U.S. patent application number 10/418971 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for golf ball position marker assembly.
Invention is credited to Cope, Jeffrey L..
Application Number | 20050272520 10/418971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32177041 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050272520 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Cope, Jeffrey L. |
December 8, 2005 |
GOLF BALL POSITION MARKER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A golf ball position marking assembly that includes a marker
removably secured to a decorative or functional accessory item such
as a ring, pendant, clip, belt, key ring, bracelet, buckle, divot
tool, or the like. The marker is magnetically secured to a base in
such a way that a golfer can quickly and easily detach it to mark
the position of a golf ball, and as easily re-attach it when the
time comes to play. The assembly is made of any suitable material,
including plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites. If desired,
it can include decorative or functional indicia such as precious
stones, decorative etching or enameled ornamentation, the user's
name or initials, memorable dates, advertising material, tournament
logos, or golf club logos.
Inventors: |
Cope, Jeffrey L.; (Augusta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POWELL GOLDSTEIN LLP
ONE ATLANTIC CENTER
FOURTEENTH FLOOR 1201 WEST PEACHTREE STREET NW
ATLANTA
GA
30309-3488
US
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 0087383 A1 |
May 6, 2004 |
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Family ID: |
32177041 |
Appl. No.: |
10/418971 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10418971 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
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09834871 |
Apr 12, 2001 |
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6569039 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/285 ;
473/406 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 57/353 20151001;
A63B 57/207 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/285 ;
473/406 |
International
Class: |
A63B 057/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf ball position marking assembly, comprising: a body having
a front side and a back side, said front side having a recess
formed therein, said body having means formed therein for holding a
clip; an insert in said recess, said insert attached to said body,
said insert covering at least a portion of said recess and adapted
for securing a removable magnet thereto; a clip in said holding
means.
2. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said body is
attached to a ring, pendant, charm, bracelet, watch, tack pin,
divot tool, money clip, or buckle.
3. The assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a ball
marker removably secured in said recess.
4. The assembly as recited in claim 3, wherein said insert is
magnetized.
5. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said body is made of
a material selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics,
ceramics, and composites.
6. The assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
throughhole through said body and said insert, said throughhole
dimensioned for receiving a post of a ball marker.
7. The assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said clip has a body
portion and a pair of projecting end portions, and wherein said
holding means further comprises a channel formed in a perimeter of
said body, said channel dimensioned for receiving said body portion
of said clip.
8. The assembly as recited in claim 1, further comprising divot
repair means formed in said body.
9. A golf ball position marker assembly, comprising: an accessory
item; a golf ball marker; and means for removably securing said
golf ball marker to said accessory item, said securing means
including a body having a front side and a back side, said front
side having a first recess formed therein, and an insert in said
first recess, said insert attached to said body, said insert
covering a major portion of said first recess, said insert adapted
for securing a removable magnet thereto.
10. The assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said body is made
of a material selected from the group consisting of metals,
plastics, and composites.
11. The assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said accessory item
is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metals,
plastics, and composites.
12. The assembly as recited in claim 9, further comprising divot
repair means formed in said body.
13. The assembly as recited in claim 9, further comprising a
throughhole through said body and said magnetized insert, said
throughhole dimensioned for receiving a post of a ball marker.
14. The assembly as recited in claim 13, further comprising a
second recess formed in said back side of said body, said second
recess dimensioned for receiving a ball marker.
15. The assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said accessory item
further comprises a clip operably connected to said body.
16. The assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said accessory item
further comprises a clip having a body portion and a pair of
projecting end portions, and wherein said holding means further
comprises a channel formed in a perimeter of said body, said
channel dimensioned for receiving said body portion of said
clip.
17. The assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said accessory item
is a ring, pendant, charm, bracelet, watch, tack, pin, buckle,
clip, or putter.
