GOLFING ACCESSORY HAVING IMPROVED VISIBILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a golfing accessory for the game of golf. In particular, a golfing accessory has a ball marker and a holder for the ball marker. The ball marker may be provided with various attention grabbing devices which enable the ball marker to be more easily located in low-light or other difficult conditions.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/235,945 filed on Oct. 1, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to a golfing accessory such as, for example, a golf ball marker with improved visibility and enhanced electronic functionality. The golfing accessory may have a holder for the golf ball marker which cooperates to retain and control a characteristic of the golf ball marker.

BACKGROUND

In the game of golf, often players reach a point where more than one player's ball is on a putting green or another shared part of the course. In such instances, it may happen that one user's golf ball obstructs the path of another user's shot. Further, the presence of a second user's ball on the putting green or near the hole may serve as a distraction for other users playing the same green. To solve this problem, users may carry with them golf ball markers to mark the spot where their ball is located so as to free up the view of the hole.

Conventional golf ball markers are usually simple, unpowered, unitary structures which may have lettering or other indicia printed or embossed thereon. However, during low light conditions, such as at dawn, twilight, on an overcast day, or the like, the golf ball marker may be difficult to locate.

Accordingly, there is a need for a golfing accessory with improved visibility and improved functionality which enables the player to more accurately locate the ball marker as well as offer other auxiliary functionality for the golf player.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a ball marker, including a body having a top surface and at least one sidewall, the top surface defining a perimeter; a retention mechanism; a power source; a controller; at least one illumination source; an activation module in electrical communication with the controller and the at least one illumination source; wherein the controller controls the activation module to activate the at least one illumination source based on a storage position of the ball marker.

In some implementations, the activation module includes a magnetic field sensor.

In some implementations, the magnetic field sensor is one of a magnetic reed switch, a hall effect sensor, a magnetic flux sensor, and a magnetoresistive sensor.

In some implementations, the activation module includes an electrical switch.

In some implementations, the activation module includes an electromechanical switch.

In some implementations, the controller is configured to determine a storage position based on a condition of the activation module.

In some implementations, the retention mechanism is a magnetic retention mechanism.

In some implementations, the retention mechanism is a recessed portion.

In some implementations, the body further includes a substantially planar bottom surface, and wherein the recessed portion is formed on the bottom surface.

In some implementations, the retention mechanism is a snap-fit retention mechanism.

In some implementations, the illumination source is provided on at least one of the top surface and the at least one sidewall.

Some implementations further include a selection mechanism electrically coupled to the controller for selecting from one of a plurality of operating modes.

In some implementations, the power source is one of a battery or solar power source.

Some implementations further include a high-visibility portion.

In some implementations, the high-visibility portion includes a material selected from a reflective material, retro-reflective material, and chemiluminescent material.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a golfing accessory including

a ball marker including: a body, a top surface, and at least one sidewall, the top surface defining a perimeter; a controller; a power source; a retention mechanism; at least one attention attracting devices; an activation module in electrical communication with the controller and the at least one attention attracting device; a holder including a first surface and a retention member; wherein the retention mechanism and retention member are configured to selectively couple the ball marker to the holder; and wherein the activation module is configured to activate the at least one attention attracting devices when the retention mechanism and retention member are coupled and configured to deactivate the at least one attention attracting devices when the retention mechanism and retention member are not coupled.

In some implementations, the activation module includes a magnetic field sensor.

In some implementations, the magnetic field sensor is one of a magnetic reed switch, a hall-effect sensor, a magnetic flux sensor, and a magnetoresistive sensor.

In some implementations, the activation module includes one of an electrical switch and an electromechanical switch.

In some implementations, the retention mechanism is a magnetic retention mechanism.

In some implementations, the body further includes a substantially planar bottom surface, the bottom surface having a recessed portion formed thereon.

In some implementations, the holder further includes a boss portion protruding from the first surface, the boss portion configured to selectively couple with the recessed portion.

In some implementations, the retention member is a snap-fit retention member.

In some implementations, the retention member is a magnetic retention member.

In some implementations, the at least one attention attracting devices is provided on at least one of the top surface and the at least one sidewall.

In some implementations, the at least one attention attracting devices is one of an illumination source, an audio source, an audiovisual source, a high-visibility portion, and a display.

In some implementations, the high-visibility portion includes a material selected from a reflective material, retro-reflective material, and chemiluminescent material.

Some implementations further include a selection mechanism electrically coupled to the controller for selecting from one of a plurality of operating modes.

In some implementations, the power source is one of a battery or solar power source.

In some implementations, the ball marker further includes a storage device in electrical communication with the controller, the controller configured to operate the at least one attention attracting devices based on at least one operating mode stored on the storage device.

Some implementations further include a selection mechanism electrically coupled to the controller and the at least one attention grabbing devices, the selection mechanism configured for selecting from one of a plurality of operating modes.

In some implementations, the ball marker further includes a location detecting device.

In some implementations, the ball marker further includes a transceiver configured to communicate with one of a cellular network, a satellite network, and a portable electronic device.

In some implementations, the controller of the ball marker is configured to calculate a distance a predetermined area based upon an output of the location detecting device and a storage device.

In some implementations, the calculated distance is output to a display.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a golfing accessory according to a first example.

FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a holder for a golfing accessory according to another example.

FIG. 2A is a partial cross-section of the golfing accessory of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a partial cross-section of the golfing accessory of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a controller for controlling a ball marker depicted in either FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 4A-4B is a partial cross-section of a golfing accessory of FIG. 1A with selected structures hidden.

FIG. 5A-5B is a partial cross-section of a golfing accessory of FIG. 1B with selected structures hidden.

FIG. 6A is a partial cross-section depicting an example of a holder for holding a ball marker described in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6B is a partial cross-section depicting an example of a holder for holding a ball marker described in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 7A is a partial cross-section depicting another example of a holder for holding a ball marker as described in FIG. 1A or 1B.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the top holder body of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8B is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 9A is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9B is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 10A is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 10B is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 11A is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 11B is a circuit diagram showing exemplary circuit modules for a golfing accessory set forth in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 12 is illustration of golf ball marker embodiment that includes a digital display.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a golf ball marker embodiment that may be configured to communicate with a smart golf ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally related to a golfing accessory such as, for example, a golf ball marker. A holder is provided for the golf ball marker to retain the golf ball marker on the holder and may control a characteristic of the golf ball marker. In some examples, the characteristic may be an ON state or an OFF state of the golf ball marker. In some examples, however, the present disclosure is not limited to a marker for the game of golf, and the marker may be used to mark the position of other objects or items outside of the sports and recreation area, or for a different sport than golf.

