DIVOT REPAIR TOOL AND DEVICE

Devices to repair divots made a golf course include embodiments mounted on a golf cart for transport, and a hand-held embodiment that can fit a golf cart cup holder. Both embodiments comprise a container with a seed/fill mixture, a rake to prepare the divot for repair, and a dispenser mechanism. The cart embodiment includes a cable-operated dispensing mechanism, one embodiment using movement of the rake, the other a cable-operated rotating nozzle to dispense seed. The hand-held embodiment comprises a canister containing the seed/fill mixture and an attached rake. To repair a divot, the hand-held device is positioned proximate the divot, the rake is used to prepare the area, and the device is rotated to cause the seed to be dispensed into the prepared area, thereby repairing the divot and providing for the growth of fresh grass.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications for Patent, Ser. No. 61/700,856, filed 13 Sep. 2012, and Ser. No. 61/567,178, filed 6 Dec. 2011, both by the present inventor and both whose contents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a device to repair divots made on a golf course. One embodiment is mounted on a golf cart for transport, and includes a container holding a seed/fill mixture, a dispenser hose, a spring operated raking mechanism, and a lever to operate the rake and the dispensing mechanism. A second embodiment is a canister containing a seed/fill mixture and an attached rake and is intended to be a hand-held device. To repair a divot, the device is positioned proximate the divot, the rake is used to prepare the area, and the seed/fill mixture is dispensed from the device into the prepared area, thereby repairing the divot and providing for the growth of fresh grass.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A major problem on a golf course is the presence of divots, and the repair of divots after they have created by a golfer's action. Many prior art devices pertain to the repair of ball marks left on a putting green of a golf course, and their inventors consider ball marks as divots. Other references describe a divot as an area where a section of the turf has been removed, generally after a golfer's swing. For the purposes of the present specification, a divot will refer to the latter description, a section of removed turf due to a golfers swing.

In general, on most golf courses golfers are encouraged to repair divots they have created. Repair is encouraged for safety purposes, to prevent injury from stepping into a divot, and for maintaining the health of the golf course. Frequently the divot is merely placed back in the opening from which it originated, and may or may not result in a successful repair. If the repair is not successful, the result is a dead patch in the golf course turf. Examples of a few devices for repairing divots are cited below.

Bowker (U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,987 B1) discloses the use of a growing material such as sand formed in a mass, with or without grass seed, that can be deposited into a divot. The body can then be crushed under a foot for evenly spreading the growing material into the divot, thereby effectively filling the divot with the growing material.

Bell (U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2011/0173879 A1) discloses various embodiments of a seed and soil containing packet designed to be placed into a divot to repair the divot.

Taylor (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,672,400 B1 and 6,450,268 B1) discloses embodiments of an apparatus for divot repair. The device comprises a wheeled carrier, a hopper and a valve assembly constructed to allow the operator to selectively open and close the valve plate during operation by means of a trigger.

Embodiments of the present invention include a rake mechanism that facilitates preparation of the divot site prior to seeding, and a mechanism for dispensing a seed/fill mixture into the prepared divot site. The base or nozzle of this embodiment could be used to even out the divot site after the seed/fill mixture has been deposited therein to repair the site.

One embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a cart for transport, and includes a container holding a seed/fill mixture, a spring operated dispenser and raking mechanism, and a trigger to operate the rake and the dispensing mechanism.

A second embodiment of the present invention is intended for use as a hand-held device and comprises a cannister including a seed/fill mixture and an attached rake. To repair a divot, the device is positioned proximate the divot, the rake is used to prepare the area, and a seed/fill mixture is then deposited from the device into the prepared area, thereby repairing the divot and providing for the growth of fresh grass. The base or nozzle of this embodiment could be used to even out the divot site after the seed/fill mixture has been deposited therein to repair the site. The wheel of the cart embodiment can be used to smooth the seed/fill mixture after the seed/fill mixture has been deposited into the divot to repair the site.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a divot repair tool that is transportable on a grassy area, such as a golf course.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a divot repair tool that includes a means for preparing the divot site for repair.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a divot repair tool that includes a means for dispensing a seed mixture into the divot site.

Embodiments of the present invention include a rake mechanism that facilitates preparation of the divot site prior to seeding, and a mechanism for dispensing a seed mixture into the prepared divot site. In addition, the rake mechanism could also be used to even out the divot site after the seed mixture has been deposited therein to repair the site.

One embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a cart for transport, and includes a container holding a seed/fill mixture, a spring-operated dispensing mechanism that includes a rake to prepare the divot for repair, and a trigger to move a cable that controls the operation of the rake and the dispensing mechanism. In one embodiment, the rake is positioned underneath the container to close the container, and movement of the rake effects the dispensing of the seed/fill mixture. Another embodiment of the cart mounted device employs a rotating nozzle to dispense the seed/fill mixture from the container. The operation of this embodiment is also controlled by a trigger actuated cable mechanism. A wheel or the rake this embodiment can be used to even out the divot site after the seed/fill mixture has been deposited therein to repair the site.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a hand-held device and comprises a cannister including a seed/fill mixture and an attached rake. To repair a divot, the device is positioned proximate the divot, and the rake is used to prepare the area. The device is then rotated approximately a quarter-turn, and a seed/fill mixture is then deposited from the device into the prepared area, thereby repairing the divot and providing for the growth of fresh grass. The rake, and/or the base or nozzle of this embodiment could be used to even out the divot site after the seed/fill mixture has been deposited therein to repair the site.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a cover for the container shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show alternate embodiment of the container cover, the hinge in FIG. 8B being shown in phantom.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the support and dispensing mechanisms of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of the housing and dispenser mechanism/site preparation means of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the seed/mixture dispensing mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, showing the dispensing mechanism in the open or dispensing position.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 17.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of the present specification, a divot will refer to a location on a grassy area, such as a golf course, where a section of the turf has been removed, generally due to a golfer's swing. Embodiments of the present invention could also be used for the repair of ball marks left on a grassy area, such as a putting green of a golf course.

The presence of divots on a golf course presents a number of problems, ranging from the risk of potential injury to an individual who might step into a damaged section, the unsightly appearance of the divot, and damage to the golf course if the divot has been improperly repaired or left unrepaired. An embodiment of the present invention is a divot repair device 10 that can either be wheeled by a golfer as he walks the golf course, or which could be positioned at multiple locations throughout the golf course so as to be readily available to the golfer.

Divot repair device 10 comprises a wheeled carrier 20, a container 50 and a dispensing assembly 100 (FIG. 1). The wheeled carrier 20 is a portable golf cart having a lower frame 22, an upper frame 24, and a set of wheels 26 attached to the lower frame 22 by an axle 28 which is pivotably attached to the lower frame 22 by a bracket 30. Each axle 28 is attached to upper frame 24 by a connecting rod 32. A support means, such as a shelf 34 and container support 36, and container mounting strap 38 is attached to the lower frame 22, the support means receiving a container 50 therein, the container being held in position by container mounting strap 38. In the embodiment illustrated (FIGS. 1-2) the wheels 26 are retractable, but fixed wheels could also be used in alternate embodiments. For purposes of the present specification, details of cart construction relevant to embodiments of the present invention will be described; other details of construction of the cart 20 known to those skilled in the art will not be described further.

The carrier 20 has been modified from its original purpose of carrying a golf bag by removal of upper supports and strap that would keep the golf bag secured to the carrier. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the wheeled carrier is a typical pull-type golf cart; however, it is to be understood that a push-type golf cart could also be used. The embodiment in FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible or foldable cart, but a cart that is not collapsible could also be used. The embodiment in FIG. 1 illustrates a pair of wheels, but it is contemplated that alternate embodiments of the present invention could also utilize carts with greater than two wheels.

The container 50 is a conventional container having a top 52, a bottom 54, and an outlet 56. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, container 50 is shown as being open at the top 52, however, in use the container 50 will include a cover 58 that attaches to and closes the top 52. The cover 58 can be a screw-top, or a snap-on or press-fit top. Alternatively, any type of aluminum, metallic or plastic wrap or comparable material could be used as a cover for the container, and such equivalents are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention. Cover 58 is a conventional screw top cover 58 that comprises a body 60, an annular wall 62 containing a plurality of threads 64 thereon (FIG. 4). Keeping the container 50 closed will prevent water from entering the container 50 and potentially damaging the seed/fill mixture 70 contained therein.

The seed/fill mixture 70 comprises a mixture containing grass seed and an additional material, such as one of more of the following: a fertilizer composition, sand, soil, peat moss, vermiculite, or the like. Generally, the seed/fill mixture 70 is intended to be kept dry until after it has been dispensed to fill a divot.

