . Inserting the club requires two motions. The first motion is translation at an acute angle and then rotation of the shaft to or toward a vertical orientation. The opening is straight as the acute angle of the opening with respect to the through hole  350  is substantially the same. 
     In another configuration, the opening is curved and angled. With specific reference to the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 3A-3F , the opening  338  has a curved and angled profile. The curved and angled profile creates an opening  338  that at any given distance from the center (longitudinal axis LA) of the through hole  350 , the opening  338  makes a straight line at some acute angle. In other words, the acute angle varies in a curved fashion. As the club moves further back in the body  332 , the angle changes but there is still a straight path for passage or clearance of the shaft. Thus, motion of the shaft is blended in two dimensions. As the shaft moves or slides through the angled and curved profile of opening  338 , the shaft, when moving, is both translated backward toward the through hole  350  and manipulated to be oriented in or toward a vertically upright position at the end of the opening  338  and in the through hole  350 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3A-3D , a first half  382 A of the front of body  332  is not symmetrical with a second half  382 B of the front of body  332 . The curvature of the first half  382 A along the opening  338  has a first curvature and the curvature of the second half  382 B along the opening  338  has a second curvature, the first curvature and second curvature track each other. The surfaces  384 A and  384 B indicate a spiraling, waving or snaking curvature of the passage or clearance of opening  338  to translate the shaft toward the through hole  350  and vertically orient the shaft toward the vertical plane so that a handgrip of the club can be seated in internal seat  360 . 
     The surface  384 B toward the truncated upper portion  336 A on the second half  382 B has a curvature which is flared outward so as to receive or slide the shaft into the opening  338 . The surface  384 A toward the truncated bottom portion  336 B has a curvature which is curved inward toward the through hole  350 . 
     With reference also to  FIG. 3E , a cross-sectional view of the secure GCH device  300  along the plane  3 E- 3 E of  FIG. 3C  is shown. The curvature of surface  384 A along the path of opening  338  is shown. The top portion  386  (shown hatched) is a portion of the first half  382 A. The U-shaped clip of the attachment mechanism  310  is shown hatched. 
       FIG. 3F  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the secure GCH device  300  along the plane  3 F- 3 F of  FIG. 3C . The surface  384 B along the path of opening  338  is shown. The top element  388  (shown hatched) is a portion of the first half  382 A. The top element  388  is that portion of the first half  382 A which is displaced from a mid-point of the body  332  along the plane  3 F- 3 F of  FIG. 3C . The U-shaped clip of the attachment mechanism  310  is shown hatched. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an exploded view of yet another GCH device  400  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  400  includes a club holder  430  and attachment mechanism  410 . In the exemplary embodiment, the club holder  430  is essentially the same as the club holder  330  described in detail above. Thus, no further description is necessary. As can be appreciated, the attachment mechanism  410  may be used with any of the club holders described herein. 
     In  FIG. 4A , the attachment mechanism  410  includes a connector plate  412  which is essentially straight. An upper portion  414  of the connector plate  412  has a snap element  418  on a backside of the connector plate  412 . The snap element  418  is configured to snap onto existing snaps on the golf bag, such as those used to secure a golf bag cover, other snaps placed at various locations on the golf bag, garments, or other structures with a suitable snap. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 4B and 4C , front and rear views of the GCH holder device  400  are shown. A back surface  416  of the connector plate  412  has a recess  411  configured to receive, support, affix or have integrated therewith a snap element connector  422 . The snap element  418  includes a connector  424  ( FIG. 4A ) to connect with snap element connector  422 . As be seen in  FIG. 4C , the club holder  430  bellows out from the sides defined by the connector plate  412 . A logo or advertisement can be placed or integrated on the front surface of the upper portion  414 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a golf bag  1102  with a secure GCH device  1100  attached thereto in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  1100  is essentially the same as the GCH device  400  with a snap element (e.g., snap element  418 ). The golf bag  1102  has a top rim  1104  and handle  1106 . Near the top rim  1104 , the golf bag  1102  includes a plurality of snaps  1108  spaced around the golf bag in proximity to the top rim  1104 . The plurality of snaps  1108  may be used to install a golf bag cover used to close the opening into the golf bag  1102 . Nonetheless, the golf bag may include snaps at other locations. 