18. The assembly as recited in claim 9, wherein said assembly
carries decorative or informational indicia.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a golf ball position marker
assembly that includes a wearable or nonwearable accessory item
such as a ring, pin, belt buckle, golf bag or glove, key ring,
divot tool, clip, or the like. In particular, the present invention
relates to a golf ball position marker assembly wherein a ball
marker is quickly and easily attached to an accessory item, and as
quickly removed therefrom for use.
[0003] 2. Discussion of Background
[0004] During a golf game, a golfer must sometimes move his or her
ball aside to permit another golfer to putt. On these occasions,
the golfer who moves a ball places a marker on the green to
identify the original position of the ball so that it can be
replaced in the same spot. Many golfers use whatever small items
they happen to have available as ball markers, including coins,
buttons, and the like; others prefer special marking devices that
can be stored with other golf equipment or attached to their
clothing. For purposes of this specification, the terms "golf ball
position marker," "position marker," "ball marker," "marker" and
the like are used interchangeably to refer to any device used to
mark the position of a golf ball. Typical markers are generally
flat, disc-like objects; some have posts that project a short
distance into the soil when the marker is in use.
[0005] Many different types of golf ball markers are available,
some of which are combined with other tools useful to golfers
(clocks, compasses, wind indicators, divot repair tools, and so
forth). Several devices include permanent magnets for securing a
marker when it is not in use. For example, Balloon's golf ball
position marker apparatus consists of a ferrous metallic disc
mounted to a magnetized housing, which in turn is mounted to a
wrist strap, spring clip, or post mount (U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,220).
The housing may also include a wind indicator.
[0006] Cayman discloses a golf ball position marker and storage
device that can be worn on a waistband (U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,500).
This device includes a plastic or metal clip, a magnet with an
outwardly-projecting knob affixed to the front of the clip, and a
removable, magnetized marker with a central throughhole that fits
over the knob for storage when not in use. The marker is larger
than the magnet, thus, the user can easily grasp the edges of the
marker to pull it away from the magnet.
[0007] Ludwick shows a combined golf ball position marker and
carrier which includes a belt clip (U.S. Pat. No. 3,233,802). The
carrier is molded of high-density polyethylene or polystyrene and
has two recessed areas in the front, each recess containing a
magnet and partially surrounded by a shallow rim. The recesses hold
markers made of a magnetic material such as zinc iron alloy. In
U.S. Pat. No. 3,208,123), Koos discloses a belt buckle with a
magnetic element for holding a golf ball marker. The buckle may
also have ornamental features such as crossed golf clubs that are
provided for aesthetic appeal.
[0008] Hait's golfing aid consists of a pin with a magnet for
holding a marking device. The marking device itself is preferably a
stainless steel disc which can be engraved with the owner's
initials or some other decorative features (U.S. Pat. No.
3,139,690). Schaper discloses a belt buckle with a recess for a
permanent magnet that secures a marker in position (U.S. Pat. No.
3,136,547). The marker itself is formed with a peripheral flange
that helps prevent it from slipping off the face of the magnet.
[0009] Fazekas provides a multi-purpose golf tool with a recess for
holding a ball marker (U.S. Pat. No. 5,733,208). A raised magnetic
post in the center of the recess holds the marker in position. By
pushing down on one edge of the marker, the user tilts and lifts
the marker up over the edge of the recess to slide it forward into
position. Suzuki's golf ball position mark assembly includes a
permanent magnet; the marker has a projection to assist the user in
removing it for use, and also to fix it on the ground (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,923,215).
[0010] Devices with storage for two markers are also known. Tate
shows such a device, which has two separate magnet-containing
recesses for two equally-sized markers (U.S. Pat. No. 5,305,999).
The magnets occupy less than the entire peripheral areas of their
respective recesses, thus, pressing the edge of a marker tilts the
opposing edge out of its recess. The marker may have a central post
that fits into a corresponding aperture in the magnet (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,295,683). Buckman's device has two magnet-containing recesses
on opposing sides of a ground repair tool (U.S. Pat. No.
4,315,624).
