GOLF ACCESSORY HOLDER AND DIVOT REPAIR TOOL

Abstract

Multiple embodiments of a golf accessory holder and a divot tool are disclosed. A golf accessory holder (1) has an opening (16) into which a divot repair tool (2) is at least partially inserted. The repair tool is held in the opening either by a magnetic or magnetized plate (24) and/or by friction. The holder may have a mounting hole (13) into which a clamp or clip is attached, or may have a clip (31, 32) which can be attached to a belt or a loop. The tool may have a magnetic or magnetized insert (2A) which is attracted to the plate. The holder can secure divot tools, ball markers, hat clips, and other items, used for or with golfing.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/710,577 filed Aug. 23, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

(1) The present invention relates to a golf accessory holder, including but not limited to divot repair tools, ball markers, and hat clips, and also relates to divot repair tools.

(2) When a golf ball lands on a green and creates a dent, or divot, the etiquette of golf dictates that the golfer is responsible for repairing the dent thus made. A divot repair tool is used to repair this dent. However, as this tool is not directly involved with playing golf (i.e., it is not involved with moving the ball toward the hole or cup), it is often placed in a pocket of an article of clothing worn by the golfer, such as a pants' pocket, or in a pocket of a golf bag, or on a ledge or in drawer of a golf cart, or in some other location. Some divot repair tools have a return or attachment clip, and this type of tool may be worn inside or outside of the pants' pocket, inside or outside of a shirt pocket, on a belt, or even hooked onto the golfer's golf bag.

The tool is somewhat heavy for its size, is bulky, is cumbersome, and has tines (also called prongs), all tending to make the tool an undesirable and uncomfortable object when it is in a pocket of the golfer's pants or shirt. The golfer may therefore opt to put the tool on his belt, on his golf cap, in a pocket in the golf bag, on the golf bag, in or on a golf accessory device, or somewhere in or on the golf cart. However, the golfer usually does not know whether the tool is needed until the golfer is walking on the green toward his ball and sees the dent. The golfer then has to walk back to where the golf bag is located (which should not be on the green), open the pocket, extract the tool, and then walk back to where the dent is located. This takes time and the extra walking increases the wear on the green as well.

In some cases the golfer forgets exactly where the tool was placed even though it may be in plain view (e.g., on his golf cap); in other cases the tool may have fallen onto the ground along the way. The result in either case is that the golfer checks those places where the tool should be, checks those places where the tool may be and, if the tool cannot be located, either borrows a tool from another golfer, and/or decides not to bother with fixing the dent in the green. If the tool was a keepsake or valuable tool, the golfer may embark upon a more frantic and time-consuming search for the tool, possibly even considering retracing his route to the last place he used the tool, thereby delaying the play of the game by others in his group and/or interfering with the play of the game by a following group.

Another problem that sometimes occurs in the game of golf, or shortly thereafter, is the safekeeping and location of a hat clip, a ball marker, or combination hat clip/ball marker. This item is frequently worn on the golfer's cap during the game. After the game, however, it is often removed from the cap and placed in a pocket (shirt, pants, or golf bag), placed in the glove compartment, ash tray, drink holder, or CD holder of the golfer's car, or placed on a dresser or table, whereupon the golfer promptly forgets about it and, depending upon where it was placed, may lose it. This can cause some anguish, especially if the hat clip/ball marker was a treasured or valuable item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides golf accessory holders and also divot repair tools. One embodiment of the golf accessory holder has a body which has an opening. The opening extends into the body and forms a cavity in the body. The opening is used to insert a divot repair tool into the cavity and remove the divot repair tool from the cavity. There is also a retainer to retain at least a portion of the divot repair tool in the cavity. In addition, there is a mounting section to secure the holder to a desired object, such as a belt clip, a golf bag, golf umbrella, etc.

A plurality of different embodiments of the golf accessory holder are shown, and have different features, such as the opening extending upward into the body, the opening extending laterally into the body, the opening extending completely through the body, and open-faced embodiments.

The divot repair tool may be partially enclosed within the golf accessory holder, or completely enclosed within the golf accessory holder. In addition, in one embodiment there is no opening, but there is an enclosed cavity, and the golf accessory holder can open and close in the manner similar to a clamshell or to a Hide-A-Key™ key box.

The divot repair tool, ball marker, and/or hat clip are held in the golf accessory holder by a retainer, or by a ledge, which may be by friction or, if the divot repair tool has a magnetic or magnetized insert, by a magnetic or magnetized plate in the golf accessory holder, or by cooperation among the divot repair tool, marker and/or clip to secure them in the golf accessory holder.

The golf accessory holder may also have an area which is designed to accommodate and hold a hat clip or cap clip, thereby reducing the likelihood of loss.

The golf accessory holder may be attached to any desired object by the use of a mounting section, which may be a tab with a hole or slot in it to accommodate, for example, a hat clip.

The divot repair tool is also unique and has one or more inserts, preferably magnetic or magnetized, which help to hold the tool in the golf accessory holder and which also allow the display of a desired view, picture, name, logo, etc. on the divot repair tool.

Also, although for years some golf accessory devices have been designed to hold a divot repair tool, ball marker, and/or golf tees in some manner or fashion, it is now desirable to hold a hat clip as well. Therefore, another feature provided by some embodiments is that a hat clip may be attached, and may be attached, if desired, in a manner which displays the hat clip and a ball marker.

The divot repair tool and the golf accessory holder are preferably, but not necessarily, used together as some embodiments disclose a golf accessory holder for a ball marker and a hat clip.

Also, the various features of the divot repair tool, and the various features of the golf accessory holder, may be used together or individually, as desired, to achieve a desired function or appearance.

The present invention thus provides for a useful and versatile golf accessory holder which protects the divot repair tool from loss or damage and allows the user to quickly and easily find and remove for use, or to easily insert once finished, a divot repair tool, ball marker, and/or hat clip.

The present invention also provides for a useful and versatile divot repair tool which can be used with the golf accessory holder mentioned herein or can used alone, and which, by virtue of a magnetized insert, can be held to a desired object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1D are a front view, a top view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary method of construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate various other designs of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate various other embodiments.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are a front view, an edge or side view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of other exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7A shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are a front view, an edge or side view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10 and 11-14.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are a front view, an edge or side view, and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are a front view, an edge view, and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are illustrations of the closed and open positions, respectively, of an optional clamp for use with embodiments of a golf accessory holder having a mounting hole

FIG. 24 is an illustration of an elongate rectangular mounting hole having rounded corners.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are illustrations of other exemplary clamps for use with the mounting holes of some embodiments.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of another embodiment.

