Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Spanner
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-22
2001-01-09
Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Spanner
C081S003480, C081S120000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170364
ABSTRACT:
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX
This application is not referenced in any microfiche appendix.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a securing tool used for removing or installing golf spike made of soft polyurethane or other rubber material.
2. Prior Art
For years, metal spikes have been attached to golf shoes in order to assist the user with traction on the golf course. Special tools have been developed in order to assist in the installation and removal of these spikes.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,525,222 issued to Holt which discloses a tool for such a purpose. This tool includes a handle, a shaft connected to the handle at one end and having a head portion connected to the other end of the shaft. The outer portion of the head portion is recessed in order to receive a golf spike or cleat. The head portion also includes two pins protruding beyond the outer surface of the head. These pins were fitted into corresponding recesses within the spike in order to gain traction in order to rotate the spike into or out of the sole of the golf shoe. Due to the spikes being constructed of a metal material, the pins are a necessity.
Many other designs for golf spike tools have been disclosed. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,881,884; 4,679,468; 5,048,138; 5,272,943; 5,284,072; 5,400,680. While all the prior art patents modify the '222 Patent, and disclose different methods and apparatuses for securing golf spikes, they all have a common feature, that being, they are designed for use with metal spikes by utilizing securing pins to rotate a target spike.
In recent years, a new type of spike has been developed out of polyurethane or similar material. Because this type of spike causes less damage to golf course and golf facilities, they are becoming more and more popular to use. With the increase of use, multiple designs are being created, with and without recesses for securing pins. Since the prior art relies upon securing pins to rotate a target spike, these prior art tools are not suited for use with these new spikes. Thus, there is a need for a golf spike tool designed specifically for use with golf spikes made of polyurethane or similar material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed toward a securing tool used for removing or installing golf spike made of soft polyurethane or other rubber material. The invention generally comprises a handle, a shaft having a first end and a second end, and a head.
The handle is connected to the first end of the shaft. It can be removably connected for ease of storage. Through the handle, rotational force which rotates the target spike is applied.
The head is connected to the second end of the shaft. It can be removably connected for ease of storage. The head has a body which defines a spike engaging end and a shaft engaging end. The shaft engaging end interfits with the second end of the shaft. The spike engaging end is recessed to form a recessed portion having a lip having an outer edge and a recessed surface.
A plurality of teeth, each having a mounting end and spike engaging prongs at the other end, are utilized to provide traction to a target spike. The mounting end of each tooth is pivotally mounted with the head. The prongs extend outward from the spike engaging end of the head beyond the recessed surface.
In operation, a target spike is placed within the recessed portion. The spike engaging prongs of the teeth secure the spike by slightly penetrating its surface. Rotational force is applied to the handle, causing the tool to rotate. The spike, by being secured by the prongs, rotates along with the tool.
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus embodying simple effective means for inserting or removing a golf spike.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an golf tool apparatus which can be utilized with golf spikes of a polyurethane or similar material.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can be easily portable and storable.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 306471 (1990-03-01), Gabbert, Jr.
patent: D. 343558 (1994-01-01), Latraverse et al.
patent: D. 353315 (1994-12-01), Romeo
patent: D. 356016 (1995-03-01), Jewell
patent: D. 359335 (1995-06-01), Cartwright
patent: D. 359895 (1995-07-01), Snow
patent: 1518222 (1924-12-01), Sather
patent: 2525222 (1950-10-01), Holt
patent: 2881648 (1959-04-01), Hottle
patent: 4262562 (1981-04-01), MacNeill
patent: 4480514 (1984-11-01), Ponziani
patent: 4679468 (1987-07-01), Gray
patent: 5048138 (1991-09-01), Everroad
patent: 5146813 (1992-09-01), Stanfill, Jr.
patent: 5272943 (1993-12-01), Edwards
patent: 5284072 (1994-02-01), Smith
patent: 5400680 (1995-03-01), Spangler
Head Johnson & Kachigian
Smith James G.
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