[0011] Markers have been attached to golf equipment such as
putters. For example, Bayer's putter has includes magnets, a recess
dimensioned for holding a marker made of magnetized material, and
an opening in the bottom surface that is slightly smaller than the
diameter of a golf ball (U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,426). When a ball
enters the opening, it trips the marker from the magnet, causing
the marker to fall out and mark the position of the ball. Kepler
shows a tournament-type putter with a marker and a ball
retrieval-retainer structure that allows the user to pick up balls
without bending over (U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,430).
[0012] Another type of device has holes or slots dimensioned for
receiving the post of a marker. For example, McDonald's combined
golf green repair tool and timepiece includes peripheral holes for
attaching items such as a keychain and ball marker (U.S. Pat. No.
5,160,134). The back of the timepiece is attached to the central
portion of the tool, above the tines; the marker is inserted into
one of the peripheral holes. Smith provides a golf marker and tee
caddy consisting of an S-shaped clip with slots for holding markers
and tongues for holding golf tees (U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,676). This
device can be clipped onto a golf bag or the user's clothing
(lapel, waistband, etc.)
[0013] Markers can be combined with divot tools or other devices
useful to golfers, as shown by Tate (U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,683).
Here, a divot tool is formed with a shallow, concave ball marker
seat that contains a disk of magnetic material having a central
opening. A ball marker can be removably seated on top of the
magnetic material, with the marker post (if present) extending
through the opening.
[0014] Doubt (U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,928) shows a golfer's combination
tool which can be used as a shoe horn, divot repair device, and a
prop for a golf club when the user wishes to keep the handle away
from the ground. The device includes a small center hole into which
the user can insert a standard golf ball marker. Hatch (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,620,426) discloses a combination golf green repair tool and
ball marker with a carrier. His device consists of a flat body
member with a handle at one end and prongs at the other end, a hole
for inserting a marker, and a carrier with a spring clip that can
be attached to a pocket or belt. The stem of the marker may be
mounted via a rubber grommet. Bury's detachable mountable pendent
has a horseshoe-shaped clamp designed for holding tokens, cards,
discs, etc. as well as golf ball markers (U.S. Pat. No. 3,339,300).
The inside edge of the clamp is formed with a groove into which the
user can slide a disc-shaped object such as a marker. The device
can be attached to the user's clothing with a clip.
[0015] Position markers can be attached to jewelry items such as
tie tacks and bracelets. For example, Balloon's magnetic marker
(described above) can be attached to a post mount.
Stacavich-Notaro's golf ball marker, described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,282,616, has a hook-and-loop material (VELCRO or the like) on the
bottom surface so that the marker can be attached to a disk that
has a top surface covered with a mating hook-and-loop material. The
device can be attached to a golf club shaft or a tie tack. Furin
(U.S. Patent D252,289) shows a golf ball marker band in the form of
a bracelet.
[0016] Sihn's golf ball marker carries a variety of decorative
elements such as gems, engraved initials, etc. (U.S. Pat. No.
5,569,103). The bottom of the marker includes a rounded stud that
allows the user to secure the marker to a golf glove, lapel button
hole or the like; the stud also helps secure the marker in position
on a green.
[0017] My co-pending provisional application Serial No. 60/130,246,
filed Apr. 19, 1999 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference), shows a device wherein at least one position marker
is magnetically attached to the accessory item in such a way that a
golfer can quickly and easily slide it from the item to mark the
position of a golf ball, and as easily re-attach it to the item
when the time comes to play the ball and move on. The magnets are
positioned so that a golfer can operate the device with one hand:
to dislodge a marker from the device, he simply taps the device
against a convenient object (or releases it with his thumbnail),
then slides it off and positions it on the green.
