U.S. patent application number 10/222422 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-14 for golf ball marker and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Andresen, Edward A..
Application Number | 20030153396 10/222422 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46281040 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030153396 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andresen, Edward A. |
August 14, 2003 |
Golf ball marker and method therefor
Abstract
An improved golf ball marker comprises a cap having a generally
hemispherical hollow, the hollow having approximately the same
dimensions as one half of a standard golf ball, the cap having
first and second linear slits forming a "T" shaped slit
configuration for marking a golf ball inserted in the hollow with a
"T" mark comprising a seam indicator line and a club alignment
line. The golf ball is positioned and oriented in the hollow of the
cap such that the seam is aligned with the first linear slit for
making the seam indicator line on the ball with a marker and the
second linear slit is perpendicular to the seam for making the club
alignment line on the ball.
Inventors: |
Andresen, Edward A.;
(Concord, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEESON SKINNER BEVERLY LLP
ONE KAISER PLAZA, SUITE 2360
OAKLAND
CA
94612
US
|
Family ID: |
46281040 |
Appl. No.: |
10/222422 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10222422 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
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10192489 |
Jul 9, 2002 |
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10192489 |
Jul 9, 2002 |
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09679216 |
Oct 5, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/280 ;
473/257; 473/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3688 20130101;
A63B 69/3655 20130101; A63B 45/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/280 ;
473/257; 473/268 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A golf ball marker comprising: a cap having an inside surface
bounding a generally hemispherical interior hollow, said hollow
having approximately the dimensions of a half a standard golf ball,
said cap further having a first linear slit, said first linear slit
having a top end, and a second linear slit normal to said first
linear slit, said second linear slit having a midpoint, and said
second linear slit bisected by said top end of said first linear
slit, said slits for marking a golf ball received in said hollow
through said slits.
2. The golf ball marker of claim 1 wherein: said slits form a "T"
shape.
3. The golf ball marker of claim 1 for use in association with a
golf ball having a cover, the cover having two pieces joined
together at an annular seam, the golf ball having an axis defining
two opposite poles, the golf ball manufacturer's name imprinted on
the cover at one or both of the poles, and the seam approximately
coincident with a center plane perpendicular to the axis midway
between the poles, wherein: said slits of said cap are for making a
"T" mark on the golf ball in said hollow, and when the center plane
of the golf ball is aligned with said first linear slit, said "T"
mark comprising a seam indicator line made on the golf ball through
said first linear slit for indicating the location of the seam of
the golf ball.
4. The golf ball marker of claim 3 wherein: said "T" mark further
comprises a club alignment line made on the golf ball through said
second linear slit, said club alignment line is perpendicular to
said seam indicator line, and said club alignment line is for
providing a visual aid to which to bring into parallel alignment
the face of a golf club such that, when the golf ball is struck
with that golf club, the golf ball will tend to roll on the
seam.
5. The golf ball marker of claim 3 wherein: said club alignment
line is coincident with a vertical plane passing through the center
of the golf ball.
6. The golf ball marker of claim 3 wherein: said second linear slit
has a slight curvature away from said first linear slit such that
said club alignment line is coincident with a vertical plane
passing through but offset from the center of the golf ball.
7. The golf ball marker of claim 6 wherein: when a golf ball so
marked is viewed from above, said club alignment line is offset
from the center of the golf ball and appears to be a straight
line.
8. The golf ball marker of claim 3 further including: said cap
having two outwardly extending tabs disposed in approximate polar
opposition for holding said cap.
9. The golf ball marker of claim 3 further including: said inside
surface of said cap having an annular open end, said annular open
end having approximately the diameter of that of a standard golf
ball, said annular open end having a plurality of inwardly
extending protrusions for removably holding a golf ball in said
hollow.
10. The golf ball marker of claim 9 wherein: said plurality of
protrusions comprises four protrusions.
11. The golf ball marker of claim 3 further including: said inside
surface of said cap having an annular open end, said annular open
end interrupted by at least one gap.
12. The golf ball marker of claim 11 wherein: said at least one gap
is a fingertip-sized concavity.
13. The golf ball marker of claim 1 further including: means for
marking a golf ball received in said hollow through said slits.
