GOLF BALL MARKER HOLDER

Abstract

A golf ball marker holder includes a pocket adapted to receive a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch, a first magnetic disc in the pocket, and a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to the first magnetic disc with a portion of the pocket material therebetween. The golf ball holder may further include a ball marker disc magnetically attached to the second magnetic disc. The pocket may be provided in an article of clothing, or is anything that a golfer wears or carries while playing golf. The article of clothing may be a jacket, cap, visor, shirt, skirt, shorts, slacks, sweater, shoes, wrist band, or head band.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/776,843, filed Mar. 12, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Golfers frequently carry ball markers to mark a ball on a putting green. While such markers are frequently carried in the player's pocket, the marker may easily be lost when the golfer is wearing clothing without a suitable pocket. Although the marker may be kept in the player's bag when suitable clothing is not worn, the golfer may desire to have the marker closer and easier to locate. Also, some golfers would prefer a more fashionable way to carry the marker.

A need therefore exists for a ball marker holder that can be worn or carried in a fashionable way. The present invention addresses that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention comprises:

• • a) a pocket adapted to receive a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • b) a first magnetic disc disposed in the pocket; and
  • c) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to the first magnetic disc with a portion of the pocket material therebetween.

In a further embodiment the invention comprises:

• • a) a pocket adapted to receive a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • b) a first magnetic disc disposed in the pocket;
  • c) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to the first magnetic disc with a portion of the pocket material therebetween; and
  • d) a ball marker disc magnetically attached to the second magnetic disc.

The pocket may be in an article of clothing such as a jacket, cap, visor, shirt, skirt, shorts, slacks, sweater, shoes, wrist band, or head band. More generally, the pocket may be in anything that a golfer may wear or carry while playing golf.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 2 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 3 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 4 shows the magnetic discs that are used in preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 6 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 7 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 8 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 9 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 10 shows another view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a bracelet.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a headband.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided in an article of clothing.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will be made to certain preferred embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

A first embodiment of the present invention comprises:

• • a) a band sized to fit a person's wrist as a wristband;
  • b) a pocket in the band for receiving a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • c) a first magnetic disc disposed in said pocket; and
  • d) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to said first magnetic disc with a portion of the elastic band therebetween.

The first described embodiment comprises a band sized to fit a person's wrist as a wristband. The wristband may be made of a stretchable material so as to stretch easily when being put on, or it may be relatively inelastic. Preferred stretchy materials may be made of nylon, polyester, rayon, acetate, lycra, and blends of those materials with other synthetic or natural materials.

A pocket in the band for receiving a magnetic disc is provided in the wristband. The pocket is preferably sized so as to snugly fit around a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch. The pocket may be open to the back so as to allow the disc easily to be inserted or withdrawn from the pocket, or the pocket may be closed with the disc inside. When closed, the pocket may be sewn shut or closed with a snap or other fastener.

A first magnetic disc is disposed in the pocket, and a second magnetic disc is magnetically attached to the first magnetic disc with a portion of the elastic band therebetween. Each of the magnetic discs preferably has a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch.

The first embodiment of the inventive ball marker bracelet is particularly useful to hold a person's metal ball marker. The ball marker should be ferromagnetic so that it will be held by the magnetic disc(s) of the bracelet.

A further aspect of the golf marker “wristband” embodiment comprises:

• • a) a band sized to fit a person's wrist as a wristband;
  • b) a pocket in the band for receiving a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • c) a first magnetic disc disposed in said pocket;
  • d) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to said first magnetic disc with a portion of the elastic band therebetween; and
  • e) a ball marker disc magnetically attached to said second magnetic disc.

A second embodiment of the present invention comprises:

• • a) an elastic band sized to fit a person's head as a headband;
  • b) a pocket in the band for receiving a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • c) a first magnetic disc disposed in said pocket; and
  • d) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to said first magnetic disc with a portion of the elastic band therebetween.