     The snap element (e.g., snap element  418 ) of the GCH device  400  would snap on or snap to at respective one snap of the plurality of snaps  1108 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates perspective view of a golf club holder (GCH) system  500  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH system  500  includes a GCH device  501  and club shaft adaptor  570 . The GCH device  501  includes a club holder  530  and attachment mechanism  510 . In the exemplary embodiment, the club holder  530  is essentially the same as the club holder  330  described in detail above. However, the club holder  530  may be configured and arranged as any of the other club holders described herein. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5B , a cross-sectional view of the GCH device  501  along the plane  5 B- 5 B of  FIG. 5A  is shown. The quasi-spherically shaped of the body  532  includes a truncated upper portion  536 A and a truncated bottom portion  536 B. The body  532  has a through hole  550  formed through the truncated upper portion  536 A down to and through the truncated bottom portion  536 B. The truncated upper portion  536 A includes a narrower rim (top edge of body  532 ) as compared to that of body  132  ( FIG. 1A ). 
     Furthermore, a front of the body  532  has an opening  538  configured to receive a shaft  6  of a golf club  5  ( FIGS. 1E and 1F ) therethrough. The body  532  includes an internal seat  560  to support within the body  532 , a portion of a handgrip  8  of the golf club  5  ( FIG. 1F ). 
     The through hole  550  includes an inner diameter (ID) which varies. At the truncated upper portion  536 A, the ID is larger than the ID nearest to the truncated bottom portion  536 B. The through hole  550  of the body  532  has a first portion  552  with a first ID, denoted as ID 11 , a second portion  554  with a varying second ID, denoted as ID 12 , and a third portion  556  with a third ID, denoted as ID 13 . The first ID ID 11  is larger than the third ID ID 13 . The second ID ID 12  gradually slopes or tapers from the first ID ID 11  to the third ID ID 13 . The opening  538  has a clearance of approximately that of the third ID ID 13 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the length of the third portion  556  is longer in length than the length of the third portion  156  of the device of  FIG. 1D . Additionally, the first portion  552  has a shorter length than the length of the first portion  152  of  FIG. 1D . The second portion  554  has a longer length then the length of the second portion  154  of  FIG. 1D . 
     The narrower rim is achieved by increasing the first ID ID 11  compared to the first ID ID 1  of  FIG. 1D . The first ID ID 11  can be reduced by the club shaft adaptor  570 . The club shaft adaptor  570  may be interchanged with different size club shaft adaptors. The club shaft adaptor  570  reduces the through hole  550  for different sized clubs. 
     The adaptor  570  may be used with other GCH devices described herein. The adaptor  570  may be used to reduce the diameter of the through hole of any GCH device so as to provide a better handgrip fit or to hold the handgrip of a putter with a broom stick length above the club holder or body. In this embodiment, the putter with a broom stick length would not drag the ground when supported in the GCH device with an adaptor (e.g., adaptor  570 ). 
     In another embodiment, the adaptor may be configured to be rotated within the body so that the opening is closed. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5C , a cross-sectional view of the secure GCH system  500  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention is shown. As best seen in  FIGS. 5A and 5C , the club shaft adaptor  570  includes a cup  572  configured to be received within the body  532 . The cup  572  is configured to track contours of the through hole  550 . More specifically, the cup  572  is configured to track the diameter and length of the first portion  552  with the first ID ID 11 ; the second portion  554  with the varying second ID ID 12 ; and the third portion  556  with the third ID ID 13 . Thus, the cup  572  has a first portion  574  configured to track the first portion  552  of the through hole  550 ; a second portion  576  configured to track the second portion  554  of the through hole  550 ; and a third portion  578  configured to track the third portion  556  of the through hole  550 . 
     The club shaft adaptor  570  further includes a pair of flanges  580  configured to track the contour of the opening  538 . The pair of flanges  580  line or track the opening  538  and reduces the opening  538  into the through hole  550  and the cup  572 . The flanges  580  track the contour of the front curvature of the body  532 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate perspective views of a GCH  630  in an open state and closed state, respectively, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The golf club holder  630  may be used with any of the attachment mechanisms  110 ,  210  and  410 , described above. The GCH  630  has a manual locking mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, the golf club holder  630  may be used and configured without an attachment mechanism, as shown. If the attachment mechanism is omitted, the rear side of the golf club holder  630  can be rounded to track a spherical shape instead of being truncated when integrated with a connection bridge. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 6C , a cross-sectional view of the secure golf club holder along the plane  6 B- 6 B of  FIG. 6A  is shown. The golf club holder  630  includes a body  632  which is quasi-spherically shaped with a truncated upper portion  636 A and a truncated bottom portion  636 B. 
     The body  632  has a through hole  650  formed through the truncated upper portion  636 A down to and through the truncated bottom portion  636 B. The body  632  includes an internal seat  660  to support within the body  632 , a portion of a handgrip of the golf club. The inner diameter (ID) of the through hole  650  varies, such as previously described in relation to the body  132 . Thus no further description is necessary. 
     The exterior perimeter surface  642  of the body  632  has indentations or dimples  634  so that the golf club holder  630  simulates a golf ball. In the exemplary embodiment, the golf club holder  630  can be handheld and cradled in the palm of a golfer&#39;s hand in a manner a golf ball would be held. 
     The quasi-spherical shape of the golf club holder  630  without an attachment mechanism may be more comfortable to hold in a user&#39;s hands when walking or carrying the club. The larger diameter of the golf club holder  630  in comparison with the handgrip  8  ( FIGS. 1E and 1F ) may also allow the golf club holder  630  to be suspended from structures configured to cradle the golf club holder  630  and still allow the club  5  to be hung downward. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, when the GCH  630  is held in a hand of a golfer, the club holder  630  is configured to hold and retain a golf club (e.g., putter) within the body  632 . More specifically, a portion of the handgrip of the golf club is recessed or seated within the club holder  630 . 
     In another embodiment, the club holder  630  can be used to lay the club down on the ground. The larger diameter of the body  632  would slightly raised the handgrip  8  ( FIGS. 1E and 1F ) above the ground. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the body  632  is divided into two portions which include a top rotatable section  670  and a bottom section  672 . The bottom section  672  includes neck  674  to rotatably connect to the top rotatable section  670  via an upper lip  674 A protruding from a top edge of the neck  674 . Furthermore, the front of the bottom section  672  has an opening  638  configured to receive a shaft of a golf club therethrough. Likewise, the front of the top section  670  has an opening  638 A configured to receive the shaft of the golf club therethrough. The clearance of the opening  638 A tracks the clearance of the opening  638 . 
     Top rotatable section  670  includes a groove  676  contoured to receive therein the upper lip  674 A. An interior side of the top rotatable section  670  is configured to mate with an exterior side of the neck  674 . The top rotatable section  670  rotates from an open states ( FIG. 6A ) to a closed state ( FIG. 6B ). When the top rotatable section  670  rotates, the opening  638 A moves in relation to the opening  638  to close the openings (and especially opening  638 ). 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the top rotatable section  670  and the bottom section  672  are configured to be snapped together. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, a snap-on connector is defined by the top rotatable section  670  includes a circumferential groove to receive the lip  674 A. Nevertheless, other snap-on connector configurations may be used. Other connectors that provide for rotation may be substituted. The top rotatable section  670  serves as a locking mechanism for opening  638  to prevent the dislodgement of the putter or golf club being supported by the GCH  630 . In an exemplary embodiment, the top rotatable section  670  may be removable. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate perspective and top views of yet another secure GCH device  700  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH  700  is similar in design as GCH device  100  and includes a club holder  730  and an attachment mechanism  710 . The attachment mechanism  710  includes a U-shaped clip, as previously described in relation to  FIG. 1A . The GCH device  700  includes a plurality of ridges or ribs  701  within an interior of the body  732  of the GCH  700 . The ridges  701  are spaced equidistantly from the other (adjacent) around the inner circumference of the through hole  750  of the body  732 . The ridges or ribs  701  are elongated and may reduce movement or slippage when the handgrip (rubber or leather) is recessed in seat  760  of the GCH device  700 . The ridges or ribs  701  taper or narrow in proximity to the bottom end of the through hole  750 . 