14. A golf ball marker for use in association with a golf ball
having a cover, the cover having two pieces joined together at an
annular seam, the golf ball having an axis defining two opposite
poles, the golf club manufacturer's name imprinted on the cover at
one or both of the poles, and the seam approximately coincident
with a center plane perpendicular to the axis midway between the
poles, the marker comprising: a cap having an inside surface
bounding a generally hemispherical interior hollow, said hollow
having approximately the dimensions of half a standard golf ball,
said inside surface of said cap having an annular open end, said
annular open end interrupted by at least one fingertip-sized
concavity, said cap further having a first linear slit, said first
linear slit having a top end, a second linear slit normal to said
first linear slit, said second linear slit having a midpoint, and
said second linear slit bisected by said top end of said first
linear slit, and said slits of said cap are for making a "T" mark
on the golf ball in said hollow, and when the center plane of the
golf ball is aligned with said first linear slit, said "T" mark
comprising a seam indicator line made on the golf ball through said
first linear slit for indicating the location of the seam of the
golf ball.
15. The golf ball marker of claim 14 further comprising: said
annular open end having approximately the diameter of that of a
standard golf ball, said annular open end having a plurality of
inwardly extending protrusions for removably holding a golf ball in
said hollow.
16. The golf ball marker of claim 15 further including: said cap
having two outwardly extending tabs disposed in approximate polar
opposition for holding said cap.
17. A golf ball marker for use in association with a golf ball
having a cover, the cover having two pieces joined together at an
annular seam, the golf ball having an axis defining two opposite
poles, the golf club manufacturer's name imprinted on the cover at
one or both of the poles, and the seam approximately coincident
with a center plane perpendicular to the axis midway between the
poles, the marker comprising: a cap having an inside surface
bounding a generally hemispherical interior hollow, said hollow
having approximately the dimensions of half a standard golf ball,
said inside surface of said cap having an annular open end, said
annular open end having approximately the diameter of that of a
standard golf ball, said annular open end interrupted by at least
one fingertip-sized concavity, said annular open end having four
inwardly extending opposing protrusions for removably holding a
golf ball in said hollow, said cap further having a first linear
slit, said first linear slit having a top end, a second linear slit
normal to said first linear slit, said second linear slit having a
midpoint, and said second linear slit bisected by said top end of
said first linear slit, and said cap having two outwardly extending
tabs disposed in approximate polar opposition for holding said cap,
and said slits of said cap are for making a "T" mark on the golf
ball in said hollow, and when the center plane of the golf ball is
aligned with said first linear slit, said "T" mark comprising a
seam indicator line made on the golf ball through said first linear
slit for indicating the location of the seam of the golf ball, and
said "T" mark further comprising a club alignment line made on the
golf ball through said second linear slit, said club alignment line
in perpendicular disposition relative to said seam indicator line,
and said club alignment line for providing a visual aid to which to
bring into parallel alignment the face of a golf club such that,
when the golf ball is struck with that golf club, the golf ball
will tend to roll on the seam.
18. A method for marking a golf ball of the type having a cover,
the cover having two pieces joined together at an annular seam, the
golf ball having an axis defining two opposite poles, the golf club
manufacturer's name imprinted on the cover at one or both of the
poles, and the seam approximately coincident with a center plane
perpendicular to the axis midway between the poles, the method
comprising: inserting the golf ball substantially into a cap having
an inside surface bounding a generally hemispherical interior
hollow, said hollow having approximately the dimensions of half a
standard golf ball, orienting the golf ball in said cap so that the
center plane of the golf ball is aligned with a first linear slit
in said cap, said first linear slit having a top end, pressing the
golf ball, so oriented, fully into said cap, holding the golf ball
in said cap, marking a seam indicator line on the golf ball through
said first linear slit, said seam indicator line associated with
the seam of the golf ball, marking a club alignment line on the
golf ball through a second linear slit in said cap, said second
linear slit normal to said first linear slit, said second linear
slit further having a midpoint, and said second linear slit
bisected by said top end of said first linear slit, said seam
indicator line and said club alignment line forming a "T" mark on
the golf ball, such that the club alignment line is normal to said
seam indicator line and forms an alignment aid for positioning
parallel thereto a golf club for striking the golf club such that
the golf ball thereafter rolls along its seam, and removing the
golf ball from the cap for playing the golf ball in a golf
game.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein: removing the golf ball includes
placing a finger in a finger-sized concavity in an annular open end
of said inside surface of said cap, and pressing the finger against
the golf ball.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein: pressing the golf ball fully
into said cap further includes pressing the golf ball between a
plurality of protrusions extending inwardly from an annular open
end of said inside surface of said cap, and holding the golf ball
in said cap includes holding the golf ball between said plurality
of protrusions.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
10/192489 filed Jul. 9, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to golf ball markers and in
particular to an apparatus and method for marking a golf ball to
locate the seam of the golf ball's cover.