Container 50 includes a release valve 72 proximate the outlet 56, and a dispensing means 74 in flow communication with the outlet 56/release valve 72 mechanism, such that once the outlet 56/release valve 72 mechanism has been actuated to dispense the seed/fill mixture 70, the dispensed seed/fill mixture 70 can be directed to the appropriate destination by the dispensing means 74. As seen in FIG. 1, the dispensing means 74 is a hose. Tubing, pipe, or other flexible material could be used instead of a hose as the dispensing means.

A site preparation means 110 is pivotably and slidably attached to the lower frame 22 proximate the bottom of lower frame 22 by a fastener 112.

The site preparation means 110 comprises a rake 120 having tines 122 and a handle 124, which, as in the example shown, may be elongated A spring 126 surrounds the handle 124 and attaches to the handle 124 by attachment brackets 130. The attachment bracket 130 comprises a base 132 connected to a hook 134 that is attached to a loop 136 that is joined to the handle 124 by positioning the loop 136 over a tine 122 and a part of the handle on both sides of the handle 124 (FIGS. 1 and 3). As will be described herein, and in connection with other embodiments of the present invention, elements such as the spring and its' associated mechanisms will also be referred to as a control mechanism, and which will be considered a part of the site preparation mechanism described in these paragraphs.

The spring 126 is positioned on the handle 124 such that the spring 126 is between the tines 122 and lower frame 22, and a portion of the handle 124 extends through the lower frame 22 where it engages cable 160 by a connecting member 164. The handle 124 is pivotably connected to the lower frame 22 by a pivot pin 166. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, loop 136 is a chain link, but it is to be understood that equivalent loops made from D-rings, O-rings, carabiners, chains, elastic loops and the like, as well as materials other than metal, as known to those skilled in the art, could be substituted therefor.

Using the rake 120 and the trigger 150, the site containing the divot can be prepared, for example, by smoothing the divot, cleaning out debris, etc., such that the seed/fill mixture 70 can then be dispensed into the divot such that as or after the divot is filled, the rake 120 can then be used to smooth the divot after it has been filled in.

As shown in FIG. 3, the length of the dispensing means 74 extends towards the tines 122 of the rake 120. In the embodiment illustrated the dispensing means 74 is attached to the tines 122, in this instance by a fastener 148 such as a hose clamp, at the end of the dispensing means 74 which also surrounds a tine 122. Other means of attaching the dispensing means 74 to the rake 120 could also be employed, such as through the use of other types of fasteners, such as a screw, cotter fin, bolt or other type of fastener, a hook and loop fastener, tape, or an adhesive.

The upper frame 24 includes a handle 140 having a grip 142. The handle 140 is mounted to upper frame 24 by a bracket 144. A trigger mechanism 150 is attached to the grip 142; the trigger 150 includes a cable 160 that extends to the back of the spring 126.

Cable 160 passes through one or more guide loops 162 mounted to the carrier 20. When the trigger 150 is acted upon by the user and the trigger 150 is drawn back (i.e., in the direction of the grip 142), the cable 160 is pulled in the direction of the trigger, and the cable 160 draws the spring 126 back, compressing spring 126 and urging the rake 120 to lower the tines 122 and move them over the site to be prepared. By repeatedly pulling on the trigger 150, the user can smooth out the site to receive the seed/fill mixture 70 from container 50.

An alternate embodiment 200 of the cart device (FIGS. 5-11) comprises a wheeled carrier 210, a container 250 and a dispensing assembly 350. The wheeled carrier 210 is a golf cart having a frame 212, and a set of wheels 214, with each wheel 214 having an axle 216. Each axle 216 is connected to the frame 212 by a connecting rod 218. The connecting rods 218 are joined to the frame 212 by conventional methods of joining materials. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the connecting rods 218 may be joined to the frame 212 by means of a bracket mounted on the frame 212, and which has a receptacle or comparable opening for receiving the connecting rod 218 therein.