     The diameters of the through hole  750  and opening  738  may be the same as any of the pervious through holes described above. The ridges or ribs  701  are separated by elongated grooves or recesses  703 . 
     As can be appreciated, the GCH device  700  may also be modified to include any one of the attachment mechanisms described herein. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of yet another secure GCH device  800  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  800  includes an attachment mechanism  810  and club holder  830 . The body  832  is integrated with the attachment mechanism  810  via a connection bridge  825 . The body  832  has a smooth exterior perimeter surface  842 . The attachment mechanism  810  is similar to the attachment mechanism  110  previously described. Additionally, the club holder  830  is similar to the club holder  130  except that the exterior perimeter surface  842  is smooth. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the club holder  830  may be contoured to resemble a bowl of a tobacco pipe. The exterior perimeter surface  842  may be smooth or may be textured to resemble a bowl of a tobacco pipe. The through hole  850  resembles the chamber of the bowl. The opening  838  in the body  832  provides access into the bowl/chamber. The attachment mechanism  810  is configured to have a logo or advertisement integrated or applied to the front surface. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrates perspective and top views of yet another secure GCH device  900  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  900  includes an attachment mechanism  910  configured to attach to a golf club bag, person, or other structures. The GCH device  900  further includes at least one club holder  930 A and  930 B coupled to or integrated with the attachment mechanism  910 . The attachment mechanism  910  is a U-shaped clip similar to the attachment mechanism  110  previously described. However, other attachment mechanisms may be substituted. Each club holders  930 A and  930 B is similar to the club holder  130  previously described. However, other club holder designs may be substituted. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, there are two club holders  930 A and  930 B in side by side relation. Each club holder  930 A and  930 B includes a body  932 A and  932 B, respectively, configured to simulate a golf ball. Each body  932 A and  932 B is quasi-spherically shaped structure with a plurality of indentions or dimples formed in the exterior perimeter surface of the body  932 A and  932 B. 
     A rear portion of the quasi-spherically shaped structure does not track a generally spherical shape as a portion of the rear side of the spherical structure is integrated with a connection bridge  925  so as to integrate the bodies  932 A and  932 B with the attachment mechanism  910 . The quasi-spherically shaped structure also truncates a side of the bodies  932 A and  932 B, as such bodies are joined or integrated together. The connection bridge  925  has a triangular-shaped hole formed therein. 
     Each body  932 A and  932 B has a through hole  950 A and  950 B, respectively, formed therethrough. Furthermore, a front of each body  932 A and  932 B has an opening  938 A and  938 B, respectively. Each opening  938 A and  938 B is configured to receive a different shaft of a different golf club. Opening  938 A is offset from opening  938 B such that so that each body  932 A and  932 B are a separate path though the opening  938 A or  938 B, respectively, and into the through hole  950 A and  950 B, respectively. The path through each opening  938 A and  938 B is at an angle with respect to the attachment mechanism  910 . 
     Each body  932 A and  932 B includes an internal seat  160  to support within the body each body  932 A or  932 B, a portion of a handgrip of a golf club. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate top and rear views of yet another secure GCH device  1000  in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  1000  includes a club holder  1030  without an attachment mechanism. In the exemplary embodiment, the club holder  1030  includes a body  1032  configured to simulate a golf ball. The body  1032  is quasi-spherically shaped structure with a plurality of indentions or dimples  1034  formed in the exterior perimeter surface of the body  1032 . 
     The quasi-spherically shaped of the body  1032  includes a spherical structure having a truncated upper portion  1036 A and a truncated bottom portion  1036 B. Additionally, a rear portion of the spherical structure does not track a generally spherical shape as a portion of the rear side of the spherical structure is truncated to form a flat surface  1014  for placement of a logo or advertisement. 
