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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 415,033 filed Oct. 1, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of accessories for golfing and more particularly to the field of multiple use tools having ball markers and divot repairing tools.
2. Discussion of the Background
Numerous golfing accessories are available that have structure to serve as ball markers and divot repairing tools. However, all known ones have a main body from which the fork or other working portion of the divot repairing tool pivots or slides outwardly and to which the ball marker is removably attached (e.g., magnetically). Applicant is not aware of any ball marker that has a body from which a fork or other working portion of a divot repair tool pivots or slides outwardly wherein the two functions can be performed by the same device.
With this in mind, the present invention was developed. In it, a combination is provided of a ball marker and divot repairing tool in a single, unitary device.
This invention involves a combination of a ball marker and divot repairing tool in a single, unitary device. The combination includes a ball marker with a body having a substantially circular perimeter in the tradition of a ball marker and a divot repairing tool that has a prod (e.g., fork). The prod is mounted for movement relative to the body of the ball marker between a retracted position within the circular perimeter of the body and a protruding position extending outwardly of the perimeter of the body.
In one embodiment, the fork of the divot repairing tool is mounted to slide between the retracted and protruding positions. In a second embodiment, it is mounted to pivot between the retracted and protruding positions. The combination of each embodiment is then usable both as a ball marker (with the prod in the retracted position) and as a divot repairing tool (with the prod in its protruding position). Because the ball marker and divot repairing tool are in a single, unitary device, both functions can then be performed by the same device without the need for the golfer to carry two, separate pieces.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in which the body of the ball marker is substantially circular and the forked prod of the divot repairing tool is shown in its retracted position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the forked prod of the divot repairing tool in its protruding position.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in which the forked prod of the divot repairing tool is mounted to pivot relative to the body of the ball marker and is shown in its retracted position.
FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 with the forked prod in its protruding position.
FIG. 7 is a view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5 illustrating the locking mechanism of this embodiment to secure the forked prod in its retracted position.
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1-4, the combination of present invention includes a ball marker with a body 1 having upper and lower, circular side pieces 3 as best seen in FIG. 3 spaced from one another to receive the forked prod 2 of the divot repairing tool therebetween. As illustrated, the forked prod 2 is mounted for sliding movement relative to the body 1 of the ball marker between a retracted position (FIG. 1) and a protruding position (FIG. 2). In the retracted position of FIG. 1, the forked prod 2 of the divot repairing tool is within the perimeter P of the body 1 of the ball marker and the combination can be used as a ball marker. In the protruding position of FIG. 2 in which the forked prod 2 extends outwardly of the perimeter P of the body 1 of the ball marker, the combination can be used as a divot repairing tool.
To slidably move the forked prod 2 longitudinally along the axis 5 between the retracted and protruding positions of FIGS. 1 and 2, an upstanding member 4 (see also FIG. 3) on the forked prod 2 is provided. The member 4 as shown is restrained within the elongated slot 7 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) in the upper side piece 3 of the body 1 of the ball marker. In this manner, the manual throw of the forked prod 2 is limited between the positions of FIGS. 1 and 2. With the combination of the present invention, the ball marker and divot repairing functions can then be performed all by the same, unitary device without the golfer having to carry and keep track of separate pieces.
For integrity and to help maintain the alignment of the forked prod 2 as it is moved along the axis 5, the lower side piece 3 (see FIG. 3) preferably has an upstanding member 9 receivable in the elongated slot 6 of the forked prod 2. Additionally, the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 includes a locking mechanism to selectively secure the forked prod 2 in its retracted and protruding positions. The locking mechanism includes a spring-biased member 8 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) with a detent 10 selectively receivable in the notches 12 on the side of the forked prod 2 (see also FIG. 3). The member 8 as shown is mounted adjacent one of the spacer members 14. This spacer member 14 as illustrated has an indent 16 to permit the detent 10 to move between positions engaging and disengaging the notches 12 as the forked prod 2 is slid thereby.
The body 1 of the ball marker in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 preferably has substantially circular, flat side pieces 3 suitable for graphics or advertising. The circular side pieces 3 in this regard could be about half an inch to an inch and a half in diameter (and more preferably about an inch) in keeping with the traditional size and shape of most ball markers. Similarly, the prod 2 as illustrated is forked with at least two tines in the tradition of a divot repairing tool but could be a single tine if desired.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7, the body 1′ of the ball marker has a single, substantially circular and flat side piece 3′ and the forked prod 2′ is mounted for pivotal movement about the axis 5′ relative thereto. In the retracted position of FIG. 5, the forked prod 2′ is again within the perimeter P of the body 1′ of the ball marker. Similarly, in the protruding position of FIG. 6, the forked prod 2′ extends outwardly of the perimeter of the body 1′. Additionally, in this embodiment, a locking mechanism is provided to aid in securing the forked prod 2′ in the retracted position of FIG. 5. In doing so, a protuberance 11 is provided that extends outwardly of the side piece 3′ of the body 1′ (see FIG. 7). The protuberance 11 as best seen in FIG. 6 is located at the free end of a cantilevered arm 13 which is partially cut from or otherwise supported on the side piece 3′. In use, the protuberance 11 on the end of the resilient arm 13 will be abutted and depressed downwardly out of the way as the outer tines 18 and base 20 of the forked prod 2′ are pivoted over the side piece 3′. Consequently and in going between the positions of FIGS. 6 and 5, the depressed protuberance 11 (shown in dotted lines in FIG. 7) will spring back up under the force of the resilient arm 13 (shown in solid lines in FIG. 7) to be received between the middle tines 18 (see also FIG. 5). The protuberance 11 will thereby aid in securing the forked prod 2′ in the retracted position of FIG. 5.
While several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it to be understood that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention.