GOLF ACCESSORY

Abstract

Golf accessory are presented including: a body having a front face, a rear face, a distal end, and a proximal end; a thumb indent disposed along the front face of the body, the thumb indent configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb; a tamping portion configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot or ball mark repair operation, the tamping portion disposed along the rear face along the proximal end, the tamping portion extending away from the rear face; an elongated repair prong extending away from the proximal end, the elongated repair prong configured for use in the divot or ball mark repair operation; and an object rest disposed along the distal end, the object rest including a shape receptive to at least a golf club shaft. In some embodiments, the elongated repair prong further includes a taper, the taper narrowing away from the body.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

A claim for priority is hereby made under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §119 for the present application based upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 61329335, filed on Apr. 29, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of golf accessories and in particular to multi-purpose divot repair tools.

During play of the game of golf, a golfer is often required to hit a ball to reach a green or other sensitive playing surface from some distance. In many instances, the impact of the ball causes damage to turf onto which the ball is hit. This damage is referred to as a divot or ball mark. Thus, many golfers carry some repair device or divot repair tool that may be utilized to repair the damage. In many conventional tools, a simple elongated prong or series of prongs may be utilized to repair such damage. However, some sensitive grass root systems may be adversely affected by such tools. In addition, smoothing the surface of a repaired divot or ball mark may cause undesirable compaction thus further jeopardizing sensitive grass root systems. Still further, many conventional tools may be unwieldy or unbalanced. As such, improved golf accessories may be desirable.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

As such, golf accessories are presented including: a body having a front face, a rear face, a distal end, and a proximal end; a thumb indent disposed along the front face of the body, the thumb indent configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb; a tamping portion configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot repair operation, the tamping portion disposed along the rear face along the proximal end, the tamping portion extending away from the rear face; an elongated repair prong extending away from the proximal end, the elongated repair prong configured for use in the divot repair operation; and an object rest disposed along the distal end, the object rest including a shape receptive to at least a golf club shaft. In some embodiments, the elongated repair prong further includes a taper, the taper narrowing away from the body. In some embodiments, the elongated repair prong further includes a tip shape selected from the group consisting of: a blunted tip shape, a rounded tip shape, and a sharpened tip shape. In some embodiments, the elongated repair prong is weighted such that a balance point of the golf accessory is forward of the thumb indent. In some embodiments, the surface area includes a texture to provide additional friction for the user's thumb. In some embodiments, the shape includes an arcuate shape, a semi-arcuate shape, a vee shape, and an angular shape.

In other embodiments, methods for utilizing a golf accessory are presented including providing the golf accessory, the golf accessory including, a body having a front face, a rear face, a distal end, and a proximal end, a thumb indent disposed along the front face of the body, the thumb indent configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb, a tamping portion configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot repair operation, the tamping portion disposed along the rear face along the proximal end, the tamping portion extending away from the rear face, an elongated repair prong extending away from the proximal end, the elongated repair prong configured for use in the divot repair operation, and an object rest disposed along the distal end, the object rest including a shape receptive to at least a golf club shaft; and repairing a divot or ball mark by repeatedly inserting the elongated repair prong around the divot or ball mark, the divot or ball mark being simultaneously tamped by the tamping portion. In some embodiments, methods further include inserting the elongated repair prong into a receiving surface; and resting the at least golf club shaft on the object rest. In some embodiments, the shape is receptive to an object selected from the group consisting of: a cigar, a cigarette, a cylindrical object, a shaft, and a rod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of various views of a golf accessory embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustrative orthogonal representations of a golf accessory embodying features of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustrative flowchart for methods of utilizing a golf accessory embodying features of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an illustrative representation of a golf accessory utilized as a club rest embodying features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of various views of a golf accessory embodying features of the present invention. In particular, as shown in illustrative top view 100 embodiments include body 102, which body may include front face 110, rear face 140, distal end 114, and proximal end 112. Body embodiments may be defined, independently, by a length in a range of 1.5 to 2.5 inches; a width in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches; and a thickness in a range of 0.10 to 0.50 inches. As illustrated, body 102 may further include thumb indent 104. In embodiments, thumb indent 104 may be disposed along front face 110 of body 102. In some embodiments, thumb indent 104 may be aligned axially with elongated repair prong 106. Thumb indent embodiments may be configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb, which may, in some embodiments, provide an improved ergonomic gripping surface. In embodiments, surface areas may include a texture to provide additional friction for a user's thumb. Any texture may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. In gripping golf accessory embodiments, a user's thumb is typically positioned pointing toward proximal end 112 during use.