[0018] Golf ball position markers are preferably quite small in
size (generally no larger than a quarter), light in weight, easy to
carry, and easy to handle. Due to their small size, markers are
easy to overlook and therefore easy to lose. Thus, a useful marker
should be readily visible when placed on a green. Visibility is
also desirable since stepping on or walking across the line of
another golfer's putt to the hole is considered to be a breech of
etiquette. Despite the wide variety of markers that are available
to golfers, there is a continuing need for a practical,
aesthetically pleasing position marking device that is easy to
attach to--and equally easy to remove from--a decorative or
functional accessory such as a ring, tie tack, bracelet, key
holder, belt buckle, divot tool, clip, or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention is a golf ball position marking assembly that
carries at least one golf ball position marker removably secured to
a fastener carried by an accessory item. The ball marker is
magnetically attached to the accessory item in such a way that a
golfer can quickly and easily detach and use it to mark the
position of a golf ball, and as easily retrieve and re-attach it
when the time comes to play the ball.
[0020] An important feature of the present invention is the
fastener which secures the marker to the accessory item. The
fastener may be a magnetized seat for holding markers made of
magnetized metal, and may also include a throughhole for securing
post-type markers or removing disk-type markers. Alternatively, the
fastener is a metal seat that secures a removable magnet which
holds the marker.
[0021] Another important feature of the present invention is the
accessory item, which can be any selected decorative or functional
article including but not limited to a clip, pendant, bracelet,
pin, watchband, ring, hatband ornament, belt buckle or money clip,
divot repair tool, or key ring. While the invention is envisioned
as being used primarily with wearable items and items that can be
attached to clothing (shirts, jackets, trousers or skirts, golf
gloves and golf shoes, belts and belt loops, jewelry, hatbands,
etc.), it may also be used with non-wearable articles such as golf
bags, golf clubs, tote bags, golf carts, and so forth.
[0022] Another feature of the present invention is its versatility.
Not only can a golf ball position marking assembly according to the
invention include a wide range of wearable and nonwearable
accessory items, but the components of the assembly can be made of
virtually any desired material. By way of example, a pendant or
charm formed for carrying the ball marker can be made of base or
precious metals, ceramics, composite materials, or durable plastics
such as LUCITE and PLEXIGLAS. A marker used with the invention can
itself can be made of gold, silver, or other metal, or take the
form of a favorite coin, golf club token, or other
suitably-dimensioned item. The marking assembly (or markers used
therewith) can include decorative or functional indicia such as
precious or semiprecious stones, decorative etchings or enameled
ornamentation, small coins, the user's name or initials, memorable
dates, tournament logos, or golf club logos. When decorated with
club or tournament logos, the invention is a collectible item such
as the special logo balls that are prized by many golfers.
[0023] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from a careful reading of
the Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment presented below
and accompanied by the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] In the drawings,
[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and back views, respectively, of a
golf ball position marker assembly according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 1C is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1A, showing
an alternative magnetic insert;
[0027] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the body of the
assembly of FIG. 1A, taken along the lines 2B-2B of FIG. 1A;
[0028] FIG. 2B shows the assembly of FIG. 2A with an alternative
magnetic insert;
[0029] FIG. 3A is a front view of another golf ball position marker
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG.
3A, taken along the line 3B-3B of FIG. 3A;
[0031] FIGS. 3C and 3D are cross-sectional views of additional
embodiments of the golf ball position marker assembly of FIG.
3A;
[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate additional golf ball marker
assemblies according to the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bracelet according to the
present invention;
[0034] 7 is a side view of a belt clip according to the present
intention;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a front view of another marker assembly according
to the invention; and
[0036] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another marker assembly
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0037] In the following detailed description of the invention,
reference numerals are used to identify structural elements,
portions of elements, surfaces or areas in the drawings, as such
elements, portions, surfaces or areas may be further described or
explained by the entire written specification. For consistency,
whenever the same numeral is used in different drawings, it
indicates the same element, portion, surface or area as when first
used. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be
read together with the specification, and are to be considered a
portion of the entire written description of this invention as
required by 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112. As used herein, the terms
"horizontal," "vertical," "left," right," "up," "down," as well as
adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof, refer to the relative
orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing
figure faces the reader.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-C, there is shown a golf ball
position marker assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Assembly 10 includes a retainer for holding
a ball marker, in the form of a body 12 with full or partial rim 14
about a recessed base 16 on the front side of body 12, a magnetized
insert 18 at least partially covering base 16, and a generally
U-shaped clip 20 with a loop 22 and outwardly-projecting end
portions 24a, 24b. The back side of base 16 (FIG. 1B) has formed
therein a recess 26 between sections 28a, 28b, with channels 30a,
30b for receiving ends 24a, 24b of clip 20, generally as shown. A
central throughhole 32 may extend through insert 18 and base
16.