FIGS. 29A-29D illustrate various methods of construction of a divot repair tool.

FIGS. 30A-30C illustrate various embodiments of divot repair tools in association with various embodiments of golf accessory holders.

FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate an embodiment of a golf accessory holder having a crown and an internal cavity.

FIGS. 32A-32E illustrate various embodiments of divot repair tools with a visible insert, with a hidden insert, and without an insert.

FIG. 33 illustrates an open-faced embodiment of a golf accessory holder.

FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment.

FIG. 35 illustrates the use of the embodiment of FIG. 33 in combination with a ball marker and a clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1D are a front view, a top view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of a golf accessory holder 1 has a front section 10 having a front face 12, a rear section 14 having a rear face 15, a mounting section 11, a mounting hole 13 in the mounting section, and a shoulder or collar 17. An exemplary divot repair tool 2 is also shown, part of which is inside the holder 1 and part of which is preferably, but not necessarily, protruding from the holder 1. A retainer, not visible in FIG. 1A but shown and described below, holds the tool 2 at least partially within the holder 1. As shown in FIG. 1B, this embodiment preferably, but not necessarily, comprises two sections 10, 14 fastened together along a searn 18 by any desired and convenient means, such as by glue or other adhesive, ultrasonic bonding or welding, post and hole, etc. The holder 1 preferably has, as shown, a front section 10 and a rear section 14, but could be of unitary construction. Also, the mounting section 11 may be in two parts, one with front section 10 and the other with rear section 14, or may part of only one of the sections, either the front section or the rear section, or may be part of the unitary construction. FIG. 1C shows the opening 16 into which the divot repair tool 2 is at least partially inserted and retained until needed for use. FIG. 1D shows the collar or shoulder 17. Although the collar is preferably present on both the front and back sections, it may be present on only one of the sections or, if desired, may be eliminated entirely, such as by a more gradual transition between the thickness of the body and the thickness of the mounting section, or by making the tool of a single thickness.

In an exemplary embodiment, the holder 1 is approximately 3.5 inches tall, 1.5 inches wide, and 0.4 inches thick, the mounting hole 13 is 0.3 to 0.425 inches in diameter, and the divot repair tool hole 16 has a width of 0.75 inches to 1.125 inches and a height of 0.25 to 0.5 inches and a depth of approximately 2.5 inches. As shown in FIG. 1A, the depth of the hole 16 is preferably deep enough to allow part, most, or even all of the divot repair tool 2 to be inserted therein. If means for extracting the tool are not provided, then the holder 1 should be shallow enough to allow part of the divot repair tool 2 to protrude from the holder 1 so that an end of the tool 2 can be grasped and the tool 2 pulled out of the holder 1. The dimensions are exemplary and are preferred, but are not critical, and are determined to a great degree by the size and shape of the divot repair tool 2 to be held, how much, if any, of the tool is to protrude from the holder, and the desired size of the holder. The size of the holder is determined by such factors as the size of the tool to be held, the desired style, ease of holding, ease of use, weight restrictions, etc. The mounting hole 13 is used to secure the holder 1 to, for example, a belt, a loop on clothing, such as a belt loop on pants, a loop or ring on a golf bag (or even on a golf cart), etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary method of construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D. FIG. 2 shows the exemplary holder 1 opened up into two sections, 10, 14, and a divot tool 2.

Front section 10 has a recess 30A with a floor 22A and, in one embodiment, a retainer which includes a plate 24A. The plate 24A is held in the recess 30A by any desired means. For example, press fit, or part or all of the floor 22A may be coated with a glue or other adhesive, parts of or all of the edge of the body 8A may extend over the plate 24A such by embedding the plate partially or completely within the body during manufacture, etc. Also shown are posts 27A and 27B and elongated posts 25A and 25B.

Rear section 14 also has a recess 30B with a floor 22B and, in one embodiment, a retainer which includes a plate 24B. The plate 24B is held in the recess 30B by any desired means. Also shown are complementary holes 28A and 28B and elongated holes 26A and 26B, which engage with the posts 27A and 27B and the elongated posts 25A and 25B. These posts and holes may be used to hold the two sections 10, 14 together, in any well known manner. Also, the two sections may be held together by an adhesive, even if posts and holes are also used.

For clarity of illustration sections 10 and 14 are shown laid out side-by-side, although when assembled the floors 8, recesses 9, and plates 24 would all be internal to the holder 1 and face their counterparts, if present. Also, when assembled, the elongated posts 25 would fit into the elongated holes 26, and the posts 27 would fit into the holes 28. In another embodiment, only elongated posts 25 and elongated holes 26 are used, and the posts 27 and holes 28 are not present. In still another embodiment, only posts 27 and holes 28 are used, and the elongated posts 25 and elongated holes 26 are not present. In still another embodiment, none of elongated posts 25, elongated holes 26, posts 27, and holes 28 are used, and therefore are not present. In that embodiment the two sections are held together by an adhesive or by some other bonding method, such as ultrasonic welding, an evaporable solvent, etc. When the golf accessory holder 1 is assembled, the tool 2 may be inserted into the opening 16, and the tool 2 may be held in place by the attraction between the plates 24 and the insert 2A. Although plates 24A and 24B are shown and preferred, in an alternative embodiment only one plate, either 24A or 24B, is used.

Although plates 24, and therefore recesses 30 and floors 22 are shown as being oval, this is merely a preference, and they may be any desired shape, for example, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or polygonal.

Although insert 2A is shown in FIG. 2 as being exterior to, bulging from, or protruding from, the tool 2, the insert 2A may, if desired, be enclosed within a protective coating or may be made flush with, concealed within, embedded in, or enclosed within, the tool 2. Various embodiments of the insert 2A are shown in FIGS. 29A through 29D. Therefore, various arrangements and construction techniques for tool 2 and insert 2A are possible. For convenience of illustration, the tool 2 with the bulge or protrusion is shown in most figures. Unless otherwise indicated, however, the holder 1 may be used with a tool 2 as shown in FIG. 2. In the exemplary divot repair tools 2 of FIG. 2, the tool 2 is preferably made from a non-magnetic material, such as plastic, and has a magnetic or magnetized insert 2A. The tool 2 and/or cover or enclosure for the insert 2A, either kind, can also be made other non-magnetic material, for example, antique brass body and plastic or rubber head covers, chrome or chrome-plated body and plastic or rubber head covers, other suitable and appropriate materials, etc.

