U.S. patent application number 12/873883 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for golf ball marker and alignment tool.
Invention is credited to Scott Trafford.
Application Number | 20110053711 12/873883 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43625718 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110053711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trafford; Scott |
March 3, 2011 |
GOLF BALL MARKER AND ALIGNMENT TOOL
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
multiple embodiments of a golf ball marking and alignment tool. In
each embodiment of the present invention, the tool comprises an
elongate body portion which defines opposed, generally planar first
(top) and second (bottom) surfaces, and a longitudinal axis.
Disposed on the top surface and extending along at least a portion
of the length of the longitudinal axis is an alignment line. The
alignment line preferably extends along the entire length of the
longitudinal axis of the body portion, and comprises a channel, the
inner surface of which is preferably coated or painted with a dark
colored (e.g., black) material. The alignment tool may optionally
further comprise one or more pin portions which are integrally
connected to the bottom surface of the body portion at prescribed
point(s) relative to the longitudinal axis defined thereby. A
single pin portion included on the body portion may be used to
allow the body portion to be selectively rotated or swiveled along
the axis defined by the pin portion. Two pin portions, if included
on the body portion, may be used to securely fix or anchor the tool
to the putting surface.
Inventors: |
Trafford; Scott; (Newport
Beach, CA) |
Family ID: |
43625718 |
Appl. No.: |
12/873883 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61239394 |
Sep 2, 2009 |
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61305269 |
Feb 17, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/406 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0694 20130101;
A63B 57/207 20151001; A63B 69/3676 20130101; A63B 57/353
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/406 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball marking and alignment tool, comprising: an elongate
body portion defining opposed, generally planar first and second
surfaces, and a longitudinal axis; and an alignment line disposed
on the first surface and extending along at least a portion of the
length of the longitudinal axis.
2. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 1 wherein the
alignment line extends along the entire length of the longitudinal
axis of the body portion.
3. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 2 wherein the
alignment line comprises: an elongate channel which extends along
the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion and
is of a prescribed width and depth, the channel defining an inner
surface; and a dark colored coating applied to the inner surface of
the channel.
4. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 2 wherein: the
body portion has a peripheral edge including a spaced, generally
parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge segments
which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate peripheral
edge segments; the longitudinal axis extending between the arcuate
peripheral edge segments such that the longitudinally extending
peripheral edge segments are substantially equidistantly spaced
from the longitudinal axis and extend in generally parallel
relation thereto.
5. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 4 further
comprising an elongate pin portion integrally connected to and
protruding from the second surface of the body portion, the pin
portion defining a pin axis which extends generally perpendicularly
relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the body portion.
6. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 5 wherein the
pin portion extends in substantially flush relation to one of the
arcuate peripheral edge segments of the body portion.
7. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 5 further
comprising at least one flange support portion integrally connected
to and extending between the pin portion and the second surface of
the body portion.
8. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 7 comprising a
spaced pair of flange support portions integrally connected to and
extending between the pin portion and the second surface of the
body portion.
9. A golf ball marking and alignment tool, comprising: an elongate
body portion defining opposed, generally planar first and second
surfaces, and a longitudinal axis; an alignment line disposed on
the first surface and extending along at least a portion of the
length of the longitudinal axis; and an elongate pin portion
integrally connected to and protruding from the second surface of
the body portion, the pin portion defining a pin axis which extends
generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis defined
by the body portion.
10. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 9 wherein the
alignment line extends along the entire length of the longitudinal
axis of the body portion.
11. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 9 wherein the
alignment line comprises: an elongate channel which extends along
the entire length of the longitudinal axis of the body portion and
is of a prescribed width and depth, the channel defining an inner
surface; and a dark colored coating applied to the inner surface of
the channel.
12. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 9 wherein:
the body portion has a peripheral edge including a spaced,
generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge
segments which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate
peripheral edge segments; the longitudinal axis extending between
the arcuate peripheral edge segments such that the longitudinally
extending peripheral edge segments are substantially equidistantly
spaced from the longitudinal axis and extend in generally parallel
relation thereto.
13. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 12 wherein
the pin portion extends in substantially flush relation to one of
the arcuate peripheral edge segments of the body portion.
14. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 13 further
comprising at least one flange support portion integrally connected
to and extending between the pin portion and the second surface of
the body portion.
15. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 14 comprising
a spaced pair of flange support portions integrally connected to
and extending between the pin portion and the second surface of the
body portion.
