GRIP CLEANING DEVICE

This application claims the benefit of pending application, Ser. No. 16/559,397, filed on Sep. 3, 2019, entitled Grip Cleaning Device.

Gripping portions of golf clubs, tennis rackets, and like items become sticky, greasy and generally dirty after use and over a period of time. There is a need for grip and handle washers, and there are multiple prior patents disclosing a variety of grip washing devices.

However, the prior grip washers tend to be relatively complicated and relatively expensive including motorized brushes. Several are not environmentally friendly and require the use of liquid detergent which is not convenient when playing golf or tennis for example. Several prior grip washers only clean on side of the grip at a time leading to uneven cleaning and results. Other prior grip cleaners include abrasive brushes that can prematurely age the grip.

There is a need for a simple and inexpensive grip cleaner that is disposable, enviromentally friendly, requiring no handling of liquid while providing a consistent gentle cleaning around the grip. The device can be used while playing sports such as golf or tennis and be easily portable. Furthermore there is a need to combine a grip cleaner with a clud head cleaner to limit the amount of devices required to be carried.

In one aspect, a handle grip cleaning device is disclosed having a tubular cleaning material soaked with cleaning product and loosely fitted inside a tubular outer sleeve, one or more handle grip can be slidably inserted into the hole of the tubular cleaning material moved up and down said tubular cleaning material to clean said handle grip while holding the tubular outer sleeve.

In another embodiment, a string is attached to the tubular outer sleeve and is used to tear some of the tubular outer sleeve to expose the tubular cleaning material for cleaning one or more object.

In another aspect, a cleaning device is disclosed having an outer support housing having a tubular configuration. The outer support housing has an outer support housing length and an outer wall. The outer wall defines an outer housing internal cavity that extends the length of the outer support housing while the outer housing internal cavity being substantially circular. A mount is secured to the outer wall and has securing opening configured to receive a securing device. A substantially tubular cleaning material fitted inside the outer housing internal cavity.

In another aspect, a cleaning device is disclosed having an inner support housing having a tubular configuration having an inner support housing length and an inner wall. The inner wall defines an inner housing internal cavity that extends the length of the inner support housing. The inner support housing has an outer diameter slightly small than the diameter of outer housing internal cavity so that internal support housing can be located within outer support housing.

In some of these aspects, the inner support housing further has one or more locking pins that are configured to interact with a locking opening located in the wall of outer support housing.

The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out in the specification. The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, an embodiment of the cleaning device 100 of the present invention is disclosed. A substantially tubular cleaning material 104 is loosely fitted in a substantially tubular outer sleeve 101. The tubular cleaning material 104 can be made of flexible absorbing material, for example, but not limited to, a sponge-like material or absorbent cloth, to soak cleaning product and provide a gentle abrasive to clean the handle grip 106. Preferably the tubular cleaning material 104 and the cleaning product are disposable in an environmentally friendly manner.

The tubular outer sleeve 101 is made of flexible tearable material that is preferably waterproof to prevent the cleaning product to dry.

A string 102 may optionally be secured to the inside of the tubular outer sleeve 100 to tear the tubular outer sleeve 100.

The tubular cleaning material 104 includes an interior cavity 108 having an length and an access hole 110 that is configured to receive a handle grip 106. The length of the tubular cleaning material 104 is slightly longer than the handle grip 106 and the width of the hole 110 is slightly wider than the handle grip 106 such that the handle grip 106 can be inserted and moved in the hole of the tubular cleaning material 104. The tubular outer sleeve 101 is sized to fit the tubular cleaning material 104.

In operation, before the first use, both ends of the tubular outer sleeve 101 are closed, enclosing the cleaning material 104 to keep the tubular cleaning material 104 moist. To utilize cleaning device 100, the end of tubular outer sleeve 101 proximate of the hole 110is torn open to allow the handle grip 106 to be inserted into the cavity 108.

FIG. 2 shows the handle grip 106 being slidably inserted and moved up and down the tubular cleaning material tubular cleaning material 104 while holding the device 100 on the tubular outer sleeve 101 for cleaning the handle grip 106. The pressure applied on the tubular outer sleeve 101 can vary to clean the handle grip 106 deeper.

The tubular shape provides consistent cleaning around the surface of the handle grip 106. Multiple handle grip 106 can be cleaned using the same device.