Further illustrated is elongated repair prong 106, which extends away from proximal end 112. Elongated repair prong 106 includes a taper such that the prong narrows along its length away from body 102. As may be appreciated, elongated repair prong 106 may be utilized in a divot repair operation, which operation includes repairing a divot by repeatedly inserting the elongated repair prong around the divot or ball mark. A taper may, in some examples, protect sensitive grass root systems by providing a repair prong that easily enters and exits those sensitive grass root systems. Divot repair will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 3. In some embodiments, elongated repair prong 106 may include any number of tip shapes including rounded tip shape 106, blunted tip shape 106A, and sharpened tip shape 106B. It may be appreciated that selection of a particular tip shape may provide repair advantages corresponding with a particular sod or turf surface in addition to protecting sensitive grass root systems. In addition, in embodiments, elongated repair prongs may be weighted such that a balance point of the golf accessory is forward of the thumb indent.

Still further illustrated is object rest 108, which is formed along distal end 114. Object rest embodiments include a shape receptive to any number of objects including a golf shaft, a cigar, a cigarette, a cylindrical object, a shaft, and a rod. Additionally, object rest shapes may include arcuate shape 108, semi-arcuate shape 108A and 108B, vee shape 108D, and angular shape 108C. Further, as shown in illustrative side view 120 and bottom view 130 is tamping portion 122 disposed along rear face 140 along proximal end 112. In embodiments, tamping portion 122 extends away from rear face 140, which tamping portion is configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot repair operation.

FIG. 2 are illustrative orthogonal representations 200 of a golf accessory embodying features of the present invention. In particular, embodiments include body 202, which body may include front face 210, rear face 240, distal end 214, and proximal end 212. Body embodiments may be defined by a length in a range of 1.5 to 2.5 inches; a width in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches; and a thickness in a range of 0.10 to 0.50 inches. As illustrated, body 202 may further include thumb indent 204. In embodiments, thumb indent 204 may be disposed along front face 210 of body 202. In some embodiments, thumb indent 204 may be aligned axially with elongated repair prong 206. Thumb indent embodiments may be configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb, which may, in some embodiments, provide an improved ergonomic gripping surface. In embodiments, surface areas may include a texture to provide additional friction for a user's thumb. Any texture may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. In gripping golf accessory embodiments, a user's thumb is typically positioned pointing toward proximal end 212 during use.

Further illustrated is elongated repair prong 206, which extends away from proximal end 212. Elongated repair prong 206 includes a taper such that the prong narrows along its length away from body 202. As may be appreciated, elongated repair prong 206 may be utilized in a divot repair operation, which operation includes repairing a divot or ball mark by repeatedly inserting the elongated repair prong around the divot or ball mark. A taper may, in some examples, protect sensitive grass root systems by providing a repair prong that easily enters and exits those sensitive grass root systems. Divot repair will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 3. In some embodiments, elongated repair prong 206 may include any number of tip shapes including rounded tip shape (shown), blunted tip shape (not shown), and sharpened tip shape (not shown). It may be appreciated that selection of a particular tip shape may provide repair advantages corresponding with a particular sod or turf surface in addition to protecting sensitive grass root systems. In addition, in embodiments, elongated repair prongs may be weighted such that a balance point of the golf accessory is forward of the thumb indent.

Still further illustrated is object rest 208, which is formed along distal end 214. Object rest embodiments include a shape receptive to any number of objects including a golf shaft, a cigar, a cigarette, a cylindrical object, a shaft, and a rod. Additionally, object rest shapes may include arcuate shape (shown), semi-arcuate shape (not shown), vee shape (not shown), and angular shape (not shown). Object rest embodiments will be discussed in further detail below for FIG. 4. Further illustrated is tamping portion 222 disposed along rear face 240, the tamping portion further disposed along proximal end 212. In embodiments, tamping portion 222 extends away from rear face 240, which tamping portion is configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot repair operation.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative flowchart 300 for methods of utilizing a golf accessory embodying features of the present invention. At a first step 302, the method determines whether a divot or ball mark repair is required or desired. If the method determines at a step 302 that a divot or ball mark repair is required or desired, the method continues to a step 304 to grasp a golf accessory embodying features of the present invention. As noted above, golf accessories may be configured with a thumb indent to provide a surface area for a user's thumb. Embodiments disclosed herein may provide ergonomic advantages for a user. The method continues to step 306 to repair the divot or ball mark. Divot or ball mark repair may be typically accomplished utilizing golf accessory embodying features of the present invention by inserting an elongated repair prong repeatedly into a divot or ball mark area. In one embodiment the elongated repair prong may be inserted at an approximately 45 degree angle pushing the raised area of the impact toward the front impact area thus moving and aerating the divot or ball mark area. Tamping portion of embodiments serve to smooth a damaged area while elongated repair prong embodiments simultaneously aerate the divot or ball mark area. In this manner, a smooth, non-compacted divot or ball mark repair may be achieved. The method continues to a step 308.

