MAINTENANCE GOLF DEVICES

Abstract

A golf tee, golf ball marker holder, golf ball brush, and golf ball positioning tool are provided. The tee includes first, second and third legs extending from a body to form a tripod base. The golf ball brush includes a body in the form of a golf ball having a dimpled surface. An attachment member and a plurality of bristles extend outwardly from the dimpled surface. The marker holder includes an S-shaped flat body having a first side and a second side. The first side includes a receiving slot configured to removably receive a golf ball marker. The golf ball positioning tool includes an elongated body and first and second cupping or gripping members extending from the elongated body. The first and second cupping members may be configured to simultaneously contact and grasp a golf ball and a tee when in a closed configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/686,932, filed Jun. 19, 2018, entitled “MAINTENANCE GOLF DEVICES,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions generally relate to devices used by golfers to improve the golfing experience, and more particularly, to a golf tee, a golf ball marker holder, a golf ball brush, and a golf ball positioning tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various devices have been developed in an effort to make the golfing experience more enjoyable. Golf ball retrievers, golf ball washers, golf ball locators, golf club cleaners, marker holders, and eyewear are examples of different devices that are currently available to golfers who are interested in improving their golf games and/or experience. However, known devices may suffer from various drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a tee for use with a golf ball is provided. The tee includes a body having a ball receiving end. The tee additionally includes a first leg, a second leg and a third leg coupled to the body at a distal end opposite the ball-receiving end. The first, second, and third legs may, optionally, extend outwardly away from one another to form a tripod base. The body and the first, second and third legs are a single, unitary piece.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a golf ball brush is provided. The golf ball brush includes a body that is generally in the form of a golf ball having a dimpled surface. The dimpled surface is attached or otherwise coupled to an attachment member. The golf ball brush additionally includes a plurality of bristles. The bristles may, optionally, extend outwardly from the dimpled surface.

According to still other aspects of the present disclosure, a marker holder is provided. The marker holder includes a body having a first side and a second side. The body may be flat, and may be S-shaped. The first side may include a receiving slot wherein the receiving slot is configured to removably receive a golf ball member. The receiving slot may be defined by a pair of opposing spaced flanges extending from the body. The second side may be configured to form a clip extending along a center wall whereby a user's article of clothing may be inserted between the clip and user.

According to still other aspects of the present disclosure, a golf ball positioning tool is provided. The golf ball positioning tool may be configured to provide for single-handed actuation. The golf ball positioning tool may, optionally, include an elongated hollow body terminating at a first distal end and a second distal end that is spaced apart from the first distal end. The positioning tool may additionally include a first cupping member and a second cupping member extending divergently outward from the second distal end of the elongated hollow body. The first and second cupping members are preferably configured to contact and grasp or retain a golf ball. The golf ball positioning tool may further include a handle operatively coupled to the first distal end of the elongated hollow body. The handle may be configured to move a shaft to open and/or close the first and second cupping members. The golf ball positioning tool may also include an elastic member positioned between the handle and the elongated hollow body to assist with respect to moving the shaft to open and/or close the first and second cupping members.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the aspect as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the disclosure and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a description of the figures and the accompanying drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tee for use with a golf ball according to some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tee of FIG. 1 showing a golf ball positioned on the tee;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the tee of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf ball brush according to some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a side-elevational view of a golf ball brush;

FIG. 5B is a bottom plan view of the golf ball brush of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a bottom plan view of a brush insert for the golf ball brush of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5D is an exploded cross-sectional view of the golf ball brush of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a marker holder according to some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the marker holder of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a partially schematic view of the marker holder of FIGS. 6A and 6B;

FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the marker holder of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a golf ball positioning tool in an actuated configuration according to some aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a partially fragmentary schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf ball positioning tool of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball positioning tool of FIG. 8 taken along the line 8C-8C; FIG. 8B;

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball positioning tool of FIG. 8 taken along the line 8D-8D; FIG. 8B;