In another embodiment a string 102 is secured to the inside of the tubular outer sleeve 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, an embodiment of the cleaning device 100 having a pull string 102 is disclosed. Pull string 102 is shown to extend from the exterior of the outer sleeve 101 into the interior of cleaning device 100 between the outer sleeve 101 and the cleaning material 104. Pull string 102 can be pulled to tear part of the tubular outer sleeve 101 away to expose some of the tubular cleaning material 104. The device can then also be used to clean other objects, such as the club face of a golf club or the strings of a tennis racket for examples.

The device can be sized to clean any type and sizes of grips, not limited to grips of sporting equipment.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, an additional embodiment of the cleaning device 200 is disclosed. This embodiment is configured to clean pipes that are secured at one or both ends. Cleaning device 200 may include a substantially tubular cleaning material 204 that is loosely fitted within a substantially tubular outer sleeve 201. The tubular cleaning material 204 that may be soaked with a cleaning product and can include an interior cavity 208 extending the length of the cleaning material and a first access hole 210 and a second access hole 212 at the opposing ends of the cleaning material 204. Cleaning material 204 is configured to clean pipes that are secured at one or both ends. A pull string 202 may be secured to the inside of interior cavity 208 that is configured to longitudinally tear open the cleaning material 204 to expose the interior cavity 208 when pulled. The torn cleaning material 204 may be fitted around the pipe such that the pipe sits within the opening. The cleaning material may be moved along the pipe in order to clean the pipe.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-20, additional embodiments of the cleaning device 300 of the present invention is disclosed.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, cleaning device 300 includes an outer support housing 310 having a tubular configuration having a length 311 and a wall 312 defining an outer housing internal cavity 314 that extends the length 311 of the housing 310.

A substantially tubular cleaning material 320 is fitted in the outer support housing 310. The tubular cleaning material 320 can be made of flexible absorbing material, for example, but not limited to, a sponge-like material or cloth, to soak cleaning product and provide a gentle abrasive to clean a handle grip 302, or from stiff or soft bristles. Preferably the tubular cleaning material 320 and the cleaning product are disposable in an environmentally friendly manner. Further, the cleaning product may or may not be provided with the tubular cleaning material 320. This allows the user to either utilize tubular cleaning material 320 that is pre-loaded with cleaning product or to load cleaning product of the user's choice into the tubularcleaning material 320.

The tubular cleaning material 320 includes a cleaning material interior cavity 322 that is configured to receive handle grip 302. The width of the cleaning material interior cavity 322 is slightly wider than the handle grip 302 such that the handle grip 302 can be inserted and moved in the cleaning material interior cavity 322 of the tubular cleaning material 320.

In this embodiment, the length of the tubular cleaning material 320 and the cleaning material interior cavity 322 is substantially the same as the length 311 of the outer support housing 310. This is illustrative and not meant to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the length of the tubular cleaning material 320 may be longer or shorter than the outer support housing 310 and/or the cleaning material interior cavity 322 may be shorter than the length of the tubular cleaning material 320.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, cleaning material interior cavity 322 has a length 323 that is less than the length 311 of the outer support housing 310. This length 323 allows for the cleaning of handle grip 302 without ending handle grip 302 completely through outer support housing 310.

Mount 316 secured to the wall 312, having securing opening 318—configured to receive a securing device, such as but not limited to a screw or hook. For purposes of this disclosure, the term golf cart securing device will be used. However, this is not limiting as the securing device may be located on other locations and for other sports, such as tennis.

In operation, the mount 316 of the cleaning device 300 is initially removably secured to a golf cart securing device. When a handle grip is needed to be cleaned, the cleaning device 300 is removed from the golf cart securing device for use. Handle grip 302 is slidably inserted into cleaning material interior cavity 322 and moved through the tubular cleaning material 320 allowing the handle grip 302 to be cleaned. Upon completion of use, the cleaning device 300 may be again removably secured to the golf cart securing device.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, some embodiments include removable protective end caps 326. End caps 326 may be formed from a rubber or other durable material and can be dimensioned to provide protection to the interior of outer support housing 310 during periods of non-use.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 13-17, cleaning device 300 also includes an inner support housing 330 having a tubular configuration having a length 331 and a wall 332 defining an inner housing internal cavity 334 that extends the length 331 of the housing 330. The outer diameter of inner support housing 330 is dimensioned slightly small than the outer housing internal cavity 314 so that internal support housing 330 be located within outer support housing 310.

Inner support housing 330 further includes one or more locking pins 336 that are configured to interact with a locking opening 317 located in the wall 312 of outer support housing 310. In this embodiment, two locking pins 336 are shown. This is illustrative and not meant to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more locking pins may be utilized. When inner support housing 330 is placed within outer support housing 310, pin 336 is configured to engage with locking opening 317 in order to secure inner support housing 330 to outer support housing 310.