The container 250 is attached to the frame by fasteners (not shown) or other conventional means of attachment. The container 250 has a body 252, a top 254, a bottom 256, a lower ridge 258 and an outlet 260. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, container 250 is a closed container that extends for much of the length of the carrier 210. The cover 270 for the container 250 can be a cover 270 that is held on by a press-fit, or it can be a flip-top cover attached to the container by a hinge 272 (shown in phantom) at one end and an opening mechanism 274, such as a knob, handle, finger pull, button or the like at the other end (FIG. 8B). Other embodiments of the cover could include one that is attached and retained by a screw-top, depending upon the construction of the device and materials chosen for its' manufacture. Alternatively, any type of aluminum, metallic or plastic wrap or comparable material could be used as a cover for the container, and such equivalents are contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

The seed/fill mixture 70 comprises a mixture containing grass seed and an additional material, as described previously in this specification.

Container 250 includes an outlet 260 that includes a front wall 282, rear wall 284, sidewalls 286 and a bottom opening 290, the bottom opening 290 being closed by the combination dispensing assembly/site preparation means 350.

The shape of the container 250 is not critical, and containers of various geometries, whether circular, oval, square, rectangular, or the like can be substituted for container 250. The operation of the combination dispensing assembly/site preparation means 350 to open and close the container opening 294 is described below. Beneath container 250 is support mechanism 300, which contains a number of members and supports that attach the dispensing assembly/site preparation means 350 to the carrier 210.

The support mechanism 300 comprises a container support 310 having a first member 312 and a side member 314, the container lower ridge 258 resting atop the first member 312, and along support side member 314. A bracket 320 that includes a base component 322 and a pair of side components 324 depends from support 310, with bracket 320 supporting the dispensing assembly/site preparation means 350.

The support mechanism 300 also includes a housing 330 having a slot 332 and a member 334 having an aperture 336 therethrough. A connecting bar 338 pivotably joins housing 330 with rake handle 362 by a pivot pin 340 inserted through housing aperture 336 and rake handle aperture 369.

FIG. 5 illustrates the cart embodiment with the dispensing mechanism/site preparation means 350 in a closed position, and FIG. 9 is a detail view of the dispensing mechanism/site preparation means in an open or dispensing position.

Support mechanism 300 can be manufactured from a single piece of material which can be punched out of a bulk sheet of material, and formed into the specified shape by conventional methods known to those skilled in the metal working arts; it can be molded, or assembled from a plurality of component parts which are joined together, using conventional methods of joining known to those skilled in the art.

The dispensing assembly/site preparation means 350 comprises a rake 360 having a handle 362 with upper surface 364, lower surface 366 and tines 368. The rake 360 is positioned so that the handle upper surface 364 also functions to close off the container opening 290, preventing the seed/fill mixture 70 from leaking The tines 368 are at the first end of the handle 362, and the second end of the handle 362 contains a slot 370 into which is received an end of connecting bar 338. For purposes of the present specification, the housing (described below) will also be referred to as a control mechanism, and considered as a part of the site preparation mechanism for this and the other wheeled embodiments of the present invention.

The rake 360 is held in a sliding position by bracket 320, with connecting bar 338 effecting movement of the rake 360 by pivot pin 340 inserted through aperture 336 and opening 369 on rake handle 362.

The housing 330 includes an opening 402 in its rear and front sides 404 and 406, respectively. Cable 420 terminates at bar 422 which includes an opening 424, through which the cable 420 is tied in a conventional manner, such as with a knot or other means. Bar 422 extends through opening 402 into the housing, where an end of bar 422 is in communication with a first end of spring 430 and the second end of the spring 430 is secured to front side 406 of the housing. The spring 430 is secured to front side 406 using a conventional manner of attaching a spring to a surface, such as with a fastener, as known to those skilled in the art. An end of connecting bar 338 is pivotably attached to bar 422 by a pivot pin by pivot pin 340.

The cable 420 may pass through one or more guide loops (not shown) that may be mounted to the frame 212.

When the trigger 450 is depressed by the user, movement of the trigger draws the cable 420 away from the housing 330. Bar 422 is drawn away from the housing 330, in turn causing connecting bar 338 to pivot and effect movement of the rake 360. This cable movement also causes compression of the spring 430, and movement of the rake 360. Compression of the spring 430 draws one end of the connecting bar 338 towards the front of the cart 200, in turn drawing the other end of connecting bar towards the rear of the cart 200, drawing the rake handle 362 towards the rear of the cart 200, exposing container opening 290 thereby allowing the seed/fill mixture 70 to be dispensed from the container 250 by gravity. When the trigger 450 is released, the process is reversed as the movement of cable 420 enables the spring 430 to decompress, and the rake 360 returns to its original position. By repeatedly pulling on the trigger 450, the user can add additional seed/fill mixture 70 to the divot.

