DIVOT REPAIR TOOL

Abstract

Prongs of a divot repair tool that is secured to a golf club are repeatedly inserted into the turf and removed from the turf surrounding a ball mark to repair the turf without requiring the user to bend over. The divot repair tool includes a base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top, and a bottom opposite the top. At least one prong extends from the first end. A vertical portion extends from the base and is substantially perpendicular to the base. A magnet is secured within the base portion to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.

Description

This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/411,719, filed on Nov. 9, 2010, entitled “Golf Putter Divot Repair Tool,” which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to an apparatus for turf repair and, more particularly, to a removable golf club tool for repairing divots.

2. Brief Description of Related Art

The game of golf requires a user to strike a golf ball into a hole surrounded by a green, an area of grass around the hole where the grass is cut very short so that a ball can roll long distances. Generally, a golfer will strike the ball onto the green with a club from a distance, such that the ball must leave the ground to land on the green near the hole. This act, while a common part of the game, often causes ball marks on the green. Ball marks are depressions in the green where the ball strikes the ground after being hit from distance. These ball marks, or depressions, affect the green negatively. The depressions can cause putting surfaces to be uneven, making it more difficult to putt, or cause the ball to veer unexpectedly when putting. In addition, the ball marks may damage the grass of the green by compacting the root structure and causing the grass to die. Repairing such damage is expensive and time consuming for course operators.

To combat the negative effects of ball marks, players often carry ball mark repair tools. These tools repair ball marks by loosening the soil underneath the mark so that the grass roots may continue to grow unaffected by the impact of the ball. In addition, the tools allow the player to return the surface of the green to the pre-impact surface level. Most of these tools are hand-operated tools that require the user to bend over to insert a fork like device around the ball mark. Unfortunately, many golfers have bad backs, knees, and/or hips. As a consequence, many players find it difficult to bend over to repair a ball mark. Thus, many of these players simply do not repair their ball marks. Other players choose not to bend over to repair the ball mark. In both situations, were the player able to repair the mark without bending over, the player might be willing to repair the ball mark. Thus, there is a need for a ball mark repair tool that does not require the player to bend over to repair the ball mark.

Players often set down their clubs while determining the best approach to a putt. Oftentimes, the player elects to leave the club on the playing surface while analyzing the potential putt. This allows the player to continue to visualize his/her selected putt on the green while approaching his ball so that the player may take a more accurate and, hopefully, successful shot. Placing the club into his/her bag, analyzing the putt, and then retrieving the club may cause the player to lose track of the expected putt, leading to a greater likelihood of a missed putt. However, players who set their clubs directly on the ground may find that the club grip is dirty and must be cleaned before taking the putt. Thus a device that allows a club to be set on a green without the grip touching the ground would be useful. Many players also like to smoke while playing golf. These players often find it difficult to properly swing their club while holding a lit cigarette or cigar. A device that would safely and easily hold the lit cigarette or cigar while the player shot his/her ball would be useful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other problems are generally solved or circumvented, and technical advantages are generally achieved, by preferred embodiments of the present invention that provide a golf club tool for repairing divots.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a divot repair tool for a golf club is disclosed. The divot repair tool includes a base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top, and a bottom opposite the top. The divot repair tool also includes at least one prong extending from the first end, and a vertical portion extending away from the top of the base portion proximate to the at least one prong. A magnet is secured within the base portion between the vertical portion and the second end so that the magnet may exert a magnetic force on the golf club to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a divot repair tool for a golf club is disclosed. The divot repair tool includes a base portion having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and at least one prong extending from the first side. A magnet is secured within the base portion so that the magnet exerts a magnetic force through at least the second side. A plane passing through a latitudinal center of the at least one prong intersects a plane containing a surface of the magnet proximate to the second side.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a divot repair tool for a golf club is disclosed. The divot repair tool includes a bushing secured within a cavity defined by the golf club. The bushing defines at least one j-slot channel. The divot repair tool includes cylinder portion having at least one prong extending therefrom, and a connector pin protruding from the cylinder portion. An axis of the connector pin and an axis of the cylinder portion are perpendicular. The cylinder portion removably inserts into the bushing so that the connector pin may fit within the j-slot channel to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a divot repair tool for a golf club is disclosed. The divot repair tool includes a base portion formed of a ferrous material, the base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top, and a bottom opposite the top. At least one prong extends from the first end, and a vertical portion extends away from the top of the base portion proximate to the at least one prong. A magnet is secured within a head of the golf club to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a divot repair tool for a golf club is disclosed. The divot repair tool includes a base portion formed of a ferrous material, the base portion having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. At least one prong extends from the first side. A magnet is secured within a head of the golf club so that the magnet exerts a magnetic force on the base portion. A plane passing through a latitudinal center of the at least one prong intersects a plane containing a surface of the magnet.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a divot repair tool for a golf club is disclosed. The divot repair tool includes a golf club head having a bottom surface and a toe surface, wherein a plane containing the toe surface intersects a plane containing the bottom surface. The golf club head defines a cavity extending from the bottom surface to the toe surface. A golf tee inserts into the cavity through the bottom so that a point of the golf tee protrudes from the toe of the golf club. The golf tee secures within the cavity so that the golf tee may be repeatedly inserted into a greens area.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for repairing a ball mark on a vegetative surface is disclosed. The method releasably secures a divot repair tool to a head of a golf club, wherein the divot repair tool has a base, at least one prong extending from the base, and a vertical portion perpendicular to the base. The method then orients the golf club so that the at least one prong is proximate to the vegetative surface on an opposite side of the ball mark from a user. The method repeatedly inserts and removes the at least one prong into and out of the vegetative surface on the opposite side of the ball mark from the user so that the at least one prong is directed generally toward a center of the ball mark. Then, the method orients the golf club so that a flat surface of the golf club is proximate to the ball mark, and taps a surface of the ball mark with the flat surface of the golf club.