16. A golf ball marking and alignment tool, comprising: an elongate
body portion defining opposed, generally planar first and second
surfaces, and a longitudinal axis; an alignment line disposed on
the first surface and extending along at least a portion of the
length of the longitudinal axis; and a spaced pair of elongate pin
portions integrally connected to and protruding from the second
surface of the body portion, the pin portions each defining a pin
axis which extends generally perpendicularly relative to the
longitudinal axis defined by the body portion.
17. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 16 wherein:
the body portion has a peripheral edge including a spaced,
generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending peripheral edge
segments which are interconnected by an opposed pair of arcuate
peripheral edge segments; the longitudinal axis extending between
the arcuate peripheral edge segments such that the longitudinally
extending peripheral edge segments are substantially equidistantly
spaced from the longitudinal axis and extend in generally parallel
relation thereto.
18. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 17 wherein
the pin portions extend in substantially flush relation to
respective ones of the arcuate peripheral edge segments of the body
portion.
19. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 18 further
comprising a spaced pair of flange support portions integrally
connected to and extending between each of the pin portions and the
second surface of the body portion.
20. The golf ball marking and alignment tool of claim 16 wherein
the alignment line extends along the entire length of the
longitudinal axis of the body portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/239,394 entitled BALL MARKER
ALIGNMENT TOOL filed Sep. 2, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/305,269 entitled BALL MARKER ALIGNMENT TOOL
filed Feb. 17, 2010.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to the game of golf
and, more particularly, to a golf ball marker which is uniquely
configured to provide the added functionality of an alignment tool
on a putting green.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] When playing the game of golf, according to protocol, up to
four players (i.e., a foursome) play each hole together. Usually,
all players in a particular group are allowed to reach the green
prior to any one of the players putting their ball into the cup or
hole. Generally, the player whose ball is furthest from the hole is
allowed to putt first. It often occurs that another player's golf
ball is in a position between the putter's ball and the hole such
that it is possible that the putter's ball will strike the other
player's golf ball as it rolls toward the hole. In order to avoid
contact between the golf balls, the spot of the interfering ball is
typically marked with a ball marker.
[0007] For many players, the golf ball marker of choice is a coin
such as a quarter or a dime. As an alternative to the use of coins,
many players will use plastic golf ball markers provided by the
golf course at which they are playing, such markers typically
comprising a small, circular disc portion which has a pin portion
protruding from the center of one side or face thereof. In use, the
pin portion of such ball marker is advanced into the putting
surface on the green until such time as the disc portion of the
ball marker assumes a substantially flush relationship to the
putting surface. Other currently used ball markers include small,
circularly configured discs made of metal which have the same basic
size characteristics of a coin, but are often imprinted with a
particular brand or logo, and may be magnetically attached to a
complimentary metallic base affixed to a golf glove, hat, visor,
etc.
[0008] In golf, putting is often considered to be one of the most
difficult aspects of the game. When attempting to put a golf ball
into the hole on the green, the golfer will typically attempt to
align the direction of the golf ball with the hole, and putt the
golf ball toward the hole. Though the player will on occasion aim
the golf ball directly at the hole when putting, more often, the
player must aim the ball at a point removed from the hole to
compensate for the slope and/or undulations of the green. In aiming
the golf ball toward the hole, it is often useful for the player to
have a mark or a line on a portion of the circumference of the golf
ball for alignment with the desired target line on the putting
surface of the green, and to strike the golf ball with the putter
head such that the putter face is perpendicular to the ball
circumference, and thus the line thereon, thereby propelling the
ball toward the hole along the target line. Golf balls often have
printing or similar markings on at least a portion of the golf ball
circumference that may be useful in the above-described putting
alignment.
[0009] However, a deficiency with marks or lines on the
circumference of the golf ball is that the length of such line, as
visually apparent to the golfer when looking down on the golf ball
in a normal putting stance, is typically insufficient to provide a
strong visual indication confirming the desired line of the putt.
The present invention, as will be described in more detail below,
addresses this particular shortcoming by providing a golf ball
marker which may be placed behind the golf ball to provide a
conventional marking function, but further includes a ball marker
line which may be aligned with the alignment indicia on the golf
ball to create a continuous line of increased length which is
useful in confirming the line of the putt along the intended putt
target line.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
multiple embodiments of a golf ball marking and alignment tool. In
each embodiment of the present invention, the tool comprises an
elongate body portion which defines opposed, generally planar first
(top) and second (bottom) surfaces, and a longitudinal axis.
