U.S. patent application number 11/465983 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for golf accessory holder and divot repair tool.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey L. Cope.
Application Number | 20080230435 11/465983 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39773633 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080230435 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cope; Jeffrey L. |
September 25, 2008 |
GOLF ACCESSORY HOLDER AND DIVOT REPAIR TOOL
Abstract
Multiple embodiments of a golf accessory holder and a divot tool
are disclosed. A golf accessory holder (1) has an opening (16) into
which a divot repair tool (2) is at least partially inserted. The
repair tool is held in the opening either by a magnetic or
magnetized plate (24) and/or by friction. The holder may have a
mounting hole (13) into which a clamp or clip is attached, or may
have a clip (31, 32) which can be attached to a belt or a loop. The
tool may have a magnetic or magnetized insert (2A) which is
attracted to the plate. The holder can secure divot tools, ball
markers, hat clips, and other items, used for or with golfing.
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
|
Family ID: |
39773633 |
Appl. No.: |
11/465983 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60710577 |
Aug 23, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/579 ;
206/315.1; 224/245; 224/269; 473/406; 473/408 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 57/20 20151001;
A63B 57/207 20151001; A63B 2209/08 20130101; A63B 2210/58 20130101;
A63B 57/353 20151001; A63B 57/00 20130101; A63B 71/0036 20130101;
A63B 55/408 20151001; A63B 57/50 20151001; A63B 2210/50
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/579 ;
473/408; 473/406; 224/245; 224/269; 206/315.1 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. A golf accessory holder, comprising: a body having an opening
therein, the opening extending into the body and forming a cavity
in the body, the opening being for insertion of a divot repair tool
into the cavity and removal of the divot repair tool from the
cavity; a retainer to retain at least a portion of the divot repair
tool in the cavity; and a mounting section to secure the holder to
a desired object.
2. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening begins
at the bottom of the holder and extends upward into the body to
form the cavity.
3. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening begins
at a first side of the holder and extends laterally into the body
to form the cavity.
4. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening is a
first opening located on a first side of the holder, and further
comprising a second opening located on a second, opposing side of
the holder, the first opening and the second opening extending
laterally into the body to form a hole through the body.
5. The golf accessory holder of claim 4 wherein the divot repair
tool may be inserted into a desired one of the first opening or the
second opening.
6. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the cavity is
sufficiently large that the divot repair tool is completely
contained within the cavity.
7. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the divot repair
tool comprises a magnetic or magnetized insert, and the retainer
comprises at least one of a magnetic plate or a magnetized plate to
attract the insert.
8. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the divot repair
tool has a first dimension, and wherein the cavity has two opposing
walls spaced apart by a second dimension, and wherein the retainer
comprises the two opposing walls when the second dimension is not
greater than the first dimension, whereby the divot repair tool is
retained in the holder by friction between the tool and the
opposing walls.
9. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the retainer
comprises at least one of a magnetic plate or a magnetized plate,
the plate being contained within a recess in the body.
10. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the body comprises
a recess to provide for attachment of an item having a clip
thereon.
11. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the mounting
section comprises an extension at the top of the body, the
extension having a hole running from the front of the extension to
the back of the extension.
12. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the mounting
section comprises an extension at the top of the body, the
extension having a hole running from one side of the extension to
the other side of the extension.
13. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the mounting
section comprises a belt clip.
14. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening
extends vertically through the body, thereby forming a hole through
the body.
15. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening is a
first opening located on a first side of the holder, and further
comprising a second opening located on a second, opposing side of
the holder, the first opening and the second opening being
connected to form a hole through the body, and further comprising a
third opening beginning at the top of the body and extending to the
hole.
16. The golf accessory holder of claim 15 wherein the divot repair
tool may be inserted into a desired one of the first opening, the
second opening, or the third opening.
17. A golf accessory holder, comprising: a body having a cavity
therein for storage of a divot repair tool; a cover for enclosing
the divot repair tool in the cavity; and a mounting section for
securing the holder to a desired object.
18. The golf accessory holder of claim 17, and further comprising a
hinge connecting an edge of the body with an edge of the cover,
whereby the holder may be opened to expose the divot repair tool
for access, and may be closed to retain the divot repair tool.
19. The golf accessory holder of claim 17 wherein the body
comprises opposing top and bottom walls, a rear wall, and a pair of
opposing side walls, each side wall having a vertical slot therein,
and wherein the cover comprises a panel having first and second
side edges, the first and second side edges slidably engaged with
the vertical slots of the side walls, whereby the cover slides in
one direction to expose the divot repair tool for access, and
slides in the opposite direction to close the cavity and retain the
divot repair tool.
20. A divot repair tool, comprising: a head having an insert, the
insert being a selected one of magnetic or magnetized; first and
second tines for divot repair; and a body transposed between the
head and the tines.
21. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the insert is
partially enclosed within the head.
22. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the insert is
completely enclosed within the head.
23. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the head comprises a
body and a cover, the body having a recess into which the cover is
inserted, and the cover having a recess which at least partially
contains the insert.
24. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the head comprises a
body and a cover, the cover having a hole which at least partially
contains the insert.
25. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the insert is a first
insert, wherein the head comprises a body having first and second
covers, and further comprising a second insert, the first cover
having a recess which at least partially contains the first insert
and the second cover having a recess which at least partially
contains the second insert.
26. A golf accessory holder for a golf accessory, the golf
accessory having a first component and a second component, the golf
accessory holder comprising: a body comprising a floor, an overhang
extending upward from at least two opposing sides of the floor and
then extending over a portion of the floor to form an enclosed area
which is at least partially enclosed, a portion of the floor from
which the overhang does not extend being an entrance into the
enclosed area to allow insertion of the golf accessory into the
enclosed area and to allow removal of the golf accessory from the
enclosed area, a retainer in the entrance to retain at least a
portion of the golf accessory in the enclosed area, and a mounting
section to secure the holder to a desired object; the overhang to
engage at least a portion of the sides of the first component of
the golf accessory to prevent the golf accessory from substantially
moving in a first direction and the retainer to engage at least a
portion of the second component of the golf accessory to impede the
golf accessory from substantially moving in a second direction,
when the golf accessory is inserted into the enclosed area, so that
unintentional removal of the golf accessory from the golf accessory
holder is reduced.
27. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the golf
accessory comprises a divot repair tool, the first component of the
golf accessory comprises the body of the divot repair tool and lies
substantially in a first plane, and the second component of the
golf accessory comprises the head of the divot repair tool and
extends from the first plane.
28. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the first
component of the golf accessory comprises a divot tool lying
substantially in a first plane, and the second component of the
golf accessory comprises a ball marker releasably secured to the
divot repair tool by magnetic attraction and lying outside the
first plane, when the ball marker is magnetically secured to the
divot repair tool.
29. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the first
component of the golf accessory comprises a marker lying
substantially within the enclosed area, the overhang impeding the
marker from substantially moving in the first direction, and the
retainer engaging at least a portion of the marker to impede the
marker from substantially moving in the second direction, and the
second component of the golf accessory comprises a clip which is
releasably secured to the retainer and which overlaps at least a
portion of the marker to further impede the marker from
substantially moving in the first direction.
30. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the mounting
section is opposite to the entrance.
31. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the overhang
extends from one side of the floor to the opposite side of the
floor so that the enclosed area is substantially a completely
enclosed area except for the entrance.
32. A golf accessory holder for use with a marker and a clip, the
clip being a generally U-shaped spring having at least a first tab
at a first end of the U-shape and at least a second tab at a second
end of the U-shape, the golf accessory holder comprising: a body
comprising a floor, an overhang extending upward from at least two
opposing sides of the floor and then extending over a portion of
the floor to form an enclosed area which is at least partially
enclosed, a portion of the floor from which the overhang does not
extend being an entrance into the enclosed area to allow insertion
of the marker into the enclosed area and to allow removal of the
marker from the enclosed area, a recessed area on the back side of
the body to engage the at least first tab, the at least second tab
to bear upon the floor so that the clip is removably secured to the
holder, and a mounting section to secure the holder to a desired
object; the overhang to engage at least a portion of the marker to
prevent the marker from substantially moving in a first direction,
and the clip to prevent the marker from substantially moving in a
second direction, when the marker is inserted into the enclosed
area, so that unintentional removal of the marker from the golf
accessory holder is reduced.
33. The golf accessory holder of claim 32 wherein the mounting
section is opposite to the entrance.
34. The golf accessory holder of claim 32 wherein the overhang
extends from one side of the floor to the opposite side of the
floor so that the enclosed area is substantially a completely
enclosed area except for the entrance.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This patent application claims the priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/710,577 filed Aug. 23,
2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] (1) The present invention relates to a golf accessory
holder, including but not limited to divot repair tools, ball
markers, and hat clips, and also relates to divot repair tools.
[0003] (2) When a golf ball lands on a green and creates a dent, or
divot, the etiquette of golf dictates that the golfer is
responsible for repairing the dent thus made. A divot repair tool
is used to repair this dent. However, as this tool is not directly
involved with playing golf (i.e., it is not involved with moving
the ball toward the hole or cup), it is often placed in a pocket of
an article of clothing worn by the golfer, such as a pants' pocket,
or in a pocket of a golf bag, or on a ledge or in drawer of a golf
cart, or in some other location. Some divot repair tools have a
return or attachment clip, and this type of tool may be worn inside
or outside of the pants' pocket, inside or outside of a shirt
pocket, on a belt, or even hooked onto the golfer's golf bag.
[0004] The tool is somewhat heavy for its size, is bulky, is
cumbersome, and has tines (also called prongs), all tending to make
the tool an undesirable and uncomfortable object when it is in a
pocket of the golfer's pants or shirt. The golfer may therefore opt
to put the tool on his belt, on his golf cap, in a pocket in the
golf bag, on the golf bag, in or on a golf accessory device, or
somewhere in or on the golf cart. However, the golfer usually does
not know whether the tool is needed until the golfer is walking on
the green toward his ball and sees the dent. The golfer then has to
walk back to where the golf bag is located (which should not be on
the green), open the pocket, extract the tool, and then walk back
to where the dent is located. This takes time and the extra walking
increases the wear on the green as well.
[0005] In some cases the golfer forgets exactly where the tool was
placed even though it may be in plain view (e.g., on his golf cap);
in other cases the tool may have fallen onto the ground along the
way. The result in either case is that the golfer checks those
places where the tool should be, checks those places where the tool
may be and, if the tool cannot be located, either borrows a tool
from another golfer, and/or decides not to bother with fixing the
dent in the green. If the tool was a keepsake or valuable tool, the
golfer may embark upon a more frantic and time-consuming search for
the tool, possibly even considering retracing his route to the last
place he used the tool, thereby delaying the play of the game by
others in his group and/or interfering with the play of the game by
a following group.
[0006] Another problem that sometimes occurs in the game of golf,
or shortly thereafter, is the safekeeping and location of a hat
clip, a ball marker, or combination hat clip/ball marker. This item
is frequently worn on the golfer's cap during the game. After the
game, however, it is often removed from the cap and placed in a
pocket (shirt, pants, or golf bag), placed in the glove
compartment, ash tray, drink holder, or CD holder of the golfer's
car, or placed on a dresser or table, whereupon the golfer promptly
forgets about it and, depending upon where it was placed, may lose
it. This can cause some anguish, especially if the hat clip/ball
marker was a treasured or valuable item.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides golf accessory holders and
also divot repair tools. One embodiment of the golf accessory
holder has a body which has an opening. The opening extends into
the body and forms a cavity in the body. The opening is used to
insert a divot repair tool into the cavity and remove the divot
repair tool from the cavity. There is also a retainer to retain at
least a portion of the divot repair tool in the cavity. In
addition, there is a mounting section to secure the holder to a
desired object, such as a belt clip, a golf bag, golf umbrella,
etc.
[0008] A plurality of different embodiments of the golf accessory
holder are shown, and have different features, such as the opening
extending upward into the body, the opening extending laterally
into the body, the opening extending completely through the body,
and open-faced embodiments.
[0009] The divot repair tool may be partially enclosed within the
golf accessory holder, or completely enclosed within the golf
accessory holder. In addition, in one embodiment there is no
opening, but there is an enclosed cavity, and the golf accessory
holder can open and close in the manner similar to a clamshell or
to a Hide-A-Key.TM. key box.
[0010] The divot repair tool, ball marker, and/or hat clip are held
in the golf accessory holder by a retainer, or by a ledge, which
may be by friction or, if the divot repair tool has a magnetic or
magnetized insert, by a magnetic or magnetized plate in the golf
accessory holder, or by cooperation among the divot repair tool,
marker and/or clip to secure them in the golf accessory holder.
[0011] The golf accessory holder may also have an area which is
designed to accommodate and hold a hat clip or cap clip, thereby
reducing the likelihood of loss.
[0012] The golf accessory holder may be attached to any desired
object by the use of a mounting section, which may be a tab with a
hole or slot in it to accommodate, for example, a hat clip.
[0013] The divot repair tool is also unique and has one or more
inserts, preferably magnetic or magnetized, which help to hold the
tool in the golf accessory holder and which also allow the display
of a desired view, picture, name, logo, etc. on the divot repair
tool.
[0014] Also, although for years some golf accessory devices have
been designed to hold a divot repair tool, ball marker, and/or golf
tees in some manner or fashion, it is now desirable to hold a hat
clip as well. Therefore, another feature provided by some
embodiments is that a hat clip may be attached, and may be
attached, if desired, in a manner which displays the hat clip and a
ball marker.
[0015] The divot repair tool and the golf accessory holder are
preferably, but not necessarily, used together as some embodiments
disclose a golf accessory holder for a ball marker and a hat
clip.