Another embodiment of the present invention employs a rotating nozzle as a mechanism for dispensing the seed/fill mixture 70 from the container 250. This embodiment 400 includes a valve mechanism operated using a spring control, and includes differences in the structure of the container bottom and the dispensing mechanism/site preparation means (FIGS. 12-15). In this embodiment the container bottom interacts with a rotating dispensing mechanism that enables the seed/fill mixture 70 to be dispensed upon operation of the device.

In this embodiment, container 250 has a body 252, a top 254, a bottom 256, a lower ridge 258 and an opening 262 in the container bottom 256. The lower ridge 258 is positioned atop the container support 310, and the opening 262 is in communication with a dispensing mechanism 300 that includes a chute 460.

The chute 460 terminates with a rotating nozzle 470 that has an end 472 containing an opening 474. The site preparation means 350 is positioned beneath the chute 460. The rake 360 is identical to the rake shown in FIG. 5, and its structure will not be described further. Except where specified, the structure of this embodiment is identical to that of embodiment 200 (FIG. 5).

The frame 212 includes a handle 440 with a grip 442. The handle 440 is mounted to the frame 212 by conventional methods of joining materials, such as by insertion of the handle end into the frame and tightening a bracket, such as is common with the attachment of bicycle handle bars, or by soldering, welding or the like. Alternatively, the handle could be formed so it is integral with the frame 212. A trigger mechanism 450 is attached to the grip 442; the trigger 450 includes a cable 421 that extends to bar 422. The cable 421 may pass through one or more guide loops (not shown) that may be mounted to the frame 212.

The support mechanism 300 includes a housing 330 having a slot 332 and a member 334 having an aperture 336 therethrough. A connecting bar 338 pivotably joins housing 330 with rake handle 362 by a pivot pin 340 inserted through housing aperture 336 and rake handle aperture 369.

FIG. 12 illustrates cart embodiment 400 with the dispensing mechanism/site preparation means 350 in a closed position, and FIG. 14 shows the dispensing mechanism/site preparation means in a dispensing or open position.

The housing 330 includes an opening 402 in its rear and front sides 404 and 406, respectively. Cable 421 terminates at bar 422 which includes an opening 424, to which the cable 421 is tied in a conventional manner. Bar 422 extends through opening 402 into the housing, where an end of bar 422 is in communication with a first end of spring 430 and the second end of the spring 430 is secured to front side 406 of the housing. The spring 430 is secured to front side 404 using a conventional manner of attaching a spring to a surface, such as with a fastener, as known to those skilled in the art. A second cable 423 is contained within housing 330, and acts as an extension of cable 421. Cable 423 is secured to the upper end of bar 422, and passes through spring 430 and out of housing 330 to the outside of nozzle 470, to which cable 423 is attached, using a conventional method for attaching a cable to such a structure.

The cable 421 may pass through one or more guide loops (not shown) that may be mounted to the frame 212.

In operation, a user depresses the trigger 450 which pulls the cable 421 in the direction of the trigger 450. This movement of the cable 421 exerts pressure on the spring 430 causing the spring 430 to become compressed. This action in turn causes the rake 360 to move back from its initial position, cable 423 to be drawn back, causing the nozzle 470 to rotate approximately 90 degrees from its original position, and thereby face the ground. The seed/fill mixture 70 is dispensed by gravity, and when the trigger is released, decompression of the spring 430 causes the cables 421 and 423 to return to their original positions, and the nozzle 470 to rotate back to its original position, the rake 360 to slide back to its original position, and stopping the dispensing of the seed/fill mixture 70.

Although various embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4 are constructed with a folding cart, it is anticipated that these embodiments most likely will be utilized, and stored, in the open position. Should it be necessary to fold these embodiments, the dispenser hose 74 would be disconnected from the rake handle, the mounting strap 38 released, and the container 50 removed before the frame members are unlocked and device is closed. The wheel assembly would collapse along the length of the frame.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 5-14 are intended primarily for use on a golf course, and not meant to be collapsed. However, a folding cart could be utilized to support the container and the dispensing mechanism/site preparation means. In such embodiments it is anticipated that the cart would fold, the wheels would retract, and the container would remain attached to a portion of the cart frame. Such embodiments may require modification of how the container is attached to the frame, to allow for upward movement of the connecting bars along the frame as the wheels are retracted.