In some examples, the golf ball marker (also referred to as “ball marker” or just “marker”) may be provided with at least one illumination device such as a light emitting diode (LED) light source, an electroluminescent source, bioluminescent, a laser, or the like. The marker may be provided with a battery and/or solar cell in order to provide power to the illumination device(s). The illumination device(s) may increase visibility of the marker and/or the area surrounding the marker, thus increasing the visibility of the marker in low-light conditions. In some examples, illumination device(s) may be disposed on the top surface and/or a side surface or a sidewall of the marker.

The marker may be provided with an activation mechanism for activating the illumination device(s). In some examples the activation mechanism may be based on magnetism (such as a hall sensor), an electromechanical activation mechanism (such as a magnetic reed switch), and/or a mechanical activation mechanism (such as a pushbutton switch). In other examples, the marker may have a manual switch configured for operation by a user. A holder for the marker may have a retention member configured to or positioned to interact directly or indirectly with an activation mechanism provided with the marker.

In other examples, the ball marker may have one or more attention attracting devices. The attention attracting devices may include one or more illumination devices such as discussed above. In some examples, the attention attracting devices may be provided as high-visibility or reflective material disposed on the ball marker, a sound emitting device, a display, and/or a LED writing board. Attention attracting device(s) may be placed on the top surface, one or more side surfaces or sidewalls of the ball marker, or provided on both surfaces.

The ball marker according to present disclosure may couple with a holder which is capable of retaining the ball marker on or within the holder. In some examples the holder may function to change a state or characteristic of the ball marker, such as turning the ball marker ON or OFF. In other examples the ball marker may be provided with a means of changing a mode of operation of the illumination device(s) and/or attention attracting device(s). For example, an illumination device may blink, change its level of brightness, change the number of times that it is illuminated, and so on. The holder may also protect the ball marker when the ball marker is not in use, such as when coupled to an article of clothing, stored in a pocket, a golf bag, or the like. For example, the holder may water resistant or water proof or may be protective against impacts and/or scathes.

In still other examples, the ball marker is provided with a controller, processing element, a storage device, a location detecting device, and other circuit modules to control and change operation of the ball marker. In some examples, the ball marker may be able to record a golf score, the number of strokes taken, and/or determine a location or direction of the player with respect to the course being played, proximity or distance to the nearest hole, and the like.

The golfing accessory according to the present disclosure will be discussed more detail with reference to the accompanying Figures.

With reference to FIG. 1A, an example of the golfing accessory 10 is shown from a perspective angle. The golfing accessory 10 is provided with a ball maker 100 and a holder 200. The ball marker 100 includes a body 108 with a substantially planar top surface 104 and at least one sidewall 106. However, the top surface 104 is not limited in this respect and the top surface 104 may have various protrusions, adornments, features, and/or or contours. The marker 100 may be made of metal, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic. In some examples, the body 108 of the ball marker 100 may be made of plastic while a perimeter edge includes a magnetic metal material. The ball marker 100 and holder 200 are shown in FIG. 1B as having a circular shape by way of example and not limitation. However, the shape of a ball marker 100 and/or holder 200 may vary depending on the implementation. In accordance with various embodiments, the ball marker 100 and/or holder 200 may have any shape including circular, square, triangular, and so on. The ball marker 100 and/or 200 may also take on different sizes depending on the implementation.

The ball marker 100 may be provided with one or more attention attraction devices. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1A, the attention attracting device may be one or more first illumination source 110. The first illumination source 110 may be a light emitting diode (LED), an electroluminescent material, a bioluminescent material, a chemiluminescent material, a coherent light source (e.g., a laser source), an incoherent light source, or the like. As can be seen in FIG. 1A, more than one first illumination source 110 may be provided on a top surface 104 of the ball marker 100.

In some examples, a second illumination source 112 may be provided on one or more sidewalls 106 of the ball marker 100. The first illumination source 112 may be a light emitting diode (LED), an electroluminescent material, a chemiluminescent material, a bioluminescent material, a coherent light source (e.g., a laser source), an incoherent light source, or the like. The second illumination source 112 may be the same type as the first illumination source 110, or may be a different type of illumination source. Furthermore, the plurality of first illumination sources 110 and second illumination sources 112 may be a mixture of different types of illumination sources. When activated, the attention attracting device such as first and second illumination sources 110, 112 may be activated in order to increase visibility of the ball marker 100. As will be discussed below, the first and second illumination sources 110,112 may also be controlled to illuminate in a predefined pattern or sequence.

However, the one or more attention attracting devices of ball marker 100 are not limited to illumination sources or devices. In some examples, the ball marker 100 may have one or more attraction devices which emit sound, reflect or refract light, display an image or video, or the like. In particular, as seen in FIG. 1A, the ball marker 100 may have at least one high-visibility portion 120, reflective portion 130, 132, speaker 180, and display 140.

The high-visibility portion 120 may be a brightly-colored material, chemiluminescent or glow-in-the-dark material, fluorescent material, holographic material or the like. The high-visibility portion 120 is selected to increase visibility when ambient light is low and/or when incident light (e.g, a flashlight) is shined thereon. Similarly, the reflective portions 130, 132 may be any type of material which reflects incident light and thus increases visibility. In some examples, reflective portions 130, 132 may be a retro-reflective material, glass beads, prismatic or micro-prismatic materials, reflective tape, or the like.

The ball marker may be provided with a speaker 180 for emitting a variety or attention-grabbing or other location-assisting sounds. For example, speaker 180 may emit a predetermined sound such as a click, beep, buzz, or the like. The speaker 180 may be configured to emit the sound in a periodic, sequential manner, or may continuously emit a sound or frequency. The sound emitted by speaker 180 may also be a predetermined recorded sound, such as an attention-grabbing phrase or term. As will be discussed below, the predetermined sound emitted by speaker 180 may be stored in a storage device 506 (FIG. 3).

Display 140 may be an active display (e.g. a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), e-ink, or the like) or display 140 may be a passive display, such as a writing surface provided either with or without a backlight. It is noted that in some examples an active display 140 may have a display cover 140a which also serves as an erasable writing surface, wherein display 140 may be considered both an active and passive display. As depicted in FIG. 1A, the display 180 may be placed on a top surface 104 of the ball marker 100 to increase visibility when the ball marker 100 is in use.

Though depicted as being disposed on the top surface 104 of the ball marker 100, one or more of the attention-grabbing devices discussed above may be positioned on a top surface 104, a sidewall 106, or both. Further, the ball marker 100 may be provided with a combination of attention-grabbing devices selected from the group discussed above.

Ball marker 100 may also be provided with one or more indicia 170 on a top surface 104, sidewall 106, or both. The indicia 170 may be used to differentiate, identify, or promote the ball marker 100. For example, indicia 170 may be used to personalize the ball marker 100, such as with a user's name or company logo, or promote a course or product, such as course name or likeness. However, it is noted that indicia 170 may be substantially anything which helps identify an individual ball marker 100. Furthermore, indicia 170 may be integrated with, provided with, or interact with the attention-grabbing devices discussed above, including having reflective material, illumination sources, and the like.