[0016] Also, the various features of the divot repair tool, and the
various features of the golf accessory holder, may be used together
or individually, as desired, to achieve a desired function or
appearance.
[0017] The present invention thus provides for a useful and
versatile golf accessory holder which protects the divot repair
tool from loss or damage and allows the user to quickly and easily
find and remove for use, or to easily insert once finished, a divot
repair tool, ball marker, and/or hat clip.
[0018] The present invention also provides for a useful and
versatile divot repair tool which can be used with the golf
accessory holder mentioned herein or can used alone, and which, by
virtue of a magnetized insert, can be held to a desired object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIGS. 1A-1D are a front view, a top view, a bottom view, and
a perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary method of construction of
the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0021] FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate various other designs of the golf
accessory holder of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of
the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment.
[0024] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate various other embodiments.
[0025] FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are a front view, an edge or side view,
a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of other
exemplary embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 7A shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7.
[0027] FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are a front view, an edge or side
view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of
another exemplary embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of
the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10 and 11-14.
[0029] FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are a front view, an edge or side view,
and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary
embodiment.
[0030] FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are a front view, an edge view, and a
perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary
embodiment.
[0031] FIGS. 22 and 23 are illustrations of the closed and open
positions, respectively, of an optional clamp for use with
embodiments of a golf accessory holder having a mounting hole
[0032] FIG. 24 is an illustration of an elongate rectangular
mounting hole having rounded corners.
[0033] FIGS. 25 and 26 are illustrations of other exemplary clamps
for use with the mounting holes of some embodiments.
[0034] FIG. 27 is an illustration of another exemplary
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 28 is an illustration of another embodiment.
[0036] FIGS. 29A-29D illustrate various methods of construction of
a divot repair tool.
[0037] FIGS. 30A-30C illustrate various embodiments of divot repair
tools in association with various embodiments of golf accessory
holders.
[0038] FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate an embodiment of a golf accessory
holder having a crown and an internal cavity.
[0039] FIGS. 32A-32E illustrate various embodiments of divot repair
tools with a visible insert, with a hidden insert, and without an
insert.
[0040] FIG. 33 illustrates an open-faced embodiment of a golf
accessory holder.
[0041] FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 35 illustrates the use of the embodiment of FIG. 33 in
combination with a ball marker and a clip.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] FIGS. 1A-1D are a front view, a top view, a bottom view, and
a perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. This embodiment of a golf accessory holder 1 has
a front section 10 having a front face 12, a rear section 14 having
a rear face 15, a mounting section 11, a mounting hole 13 in the
mounting section, and a shoulder or collar 17. An exemplary divot
repair tool 2 is also shown, part of which is inside the holder 1
and part of which is preferably, but not necessarily, protruding
from the holder 1. A retainer, not visible in FIG. 1A but shown and
described below, holds the tool 2 at least partially within the
holder 1. As shown in FIG. 1B, this embodiment preferably, but not
necessarily, comprises two sections 10, 14 fastened together along
a searn 18 by any desired and convenient means, such as by glue or
other adhesive, ultrasonic bonding or welding, post and hole, etc.
The holder 1 preferably has, as shown, a front section 10 and a
rear section 14, but could be of unitary construction. Also, the
mounting section 11 may be in two parts, one with front section 10
and the other with rear section 14, or may part of only one of the
sections, either the front section or the rear section, or may be
part of the unitary construction. FIG. 1C shows the opening 16 into
which the divot repair tool 2 is at least partially inserted and
retained until needed for use. FIG. 1D shows the collar or shoulder
17. Although the collar is preferably present on both the front and
back sections, it may be present on only one of the sections or, if
desired, may be eliminated entirely, such as by a more gradual
transition between the thickness of the body and the thickness of
the mounting section, or by making the tool of a single
thickness.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the holder 1 is approximately
3.5 inches tall, 1.5 inches wide, and 0.4 inches thick, the
mounting hole 13 is 0.3 to 0.425 inches in diameter, and the divot
repair tool hole 16 has a width of 0.75 inches to 1.125 inches and
a height of 0.25 to 0.5 inches and a depth of approximately 2.5
inches. As shown in FIG. 1A, the depth of the hole 16 is preferably
deep enough to allow part, most, or even all of the divot repair
tool 2 to be inserted therein. If means for extracting the tool are
not provided, then the holder 1 should be shallow enough to allow
part of the divot repair tool 2 to protrude from the holder 1 so
that an end of the tool 2 can be grasped and the tool 2 pulled out
of the holder 1. The dimensions are exemplary and are preferred,
but are not critical, and are determined to a great degree by the
size and shape of the divot repair tool 2 to be held, how much, if
any, of the tool is to protrude from the holder, and the desired
size of the holder. The size of the holder is determined by such
factors as the size of the tool to be held, the desired style, ease
of holding, ease of use, weight restrictions, etc. The mounting
hole 13 is used to secure the holder 1 to, for example, a belt, a
loop on clothing, such as a belt loop on pants, a loop or ring on a
golf bag (or even on a golf cart), etc.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary method of construction of
the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D. FIG. 2 shows the exemplary holder 1
opened up into two sections, 10, 14, and a divot tool 2.
[0046] Front section 10 has a recess 30A with a floor 22A and, in
one embodiment, a retainer which includes a plate 24A. The plate
24A is held in the recess 30A by any desired means. For example,
press fit, or part or all of the floor 22A may be coated with a
glue or other adhesive, parts of or all of the edge of the body 8A
may extend over the plate 24A such by embedding the plate partially
or completely within the body during manufacture, etc. Also shown
are posts 27A and 27B and elongated posts 25A and 25B.
[0047] Rear section 14 also has a recess 30B with a floor 22B and,
in one embodiment, a retainer which includes a plate 24B. The plate
24B is held in the recess 30B by any desired means. Also shown are
complementary holes 28A and 28B and elongated holes 26A and 26B,
which engage with the posts 27A and 27B and the elongated posts 25A
and 25B. These posts and holes may be used to hold the two sections
10, 14 together, in any well known manner. Also, the two sections
may be held together by an adhesive, even if posts and holes are
also used.
[0048] For clarity of illustration sections 10 and 14 are shown
laid out side-by-side, although when assembled the floors 8,
recesses 9, and plates 24 would all be internal to the holder 1 and
face their counterparts, if present. Also, when assembled, the
elongated posts 25 would fit into the elongated holes 26, and the
posts 27 would fit into the holes 28. In another embodiment, only
elongated posts 25 and elongated holes 26 are used, and the posts
27 and holes 28 are not present. In still another embodiment, only
posts 27 and holes 28 are used, and the elongated posts 25 and
elongated holes 26 are not present. In still another embodiment,
none of elongated posts 25, elongated holes 26, posts 27, and holes
28 are used, and therefore are not present. In that embodiment the
two sections are held together by an adhesive or by some other
bonding method, such as ultrasonic welding, an evaporable solvent,
etc. When the golf accessory holder 1 is assembled, the tool 2 may
be inserted into the opening 16, and the tool 2 may be held in
place by the attraction between the plates 24 and the insert 2A.