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of cupping members coupled to an elongated hollow body of the golf ball positioning tool; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a golf ball positioning tool folded at a folding joint.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one aspect of the present disclosure is a tee 10 that may be utilized to support a golf ball 14. The tee 10 includes a body 18 having a ball engaging or receiving end 22. The tee 10 additionally includes a first leg 26a, a second leg 26b, and a third leg 26c extending from the body 18 at a distal end 30 opposite the ball receiving end 22. The first, second, and third legs 26a, 26b, 26c may extend out in a pyramidal orientation 34 to form a tripod base 38. The body 18 and the first, second, and third legs 26a, 26b, 26c may comprise a single, unitary piece (e.g. one-piece molded polymer).

The tee 10 may comprise a three legged golf tee designed to support a golf ball 14 without a user having to bend over and place and/or drive the tee 10 into the ground or other surface. The tee 10 is provides several benefits including, for example, lessening the time it takes to place the golf ball 14 and tee 10 on the hitting surface, especially on hard surfaces such as a matt or hard earthen surface. An additional benefit of the tee 10 can include the benefit of the user/golfer spending a lesser amount of time bending over and having to reach out to place a typical single legged tee into the ground. The tee 10 may be available in a variety of different heights and/or dimensions to accommodate many different varieties of golf clubs and playing styles or preferences. The tee 10 may be made from a variety of materials in any desired color to provide countless different combinations.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of three differently-sized tees 10 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The tee 10 includes the body 18 having the ball receiving or supporting end 22 and the first leg 26a, second leg 26b, and third leg 26c coupled to the body 18 at a distal end 30 of body 18 opposite the ball receiving end 22 of body 18. The body 18 and the legs 26a, 26b, 26c may, optionally, comprise a single, unitary piece of plastic. In other aspects, the body 18 and the legs 26a, 26b, 26c may comprise a single, unitary piece of wood or other material. The length and dimensions of the body 18 and/or legs 26a, 26b, 26c may be varied depending on the desired features and application of the tee 10 by a user. In some aspects, the tees may be produced in small, medium, large, and/or extra-large size.

In some aspects, the body 18 of the tee 10 has a generally conical shape, a rim 42, and a concave hollow portion 46 that is configured to support a standard golf ball 14. The concave hollow portion 46 may have a curvature 50 that is configured to allow the golf ball 14 to be positioned in the concave hollow portion 46. In some aspects, the first, second, and third legs 26a, 26b, 26c are positioned equidistant around the body 18 every 120 degrees. In some aspects, the first, second and third legs 26a, 26b, 26c each include a pointed end 54 configured to contact and/or dig into a surface 58. In other aspects, the tee 10 may include four, five, six, or more legs coupled to the body 18 where the legs may be positioned symmetrically and/or equidistant around the body 18.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic perspective view of the tee 10 for use with the golf ball 14 is provided with several exemplary dimensions defined. In some aspects, the diameter “D” of the concave hollow portion 46 of the ball receiving end 22 may be about 0.425 inches, about 0.435 inches, about 0.445 inches, or in a range of about 0.425-0.445 inches. In some aspects, the height “H1” of the rim 42 positioned at the ball receiving end 22 may be about 0.115 inches, about 0.125 inches, about 0.135 inches, or in a range of about 0.115-0.135 inches. In some aspects, the height “H2” of the body 18 may be about 0.600 inches, about 0.625 inches, about 0.650 inches, or in a range of about 0.600-0.650 inches. In some aspects, the body 18 may have a cylindrical shape, an inverted cone shape, a spherical shape, a pyramidal shape, or any other suitable shape. In some aspects, the length “L” of the first, second, and third legs 26a, 26b, 26c, respectively, may be about 0.025 inches, about 0.050 inches, about 0.075 inches, about 0.100 inches, about 0.125 inches, about 0.150 inches, about 0.175 inches, about 0.200 inches, about 0.225 inches, about 0.250 inches, or in a range of about 0.025-0.250 inches. In some aspects, the height “H3” of the tee 10 as measured from the contact point of the playing surface to the top edge of the rim 42 may be about 0.75 inches, about 1.00 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2.00 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.50 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3.00 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.50 inches, about 3.75 inches, about 4.00 inches, about 4.25 inches, about 4.50 inches, about 4.75 inches, or in a range of about 0.75-4.75 inches. It will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration and features of FIGS. 1-3. For example, the tee 10 does not necessarily need to include a rim 42, and the ball-receiving end 22 does not need to include a concave or hollow portion.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A-5D, a golf ball brush 62 includes a portion 66 in the shape of a golf ball having a dimpled surface 70 that may, optionally, have a diameter that is substantially equal to a standard golf ball (i.e. no smaller than 1-680 inches. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any specific dimension, and golf ball-shaped portion 66 may have a diameter that is greater than 1-680 inches or less than 1-680 inches. The dimpled surface 70 is attached or otherwise coupled to an attachment member 74. The golf ball brush 62 preferably includes a plurality of bristles 78 extending outwardly a distance “L” (FIG. 5A) from the dimpled surface 70. Distance L may be any suitable dimension, and the present disclosure is not limited to a specific dimension or range of dimensions. Typically, the dimension L is about one quarter to about one half the diameter of dimpled surface 70 of ball-shaped portion 66. If ball-shaped portion 66 is about 1.68 inches in diameter, the dimension L may be about 0.4 inches to about 0.8 inches. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension L is about one-third the diameter of golf ball-shaped portion 66, and the diameter of golf ball-shaped portion 66 is about 1.7 inches.

