Patent Abstract:
A golf towel including a towel body, the towel body having both a first abrasive portion and a second abrasive portion for cleaning the dimples on a golf ball and the grooves in a golf club head, respectively. The first abrasive portion includes a plurality of nubs projecting outwardly therefrom and corresponding to dimples on a golf ball. The first abrasive portion may include a bowl-shaped cavity for at least partially enveloping a golf ball when seated therein. The second abrasive portion includes a plurality of linearly arranged mounds projecting outwardly therefrom in a substantially parallel manner. The plurality of mounts is arranged to clean individual and corresponding grooves formed in golf club head.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a completion application which claims the priority benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/310,858, filed Mar. 21, 2016, for “Golf Towel,” the entire disclosure of which, including the drawing, is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains to golf towels. More particularly, the present invention concerns golf towels for cleaning golf balls and golf club heads. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to golf towels having a plurality of cleaning surfaces each configured to specifically clean either dimples of a golf ball or grooves formed within the golf club head. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    It is well known that during the course of playing a round of golf, equipment such as golf clubs and golf balls will get increasingly dirty from use, thus affecting gameplay. 
         [0006]    Golf clubs are precisely crafted pieces of equipment with specifically configured grooves formed in the head of the golf club. These grooves serve a specific purpose in controlling the amount of friction on the golf ball and, thus, the amount of spin that the ball exhibits. 
         [0007]    As the object of an ideal golf swing is to strike the ball such that the club comes into close contact with the ground, doing so causes the golf club head to pick up debris such as grass and dirt that becomes embedded in the club&#39;s grooves until it is cleaned. When debris becomes engrained in these grooves during gameplay, it can substantially and undesirably affect the movement of the golf ball. 
         [0008]    Similarly, a golf ball is specifically manufactured to have anywhere from 300 to 500 dimples, each having a diameter of approximately 4 mm, formed in the surface of the golf ball. The dimples serve a function of controlling drag and flight of the golf ball after being struck by the head of the golf club. As is typically the case, golf balls oftentimes end up in either a bunker or a muddy fairway. In doing so, the dimples of the golf ball become filled with debris from these hazards, which greatly affects the flight of the ball. 
         [0009]    The fact that golf balls and clubs need to be cleaned periodically during gameplay is a well-known fact and a number of potential solutions have been presented. One of these potential solutions is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,851,090 to Bradshaw which teaches a golf towel having a weaved portion with a rough surface for cleaning the dirt off a golf ball or a golf club head. The towel further comprises a soft terry cloth portion for polishing the golf club head after removing the dirt. 
         [0010]    A number of similar golf towels have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,756,742 to Salzman, 5,761,761 to An, 5,331,705 to Melov, and 5,075,918 to Zeltner. Each of the above references disclose a towel, particularly used in cleaning golf balls and golf club heads, including an abrasive surface on a portion of the towel. 
         [0011]    While each of the above references teach a device that can clean golf equipment during play, the references fail to disclose the use of differently configured or shaped abrasives to suit the differences in geometries between the dimples on a golf ball and the grooves in the head of a golf club. While a single abrasive may satisfactorily clean the crevices in the dimples and grooves, an abrasive matching the geometry of each of the crevices and surfaces of the equipment would more efficiently remove any embedded debris. 
         [0012]    Additionally, while each of the devices disclosed in the above references are suitable for the uses and problems they intend to solve, there is an ongoing need for improvements in a golf towel, such as one with distinguishing portions specifically configured to clean the dimples of a golf ball and grooves in a golf club&#39;s head. 
         [0013]    It is to this to which the present invention is directed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention provides a golf towel comprising: (a) a fabric towel body having a first side and a second side; (b) a first abrasive portion secured to one side of the towel body and comprising a plurality of nubs projecting outwardly therefrom, each one of the plurality of nubs comprising an abrasive material that nests within an associated dimple on a golf ball; and (c) a second abrasive portion secured to a side of the towel body and comprising a plurality of mounds projecting outwardly therefrom, the plurality of mounds being arranged in a plurality of linear and parallel rows, each one of the plurality of mounds comprising an abrasive material that nests within an associated groove on a golf club head. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the first abrasive portion comprises a concave bowl-shaped cavity for at least partially enveloping a golf ball during cleaning. The plurality of nubs is disposed within the cavity and project towards a center portion thereof 
         [0016]    Each one of the plurality of rows on the second abrasive portion may comprise either a single elongated mound or, alternatively, a plurality of individual mounds arranged in a linear manner 
         [0017]    Additionally, a third abrasive portion may be disposed on the towel body similar to that of the second abrasive portion. Where the second abrasive portion is desired to clean a right-handed handed golf club head, the third abrasive portion is configured to clean a left-handed golf club head. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the golf towel further comprises an opening formed in the towel body. The opening allows for securing means for attaching, such as a traditional golf clip or the like, the golf towel to a golf bag. 