Disposed on the top surface and extending along at least a portion
of the length of the longitudinal axis is an alignment line. The
alignment line preferably extends along the entire length of the
longitudinal axis of the body portion, and comprises a channel, the
inner surface of which is preferably coated or painted with a dark
colored (e.g., black) material. The alignment tool may optionally
further comprise one or more pin portions which are integrally
connected to the bottom surface of the body portion at prescribed
point(s) relative to the longitudinal axis defined thereby. A
single pin portion included on the body portion may be used to
allow the body portion to be selectively rotated or swiveled along
the axis defined by the pin portion. Two pin portions, if included
on the body portion, may be used to securely fix or anchor the tool
to the putting surface.
[0011] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These, as well as other features of the present invention,
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a golf ball marker constructed
in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the golf ball marker
shown in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the golf ball marker
shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a golf ball marker constructed
in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the golf ball marker
shown in FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the golf ball marker
shown in FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball marker shown
in FIG. 4;
[0020] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an exemplary sequence of steps for
using the golf ball marker shown in FIGS. 1 and 4;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a golf ball marker constructed
in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of a golf ball marker
shown in FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the golf ball marker
shown in FIG. 11; and
[0024] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball marker shown
in FIG. 11.
[0025] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present
invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS.
1-3 depict a golf ball marker 10 constructed in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention. The marker 10 comprises
an elongate body portion 12 which, from the perspective shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, defines a generally planar first (top) surface 14,
and an opposed, generally planar second (bottom) surface 16. In
addition, the body portion 12 defines a continuous peripheral edge
which comprises a spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally
extending peripheral edge segments 18 which are interconnected by
an opposed pair of arcuate (i.e., convex) peripheral edge segments
20. In this regard, as best seen in FIG. 1, the body portion 12
defines a longitudinal axis A which extends between the arcuate
peripheral edge segments 20, the longitudinally extending
peripheral edge segments 18 being equidistantly spaced from and
extending in substantially parallel relation to the axis A. By way
of example and not by way of limitation, the body portion 12 has a
preferred length L of approximately 2.0 inches, a preferred width W
of approximately 1.0 inches, and a preferred thickness or height H
of approximately 0.0625 inches. However, those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that the length, width and height dimensions
of the body portion 12 may be varied from those set forth above
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0027] The golf ball marker 10 of the present invention further
includes an alignment line 22 which is disposed on the top surface
14 of the body portion 12. More particularly, as seen in FIGS. 1
and 2, the alignment line 22 comprises an elongate groove or
channel 24 which is formed in the top surface 14 of the body
portion 12, and extends along the entire length of the longitudinal
axis A thereof, i.e., the channel 24 extends between the arcuate
peripheral edge segments 20 of the body portion 12. By way of
example and not by way of limitation, the channel 24 has a
preferred width of approximately 0.0625 inches, and a preferred
depth of approximately 0.008 inches. Additionally, as is best seen
in FIG. 1, the inner surface of the channel 24 preferably includes
a dark colored (e.g., black) paint, ink, or other substance applied
thereto to make the channel 24 visually prominent in comparison to
the remainder of the top surface 14 of the body portion 12 which is
preferably provided in the color white or another light color
easily distinguishable from the darker alignment line 22. In this
regard, the body portion 12 is preferably fabricated from a metal
or plastic material. If fabricated from a metal material, the body
portion 12 may be painted to impart a white or other light color
thereto.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 4-7, there is shown a golf ball
marker 100 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention. The marker 100 comprises an elongate body
portion 112 which, from the perspective shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
defines a generally planar first (top) surface 114, and an opposed,
generally planar second (bottom) surface 116. In addition, the body
portion 112 defines a continuous peripheral edge which comprises a
spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending
peripheral edge segments 118 which are interconnected by an opposed
pair of arcuate (i.e., convex) peripheral edge segments 120. In
this regard, as best seen in FIG. 4, the body portion 112 defines a
longitudinal axis A which extends between the arcuate peripheral
edge segments 120, the longitudinally extending peripheral edge
segments 118 being equidistantly spaced from and extending in
substantially parallel relation to the axis A. By way of example
and not by way of limitation, the length, width and
thickness/height dimensions of the body portion 112 are preferably
the same as those described above in relation to the body portion
12 of the golf ball marker 10.