The golf ball brush 62 is designed as a hand-held brush used to clean dirt and debris from golf balls 66 and/or grooves of the heads of golf clubs used for hitting golf balls 66 from the grass, dirt, or sand (e.g., irons and wedges). Golf ball brush 62 may be configured to be comfortably grasped by a user and manipulated by the hand. The golf ball brush 62 may be impregnated with the plurality of bristles 78 in a pattern and/or design that is configured to contact and/or clean the grooves on a face of a golf club head. In some aspects, the plurality of bristles 78 may be made from one or more suitable materials (e.g., brass, stainless steel, nylon, polyester). In some aspects, the attachment member 74 may be fixed or operatively coupled to the dimpled surface 70 by inserting a threaded end 74A of attachment member 74 into an opening 74B located on the opposite side of the plurality of bristles 78 and secured using mechanical features (e.g. threads) and/or adhesives (e.g. epoxy). Attachment member 74 may comprise a ring, hook, carabiner, clip, button, magnet, or hook and loop fastener to attach the golf ball brush 62 to a golf towel, a golf bag, a golf cart, and/or an article of clothing. In some aspects, the dimpled surface 70 of the golf ball brush 62 may be marked and used as a marketing and advertising tool.

Golf ball brush 62 may be configured/constructed as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5D. In some aspects, the plurality of bristles 78 may comprise one or more bristle groups or packs 90. In some aspects, the packs 90 of bristles 78 may be inserted in one or more holes 86 (FIG. 4) formed in the dimpled surface 70 and secured using a suitable adhesive (e.g. epoxy) or other suitable technique. In some aspects, the plurality of bristles 78 may be fabricated from a plastic, metal, nylon, polyester, animal hair, bronze, brass, and/or ceramic material.

With reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7, a marker holder 94 includes a body 98 having a first side 102 and a second side 106. Body 98 may, optionally, have an S-shaped configuration. The first side 201 includes a receiving slot 110, wherein the receiving slot 110 is configured to snuggly and removably receive a golf ball member such as marker 114. The receiving slot 110 is defined by a pair of opposing spaced flanges 116 extending from the S-shaped flat body 98 forming the first side 102. The second side 106 forms a clip 122 extending along a center wall 126 wherein a user's article of clothing 130 may be inserted between the clip 122 and user.