An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that they provide a tool to easily repair divots or ball marks without requiring the user to bend over to accomplish the repair. In addition, the disclosed embodiments provide a tool for repairing divots, pitch marks, or ball marks that prevents impartation of additional damage to the green during the repair process. Other embodiments provide a device for supporting a golf club placed on the ground while maintaining a portion of the club shaft above the ground. Still other embodiments provide a device for supporting a cigarette or cigar, lit or unlit, while a player takes a shot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the features, advantages, and objects of the invention, as well as others which will become apparent, are attained and can be understood in more detail, more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings that form a part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only certain preferred embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the invention's scope as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the bushing for the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 1 installed in a golf putter.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 1 installed in a golf putter.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a view of a base plate in accordance with an alternative embodiment of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 16 is a right side view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is cross sectional view of FIG. 15 taken along line 18-18 illustrating an alternative embodiment of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 20 is a top view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a top view of a putter used in conjunction with the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a view of an alternative embodiment of the golf putter divot repair tool.

FIG. 23 is a view of the golf putter divot repair tool of FIG. 22 installed on a golf putter.

FIGS. 24-25 are illustrations of alternative uses of the divot repair tool of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings that illustrate embodiments of the invention. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and the prime notation, if used, indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments.

In the following discussion, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details. Additionally, for the most part, details concerning golf putter construction, materials, and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons skilled in the relevant art.

Referring to FIG. 1, divot repair tool 100 comprises a shaft 101 and a tool member 102. As shown, shaft 101 and tool member 102 are formed from a single piece of suitable material to produce the elements as depicted in FIG. 1 and described herein. Shaft 101 comprises a cylindrical object with a first end 105 and a second end 106. First end 106 of shaft 101 releasably fits within a bushing 150 described in more detail below, and second end 106 of shaft 101 is proximate to and joins tool member 102. Shaft 101 joins tool member 102 at second end 106 of shaft 101, producing a solid body. Shaft 101 further comprises connector pins 103 formed from shaft 101. Connector pins 103 comprise two cylindrical objects protruding from shaft 101 opposite one another along a length of shaft 101 and perpendicular to shaft 101. In the illustrated embodiment, connector pins 103 are approximately equidistant between first end 105 of shaft 101 and second end 106 of shaft 101. A person of skill in the art will understand that alternative embodiments contemplate and include more and fewer numbers and locations of connector pins 103. In the illustrated embodiment, first end 105 of shaft 101 is beveled; alternative embodiments do not include beveling of first end 105. Similarly, connector pins 103 may be beveled as illustrated or, alternatively, not.

A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present embodiment contemplates and includes alternative means of production. In an alternative embodiment, rather than machining connector pins 103 from shaft 101, shaft 101 defines shaft opening 104 passing completely through shaft 101. Connector pins 103 then comprise a single separately produced element that passes through shaft opening 104 such that a first end of connector pins 103 protrudes from shaft 101, and a second end of connector pins 103 protrudes from shaft 101 opposite the first end of connector pins 103. In other embodiments, shaft 101, tool member 102, and connector pins 103 may be cast.