Although plates 24A and 24B are shown and preferred, in an
alternative embodiment only one plate, either 24A or 24B, is
used.
[0049] Although plates 24, and therefore recesses 30 and floors 22
are shown as being oval, this is merely a preference, and they may
be any desired shape, for example, circular, square, rectangular,
triangular, or polygonal.
[0050] Although insert 2A is shown in FIG. 2 as being exterior to,
bulging from, or protruding from, the tool 2, the insert 2A may, if
desired, be enclosed within a protective coating or may be made
flush with, concealed within, embedded in, or enclosed within, the
tool 2. Various embodiments of the insert 2A are shown in FIGS. 29A
through 29D. Therefore, various arrangements and construction
techniques for tool 2 and insert 2A are possible. For convenience
of illustration, the tool 2 with the bulge or protrusion is shown
in most figures. Unless otherwise indicated, however, the holder 1
may be used with a tool 2 as shown in FIG. 2. In the exemplary
divot repair tools 2 of FIG. 2, the tool 2 is preferably made from
a non-magnetic material, such as plastic, and has a magnetic or
magnetized insert 2A. The tool 2 and/or cover or enclosure for the
insert 2A, either kind, can also be made other non-magnetic
material, for example, antique brass body and plastic or rubber
head covers, chrome or chrome-plated body and plastic or rubber
head covers, other suitable and appropriate materials, etc.
[0051] Also shown is a recessed area or hole 9A, 9B. Either area
9A, 9B may be used to engage the tab of, and therefore hold, an
optional hat or cap clip 19, or even another divot tool, as
described below. Another style of clip which may be used is clip 66
in FIG. 35. Unless otherwise specifically stated to the contrary,
clip styles 19 and clip 66 are interchangeable. In an alternative
embodiment, only one area, either 9A or 9B, is used. In still
another alternative embodiment, neither area 9A nor 9B is present.
In that embodiment the clip 19 may still be used with the holder 1,
but will not be held as tightly. Although recessed areas 9 are
shown as being rectangular, this is merely a preference, and they
may be any desired shape which is compatible with the purpose of
holding a clip 19, such as square, circular, oval, etc. Some clips
19 have two tabs, as shown by clip 66 of FIG. 35. Therefore, in
alternative embodiments, a single large area 9A may accommodate the
two tabs, or there may be two areas 9A in close proximity (not
shown) to accommodate the two tabs.
[0052] Also shown are plates or inserts 23A, 23B. These may also be
used to hold a tool, ball marker, or other item in the holder. The
may be either magnetized (has a magnetic field) or magnetic (is
attracted to a magnet).
[0053] Preferably, the plate 24 is magnetized (has a magnetic
field) so that it will hold a divot repair tool 2 in place in the
holder 1. In an alternative embodiment, the plate 24 is not
magnetized but is magnetic (is attracted to a magnet) so that a
magnetized divot repair tool 2 will be held in place in the holder
1. The sections may be similar or identical to each other, or one
section may not have the plate 24, or even the recess 30. In still
another embodiment, the plate 24 of a first section may be
magnetized, and the plate 24 of the other section may be magnetic.
If the divot repair tool is magnetized or magnetic, then the plate
will hold the tool in place in the holder. Of course, it will be
appreciated that at least one of the tool or a plate should be
magnetized. Both the tool and the plate may be magnetized, in which
case the polarity of the tool and/or the plate should be selected
to provide for attraction rather than repulsion. This can be easily
accomplished, for example, if there is but a single magnetized
plate, by simply flipping either the tool or the holder to provide
attraction between the tool and the plate. This can be easily
accomplished, for example, if there are two magnetized plates by
having the plates have opposite polarities facing each other, and
then either the tool or the holder can be flipped to provide
attraction between the tool and the plate.
[0054] FIG. 2 also illustrates the use of an optional recessed area
34A, 34B, which may, if desired, simply be a larger version of the
recesses 30A, 30B, respectively. The larger recessed area may be
desirable when, for example, the insert 2A of the tool 2 is raised
with respect to the remainder of the tool. The larger recessed
areas 34 accommodate this raised or bulging insert 2A or may be
used to a secure ball marker 65 (FIG. 35). In addition, if the tool
body is made slightly flexible, then the plates 24 may not be
required to secure the tool 2 in the holder. Rather, if the height
of the opening 16 is slightly smaller than the height of the insert
2A, then some force will be required in order to deform the holder
enough that the tool can be inserted and removed from the holder.
The height of the opening 16 with respect to the height of the
insert 2A, and the rigidity of the holder 2, should be selected so
that a tool 2 can be readily inserted and removed when desired, but
so that the tool will not fall out of the holder otherwise. To
accommodate a variety of heights of the insert 2A it may be
desirable to make the height of the opening 16 small enough to
secure the tool 2 with thinnest insert 2A, and make the body of the
holder flexible enough to allow the tool 2 with the largest insert
2A to be readily inserted and removed.
[0055] In another embodiment, only one section of the holder 1 of
FIG. 2 is used, in an open-face arrangement. In this embodiment the
tool 2 is exposed but is held in the holder 1 by the magnetic
attraction between the tool 2 and the holder 1. A ball marker 65
may be placed in the space 34. The tool 2 is then placed on top of
the ball marker 65. The ball marker 65 may be held in place by
magnetic attraction between the plate 24 and the ball marker 65, or
by magnetic attraction between the tool 2 and the plate 24. In
either case, the tool 2 may be removed by grasping it and pulling
it either outwardly or upwardly, and the ball marker 65 may be
removed by grasping it, or by turning the holder 1 over and tapping
it.
[0056] In another use of the embodiment, the head of the tool 2
would be held in place in space 34 by magnetic attraction between
the head and the plate 24. The ball marker is then placed on top
(outwardly facing surface) of the head of the tool 2, and is held
in place by magnetic attraction between the head and the
marker.
[0057] FIG. 2 also shows optional notched areas 39A and 39B. In
some cases, if the ball marker 65 is slightly oversize, it may
become stuck in the space 34. When this happens the notch 39 allows
the user to place a thumb or finger into the notch 39 and push
toward the marker 65, which will then dislodge the marker 65 for
easy removal. The user could also place the point of a knife, a
pencil, or a pen into the notch 39 to dislodge the marker 65. In
one embodiment, the walls of space 34 are slightly sloped or
rounded. If the diameter of the ball marker 65 is less than the
diameter of the space 34 then the marker 65 will not become stuck
in the space 34. Although it is preferred that the entire wall of
space 34 be sloped or rounded, in another embodiment only part of
the wall of space 34 is sloped or rounded. For example, as the user
would typically use a thumb or finger to move the marker 65 toward
the opening 16, one might only provide a slope to the wall portion
nearest to opening 16, and provide reduced or no slope for the
other wall portions.