The marker holder 94 is configured to hold a golf ball marker or other item 114 while being clipped on a user's article of clothing 130 (e.g., belt seam of a garment or the brim of a hat). The clip 122 formed on the marker holder 94 is designed to cause the spring action having the first side 102 of the marker holder 94 to attach to the golf ball marker 114 by trapping the golf ball marker 114 (or other item) on the first side 102 and the second side 106 forming the clip 122 of the marker holder 94 configured to trap the user's article of clothing 130 by pinching, for example, the belt, seam of a garment, or the brim of a hat. Marker 114 comprises an upper portion 114A that is similar in shape to an upper end of a tee, and an integrally formed base 114B that is generally disk or washer-shaped. The base 114B is configured to support marker 114 on a flat surface (e.g. the ground). The marker holder 94 may be produced from a variety of different polymeric and/or metal or other suitable materials. Marker holder 94 is preferably sufficiently pliable to spring (flex) and hold the shape of the marker holder 94. In some aspects, the polymeric material may include, for example, ABS plastics, thermoplastics, thermosets, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyesters. In other aspects, the metal material may include, for example, spring steel, stainless steel, shape memory metals, and metal alloys. It will be understood that the present disclosure is, however, not limited to those materials, and virtually any suitable material may be utilized.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the receiving slot 110 may be positioned on the first side 102 of the marker holder 94 and can be configured to engage/position a variety of different golf ball members or items 114 including, for example, differently sized and/or shaped golf ball markers and golf tees. In some aspects, the user's article of clothing 130 may include a belt, a belt seam, a hat, a shirt, a waistline, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the marker holder 94 may be a single, unitary piece of plastic. In other aspects, the marker holder 94 may be a single, unitary piece of metal. In some aspects, the golf ball member or item 114 may be a golf ball marker or a golf ball tee.

