Patent Document

[0001]    The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/029,189, filed Jul. 25, 2014. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an apparatus for washing golf balls, more particularly to an automatic washer providing a timed cleaning cycle with capability to provide a multiple magazine for cleaning. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Golfing is a pleasurable sport enjoyed by millions around the world every year. A substantially white ball is played onto a green field toward a hole. Once the ball is significantly advanced from the vicinity of the player, it can be more easily located if it is clean. Further, it is advantageous to the travel of the ball being free from debris. 
         [0004]    The present inventors have recognized the need for an automatic golf ball washer that does not require one to hold down a button to clean. The present inventors have recognized the need for an automatic golf ball washer that has the capability to wash two or more golf balls at once. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides an automatic golf ball washer that includes a substantially enclosed body that can receive one or more golf balls onto a rotary carriage that spins the golf ball within a supply of washing fluid and contacts the moving golf ball with stationary brushes within the body. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an automatic golf ball washer that is cylinder in shape and held vertical, with dimensions about 5 inches×10 inches. The automatic golf ball washer is mounted to a golf cart, front or back on any 1×1 support bar. Located on the top third portion of the cylinder is a housing for the motor and electronics. Located below is a water/soap container and a golf ball carriage that hold 1-2 golf balls. Located behind the cylinder and secured to the back portion of the unit is a plunger handle that when pushed down, opens the bottom portion to allow the golfer to place 1-2 golf balls inside. Spring loaded, the bottom portion moves upward to secure the cylinder tight. 
         [0007]    Located on top of the unit is a button, that when pressed, engages the wash cycle for up to 12 seconds or less, i.e., a controlled timing. During the wash cycle, the golf balls rotate clockwise, pressing against a rubber fabric that cleans the golf balls. The golf balls are also rotated by a rubber flap mounted to the back of the wash cylinder allowing the golf balls to easily flip for cleaning. 
         [0008]    Optionally, located above each unit is an LCD screen for digital advertising. The LCD screen is attached to units specifically sold to golf courses with fleet carts. Units sold to the private golf cart owner can come without the LCD screen. 
         [0009]    According to a second embodiment, a brush is provided within the reservoir and a brush is provided above the carriage or ball tray. 
         [0010]    The present invention discloses an automatic timed golf ball cleaner. One would simply push the button once, and the cleaning cycle starts and stops automatically. 
         [0011]    The present invention version spins the entire carriage that the ball sits on, providing the possibility to clean two balls at a time. This also allows the brush material to be swapped out easily for replacements, and also provides a much more thorough cleaning cycle. 
         [0012]    The present invention is an advancement over the art in at least the following ways:
       a.) Multiple ball capacity   b.) Replaceable cleaning media designed into the functionality   c.) Automatic, and timed clean cycle for hands free cleaning   d.) Specifically designed to be mounted to a golf cart, increasing the available market coverage to include courses as well as private cart owners   e.) Design easily facilitates the addition of advertising sources       
 
         [0018]    Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention showing major components and one embodiment for mounting hardware; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an orthogonal front view detailing the gear motor and having a dual ball cradle; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an orthogonal rear view detailing a spring hook for attachment detachment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a top level view of the invention highlighting a mounting area for an optional LCD screen; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective down facing view of the invention having a partial cutaway to detail the movement of the plunger; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  shows three views, a front view, side view and top level view of the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  shows two views, a perspective and a top view of the dual ball cradle with a detail of a motor shaft key for interfacing with a motor shaft; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a ghosted view of the major components detail view of the invention showing major components and mounting hardware of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment golf ball washer of the invention showing major components and mounting hardware; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the ball washer of  FIG. 9  detailing the gear motor and having a dual ball cradle, shown in a closed, operating configuration; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10A  is a front view of the ball washer of  FIG. 10 , shown in an open, loading/unloading configuration; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a rear view of the ball washer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a top level view of the ball washer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 12A-12D  are views of the top cap portion of the ball washer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 13A-013D  are views of the bottom reservoir portion of the ball washer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 14A-14D  are views of a motor mount portion of the ball washer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 15A-15C  are views of the ball tray portion of the ball washer of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a fragmentary front view of an alternate ball washer; 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  are views of an alternate ball cradle as seen in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 18  are views of a shaft coupling used in the ball washer of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 19  are views of a shaft used in the ball washer of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 20  are views of an alternate bottom reservoir portion of the ball washer of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a ball washing apparatus; 
           [0043]      FIG. 22  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 24  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view taken generally along line  25 - 25  in  FIG. 24 ; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 21 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0049]    U.S. Provisional Application 62/029,189, filed Jul. 25, 2014 is herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0050]    A first embodiment is disclosed in  FIGS. 1-8 . A second embodiment is disclosed in  FIGS. 9-15C . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 9-15C  illustrate a ball washing apparatus  10  according to a second embodiment of the invention. The ball washing apparatus  10  includes a ball washing body  12  connectable to a canopy support post of a golf cart utilizing a mounting apparatus  32 . The ball washing body  12  includes a cap-shaped cover  16  which is removably sealed to a cap-shaped reservoir  26 . 