In these embodiments, substantially tubular cleaning material 340 is fitted in the inner support housing 330 and includes a cleaning material interior cavity 342 having a length that is substantially the same as the length 331 of the inner support housing 330 or a length 343 that is less than the length 331 of the outer support housing 310, as illustrated in FIG. 15.

In some of these embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, tubular cleaning material 340 may be removable from inner support housing 330. This allows for device 300 to receive a new cleaning material 340 after use. This provides for a reusable housing and a disposable cleaning material.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, some embodiments include removable protective end caps 356. End caps 356 may be formed from a rubber or other durable material and can be dimensioned to provide protection to the interior of outer support housing 310 and inner support housing 330 during periods of non-use.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, in some embodiments, mount 316 is replaced by a flexible strap 360 having a first end 362 and a second end 364, with first end 362 being secured to outer support housing 310. Strap 360 may be made from any material that can be flexible and water/weather resistant. A first part 368A of two-part snap connector 266 is secured to strap 360 proximate to first end 362. A second part 368B of the two-part snap connector is secured to strap 360 proximate to second end 264. The second part 368B of snap connector 360 is configured to engage with, and become secured to, the first part 368A of snap connector 360. Strap 360 is configured to wrap around a post, bar or other support structure 370, when the two ends of strap are not engaged, as illustrated by the shadow lines. When the two parts of the snap connector 360 engage with each other, securing strap 360 is thereby secured around the post, bar or other support structure 370. As strap 360 is secured at its first end 362 to outer support housing 310, outer support housing 310 is also secured to the post, bar or other support structure 370. The two-part connector is illustrated to be a snap connector. This illustrative and meant to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other connectors may be utilized, such a hook and mesh connectors.

As illustrated in FIGS. 23-27, in some embodiments, the cleaning device 300 further includes a brush assembly. Brush assembly is designed to provide the capability to clean a hard surface, such as the face of a golf club. Brush assembly is shown with cleaning device 300. This is for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that brush assembly 380 may be included with any embodiment of the cleaning device.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-24, brush assembly 380 includes a U-shaped clip 382 that is configured to engage with the wall 312 of the outer support housing 310. U-shaped clip 382 can be made from the same or similar material used with the manufacture of the outer support housing 310. Projecting from an outer surface of U-shaped clip 382 are a plurality of bristles 384, which are also referred to as filaments.

The plurality of bristles 384 can be made from one or more stiff, movement resistant material that will provide the capability to clean a surface, such as a face of a golf club. The stiff nature of the bristles allows for further cleaning of grooves located on the surfaces being cleaned.

In these embodiments, the U-shaped clip may be removable from wall 312. This can allow for the use of multiple brush assembly 380, with each having bristles being made from different materials, such as metal, plastic and nylon.

In operation, brush assembly 380 may be oriented with the plurality of bristles 384 being located on the outside of, and projecting away from, the outer support housing 310. This allows for the use to access brush assembly 380 when there is a need to clean a piece of golf equipment. Further, when not in use, brush assembly 380 may be oriented with the plurality of bristles 384 being located on the inside of the outer support housing 310. This will provide ability to protect the bristles from damage, as well prevent injury to the user or damage to clothing or other equipment.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 25-27, brush assembly 390 includes a brush head 392 and two guide channel slots 395 which are configured to engage with the wall 312 of the outer support housing 310. Brush head 392 can be made from the same or similar material used with the manufacture of the outer support housing 310. Projecting from an outer surface of brush head 392 are a plurality of bristles 394, which are also referred to as filaments.

As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, illustrates guide channel slots 395 in the wall 312 of outer support housing 310. The guide channel slots 395 are configured to engage corresponding recessed channel slots 393 on the sides of the brush assembly 390. As shown generally in FIG. 27, the recessed channels slots 393 of the brush head are slidably received within corresponding guide channel slots 395 located within the wall 312 of the outer support housing 310.

In these embodiments, the brush assembly may be removable from wall 312. This can allow for the use of multiple brush assemblies, with each having bristles being made from different materials, such as metal, plastic and nylon.

In operation, the brush assembly may be oriented with the plurality of bristles 384 being located on the outside of, and projecting away from, the outer support housing 310. This allows for the use to access brush assembly when there is a need to clean a piece of golf equipment. Further, when not in use, brush assembly may be oriented with the plurality of bristles 384 being located on the inside of the outer support housing 310. This will provide ability to protect the bristles from damage, as well prevent injury to the user or damage to clothing or other equipment.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment(s) were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.