     The body  1032  includes a through hole  1050  extending through the truncated upper portion  1036 A down to and through the truncated bottom portion  1036 B. Additionally, the body  1032  has an opening  1038  formed therein for inserting a shaft of a golf club through the body  1032  so that a handgrip can be seated in seat  1060 . 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates a perspective view of a GCH device  1300 , with an alternate embodiment of the attachment mechanism  1310  (with a portion removed) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 13B  illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the GCH device  1300  of  FIG. 13A  with a band, belt or strap  60  installed in the attachment mechanism  1310  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The GCH device  1300  includes a club holder  1330  and an attachment mechanism  1310 . The club holder  1330  is connected to or integrated with the attachment mechanism  1310  via a connection bridge. In the exemplary embodiment, the club holder  1330  is essentially the same as the club holder  1330  described in detail above in relation to  FIG. 8 . However, club holder  1330  may be substituted with any of the other club holder designs previously described. Thus, no further description is necessary. The description below will focus on the details of the attachment mechanism  1310 . 
     The attachment mechanism  1310  is multi-mode arrangement with a U-shaped clip for clipping on to a bag, belt, structures; and elongated slots for attachment of band, belt or strap  60 . The U-shaped clip includes a top arch  1312  terminating into a first leg  1314  and a second leg  1316 . The second leg  1316  is essentially straight. The first leg  1314  has a curved end  1318  which curves in a direction opposite that of the second leg  1316 . A bottom end of the second leg  1316  has rounded edges. The curved end  1318  of the first leg  1314  may-permit easier installation of the clip as the rim of the golf bag is received between the first leg  1314  and the second leg  1316 . 
     The top arch  1312  has a first elongated slot  1324 A. The first leg  1314  has a second elongated slot  1324 B. The elongation of the first and second slots  1324 A and  1324 B are in a first direction. The first and second slots  1324 A and  1324 B are configured to receive a band, belt or strap  60  therethrough. The ends of the band, belt or strap  60  includes fasteners  65 A,  65 B such as Velcro. However, other fasteners such as snaps, buttons, etc. may be used. 
     In operation, the user may selective employ any mode of attachment. A first mode of attachment may use the U-shaped clip for a clip-on attachment mode. A second mode of attachment may selective use a band, belt or strap  60  with fasteners  65 A,  65 B to strap or hang the GCH device  1300  from structures, belt, wrist, etc. 
       FIG. 14A  illustrates a front cross section view of a GCH device  1400 , with an alternate embodiment of an attachment mechanism  1410  and with a strap  70  installed, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 14B  illustrates a partial rear view of the attachment mechanism  1410  in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 14A . The GCH device  1400  includes a club holder  1430  and an attachment mechanism  1410 . The club holder  1430  is connected to or integrated with the attachment mechanism  1410  via a connection bridge. The club holder  1430  may be any one of the other club holder designs previously described. Thus, no further description is necessary. The description below will focus on the details of the attachment mechanism  1410 . 
     The attachment mechanism  1410  is multi-mode arrangement with a U-shaped clip for clipping on to a bag, belt, structures; a first set of elongated slots for attaching a band, belt or strap in a first direction; and a second set of elongated slots for attaching the band, belt or step in a second direction (the second direction being different from the first direction). The U-shaped clip includes a top arch  1412  terminating into a first leg  1414  and a second leg  1316 . The second leg  1316  is essentially straight. 
     The top arch  1412  has a first elongated slot  1424 A. The first leg  1414  has a second elongated slot  1424 B. The elongation of the first and second slots  1424 A and  1424 B are oriented in a first direction. The first and second slots  1424 A and  1424 B are configured to receive a band, belt or strap  70  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 14A ) therethrough. The ends of the band, belt or strap  70  includes fasteners  75 A,  75 B such as Velcro. However, other fasteners such as snaps, buttons, etc. may be used. 
