Method of repairing divots

Abstract

A service of repairing divots using a device having a container portion for housing content, and a spout with an opening for filling and dispensing content from the container portion, together with a holder for selectively maintaining the container in a fixed position.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/523,621, filed Nov. 21, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/539,435, filed Jan. 26, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/991,950 filed Nov. 18, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a golfing accessory and, more particular, to a method of repairing divots made during golfing. Golfers often make divots in the turf of courses. Maintenance of a golf course requires that the divots be repaired. One ay of repairing a divot is to fill the divot with sand, which may be mixed with turf seen. Containers for transporting and dispensing the sand and seed are often awkward or difficult to use because a spout must be removed to fill the container during filling. This process can increase course maintenance costs and deter golfers from using such a container because it may become laborious and time-consuming.

In addition, when using some prior art containers, it is difficult to control the amount of sand dispensed from the container. When divots are overfilled with container contents including sand, mower blades may quickly become dulled and course maintenance costs are increased. Also, some prior art containers must be opened or otherwise closely inspected to determine the content level. Among other problems associated with prior art containers is the increased size and potential of wet sand to clog an elongated removable spout. A large container is difficult to carry on a golf car. There is also a need to stabilize the container relative to the golf cart. Thus, there is a need for a method of repairing divots that uses a container having a spout integral with the container portion and means to stabilize the container during transit.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method of repairing divots using a container portion for housing content and a holder for stabilizing the container in transit. In one embodiment, the spout is integral with the container portion. The spout may define an opening for filling and dispensing content from the container portion. A holder is provided to maintain the device in a fixed position during transport. The holder for selectively maintaining the container in fixed position comprises at least one surface adjacent the container of the device with an opening facilitating placement of the container in the holder. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for repairing divots using a container portion for housing content; a spout integral with the container portion and defining an opening for filling and dispensing content from the container portion, and; a holder for selectively maintaining the device in a fixed position. Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of repairing a divot, the method comprising; grasping a device for repairing divots by a handle; scooping contents into the device through an integral spout; placing the device in a holder for selectively maintaining the device in a fixed position; removing the device from the holder; dispensing the contents of the device through the integral spout into a divot, and replacing the device in the holder. These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferring embodiment when considered with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Apparatus used in carrying out the invention is illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a device for repairing divots constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the device comprising a holder for selectively maintaining the device in a fixed position;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the device;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the device;

FIG. 5 is a back view of an embodiment of the device;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the device, and

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Referring to the drawings in general and FIG. 1 in particular, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing an embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto. FIG. 1 is a device for repairing divots, general designated 10, shown construction according to one embodiment of the present invention. The device for repairing divots 10 may comprise a container portion 12 for housing content and an integral spout 14 defining an opening 16 for filling and dispensing content from the container portion 12. The device 10 may further comprise a handle 20 for operating the device. A portion of the handle 20 may define an opening 16 between the container portion 12 and the handle 20 for grasping the device. In an alternative embodiment, the container portion 12 of the device 10 may be constructed such that the device 10 can be grasped by the contain portion 12 and operated without the benefit of a defined handle 20. Or the handle of the device may be integrally formed as indentations or structure for gripping the device by the container portion 12.

The spout 14 of the device 10 may be tapered from the container portion 12, whereby the cross-sectional area within the spout 14 decreases from the container portion 10 to the opening 16 defined by the spout 14. The opening 16 for filling and dispensing content from the container portion 12 of the device 10 may comprise a bottom portion 22 and a top portion 24. The bottom portion 22 of the opening 16 may be smaller than the top portion 24 for permitting effective filling of the container portion 12 and controlled dispensing of content from the device 10. In one embodiment, the container portion 12 of the device 10 comprises a translucent material for determining the content level by visual inspection. The device may also comprise a “full” marking or other indicia for indicating a maximum recommended level of content.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the device for repairing divots 10 comprising a holder 26 for selectively maintaining the device 10 in a fixed position. In one embodiment, holder 26 may comprise at least one surface 30 adjacent to the container portion 12 of the device 10. The holder may matingly engage the device 10 and may comprise at least one opening 32 or transparent region for viewing the device 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the holder is a wire or other similar structure at least partially surrounding the container portion of the device.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the device; FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of the device; FIG. 5 is a back view of an embodiment of the device; FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the device, and; FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the device.

A method of using the device is to grasp the device by the handle and scoop sand into the device through the integral spout. Then the device may be placed in the holder for selectively maintaining the device in a fixed position. After a golfer makes a divot on a golf course, the device containing sand may be removed from the holder used to stabilize the container. The sand may be dispensed from the device through the integral spout into a divot. The device may then be replaced in the holder.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. All such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of repairing a divot, the method comprising;

grasping a device for repairing divots by a handle;

scooping contents into the device through an integral spout;

placing the device in a holder for selectively maintaining the device in a fixed position;

removing the device from the holder;

dispensing the contents of the device through the integral spout into a divot, and

replacing the device in the holder.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said holder has a surface matingly engaging said device when placed in said holder and a side opening in said surface facilitating movement of said device to and from said holder.