Golf ball placement/marker device

Abstract

A golf putting aid device for remotely retrieving and placing a golf ball on a green, and for marking the location of the ball after reaching the green. The device comprises an essentially circular housing having a primary recess for capturing and temporarily holding the golf ball. A secondary recess is provided for securing the device to a hand held shaft, such as for convenience the hand grip of a putter. The device includes a mechanical mechanism that includes a pair of cooperating pivotal members, that are reversely pivotal during capture and releasing of the golf ball, and a fixed, contact activating latching member. One of the pivotal member mounts a magnet for depositing and picking up a magnetizible ball marker.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/636,678, filed Aug. 11, 2000, under the title, “Electromagnetically Activated Golf Ball Placement/Marker Device”, where the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to the field of golfing aids, more particularly to a first embodiment for an electromagnetically activated golf ball placement, retriever and marker device for putting, and to a second embodiment that incorporates a mechanical mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is directed to a putting aid for golfers, where such device allows for the retrieval, ball marking, and placement of the golf ball on the green without having to bend down to mark and retrieve the ball, then repeating the process to return the ball to its original location and picking up the ball marker.

[0004] Golf is one of the most popular sporting activities today, and can be played by men and women of all ages. As is well known, each golfing hole ends at the green. Typically, after all golfers have reached the green, the golfer furthermost from the hole is the first to putt. However, the remaining golfers normally first “mark” the location of their golf balls by placing a circular chip, coin, or button from one's golf glove, immediately behind the ball, before picking up the ball. The reverse is then followed in returning the golf ball to the original location, i.e. return the ball then pick up the marker. In both situations, the golfer is required to bend down to perform the required operation. For senior golfers, this can place an undue strain on one's back or legs, particularly if it has to be repeated many times during the course of a round of golf. As a result, a pleasant experience can turn into an unpleasant one.

[0005] The prior art has sought to provide some convenient means to assist a golfer in easing the process of “marking” one's golf ball on the green, without having to repeatedly bend down for such marking. The prior art is illustrated by the following U.S. patents:

[0006] a.) U.S. Pat. No. 6,077,174, to Noritake, teaches a golf ball marker used for marking a golf ball hit onto a putting green and includes a circular base disk and a pin-like embedded portion extending from the base disk and insertable into the green. A standing portion is hingedly mounted on one end of the base disk so as to be rotatable. The standing portion and the base disk engage each other when an engaging protrusion engages an engaged hole. When the marker is far away from a cup on the green, the engagement of the engaging protrusion and the engaged hole is released and the standing portion is raised up. The base disk becomes substantially planar with the putting green, the standing portion is capable of standing at an upper side of the base disk, and the embedded portion extends down from a backside of the base disk so as to be embedded into the green.

[0007] b.) U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,311, to Froud, et al., relates to a device to enable a golfer to mark the position of their ball accurately during a game of golf and/or to replace the ball accurately at the marked position on the green. In one embodiment, the device comprises: a body which a user can place on the ground in abutment with the ball; a marker pin; and a magnet for releaseably attaching the pin to the body so that the pin projects downwardly, can be driven into the ground adjacent the golf ball and can be released from the device. The device may further include an element operable by the user when the body is on the ground to release the pin from the body so that the user can pick up the body leaving the pin in the ground. In another embodiment an element like the element is operable by the user when the body is on the ground to drive the pin downwardly into the ground. In a further embodiment, the marker pin can be attached to the device by user operable jaws, rather than by magnetic attraction.

[0008] c.) U.S. Pat. No. 6, 017,282, to Stefonsky, is directed to a golf ball position marking system that includes a position marker for marking the location of a ball and a repositioning aid including a reference position marker having a reference direction indicator. This also serves as a reminder that a player has moved the original ball mark. The golf ball position marker includes a grass spike. The reference position marker is storable within a compartment formed within the golf ball position marker and includes a resilient bevel sided marker member with a raised direction indicating arrow and a central grass spike passage aperture.