[0003] It is well known to mark golf balls for a variety of
purposes including ball identification, stroke analysis, and club
alignment. Prior art ball marking apparatuses have been numerous
and varied ranging from devices for application of varying
geometric markings of contrasting color affixed to the surface of a
golf ball to those for markings made during actual impact of
various club heads on the face of the golf ball. Representative
examples of the art are briefly described below.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,799 to Balmat discloses a golf ball
having equatorial and nonequatorial bands displayed in colors
contrasting to the color of the ball. The bands provide a
navigational aid to improve positioning of the golfer and club head
alignment. U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,862 to Chen discloses a strip of
paper having a calibrating grid for adhering to a golf ball. When
the golf ball and paper are struck by a club, a mark is imparted to
the paper adjacent the grid. The spot marked on the ball may be
correlated with the ball flight.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,046 to Koch discloses a golf ball having
a multitude of separate and distinct identifying marks spaced apart
to that at least one mark is visible no matter how the ball comes
to lie. U.S. Pat. No. 2,709,595 to de Vries provides a practice
putting golf ball marked with a narrow stripe around the equator of
the ball thereby forming a gauge line. If the stripe is aligned
with the direction of the target hole, when the ball is struck the
stripe will appear wider depending upon the deviation of the angle
of the strike from the gauge line thereby acting as a practice
aid.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,719 to Mook discloses a spin
communicating ball marked by coloring various sections of the ball
with different colors that mix and form new colors when the ball is
spun. U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,921 to Worst discloses a golf ball
substantially covered with dimples except for an undimpled patch
formed on the outer surface for use as a smooth putter-contacting
surface.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,851 to Brandell discloses a golf ball
marker embodying type pieces shaped so that the ball-engaging
portions of the printing characters to be impressed onto the ball
conform to the curvature of the outer surface of the ball and
wherein the force applied to the type pieces during marking are
such that all portions of the printing characters are pressed onto
the ball in a substantially normal direction to the ball surface at
the points engaged. U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,587 to Foley discloses a
golf ball marking device discloses a template member including a
main body that forms a resiliently-deformable retention cavity for
frictionally securing a golf ball inserted therein. A marking slot
extending through the main body allows use of a marking device to
mark a ball secured in the cavity.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,223 to Newcomb discloses a golf ball
stencil for marking a plus (+) sign on a golf ball to assist the
golfer in squaring the golf club to the intended line of ball path
direction.
[0009] As with many of the prior art devices, the present invention
relates generally to an apparatus and method for marking golf balls
for advantageous alignment with the pin and improved golf stroke
accuracy. While prior art marking devices perform numerous salutary
functions as described above, none provide an alignment mark on the
ball which is beneficially associated with the internal structure
of the ball.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A golf ball marker according to the invention is directed to
marking of a golf ball to indicate the location of the seam of the
golf ball's cover. Golf balls are commonly constructed by encasing
a core with a two-piece cover, the two pieces joined together at an
annular seam midway between the two spherical "poles" of the ball.
Typically, the golf ball manufacturer will print its name on the
cover at one or both of the poles. If the manufacturer's name
appears at both poles, the location of the seam can easily be
derived as being between the poles. If the manufacturer's name
appears only on one pole, the opposite pole can be quickly located,
and thence the location of the seam therebetween. The present
invention is directed to marking a golf ball with a "T" shaped mark
to indicate the location of the seam of the cover of the golf ball
and simultaneously to provide an alignment mark for accurate
stroking of the ball in a direction which is, at the golfer's
election, parallel or perpendicular to the seam of the ball.