Tool member 102 comprises a U-shaped member having a first prong 107 and a second prong 108. Tool member 102 joins shaft 101 at an exterior portion of tool member 102 such that first prong 107 and second prong 108 are approximately equidistant from second end 106 of shaft 101. In the illustrated embodiment, edges of tool member 102 are beveled or, alternatively, not. First prong 107 and second prong 108 comprise fork-like members of sufficient size and strength to withstand repeated insertion into soil or turf and exertion of force against the soil or turf with minimal wear to first prong 107 and second prong 108 and minimal damage to the soil or turf. As illustrated, further machining produces protrusions from first prong 107 and second prong 108 designed to aid in the repair of divots. A person skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments contemplate and include first prong 107 and second prong 108 with additional protrusions and those without additional protrusions. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of tool member 102 include only one prong and more than two prongs.

FIG. 1 also illustrates bushing 150. Bushing 150 defines j-slots 151 and opening 152 within a cylindrical wall. Opening 152 is of a size and shape proportional to shaft 101 such that opening 152 may receive shaft 101 with minimal clearance between shaft 101 and the portions of bushing 150 defining opening 152. Connector pins 103 align with j-slots 151 proximate to each connector pin 103. J-slots 151 are configured such that when connector pins 103 and shaft 101 reach the point of maximum insertion into opening 152, a clockwise twist will seat connector pins 103 into curved portions of j-slots 151, securing divot repair tool 100 into bushing 150. A person skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments contemplate and include bushings 150 with more and fewer j-slots 151. Similarly, alternative embodiments include j-slots 151 configured such that a counter clockwise twist will seat connector pins 103 into curved portions of j-slots 151.

Referring now to FIG. 2, putter 160 comprises a shaft 161 (part of which is shown) and a putter head 162. Putter head 162 comprises a face portion 163, and a toe portion 164. Toe portion 164 defines a toe opening 165 created by any suitable means, such as machining and the like. Toe opening 165 is of an approximate size and shape such that toe opening 165 receives bushing 150 (FIG. 1) with minimal clearance between an exterior of bushing 150 and the portions of toe portion 164 defining toe opening 165. Bushing 150 secures to toe portion 164 by any suitable means, such as adhesives, press fitting, or the like. In alternative embodiments, bushing 150 secures to other portions of putter head 162 such as the bottom or back of putter head 162. In the illustrated embodiment, bushing 150 defines only one j-slot 151. In addition, connector pins 103 comprise only one protrusion from shaft 101 of divot repair tool 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, shaft 101 inserts into bushing 150 and secures connector pins 103 in j-slots 151 such that tool member 102 protrudes from toe portion 164 of putter 160. Thus, a removable divot repair tool is secured to a golf putter allowing a user to repair divots on greens without having to bend over or violate PGA rules. A user may then manipulate putter 160 such that first prong 107 and second prong 108 penetrate the soil in and surrounding a divot lifting the soil back into alignment with the surrounding soil, turf, or green. The user may accomplish this by standing proximate to the ball mark or divot with the divot repair tool 100 secured to putter 160. The user may then bring first prong 107 and second prong 108 proximate to an edge of the divot opposite the user. The user may then repeatedly insert first prong 107 and second prong 108 into the surface of the soil, turf, or green along the edge of the divot in a hammering or hoeing type motion. This will de-impact the divot. Next, the user may manipulate putter 160 so that a flat surface of putter 160 is proximate to the divot or ball mark. The user may then pat the surface of the repaired ball mark to ensure that it is level with the surrounding soil and/or turf. After repairing the divot, the user removes divot repair tool 100 from bushing 150 and putts with putter 160 in compliance with PGA rules.

FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Divot repair tool 200 comprises a base portion 201, and a vertical portion 202. Divot repair tool 200 is similar to divot repair tool 100 of FIG. 1 with respect to production and materials. Base portion 201 comprises a first prong 203 and a second prong 204 similar to first prong 107 and second prong 108, respectively, of FIG. 1 as described above. First prong 203 and second prong 204 extend horizontally from a first end of base portion 201 opposite vertical portion 202. Vertical portion 202 protrudes from a top of divot repair tool 200 at a right angle to a second end of base portion 201. Vertical portion 202 defines an opening 205 extending into vertical portion 202 from a side of vertical portion 202 opposite base portion 201. A magnet 206 is permanently secured in opening 205. Magnet 206 is of a size and shape proportional to opening 205 such that magnet 206 frictionally secures to vertical portion 202. Alternatively, magnet 206 may secure by any suitable means to vertical portion 202, such as through the use of adhesives and the like.