[0009] These prior art systems, though they may appear to offer some aid to a golfer, require the use of a spike of some design to “mark” the ball's location. When retained on the green the spike represents an obstacle that can obstruct a second golfer's putt, or can be inadvertently hit and moved by someone passing near by. The present invention, in the preferred second embodiment, avoids these pitfalls by the use of a mechaniccally activated device to position and mark the location of a golf ball on a green, where the marking component is essentially flush with the green. The manner by which this invention achieves the desired goals hereof will become apparent in the description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention, in a pair of embodiments, relates to an electromagetically, or mechanically, activated golf ball retriever/placement/marker device to assist a golfer in his/her putting game. The device comprises a housing body, such as fabricated from plastic, having a first concave cavity opening to the bottom of the base of the housing body, where such first cavity is of a size to readily receive a golf ball. Opening to the top of the housing body, and essentially concentric to the first cavity, is a second circular cavity for removably securing the device to an elongated member, such as for example, the grip of a putter. In the first embodiment and communicating with the first cavity is a laterally sliding magnet, activated by an electromagnet, which functions to temporarily secure the golf ball within the first cavity. The electromagnet is mounted within the housing and further functions to position a magnetizable ball marking element, such as a “dime size” magnetic stainless steel disk. Cooperating between the fixed electromagnet and the releasable ball marking element is a vertically floating magnet. The electromagnet, when activated by a double action contact switch, i.e. by ground contact, repels the like-polarized sliding magnet causing it to move into the first cavity into retaining contact with a captured golf ball. Concurrently, the floating magnet, of opposite polarity, is drawn toward the electromagnet and away from the magnetizable marking element. As the floating magnet moves vertically away from the marking element, the marking element is released to remain on the ground adjacent to the golf ball's original location. To replace the ball in its pre-putt position, and to remove the ball marking element, the opposite action or operation is followed.

[0011] The second embodiment for the golf ball retriever/marker device of this invention includes a housing, similar to that of the first embodiment, but incorporates a mechanical mechanism that includes a pair of cooperating pivoting members to capture, retrieve and place a golf ball and marker. The mechanism further includes a pair of contact activated arms to engage and temporarily hold one of the pivotal members, while the second pivotal member includes a cam surface for riding along a fixed pin, when pivoted, and a magnetizable marking element to pick up and deposit a ball location marker.

[0012] Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a putting aid that can be used to accurately mark a golf ball's position on the green, pick up and return the ball, without the need of bending over.

[0013] Another object hereof lies in the use of an electromagnetic or mechanical mechanism, which when activated will temporarily retain a captured golf ball and pickup the golf ball marking element.

[0014] A further object of the invention is the provision of a compact and readily transportable device that can be removably secured to the grip of a putter, or to a separate rod-like member.

[0015] These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent in the specification to follow, particularly when read by those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment, with parts removed to illustrate internal details, showing an electromagnetically activated golf ball placement and marker mechanism for the device of this invention, where the device is shown overriding a golf ball prior to retrieving the ball and placing the ball marker adjacent the location of the ball.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the golf ball captured and temporarily retained within the device, and the magnetizable golf ball marker released and positioned at the ball's original location.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment, with parts removed to illustrate internal details, showing a mechanical mechanism activated by contact with the golf ball for the device of this invention, where the device is shown overriding a golf ball prior to retrieving the ball and placing the ball marker adjacent the location of the ball.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view similar to FIG. 3, showing the golf ball having been retrieved and the magnetizable golf ball marker released and positioned at the ball's original location.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view that illustrates the extent of movement of the two pivotal members forming part of the mechanical mechanism for the second embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, where the pivotal members are shown in phantom lines.

[0021] FIGS. 6A to 6C, respectively, are front, side and top views of a first pivotal member.

[0022] FIGS. 7A to 7C, respectively, are front, side and bottom views of a second pivotal member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] This invention is directed to a golf putting aid device having particular utility for those golfers who may have difficulty with frequent bending, such as when retrieving, marking and replacing a golf ball on a green. The manner by which this difficulty is avoided by the present invention will become clearer in the specification which follows. The invention will now be described with regard to the several Figures, where like reference numerals represent like components or features in the various views.

[0024] Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating two operating modes for a first embodiment for the device 10 of this invention, the device comprises an essentially circular housing 12 featuring a bottom wall 14, a top wall 16, a continuous side wall 18 extending therebetween, and a primary cavity 20, opening to the bottom wall 14, of a size to readily receive a conventional golf ball, see FIG. 2. Externally, the housing 12 further features a secondary cavity 22, opening to the top wall 16, where the respective cavities 20, 22 are preferably concentric. Separating the respective cavities is wall 24, which as will be explained later may be the preferred location for a portable battery source, such as a disk-like battery. Since a principal purpose of the secondary cavity is to allow removable attachment of the device 10 to a shaft (not shown), such as the grip portion of a conventional putter, the lining 26 of the secondary cavity 22 may be provided with a rubberized surface, preferably featuring a series of compressible nodules 28, to assist in removably securing the device to said shaft or putter. Alternately, the secondary cavity 22 may receive a rubberized cup for snug engagement therein. At least with this alternate version, the wall 24 and mounted battery are protected.