A further aspect of the golf marker “headband” embodiment comprises:

• • a) an elastic band sized to fit a person's head as a headband;
  • b) a “pocket” in the band for receiving a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • c) a first magnetic disc disposed in said pocket;
  • d) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to said first magnetic disc with a portion of the elastic band therebetween; and
  • e) a ball marker disc magnetically attached to said second magnetic disc.

A third embodiment of the present invention comprises:

• • a) a pocket in an article of clothing for receiving a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • b) a first magnetic disc disposed in said pocket; and
  • c) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to said first magnetic disc with a portion of the elastic band therebetween.

A further aspect of the “article of clothing” embodiment comprises:

• • a) a pocket in an article of clothing for receiving a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;
  • b) a first magnetic disc disposed in said pocket; and
  • c) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to said first magnetic disc with a portion of the elastic band therebetween; and
  • d) a ball marker disc magnetically attached to said second magnetic disc.

Referring to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment 10 of the present invention where the golf marker holder is provided as a wristband or a bracelet. The illustrated embodiment comprises an elastic band 11 sized to fit a person's wrist, and a golf ball marker 12 magnetically attached to the elastic band as described below.

Elastic band 11 is preferably a light-weight material that is sized to fit relatively snugly on a person's wrist. The band should keep the bracelet from hanging loosely, yet should allow free movement of the wrist during a golf swing. Preferred materials include one or more of the following: cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, and polyurethane-polyurea copolymers such as spandex. In some preferred embodiments the wristband is made of an elastic material so that the band fits snugly on the player's wrist.

Golf ball marker 12 is preferably a round metallic marker that is ferromagnetic or is otherwise attracted to a magnet. Common golf ball markers are made of steel and are disc-shaped with a diameter of between ¾ inch and 1¼ inches, and most preferably with a diameter of about 1 inch.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the elastic band of one embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, elastic band 11 has been sewn with stitches 13a and 13b to define a pocket 14 open to the inside of the band. Pocket 14 is sized and adapted to receive a magnetic disc as described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the elastic band of FIG. 2, showing another view of the stitches 13a and 13b that define a pocket 14. The illustrated pocket is open to the inside of the band, but the pocket may be open on at least one side or it may be closed with the first magnetic disc sewn inside.

FIG. 4 shows the two, magnetic discs that are preferably used in the present invention. One disc, such as disc 15a, is held in pocket 14 of elastic band 11. The other disc, such as disc 15b, will be placed on the outside of elastic band 11 where it is positioned to hold a steel golf ball marker.

Discs 15a and 15b are preferably made of a magnetic material such as a neodymium magnet material. The preferred magnets have a grade, or “N rating,” of at least N40, more preferably between about N50 and N55, and most preferably about N52.

Discs 15a and 15b are preferably disc-shaped, between about 0.5 mm and 2 mm thick and between about ½ inch and 1 inch in diameter. The most preferred magnet is an N52 disc about 1 mm think and with a diameter of about ¾ inches.

FIG. 5 shows the inventive ball marker bracelet from the rear/inside, showing band 11, and first magnet 15a in band pocket 14. The illustrated band pocket is sized to receive the magnetic disc, and is open to the rear/inside to facilitate easy replacement of the magnet therein.

FIG. 6 shows the inventive ball marker bracelet from the front/outside, showing band 11. the outline of first magnet 15a can be observed in band pocket 14.

FIG. 7 shows the inventive ball marker bracelet from the front/outside, showing band 11 and second magnetic disc 15b attached to the bracelet. Here too, the outline of first magnet 15a can be observed in band pocket 14. First magnet 15a and second magnet 15b attach to each other with the material of elastic band 11 being between the two discs.

FIG. 8 shows the inventive ball marker bracelet on a user's wrist, showing band 11 and second magnetic disc 15b attached to the bracelet.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the inventive ball marker bracelet, showing band 11, second magnetic disc 15b, and golf ball marker 12. The outline of first magnet 15a can be observed in band pocket 14.

FIG. 10 shows the embodiment of FIG. 9, with golf ball marker 12 being magnetically attached to second magnetic disc 15b. In the illustrated embodiment, golf ball marker is not attached “squarely” on magnetic disc 12, and is instead offset a bit to better show magnetic disc 15b behind it. In actual use, golf ball marker 12 would normally directly overlay magnetic disc 15b a shown in FIG. 1.