In an operative embodiment, magnet 206 is of sufficient strength to secure divot repair tool 200 to the face or toe of a ferrous based putter head (not shown). Base portion 201 then extends horizontally from the putter surface that it is attached to, allowing a user to maneuver first prong 203 and second prong 204 in a manner that repairs the divot on a green as described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention. Divot repair tool 300 comprises a base portion 301, and a vertical portion 302 similar to base portion 201 and vertical portion 202 of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. Base portion 301 comprises a first prong 303 and a second prong 304 similar to first prong 107 and second prong 108 of FIG. 1. First prong 303 and second prong 304 extend horizontally from a first end of base portion 301 opposite vertical portion 302. In the illustrated embodiment, vertical portion 302 joins a second end of base portion 301 at a center of vertical portion 302 such that approximately equal portions of vertical portion 302 extend above and below base portion 301. A person skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments contemplate and include portions of vertical portion 302 of unequal size extending above and below base portion 301.

Vertical portion 302 defines an opening 305 extending into vertical portion 302 from a side of vertical portion 302 opposite base portion 301, similar to opening 205 of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. Vertical portion 302 further retains a magnet 306. Magnet 306 is of a size and shape proportional to opening 305 such that magnet 306 frictionally secures to vertical portion 302, similar to magnet 206 of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. Alternatively, magnet 306 may secure by any suitable means to vertical portion 302, such as through the use of adhesives and the like. Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown divot repair tool 300 of FIG. 7 magnetically secured to a toe 364 of a putter head 362 of a putter 360 for use in a manner described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

Alternative embodiments of the divot repair tool described above with respect to FIG. 7 include base plate 307 of FIG. 10. Base plate 307 comprises a ferrous based disc of comparable size and shape to magnet 306 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, although alternative shapes and sizes may be used. In the illustrated embodiment, based plate 307 has a diameter of ⅜ths of an inch. Alternative embodiments contemplate and include varying diameters of base plate 307. Base plate 307 secures to a flat surface of a non-ferrous based putter head (not shown), such as the toe or face of a putter head, although other locations are contemplated and included in this embodiment. Base plate 307 may be permanently secured to a putter head in various manners, such as by double-sided tape or adhesive. In an operative embodiment, magnet 306 is of sufficient strength to secure divot repair tool 300 to the face or toe, depending on the placement of base plate 307, of a non-ferrous based putter head (not shown). Divot repair tool 300 is then used in a manner described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 illustrate alternative embodiments of the present invention. Here, divot repair tool 400 comprises a base portion 401 and a vertical portion 402. Base portion 401 defines opening 405 extending from a top of base portion 401 toward a bottom of base portion 401. Base portion 401 comprises magnet 406, similar to magnet 206 of FIG. 4. Magnet 406 is of a size and shape proportional to opening 405 such that magnet 406 frictionally secures to base portion 401. Alternatively, magnet 406 may secure by any suitable means to base portion 401, such as through the use of adhesives, press fitting, and the like. First prong 403 and second prong 404 extend horizontally from a first end of base portion 401 opposite opening 405, similar to first prong 203 and second prong 204 of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, vertical portion 402 comprises an optional vertical stabilizer extending vertically from a top of base portion 401. As shown, vertical portion 402 is positioned the approximate width of a putter head 407 from a second end of base portion 401 opposite first prong 403 and second prong 404. Vertical portion 402 comprises a wall type structure as illustrated in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. Vertical portion 402 stabilizes divot repair tool 400 against a surface of putter head 407 thereby minimizing undesired movement of divot repair tool 400 during operation. In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 13, vertical portion 402 comprises a series of post type structures such as vertical portion 402′.