[0025] Operation of the device 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is achieved by the incorporation and use of an electromagnetically activated system 30 located within the side wall 18. The system 30 comprises a third cavity 32 receiving a fixed electromagnet 34 of a first polarity. Communicating with the cavity 32, in alignment with said electromagnet 34, is a lateral slot 36 extending to the wall 38 of primary cavity 20. Within the slot 36, and for sliding movement therewithin, is a magnet member 40, where its magnetic polarity is the same as the activated electromagnet 34. It will be appreciated that when the electromagnet 34 is activated, as a result of the same polarity, it will repel the magnet member 40 and direct it into the primary cavity 20 through opening 42. To limit the magnet member's 40 lateral movement, a stop 44 is provided at the opening 42. Additionally, the distal end 46 is tapered so as to bring greater contact between the distal end 46 and the received or captured golf ball “G”, note FIG. 2. Further, such tapered end 46 facilitates the release of the golf ball “G”. When the electromagnet 34 is deactivated, as later explained, the weight of the golf ball pushes against the tapered end 46 and returns the magnet member 40 back into the slot 36, as there is no repelling action by the deactivated electromagnet 34.

[0026] The electromagnet 34 performs a dual function in the operation of this invention, one of which was discussed above. It will be recalled that before a golfer can pick up his/her golf ball from the green, it is necessary to mark the ball's location, where a typical “marker” is a coin, metal or plastic disk. The present invention includes a means to properly mark the ball. In this regard, the third cavity 32 includes a vertically moving or floating magnet 48 that is movable between and in contact with electromagnet 34, to a reveal 50, just inside the cavity 32 from bottom wall 14. Additionally, the system 30 includes a ball marker recess 52, concentric to the cavity 32, for receiving a magnetizable metal disk 54, such as a magnetizable stainless steel—note in particular FIG. 2. When the metal disk 54 is seated within the marker recess 52 it is essentially flush with the bottom wall 14. The polarity of the floating magnet 48 is opposite to that of the energized electromagnet 34 such that it will be drawn up to and in contact with the electromagnet 34 when activated. As it is drawn upward, the floating magnet 48 is magnetically released from the metal disk 54 and thus freeing the metal disk for depositing onto the green.

[0027] Activation of the system 30 is achieved by a double action switch 60, as known in the art, positioned within the side wall 18. The switch 60 includes an activation leg 62 to turn on and off the switch 60, where the switch is in electrical communication through battery 64 by leads 66 to the electromagnet 34. To ensure inadvertently leaving the system 30 in an “on” position, and thus drain the battery 64, a master ON/OFF switch 68 may optionally be provided.

[0028] In operation, referring first to FIG. 1, where the device is poised to capture the golf ball “G”, the metal disk 54 is positioned within the recess 52, where it is held by magnetic attraction by floating magnet 48. As the device overrides the golf ball “G” to capture the ball within the primary cavity 20, the activation leg 62 contacts the “green” surface to open the switch 60 and energize the electromagnet 34. With the electromagnet so energized, it repels the sliding magnet member 40 causing it to move laterally into contact with the captured ball, see FIG. 2. Concurrently, the energized electromagnet 34 draws the floating magnet 48 upward to free it from the metal disk 54. This allows the disk 54 to be deposited onto the green to designate the return position for the ball. Since one may not always use the “hole” to line up the putt, a direction emboss arrow 70, or printed indicia, may be provided on the top wall 14. To return the golf ball to its original location, the reverse operation is followed. 29 FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6A-6C and 7A-7C illustrate different views of or components for the second embodiment of the device 80 of this invention. The device 80 comprises a housing 82, similar in construction to that of the first embodiment, except that the housing features a first central cavity 84 for receiving a putter shaft or other rod member, as discussed above. Below and concentric with said first cavity is a second section 86 and a smaller concentric third section 88, where the junction therebetween is defined by an annular shoulder 90. Further, below and in communication with said third section 88 is a golf ball receiving cavity 92, where the cavity 92 includes an annular recess 94 concentric with said third section 88. Finally, the housing 82 includes a lateral cavity 96, off to one side thereof, that receives the pivotal members of the mechanical mechanism for capturing, receiving and placing the golf ball, as later described.

[0029] The mechanical mechanism 98, the unique feature of the device of the second embodiment, comprises three parts, a spring activated latching member 100, a first pivotal member 102 and a second pivotal member 104. The spring activated latching member 100, includes a housing body 106 with a pair of flexible arms 108, a tapered lower body portion 110 that terminates in a pair of flange elements 112. As best seen in FIGS. 3-5, the spring activated latching member 100 may be snap engaged within the housing 80 by inserting the latching member 100 up through the golf ball receiving cavity into the third section 88. As the latching member 100 is pushed into the third section the flexible arms 108 yield along the walls of the third section, then resile to engage the annular shoulder 90. Concurrently, the flange elements 112 come to rest within the annular recess 94 to thereby fix the latching member 100 in the housing 80. Internally, the latching member 100 includes a pair of laterally movable arms 114 (FIGS. 3-5), where the function of which will become apparent hereafter. The latching mechanism is a system well known in the art, where it is activated by a single push to activate or deactivate, i.e. spread or contract the respective movable arms 114. Such a mechanism is currently found with door latches for furniture, etc.