[0058] Although the use of two sections is preferred for ease of
manufacture and assembly, it will be appreciated that the holder
may be manufactured or molded as a single component.
[0059] FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate various other embodiments of the golf
accessory holder of FIG. 2. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate holders where
the two parts 12 and 14 are not permanently fastened together but,
instead are hold together magnetically by a plate or magnet 23 (not
shown, but illustrated in FIG. 2). The two sections 12 and 14 form
a shell which encloses part or all of the tool 2. The holder and
tool are held together magnetically. In addition, one part, such as
12, may have a magnetic insert, and the other part, such as 14, may
have a magnetized insert, so that the two parts are held lightly
together even when a tool is not present. This allows the holder to
be easily opened to remove the tool when desired. Preferably, the
mounting section 11 and mounting hole 13 are present on at least
one of the two parts 12 or 14.
[0060] FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate holders similar in design to
those of FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, but, in this case, only one
section of the design is used. That is, either part 12 or part 14.
In these designs, the tool is not enclosed in the holder but is
merely held to the holder magnetically. This allows for easier and
faster removal and insertion of the tool, which is sometimes
preferably, especially if the tool and/or ball marker 65 or not
particularly valuable or treasured. Preferably, the mounting
section 11 and mounting hole 13 are present on the part 12 or
14.
[0061] FIG. 3F illustrates another embodiment of a holder. Although
the two sections 10, 14 of the holder, for example, sections 10, 14
of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3C are shown as being approximately equal in
depth, this is merely one embodiment and the two sections may have
different depths. For example, section 10 could be an essentially
flat section, for example, a cover, and section 14 could have the
necessary depth to accommodate the tool, markers, and/or clips.
Alternatively, section 10 could have just enough depth to
accommodate any desired holes, openings, or recesses, such as 21,
23, 30, 34, and section 14 could have the necessary depth to
accommodate the tool, markers, and/or clips. This is also true of
other embodiments including, but not limited to, for example, the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, etc.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of
the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D. As mentioned, there are preferably
two sections. In FIG. 4, a first one of the sections, such as the
rear section 14, is shown. This section has a recess 21, a floor 22
to the recess 21, a raised ledge 8A around the recess 21, and, in
one embodiment, a retainer which includes a plate 24. The plate 24
is held in the recess 21 by any desired means, for example, but not
limited to, an adhesive 29.
[0063] The insert 2A is therefore attracted to the plate 24,
thereby retaining the divot repair tool 2 in the golf accessory
holder 1.
[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates an
embodiment having an a recess cavity, opening or hole 36 on the
front (or rear) face, and a plate or magnet 37 therein for
magnetically holding a ball marker 65 to the exterior of the holder
1. A cutaway view of the ball marker 65 is used in order to show
the plate or magnet 37. In one variation of this embodiment, item
37 is not a separate plate or magnet but is part of the tool 2. In
another variation of this embodiment, the magnet or plate 37 is
embedded within the holder 1. In one embodiment the hole 36 is
smaller than the marker 65 so that the marker is held exterior to
the holder 1. In another embodiment the hole 36 is larger than the
marker 65 so that at least part of or even the entire marker is
below the surface of the holder 1. In that embodiment a cutout,
notch, or chamfer may be provided so that the marker can be easily
removed. Preferably, but not necessarily, the larger recess, cavity
or hole is used only when the tool 2 contains a magnet.
[0065] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate various other embodiments which may
not have an opening 16. FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment having a
pair of hinges 42A, 42B. In this embodiment there may still be an
opening 16 for insertion and removal of a tool 2, or the holder 1
may not have an opening 16, in which case the tool 2 is inserted
and removed by opening the holder 1. The hinges are preferably, but
not necessarily, flexible plastic hinges molded as part of the
holder 1. This type of holder may be referred to as a "clam shell"
holder.
[0066] In FIG. 6B the holder is constructed like a box having a
base or back section 47, a lip or overhang section 48, and a
sliding panel 49. In this embodiment the tool 2 is inserted and
removed by sliding the panel 49 upward to expose the interior of
the box. Thus, in this embodiment, there need not be any openings
16. This type of holder may be referred to as a "hidden key"
holder. Preferably, the holder in this embodiment also has a plate
24, such as described above, and which may be held in the holder by
any of the techniques discussed above, and which plate 24 holds the
tool 2 in the holder 1 so that the tool 2 is held in the holder and
does not fall out of the holder 1 even if the panel 49 is raised
and the tool 2 is exposed. In this embodiment the tool 2 is easily
removed by grasping it with fingers or fingernails, prying it loose
with the tip of a pencil or golf tee, by pressing on one side of
the tool 2 so as to cause the other side to be raised for ease of
grasping, or even by turning the holder 1 and tapping it to
dislodge the tool 2.
[0067] FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are a front view, an edge or side view,
a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of other
exemplary embodiments. These embodiments differ from the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-4 primarily in that, in this embodiment, the tool 2 is
inserted from a side. There are preferably, but not necessarily,
also two sections 10, 14 fastened together along a seam 18, a
mounting section 11 having a front face 12, a mounting hole 13 in
the mounting section, an opening 16 into which the divot repair
tool 2 is inserted and retained until needed for use, and a
shoulder or collar 17. A divot repair tool 2 is also shown, part of
which is inside the holder 1 and part of which is protruding from
the holder 1. Although the collar 17 is preferably present on both
the front and back sections, it may be present on only one of the
sections or, if desired, may be eliminated entirely. The opening 16
may extend completely through the holder 1 or may extend only
partway through the holder.
[0068] FIG. 7A shows a variation of this embodiment. In this
variation the holder 1 is made taller, and the opening 16 is
longer, so that the tool 2 may be inserted upright into the opening
16, rather than sideways, as in FIG. 7. This embodiment also shows
an optional clip 19 used with the holder 1, with or without an
internal hole 9 as shown in FIG. 2. Also, an optional slot 38 is
shown, which may be used to easily verify that the tool 2 is in the
holder 1, or to allow the insertion of the tip of a pencil or a tee
so as to nudge the tool 2 toward an opening 16 for removal.
[0069] FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are a front view, an edge or side
view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of
another exemplary embodiment. Like the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10,
the tool 2 is inserted from a side. However, in this embodiment,
the body is more elongate so as to more completely enclose a tool
2, or so as to accommodate a longer tool 2. Also, the shoulder 17
is shaped somewhat differently due to the elongate shape.
[0070] FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of
the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10 and 11-14. As mentioned, there are
two sections. A first one of the sections, such as the rear section
14, is shown. This section has part of all of the opening 16, and a
plate 24. The plate 24 is held in the opening 16 by any desired
means and the plate 24 may be magnetized or magnetic. The other
section, such as the front section, may be identical to the first
section, or the other section may not have a plate 24, or even the
opening 16, in which case it could be shaped more like a slab with
a mounting section 11. In still another embodiment, the plate 24 of
a first section may be magnetized, and the plate 24 of the other
section may be magnetic. The plate 24 may completely cover the wall
on one side of the opening 16, or may only cover a part of the
wall, such as a strip, as it only need provide enough magnetic
attraction to secure the holder in place. In still another
embodiment, only one section is used, in a open-face configuration,
so that the tool can be simply pulled away from, or placed in, the
holder, without having to slide the tool in or out of the opening
16.