[0029] The golf ball marker 100 further includes an alignment line
122 which is disposed on the top surface 114 of the body portion
112. More particularly, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the alignment
line 122 comprises an elongate groove or channel 124 which is
formed in the top surface 114 of the body portion 112, and extends
along the entire length of the longitudinal axis A thereof, i.e.,
the channel 124 extends between the arcuate peripheral edge
segments 120 of the body portion 112. By way of example and not by
way of limitation, the width and depth of dimensions of the channel
124 are preferably the same as those described above in relation to
the channel 24 of the golf ball marker 10. Additionally, as is best
seen in FIG. 4, the inner surface of the channel 124 preferably
includes a dark colored (e.g., black) paint, ink, or other
substance applied thereto to make the channel 124 visually
prominent in comparison to the remainder of the top surface 114 of
the body portion 112 which is preferably provided in the color
white or another light color easily distinguishable from the darker
alignment line 122. In this regard, the body portion 112 is
preferably fabricated from a metal or plastic material. If
fabricated from a metal material, the body portion 112 may be
painted to impart a white or other light color thereto.
[0030] In addition to the body portion 112 and alignment line 122,
the marker 100 constructed in accordance with the second embodiment
of the present invention further comprises a generally cylindrical
pin portion 126 which is integrally connected to and protrudes
generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface 116 of the body
portion 112. More particularly, the pin portion 126 is oriented on
the bottom surface 116 such that a pin axis PA defined by the pin
portion 126 extends generally perpendicularly relative to the axis
A defined by the body portion 112. Additionally, as best seen in
FIGS. 6 and 7, the pin portion 126 is oriented so as to be
substantially aligned or flush with one of the arcuate peripheral
edge segments 120 of the body portion 112. By way of example and
not by way of limitation, the pin portion 126 has a preferred
diameter of approximately 0.09375 inches and a preferred length of
approximately 0.3125 inches. However, those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that the length and diameter dimensions of
the pin portion 126 may be varied from those set forth above
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0031] As further seen in FIGS. 5-7, the marker 100 further
preferably includes a pair of flange support portions 128 which are
integrally connected to and extend between the pin portion 126 and
the bottom surface 116 of the body portion 112. As will be
recognized, the flange support portions 128 are used to reinforce
the pin portion 126, and strengthen its attachment to the body
portion 112, thus preventing the pin portion 126 from being easily
broken or fractured from the body portion 112. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that the inclusion of two flange
support portions 128 is exemplary only, and that greater or fewer
than two flange support portions 128 may be included in the marker
100 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Moreover, it is contemplated that the flange support
portions 128 may be omitted in their entirety. The use of the pin
portion 126, with out without the flange support portions 128 used
to reinforce the same, will be discussed in more detail below.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, there is shown an exemplary
sequence of steps for using the marker 100 described above. In use,
the ball marker 100 is placed behind a golf ball 500 at rest on the
putting surface 502 of the putting green. The pin portion 126 of
the marker 100 is placed closest to the golf ball 500, and advanced
into the putting surface 502. Subsequent to the positioning of the
marker 100 in the aforementioned manner, the golf ball 500 may be
lifted off the putting surface 502. After the golf ball 500 has
been lifted from the putting surface 502, the marker 100 may be
slightly adjusted as needed by swiveling or rotating the body
portion 112 relative to the pin axis PA of the pin portion 126 so
that the alignment line 122 follows along the intended target line
for the putt. In this regard, the pin portion 126 provides a fixed
pivot point or pivot axis at the front of the marker 100 originally
disposed closest to the golf ball 500 as allows the golfer to
adjust the marker 100 while preserving the original position of the
golf ball 500 on the putting surface 502 of the green.
[0033] Thereafter, the golf ball 500 is replaced in front of the
marker 100, with the stripe line 504 on the circumference of the
golf ball 500 being aligned with the alignment line 122. The stripe
line 504, when aligned with the alignment line 122, provides a
continuous line of approximately three inches in length confirming
the target line of the putt toward the hole 506. The marker 100 is
removed from behind the golf ball 500 when the desired target line
is confirmed. Since, as indicated above, the alignment of the golf
ball stripe line 504 and the alignment line 122 provides a
continuous straight line of almost three inches in length, the
golfer is able to more easily visually confirm the intended line of
break and putt target line.