Alternative embodiments of the divot repair tool described above with respect to FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 include base plate 307 of FIG. 10 described above. Through use of base plate 307, divot repair tool 400 is then used in a manner described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 illustrates divot repair tool 500, an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Divot repair tool 500 comprises an attachment or base portion 501, a vertical portion or stabilizer 502, and a prong 503. Attachment portion 501 defines opening 505 extending from a top of attachment portion 501 toward a bottom of attachment portion 501. Attachment portion 501 comprises magnet 506, similar to magnet 206 of FIG. 4. Magnet 506 is of a size and shape proportional to opening 505 such that magnet 506 frictionally secures to attachment portion 501, Alternatively, magnet 506 may secure by any suitable means to base portion 501, such as through the use of adhesives, press fitting, and the like.

Vertical stabilizer 502 extends vertically at a right angle from an end of attachment portion 501 and a bottom of vertical stabilizer 502. As shown, vertical stabilizer 502 extends from an end of attachment portion 501 approximately ⅛th of inch from the nearest edge of opening 505. A person skilled in the art will understand that the distance from the end of attachment portion 501 and the nearest edge of opening 505 may be any suitable distance for the particular application. Prong 503 extends from a top of vertical stabilizer 502 opposite the bottom of vertical stabilizer 502 and away from attachment portion 501 such that prong 503 does not inhibit magnetically securing magnet 506 to a bottom of a putter 507 or base plate 307 (FIG. 10). A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that prong 503 may comprise a single prong or multiple prongs as illustrated in FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13.

Alternative embodiments of the divot repair tool described above with respect to FIG. 14 include base plate 307 of FIG. 10 and described above. Through use of base plate 307, divot repair tool 500 is then used in a manner described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18, a putter head 600 defines a putter tee slot 601 extending from a bottom 602 of putter head 600 to a toe 603 of putter head 600. Putter tee slot 601 is of a size and shape such that a point of a standard golf tee 607 (FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18) may be inserted into putter tee slot 601 through a first opening 604 of putter tee slot 601 in bottom 602 and protrude from a second opening 605 of putter tee slot 601 in toe 603. A head of standard golf tee 607 inserts into head slot 606, an indentation defined by putter head 600 extending from a top edge of putter tee slot 601 proximate to a top of putter head 600. An embodiment includes a putter brace 608 (FIG. 18) in lieu of head slot 606; wherein, a strip of material of similar composition to putter head 600 extends between interior walls of putter head 600 such that the head of standard golf tee 607 will frictionally hold in place, securing standard golf tee 607 for use as a divot repair tool. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that putter tee slot 601 may extend between any two surfaces of putter head 600.

Referring now to FIG. 19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21, there is shown another embodiment of the present invention. Divot repair tool 700 comprises a base portion 701, and a vertical portion 702 similar to base portion 301 and vertical portion 302 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. Divot repair tool 700 is fowled of a ferromagnetic material. Base portion 701 comprises a first prong 703 and a second prong 704 similar to first prong 303 and second prong 304 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. First prong 703 and second prong 704 extend horizontally from a first end of base portion 701 opposite vertical portion 702. In the illustrated embodiment, vertical portion 702 joins a second end of base portion 701 at a center of vertical portion 702 such that approximately equal portions of vertical portion 702 extend above and below base portion 701. A person skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments contemplate and include portions of vertical portion 702 of unequal size extending above and below base portion 701.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, a putter 710 defines an opening 705 extending inward from a face of a toe of putter 705. A magnet 706 is of a size and shape proportional to opening 705 such that magnet 706 frictionally secures to putter 710. Alternatively, magnet 706 may secure by any suitable means to putter 710, such as through the use of adhesives and the like. A person skilled in the art will understand that the present invention contemplates and includes any suitable method of securing magnet 706 to putter 710. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will understand that the present invention contemplates and includes alternative locations of opening 705 and magnet 706. For example, magnet 706 may be located on the face, the bottom, or the back of putter 710.

In an operative embodiment, magnet 706 is of sufficient strength to secure divot repair tool 700 to the face or toe or putter 710, depending on the placement of magnet 706. Divot repair tool 700 is then used in a manner described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In addition, placement of magnet 706 within putter 710 also allows a golfer to use putter 710 to pick up a ball marker by manipulating putter 710 such that the magnetic field of magnet 706 exerts a force on the ball marker.