[0071] FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are a front view, an edge or side view,
and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary
embodiment. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1
primarily in that, in this embodiment, the mounting hole 13 runs
from side to side. Although not shown, it should be noted that the
other embodiments above are also amenable to constructions which
have the mounting hole 13 running from side to side.
[0072] FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are a front view, an edge view, and a
perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment.
This embodiment has a front face 35, an opening 16 into which the
divot repair tool 2 is inserted and retained until needed for use,
and at least one plate 24A, 24B. A plate 24 may be magnetized or
magnetic, or one plate may be magnetized and the other plate may be
magnetic. Also, only one plate 24 is necessary, although two plates
24A, 24B are shown and preferred. The plates 24 may be held in the
opening 16 by any desired means. Also, a plate or plates 24 may
completely cover the wall on one side of the opening 16, or may
only cover a part of the wall, such as a strip, as it or they only
need provide enough magnetic attraction to secure the holder in
place. The hole 16 may be open only at the top, only at the bottom,
or may extend through the body of the holder. This embodiment 1
preferably is manufactured as a single piece but may, if desired,
be constructed by using front and rear sections, as described above
for the other embodiments. In this embodiment the mounting section
11 is similar to a belt clip and includes a mounting assembly 31,
32 which forms an area 33 for clipping to a supporting structure or
other desired object; for example, a belt or strap may be inserted
into the area 33 and held in place by the fingers or clips 31, 32.
This embodiment may also be hooked to, for example, the edge of a
golf bag, the strap on a golf bag, etc. Preferably, one end of the
divot repair tool protrudes from the holder for ease of removing
the divot repair tool from the holder.
[0073] FIGS. 22 and 23 are illustrations of the closed and open
positions, respectively, of an optional clamp 40 for use with
embodiments of a golf accessory holder of the present invention
having a mounting hole 13. This clamp may be used to secure the
holder 1 to a desired object, for example, a belt, a loop on
clothing, such as a belt loop on pants, a loop or ring on a golf
bag, on a golf cart, the wire basket on a golf cart, etc.
[0074] Although the mounting hole 13 has been shown as being
essentially circular, that is merely a preference and is not a
requirement. For example, the mounting hole 13 could be elliptical,
square, rectangular, triangular, or another desired shape.
[0075] FIG. 24 is an illustration of an elongate rectangular
mounting hole 13 having rounded corners.
[0076] FIGS. 25 and 26 are illustrations of other exemplary clamps
40, 45 for use with the mounting holes of some embodiments.
Preferably, the hook portion 41, 46 of the clamp engages the
mounting hole 13.
[0077] FIG. 27 is an illustration of another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. The construction and operation of this
embodiment is similar to the construction of the embodiment of
FIGS. 19-21 except that, instead of the mounting assembly 31 32,
the mounting extension 11 and hole 13 of, for example, FIG. 2 are
used.
[0078] FIG. 28 is an illustration of another embodiment. In this
embodiment there are optionally two mounting holes 13A, 13B, one of
which may be used to secure the holder 1 to a desired object and
the other one of which may be used to secure an article, such as a
watch, keys, sunglasses, towel loop, etc., to the holder 1. In this
embodiment there are also optionally at least two openings 16A,
16B, so that the tool 2 can be easily inserted and removed from the
top or from a side. Preferably, the holder 1 in this embodiment
also has a plate 24, such as described above, and which may be held
in the holder 1 by any of the techniques discussed above, and which
plate 24 holds the tool 2 in the holder 1 so that the tool 2 is
held in the holder 1 and does not fall out of the holder 1 even if
an opening 16 is pointed toward the ground. In addition, there is
an optional opening or hole 36, which may be on the front
component, the rear component, both, or neither. A ball marker (not
shown) may be placed in the hole so as to be magnetically coupled
to the tool 2 in the holder. There may also be a magnet or plate
(not shown) in the hole as, for example, that magnet or plate 37
shown in FIG. 5. The various embodiments described with respect to
the marker and the opening of FIG. 5 are also applicable with
respect to FIG. 28, including the embodiments wherein the marker is
magnetically secured to the tool 2.
[0079] In the various embodiments described above, the holder 1
only need hold the tool 2 tightly enough to prevent the tool from
being inadvertently removed or dislodged from the holder. The use
of magnetic forces has been described above. However, the divot
repair tool may be held in the holder by magnetic forces, or by
friction, or by both, as desired. The use of friction is
accomplished by making one of the dimensions of the hole 16 to be
close to or even less than the corresponding dimension of the tool
2 so that at least two opposing walls of the opening 16 grip the
tool 2. The tool is still easily removed from the holder by
grasping and pulling on a protruding end of the tool.
[0080] If the opening 16 goes completely through the holder then
the tool can also be removed from the holder by inserting an
object, such as a coin, tee, pen, etc., into one end of the hole 16
to push the tool out the other end of the hole 16. Of course, if
the hole 16 does not go completely through the holder then it is
also possible to provide a smaller hole (not shown) at the enclosed
end of the hole 16 so that a small object may be inserted into the
smaller hole to push the tool at least partially out of the holder.
Such an object may be, for example, the end of a tee or a pen or
pencil, a partially straightened paper clip, the blade of a pocket
knife, fingernail file, small screwdriver, etc.
[0081] FIGS. 29A-29D illustrate various methods of construction of
a divot repair tool 2. For ease and clarity of illustration, these
figures show the top edge of the tool, looking from the top of the
tool toward the bottom (tines) of the tool. In one embodiment the
insert 2A has a thickness of 0.050 to 0.100 inch. An insert 2A may
be constructed in various ways. One embodiment of an insert 2A is
shown in FIG. 2. Other embodiments of an insert 2A are shown in
FIGS. 29A-29D and include a plurality of individual components, for
example, a cover 2B, a magnetic or magnetized plate 2C, a recess
2E, and/or a hole 2F. In FIG. 29A the plate 2C is held in a recess
2E in the cover 2B, and the cover 2B is inserted into the recess 2D
of the tool 2. The plate 2C may be held in the recess 2E by any of
the methods discussed above for holding the plate 24 in place.
Likewise, the cover 2B may be held in place in the recess 2D by any
convenient method, including but not limited to applying an
adhesive, welding, solvent, press fit, threading, etc.
[0082] In FIG. 29B a hole 2F goes completely through the cover 2B.
The plate 2C may be held in place within the hole 2F by any of the
methods discussed above for holding the plate 24 in place, or the
plate 2C may simply be larger than the hole 2F.
[0083] In FIG. 29C, a tool 2 having covers 2B and plates 2C on both
sides is shown. In this embodiment there are two recesses 2D1, 2D2,
one for each cover 2B.