         [0052]    The body  12  includes an actuator  36  for opening and closing the reservoir  26  with respect to the cover  16 . The actuator  36  includes a push rod  40  and a push knob  46 . The push rod  40  comprises a square cross-section. The push rod is guided through a square hole  40   a  in a cover mount  12   a  (see  FIG. 12A ) and is fixed by adhesive, set screw, press fitting, or the like, into a square hole  40   b  in a reservoir mount  26   a  (see  FIG. 13C ). The push knob  46  can be an actual golf ball fixed to the push rod. The golf ball can have indicia on it identifying the golf ball manufacturer or any other business. This is for novelty and advertising purposes. A power push button  48  exposed through a top of the cover  16  can be pushed down to commence the ball washing operation. 
         [0053]    The mounting apparatus  32  includes a stationary bracket  32   a  mounted to the cover mount  16   a  and an angle adjustable bracket  32   b  that is mounted to the stationary bracket via a pivot bolt  32   c  and a locking bolt  32   d.  The angle adjustable bracket includes a curved slot  32   e.  When the pivot bolt  32   c  and the locking bolt  32   d  are loosened, the angle adjustable bracket  32   b  can be pivoted about the pivot bolt  32   c  and the locking bolt relatively moves, although remaining stationary, through the curved slot as the curved slot moves with the pivoting of the angle adjustable bracket  32   b.  Once the angle is correctly adjusted the bolts  32   c,    32   d  are tightened to lock the relative positions of the two brackets  32   a,    32   b.  The bracket  32   b  is fastened to a clamping bracket  32   f  which tightly captures a canopy support post or the like on a golf cart or other structure. The ball washer can thus be adjusted in angle to be substantially vertical given an angled mounting post. 
         [0054]      FIG. 10  illustrates in schematic form the push button  48  connected to a momentary switch which receives electric power from the golf cart battery or other power source or power generator. The switch is connected to a timer which delivers power for a pre-determined amount of time to an electric gearmotor  50 . The gearmotor  50  is mounted on a motor mount plate  54  by screws. A disc shaped brush  56  having downwardly directed bristles is mounted to an underside of the plate  54 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  also illustrates the reservoir  26  is sealed along a top edge of the reservoir to the plate  54  by an o-ring or other flexible element  27  of the plate  54 . An annular shaped brush  66  having upper, radially inward directed bristles  68  extending from an outer base ring  69  and facing golf balls  67   a,    67   b  to be washed; and lower, radially inward directed bristles  70  extending from the outer base ring  69  is fit snugly within the reservoir  26 . The brush  66  is reversible for a prolonged useful life by removing and inverting the brush and making the bristles  70  now face the golf balls  67   a,    67   b.  Although only the left and right profiles of the bristles are shown it is to be understood that the bristles  68 ,  70  can extend around the inside surface the base ring 69 for 360 degrees. The reservoir  26  is designed to sealingly hold a ball washing fluid, e.g., water and soap. 
         [0056]    A ball cradle  80  is shown in  FIGS. 15A-15C . The cradle  80  has the capacity to hold one or two golf balls  67   a,    67   b  and is mounted to a downwardly extended rotary output motor shaft  84  of the motor  50  via a sleeve  85 . A set screw  84   a  fixes the motor shaft  84  within the sleeve  85  and a pair of screws  96   a,    96   b  fixes the sleeve  85  to a mount portion  96  of the ball cradle  80  via holes in the portion  96  and corresponding holes in the sleeve  85 . The ball cradle  80  includes a circular ball supporting plate  86  and semi-circular ball side guides  88 ,  90 . 