[0034] The exemplary manner of using the marker 10 is substantially
the same as described above in relation to the marker 100. However,
due to the absence of the pin portion 126 in the marker 10, greater
care must typically be taken in rotating or pivoting the same to
achieve alignment with the desired target line. More particularly,
care must be taken so as not shift the position of the marker 10 in
manner causing a change to the original position of the golf ball
500 when the same is placed back in front of the marker 10.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 11-14, there is shown a golf ball
marker 200 constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the
present invention. The marker 200 comprises an elongate body
portion 212 which, from the perspective shown in FIGS. 12 and 13,
defines a generally planar first (top) surface 214, and an opposed,
generally planar second (bottom) surface 216. In addition, the body
portion 212 defines a continuous peripheral edge which comprises a
spaced, generally parallel pair of longitudinally extending
peripheral edge segments 218 which are interconnected by an opposed
pair of arcuate (i.e., convex) peripheral edge segments 220. In
this regard, as best seen in FIG. 11, the body portion 212 defines
a longitudinal axis A which extends between the arcuate peripheral
edge segments 220, the longitudinally extending peripheral edge
segments 218 being equidistantly spaced from and extending in
substantially parallel relation to the axis A. By way of example
and not by way of limitation, the body portion 212 has a preferred
length L of approximately 3.50 inches, a preferred width W of
approximately 1.0 inches, and a preferred thickness or height H of
approximately 0.0625 inches. However, those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that the length, width and height dimensions
of the body portion 212 may be varied from those set forth above
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0036] The golf ball marker 200 further includes an alignment line
222 which is disposed on the top surface 214 of the body portion
212. More particularly, as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the alignment
line 222 comprises an elongate groove or channel 224 which is
formed in the top surface 214 of the body portion 212, and extends
along the entire length of the longitudinal axis A thereof, i.e.,
the channel 224 extends between the arcuate peripheral edge
segments 220 of the body portion 212. By way of example and not by
way of limitation, the width and depth of dimensions of the channel
224 are preferably the same as those described above in relation to
the channel 24 of the golf ball marker 10. Additionally, as is best
seen in FIG. 11, the inner surface of the channel 224 preferably
includes a dark colored (e.g., black) paint, ink, or other
substance applied thereto to make the channel 224 visually
prominent in comparison to the remainder of the top surface 214 of
the body portion 212 which is preferably provided in the color
white or another light color easily distinguishable from the darker
alignment line 222. In this regard, the body portion 212 is
preferably fabricated from a metal or plastic material. If
fabricated from a metal material, the body portion 212 may be
painted to impart a white or other light color thereto.
[0037] In addition to the body portion 212 and alignment line 222,
the marker 200 constructed in accordance with the third embodiment
of the present invention further comprises a pair of generally
cylindrical pin portion 226 which are each integrally connected to
and protrude generally perpendicularly from the bottom surface 216
of the body portion 212. More particularly, each of the pin
portions 226 is oriented on the bottom surface 216 such that a pin
axis PA defined thereby extends generally perpendicularly relative
to the axis A defined by the body portion 212. Additionally, as
best seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pin portions 226 are oriented so
as to be substantially aligned or flush with respective ones of the
arcuate peripheral edge segments 220 of the body portion 212. By
way of example and not by way of limitation, each pin portion 226
has a preferred diameter of approximately 0.09375 inches and a
preferred length of approximately 0.3125 inches. However, those of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the length and
diameter dimensions of the pin portions 226 may be varied from
those set forth above without departing from the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0038] As further seen in FIGS. 12-14, the marker 200 further
preferably includes two pairs of flange support portions 228, each
such pair being integrally connected to and extending between one
of the pin portions 226 and the bottom surface 216 of the body
portion 212. As will be recognized, each pair of the flange support
portions 228 is used to reinforce a corresponding one of the pin
portions 226, and strengthen its attachment to the body portion
212, thus preventing such pin portion 226 from being easily broken
or fractured from the body portion 212. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that the inclusion of two flange support
portions 228 with each pin portion 226 is exemplary only, and that
greater or fewer than two flange support portions 228 may be used
in conjunction with each pin portion 226 without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, it is
contemplated that the flange support portions 228 may be omitted in
their entirety.
[0039] The exemplary manner of using the marker 200 is similar to
that described above in relation to the marker 100. However, due to
the inclusion of the opposed pair of pin portions 226 in the marker
200, the same is incapable of being rotated or swiveled upon the
putting surface 502 of the green. As such, the marker 200 finds
greater utility in use as a practice aid than as an alignment tool
to be used during an the play of an actual round of golf. In the
regard, the increased length of the body portion 212 of the marker
200 in comparison to the body portions 12, 112 of the markers 10,
100 provides a continuous straight line of over four inches in
length which is particularly useful during practice to allow the
golfer to more easily visually confirm the intended line of break
and putt target line.
[0040] This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the
present invention. The scope of the present invention is not
limited by these exemplary embodiments. Numerous variations,
whether explicitly provided for by the specification or implied by
the specification, such as variations in structure, dimension, type
of material and manufacturing process may be implemented by one of
skill in the art in view of this disclosure.
* * * * *