[0039] Insert 18 may be mounted to the surface of base 16 (FIG.
2A), or be placed in a suitably-dimensioned recess 34 (FIG. 2B).
When installed on recessed base 16, a disc-shaped ball marker 36 is
held securely in position by insert 18. Insert 18 may substantially
cover base 16 as shown in FIG. 1A, or partially cover the base as
shown in FIG. 1C. It has been found that assembly 10 is especially
easy to manipulate when used with an insert 18 of this latter type,
that is, an insert that is somewhat smaller than a typical ball
marker. Insert 18, when present, is generally flat, disc-shaped, or
ring-shaped. However, other configurations may also be useful for
the practice of the invention.
[0040] As noted above, insert 18 at least partially covers base 16.
Insert 18 may be approximately circular as shown in FIG. 1A,
partial-circular as shown in FIG. 1C, or indeed any other desired
shape. The optimum dimensions of insert 18 depend on the particular
material selected for the insert and the size and weight of marker
36 to be used therewith. Thus, the optimum dimensions (width,
thickness, overall shape) of insert 18 are best selected by a
modest degree of experimentation in view of the materials used for
manufacturing assembly 10.
[0041] Alternatively, insert 18 may be a nonmagnetized metal disc
that holds a removable magnet 40 (FIGS. 1A and 2A). In this
embodiment of the invention, insert 18 is a metal disc that at
least partially covers base 16. Insert 18 may be press-fitted into
a suitable recess in base 16, attached to the base by any suitable
adhesive, or molded or assembled within the base. Magnet 40 can be
of any size that fits base 16 and securely holds a ball marker.
Magnetized or nonmagnetized inserts 18 can be used with any of the
embodiment of the invention described herein, as may be preferred.
Magnet 40 may be coated on one or both sides with TEFLON.COPYRGT.
or other suitable coating, for example, a coating 42 as shown in
FIG. 2A. Coating 42 may be applied by painting, spraying, dipping,
or other suitable technique. An assembly 10 that includes a
throughhole 32 can be used with the type of ball marker having a
post on one side. Preferably, throughhole 32 has a diameter such
that, when assembly 10 is used with a post-type marker, the post
fits snugly within the throughhole so that the ball marker can be
securely held in position with an exposed end of a post 38
projecting somewhat beyond body 12 (FIG. 2B). These types of
markers can be either magnetic or non-magnetic, thus, insert 18 may
be optional for an assembly 10 used solely with post-type,
nonmagnetic ball markers. However, insert 18 is present when
assembly 10 is intended for use with metal disc-type ball markers
such as marker 36 shown in FIG. 2A.
[0042] Clip 20 is preferably made of a somewhat springy or
resilient material, allowing the user to remove the clip from body
12 simply by compressing ends 24a, 24b together and withdrawing the
ends from channels 30a, 30b. In addition, clip 20 can be rotated by
180.degree. if desired. Assembly 10 can be used as a paper clip,
bookmark or the like; alternatively, assembly 10 can be clipped to
a belt, waistband, or hatband, or worn as a pendant. If desired,
assembly 10 may include a hook 40 (FIG. 1B).
[0043] Another golf ball position marker assembly 50 according to
the invention includes a body 12 with a rim 14 about a base 16, a
magnetized insert 18 of any convenient size and shape, and a clip
56 fitted in a generally circumferential channel 58 about the
perimeter of body 12 (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Body 12 may include an
optional enlarged portion 100 that serves as a stop for limiting
rotation of body 12 on clip 56; portion 54 may carry decorative or
functional indicia if desired. Portion 54 may include a throughhole
100 into which clip 65 or a chain (not shown) may be inserted.