A selector switch 160 may be provided in order to control a characteristic of the ball marker 100. The selector switch 160 may be electrically coupled to a controller 500 (FIG. 3, discussed below) and may enable the user to activate, deactivate, or change the operation of various attention-grabbing devices. In some examples, the selector switch 160 may be operated to turn the ball marker 100 ON or OFF, such as by depressing the selector switch 160 for a certain amount of time. In some examples, the selector switch 160 may change the pattern, sequence, or selection of first and/or second illumination devices 110, 112. In other examples, the selector switch 160 may change which attention-grabbing device is activated, such as changing operation from one of first illumination devices 110 to the speaker 180 or display 140.

In some examples, the selector switch 160 may be configured to change the operation of the display 140. The selector switch 160 may also be configured to control operation of an application or program displayed on the display 140, as discussed in more detail below. In some examples, the selector switch 160 may be configured for keeping score, counting strokes, or the like. It is noted that while only one selector switch 160 is depicted, more than one selector switch 160 may be provided for additional functionality, operation, and flexibility.

In some examples, a dedicated ON/OFF switch 161 may also be provided with the ball marker 100. The ON/OFF switch 161 may be manually activated by the user, such as by contact with or depression by a user's finger. The ON/OFF switch 161 may be substantially any type of switch capable of activating and deactivating power to the ball marker 100, such as a mechanical switch, electromechanical switch, solid state switch, or the like.

By providing an ON/OFF switch 161, the ball marker 100 may be functional without the use of a holder 200, discussed in more detail below. The ball marker 100 may be manually turned OFF when not in use, and may be stored in a user's pocket, golf bag, or the like. When needed, a user may activate the ball marker 100 directly using the ON/OFF switch 161 without the use of a holder 200. Accordingly, if a holder 200 is misplaced or otherwise inaccessible, the ball marker 100 may operate on its own.

With continuing reference to FIG. 1A, a solar cell 150 or other device capable of converting light to electricity may be provided on a top surface 104 of the ball marker 100 so as to receive incident light when in use and/or when stored. The solar cell 150 may be in electrical communication with the controller 500 and power supply 504 (FIG. 3) in order to charge the power supply 504, such as a rechargeable battery or the like.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A is a side view of the golfing accessory 10 shown in FIG. 1A. With reference to FIGS. 1A and 2A, as discussed above the golfing accessory 10 may optionally be provided with a holder 200 for the ball marker 100. The holder 200 may have a top surface 210 sized or shaped to substantially match the bottom surface 105 of the ball marker 100 so as to receive the ball marker 100 thereon. At least one sidewall 220 is provided extending substantially orthogonally from the top surface 210 (FIG. 2A) and preferably extending around the perimeter of the top surface 210 of the holder 200. Similar to shape of the top surface 104 of the ball marker 100, the circular shape of the top surface 210 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 2A is merely exemplary. More than one sidewall 210 may be provided if the shape of the perimeter of the holder 200 and/or the ball marker 100 is non-circular.

The top surface 210 of the holder 200 may have a magnetic retention member 230 embedded in or attached to the top surface 105. The magnetic retention member 230 of the holder 200 may couple with the retention mechanism 190 (FIG. 2A) of the ball marker 100 in order to retain the ball marker 100 on the holder 200.

The holder 200 may be provided with an attachment member 240. The attachment member 240 may generally extend from a bottom surface of the holder 200. In some examples, the attachment member 240 may be a clip-shaped piece of metal configured to clip the holder 200 to an article of clothing or other accessory. In other examples the attachment member 240 may be a pin mechanism, a clamp, a magnetic attachment member, or other suitable device for attaching the holder to an article of clothing or other object.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the ball marker 100 may be provided with an activation mechanism 192. The activation mechanism 192 may be selected to detect a change in magnetic flux, such as by using the hall effect, a magnetoresistive material, or other magneto-sensitive device or material. As discussed in more detail below, the activation mechanism 192 may be in communication with a power switch 510 of controller 500 (FIG. 3). In particular, based on the proximity to magnetic retention member 230 of holder 200, the activation mechanism 192 may cause the controller to activate or deactivate a power source 504 (FIG. 3) to turn the ball marker 100 ON or OFF. Additionally, as discussed above and shown in FIG. 1A, a dedicated ON/OFF switch 161 may be provided for allowing the user to manually activate and deactivate the ball marker 100.

With reference to FIG. 1B, an example of the golfing accessory 40 is shown from a perspective angle. The golfing accessory 40 is provided with a ball maker 400 and a holder 300. The ball marker 400 includes a body 408 with a substantially planar top surface 404, bottom surface 405, and at least one sidewall 406. However, the top surface 404 is not limited in this respect and the top surface 404 may have various protrusions, adornments, features, and/or or contours. The marker 400 may be made of metal, plastic, or a combination of metal and plastic. In some examples, the body 108 of the ball marker 100 may be made of plastic while a perimeter edge includes a magnetic metal material (not shown).

The ball marker 400 may be provided with one or more attention attraction devices. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 1B, the attention attracting device may be one or more first illumination source 410. The first illumination source 410 may be a light emitting diode (LED), an electroluminescent material, a chemiluminescent material, a bioluminescent material, a coherent light source (e.g., a laser source), an incoherent light source, or the like. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, more than one first illumination source 410 may be provided on a top surface 404 of the ball marker 400.

In some examples, a second illumination source 412 may be provided on one or more sidewalls 406 of the ball marker 400. The first illumination source 412 may be a light emitting diode (LED), an electroluminescent material, a chemiluminescent material, a bioluminescent material, a coherent light source (e.g., a laser source), an incoherent light source, or the like. The second illumination source 412 may be the same type as the first illumination source 410, or may be a different type of illumination source. Furthermore, the plurality of first illumination sources 410 and second illumination sources 412 may be a mixture of different types of illumination sources. When activated, the attention attracting device such as first and second illumination sources 410, 412 may be activated in order and increase visibility of the ball marker 400. As will be discussed below, the first and second illumination sources 410,412 may also be controlled to illuminate in a predefined pattern or sequence.

However, the one or more attention attracting devices of ball marker 400 are not limited to illumination sources or devices. In some examples, the ball marker 400 may have one or more attraction devices which emit sound, reflect or refract light, display an image or video, or the like. In particular, as seen in FIG. 1B, the ball marker 400 may have at least one high-visibility portion 420, reflective portion 430, 432, speaker 480, and display 440.