Also shown is a recessed area or hole 9A, 9B. Either area 9A, 9B may be used to engage the tab of, and therefore hold, an optional hat or cap clip 19, or even another divot tool, as described below. Another style of clip which may be used is clip 66 in FIG. 35. Unless otherwise specifically stated to the contrary, clip styles 19 and clip 66 are interchangeable. In an alternative embodiment, only one area, either 9A or 9B, is used. In still another alternative embodiment, neither area 9A nor 9B is present. In that embodiment the clip 19 may still be used with the holder 1, but will not be held as tightly. Although recessed areas 9 are shown as being rectangular, this is merely a preference, and they may be any desired shape which is compatible with the purpose of holding a clip 19, such as square, circular, oval, etc. Some clips 19 have two tabs, as shown by clip 66 of FIG. 35. Therefore, in alternative embodiments, a single large area 9A may accommodate the two tabs, or there may be two areas 9A in close proximity (not shown) to accommodate the two tabs.

Also shown are plates or inserts 23A, 23B. These may also be used to hold a tool, ball marker, or other item in the holder. The may be either magnetized (has a magnetic field) or magnetic (is attracted to a magnet).

Preferably, the plate 24 is magnetized (has a magnetic field) so that it will hold a divot repair tool 2 in place in the holder 1. In an alternative embodiment, the plate 24 is not magnetized but is magnetic (is attracted to a magnet) so that a magnetized divot repair tool 2 will be held in place in the holder 1. The sections may be similar or identical to each other, or one section may not have the plate 24, or even the recess 30. In still another embodiment, the plate 24 of a first section may be magnetized, and the plate 24 of the other section may be magnetic. If the divot repair tool is magnetized or magnetic, then the plate will hold the tool in place in the holder. Of course, it will be appreciated that at least one of the tool or a plate should be magnetized. Both the tool and the plate may be magnetized, in which case the polarity of the tool and/or the plate should be selected to provide for attraction rather than repulsion. This can be easily accomplished, for example, if there is but a single magnetized plate, by simply flipping either the tool or the holder to provide attraction between the tool and the plate. This can be easily accomplished, for example, if there are two magnetized plates by having the plates have opposite polarities facing each other, and then either the tool or the holder can be flipped to provide attraction between the tool and the plate.

FIG. 2 also illustrates the use of an optional recessed area 34A, 34B, which may, if desired, simply be a larger version of the recesses 30A, 30B, respectively. The larger recessed area may be desirable when, for example, the insert 2A of the tool 2 is raised with respect to the remainder of the tool. The larger recessed areas 34 accommodate this raised or bulging insert 2A or may be used to a secure ball marker 65 (FIG. 35). In addition, if the tool body is made slightly flexible, then the plates 24 may not be required to secure the tool 2 in the holder. Rather, if the height of the opening 16 is slightly smaller than the height of the insert 2A, then some force will be required in order to deform the holder enough that the tool can be inserted and removed from the holder. The height of the opening 16 with respect to the height of the insert 2A, and the rigidity of the holder 2, should be selected so that a tool 2 can be readily inserted and removed when desired, but so that the tool will not fall out of the holder otherwise. To accommodate a variety of heights of the insert 2A it may be desirable to make the height of the opening 16 small enough to secure the tool 2 with thinnest insert 2A, and make the body of the holder flexible enough to allow the tool 2 with the largest insert 2A to be readily inserted and removed.

In another embodiment, only one section of the holder 1 of FIG. 2 is used, in an open-face arrangement. In this embodiment the tool 2 is exposed but is held in the holder 1 by the magnetic attraction between the tool 2 and the holder 1. A ball marker 65 may be placed in the space 34. The tool 2 is then placed on top of the ball marker 65. The ball marker 65 may be held in place by magnetic attraction between the plate 24 and the ball marker 65, or by magnetic attraction between the tool 2 and the plate 24. In either case, the tool 2 may be removed by grasping it and pulling it either outwardly or upwardly, and the ball marker 65 may be removed by grasping it, or by turning the holder 1 over and tapping it.

In another use of the embodiment, the head of the tool 2 would be held in place in space 34 by magnetic attraction between the head and the plate 24. The ball marker is then placed on top (outwardly facing surface) of the head of the tool 2, and is held in place by magnetic attraction between the head and the marker.

FIG. 2 also shows optional notched areas 39A and 39B. In some cases, if the ball marker 65 is slightly oversize, it may become stuck in the space 34. When this happens the notch 39 allows the user to place a thumb or finger into the notch 39 and push toward the marker 65, which will then dislodge the marker 65 for easy removal. The user could also place the point of a knife, a pencil, or a pen into the notch 39 to dislodge the marker 65. In one embodiment, the walls of space 34 are slightly sloped or rounded. If the diameter of the ball marker 65 is less than the diameter of the space 34 then the marker 65 will not become stuck in the space 34. Although it is preferred that the entire wall of space 34 be sloped or rounded, in another embodiment only part of the wall of space 34 is sloped or rounded. For example, as the user would typically use a thumb or finger to move the marker 65 toward the opening 16, one might only provide a slope to the wall portion nearest to opening 16, and provide reduced or no slope for the other wall portions.

Although the use of two sections is preferred for ease of manufacture and assembly, it will be appreciated that the holder may be manufactured or molded as a single component.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate various other embodiments of the golf accessory holder of FIG. 2. FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate holders where the two parts 12 and 14 are not permanently fastened together but, instead are hold together magnetically by a plate or magnet 23 (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 2). The two sections 12 and 14 form a shell which encloses part or all of the tool 2. The holder and tool are held together magnetically. In addition, one part, such as 12, may have a magnetic insert, and the other part, such as 14, may have a magnetized insert, so that the two parts are held lightly together even when a tool is not present. This allows the holder to be easily opened to remove the tool when desired. Preferably, the mounting section 11 and mounting hole 13 are present on at least one of the two parts 12 or 14.

FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate holders similar in design to those of FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively, but, in this case, only one section of the design is used. That is, either part 12 or part 14. In these designs, the tool is not enclosed in the holder but is merely held to the holder magnetically. This allows for easier and faster removal and insertion of the tool, which is sometimes preferably, especially if the tool and/or ball marker 65 or not particularly valuable or treasured. Preferably, the mounting section 11 and mounting hole 13 are present on the part 12 or 14.