[0084] In FIG. 29D, a tool 2 having a hole 2G completely
therethrough is shown. One plate 2C is shown, but two could be
used.
[0085] Also, the cover 2B of FIG. 29A could be used on one side of
the tool 2, and the cover 2B of FIG. 29B could be used on the other
side of the tool 2. Also, in FIG. 29C, the recesses 2D could join
to form a hole 2G as in FIG. 29D.
[0086] FIGS. 30A-30C illustrate various embodiments of divot repair
tools in association with various embodiments of golf accessory
holders. In FIG. 30A a curved tool 2 is shown in the holder 1, and
then, for clarity of illustration of the shape of the tool, is
shown (2') outside the holder. It will be noticed that one section
10 of the holder is longer than the other section 14 of the holder.
This allows for ease in grasping the tool and this design may be
used on the other holder embodiments as well. In FIG. 30B a tool 2
is shown in the holder 1, and then, for clarity of illustration of
the shape of the tool, is shown outside (2') the holder. In
addition, another tool 2'' is shown. This tool 2'' has a clip 3
which may be inserted into the opening 16 to hold the tool 2'' on
the outside of the holder 1. This allows for the use of two
separate tools 2, 2'', if desired. Alternatively, the tool 2''
could be inserted into the opening 16 with the clip 3 remaining on
the outside of the holder 1. The clip 3 provides for retention of
the tool 2'' and also provides for easy grasping and removal of the
tool. In addition, the clip 3 eliminates the requirement for a
plate 24 or insert 2A to retain the tool in the holder. However,
the clip 3 may also be used, if desired, with a plate 24 and insert
2A.
[0087] FIG. 30C illustrates a subcarrier 43 into which the tool may
be placed, and then the subcarrier may be placed into the golf
accessory holder. This provides additional protection against, for
example, scratching, which may be desirable for an especially
valuable or treasured divot tool and/or ball marker.
[0088] FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate an embodiment of a holder 1 having
a crown 51, and an internal cavity 52, which may be filled, for
example, with a plastic or may be left empty. The crown 51 makes
the holder distinctive and also provides for insertion, into the
cavity 52, of desired objects. For example, the plate 24 may be in
the cavity and may be embedded in, for example, a plastic or may be
free to tumble and turn about in the cavity. If the plate 24 and
the insert 2A of the tool are both magnetized then this freedom
allows the plate 24 to re-orient itself so as to hold the tool in
position in the holder. Item 24 may also be decorative, such as
having on it a scene from a hole of a prominent, legendary, or even
fanciful golf course, or informative (e.g., advertising) such as
the name of a golf course, a country club, a hotel, a company, etc.
If item 24 is free within the cavity 52 then the item 24 may be
decorative and/or informative on both sides. The item 24 may, of
course, be decorative and/or informative and also magnetic or
magnetized.
[0089] FIGS. 32A-32E illustrate various embodiments of divot tools
2 with a visible insert 2A, with a hidden insert 2A, and without an
insert 2A. Although the tools 2 are shown as being plain and with
round heads, this is merely a preferred embodiment. In alternative
embodiments the tools 2 could have oval, rectangular, or other
shapes for the head and the insert 2A, if used, would preferably,
but not necessarily, have a similar shape. Also, the tools 2 may
have other features, such as grooves on the sides, or on the facing
portions, or on part of the facing portions, shorter or longer
tines, etc.
[0090] FIG. 33 illustrates an open-faced embodiment of a holder for
use with a divot repair tool 2 (not shown) having a protruding area
as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment there is a post or ledge 60
and a groove 61 formed by an overhang 62. In this usage the tool 2
is inserted into the opening 16 with the edges of the tool being in
the groove 61. The tool is pushed until the insert 2A is past the
post 60. At this point, the tool is held in place in the holder by
the combination of the groove 61 and the post 60. The tool can be
removed by pulling the tool back out of the opening 16 so that the
insert 2A rides over the post 60. The groove 61 prevents the tool
from simply falling out of the holder, and the post 60 prevents the
tool from sliding out of the groove. The post 60 and/or the holder
are made from a slightly deformable material so that the overhang
62 and or the post 60 will deflect enough to allow the tool to be
easily inserted into or removed from the holder but are rigid
enough that the tool will not inadvertently be released from the
holder. There is also an optional recessed or covered area 63 which
may also be used to more securely retain the tool and ball marker
(if used).
[0091] This open-faced embodiment may also be used use with the
combination of a divot repair tool 2 and a ball marker 65. In this
usage a ball marker 65 is first placed into the opening 16, inside
of the post 60. The tool 2 is then inserted into the opening 16
with the edges of the tool being in the groove 61. The tool is
pushed until the insert 2A is past the post 60. As the tool is held
in place, as described above, it also holds the ball marker in
place. To release the tool, it is simply pulled back out of the
opening. This also releases the ball marker. An exemplary marker is
shown in FIG. 35.
[0092] This open-faced embodiment may also be used use with the
combination of a divot repair tool 2 and a ball marker 65. The tool
and ball marker are held together magnetically; that is, at least
one of the tool or marker is magnetic or magnetized, and the other
one is either magnetic or magnetized, as appropriate, so that these
components will at least loosely magnetically bind to each other
and form a single item. In this usage the user pulls the tool 2,
which decouples from the marker 65 as the marker 65 is held back by
the post 60, and so the tool 2 then slides out. The marker 65 may
then be easily removed by simply turning the holder so that the
marker 65 falls out. The groove 61 may be made larger, so that the
edges of the tool may move more within the groove, as long as the
groove is not so large that the tool and marker are free to slide
out.
[0093] In a variation of this embodiment, a ball marker 65 is not
used but, instead, a fixed insert (not shown) is used. This fixed
insert serves the same function as the marker 65, that is, it
provides a magnetic or magnetized object to which the tool 2 can be
magnetically secured. Such an insert would preferably be
approximately the same height as the ledge or post 60, and would be
secured to the floor of the opening 16, between the post 60 and the
optional covered area 63 (if used). The fixed insert could be
secured by any desired and appropriate means, including, but not
limited to, for example, by glue, by screws, by a protrusion which
is press-fit into an opening (not shown) in the floor, etc. FIG. 35
may be considered as an illustration of a fixed insert 65 secured
to the floor. The magnetic attraction between the fixed insert and
the tool 2 retains the tool in the holder until the tool is
forcibly removed by the user. If, using this embodiment, a ball
marker is still desirable, then a ball marker could be placed on
the outwardly-facing surface of the tool 2, and held there by
magnetic attraction between the tool and the ball marker.
[0094] In still another embodiment, there may be an opening or
recess (not shown) in the floor of the holder, between the post 60
and the optional recessed area 63, into which a marker 65 (not
shown) may be inserted, so that the tool 2 (not shown) secures the
marker in place. To access the marker, the tool 2 is partially or
completely withdrawn, thereby allowing the marker to fall out of,
or be shaken out of, or be otherwise removed from, the holder
1.