In use, a player wears the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 as a bracelet or band on her wrist, or optionally on an ankle or as a hair band. When a ball maker is needed, the ball marker portion of the device is detached and used to mark a golf ball. After the marker has been used to mark a ball, it may be replaced on the bracelet where it is ready for the next use.

If the ball marker portion of the device is lost, the second/top/outer magnetic disc may be used as a ball marker. Similarly, if both the ball marker portion of the device and the second/top/outer magnetic disc are lost, the first/inner magnet may be used as a ball marker.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided as a headband. Elastic band 21 is preferably a light-weight material that is sized to fit relatively snugly around a person's head as a headband. Preferred materials include one or more of the following: polyester, nylon, and polyurethane-polyurea copolymers such as spandex.

Golf ball marker 22 is preferably a round metallic marker that is ferromagnetic or is otherwise attracted to a magnet. Common golf ball markers are made of steel and are disc-shaped with a diameter of between ¾ inch and 1¼ inches, and most preferably with a diameter of about 1 inch.

As with the illustrated bracelet embodiment, the illustrated elastic headband 21 has been sewn with stitches to define a pocket 24 open to the inside of the band. Pocket 24 is sized and adapted to receive a magnetic disc as described herein.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which the golf ball marker holder is provided in an article of clothing. A pocket 34 is provided in an article of clothing, a first metallic disc is provided in the pocket and a second metallic disc is provided outside the pocket so that the second disc holds to the first disc by magnetic attraction. In the illustrated embodiment the pocket has been sewn shut with the first magnetic disc being enclosed therein. For use, the second magnetic disc is attached to the outside of the pocket so that the second magnetic disc attaches to the first magnetic disc. The golf ball marker is then magnetically attached to the second magnetic disc.

The pocket may be provided in any article of clothing, including jackets, caps, visors, shirts, shorts, skirts, slacks, sweaters, shoes, wrist bands, head bands, hair ties, etc. For the purposes of this disclosure an article of clothing is anything that a golfer may wear while playing golf.

The article of clothing preferably includes a relatively light-weight material portion on at least one side of pocket 34. Preferred materials include natural and synthetic materials such as cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, rayon, and polyurethane-polyurea copolymers such as spandex.

While the illustrated embodiment includes a pocket that has been sewn shut to enclose the first magnetic disc therein, as with the bracelet and headband embodiments the article of clothing may have a pocket that is open to receive a magnetic disc. The pocket may have a snap or other closure to allow the pocket to be opened when desired, but to prevent the first magnetic disc from undesirably falling from the pocket. When the pocket is open or closed with a snap or other temporary closure (as opposed to being sewn shut) the pocket is preferably open to the inside of the clothing. In all cases pocket 34 is preferably sized and adapted to receive a magnetic disc as described herein.

In still further embodiments the pocket of the device is provided in something that a golfer may have or carry when playing a round of golf, such as a golf bag, a cooler, an umbrella, etc.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A golf ball marker holder comprising:

a) a pocket adapted to receive a disc with a diameter of between about ⅜ inch and 1 inch;

b) a first magnetic disc disposed in the pocket; and

c) a second magnetic disc magnetically attached to the first magnetic disc with a portion of the pocket material therebetween.

2. The golf ball holder of claim 1 wherein device further includes a ball marker disc magnetically attached to the second magnetic disc.

3. The golf ball holder of claim 1 wherein the pocket is provided in an article of clothing.

4. The golf ball holder of claim 1 wherein the article of clothing is a member selected from the group consisting of: jackets, caps, visors, shirts, skirts, shorts, slacks, sweaters, shoes, wrist bands, and head bands.

5. The golf ball holder of claim 1 wherein the pocket is provided in something that a golfer wears or carries while playing golf.

6. The golf ball holder of claim 1 wherein the pocket includes an opening to allow replacement of a magnetic disc inside.

7. The golf ball holder of claim 1 wherein the pocket is sewn shut with said first magnetic disc being disposed therein.