         [0019]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawing and detailed description. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like parts through the several views, in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a golf towel in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged detailed front view of the golf towel as shown in circle A in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged detailed side view of the plurality of nubs as shown in circle B in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged detailed side view of the plurality of mounds as shown in circle C in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the golf towel as seen opposite that of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged detailed back view of the golf towel as shown in circle D in  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    Turning now to the drawing,  FIGS. 1-7  show a golf towel  10  for cleaning golf equipment, particularly a golf ball and a golf club head. 
         [0028]    The golf towel  10  of the present invention generally includes a towel body  12 , preferably, made of a single piece of soft fabric, such as cotton terry cloth, a polyester or a polyamide microfiber, or the like. The golf towel  10  has a first side  14 , a second side  16 , and a perimetral edge  18 . The golf towel  10  further comprises a first abrasive portion  20  and a second abrasive portion  28 . It is to be understood that the first and second abrasive portions  20 ,  28  may be either extensions of the towel body  12 , itself, or, alternatively, the first and second abrasive portions  20 ,  28  may comprise additional pieces of fabric secured within associated cutouts or substantially circular openings formed in the towel body  12  by any suitable method such as sewing or the like. 
         [0029]    Although the first abrasive portion  20  is shown as being visible from the first side  14  of the towel body  12 , it can be arranged on either the first side  14  or the second side  16 . Preferably, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first abrasive portion  20  is visible from the first side  14  of the towel body  12  and disposed proximate the edge  18 . While it is to be understood that the first abrasive portion  20  can comprise any shape, it is preferred that the first abrasive portion  20  has a circumference  24  corresponding to the outline of a golf ball. Preferably, the circumference  24  has a diameter  23  of at least that of the diameter of a golf ball. When the first abrasive portion  20  is provided within an opening formed in the golf towel  10 , the opening is defined by the circumference  24 . 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , the first abrasive portion  20  comprises a concave bowl-shaped cavity  21 , having a circumference  25  and a depth  27 , secured to the towel body  12  at the circumference  24 . 
         [0031]    The cavity  21  removably houses a golf ball during the cleaning process. The circumference  25  of the cavity  21  is larger than the diameter  23  of the circumference  24 . It is to be understood that the diameter  23  and the circumference  25  of the cavity  21  cooperate to define the depth  27  of the cavity  21 . Either decreasing the diameter  23  or increasing the circumference  25  of the cavity  21  results in a cavity  21  having a greater depth  27 . Similarly, either increasing the diameter  23  or decreasing the circumference  25  of the cavity  21  so that the diameter  23  and circumference  25  are almost equal to one another would render the cavity  21  substantially flat. Preferably, the first abrasive portion  20  has a cavity  21  deep enough that it can completely, or at least partially, envelop a portion of the surface area of a golf ball during cleaning. 
         [0032]    As shown in detail in  FIG. 4 , the first abrasive portion  20  comprises a plurality of nubs  22  disposed within the cavity  21  and protruding toward a center thereof The plurality of nubs  22  are substantially hemispherical having a curvilinear abrasive surface  26 . Each one of the plurality of nubs  22  has a diameter substantially equal to that of the dimples in a golf ball such that each nub nests within a corresponding dimple. The dimples on a golf ball range in size having a diameter of approximately 0.14 inches to about 0.17 inches. Therefore, the plurality of nubs  22 , accordingly, have a matching diameter ranging from approximately about 0.14 inches to about 0.17 inches as well. Preferably, the height of each one of the nubs  22  exceeds the depth of the dimples, thus resulting in an abrasive cleaning within the entire interior and surface area of the golf ball dimple. 