     The first leg  1414  further includes third and fourth elongated slots  1426 A and  1426 B (shown in phantom in  FIG. 14A ) in spaced and parallel arrangement. The direction of elongation of the third and fourth elongated slots  1426 A and  1426 B is different from the direction of elongation of the first and second slots  1424 A and  1424 B. In the exemplary embodiment, the direction of elongation of first and second slots  1424 A and  1424 B is perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the third and fourth elongated slots  1426 A and  1426 B. 
     In operation, the user may selective employ any mode of attachment. A first mode of attachment may use the U-shaped clip for a clip-on attachment mode. A second mode of attachment may selective use a band, belt or strap  70  with fasteners  75 A,  75 B feed through the first and second elongated slots  1424 A and  1424 B to strap or hang the GCH device  1400  from structures, belt, wrist, etc. A third mode of attachment may selective use a band, belt or strap  70  with fasteners  75 A,  75 B feed through the third and fourth elongated slots  1426 A and  1426 B to strap or hang the GCH device  1400  from structures, belt, wrist, etc. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a front cross-sectional view of yet another GCH device  1500  in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments of the club holder previously described, the club holder has an internal seat. In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the club holder  1530  has a through hole  1550  with varying diameters and at least one internal seat  1560 A and  1560 B. In the exemplary embodiment, only two internal seats are shown. However, one or more seats may be provided. The seats serve to cradle the handgrip. The varying diameters may help to each handgrip of varying sizes. The attachment mechanism  1510  is attached to the club holder  1530 . The front surface of the attachment mechanism  1510  is suitable for engraving, painting, applying or affixing a Logo, advertisement, Trade name, Trademark or other decals thereto. 
     The GCH devices  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ,  1000 ,  1300 ,  1400  and  1500  may be made of natural material, man-made material, recycled material or a combination of natural, man-made or recycled materials. In one embodiment, the GCH device, systems or golf club holders described herein is made of “green” (environmentally friendly) materials. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the GCH devices, systems and golf club holders are lightweight and made of molded plastic. The GCH devices, system and golf club holders described herein may be made of a variety of colors. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the GCH devices, systems and golf club holders or portions thereof may be coated with a coating to resemble or simulate a golf ball texture or smoothness. 
     Accordingly, the GCH devices and systems of the present invention provide a club holder for attachment to the rim of a golf bag or other structures for separately retaining a putter or golf club to make such putter or club readily obtainable or easily accessible. 
     Accordingly, the GCH devices and systems of the present invention provide a club holder for attachment to the rim of a golf bag or other structures for separately retaining a putter or golf club on the outside of the golf bag or along side of a leg of a user with the handgrip upright and immediately accessible for lifting directly from the holder&#39;s internal seat. 
     Accordingly, the GCH devices and systems of the present invention provide a club holder that securely holds a club such as with a rotatable locking mechanism or a self-locking angled opening. 
     As can be appreciated, any of the attachment mechanisms may be interchanged with another attachment mechanism described herein or other quick-release attachment mechanisms. 
     Furthermore, any one of the club holders described herein may be integrated with a different attachment mechanism or other quick-release attachment mechanism. 
     The device may be configured to hold and cradle an umbrella so that the handle of the umbrella remains dry. 
     The device may be configured to hold and cradle in the seat(s) one or more golf balls. 
     The device may be configured to hold and cradle in the seat many other objects, tools, supplies, and coins for use by the golfer. 
     The device may be configured to hold and cradle in the seat a beverage container. 
     The device is described such that the handgrip is recessed in the seat. Thus, the club head is oriented vertically below the handgrip with the handgrip oriented vertically upright. However, the device can support the club head vertically upright with the handgrip vertically below the club head. In this embodiment, the manual locking mechanism would be beneficial to secure the club within the body. 
     The spherical dimension or diameter of the club holder may vary. The spherical diameter may closely track the size of a golf ball. The width of the attachment mechanism may be bigger than the diameter of the club holder such that from a rear view, the club holder would not be seen. 
     While the present invention has been described with respect to various features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in the art will recognize the invention is not so limited. Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.