Returning to the step 302, if the method determines at a step 302 that a divot or ball mark repair is not required or desired, the method continues to a step 308 to determine whether to rest an object. In some examples it may be desirable to rest an object while continuing to play. Further, in some examples, resting an object on a sod or turf surface may damage the surface. Therefore, disclosed embodiments may provide a convenient and safe manner in which to rest objects. If the method determines at a step 308 not to rest an object, the method ends. If the method determines at a step 308 to rest an object, the method continues to a step 310 to insert the golf accessory into a receiving surface, which may be any surface capable of removably or permanently receiving golf accessory embodying features of the present invention. The method continues to a step 312 to place an object on the golf accessory whereupon the method ends. In embodiments, object rests as disclosed above may include a shape receptive to any number of objects including, a golf club shaft, a cigar, a cigarette, a cylindrical object, a shaft, and a rod.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative representation 400 of a golf accessory 402 utilized as a club rest embodying features of the present invention. As noted above, object rest 408 may be formed along distal end of golf accessory 402. It may be appreciated that in modern golf courses, any number of pesticides or fertilizers may be utilized to maintain the health and appearance of sod or turf surfaces. When laying a club or object on those surfaces, at least some undesirable substances may be transferred to the club grip, which, in turn, transfers those substances to a user's hand via contact transmission. Therefore, it may be desirable to insert golf accessory 402 into sod or turf surface 406 to keep club handle 404 from contacting sod or turf surfaces contaminated with undesirable substances. As noted above, object rest embodiments include a shape receptive to any number of objects including a golf shaft, a cigar, a cigarette, a cylindrical object, a shaft, and a rod. Additionally, object rest shapes may include arcuate shape (shown), semi-arcuate shape (not shown), vee shape (not shown), and angular shape (not shown). It may be appreciated that the illustrative representation is for clarifying embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting with respect to relative dimensions illustrated.

While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A golf accessory comprising:

a body having a front face, a rear face, a distal end, and a proximal end;

a thumb indent disposed along the front face of the body, the thumb indent configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb;

a tamping portion configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot or ball mark repair operation, the tamping portion disposed along the rear face along the proximal end, the tamping portion extending away from the rear face;

an elongated repair prong extending away from the proximal end, the elongated repair prong configured for use in the divot or ball mark repair operation; and

an object rest disposed along the distal end, the object rest including a shape receptive to at least a golf club shaft.

2. The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongated repair prong further comprises a taper, the taper narrowing away from the body.

3. The golf accessory of claim 2, wherein the elongated repair prong further comprises a tip shape selected from the group consisting of: a blunted tip shape, a rounded tip shape, and a sharpened tip shape.

4. The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the elongated repair prong is weighted such that a balance point of the golf accessory is forward of the thumb indent.

5. The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the surface area includes a texture to provide additional friction for the user's thumb.

6. The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the shape is selected from the group consisting of: an arcuate shape, a semi-arcuate shape, a vee shape, and an angular shape.

7. The golf accessory of claim 1, wherein the body comprises:

a length in a range of 1.5 to 2.5 inches;

a width in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches; and

a thickness in a range of 0.10 to 0.50 inches.

8. A method for utilizing a golf accessory comprising:

providing the golf accessory, the golf accessory including, a body having a front face, a rear face, a distal end, and a proximal end, a thumb indent disposed along the front face of the body, the thumb indent configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb, a tamping portion configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot or ball mark repair operation, the tamping portion disposed along the rear face along the proximal end, the tamping portion extending away from the rear face, an elongated repair prong extending away from the proximal end, the elongated repair prong configured for use in the divot or ball mark repair operation, and an object rest disposed along the distal end, the object rest including a shape receptive to at least a golf club shaft; and

repairing a divot or ball mark by repeatedly inserting the elongated repair prong around the divot or ball mark, the divot or ball mark being simultaneously tamped by the tamping portion.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising:

inserting the elongated repair prong into a receiving surface; and

resting the at least golf club shaft on the object rest.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the shape is receptive to an object selected from the group consisting of: a cigar, a cigarette, a cylindrical object, a shaft, and a rod.