The high-visibility portion 120 may be a brightly-colored material, chemiluminescent or glow-in-the-dark material, fluorescent material, holographic material or the like. The high-visibility portion 120 is selected to increase visibility when ambient light is low and/or when incident light (e.g., a flashlight) is shined thereon. Similarly, the reflective portions 130, 132 may be any type of material which reflects incident light and thus increases visibility. In some examples, reflective portions 130, 132 may be a retro-reflective material, glass beads, prismatic or micro-prismatic materials, reflective tape, or the like.

The ball marker may be provided with a speaker 480 for emitting a variety or attention-grabbing or other location-assisting sounds. For example, speaker 480 may emit a predetermined sound such as a click, beep, buzz, hum, or the like. The speaker 480 may be configured to emit the sound in a periodic, sequential manner, or may continuously emit a predefined sound, frequency, or frequency range. The sound emitted by speaker 480 may also be a predetermined or pre-recorded sound, such as an attention-grabbing phrase or term. As will be discussed below, the predetermined sound emitted by speaker 480 may be stored in a storage device 506 (FIG. 3).

Display 440 may be an active display (e.g. a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode (OLED), e-ink, or the like) or display 440 may be a passive display, such as a writing surface provided either with or without a backlight (not shown). It is noted that in some examples an active display 440 may have a display cover 440a which also serves as an erasable writing surface, wherein display 440 may be considered both an active and passive display. As depicted in FIG. 1B, the display 480 may be placed on a top surface 404 of the ball marker 400 to increase visibility when the ball marker 400 is in use.

Though depicted as being disposed on the top surface 404 of the ball marker 400, one or more of the attention-grabbing devices discussed above may be positioned on a top surface 404, a sidewall 406, or both. Further, the ball marker 400 may be provided with a combination of attention-grabbing devices selected from the group discussed above.

Ball marker 400 may also be provided with one or more indicia 470 on a top surface 404, sidewall 406, or both. The indicia 470 may be used to differentiate, identify, or promote the ball marker 400 from others or similar ball markers. For example, indicia 470 may be used to personalize the ball marker 400, such as with a user name or company logo, or promote a course or product, such as course name or likeness. However, it is noted that indicia 470 may be substantially anything which helps identify an individual ball marker 400. Furthermore, indicia 470 may be integrated with, provided with, or interact with the attention-grabbing devices discussed above, including having reflective material, illumination sources, and the like.

A selector switch 460 may be provided in order to control a characteristic of the ball marker 400. The selector switch 460 may be electrically coupled to a controller 500 (FIG. 3, discussed below) and may enable the user to activate, deactivate, or change the operation of various attention-grabbing devices. In some examples, the selector switch 460 may be operated to turn the ball marker 400 ON or OFF, such as by depressing the selector switch 460 for a certain amount of time. In some examples, the selector switch 460 may change the pattern, sequence, or selection of first and/or second illumination devices 410, 412. In other examples, the selector switch 460 may change which attention-grabbing device is activated, such as changing operation from one of first illumination devices 410 to the speaker 480 or display 440.

In some examples, the selector switch 460 may be configured to change the operation of the display 440. The selector switch 460 may also be configured to control operation of an application or program displayed on the display 440, as discussed in more detail below. In some examples, the selector switch 460 may be configured for keeping score, counting strokes, or the like. It is noted that while only one selector switch 460 is depicted, more than one selector switch 460 may be provided for additional functionality, operation, and flexibility.

In some examples, a dedicated ON/OFF switch 461 may also be provided with the ball marker 400. The ON/OFF switch 461 may be manually activated by the user, such as by contact with or depression by a user's finger. The ON/OFF switch 461 may be substantially any type of switch capable of activating and deactivating power to the ball marker 400, such as a mechanical switch, electromechanical switch, solid state switch, or the like.

By providing an ON/OFF switch 461, the ball marker 400 may be functional without the use of a holder 400, discussed in more detail below. The ball marker 400 may be manually turned OFF when not in use, and may be stored in a user's pocket, golf bag, or the like. When needed, a user may activate the ball marker 400 directly using the ON/OFF switch 461 without the use of a holder 300. Accordingly, if a holder 300 is misplaced or otherwise inaccessible, the ball marker 400 may operate on its own.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2A, a solar cell 450 or other device capable of converting light to electricity may be provided on a top surface 404 of the ball marker 400 so as to receive incident light when in use and/or when stored. The solar cell 450 may be in electrical communication with the controller 500 and power supply 504 (FIG. 3) in order to charge the power supply 504, such as a rechargeable battery or the like.

Turning now to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B is a side view of the golfing accessory 40 shown in FIG. 1B. With reference to FIGS. 1B and 2B, as discussed above, golfing accessory 40 may optionally be provided with a holder 300 for the ball marker 400. The holder 300 may have a top surface 310 sized or shaped to substantially match the bottom surface 405 of the ball marker 400 so as to receive the ball marker 400 thereon. At least one sidewall 320 is provided extending substantially orthogonally from the top surface 310 (FIG. 2B) and preferably extending around the perimeter of the top surface 310 of the holder 300. Similar to shape of the top surface 404 of the ball marker 100, the circular shape of the top surface 310 depicted in FIGS. 1B and 2B is merely exemplary. More than one sidewall 310 may be provided if the shape of the perimeter of the holder 300 and/or the ball marker 400 is non-circular.

The top surface 310 of the holder 300 may have a retention member 330 provided on thereon. The retention member 330, which may be in the form of a protrusion or boss, may couple with a retention mechanism 490 (FIG. 2B) provided on a bottom surface 405 of the ball marker 400. The retention mechanism 490 may be in the form of a recess configured to couple with the retention member 330. An activation mechanism 492 may be provided in the recess of the retention mechanism 490. In some examples, the retention member 330 may couple to the retention mechanism 490 by interference fit, snap-fit, press-fit, threaded interconnection, or the like, in order to retain the ball marker 300 on the holder 400. Retention mechanism 490 may have a resilient or flexible barrier 493 covering the recessed area defined by the retention mechanism 490.

The holder 300 may be provided with an attachment member 340. The attachment member 340 may generally extend from a bottom surface of the holder 300. In some examples, the attachment member 340 may be a clip-shaped piece of metal configured to clip the holder 300 to an article of clothing or other accessory. In other examples the attachment member 340 may be a pin mechanism, a clamp, a magnetic attachment member, or other suitable device for attaching the holder to an article of clothing or other object.

With reference to FIG. 2B as discussed above, the ball marker 400 may be provided with an activation mechanism 492 within the recess of the retention mechanism 490. The activation mechanism 492 may be a pushbutton-type, plunger-type, or other electromechanical device in communication with the controller 500. As discussed in more detail below, the activation mechanism 492 may be in communication with a power switch 510 of controller 500 (FIG. 3). In particular, based on the proximity to retention member 330 of holder 200, the activation mechanism 492 may cause the controller to activate or deactivate a power source 504 (FIG. 3) to turn the ball marker 400 ON or OFF. Additionally, as discussed above and shown in FIG. 1B, a dedicated ON/OFF switch 461 may be provided for allowing the user to manually activate and deactivate the ball marker 400.