[0044] Clip 56 may be fixed in position in channel 58; however, in
a preferred embodiment of the invention, body 12 rotates freely on
the clip, limited only by portion 54 (if present). Clip 56 is
preferably a type of clip that can be readily opened and closed via
a catch 60, such as the types of clips used to hold keys and the
like. Like above-described clip 20, clip 56 is made of a somewhat
springy, resilient material, preferably metal.
[0045] Assembly 50 may include a magnetized insert 18 that
partially covers base 16 as shown in FIG. 3A; alternatively, an
insert 18 such as that shown in FIG. 1A may be used if preferred.
Insert 18 may include a throughhole 32 for use with post-type ball
markers. Insert 18 may be mounted to the surface of base 16 as
shown in FIG. 2A above, or in a recess such as recess 34 (FIG. 2B).
If desired, a second recess 62 of any convenient diameter may be
formed in the back of assembly 50. Second recess 62, if present,
may be used for holding a second, post-type ball marker (not shown)
while a first, disc-type ball marker is installed on insert 18.
Above-described assembly 10 may also be fitted with a second recess
62 if desired.
[0046] Additional configurations of insert 18 may also be useful.
For example, insert 18 may be a somewhat smaller, ring-type magnet
mounted in a recess 34 (FIG. 3C). Alternatively, recess 16 may
include a raised shoulder 64 defining recess 34 and a second recess
66 (FIG. 3D). Insert 18 is placed in second recess 66, press-fitted
in place or secured in position by a suitable adhesive.
[0047] Additional golf ball position marker assemblies 70 and 80
are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. Assembly 70 has a body
72, a magnetic insert 18 in a recess 74, and a clip 76. Assembly 80
has a body 82 with a recess 84 that holds a magnetic insert 18, and
a pair of approximately "T"-shaped cutouts 84a, 84b positioned on
opposing sides of body 82. The resulting projections 86a, 86b allow
the user to attach assembly 80 to a belt loop or the like. In
addition, projections 86a, 86b can be used in the manner of divot
repair tools.
[0048] Magnetic insert 18 may be secured to base 16 by an adhesive,
or may simply be press-fitted into position into a
suitably-dimensioned recess (such as recess 26, FIG. 2A). As noted
above, the shape and dimensions of insert 18 may vary considerably
within the scope of the invention. Thus, assemblies 70 and 80 may
include any of the inserts 18 described above, and such others as
may be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art. Magnetic
insert 18 may cover substantially all of the surface of base 16, or
a part thereof if preferred Optionally, insert 18 may include a
throughhole 32 for use with post-type ball markers.
[0049] Body 12 of assembly 10, and bodies 52, 72, 82 of assemblies
50, 70, 80, respectively, can be made of virtually any durable
material, including metals, plastics (including clear plastics such
as LUCITE and PLEXIGLAS), ceramics, and composite materials.
[0050] A marking device according to the present invention can be
used with other decorative and/or functional articles, including
but not limited to accessories such as pendants, tie or collar
pins, hat pins or hatband ornaments, belt buckles, bracelets, golf
club shafts, binder clips, key rings, towel rings, divot tools,
golf equipment, and so forth. For example, a bracelet 90, such as
the bracelets favored by many athletes, may carry a ball marker 36
in a retainer such as body 12 (FIG. 6). Here, body 12 may be
positioned anywhere convenient on bracelet 90, including the
position shown in FIG. 6.
[0051] In still another embodiment of the present invention, ball
marker 36 can be secured to money clip such as 110 (FIG. 7). Clip
110 can be attached to wearable items such as a bracelet,
wristband, hatband, waistband, or belt; alternatively, the clips
can be used as money clips or be attached to a golf bag or golf
cart. It will now be evident that an assembly according to the
present invention may include a wide range of accessory articles in
addition to those described above.