[0095] In still another embodiment, the may be an opening 36, as
shown in FIG. 5, on the backside or underside of the holder 1, with
the optional magnet 37, to allow the marker to be placed on the
outside of the holder.
[0096] In still another embodiment, the post or ledge 60 is not
present but there is a hole, recess, or cavity present in the floor
of the holder between where the post 60 would be and the recessed
area 63. For example, see the recess, cavity or hole 23 of FIG. 2,
and the hole 36 of FIGS. 5 and 28. In this embodiment a fixed
insert may be secured by any desired and appropriate means, and the
tool 2 is held in the holder 1 by the magnetic attraction between
the insert and the tool. In a variation thereof, a removable insert
is used. In still another variation, the removable insert is a ball
marker. In any event, the magnetic attraction between the various
components and/or along with the overhang 62, secures the tool 2,
and therefore the ball marker and removable insert, in place. The
fixed insert is not shown in FIG. 33, but see, for example, insert
24 of FIG. 2 and insert 37 of FIG. 5.
[0097] FIG. 34 illustrates yet another embodiment. This embodiment
is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 33 but it has a top part 12 so
that it is not open-faced, and the top part 12 performs the holding
function provided by the groove 61 and ledge 62 of FIG. 33. In one
usage of this embodiment, the tool 2 has a bulging insert 2A, the
tool 2 is inserted into the opening 16. The tool is pushed until
the insert 2A is past the post 60. At this point, the tool is held
in place in the holder by the combination of the top part 12 and
the post 60. The tool can be removed by pulling the tool back out
of the opening 16 so that the insert 2A rides over the post 60. The
top part 12 prevents the tool from simply falling out of the
holder, and the post 60 prevents the tool from sliding out of the
holder. If the tool 2 has a bulging insert 2A, then the post 60
and/or the holder are made from a slightly deformable material so
that the top part 12 and/or the post 60 will deflect enough to
allow the tool to be easily inserted into or removed from the
holder, but are rigid enough that the tool will not inadvertently
be released from the holder.
[0098] In another usage of this embodiment, if the tool 2 has a
more flat construction and is used with a ball marker 65, then the
user pushed the ball marker 65 into the opening 16, shaking and/or
turning the holder slightly if necessary to seat the ball marker
behind the post 60, and then the tool 2 is inserted and pushed into
the opening 16. The insert 2A of the tool will be magnetically
coupled or attracted to the marker 65 so that, once coupled
together, they form a single object which, because the post 60 is
blocking the path of the marker 65, and the marker 65 is
magnetically coupled to the tool 2, the tool 2 and marker 65 are
retained within the tool 2. To remove the tool, the user pulls the
tool 2, which decouples the tool 2 from the marker 65 as the marker
65 is held back by the post 60, and so the tool 2 then slides out.
The marker 65 may then be easily removed by simply turning and/or
shaking the holder so that the marker 65 falls out.
[0099] An optional slot 64 may be provided so that, in the event
that a marker 65 becomes stuck in the holder, for example, due to
dirt, moisture, grass clippings, etc., the marker 65 may be
conveniently accessed and pried out. The slot also allows the user,
after removing the tool from the holder, to readily see if the ball
marker 65 is still in the holder.
[0100] The various alternative embodiments of FIG. 33 are also
applicable to FIG. 34.
[0101] FIG. 35 illustrates the use of the embodiment of FIG. 33 in
combination with a ball marker 65 and a clip 66, for example, a hat
clip. The ball marker is inserted into the opening 16, and then the
hat clip (not shown) is pushed so that one part of the clip is
outside of the body of the holder, and the other part of the clip
overrides the marker and, in combination with the post 60, holds
the marker in place.
[0102] In another embodiment of FIG. 35, the post or ledge 60 is
not present but there is a recess or cavity (not shown) present in
the floor of the holder under the marker 65 and between where the
post 60 would be and the recessed area 63. For example, see the
recess or cavity 23 of FIG. 2. In this embodiment the recess or
cavity diameter is smaller than the ball marker diameter and
supports the ball marker. The tab (not shown) on the back side of
clip 66 engages a recess area (not shown), such as the areas 9A and
9B of FIG. 2, so that the clip 66 is held in place.
[0103] The marker 65 is inserted into the holder and is thus
retained in the holder by the recessed area 63, groove 61, and the
clip 66. If the clip is sufficient flexible the marker may be
inserted by simply forcing it over the clip 66. If the clip is not
sufficiently flexible, then the clip may be removed, the marker
inserted, and then the clip reattached. The marker is preferably
removed by first removing the clip, and then allowing the marker to
slide out of the recessed area 63 and the groove 61, at which point
the marker is preferably, but not necessarily, reattached to the
holder so as to prevent loss of or damage to the marker.
[0104] This open-faced embodiment may also be used with the
combination of a divot repair tool 2 (not shown) and a marker 65 or
insert 24 (FIG. 2). The tool 2 is secured to a removable marker 65
or insert plate(s) 24 in the recess cavity and the recessed area
63, groove 61, and ledge 62.
[0105] It will be appreciated from the above and the drawings that
the tool 2 may have different constructions, and the insert 2A of
the tool 2 may have different constructions. It will also be
appreciated that the holder 1 may take the form of any of the
several embodiments, and variations thereof, shown and described
herein. Further, it will also be appreciated that the tool 2 and/or
ball marker 65 may be held in the holder 1 by magnetic attraction,
by friction, by a clip, or a combination of one or more of the
above. It will also be appreciated that the tool 2 may be held
within or partially within a closed or open holder 1. It will also
be appreciated that the marker 65 may be held external to, at the
surface of, or within the holder 1. Finally, it will be appreciated
that, where magnetism is used to secure the various components
together, it is only necessary that at least one of the components
be magnetized.
[0106] Although the expected primary use of the holder is that the
tool will be removed from the holder for use, such removal is not
required. In embodiments where the tines of the tool extend
sufficiently from the holder it is possible to use the tool without
removing it from the holder. In addition, although the expected
primary active use of the holder will be in conjunction with a game
of golf, it is contemplated that the holder may not be actively
used primarily in conjunction with a game of golf, but will be
primarily used for storage of the tool, marker and/or clip when a
game of golf is not being played in order to protect the tool,
marker and/or clip from loss or damage between games.
[0107] The present invention therefore provides novel divot repair
tools and novel holders for divot repair tools. The divot repair
tool of the present invention may be, but need not necessarily be,
used with the holder of the present invention. Indeed, the divot
repair tool does not have to be used with a holder at all.
Likewise, the golf accessory holder of the present invention may
be, but need not necessarily be, used with the divot repair tool of
the present invention. Indeed, the holder may be used with most, if
not all, divot repair tools. As previously indicated, dimensions
given herein are preferred, but are neither critical nor mandatory.
Also, although various embodiments of the present invention have
been described in detail herein, other variations may occur to
those reading this disclosure without departing from the spirit of
the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present
invention is as defined by the claims herein.
* * * * *