FIG. 3F illustrates another embodiment of a holder. Although the two sections 10, 14 of the holder, for example, sections 10, 14 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3C are shown as being approximately equal in depth, this is merely one embodiment and the two sections may have different depths. For example, section 10 could be an essentially flat section, for example, a cover, and section 14 could have the necessary depth to accommodate the tool, markers, and/or clips. Alternatively, section 10 could have just enough depth to accommodate any desired holes, openings, or recesses, such as 21, 23, 30, 34, and section 14 could have the necessary depth to accommodate the tool, markers, and/or clips. This is also true of other embodiments including, but not limited to, for example, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1D. As mentioned, there are preferably two sections. In FIG. 4, a first one of the sections, such as the rear section 14, is shown. This section has a recess 21, a floor 22 to the recess 21, a raised ledge 8A around the recess 21, and, in one embodiment, a retainer which includes a plate 24. The plate 24 is held in the recess 21 by any desired means, for example, but not limited to, an adhesive 29.

The insert 2A is therefore attracted to the plate 24, thereby retaining the divot repair tool 2 in the golf accessory holder 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment having an a recess cavity, opening or hole 36 on the front (or rear) face, and a plate or magnet 37 therein for magnetically holding a ball marker 65 to the exterior of the holder 1. A cutaway view of the ball marker 65 is used in order to show the plate or magnet 37. In one variation of this embodiment, item 37 is not a separate plate or magnet but is part of the tool 2. In another variation of this embodiment, the magnet or plate 37 is embedded within the holder 1. In one embodiment the hole 36 is smaller than the marker 65 so that the marker is held exterior to the holder 1. In another embodiment the hole 36 is larger than the marker 65 so that at least part of or even the entire marker is below the surface of the holder 1. In that embodiment a cutout, notch, or chamfer may be provided so that the marker can be easily removed. Preferably, but not necessarily, the larger recess, cavity or hole is used only when the tool 2 contains a magnet.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate various other embodiments which may not have an opening 16. FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment having a pair of hinges 42A, 42B. In this embodiment there may still be an opening 16 for insertion and removal of a tool 2, or the holder 1 may not have an opening 16, in which case the tool 2 is inserted and removed by opening the holder 1. The hinges are preferably, but not necessarily, flexible plastic hinges molded as part of the holder 1. This type of holder may be referred to as a “clam shell” holder.

In FIG. 6B the holder is constructed like a box having a base or back section 47, a lip or overhang section 48, and a sliding panel 49. In this embodiment the tool 2 is inserted and removed by sliding the panel 49 upward to expose the interior of the box. Thus, in this embodiment, there need not be any openings 16. This type of holder may be referred to as a “hidden key” holder. Preferably, the holder in this embodiment also has a plate 24, such as described above, and which may be held in the holder by any of the techniques discussed above, and which plate 24 holds the tool 2 in the holder 1 so that the tool 2 is held in the holder and does not fall out of the holder 1 even if the panel 49 is raised and the tool 2 is exposed. In this embodiment the tool 2 is easily removed by grasping it with fingers or fingernails, prying it loose with the tip of a pencil or golf tee, by pressing on one side of the tool 2 so as to cause the other side to be raised for ease of grasping, or even by turning the holder 1 and tapping it to dislodge the tool 2.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are a front view, an edge or side view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of other exemplary embodiments. These embodiments differ from the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 primarily in that, in this embodiment, the tool 2 is inserted from a side. There are preferably, but not necessarily, also two sections 10, 14 fastened together along a seam 18, a mounting section 11 having a front face 12, a mounting hole 13 in the mounting section, an opening 16 into which the divot repair tool 2 is inserted and retained until needed for use, and a shoulder or collar 17. A divot repair tool 2 is also shown, part of which is inside the holder 1 and part of which is protruding from the holder 1. Although the collar 17 is preferably present on both the front and back sections, it may be present on only one of the sections or, if desired, may be eliminated entirely. The opening 16 may extend completely through the holder 1 or may extend only partway through the holder.

FIG. 7A shows a variation of this embodiment. In this variation the holder 1 is made taller, and the opening 16 is longer, so that the tool 2 may be inserted upright into the opening 16, rather than sideways, as in FIG. 7. This embodiment also shows an optional clip 19 used with the holder 1, with or without an internal hole 9 as shown in FIG. 2. Also, an optional slot 38 is shown, which may be used to easily verify that the tool 2 is in the holder 1, or to allow the insertion of the tip of a pencil or a tee so as to nudge the tool 2 toward an opening 16 for removal.

FIGS. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are a front view, an edge or side view, a bottom view, and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment. Like the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10, the tool 2 is inserted from a side. However, in this embodiment, the body is more elongate so as to more completely enclose a tool 2, or so as to accommodate a longer tool 2. Also, the shoulder 17 is shaped somewhat differently due to the elongate shape.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary method of construction of the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10 and 11-14. As mentioned, there are two sections. A first one of the sections, such as the rear section 14, is shown. This section has part of all of the opening 16, and a plate 24. The plate 24 is held in the opening 16 by any desired means and the plate 24 may be magnetized or magnetic. The other section, such as the front section, may be identical to the first section, or the other section may not have a plate 24, or even the opening 16, in which case it could be shaped more like a slab with a mounting section 11. In still another embodiment, the plate 24 of a first section may be magnetized, and the plate 24 of the other section may be magnetic. The plate 24 may completely cover the wall on one side of the opening 16, or may only cover a part of the wall, such as a strip, as it only need provide enough magnetic attraction to secure the holder in place. In still another embodiment, only one section is used, in a open-face configuration, so that the tool can be simply pulled away from, or placed in, the holder, without having to slide the tool in or out of the opening 16.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 are a front view, an edge or side view, and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment. This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 primarily in that, in this embodiment, the mounting hole 13 runs from side to side. Although not shown, it should be noted that the other embodiments above are also amenable to constructions which have the mounting hole 13 running from side to side.