[0030] As best seen in FIGS. 6A-6C, illustrating a first pivotal member 102, the member 102 comprises a generally triangular body portion 118 having a planar upper surface 120 with an upstanding transverse element 122 featuring an undercut portion 124. As will be apparent in the discussion to follow, the transverse element cooperates with the laterally movable arms 114 to hold and/or release the pivotal member 102. The pivotal member 102 includes a first pivot point 126 about such member pivots, and a second pivot point 127 about which the second pivotal member 104.

[0031] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the second pivotal member 104 that includes a pair of spaced apart arms 128, where the distance therebetween is sufficient to slidably receive the first pivotal member 102. The free ends 130 of the second pivotal member include a pivot pin (not shown) for pivotal movement about pivot point 127. Further, the second pivotal member, J-shaped as seen in a side view, includes a curved camming surface 132 to ride along the fixed pin 134 mounted within the lateral cavity 96. Finally, the second pivotal member includes a planar base 136 having a magnet 138 mounted flush therewithin, see FIGS. 7B and 7C, to cooperate with a magnetizable ball marker, as known in the art. FIG. 1 shows the magnet 138 in magnetic contact with a ball marker 54.

[0032] In operation, as best seen in FIG. 5, the device 80 is shown poised for capturing a golf ball “G”, see also FIG. 3. As the device 80 is pushed down upon the ball “G”, initial contact is made with the underside 140 of first pivotal member 102. As the device continues downward, the first pivotal member rotates in a clockwise direction to bring the transverse element 122 into engaging contact with the laterally movable arms 114, the position of FIG. 3. Concurrent with the clockwise rotation of the first pivotal member 102, the second pivotal member 104 rotates in a counter clockwise direction, where the respective rotations are illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 5. Note that the first pivotal member 102 includes a laterally extending projection 142 that contacts the ball “G”, FIG. 4. The projection 142, in cooperation with the cavity wall 144, where the arcuate extent therebetween is greater than 180° to thus capture and hold the ball “G”. Further, with the rotation of the second pivotal member 104 into the lateral cavity 96, the magnet 138 is withdrawn to release the magnetizable ball marker 54 for positioning or spotting the ball location on the green, for reasons known in the art.

[0033] It is recognized that changes, variations, and modifications may be made to the structures of this invention, particularly by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, no limitation is intended to be imposed thereon except as set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A golf putting device that allows a golfer to remotely retrieve, mark a golf ball's location, and replace the golf ball for eventual putting, said golf putting device comprising:

a generally circular housing having a bottom wall, a top wall, and an upstanding continuous side wall extending therebetween, a primary cavity opening to said bottom wall, where said primary cavity is sized to readily receive a conventional golf ball, a secondary circular cavity opening to said top wall, a pair of concentric sections therebetween, and a lateral cavity in communication with said primary cavity; and,

a mechanical ball activating mechanism to effect said remote retrieval, marking and replacing of said golf ball, said mechanism comprising first and second pivotal members within said lateral cavity, and a contact activating, latching member fixed within said pair of concentric sections, said first pivotal member being rotatable in a clockwise direction during capturing of said ball, said second pivotal member being rotatable in a counter clockwise direction during capturing of said ball, said second pivotal member further mounting a magnet for magnetic attraction of a magnetizible golf ball marker.

2. The golf putting device according to claim 1, wherein said secondary circular cavity includes a rubberized surface bearing a series of flexible nodules for removably engaging a complementary shaft to effect remote activation of said mechanical mechanism.

3. The golf putting device according to claim 1, wherein said secondary circular cavity snugly receives a removable rubberized cup having an inner annular wall bearing a series of flexible nodules for removably engaging a complementary shaft to effect remote activation of said mechanical mechanism.

4. The golf putting device according to claim 1, wherein said first pivotal member includes a lateral projection that cooperates with said primary cavity to secure said golf ball withing said primary cavity.

5. The golf putting device according to claim 1, wherein said second pivotal member is mounted for rotative movement on said first pivotal member.

6. The golf putting device according to claim 1, wherein said first pivotal member includes an upstanding projection for removable attachment to said latching member, where contact and release is effected by a normal force applied between said golf ball and said device.

7. The golf putting device according to claim 5, wherein said second pivotal member includes a cam riding surface for contacting a fixed pin within said lateral cavity.

8. The golf putting device according to claim 5, wherein said second pivotal member mounts said magnet.