         [0033]    The arrangement or spacing of the plurality of nubs  22  on the first abrasive portion  20  preferably corresponds to the configuration of dimples on a golf ball wherein each one of the plurality of nubs  22  can nest within the dimples on a golf ball simultaneously during cleaning. 
         [0034]    The plurality of nubs  22  can either be integral extensions of the first abrasive portion  20  having a varying height or, alternatively, a separate abrasive material, such as a bristle brush material. If the nubs  22  are separate materials, they can be secured to the first abrasive portion  20  by any suitable means, such as sewing, gluing, or the like. 
         [0035]    As noted above, the fabric comprising the cavity  21  is may be the same as that of the towel body  12  and secured to the circumference  24  of the first abrasive portion  20  using any suitable means such as sewing, adhesive, or the like. Alternatively, the cavity  21  can be integrally formed with the circumference  24  of the first abrasive portion  20  such that the towel body  12  is a continuous extension throughout. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 , the second abrasive portion  28  is disposed on the first side  14  of the towel body  12 . Similar to that of the first abrasive portion  20 , the second abrasive portion  28  may be an extension of the towel body  12  and formed from a single piece of fabric. Alternatively, a separate piece of fabric may be secured to the first side  14  of the towel body  12  or atop the towel body  12 , itself, over a substantially circular opening formed therein. 
         [0037]    The second abrasive portion  28  comprises a plurality of linear elongated rows  30 . Each one of the plurality of rows  30  comprises at least one mound  32 , thus forming a plurality of mounds  32  arranged in a substantially linear and parallel manner. Each one of the plurality of mounds  32  has a depth dimensioned to nest within a respective groove formed in a gold club head. Each one of the plurality of mounds  32  comprises a curvilinear abrasive surface  34  radiating outwardly from the first side  14  of the towel body  12  within the second abrasive portion  28 . Moreover, the depth of each one of the plurality of mounds  32  has a depth at least equal to the depth of a groove on a golf club head. Preferably, the depth of each one of the plurality of mounds  32  exceeds the depth of the grooves, thus resulting in an abrasive cleaning within the entire interior of the groove. 
         [0038]    The plurality of rows  30  is arranged in a configuration corresponding to the configuration of grooves found on the head of a golf club. Thus, when the head of a golf club is positioned over the second abrasive portion  28 , the plurality of mounds  32  should correspond to and nest within the grooves of the golf club head. 
         [0039]    The mounds  32 , similar to that of the plurality of nubs  22 , can either be extensions of the towel body  12  having a varying height protruding outwardly from the towel body  12  or, alternatively, a separate abrasive material, such as a bristle brush material. If the mounds  32  are separate from that of the towel body  12 , they can be secured to the towel body  12  by any suitable means, such as sewing, gluing, or the like. 
         [0040]    In a first embodiment of the present invention, each of the rows  30  comprises only a single elongated mound  32 . 
         [0041]    In an alternative embodiment, each of the rows  30  comprises a plurality of smaller, individual mounds  32 . 
         [0042]    Further, while it is to be understood that the second abrasive portion  28  can have a variety of configurations, it is preferred that the second abrasive portion  28  includes an outline  36  matching that of a golf club head. The outline  36  of the second abrasive portion  28 , therefore, comprises an upper edge  38  and a lower edge  40 . The upper and lower edges  38 ,  40  are interconnected by an arc  42  at a first end of each of the upper and lower edges  38 ,  40 . The ends of the upper and lower edges  38 ,  40  opposite the arc  42  are interconnected by an upwardly extending extension  44  matching that of the hosel of a golf club shaft. 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the outline  36  and the configuration of mounds  32  form the second abrasive portion  28  and a cleaning surface corresponding to right-handed golf clubs. Where the golfer uses a left-handed golf club, the second abrasive portion  28  may be modified or, alternatively, a third abrasive portion  28 ′ may be included. 