FIGS. 19, 20 and 21 are a front view, an edge view, and a perspective view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment. This embodiment has a front face 35, an opening 16 into which the divot repair tool 2 is inserted and retained until needed for use, and at least one plate 24A, 24B. A plate 24 may be magnetized or magnetic, or one plate may be magnetized and the other plate may be magnetic. Also, only one plate 24 is necessary, although two plates 24A, 24B are shown and preferred. The plates 24 may be held in the opening 16 by any desired means. Also, a plate or plates 24 may completely cover the wall on one side of the opening 16, or may only cover a part of the wall, such as a strip, as it or they only need provide enough magnetic attraction to secure the holder in place. The hole 16 may be open only at the top, only at the bottom, or may extend through the body of the holder. This embodiment 1 preferably is manufactured as a single piece but may, if desired, be constructed by using front and rear sections, as described above for the other embodiments. In this embodiment the mounting section 11 is similar to a belt clip and includes a mounting assembly 31, 32 which forms an area 33 for clipping to a supporting structure or other desired object; for example, a belt or strap may be inserted into the area 33 and held in place by the fingers or clips 31, 32. This embodiment may also be hooked to, for example, the edge of a golf bag, the strap on a golf bag, etc. Preferably, one end of the divot repair tool protrudes from the holder for ease of removing the divot repair tool from the holder.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are illustrations of the closed and open positions, respectively, of an optional clamp 40 for use with embodiments of a golf accessory holder of the present invention having a mounting hole 13. This clamp may be used to secure the holder 1 to a desired object, for example, a belt, a loop on clothing, such as a belt loop on pants, a loop or ring on a golf bag, on a golf cart, the wire basket on a golf cart, etc.

Although the mounting hole 13 has been shown as being essentially circular, that is merely a preference and is not a requirement. For example, the mounting hole 13 could be elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, or another desired shape.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of an elongate rectangular mounting hole 13 having rounded corners.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are illustrations of other exemplary clamps 40, 45 for use with the mounting holes of some embodiments. Preferably, the hook portion 41, 46 of the clamp engages the mounting hole 13.

FIG. 27 is an illustration of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The construction and operation of this embodiment is similar to the construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 19-21 except that, instead of the mounting assembly 31 32, the mounting extension 11 and hole 13 of, for example, FIG. 2 are used.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of another embodiment. In this embodiment there are optionally two mounting holes 13A, 13B, one of which may be used to secure the holder 1 to a desired object and the other one of which may be used to secure an article, such as a watch, keys, sunglasses, towel loop, etc., to the holder 1. In this embodiment there are also optionally at least two openings 16A, 16B, so that the tool 2 can be easily inserted and removed from the top or from a side. Preferably, the holder 1 in this embodiment also has a plate 24, such as described above, and which may be held in the holder 1 by any of the techniques discussed above, and which plate 24 holds the tool 2 in the holder 1 so that the tool 2 is held in the holder 1 and does not fall out of the holder 1 even if an opening 16 is pointed toward the ground. In addition, there is an optional opening or hole 36, which may be on the front component, the rear component, both, or neither. A ball marker (not shown) may be placed in the hole so as to be magnetically coupled to the tool 2 in the holder. There may also be a magnet or plate (not shown) in the hole as, for example, that magnet or plate 37 shown in FIG. 5. The various embodiments described with respect to the marker and the opening of FIG. 5 are also applicable with respect to FIG. 28, including the embodiments wherein the marker is magnetically secured to the tool 2.

In the various embodiments described above, the holder 1 only need hold the tool 2 tightly enough to prevent the tool from being inadvertently removed or dislodged from the holder. The use of magnetic forces has been described above. However, the divot repair tool may be held in the holder by magnetic forces, or by friction, or by both, as desired. The use of friction is accomplished by making one of the dimensions of the hole 16 to be close to or even less than the corresponding dimension of the tool 2 so that at least two opposing walls of the opening 16 grip the tool 2. The tool is still easily removed from the holder by grasping and pulling on a protruding end of the tool.

If the opening 16 goes completely through the holder then the tool can also be removed from the holder by inserting an object, such as a coin, tee, pen, etc., into one end of the hole 16 to push the tool out the other end of the hole 16. Of course, if the hole 16 does not go completely through the holder then it is also possible to provide a smaller hole (not shown) at the enclosed end of the hole 16 so that a small object may be inserted into the smaller hole to push the tool at least partially out of the holder. Such an object may be, for example, the end of a tee or a pen or pencil, a partially straightened paper clip, the blade of a pocket knife, fingernail file, small screwdriver, etc.

FIGS. 29A-29D illustrate various methods of construction of a divot repair tool 2. For ease and clarity of illustration, these figures show the top edge of the tool, looking from the top of the tool toward the bottom (tines) of the tool. In one embodiment the insert 2A has a thickness of 0.050 to 0.100 inch. An insert 2A may be constructed in various ways. One embodiment of an insert 2A is shown in FIG. 2. Other embodiments of an insert 2A are shown in FIGS. 29A-29D and include a plurality of individual components, for example, a cover 2B, a magnetic or magnetized plate 2C, a recess 2E, and/or a hole 2F. In FIG. 29A the plate 2C is held in a recess 2E in the cover 2B, and the cover 2B is inserted into the recess 2D of the tool 2. The plate 2C may be held in the recess 2E by any of the methods discussed above for holding the plate 24 in place. Likewise, the cover 2B may be held in place in the recess 2D by any convenient method, including but not limited to applying an adhesive, welding, solvent, press fit, threading, etc.

In FIG. 29B a hole 2F goes completely through the cover 2B. The plate 2C may be held in place within the hole 2F by any of the methods discussed above for holding the plate 24 in place, or the plate 2C may simply be larger than the hole 2F.

In FIG. 29C, a tool 2 having covers 2B and plates 2C on both sides is shown. In this embodiment there are two recesses 2D1, 2D2, one for each cover 2B.

In FIG. 29D, a tool 2 having a hole 2G completely therethrough is shown. One plate 2C is shown, but two could be used.

Also, the cover 2B of FIG. 29A could be used on one side of the tool 2, and the cover 2B of FIG. 29B could be used on the other side of the tool 2. Also, in FIG. 29C, the recesses 2D could join to form a hole 2G as in FIG. 29D.