         [0057]    In order to guide the downward movement of the reservoir with respect to the cap, two guide rods  102 ,  104  are provided as shown in  FIGS. 10A, 11 and 12 . The guide rods are fixed to a top of the cover mounting assembly by adhesive or press fitting or other fixing means at points  102   a,    104   a  respectively. The guide rods extend downward in parallel and are guided by guide holes  102   b,    104   b  respectively in the reservoir mount. 
         [0058]    In order for the reservoir to return to its closed operational position, two coil springs  106 ,  108  are provided as shown in  FIGS. 10, 10A and 11 . The springs  106 ,  108  are fixed at bottom ends  106   a,    106   b  respectively to a spring hook  110  mounted to the reservoir mount. Top ends  106   b,    108   b  respectively of the springs  106 ,  108  are fixed to a spring support  114  that is fixed to a top of the cover mount. Thus, when the reservoir is separated from the cap to load or unload golf balls as shown in  FIG. 10A , the springs  106 ,  108  are stretched and the reservoir is urged back up toward the cap. 
         [0059]    The plate  54  includes bosses  54   a  for screw mounting the motor  50  on one side and bosses  54   b  for screw mounting the brush  56  on the opposite side (see  FIGS. 14A-14D ). 
         [0060]    A threaded drain opening  26   c  for receiving a plug  26   d  is provided on the bottom of the reservoir (see  FIGS. 11 and 13C ). 
         [0061]    The cover  16 , the reservoir  26 , the motor mount plate  54  and ball carriage  80  can all be composed of black UV ABS. Hardware can be aluminum, stainless steel or the like. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 16-20  are views of an alternate embodiment ball washer  200 . Some components are not shown to see underlying components. For example the cover  16  is not shown and the reservoir  326  is shown in  FIG. 20 . All the components of assembly of the ball washer  10  are included in the ball washer  200  and are identical and serve identical functions as in the ball washer  10 , except as noted. According to this embodiment, an alternate ball cradle  280  is used that is fixed to a shaft  290  via two roller pins  291 ,  292  (shown also in  FIG. 18 ). The shaft  290  is also coupled to a coupling  300  using a roller pin  301 (shown also in  FIG. 18 ). The coupling includes a semi-circumferential slot  306 . The roller pin  301  is fixed into the shaft  290  and captured in the slot  306 . The slot allows a rotational lost motion between the shaft  290  and the shaft  330  of the motor  50 . Thus after the wash cycle is complete, and the ball washer opened, the user can manually rotate the ball cradle in the opposite direction of the motor turning direction, within the angular limit of the slot, to facilitate removal of the golf balls. This is convenient in the case that the motor stops with one of the balls in the back of the washer. The coupling  300  is attached to a motor shaft  330  of the gearmotor  50  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) by a set screw  331  in a tapped hole  332  (shown also in  FIG. 18 ). 
         [0063]    The ball cradle  280  includes a top plate  281 , a central portion  282  for receiving the shaft  290  through a hole  283 , curved sidewalls  284 ,  285  for guiding golf balls and bottom walls  286 ,  287  for supporting golf balls. 
         [0064]      FIG. 20  shows the reservoir  326  includes a brass bushing  327  fixed to the bottom of the reservoir that receives a bottom end of the shaft  290  when the reservoir is raised to the closed position for golf ball washing. The shaft extends  290  down into the bushing  327  to stabilize the rotation of the ball cradle from wobbling during the wash cycle. 
         [0065]    A further embodiment is disclosed in  FIGS. 21-26 . 
         [0066]      FIGS. 21-26  illustrate a ball washing apparatus  500 . The ball washing apparatus  500  includes a ball washing body  502  connectable to a canopy support post of a golf cart utilizing a mounting apparatus  507 . The ball washing body  502  includes a lid  506  which is hinged to a cap-shaped housing  512 . 
         [0067]    The body  502  includes a knob  526  for opening and closing the lid  506  with respect to the housing  512 . The knob  526  is fastened to the lid with a fastener. The knob  526  can be in the form of a golf ball, or an actual golf ball. The golf ball can have indicia on it identifying the golf ball manufacturer or any other business. This is for novelty and advertising purposes. 