[0011] The invention takes advantage of the common relation between
the location or locations of the manufacturer's name on the ball
and the seam of the cover. A golf ball marker therefore comprises a
cap having a generally hemispherical hollow, with approximately the
same dimension as that of half a standard golf ball, such that the
hollow is sized to receive one half of a standard golf ball. First
and second linear slits are provided in the cap, the second linear
slit perpendicular to the first linear slit, and the second linear
slit bisected by the top end of the first linear slit, together
thereby forming a "T" shape. A golf ball is placed in the hollow of
the cap and oriented so that the location of the seam, at the
"equator" between the poles, is brought into alignment with the
first linear slit. A marker is then used to make a "T" mark on the
ball, the mark comprising a seam indicator line made through the
first linear slit, which indicates the location of the seam on the
golf ball, and a club alignment line, made on the golf ball through
the second linear slit. The mark can be made at a plurality of
locations along the location of the seam of the ball. Once the ball
is removed from the cap, the location of the seam is indicated by
the seam indicator line, and the club alignment line is used to
align the club to strike the ball more precisely perpendicular to
the seam of the ball. Especially when putting, it is desirable to
stroke the ball so that it rolls as nearly as possible along its
seam. Putting along the seam of the ball will maximize the chances
of obtaining a truer line to the target by minimizing the wobble
effect of hitting the ball at a divergent angle from the plane of
the seam. The club alignment line maximizes the golfer's ability to
stroke the ball so that it rolls perfectly on its seam.
[0012] A plurality of opposing protrusions are provided on an
annular open end to the hollow for holding a golf ball inserted
into the hollow. One or more fingertip sized concavities are
provided in the annular opening to provide one or more finger holes
at the ball's midsection to assist in removing it from the hollow.
Preferably, two outwardly extending tabs are disposed in
approximate polar opposition near the opening to the hollow which
make it easier to hold the cap and a golf ball while the other hand
is used to mark the ball.
[0013] Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is to provide
an improved golf ball marker for marking a line on a golf ball to
indicate the location of the seam of the cover of the golf
ball.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide a golf ball
marker for making a "T" mark on a golf ball, the "T" mark
comprising the seam indicator line and a club alignment line
perpendicular to the seam indicator line for aiding alignment of a
golf club perpendicular to the seam line for striking the golf ball
such that it rolls on its seam.
[0015] A further object of the invention is to provide a golf ball
marker having an annular opening to a hollow dimensioned to receive
a golf ball, wherein the annular opening is interrupted by at least
one finger-sized concavity for providing one or more finger holes
around the mid portion of a golf ball for removing it from the
hollow.
[0016] A still further object of the invention is to provide an
improved golf ball marker having two outwardly extending oppositely
positioned tabs to assist simultaneously holding the marker and a
golf ball with one hand, while the other hand is used to mark the
golf ball.
[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a golf ball
marker which is highly portable, inexpensive to manufacture, and
facilitates marking a golf ball to locate the seam of the cover of
the golf ball and to provide an alignment mark for striking the
ball so that it tends to roll on its seam.
[0018] A further object of the invention is to provide a golf ball
marker that is adaptable to any manufactured golf ball for marking
the golf ball to locate the seam of the cover of the golf ball.
[0019] A further object of the invention is to provide a golf ball
marker for marking the location of the seam of the cover of the
golf ball which is suitable for use during regulation play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS
[0020] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an improved golf
ball marker according to the invention, together with a typical
golf ball.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf ball marker and
golf ball of FIG. 1 shown with the golf ball inserted in the
marker.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the golf ball
marker of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf ball having a
T-shaped mark on it according to the invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a golf ball having the T-shaped
mark on it, with an adjacent putter aligned with the club alignment
line of the mark.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a golf ball having the T-shaped
mark on it according to the invention with an adjacent driver
aligned with the seam alignment line of the mark.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
golf ball marker according to the invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a rotated perspective view of the golf ball marker
of FIG. 7 showing a finger-tip sized concavity in the cap.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball marker of FIG.
7.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective rear view of the inside of the golf
ball marker of FIG. 7.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a golf ball having a T-shaped
mark on it consistent with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-10.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of a further embodiment of an
improved golf ball marker according to the invention.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of the golf ball marker of
FIG. 12.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a golf ball showing a T-shaped
mark on it consistent with the embodiment of the golf ball marker
shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a further embodiment of an improved golf ball
marker according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
[0035] An improved golf ball marker is now described with reference
to the illustrations.