An alternate embodiment 500 (FIG. 16) is designed as a hand-held device and can either be hand-carried by a golfer, or stored either attached to a golf bag, in a golf cart, or left at various places on a golf course. Depending upon the size of this alternate embodiment, the tank 510 could be configured so as to fit within the cup holders of a golf cart.

This embodiment 500 comprises a tank 510 having a bottom 512, side walls 514 and a top 520 having a base 522 that is attached to the tank 510 at sidewall end 516. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, base 522 and end 516 are attached to each other by means of a press-fit, although these members could also be joined by means of a threaded connection (not shown, but known to those skilled in the art).

Tank top 520 includes an angled neck 524 that extends from the base 522 to an opening 526. A handle 530 is attached to a sidewall 514, and a rake 540 attached to another portion of the tank sidewall 514, generally on an opposite side of the tank 510. In this embodiment, the handle 530 and rake 540 are attached to the tank at approximately 180 degrees from each other (FIG. 16). The exact positioning is not a critical factor; the handle 530 and rake 540 should be opposed to each other for proper functioning of the device 500. The handle 530 and the rake 540 are attached to the tank 510 so the angled neck 524 is generally orthogonal to the position of the handle 530 and the rake 540. The tank 510 contains a seed/fill mixture 70, as described previously.

As shown in the drawings, the tank 510 has a circular configuration, which also enables it to fit within the confines of a cup holder. However, it is to be understood that the tank can be produced in a wide variety of different geometric shapes, ranging from square or rectangular to elliptical, rhomboidal or the like.

The rake 540 includes a handle 542 and a plurality of tines 544 which extend from the handle 542. A retaining member 550 holds the rake 540 in place on the tank sidewall 514. Retaining member 550 is attached to the tank 510 by an attachment member 552, which can function as a mounting bracket. Although not shown in the drawings, rake handle 542 may have a curved configuration that will enable the rake handle 542 to conform to the configuration of the sidewall 514, thereby providing a better fit. Depending upon the materials used to manufacture the device 500, the retaining member 550 may be formed as an integral part of the tank 510, such as a molded plastic tank, or the retaining member 550 may be a separate component that is attached to the tank 510 by any one or more conventional means of attachment, such as by a fastener, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, tape, soldering, welding or other means of attachment known to those skilled in the art.

In use, the user grasps the device 500 by the handle 530, and employs the rake 540 to prepare the divot for repair. Generally, the rake 540 is used in a conventional manner to prepare the site. Once the divot has been prepared, the user rotates the device 500 to bring the opening 526 into position, and then tilts the device 500 upwards from the bottom, causing the seed/fill mixture 70 to be dispensed into the divot. To stop dispensing the seed/fill mixture 70, the device 500 is moved to an upward position. The dispensed seed/fill mixture 70 may then be raked to level off the surface and provide a smooth appearance.

The rake 540 can be similar in appearance to the rake 120 shown in the first embodiment, or may comprise a smaller handle and a greater number of tines. The rake 540 could be manufactured from plastic, metal, or other appropriate material.

Depending upon the materials used to manufacture the device 500, the handle 530 and/or the rake 540 may be formed as an integral part of the tank 510, such as a molded plastic tank, or the handle 530 and/or rake 540 may be separate components that are attached to the tank 510 by any one or more conventional means of attachment, such as by a fastener, adhesive, hook and loop fastener, tape, or other means of attachment known to those skilled in the art.

The rake 540 could also be slidably mounted to the tank 510 such that the rake can be extended a few inches to provide a greater length for repairing the divot, such as by means of a fastener inserted into the rake handle, and the rake handle including a slot containing the fastener, enabling the rake handle to slide around the fastener.

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by the way of illustration, and that numerous changes in construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A wheeled device for repairing a divot, the device comprising:

a frame comprising a base and an upper region,
a handle attached to the frame upper region to enable the device to be moved by an individual;
one or more wheels connected to the frame;
a container for carrying a quantity of a fill material, the container being connected to the frame, the container having a top and a bottom, the top having an inlet and the bottom having an outlet;
a site preparation mechanism, the site preparation mechanism positioned proximate the container bottom, the site preparation mechanism being in communication with a means for actuating the site preparation mechanism, and the site preparation mechanism positioned under the container outlet, the site preparation mechanism closing the outlet; and
the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism being attached to the handle;
whereby operation of the means for actuating effects movement of the site preparation mechanism to prepare the divot for repair, the movement of the site preparation mechanism exposes the container outlet through which outlet a quantity of the fill material is dispensed into the prepared divot and reverse movement of the site preparation mechanism closes the container outlet.