Similar to the embodiments of FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the embodiments of FIG. 22 include, a divot repair tool 800 comprising a base portion 801 and a vertical portion 802. Base portion 801 defines opening 805 extending from a top of base portion 801 toward a bottom of base portion 801. Base portion 801 comprises magnet 806, similar to magnet 806 of FIG. 4. Magnet 806 is of a size and shape proportional to opening 805 such that magnet 806 frictionally secures to base portion 801. Alternatively, magnet 806 may secure by any suitable means to base portion 801, such as through the use of adhesives, press fitting, and the like. A first prong 803 and a second prong 804 extend horizontally from a first end of base portion 801 opposite opening 805, similar to first prong 203 and second prong 204 of FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, vertical portion 802 comprises a vertical stabilizer extending vertically from a top of base portion 801. In the illustrated embodiment, vertical portion 802 has a width greater than the width of base portion 801. As shown, vertical portion 802 is positioned on base portion 802 proximate to opening 805 opposite a second end of base portion 801 opposite the first end of base portion 801. Vertical portion 802 comprises a wall type structure interposed between first and second prongs 803, 804 and magnet 806 as illustrated in FIG. 22. Vertical portion 802 stabilizes divot repair tool 800 against a surface of putter head 807 thereby minimizing undesired movement of divot repair tool 800 during operation as shown in FIG. 23.

Alternative embodiments of the divot repair tool described above with respect to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 include base plate 307 of FIG. 10 described above. Through use of base plate 307, divot repair tool 800 is then used in a manner described above with respect to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In the disclosed embodiments incorporating magnets, such as divot repair tool 800 and magnet 806, magnet 806 may have sufficient magnetic force to secure divot repair tool 800 to putter head 807 as shown in FIG. 23, but insufficient strength to allow a user to tear at or lift soil from the green with divot repair tool 800. For example, as a user strikes the soil or green around the divot with a hammering or hoeing motion inserting first prong 803 and second prong 804 into the turf at the edge of the divot, divot repair tool 800 will not detach from the putter. However, if the user attempts to complete the hoeing motion by pulling toward himself/herself across the divot, magnet 806 will have insufficient strength to remain attached. Thus, the user cannot pull the divot out completely, or create a divot larger than the divot originally created by his ball. If the user attempts to do so, magnet 806 of divot repair tool 800 will release not have sufficient magnetic force to retain divot repair tool 800 to putter head 807.

Still further, as shown in FIG. 24, first prong 803 and second prong 804 of divot repair tool 800 may be inserted into a green 813 so that vertical portion 802 forms a platform having a slight angular tilt so that an end of vertical portion 802 opposite the union of vertical portion 802 with base portion 801 is further from green 813 than vertical portion 802 at the union of vertical portion 802 with base portion 801. A golf club shaft 815 may be rested upon vertical portion 802 so that a majority of the weight of golf club shaft 815 rests on vertical portion 802 and a portion of the weight of golf club shaft 815 may rest on base portion 801. In this manner, golf club shaft 815 may be rested on the green without contacting the gripping surfaces of golf club shaft 815 with the green. In addition, as shown in FIG. 25, divot repair tool 800 may also be used to support a cigar 817 or other lit object, such as a cigarette, by placing divot repair tool 800 into the green surface as described above with respect to FIG. 24.

By the use of the present invention, a golfer may repair divots on a green without the necessity of bending over. In addition, because the device does not permanently attach to a golf club, use of the device does not violate PGA rules. The tool easily repairs divots or ball marks without requiring the user to bend over to accomplish the repair. In addition, the disclosed embodiments provide a tool for repairing divots, pitch marks, or ball marks that prevents impartation of additional damage to the green during the repair process. The tool may provide a device for supporting a golf club placed on the ground while maintaining a portion of the club shaft above the ground. Still further, the tool may provide a device for supporting a cigarette or cigar, lit or unlit, while a player takes a shot

It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A divot repair tool for a golf club comprising:

a base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top, and a bottom opposite the top;

at least one prong extending from the first end;

a vertical portion extending away from the top of the base portion proximate to the at least one prong; and

a magnet secured within the base portion between the vertical portion and the second end so that the magnet may exert a magnetic force on the golf club to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.

2. The divot repair tool of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the at least one prong is coplanar with the top of the base portion.

3. The divot repair tool of claim 1, wherein the vertical portion is perpendicular to the top of the base portion.

4. The divot repair tool of claim 1, wherein the at least one prong comprises two prongs.

5. The divot repair tool of claim 1, wherein:

the vertical portion is located at the first end of the base portion, the vertical portion having a bottom at the junction of the vertical portion with the base portion and a top opposite the bottom; and

the at least one prong extends away from the base portion from the top of the vertical portion.