It is noted that the primary differences between the golfing accessory 10 and golfing accessory 40 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, respectively, is the manner in which the ball markers 100, 400 attach to and are activated by respective holders 200, 300.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of a controller 500 for controlling a ball marker of FIGS. 1A and 1B is shown. The controller 500 may be in the form of an integrated circuit (IC), a collection of interconnected circuit modules, or the like. The controller 500 may have a processor 502, power supply 504, power switch 510, and storage 506. Power supply 504, which may be a rechargeable battery, non-rechargeable battery, supercapacitor, or the like, may provide power to the processor 502 in response to the power switch 510 being switched to an ON state.

The processor 502, which may be a general purpose processor or an application-specific processing element, may be configured to execute instructions stored on the storage 506. Storage 506 may be solid state, magnetic storage, volatile or non-volatile storage, and the like. An application, such as software or other program data, may be stored on the storage 506. Further, generic and/or specific operating instructions for the one or more attention grabbing devices, such as the speaker 518, illumination device 514, or display 520, may be stored on the storage 506.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, in some examples the controller 500 may be provided with a transceiver 522 and a location sensor 512. A transceiver 522 may be provided in order to transmit information to and/or receive information from a second device, such as a user's cell phone, a local or wide-area network, the internet, another ball marker, or the like.

The location sensor 512, such as a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver or the like, may provide location information to processor 502 and storage 506, which may in turn change an operation or characteristic of the controller 500 and the ball marker 100, 400. A user's location information obtained from the location sensor may determine a user's location on a course, such as which hole they are playing or the proximity to the next hole. For example, course information including the GPS coordinate of holes may be stored or input into the storage 506. The processor 502 may calculate a distance between the user's location and the nearest or next hole using conventional means. The distance to the next hole calculated by the processor 502 may be displayed on the display 140, 440. The location information may be read out to the user or transmitted to a server or cell phone application for recording and retrieval. If the ball marker is provided with a scoring or an application for determining the distance to the next hole, as discussed above, the score and other playing data may be transmitted to a third party device for recording and later retrieval.

In some examples the location sensor 512 may be configured to monitor location information over time and record to storage 506. In this way, the user may be provided with information as to how long they have been playing and where they spent the most time on the golf course, which may help them improve their game and strategies.

The controller 500 is in electrical communication with an activation module 508. The activation module 508 may be in electrical or electromechanical communication with the activation mechanisms 192, 492 of the ball markers 100, 400, respectively. In some examples, the activation module 508 may be the same as the activation mechanisms 192, 492. In other examples, the activation module may be responsive to activation mechanisms 192, 492.

For example, in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the ball marker 100 may be provided with an activation mechanism 192 which detects a change in magnetic flux, such as by using the hall effect, a magnetoresistive material, or other magneto-sensitive device. In this example, the activation mechanism 192 may be the same structure as the activation module 508. Based on the proximity of activation member 192 to magnetic retention member 230 of holder 200, the activation mechanism 192 causes the power switch 510 to turn the ball marker 100 ON or OFF.

In the example of FIGS. 1B and 2B, the ball marker 400 may be provided with an activation mechanism 492 within the recess of the retention mechanism 490. The activation mechanism 492 may be a pushbutton-type, plunger-type, or other electromechanical device in communication with the controller 500. Accordingly, the activation module 508 may be an electromechanical device which causes a power switch 510 to be connected or disconnected, thus controlling an ON/OFF state of the ball marker 400. That is, based on the proximity to retention member 330 of holder 200, the activation module 508 may cause the controller to activate or deactivate a power switch 510 to turn the ball marker 400 ON or OFF.

The controller 500 may also be in communication with at least one selector switch 516, which may be the same as selector switch 160, 460 provided with a ball marker 100, 400, as discussed above. The selector switch 516 may cause the controller 500 to change a characteristic of the ball marker 100, 400, or may enable the user to activate, deactivate, or change the operation of various attention-grabbing devices. The selector switch 516 may be electromechanical, solid state, mechanical, or the like. In some examples the selector switch 516 may be a solid state relay. Furthermore, as discussed above, the selector switch 516 may be configured to turn the ball marker 100, 400 ON or OFF, such as by depressing the selector switch 516 for a predetermined amount of time.

Additionally, the controller 500 may be in communication with at least one ON/OFF switch 517, which may be the same as ON/OFF switch 161,461 of markers 100, 400, respectively. As discussed above, the ON/OFF switch may be manually turn the marker 100,400 ON or OFF independently of the activation module 508. This allows the marker 100, 400 to be used by itself, such as when a holder is inaccessible, unnecessary, or unwanted.

Turning now to FIGS. 4A-4B, the functionality of the activation mechanism 192 of the ball marker 100 will be described. FIG. 4A depicts side partial cross-sectional view a ball marker 100 retained within the holder 200. As discussed above, the at least one sidewall 220 extends outward from a top surface 210 of the holder 200. In some examples, the ball marker 100 sits flush within the holder 200, while in other examples the ball marker 100 may protrude or be recessed within the area bordered by sidewall 220.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the ball marker 100 is engaged with the holder 200 and coupled thereto by the interaction of the retention mechanism 190 and the magnetic retention member 230, the activation mechanism 192 is in an open-circuit state. When in an open-circuit state, the controller circuitry 193 is disconnected. That is, the power switch 510 of controller 500 is deactivated and power from the power supply 504 is turned off. Accordingly, the ball marker 100 is powered down or otherwise turned to a low-power state when engaged with the holder 200. It is noted that although the power switch 510 may be deactivated, the solar cell 150 (or photovoltaic module 526) may still operate to charge the power supply 504.

In some examples, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B, the activation mechanism 192 may be a reed-type switch responsive to a magnetic field emitted by the magnetic retention member 230. In other examples, the activation mechanism 192 may be a module such as a hall sensor or magnetoresistive sensor, wherein a signal is generated and transmitted to the controller 500 in response to a magnetic field or change in magnetic field. For simplicity, a magnetic reed-type switch is depicted in FIGS. 4A-4B.