FIGS. 30A-30C illustrate various embodiments of divot repair tools in association with various embodiments of golf accessory holders. In FIG. 30A a curved tool 2 is shown in the holder 1, and then, for clarity of illustration of the shape of the tool, is shown (2′) outside the holder. It will be noticed that one section 10 of the holder is longer than the other section 14 of the holder. This allows for ease in grasping the tool and this design may be used on the other holder embodiments as well. In FIG. 30B a tool 2 is shown in the holder 1, and then, for clarity of illustration of the shape of the tool, is shown outside (2′) the holder. In addition, another tool 2″ is shown. This tool 2″ has a clip 3 which may be inserted into the opening 16 to hold the tool 2″ on the outside of the holder 1. This allows for the use of two separate tools 2, 2″, if desired. Alternatively, the tool 2″ could be inserted into the opening 16 with the clip 3 remaining on the outside of the holder 1. The clip 3 provides for retention of the tool 2″ and also provides for easy grasping and removal of the tool. In addition, the clip 3 eliminates the requirement for a plate 24 or insert 2A to retain the tool in the holder. However, the clip 3 may also be used, if desired, with a plate 24 and insert 2A.

FIG. 30C illustrates a subcarrier 43 into which the tool may be placed, and then the subcarrier may be placed into the golf accessory holder. This provides additional protection against, for example, scratching, which may be desirable for an especially valuable or treasured divot tool and/or ball marker.

FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate an embodiment of a holder 1 having a crown 51, and an internal cavity 52, which may be filled, for example, with a plastic or may be left empty. The crown 51 makes the holder distinctive and also provides for insertion, into the cavity 52, of desired objects. For example, the plate 24 may be in the cavity and may be embedded in, for example, a plastic or may be free to tumble and turn about in the cavity. If the plate 24 and the insert 2A of the tool are both magnetized then this freedom allows the plate 24 to re-orient itself so as to hold the tool in position in the holder. Item 24 may also be decorative, such as having on it a scene from a hole of a prominent, legendary, or even fanciful golf course, or informative (e.g., advertising) such as the name of a golf course, a country club, a hotel, a company, etc. If item 24 is free within the cavity 52 then the item 24 may be decorative and/or informative on both sides. The item 24 may, of course, be decorative and/or informative and also magnetic or magnetized.

FIGS. 32A-32E illustrate various embodiments of divot tools 2 with a visible insert 2A, with a hidden insert 2A, and without an insert 2A. Although the tools 2 are shown as being plain and with round heads, this is merely a preferred embodiment. In alternative embodiments the tools 2 could have oval, rectangular, or other shapes for the head and the insert 2A, if used, would preferably, but not necessarily, have a similar shape. Also, the tools 2 may have other features, such as grooves on the sides, or on the facing portions, or on part of the facing portions, shorter or longer tines, etc.

FIG. 33 illustrates an open-faced embodiment of a holder for use with a divot repair tool 2 (not shown) having a protruding area as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment there is a post or ledge 60 and a groove 61 formed by an overhang 62. In this usage the tool 2 is inserted into the opening 16 with the edges of the tool being in the groove 61. The tool is pushed until the insert 2A is past the post 60. At this point, the tool is held in place in the holder by the combination of the groove 61 and the post 60. The tool can be removed by pulling the tool back out of the opening 16 so that the insert 2A rides over the post 60. The groove 61 prevents the tool from simply falling out of the holder, and the post 60 prevents the tool from sliding out of the groove. The post 60 and/or the holder are made from a slightly deformable material so that the overhang 62 and or the post 60 will deflect enough to allow the tool to be easily inserted into or removed from the holder but are rigid enough that the tool will not inadvertently be released from the holder. There is also an optional recessed or covered area 63 which may also be used to more securely retain the tool and ball marker (if used).

This open-faced embodiment may also be used use with the combination of a divot repair tool 2 and a ball marker 65. In this usage a ball marker 65 is first placed into the opening 16, inside of the post 60. The tool 2 is then inserted into the opening 16 with the edges of the tool being in the groove 61. The tool is pushed until the insert 2A is past the post 60. As the tool is held in place, as described above, it also holds the ball marker in place. To release the tool, it is simply pulled back out of the opening. This also releases the ball marker. An exemplary marker is shown in FIG. 35.

This open-faced embodiment may also be used use with the combination of a divot repair tool 2 and a ball marker 65. The tool and ball marker are held together magnetically; that is, at least one of the tool or marker is magnetic or magnetized, and the other one is either magnetic or magnetized, as appropriate, so that these components will at least loosely magnetically bind to each other and form a single item. In this usage the user pulls the tool 2, which decouples from the marker 65 as the marker 65 is held back by the post 60, and so the tool 2 then slides out. The marker 65 may then be easily removed by simply turning the holder so that the marker 65 falls out. The groove 61 may be made larger, so that the edges of the tool may move more within the groove, as long as the groove is not so large that the tool and marker are free to slide out.

In a variation of this embodiment, a ball marker 65 is not used but, instead, a fixed insert (not shown) is used. This fixed insert serves the same function as the marker 65, that is, it provides a magnetic or magnetized object to which the tool 2 can be magnetically secured. Such an insert would preferably be approximately the same height as the ledge or post 60, and would be secured to the floor of the opening 16, between the post 60 and the optional covered area 63 (if used). The fixed insert could be secured by any desired and appropriate means, including, but not limited to, for example, by glue, by screws, by a protrusion which is press-fit into an opening (not shown) in the floor, etc. FIG. 35 may be considered as an illustration of a fixed insert 65 secured to the floor. The magnetic attraction between the fixed insert and the tool 2 retains the tool in the holder until the tool is forcibly removed by the user. If, using this embodiment, a ball marker is still desirable, then a ball marker could be placed on the outwardly-facing surface of the tool 2, and held there by magnetic attraction between the tool and the ball marker.

In still another embodiment, there may be an opening or recess (not shown) in the floor of the holder, between the post 60 and the optional recessed area 63, into which a marker 65 (not shown) may be inserted, so that the tool 2 (not shown) secures the marker in place. To access the marker, the tool 2 is partially or completely withdrawn, thereby allowing the marker to fall out of, or be shaken out of, or be otherwise removed from, the holder 1.

In still another embodiment, the may be an opening 36, as shown in FIG. 5, on the backside or underside of the holder 1, with the optional magnet 37, to allow the marker to be placed on the outside of the holder.