6. The divot repair tool of claim 1, wherein the divot repair tool further comprises a ferrous member secured to a head of the golf club.

7. The divot repair tool of claim 1, wherein the magnet secures to a first surface of the golf club so that a surface of the vertical portion contacts a second surface of the golf club that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface.

8. A divot repair tool for a golf club comprising:

a base portion having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;

at least one prong extending from the first side;

a magnet secured within the base portion so that the magnet exerts a magnetic force through at least the second side; and

wherein a plane passing through a latitudinal center of the at least one prong intersects a plane containing a surface of the magnet proximate to the second side.

9. The divot repair tool of claim 8, wherein the plane passing through the latitudinal center of the at least one prong is perpendicular to the plane containing the surface of the magnet proximate to the second side.

10. The divot repair tool of claim 8, wherein the at least one prong comprises two prongs.

11. The divot repair tool of claim 8, wherein the divot repair tool further comprises a ferrous member secured to a head of the golf club.

12. A divot repair tool for a golf club comprising.

a bushing secured within a cavity defined by the golf club;

wherein the bushing defines at least one j-slot channel;

a cylinder portion having at least one prong extending therefrom;

a connector pin protruding from the cylinder portion, wherein an axis of the connector pin and an axis of the cylinder portion are perpendicular; and

wherein the cylinder portion removably inserts into the bushing so that the connector pin may fit within the j-slot channel to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.

13. The divot repair tool of claim 12, wherein the at least one prong comprises two prongs.

14. A divot repair tool for a golf club comprising:

a base portion formed of a ferrous material, the base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top, and a bottom opposite the top;

at least one prong extending from the first end;

a vertical portion extending away from the top of the base portion proximate to the at least one prong; and

a magnet secured within a head of the golf club to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.

15. The divot repair tool of claim 14, wherein the upper surface of the at least one prong is coplanar with the top of the base portion.

16. The divot repair tool of claim 14, wherein the vertical portion is perpendicular to the top of the base portion.

17. The divot repair tool of claim 14, wherein the at least one prong comprises two prongs.

18. A divot repair tool for a golf club comprising:

a base portion formed of a ferrous material, the base portion having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;

at least one prong extending from the first side;

a magnet secured within a head of the golf club so that the magnet exerts a magnetic force on the base portion; and

wherein a plane passing through a latitudinal center of the at least one prong intersects a plane containing a surface of the magnet.

19. The divot repair tool of claim 18, wherein the plane passing through the latitudinal center of the at least one prong is perpendicular to the plane containing the surface of the magnet.

20. The divot repair tool of claim 18, wherein the at least one prong comprises two prongs.

21. A divot repair tool for a golf club comprising:

a golf club head having a bottom surface and a toe surface, wherein a plane containing the toe surface intersects a plane containing the bottom surface;

the golf club head defining a cavity extending from the bottom surface to the toe surface;

wherein a golf tee inserts into the cavity through the bottom so that a point of the golf tee protrudes from the toe of the golf club; and

the golf tee secures within the cavity so that the golf tee may be repeatedly inserted into a greens area.

22. The divot repair tool of claim 21, wherein the golf tee inserts into a channel in the cavity to secure the golf tee within the golf club head.

23. A method for repairing a ball mark on a vegetative surface, the method comprising:

(a) releasably securing a divot repair tool to a head of a golf club, wherein the divot repair tool has a base, at least one prong extending from the base, and a vertical portion perpendicular to the base;

(b) orienting the golf club so that the at least one prong is proximate to the vegetative surface on an opposite side of the ball mark from a user;

(c) repeatedly inserting and removing the at least one prong into and out of the vegetative surface on the opposite side of the ball mark from the user so that the at least one prong is directed generally toward a center of the ball mark;

(d) orienting the golf club so that a flat surface of the golf club is proximate to the ball mark; and

(e) tapping a surface of the ball mark with the flat surface of the golf club.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

removing the divot repair tool from the golf club head; and

using the golf club to strike a golf ball.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

inserting the at least one prong into a surface so that the vertical portion and the base are oblique to a vertical plane passing through the apex of the angle between the vertical member and the base; and

placing an object on the antapex of the angle between the vertical member and the base so that a gap exists between a lower surface of the object and the surface of the course,

26. The method of claim 25, wherein placing an object on the antapex comprises placing a cigar on the antapex.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein placing an object on the antapex comprises placing a golf club handle on the antapex.