[0036] A golf ball marker according to the invention is used with a
standard golf ball G of the type shown in FIG. 1. Virtually all
golf balls are constructed by encasing a core in a two-piece cover
C. The two pieces of the cover C are joined together at a seam S.
The joining technique is generally such that the seam is not
visible from the outside. The cover is then dimpled to finish the
product. Although the seam is not visible, it is widely accepted
practice for the golf ball manufacturer to imprint its name at one
or both of the poles P of the golf ball relative to the seam S the
latter of which defines an "equator" of the ball. Accordingly, by
locating the manufacturer's name at one or both of the poles P of
any such golf ball, it becomes straightforward to fix the location
of the seam S midway between them.
[0037] It is the experience of many golfers that if a golf ball is
rolled along its seam the roll will be smoother and the ball will
tend to hold its line longer. Also, since the seam is the weakest
part of the cover, a higher percentage of balls split their covers
if struck on the seam line. Accordingly, it is felt that the
strongest portion of the golf ball is that portion of the cover
farthest from the seam, and that if a golf ball is struck there the
ball will be least likely to split, especially if hit with a
driver. For these reasons, it is useful to have a marker to
indicate the location of the seam of a golf ball.
[0038] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, a golf ball marker 10 comprises a cap
12 which has an inside surface 14 defining a hemispherical interior
hollow 16. The diameter of hollow 16 is sized slightly larger than
that of a standard golf ball so that approximately half a golf ball
may be inserted through an annular open end 18 into the hollow 16.
Preferably a plurality of extending inwardly protrusions 20 are
positioned in hollow 16 at open end 18. By extending inward,
protrusions 20 slightly decrease the diameter of open end 18 and
grip a golf ball which has been fully inserted into hollow 16. The
preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 provides four
protrusions. It is preferred to dispose pairs of protrusions 20 in
diametric opposition, but the protrusions could also be arranged
around open end 18 in any effective spacing which achieves gross
opposition across the opening.
[0039] Referring still to FIG. 3 it is seen that open end 18 is
interrupted by a fingertip-sized concavity 22. Concavity 22 leaves
an exposed portion (not illustrated) of a fully inserted golf ball
G uncovered by cap 12. Absent concavity 22, ball removal may be
somewhat inconvenient, especially if a particular ball fits more
snugly between protrusions 20, because the exposed half of the golf
ball does not provide any positive finger holds allowing pressure
to be brought on the ball in a direction away from the hollow.
Concavity 22 facilitates ball removal from cap 12 by allowing
pressure to be applied to the exposed portion in an outward
direction from hollow 16.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, cap 12 is
provided with two outwardly extending tabs 26. The preferred size
of cap 12 is approximately that of half a golf ball, and when a
golf ball G is fully inserted into the cap, there is little to hold
onto without tabs 26. This is even more of a problem when the cap
12 and ball G are held in one hand while the other hand is used to
mark the ball, as will be discussed below. Tabs 26 facilitate not
only holding of the ball, but manipulation of both the device and
the ball during a marking operation. Preferably two tabs are
provided, one on each side of cap 12. In another embodiment not
illustrated, only one tab is provided. Preferably, each tab
includes a hole 28 for use in attaching cap 12 to a golf bag, belt,
or other accessory.
[0041] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, cap 12 is provided with a
"T" shaped slit configuration in the cap comprising a first linear
slit 40 and a second linear slit 42. First linear slit 40 has a top
end 44 at which point first linear slit 40 intersects with a
midpoint 46 of second linear slit 42. In the preferred embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1-3, slits 40, 42 are oriented in cap 12 such that
first linear slit 40 is in perpendicular relation to tabs 26 and so
that second linear slit 42 is in perpendicular relation to
concavity 22. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the
orientation is rotated 90.degree. such that the first linear slit
is in linear alignment with the tabs and the second linear slit is
in linear alignment with the concavities therein. The orientation
of the slits in the alternate embodiment has a unique advantage
discussed below.