Turning to FIG. 4B, when the ball marker 100 is disengaged from the holder 200, the activation mechanism 192, such as a magnetic reed switch, returns to a closed-circuit state. This is due to the activation mechanism 192 no longer being in proximity to the retention member 230. In a closed-circuit state the controller circuitry 193 is connected and power switch 510 is activated. Power from the power supply 504 is turned on. Accordingly, the ball marker 100 is powered on and attention grabbing devices may be activated.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5B, the functionality of the activation mechanism 492 of the ball marker 400 will be described. FIG. 5A depicts side partial cross-sectional view a ball marker 400 retained within the holder 300. As discussed above, the at least one sidewall 320 extends outward from a top surface 310 of the holder 300. In some examples, the ball marker 400 sits flush within the holder 300, while in other examples the ball marker 400 may protrude or be recessed within the area bordered by sidewalls 420.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the ball marker 400 is engaged with the holder 200 and coupled thereto by the interaction of the retention mechanism 490 and the retention member 330, the activation mechanism 492 is in an open-circuit state. When in an open-circuit state, the controller circuitry 493 is disconnected. That is, the power switch 510 of controller 500 is deactivated and power from the power supply 504 is turned off. Accordingly, the ball marker 400 is powered down or otherwise turned to a low-power state when engaged with the holder 300. It is noted that although the power switch 510 may be deactivated, the solar cell 450 (or photovoltaic module 526) may still operate to charge the power supply 504.

In some examples, as depicted in FIGS. 5A-5B and discussed above, an activation mechanism 492 provided within the recess of the retention mechanism 490. The activation mechanism 492 may be a pushbutton-type, plunger-type, or other electromechanical device in communication with the controller 500. For simplicity, the activation mechanism 492 is depicted as a single plunger pushbutton switch.

When the ball marker 400 is engaged with the holder 320, as shown in FIG. 5A, the retention member 330 of the holder 300 deforms the flexible barrier 493 and engages with the recess formed by the retention mechanism 490 of the ball marker 400. Upon engagement, the retention member 330 forces the activation mechanism 492 into a second position in an open-circuit state, thus disconnecting controller circuitry 493 as discussed above. When the ball marker 400 is disengaged from the holder 300, the activation mechanism 492 returns to its first position wherein controller circuitry 493 is connected.

Accordingly, when the ball marker 400 is engaged with the holder 300 as shown in FIG. 5A, the ball marker 400 is deactivated and powered off. When the ball marker 400 is disengaged from the holder 400 as shown in FIG. 4B, the ball marker 400 is activated. Power from the power supply 504 is turned on and attention grabbing devices may be activated.

Turning now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a holder for a golfing accessory 10 is shown. With reference to FIG. 6A, a holder 600 may have body 602 with at least one sidewall portion 620 extending therefrom. The at least one sidewall 620 may have at least one flange 622 extending radially inward to form a cavity 624. The holder 600 has an inner surface 604 with a retention member 630 provided thereon. It is noted that the retention member 630 may be substantially the same as the retention member 230 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2A. That is, in some examples the retention member 630 may be a magnetic retention member 630 for interacting with a retention mechanism 190 of the ball marker 100. Likewise, the magnetic retention member 630 may operate as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4A to activate and deactivate the ball marker 100.

The at least one flange 622, at least one sidewall 620, and body 602 may be made of a flexible, resilient material. In some examples, the flange 622 and sidewall 620 are made of a flexible material, while the body 602 is rigid. The flexible, resilient flange 622 and sidewall 620 are formed to allow the ball marker 100 to be reversibly engaged with the cavity 624 the holder 600. The ball marker 100 may therefore be retained within the holder 600 by the interaction of the retention member 630 with retention mechanism 190 as well as the flange 620. That is, the flange 620 may form a snap-fit over the ball marker 100.

With reference to FIG. 6B, the holder 700 is substantially the same as holder 600 discussed above with respect to FIG. 6A, except that the retention member 730 is formed to interact with the retention mechanism 490 of the ball marker 400. FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of another example of a holder for a golfing accessory 40 is shown. With reference to FIG. 6B, a holder 700 may have body 702 with at least one sidewall portion 720 extending therefrom. The at least one sidewall 720 may have at least one flange 722 extending radially inward to form a cavity 724. The holder 700 has an inner surface 704 with a retention member 730 provided thereon. It is noted that the retention member 730 may be substantially the same as the retention member 330 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2A. That is, in some examples the retention member 330 may be a protruding portion or a boss which couples with a retention mechanism 490 (FIG. 2B) provided on a bottom surface 405 of the ball marker 400. The retention mechanism 490 may be in the form of a recess configured to couple with the retention member 330. Likewise, the retention member 730 may operate as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4B to activate and deactivate the ball marker 400.

The at least one flange 722, at least one sidewall 720, and body 702 may be made of a flexible, resilient material. In some examples, the flange 722 and sidewall 720 are made of a flexible material, while the body 702 is rigid. The flexible, resilient flange 722 and sidewall 720 are formed to allow the ball marker 400 to be reversibly engaged with the cavity 724 of the holder 700. The ball marker 400 may therefore be retained within the holder 700 by the interaction of the retention member 730 with retention mechanism 490 as well as the flange 720. That is, the flange 720 may form a snap-fit over the ball marker 400. It is noted that the primary difference between the holder 600 and holder 700 is the retention member 630, 730 for retaining ball markers 100, 400, respectively.

Turning to FIG. 7A, a partial cross-section of holder 800 according to another example of the present disclosure is shown. The holder 800 is provided with a bottom holder body 802 and top holder body 803. The bottom holder body 802 is provided with at least one flange 822 extending radially outward from the inner surface 804b of the bottom holder body 802. The top holder body 803 may have an inner surface 804a and at least one sidewall 820 protruding there from. The at least one sidewall 820 may have at least one flange 822 extending radially inward therefrom to form a cavity 823. Like the flanges 622, 722 and sidewalls 620, 720, the sidewall 820 and flange 822, 823 may be made a flexible material, while the bottom and top holder bodies 802, 803 may be rigid. In some examples, the bottom and top holder bodies 802, 803 may also be made of a flexible material.

The flexible, resilient flanges 822, 824 and sidewall 820 may be formed to allow the ball marker 100 to engage the inner surface 804a, 804b of the holder 800. The at least one flange 824 may engage the cavity 823 in order to couple the bottom holder body 802 with the top holder body 803. The ball marker 100 may therefore be retained within the holder 800 by the interaction of the retention member 830 with retention mechanism 190 as well as the flanges 822, 824. The retention member 830, which may be a magnetic retention member 830 such as that described above with respect to FIGS. 1A, 2A, 5A, and 6A, may be provided on the bottom holder body 802 or the top holder body 803. Magnetic retention member 830, as described above, functions to activate a ball marker 100 when the ball marker 100 is removed from the holder 800, and deactivate a ball marker 100 when engaged with the holder 800. Accordingly, a ball marker 100 may be safely stored in the holder 800.

It is noted that although FIG. 7A depicts a magnetic retention member 830 for engaging a retention mechanism 190 of the ball marker 100, it is not limited to this. In some examples, the retention member 830 may be a protruding portion or boss such as that described in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 5B, and 6B. That is, the retention member 830 may be formed to engage with the retention mechanism 490 of the ball marker 400.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the top holder body 802 of FIG. 7A. As shown FIG. 7A, the top holder body 802 may include a graphic 834 disposed on the outward facing surface 838 thereof. The type of graphic 834 provided on the outward facing surface 838 may vary depending on the implementation. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 7B includes a graphic 834 in the form a lightning bolt shaped logo. In accordance with alternative embodiments, the graphic 834 make take the form of a name, shape, logo, and so on.

