Ball caddy

Abstract

An apparatus for carrying extra golf balls while on a golf course. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow tubular member having each of a predetermined size, a predetermined diameter and formed of a predetermined material for holding at least one golf ball and one of a sleeve and a clip disposed on the substantially hollow tubular member for attachment to a user's belt.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/874,622 filed Dec. 13, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to golf balls, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a convenient means of carrying extra golf balls while on the course.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carrying extra golf balls are a necessity while on the course so as to eliminate the need to walk back to the golf cart or squishing an extra ball into a pants pocket. Golf balls are easily lost in shrubbery, woods, high weeds, water and even in the high cut of the rough next to the fairway. In the fall of the year the fallen leaves also make another easy place to lose golf balls. In order to continue playing golfers need to carry at least one extra ball with them in case they are at a distance from their golf cart. Play is delayed while the golfer walks back to the cart to retrieve an extra ball or the time consuming process of rummaging through the golf bag for an additional golf ball.

Thus, it would be advantageous if there were a means available for carrying one or two golf balls that doesn't require putting them in a pocket of the golfer's shorts or trousers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for carrying extra golf balls while on a golf course. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow tubular member having each of a predetermined size, a predetermined diameter and formed of a predetermined material for holding at least one golf ball and a means disposed on the substantially hollow tubular member for attachment to a user's belt.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a means for carrying one or two extra golf balls that doesn't require placing them in a pocket of the golfer's shorts or trousers.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball caddy that attaches to a person's belt.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball caddy that is generally unobtrusive.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball caddy that is convenient to use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball caddy that is relatively inexpensive.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the apparatus attached to user's belt according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the apparatus showing an alternate embodiment wherein the apparatus also holds a golfer's glove.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the apparatus showing the golfer removing a golf ball.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the apparatus showing an alternate method of attaching the apparatus to a user's belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for carrying extra golf balls while on a golf course. The apparatus 10 comprises a substantially hollow tubular member 2 having each of a predetermined size, a predetermined diameter and formed of a predetermined material for holding at least one golf ball 4 and a means, generally designated 20, that is disposed on the substantially hollow tubular member 2 for attachment to a user's belt 5.

Such means 20 for attachment to a user's belt 5 includes a sleeve member 6 for receiving a belt 5 therethrough, such sleeve member 6 is attached at a first end thereof to the substantially hollow tubular member 2.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention such means 20 for attachment to a user's belt 5 includes a clip member 8 which merely hooks onto the golfer's belt. The clip member 8 is attached on a first end thereof to the substantially hollow tubular member 2.

The predetermined material for forming the hollow tubular member 2 is selected from plastic, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber and neoprene. It is presently preferred that such material is neoprene.

The predetermined diameter of the substantially hollow tubular member 2 is between about 2¼ inches and about 2⅝ inches and it is preferred that such diameter is substantially 2½ inches which is sufficient to hold a golf ball 5 and retain it securely therein.

In another embodiment of the invention such substantially hollow tubular member 2 further includes hook and loop tabs 12 attached to an underside thereto for holding a golf glove 14.

To dispense a golf ball when needed the user simply has to squeeze the substantially hollow tubular member 2 in a central portion (midpoint) thereof to dispense a golf ball 5. Such substantially hollow tubular member is designed to hold two golf balls. In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention such substantially hollow tubular member is between about 1⅞ and about 2⅛ inches long.

Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus for keeping extra golf balls easily accessible while on the golf course. The apparatus is constructed of ¼ inch neoprene or other similar rubber. The apparatus is approximately 4 inches long and is divided into two sections. In a preferred embodiment there is a sleeve attached to the tubular portion of the apparatus for engagement with a user's belt. The sleeve portion is approximately 1¾ inches wide and the golfer simply slides their belt through the opening in the sleeve and the apparatus is attached. The tubular portion is used to hold two golf balls and is approximately 2½ inches long. All the edges are trimmed in elastic ensuring that the unit retains it shape and that golf balls are easily stored and securely stored until needed. In an embodiment there is velcro (hook and loop) tabs are attached to the rear of the apparatus enabling the golfer to attach his/her glove to the apparatus. To dispense a golf ball the golfer only needs to squeeze the middle portion of the tubular member and can easily do so without removing their glove and the ball slides easily out of the apparatus. The apparatus always has that extra ball handy when needed and saves the time of going to the cart or the golf bag for the extra ball.

The apparatus can be used as an advertising or promotional tool by having brand names, logos, corporate or business names or advertisements screen printed on the apparatus. Also the apparatus could be used to display college or professional teams or mascots. If used as a gift at an outing it could be printed with the name and date of the specific outing or tournament.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for carrying extra golf balls while on the course, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a substantially hollow tubular member having each of a predetermined size, a predetermined diameter and formed of a predetermined material for holding at least one golf ball; and

(b) a means disposed on said substantially hollow tubular member for attachment to a user's belt.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user's belt includes a sleeve member for receiving a belt therethrough, said sleeve member is attached at a first end thereof to said substantially hollow tubular member.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said means for attachment to a user's belt is by means of a clip member.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said clip member is attached on a first end thereof to said substantially hollow tubular member.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined material is selected from plastic, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber and neoprene.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein said predetermined material is neoprene.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined diameter is between about 2¼ inches and about 2⅝ inches.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said predetermined diameter is substantially 2½ inches.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said substantially hollow tubular member further includes hook and loop tabs attached to an underside thereto for holding a golf glove.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said substantially hollow tubular member is squeezed in a central portion thereof to dispense a golf ball.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said substantially hollow tubular member is designed to hold two golf balls.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is between about 1⅞ and about 2⅛ inches long.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein edges around openings in said substantially hollow tubular member are trimmed in elastic ensuring that golf balls are securely retained therein.