2. The device as described in claim 1, wherein the site preparation mechanism comprises a control mechanism, the control mechanism in communication with the site preparation mechanism and the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism.

3. The device as described in claim 2, wherein the site preparation mechanism further comprises a rake, and the rake is in communication with the control mechanism.

4. The device as described in claim 2, wherein the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism comprises a cable and a trigger mechanism, the trigger mechanism attached to the handle.

5. The device as described in claim 4, wherein the cable is in communication with the control mechanism.

6. The device as described in claim 3, wherein the rake comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the second end includes a slot therein.

7. The device as described in claim 6, wherein the rake second end comprises a means for pivotably receiving the control mechanism within the slot.

8. The device as described in claim 6, wherein the control mechanism comprises a connecting bar, and the connecting bar is pivotably attached to the rake second end.

9. A wheeled device for repairing a divot, the device comprising:

a frame comprising a base and an upper region, and a handle to enable the device to be moved by an individual;
one or more wheels connected to the frame;
a container for carrying a quantity of a fill material, the container being connected to the frame, the container having a top and a bottom, the top having an inlet and the bottom having an outlet;
a site preparation mechanism, the site preparation mechanism comprising a rake positioned proximate the container bottom, the site preparation mechanism further comprising a control mechanism and the site preparation mechanism being in communication with the control mechanism, the rake extending under the container outlet to close the outlet;
a means for actuating the site preparation mechanism, the means for actuating comprising a cable and a trigger, the trigger being attached to the handle, and the cable in communication with the control mechanism and the site preparation mechanism;
whereby operation of the trigger effects movement of the rake to prepare the divot for repair, the movement of the rake exposes the container outlet through which outlet a quantity of the fill material is dispensed into the prepared divot, and reverse movement of the rake preparation mechanism closes the container outlet.

10. The device as described in claim 9, wherein the rake comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the second end includes a slot therein.

11. The device as described in claim 10, wherein the rake second end comprises a means for pivotably receiving the control mechanism within the slot.

12. The device as described in claim 11, wherein the control mechanism comprises a connecting bar, and the connecting bar is pivotably attached to the rake second end.

13. A wheeled device for repairing a divot, the device comprising:

a frame comprising a base and an upper region,
a handle attached to the frame upper region to enable the device to be moved by an individual;
one or more wheels connected to the frame;
a container for carrying a quantity of a fill material, the container being connected to the frame, the container having a top and a bottom, the top having an inlet and the bottom having an outlet;
a site preparation mechanism, the site preparation mechanism positioned proximate the container bottom and under the container outlet, the site preparation mechanism being in communication with a means for actuating the site preparation mechanism; and
the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism being attached to the handle;
whereby operation of the means for actuating effects movement of the site preparation mechanism to prepare the divot for repair, and the site preparation mechanism rotates to dispense a quantity of the fill material from the outlet, through the site preparation mechanism, and into the prepared divot.

14. The device as described in claim 13, wherein the site preparation mechanism further comprises a control mechanism, the control mechanism in communication with the site preparation mechanism and the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism.

15. The device as described in claim 14, wherein the site preparation mechanism further comprises a rake, the rake in communication with the control mechanism.

16. The device as described in claim 15, wherein the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism comprises a cable and a trigger mechanism, and the trigger mechanism is attached to the handle.

17. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the cable terminates at the control mechanism.

18. The device as described in claim 16, wherein the rake comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the second end includes a slot therein.

19. The device as described in claim 18, wherein the rake second end comprises a means for pivotably receiving the control mechanism within the slot.

20. The device as described in claim 19, wherein the control mechanism comprises a connecting bar, and the connecting bar is pivotably attached to the rake second end.

21. The device as described in claim 20, wherein the control mechanism further comprises a bar, and the connecting bar is pivotably attached to the bar.

22. The device as described in claim 13, wherein the site preparation means further comprises a chute, the chute having an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the chute inlet is positioned proximate the container outlet.

23. The device as described in claim 22, further comprising a second cable, the second cable in communication with the bar and the chute.

24. The device as described in claim 22, wherein the chute comprises an end wall, the end wall proximate the chute outlet.

