Brushing – scrubbing – and general cleaning – Implements – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-16
2001-06-12
Graham, Gary K. (Department: 1744)
Brushing, scrubbing, and general cleaning
Implements
Combined
C015S161000, C015S237000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243907
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to golf accessories and, more particularly, to a golf shoe cleaning device for simultaneously cleaning the sole, cleats, and sides of a golfer's shoe while the golfer remains in a standing position.
Golf shoes typically include cleats which provide improved traction to a golfer who often needs to address the golf ball while standing on a variety of different surfaces, such as grass, dirt, sand, and mud. The golfer's traction becomes increasingly impaired as the cleats become filled with grass, mud, etc. A lack of adequate traction may result in an errant shot by the golfer or even injury to the golfer.
Several devices have been proposed for cleaning the soles or cleats of a golf shoe. Some devices require the golfer to grasp the cleaning device and first scrape the soles or cleats and then the sides of the shoe. Use of these devices usually requires the golfer to be seated or to remove the muddy shoe. Other devices such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,117 to Johnson et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,589 to Moultrie do not provide a cleaning surface that is covered and stored such that the dirt or grass on the cleaning surface does not contaminate other items.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a golf shoe cleaning device that can simultaneously clean the sole, cleats, and sides of a golf shoe as it is scraped across a cleaning surface. It is also desirable that a golfer can clean a golf shoe while remaining in an upright position. Further, it is desirable to have a device in which the cleaning surface can be covered when not in use so as to eliminate contact between the cleaning surface and adjacent items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A golf shoe cleaning device constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a cleaning member having generally parallel upper and lower planar surfaces. The lower surface allows the cleaning member to be placed upon the ground during use. The upper surface includes opposing side walls. A plurality of bristles extends upwardly from the upper surface as well as extending inwardly from each of the side walls. Thus, the sole, cleats, and sides of a golf shoe may be cleaned simultaneously as a shoe is scraped across the cleaning member.
The device further includes a plate pivotally coupled to an end of the cleaning member. In an open position, a golfer may place one foot on the plate while scraping the shoe of the other foot across the cleaning member. Thus, the cleaning member is held substantially stationary by the weight of the golfer on the plate. The plate may be pivoted to a closed position in which the plate is parallel to the upper surface of the cleaning member and completely covers the bristles so that grass, dirt, etc. is not dislodged during storage.
The device may also include another plate slidably attached to the sides of the cleaning member and extendable therefrom. With the second plate extended, a golfer may stand on either plate while scraping the shoe of the other foot across the cleaning member.
It is therefore a general object of this invention to provide a golf shoe cleaning device for cleaning the soles, cleats, and sides of golf shoes.
Another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, having horizontally and vertically disposed bristles which simultaneously clean the sole, cleats, and sides of a golf shoe as the shoe is scraped across a cleaning member.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, which may be held stationary by one foot of a user while cleaning the golf shoe on the other of the user's feet.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, which can clean the shoes of a user while the user remains in an upright position.
A further object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, having a cover plate pivotal between open and closed positions such that the cover plate may cover the bristles to prevent debris from contaminating surrounding items.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, having teeth for scraping mud from a shoe.
Another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, which may be grasped and used as a hand brush.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.
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Graham Gary K.
Ream Dale J.
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