         [0044]    The third abrasive portion  28 ′ exhibits a similar structure to that of the second abrasive portion  28 , but reflected over a vertical axis. Preferably, the third abrasive portion  28 ′ may be disposed on the opposite side of the towel body  12  as that of the second abrasive portion  28 . Alternatively, the third abrasive portion  28 ′ may be integrally formed with the second abrasive portion  28  instead of being a separate piece of fabric. This is possible when the second abrasive portion  28  is secured about an opening formed in the towel body  12  and accessible from the opposite side. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , an outline  36 ′ of the third abrasive portion  28 ′ comprises an upper edge  38 ′ and a lower edge  40 ′. The upper and lower edges  38 ′,  40 ′ are interconnected by an arc  42 ′ at a first end of each of the upper and lower edges  38 ′,  40 ′. The ends of the upper and lower edges  38 ′,  40 ′ opposite the arc  42 ′ are interconnected by an upwardly extending extension  44 ′ matching that of a golf club shaft. 
         [0046]    Within the outline  36 ′, the third abrasive portion  28 ′ comprises a plurality of linear and elongated rows  30 ′. Each one of the plurality of rows  30 ′ comprises at least one mound  32 ′ similar to that of the second abrasive portion  28 . It is to be appreciated that the outline  36 ′ and the mounds  32 ′ within the third abrasive portion  28 ′ is optimal for golfers desiring to clean left-handed clubs. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the golf towel  10  of the present invention, preferably, comprises an opening  46  formed in the towel body  12 . Means for attaching  48 , such as a ring or towel clip well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, may be inserted into the opening  46  for removably attaching the golf towel  10  to a golf bag or the like. Preferably, the opening  46  is distally located from both the first abrasive portion  20  and the second abrasive portion  28 . 
         [0048]    In use, the user positions a dirty golf ball within the cavity  21  of the first abrasive portion  20  such that the plurality of nubs  22  nest within the dimples of the golf ball. The user then wraps the first abrasive portion  20  around a portion of the surface of the golf ball and rotates the golf towel  10  and/or golf ball until satisfied. 
         [0049]    In cleaning a dirty golf club head, the user places the head of the golf club within the confines of the outline  36  of the second abrasive portion  28  such that the plurality of mounds  32  nest within corresponding grooves formed in the golf club head. The user then traverses the second abrasive portion  28  and/or golf club head from side to side over the surface of the golf club head until satisfied. 
         [0050]    The remaining unused areas of the towel body  12  remains available to clean surfaces other than a golf ball or golf club head. Alternatively, the third abrasive portion  28 ′ may be employed if it is more suitable in light of the design of the golf club. 
         [0051]    Further, while it is to be understood that the first abrasive portion  20 , the second abrasive portion  28 , and the third abrasive portion  28 ′ can be secured to or formed within either the first or second side  14 ,  16  of the towel body  12 , it is preferred that, when the second abrasive portion  28  and third abrasive portion  28 ′ are accessible from opposite sides of the towel body  12 . Moreover, it is preferred that the first abrasive portion  20  be located at a distal end of the towel body  12  from either the second or third abrasive portion  28 ,  28 ′ from which it shares a side of the towel body  12 . Further, it is to be understood that there is no restriction that the second abrasive portion  28  and the third abrasive portion  28 ′ be limited to use with either right or left-handed golf clubs. 
         [0052]    From the above, it is to be appreciated that defined herein is a new and unique golf towel having at least two abrasive surfaces for cleaning a golf ball and a golf club. Each of the abrasive surfaces are specifically dimensioned to clean either the surface and dimples of the golf ball or the face and grooves of the golf club. 
         [0053]    Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is: 
       LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           10  Golf towel 
           12  Towel body 
           14  First side 
           16  Second side 
           28  Perimetral edge 
           20  First abrasive portion 
           21  Cavity of first abrasive portion 
           22  Nubs 
           23  Diameter of circumference 
           24  Circumference of first abrasive portion 
           25  Circumference of cavity 
           26  Abrasive surface of nubs 
           27  Depth of cavity 
           28  Second abrasive portion 
           28 ′ Third abrasive portion 
           30  Row 
           30 ′ Row 
           32  Mound 
           32 ′ Mound 
           34  Abrasive surface of mound 
           36  Outline 
           36 ′ Outline 
           38  Upper edge of outline 
           38 ′ Upper edge of outline 
           40  Lower edge of outline 
           40 ′ Lower edge of outline 
           42  Arc of outline 
           42 ′ Arc of outline 
           44  Extension of outline 
           44 ′ Extension of outline 
           46  Opening 
           48  Means for attaching

Technology Classification (CPC): 0