[0052] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 8, which shows a golf ball position marker assembly 120 having
a body 12 with a rim 14 about a base 16 (similar to above-described
assembly 50), a magnetized or nonmagnetized insert 18, and a clip
122 fitted in a generally circumferential channel 58 about the
perimeter of body 12. If desired, body 12 may include an optional
enlarged portion 54 and a second recess 62 as described above. In a
preferred embodiment, body 12 rotates freely on clip 122, limited
only by portion 54 (if present).
[0053] Clip 122 has an upper portion 124 and a lower portion 126,
generally as shown. One of portions 124, 126 may include a catch
128. Like clips 20 and 56, clip 122 is made of a somewhat springy,
resilient material, preferably metal.
[0054] Body 12 in all embodiments of the invention may include a
throughhole 130, a side slot 132, or both (FIG. 8). The user can
remove a golf ball position marker from body 12 by inserting the
tip end of a golf tee or other suitable object into throughhole 130
and pushing. If body 12 has a slot 132, the user can slide the
marker from body 12 after removing clip 122, which serves as a
retainer to hold the marker and body 12 together.
[0055] In use, assembly 120 may be carried in the user's pocket or
may be attached to a golf bag, belt, or other accessory.
Alternatively, assembly 120 can be used as a hanger for items such
as towels, which can be inserted through one of portions 124, 126
while the other portion is hung on a hook, shower rod, or the
like.
[0056] Still another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.
9, wherein body 12 has a recess 140 fitted with a metal disk 18. A
removable magnet 40 at least partially covers disk 18; ball marker
36 is secured by magnet 40. Insert 18 may be press-fitted into
recess 140, attached to the base by any suitable adhesive, or
molded or assembled within the base. Magnet 40 can be of any
suitable size, and that securely holds a ball marker. As noted
above, magnet 40 may be coated on one or both sides with
TEFLON.COPYRGT. or other suitable coating.
[0057] As will now be evident to those of ordinary skill in the
art, the present invention contemplates a ball marker that can be
removably secured to a variety of different decorative and/or
functional articles. Other suitable articles for use with the
invention include a binder clip, a key ring or towel ring, a
padlock, and accessories such as a watch fob, a wristwatch, a
pendant or charm, a belt slide, etc. If desired, a golf ball
position marker assembly according to the invention may be equipped
with other golfer's accessories such as divot repair tools and tee
carriers.
[0058] In use, ball marker 36 is removed from assembly 10 (or other
assembly according to the present invention) and placed in position
on the putting surface of the green to mark the position of the
user's ball. When it is time for the user to play, marker 36 is
retrieved and re-attached to assembly 10, and the ball is placed on
the green for play.
[0059] For some golfers, a golf ball position marker assembly
according to the present invention may be a collectible item
equivalent to golf logo balls and other golf-related collectibles.
Many--perhaps most--people are collectors. Golfers in particular
collect balls bearing the logos of famous golf clubs or golf
courses, balls from courses they have played themselves,
special-edition balls from tournaments, balls autographed by
celebrities and champion golfers, and special balls such as those
that have been used to play a hole-in-one.
[0060] The components of the invention can be made of virtually any
convenient materials, including base and precious metals, ceramics,
and durable plastics (LUCITE, PLEXIGLAS, and the like). The
assembly may carry decorative or informational indicia such as
precious stones, decorative designs, the user's name or initials,
numbers, product brand names or trademarks, or golf club logos. It
may include favorite jewels, coins, etc. that are removably
installed in assembly 10 (or another assembly according to the
invention) to serve as ball markers when so desired. Magnetized
insert 18, when present, may be made of ferrous metal or other
suitable materials, including rubber or plastic materials
containing ferrous particles.
[0061] With respect to the above description of the invention, it
is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for
the parts of the invention, to include variations in size,
materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly
and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in
the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in
the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be
encompassed by the present invention.
[0062] Therefore, the foregoing description is considered as
illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further,
since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to
those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention
to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and
accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Thus, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and
substitutions can be made to the preferred embodiment herein
described without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention as defined by the appended claims.
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