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[0001] This invention relates to a multi-functional device for use in the game of golf. In particular, this invention relates to a golf divot repair tool that also holds a marker used in marking the position of golf balls on the golf course.
[0002] When a golfer heads for the golf course, the golfer needs several items. First, the golfer needs a golf divot repair tool to repair the sod when it is disturbed during play. Divot repair tools are provided with pointed ends to stick down into the sod in order to lift the sod.
[0003] Second, a golfer needs a ball marker, and an accompanying holder, during the play of golf. Conventional marker holders can removably receive a ball marker, which is most often magnetically attached to a depression in the holder.
[0004] In the prior art, magnetic marker holders provide a depression to removably receive a ball marker. The marker is held in place by a magnet located at a first end of the depression. The magnet would correspond to a first end of the marker. To remove the marker, a second end of the marker is depressed, which rocks the marker off the magnet, and detaches the marker from the holder.
[0005] However, this conventional means of holding the marker does not adequately secure the marker to the holder. It is common for the marker to unintentionally detach from the holder and become lost.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a multi-functional golf device that provides a divot repair tool and an improved ball marker and ball marker holder.
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved divot repair tool that includes an improved holding means for a ball marker.
[0008] The present invention provides a divot repair tool and a depression provided in it to removably receive a ball marker that attaches magnetically to a depression located on one side of the tool. The tool may include a plurality of magnets circumferentially spaced about the depression, wherein the magnets hold the marker in place. Advantageously, this arrangement more securely holds the marker in place.
[0009] To remove the marker, a hole is provided in the tool located inside the depression to allow an exposed surface of the marker to be pushed, thereby releasing the marker from the holder.
[0010] A movable member may be provided inside the depression. When moved, the member pushes against a surface of the marker to move the marker sufficiently away from the magnetic material to release the marker from the depression, thereby releasing the marker from the holder.
[0011] Accordingly, one aspect of the invention resides in a golf divot repair tool comprising: a body, at least one pointed arm extending from said body, a depression in said body, a magnetic material disposed in said depression, a ball marker constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism and adapted to be releasably held in said depression by said magnetic material, and an opening formed through said body at said depression.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, said opening is circular and has a diameter of from 5 to 40 mm.
[0013] In a further aspect, the invention resides in a golf divot repair tool comprising: a body, at least one pointed arm extending from said body, a depression in said body, a magnetic material disposed in said depression, a ball marker constructed at least partially of a material attracted by magnetism and adapted to be releasably held in said depression by said magnetic material, an opening formed through said body at said depression, and a movable member disposed in said opening which, when moved, moves the ball marker, when the ball marker is held in the depression, away from the magnetic material a sufficient distance to release the ball marker from the depression.
[0014] In yet another aspect of the invention, said magnetic material comprises at least two magnets circumferentially spaced about the depression.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, said magnetic material is an annular magnet centered about the depression.
[0016] Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0017] In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
[0021]
[0022] The golf divot repair tool of this invention is shown generally in
[0023] As shown in
[0024]
[0025] As shown in
[0026] The opening is preferably circular, and may have a diameter in the range of from 5 to 40 mm.
[0027] It will be readily understood by one skilled in the art that the number of magnets
[0028] In yet another embodiment, a movable member may be disposed in the opening
[0029] Accordingly, it can be seen that an improved divot repair tool
[0030] It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein.
[0031] Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional, electrical or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.