25. The device as described in claim 24, further comprising a spring, the spring positioned within the chute and the second cable extending through the spring and terminating proximate the chute end wall.

26. The device as described in claim 25, wherein operation of the trigger effects compression of the spring, thereby causing the chute to rotate and dispense a quantity of the fill material through the outlet into the prepared divot.

27. A wheeled device for repairing a divot, the device comprising:

a frame comprising a base and an upper region,
a handle attached to the frame upper region to enable the device to be moved by an individual;
one or more wheels connected to the frame;
a container for carrying a quantity of a fill material, the container being connected to the frame, the container having a top and a bottom, the top having an inlet and the bottom having an outlet;
a site preparation mechanism, the site preparation mechanism attached to the frame and positioned proximate the container bottom, the site preparation mechanism being in communication with a means for actuating the site preparation mechanism, and the site preparation mechanism positioned under the container outlet such that the site preparation mechanism functions as a dispensing means for the fill material; and
the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism being attached to the handle;
whereby operation of the means for actuating effects movement of the site preparation mechanism to prepare the divot for repair, the movement of the site preparation mechanism opens the container outlet through which outlet a quantity of the fill material is dispensed into the prepared divot.

28. The device as described in claim 27, wherein the site preparation mechanism further comprises a control mechanism, the control mechanism in communication with the site preparation mechanism and the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism.

29. The device as described in claim 28, wherein the site preparation mechanism further comprises a rake, and the rake is in communication with the control mechanism.

30. The device as described in claim 28, wherein the means for actuating the site preparation mechanism comprises a cable and a trigger mechanism, and the trigger mechanism is attached to the handle.

31. The device as described in claim 30, wherein the frame further comprises a receptacle and the container is positioned on the receptacle.

32. The device as described in claim 31, further comprising a means for retaining the container on the receptacle.

33. The device as described in claim 29, further comprising a means for dispensing connected to the container outlet.

34. The device as described in claim 33, wherein the means for dispensing further comprises a tube, and the fill material is dispensed through the tube.

35. A device for repairing a divot, the device comprising:

a container for carrying a quantity of a fill material, the container having a wall, a bottom and a top, the top having an outlet;
a handle attached to the container wall; and
a site preparation mechanism, the site preparation mechanism attached to the container wall and positioned generally opposite the handle;
whereupon use of the site preparation mechanism to prepare the divot, the container is rotated to position the outlet proximate the prepared divot, and the container is moved with a motion sufficient to dispense a quantity of the fill material through the outlet and into the prepared divot.

36. The device as described in claim 35, wherein the site preparation mechanism further comprises a rake.

37. The device as described in claim 35, wherein the site preparation mechanism further comprises a bracket, the bracket attached to the container and the bracket retaining the rake therein.

38. The device as described in claim 37, wherein the container top is removable, and wherein the container wall terminates in a ridge, the container top engaging the ridge when the top is attached to the container.

39. The device as described in claim 35, wherein the container top further comprises a spout, and the spout terminates in the outlet.

40. A method of filling a divot, the method comprising:

positioning a wheeled device over the divot, the wheeled device comprising: a frame comprising a base and an upper region, and a handle to enable the device to be moved by an individual; one or more wheels connected to the frame; a container for carrying a quantity of a fill material, the container being connected to the frame, the container having a top and a bottom, the top having an inlet and the bottom having an outlet; a site preparation mechanism, the site preparation mechanism comprising a rake positioned proximate the container bottom, the site preparation mechanism further comprising a control mechanism and the site preparation mechanism being in communication with the control mechanism, the rake extending under the container outlet, the rake closing the outlet; a means for actuating the site preparation mechanism, the means for actuating comprising a cable and a trigger, the trigger being attached to the handle, and the cable in communication with the control mechanism and the site preparation mechanism;
preparing the surface of the divot by operating the trigger to effect movement of the rake at the divot; and
dispensing a quantity of a fill material into the divot from the container so that the dispensed fill material substantially fills the divot.
Patent History
Publication number: 20130161032
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 6, 2012
Publication Date: Jun 27, 2013
Inventor: MATTHEW J. CONNOLLY (BASKING RIDGE, NJ)
Application Number: 13/706,679
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Processes (172/1); With Wheel (172/354); Hand Tool (172/371)
International Classification: A63B 57/00 (20060101);