With reference now to FIGS. 8-11, exemplary circuit diagrams are shown for various examples of the ball markers 100, 400 as described above. FIG. 8A is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 100 of FIG. 1A. The circuit may be provided with a power source 902, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). A power switch 904, such as a magnetic reed-type switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 900.

Though depicted as a magnetic reed-type switch, other types of magnetosensitive devices such as hall sensors may be used as the power switch 904. The circuit 900 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 906a-d arranged in series, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). A selector switch 908 may be provided with circuit 900 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 910 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 900, thus protecting the various components. It is noted that although LEDs 906a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit.

FIG. 8B is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 400 of FIG. 1B. The circuit may be provided with a power source 952, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). A power switch 954, such as a plunger-type pushbutton switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 950.

The circuit 950 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 956a-d arranged in series, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). A selector switch 958 may be provided with circuit 950 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 960 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 950, thus protecting the various components. It is noted that although LEDs 956a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit.

FIG. 9A is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 100 of FIG. 1A. The circuit 1000 may be provided with a power source 1002, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). A power switch 1004, such as a magnetic reed-type switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 100.

Though depicted as a magnetic reed-type switch, other types of magnetosensitive devices such as hall sensors may be used as the power switch 1004. The circuit 1000 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 1006a-d arranged in parallel, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). Each LED 1006a-d may have a corresponding resistor 1007a-d provided to limit the current provided to the LEDs 1006a-d. A selector switch 1008 may be provided with circuit 1000 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 1010 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 1000, thus protecting the various components. It is noted that although LEDs 1006a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit 1000.

FIG. 9B is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 400 of FIG. 1. The circuit 1050 may be provided with a power source 1052, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). A power switch 1054, such as a plunger-type pushbutton switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 1050.

The circuit 1050 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 1056a-d arranged in parallel, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). Each LED 1056a-d may have a corresponding resistor 1057a-d provided to limit the current provided to the LEDs 1056a-d. A selector switch 1058 may be provided with circuit 1050 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 1060 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 1050, thus protecting the various components. It is noted that although LEDs 1056a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit.

FIG. 10A is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 100 of FIG. 1A. Circuit 1100 may be substantially the same as the circuit 900 of FIG. 8A. The circuit 1100 may be provided with a power source 1102, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). In some examples, the battery 1102 may be a rechargeable battery. A power switch 1104, such as a magnetic reed-type switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 1100.

Though depicted as a magnetic reed-type switch, other types of magnetosensitive devices such as hall sensors may be used as the power switch 1104. The circuit 1100 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 1106a-d arranged in series, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). A selector switch 1108 may be provided with circuit 1100 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 1110 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 1100, thus protecting the various components.

At least one solar cell 1112a-b may be provided with circuit 1100 in order to recharge the battery 1102. A diode 1164 may be provided to ensure that current flows in one direction from the solar cells 1112a-b, thus helping protect them from potential damage. It is noted that although LEDs 1106a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit 1100.

FIG. 10B is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 400 of FIG. 1B. The circuit 1150 may be provided with a power source 1152, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). In some examples, the battery 1152 may be a rechargeable battery. A power switch 1154, such as a plunger-type pushbutton switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 1150.

The circuit 1150 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 1156a-d arranged in series, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). A selector switch 1158 may be provided with circuit 1150 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 1160 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 1150, thus protecting the various components. At least one solar cell 1162a-b may be provided with circuit 1100 in order to recharge the battery 1152. A diode 1164 may be provided to ensure that current flows in one direction from the solar cells 1162a-b, thus helping protect them from potential damage. It is noted that although LEDs 1156a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit.

FIG. 11A is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 100 of FIG. 1A. The circuit 1200 may be provided with a power source 1202, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). In some examples, the battery 1202 may be a rechargeable battery. A power switch 1204, such as a magnetic reed-type switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 1200.

Though depicted as a magnetic reed-type switch, other types of magnetosensitive devices such as hall sensors may be used as the power switch 1204. The circuit 1200 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 1206a-d arranged in parallel, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). Each LED 1206a-d may have a corresponding resistor 1207a-d provided to limit the current provided to the LEDs 1206a-d. A selector switch 1208 may be provided with circuit 1200 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 1210 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 1000, thus protecting the various components. At least one solar cell 1212a-b may be provided with circuit 1100 in order to recharge the battery 1202. A diode 1214 may be provided to ensure that current flows in one direction from the solar cells 1212a-b, thus helping protect them from potential damage. It is noted that although LEDs 1206a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit 1200.

FIG. 11B is an exemplary circuit diagram for a ball marker such as the ball marker 400 of FIG. 1. The circuit 1250 may be provided with a power source 1252, such as a battery, corresponding to the power source 504 of the controller 500 (FIG. 3). A power switch 1254, such as a plunger-type pushbutton switch, may be provided in order to activate and deactivate the circuit 1250.

The circuit 1250 may also be provided with an attention-grabbing device such as one or more illumination devices 1256a-d arranged in parallel, which in some examples may illumination sources such as light emitting diodes (LED). Each LED 1256a-d may have a corresponding resistor 1257a-d provided to limit the current provided to the LEDs 1256a-d. A selector switch 1258 may be provided with circuit 1250 in order to control an operation of the circuit. A resistor 1260 is provided in order to limit the current provided to the circuit 1250, thus protecting the various components. At least one solar cell 1262a-b may be provided with circuit 1250 in order to recharge the battery 1252. A diode 1264 may be provided to ensure that current flows in one direction from the solar cells 1262a-b, thus helping protect them from potential damage. It is noted that although LEDs 1256a-d are depicted, other attention grabbing devices such as those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3 may be provided with the circuit.

FIG. 12 is illustration of golf ball marker 1300 embodiment that includes a digital display 1304. The golf ball marker 1300 may include additional features disclosed herein. By way of example, the golf ball marker 1300 additionally includes a speaker 180 and a first illumination source 110. The digital display 1304 may provide information to the user in the form of text. The digital display 1304 may be scrolling text type of display that moves displayed text laterally across the display 1304 with new text appearing on one end of the display and old text disappearing on the opposite side of the display. By displaying text in a scrolling manner, longer phrases or sentences may be communicated than would ordinarily fit within the boundaries of the digital display 1304.

The digital display 1304 may be used to communicate information of various types to the user. For example, the digital display 1304 communicate the name of the golfer, the name of the golf course, the names of other golfers, and so on. The digital display 1304 may also communicate information about a golfer such as their handicap, their favorite golf course, and so on. The digital display 1304 may additionally display information about a particular golf course such name, location, whether conditions, hole distances, and so on.