[0042] To operate the invention, a golf ball G must initially be
viewed to determine the location of the manufacturer's name and,
therefrom, the location of the seam S of the ball. The cover 12 is
then placed on ball G so that, when the ball is fully inserted into
cap 12, first linear seam 40 is in direct physical alignment with
seam S. As shown in FIG. 4, a marker is then used to mark a seam
indicator line 50 on the cover C of the ball to indicate the
location of the seam S. A club alignment line 52 is also marked on
the cover C to provide a mark respecting which a golf club may be
brought into parallel alignment. The seam indicator line 50 and
club alignment line 52 together form a unique "T" shaped mark on
the ball. The "T" mark has the dual advantage of clearly marking
the location of the ball's seam S while simultaneously providing an
alignment line with respect to which a golf club may be accurately
positioned. The seam indicator line 50 also serves as a convenient
sight line to the pin. Accordingly, on the course, preferably on
the green in preparation for putting, the ball may be placed to
indicate a selected line to the pin using the seam indicator line
50 as both a sight line and seam indicator. Bringing the club into
parallel alignment with club alignment line 52 maximizes the
golfer's chances of hitting the ball so that it rolls along its
seam for a smoother transition along a truer line to the pin.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 5, the mark placed on the ball resulting
from the preferred embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 1-3 is
such that club alignment mark 52 is, when viewed from above the
ball, offset from a center point 58 of the ball. This has the
unique advantage that club alignment mark 52 is brought closer to
the club when viewed from above, as might a golfer preparing to
make a putt. This advantage is in fact self-enforced because when
the ball is placed on the ground it must to rotated until club
alignment mark 52 appears from above to be a straight line. If the
ball were rotated such that confluence point 60 of the mark was
coincident with center point 58 of the ball, club alignment mark 52
would appear curved. Therefore, the user is motivated to correctly
orient the ball such that club alignment mark 52 is closer to the
club as seen in FIG. 5.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, if it is desired to drive the ball, as
opposed to putting, application of the T mark clearly shows that
parallel alignment of the driver with seam indicator line 50 will
bring the club into contact with the strongest part of the
ball.
[0045] Referring generally to FIGS. 7-10, an alternate embodiment
of a golf ball marker according to the invention is illustrated. As
with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, cap 62 is provided
with a "T" shaped slit configuration comprising a first linear slit
64 and a second linear slit 66. First linear slit 64 bisects second
linear slit 66 at midpoint 68 to form a "T" shaped slit
configuration. When a ball is inserted into the cap, a marker (not
illustrated) is used to mark seam indicator line 70 on the cover of
the ball to indicate the location of seam S. See FIG. 11. A club
alignment line 72 is also marked on the cover for parallel
alignment therewith of a golf club. Seam indicator line 70 and club
alignment line 72 together form a "T" shaped mark on the ball as
seen in FIG. 10. With continuing reference to FIG. 11, the T mark
on the ball has a confluence point 74 which is, when viewed from
directly above the ball as would a golfer in putting position,
located in the center of the ball. Thus, in this embodiment the
club alignment line 72 is positioned in the center of the ball when
setting up a putt.
[0046] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
two concavities 82a and 82b are shown on opposite sides of cap 84.
The presence of two concavities aids in removing ball G from cap 84
by enabling two fingers to bring opposing pressure on the
hemisphere of the ball inserted into cap 84, thereby allowing
pressure to be applied to the ball in an outward direction from
hollow 86. In this embodiment, first linear slit 90 is in
perpendicular relation to concavities 82a and 82b and in linear
alignment with tabs 92. This arrangement allows the ball G to be
held between two fingers, the fingers placed on the poles P of the
ball, while the other hand is used to press cap 84 over the ball
without having to move the two fingers because concavities 82a and
82b are brought into the same positions as the fingers. Once the
ball has been inserted and properly oriented in the cap 84, it is
marked in like fashion as discussed above resulting in the unique
"T" shaped mark shown in FIG. 14.
[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15,
tabs 92 are located at an acute angle to concavities 94 in an
ergonomic configuration resulting in less hand movement during
operation of the device. Using this embodiment, cap 96 can be
nestled in one hand with the thumb and little finger curved around
each tab 92 thereby retaining the cap firmly in place. Once ball G
is inserted into cap 96 and oriented to bring seam S into alignment
with first linear slit 98, the other three fingers of the hand
holding the cap instantly can be brought around the ball to retain
it in place, freeing the other hand for marking the ball.
[0048] The ball may be marked using any standard marker, such as a
permanent ink marker. The user may wish to mark the ball with a
distinct color to identify ownership of the ball or balls marked.
Alternatively, the mark may be applied using a small spray painter
for a precise appearance.
[0049] There have thus been described and illustrated certain
preferred embodiments of an improved golf ball marker and method
therefor according to the invention. Although the present invention
has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly
understood that the same is by way of example only, the spirit and
scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of
the appended claims and their legal equivalents which are intended
to cover all such modifications.
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