         [0068]    The mounting apparatus  507  includes a stationary bracket  540  mounted to the housing  512 , by screws or other means, and an angle adjustable bracket  542 . The angle adjustable bracket  542  is comprised of two mirror image configured members  542   a,    542   b.  The bracket  542  is mounted to the stationary bracket  540  via a pivot bolt  543  and nut passed through aligned pivot holes  544  through both brackets  540 ,  542 , and a locking bolt  545  and nut that can be inserted through selectable holes  546  through both brackets  540 ,  542  to set an angular orientation between the two brackets  540 ,  542 . To adjust the angle between the brackets  540 ,  542 , the bolt  543  is loose while the bolt  545  is not installed into the holes  546 . The bracket  542  can be pivoted with respect to the bracket  540  until a selectable hole grouping  546  is aligned to receive the bolt  545  which is passed through the selected holes  546 . Once the angle is correctly adjusted, the bolts  543 ,  545  and corresponding nuts are tightened to lock the relative positions of the two brackets  540 ,  542 . Unlike the previous embodiment, a curved slot is not used to adjust the angle, rather a plurality of holes  546  are used between the brackets  540 ,  542  which align or register corresponding to incremental angular orientations of the bracket  542  with respect to the bracket  540 . 
         [0069]    The bracket  542  is clamped to a canopy support post or the like on a golf cart or other structure. The bracket  542  is clamped by two bolts and corresponding nuts (not shown) that span through upper holes  560  and lower holes  562  respectively and when tightened, clamps the canopy support post between the members  542   a,    542   b.  The members  542   a,    542   b  include inward facing ridges  566  that define, with inward facing walls  568 , a rectangular space for capturing the canopy support post in a confined clamped area that prevents angular tilting of the bracket  542  on the canopy support post. The ball washing apparatus can thus be attached at an angle to be substantially vertical given an angled mounting post. 
         [0070]      FIG. 25  illustrates in schematic form the push button  580  connected to a momentary switch  582  which receives electric power from the golf cart battery or other power source or power generator. The switch is connected to a timer  586  which delivers power for a pre-determined amount of time to an electric gearmotor  590 . As an alternative to the push button  580 , the closing of the lid  506  can trigger the timer  586 . Opening of the lid can automatically stop the motor. 
         [0071]    The gearmotor  590  is mounted to a bottom of the housing  512  by screws or other means. A cup shaped basin  604  has a cup shaped scrubbing pad  606  within. The basin is configured to hold cleaning fluid for washing the golf balls. The basin  604  includes a central pipe  610 . The pad  606  includes a central hole for allowing the pipe to extend therethrough so that the pad can be fit snugly down onto the bottom of the basin and rising up along the walls of the basin. A rubber gasket  613  seals the lid  506  to an upper rim of the basin  604  when the lid is closed. 
         [0072]    A ball paddle body  620  ( FIG. 26 ) is mounted to a drive shaft  624  via a fastener  622 . The ball paddle body  620  includes four curved paddles  620   a  curved toward each other in pairs to hold two golf balls, one golf ball between each pair of paddles that are curved toward each other. The drive shaft  624  is connected to the gearmotor  590 . The ball paddle body  620  fits snuggly between the pipe and the pad and is configured to receive two golf balls. The paddles  620   a  have slots  620   b  to allow cleaning fluid to pass through the paddles. The basin and pad are stationary with respect to the housing  512  while the gearmotor  590  and the drive shaft spin the paddles. During operation the golf balls spin revolve with the spinning paddle in the cleaning fluid and are cleaned by contact with the pad. The golf balls will also tend to spin during revolution of the golf balls about the spinning axis of the ball paddle body  620 . 
         [0073]    A cup shaped cover  650  is fastened to a bottom of the housing  512  and encloses the gearmotor  590  and electronics. 
         [0074]    The paddles  620  are removable through the top by opening the lid  506  and unfastening the fastener  622 . The pad  606  is then removable through the top, as is the basin  604 . The basin pipe  610  slides upward over the shaft  624 . The parts can be cleaned easily or replaced and reinstalled. 
         [0075]    The lid  506 , housing  512  and cover  650  are preferably impact and UV resistant plastic. 
         [0076]    In operation, the basin  604  is filled with cleaning fluid, the lid  506  is opened, two golf balls are inserted into the wash basin  604  onto the scrubbing pad  606 , each golf ball fit within two paddles  620   a.  The lid  506  is closed and the start button  580  is activated to begin a 15 second wash cycle. The wash cycle shuts off after 15 seconds. 
         [0077]    From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.

Technology Category: a