The digital display 1304 may also communicate a golf score for one or more golfers in a golfing party. A golf marker in accordance present embodiments may include a counter that may be incremented on a per stoke basis so as to track a golfer's score. The counter may include interval markers or the like that track the beginning and ending of each hole. In accordance with present embodiments, the digital display 1304 may be used to communicate the scoring information tracked by the counter. For example, the digital display 1304 may communicate a golfer's overall score. Additionally, the digital display 1304 may communicate a golfer's score for one or more individual holes.

Typically, the digital display 1304 will display scores for the user of the golf ball marker 1300. However, in some cases, the ball marker 1300 may communicate with a ball marker or other devices used by other members of the golfing party. In this case, the digital display 1304 may be used to display other golfer's scores, including overall scores, scores for individual holes, and so on. In embodiments where the scores for multiple golfers are displayed, the digital display 1304 may display a “leader board” where the golfers are ranked by their scores.

The digital display 1304 may be used to communicate location information. A golf ball marker 1300 may include a global position system receiver that may be used to track the position of the golf ball marker 1300. The global positioning system receiver may be enable to capture positing data at a given time so as to track shot distances. For example, a user may place the golf ball marker 1304 at the location where a golf ball comes to rest after being driven or otherwise hit by a golfer. With golf ball marker 1300 in place, the user may trigger the global positioning system receive to capture and store position data. In this way, the golf ball maker 1300 may be used to track drive or other shot distances. Additionally, the golf ball marker 1300 may be configured to communicate those distances or other distance data to a user through the digital display 1304.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a golf ball marker 1400 embodiment that may be configured to communicate with a smart golf ball 1404. As used herein, a “smart golf ball” is one that includes various digital feature such as the ability to track its own position, and so on. The smart golf ball 1404 may include a global positioning system receiver or similar mechanism which tracks position data. The smart golf ball 1404 may additionally including a communication component that allows that smart golf ball 1404 to wirelessly communicate its location information or other data to receiver outside the golf ball 1404. For example, the golf ball 1404 may include a passive RFID chip that communicates its data when activated by an active field.

In accordance with present embodiments, a golf ball marker 1400 may be configured to receive location information and/or other data from a smart golf ball 1404. Location information or other data received from the smart golf ball 1404 may be communicated to the user via the digital display 1304. By receiving location information directly from the golf ball 1404, the quality of the data may be improved. Specifically, the data acquisition may not depend on the user's placement of the golf ball marker 1400. It this way cheating may be discouraged.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A ball marker, comprising:

a body having a top surface and at least one sidewall, the top surface defining a perimeter;

a retention mechanism;

a power source;

a controller;

at least one illumination source;

an activation module in electrical communication with the controller and the at least one illumination source;

wherein the controller controls the activation module to activate the at least one illumination source based on a storage position of the ball marker.

2. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the activation module comprises a magnetic field sensor.

3. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field sensor is one of a magnetic reed switch, a hall effect sensor, a magnetic flux sensor, and a magnetoresistive sensor.

4. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the activation module comprises an electrical switch.

5. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the activation module comprises an electromechanical switch.

6. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine a storage position based on a condition of the activation module.

7. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the retention mechanism is a magnetic retention mechanism.

8. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the retention mechanism is a recessed portion.

9. The ball marker of claim 8, wherein the body further comprises a substantially planar bottom surface, and wherein the recessed portion is formed on the bottom surface.

10. The ball marker of claim 8, wherein the retention mechanism is a snap-fit retention mechanism.

11. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the illumination source is provided on at least one of the top surface and the at least one sidewall.

12. The ball marker of claim 1, further comprising a selection mechanism electrically coupled to the controller for selecting from one of a plurality of operating modes.

13. The ball marker of claim 1, wherein the power source is one of a battery or solar power source.

14. The ball marker of claim 1, further comprising a high-visibility portion.

15. The ball marker of claim 14, wherein the high-visibility portion comprises a material selected from a reflective material, retro-reflective material, and chemiluminescent material.

16. A golfing accessory comprising

a ball marker comprising: a body, a top surface, and at least one sidewall, the top surface defining a perimeter; a controller; a power source; a retention mechanism; at least one attention attracting devices; an activation module in electrical communication with the controller and the at least one attention attracting device;

a holder comprising a first surface and a retention member;

wherein the retention mechanism and retention member are configured to selectively couple the ball marker to the holder; and

wherein the activation module is configured to activate the at least one attention attracting devices when the retention mechanism and retention member are coupled and configured to deactivate the at least one attention attracting devices when the retention mechanism and retention member are not coupled.

17. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the activation module comprises a magnetic field sensor.

18. The golfing accessory of claim 17, wherein the magnetic field sensor is one of a magnetic reed switch, a hall-effect sensor, a magnetic flux sensor, and a magnetoresistive sensor.

19. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the activation module comprises one of an electrical switch and an electromechanical switch.

20. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the retention mechanism is a magnetic retention mechanism.

21. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the body further comprises a substantially planar bottom surface, the bottom surface having a recessed portion formed thereon.

22. The golfing accessory of claim 21, wherein the holder further comprises a boss portion protruding from the first surface, the boss portion configured to selectively couple with the recessed portion.

23. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the retention member is a snap-fit retention member.

24. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the retention member is a magnetic retention member.

25. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the at least one attention attracting devices is provided on at least one of the top surface and the at least one sidewall.

26. The golfing accessory of claim 24, wherein the at least one attention attracting devices is one of an illumination source, an audio source, an audiovisual source, a high-visibility portion, and a display.

27. The golfing accessory of claim 25, wherein the high-visibility portion comprises a material selected from a reflective material, retro-reflective material, and chemiluminescent material.

28. The golfing accessory of claim 16, further comprising a selection mechanism electrically coupled to the controller for selecting from one of a plurality of operating modes.

29. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the power source is one of a battery or solar power source.

30. The golfing accessory of claim 16, the ball marker further comprising a storage device in electrical communication with the controller, the controller configured to operate the at least one attention attracting devices based on at least one operating mode stored on the storage device.

31. The golfing accessory of claim 30, further comprising a selection mechanism electrically coupled to the controller and the at least one attention grabbing devices, the selection mechanism configured for selecting from one of a plurality of operating modes.

32. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the ball marker further comprises a location detecting device.

33. The golfing accessory of claim 16, wherein the ball marker further comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with one of a cellular network, a satellite network, and a portable electronic device.

34. The golfing accessory of claim 32, wherein the controller of the ball marker is configured to calculate a distance a predetermined area based upon an output of the location detecting device and a storage device.

35. The golfing accessory of claim 34, wherein the calculated distance is output to a display.