In still another embodiment, the post or ledge 60 is not present but there is a hole, recess, or cavity present in the floor of the holder between where the post 60 would be and the recessed area 63. For example, see the recess, cavity or hole 23 of FIG. 2, and the hole 36 of FIGS. 5 and 28. In this embodiment a fixed insert may be secured by any desired and appropriate means, and the tool 2 is held in the holder 1 by the magnetic attraction between the insert and the tool. In a variation thereof, a removable insert is used. In still another variation, the removable insert is a ball marker. In any event, the magnetic attraction between the various components and/or along with the overhang 62, secures the tool 2, and therefore the ball marker and removable insert, in place. The fixed insert is not shown in FIG. 33, but see, for example, insert 24 of FIG. 2 and insert 37 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 34 illustrates yet another embodiment. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 33 but it has a top part 12 so that it is not open-faced, and the top part 12 performs the holding function provided by the groove 61 and ledge 62 of FIG. 33. In one usage of this embodiment, the tool 2 has a bulging insert 2A, the tool 2 is inserted into the opening 16. The tool is pushed until the insert 2A is past the post 60. At this point, the tool is held in place in the holder by the combination of the top part 12 and the post 60. The tool can be removed by pulling the tool back out of the opening 16 so that the insert 2A rides over the post 60. The top part 12 prevents the tool from simply falling out of the holder, and the post 60 prevents the tool from sliding out of the holder. If the tool 2 has a bulging insert 2A, then the post 60 and/or the holder are made from a slightly deformable material so that the top part 12 and/or the post 60 will deflect enough to allow the tool to be easily inserted into or removed from the holder, but are rigid enough that the tool will not inadvertently be released from the holder.

In another usage of this embodiment, if the tool 2 has a more flat construction and is used with a ball marker 65, then the user pushed the ball marker 65 into the opening 16, shaking and/or turning the holder slightly if necessary to seat the ball marker behind the post 60, and then the tool 2 is inserted and pushed into the opening 16. The insert 2A of the tool will be magnetically coupled or attracted to the marker 65 so that, once coupled together, they form a single object which, because the post 60 is blocking the path of the marker 65, and the marker 65 is magnetically coupled to the tool 2, the tool 2 and marker 65 are retained within the tool 2. To remove the tool, the user pulls the tool 2, which decouples the tool 2 from the marker 65 as the marker 65 is held back by the post 60, and so the tool 2 then slides out. The marker 65 may then be easily removed by simply turning and/or shaking the holder so that the marker 65 falls out.

An optional slot 64 may be provided so that, in the event that a marker 65 becomes stuck in the holder, for example, due to dirt, moisture, grass clippings, etc., the marker 65 may be conveniently accessed and pried out. The slot also allows the user, after removing the tool from the holder, to readily see if the ball marker 65 is still in the holder.

The various alternative embodiments of FIG. 33 are also applicable to FIG. 34.

FIG. 35 illustrates the use of the embodiment of FIG. 33 in combination with a ball marker 65 and a clip 66, for example, a hat clip. The ball marker is inserted into the opening 16, and then the hat clip (not shown) is pushed so that one part of the clip is outside of the body of the holder, and the other part of the clip overrides the marker and, in combination with the post 60, holds the marker in place.

In another embodiment of FIG. 35, the post or ledge 60 is not present but there is a recess or cavity (not shown) present in the floor of the holder under the marker 65 and between where the post 60 would be and the recessed area 63. For example, see the recess or cavity 23 of FIG. 2. In this embodiment the recess or cavity diameter is smaller than the ball marker diameter and supports the ball marker. The tab (not shown) on the back side of clip 66 engages a recess area (not shown), such as the areas 9A and 9B of FIG. 2, so that the clip 66 is held in place.

The marker 65 is inserted into the holder and is thus retained in the holder by the recessed area 63, groove 61, and the clip 66. If the clip is sufficient flexible the marker may be inserted by simply forcing it over the clip 66. If the clip is not sufficiently flexible, then the clip may be removed, the marker inserted, and then the clip reattached. The marker is preferably removed by first removing the clip, and then allowing the marker to slide out of the recessed area 63 and the groove 61, at which point the marker is preferably, but not necessarily, reattached to the holder so as to prevent loss of or damage to the marker.

This open-faced embodiment may also be used with the combination of a divot repair tool 2 (not shown) and a marker 65 or insert 24 (FIG. 2). The tool 2 is secured to a removable marker 65 or insert plate(s) 24 in the recess cavity and the recessed area 63, groove 61, and ledge 62.

It will be appreciated from the above and the drawings that the tool 2 may have different constructions, and the insert 2A of the tool 2 may have different constructions. It will also be appreciated that the holder 1 may take the form of any of the several embodiments, and variations thereof, shown and described herein. Further, it will also be appreciated that the tool 2 and/or ball marker 65 may be held in the holder 1 by magnetic attraction, by friction, by a clip, or a combination of one or more of the above. It will also be appreciated that the tool 2 may be held within or partially within a closed or open holder 1. It will also be appreciated that the marker 65 may be held external to, at the surface of, or within the holder 1. Finally, it will be appreciated that, where magnetism is used to secure the various components together, it is only necessary that at least one of the components be magnetized.

Although the expected primary use of the holder is that the tool will be removed from the holder for use, such removal is not required. In embodiments where the tines of the tool extend sufficiently from the holder it is possible to use the tool without removing it from the holder. In addition, although the expected primary active use of the holder will be in conjunction with a game of golf, it is contemplated that the holder may not be actively used primarily in conjunction with a game of golf, but will be primarily used for storage of the tool, marker and/or clip when a game of golf is not being played in order to protect the tool, marker and/or clip from loss or damage between games.

The present invention therefore provides novel divot repair tools and novel holders for divot repair tools. The divot repair tool of the present invention may be, but need not necessarily be, used with the holder of the present invention. Indeed, the divot repair tool does not have to be used with a holder at all. Likewise, the golf accessory holder of the present invention may be, but need not necessarily be, used with the divot repair tool of the present invention. Indeed, the holder may be used with most, if not all, divot repair tools. As previously indicated, dimensions given herein are preferred, but are neither critical nor mandatory. Also, although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, other variations may occur to those reading this disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is as defined by the claims herein.

Claims

1. A golf accessory holder, comprising:

a body having an opening therein, the opening extending into the body and forming a cavity in the body, the opening being for insertion of a divot repair tool into the cavity and removal of the divot repair tool from the cavity;

a retainer to retain at least a portion of the divot repair tool in the cavity; and

a mounting section to secure the holder to a desired object.

2. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening begins at the bottom of the holder and extends upward into the body to form the cavity.

3. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening begins at a first side of the holder and extends laterally into the body to form the cavity.

4. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening is a first opening located on a first side of the holder, and further comprising a second opening located on a second, opposing side of the holder, the first opening and the second opening extending laterally into the body to form a hole through the body.

5. The golf accessory holder of claim 4 wherein the divot repair tool may be inserted into a desired one of the first opening or the second opening.

6. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the cavity is sufficiently large that the divot repair tool is completely contained within the cavity.

7. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the divot repair tool comprises a magnetic or magnetized insert, and the retainer comprises at least one of a magnetic plate or a magnetized plate to attract the insert.

8. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the divot repair tool has a first dimension, and wherein the cavity has two opposing walls spaced apart by a second dimension, and wherein the retainer comprises the two opposing walls when the second dimension is not greater than the first dimension, whereby the divot repair tool is retained in the holder by friction between the tool and the opposing walls.

9. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises at least one of a magnetic plate or a magnetized plate, the plate being contained within a recess in the body.

10. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a recess to provide for attachment of an item having a clip thereon.

11. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the mounting section comprises an extension at the top of the body, the extension having a hole running from the front of the extension to the back of the extension.

12. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the mounting section comprises an extension at the top of the body, the extension having a hole running from one side of the extension to the other side of the extension.

13. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the mounting section comprises a belt clip.

14. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening extends vertically through the body, thereby forming a hole through the body.

15. The golf accessory holder of claim 1 wherein the opening is a first opening located on a first side of the holder, and further comprising a second opening located on a second, opposing side of the holder, the first opening and the second opening being connected to form a hole through the body, and further comprising a third opening beginning at the top of the body and extending to the hole.

16. The golf accessory holder of claim 15 wherein the divot repair tool may be inserted into a desired one of the first opening, the second opening, or the third opening.

17. A golf accessory holder, comprising:

a body having a cavity therein for storage of a divot repair tool;

a cover for enclosing the divot repair tool in the cavity; and

a mounting section for securing the holder to a desired object.

18. The golf accessory holder of claim 17, and further comprising a hinge connecting an edge of the body with an edge of the cover, whereby the holder may be opened to expose the divot repair tool for access, and may be closed to retain the divot repair tool.

19. The golf accessory holder of claim 17 wherein the body comprises opposing top and bottom walls, a rear wall, and a pair of opposing side walls, each side wall having a vertical slot therein, and wherein the cover comprises a panel having first and second side edges, the first and second side edges slidably engaged with the vertical slots of the side walls, whereby the cover slides in one direction to expose the divot repair tool for access, and slides in the opposite direction to close the cavity and retain the divot repair tool.

20. A divot repair tool, comprising:

a head having an insert, the insert being a selected one of magnetic or magnetized;

first and second tines for divot repair; and

a body transposed between the head and the tines.

21. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the insert is partially enclosed within the head.

22. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the insert is completely enclosed within the head.

23. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the head comprises a body and a cover, the body having a recess into which the cover is inserted, and the cover having a recess which at least partially contains the insert.

24. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the head comprises a body and a cover, the cover having a hole which at least partially contains the insert.

25. The divot repair tool of claim 20 wherein the insert is a first insert, wherein the head comprises a body having first and second covers, and further comprising a second insert, the first cover having a recess which at least partially contains the first insert and the second cover having a recess which at least partially contains the second insert.

26. A golf accessory holder for a golf accessory, the golf accessory having a first component and a second component, the golf accessory holder comprising:

a body comprising a floor, an overhang extending upward from at least two opposing sides of the floor and then extending over a portion of the floor to form an enclosed area which is at least partially enclosed, a portion of the floor from which the overhang does not extend being an entrance into the enclosed area to allow insertion of the golf accessory into the enclosed area and to allow removal of the golf accessory from the enclosed area, a retainer in the entrance to retain at least a portion of the golf accessory in the enclosed area, and a mounting section to secure the holder to a desired object;

the overhang to engage at least a portion of the sides of the first component of the golf accessory to prevent the golf accessory from substantially moving in a first direction and the retainer to engage at least a portion of the second component of the golf accessory to impede the golf accessory from substantially moving in a second direction, when the golf accessory is inserted into the enclosed area, so that unintentional removal of the golf accessory from the golf accessory holder is reduced.

27. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the golf accessory comprises a divot repair tool, the first component of the golf accessory comprises the body of the divot repair tool and lies substantially in a first plane, and the second component of the golf accessory comprises the head of the divot repair tool and extends from the first plane.

28. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the first component of the golf accessory comprises a divot tool lying substantially in a first plane, and the second component of the golf accessory comprises a ball marker releasably secured to the divot repair tool by magnetic attraction and lying outside the first plane, when the ball marker is magnetically secured to the divot repair tool.

29. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the first component of the golf accessory comprises a marker lying substantially within the enclosed area, the overhang impeding the marker from substantially moving in the first direction, and the retainer engaging at least a portion of the marker to impede the marker from substantially moving in the second direction, and the second component of the golf accessory comprises a clip which is releasably secured to the retainer and which overlaps at least a portion of the marker to further impede the marker from substantially moving in the first direction.

30. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the mounting section is opposite to the entrance.

31. The golf accessory holder of claim 26 wherein the overhang extends from one side of the floor to the opposite side of the floor so that the enclosed area is substantially a completely enclosed area except for the entrance.

32. A golf accessory holder for use with a marker and a clip, the clip being a generally U-shaped spring having at least a first tab at a first end of the U-shape and at least a second tab at a second end of the U-shape, the golf accessory holder comprising:

a body comprising a floor, an overhang extending upward from at least two opposing sides of the floor and then extending over a portion of the floor to form an enclosed area which is at least partially enclosed, a portion of the floor from which the overhang does not extend being an entrance into the enclosed area to allow insertion of the marker into the enclosed area and to allow removal of the marker from the enclosed area, a recessed area on the back side of the body to engage the at least first tab, the at least second tab to bear upon the floor so that the clip is removably secured to the holder, and a mounting section to secure the holder to a desired object;

the overhang to engage at least a portion of the marker to prevent the marker from substantially moving in a first direction, and the clip to prevent the marker from substantially moving in a second direction, when the marker is inserted into the enclosed area, so that unintentional removal of the marker from the golf accessory holder is reduced.

33. The golf accessory holder of claim 32 wherein the mounting section is opposite to the entrance.

34. The golf accessory holder of claim 32 wherein the overhang extends from one side of the floor to the opposite side of the floor so that the enclosed area is substantially a completely enclosed area except for the entrance.