In some aspects, the receiving slot 110 defined by the pair of opposing spaced flanges 116 may have an opening width “W1” of about 0.05 inches, about 0.10 inches, about 0.15 inches, about 0.20 inches, about 0.25 inches, or in a range of about 0.10-0.25 inches. In some aspects, the width “W2” of the marker holder 94 may be about 0.75 inches, about 1.00 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2.0 inches, or in a range of about 0.75-2.0 inches. In some aspects, the length “L1” of the marker holder 94 may be about 0.75 inches, about 1.00 inches, about 1.25 inches, about 1.50 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2.0 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.50 inches, about 2.75 inches, or in a range of about 0.75-2.75 inches.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-8D, several schematic views of the marker holder 94 and a single-handed actuated golf ball positioning tool 134 (see also FIGS. 9 and 10) are provided according to some aspects of the present disclosure. With specific reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, a golf ball positioning tool 134 may include a tubular elongated hollow body or tube 138 terminating at a first distal end 142 and a second distal end 146, wherein the first and second distal ends 142, 146 are spaced apart. Guide rings 167A and 167B (FIG. 8C) having center openings 168A and 168B, respectively, may be fixed to a linkage or shaft 166 that is disposed inside tube 138. Outer edges 141A, 141B of guide rings 167A and 167B, respectively, slidably engage inner surface 139 of tube 138 to movably guide linkage or shaft 166 for vertical reciprocating motion within tube 138. The golf ball positioning tool 134 additionally includes a first cupping or retaining member 150 and a second cupping or retaining member 154 extending divergently outward from the second distal end 146 of the elongated hollow body or tube 138. The first and second cupping or retaining members 150, 154 are configured to contact and grasp a golf ball 158 when in a closed or engaged configuration. Members 150, 154 may be movably secured to flexible bands 170 for rotation (“R1”, FIGS. 7A, 7B) about axis A1 to a user-selected angular orientation. Threaded fasteners 181 may be tightened to secure member 150, 154 at a selected position, or the torque on threaded fasteners 181 may be adjusted to provide a frictional engagement of members 150, 154 with bands 170 to permit a user to adjust the angular position of members 150, 154 by grasping and rotating members 150, 154 about axis A1, wherein the frictional engagement is sufficient to retain the members 150, 154 at the user-selected angular orientation. Bands 170 preferably comprise a flexible material such as spring steel, flexible polymer, or other suitable material. Bands 170 are resiliently biased to an open position (FIG. 8B). An end guide ring 167C is fixed to lower end or edge 138B of tube 138. Guide ring 167C includes an opening 168C. Bands 170 extend through opening 168C, and opposite edges 174A of bands 170 are biased into engagement with edge 168D of opening 168C due to the preformed shape and elasticity of bands 174. Movement of link 166 form a rest or lower position (FIG. 8B) to an upper position (FIG. 8A) causes edges 174A of bands 174 to slidably engage edge 168D of opening 168C of end guide ring 167C, thereby causing bands 174 and members 150, 154 to move from the open position (FIG. 8B) to the closed position (FIG. 8A). The golf ball positioning tool 134 additionally includes an outer handle 162A in the form for, for example, an oval strap that is fixed to upper end or edge 138A of tube 138. A movable handle 162 is disposed adjacent to end 142. Handle 162 is operatively connected or coupled to a linkage such as puller shaft 166. In use, a user grasps the movable handle 162 and pulls in the direction of the arrow “P”, thereby moving the shaft 166 upwardly to thereby close the first and second cupping members 150, 154. The golf ball positioning tool 134 may include an elastic member such as spring 170 positioned inside the elongated holly body 138 between the fixed handle 162A and upper guide ring 167A to generate a biasing force that tends to return the movable handle 162 and the puller shaft 166 to a lower position (FIG. 8B) to open the first and second cupping members 150, 154 when a user releases movable handle 162.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8, and 8A, the golf ball positioning tool 134 is designed to provide single-handed actuation and to assist in the placement of the golf ball 158 and/or a golf tee 182 on a playing surface without having to bend over or down to place the golf ball 158 and/or golf tee 182 down by hand. The golf ball positioning tool 134 may include two (2) cups (first and second cupping members 150, 154) having generally hemispherical inner surfaces that fit closely around a golf ball, one cup for each side of the golf ball 158. Cups 150, 154 each include a stem to connect each cup to the end of the elongated hollow body 138 used to manipulate the two (2) cups 150, 154 as an end effector to grasp the golf ball 158. The cups (first and second cupping members 150, 154) (and cups 180; FIG. 10) may be configured to be freely spun (moved) around an axis “A1” to accommodate virtually any required angle when placing the golf ball 158 on the golf tee 182 where the golf tee 182 may be placed into the surface of the ground or practice surface. In some aspects, inner surfaces 178A of the cups 150, 154 may be imprinted (contoured) with a shape corresponding to the shape of an upper portion 182A of a head of golf tee 182. The cups 150, 154 are thereby configured to simultaneously grasp and retain golf tee 182 as the cups 150, 154 grasp/contact/retain the golf ball 158 when closed at least partially surrounding or encapsulating both the golf ball 158 and golf tee 182 until they are placed on the surface of the ground or the practice surface. Once the golf ball 158 and/or golf tee 182 are positioned into or on the playing surface, the golf ball positioning tool 134 may release the golf ball 158 and the golf tee 182 at the same time upon release of the handle 162 by a user. One or more components of the golf ball positioning tool 134 may be constructed from a material that is light and malleable, for example, rubber and/or various types of plastics that are easily molded or formed. It will be understood that metals or other suitable materials may also be utilized (in any combination or form) to construct one or more of the components of golf ball positioning tool 134.

A golf ball positioning tool 134A according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 9-10. Cupping members 150A and 150B may include receiving slots 178 configured to snuggly and removably receive and retain a golf tee 182 while the cup-shaped (e.g. hemispherical) body portions 180 simultaneously retain a golf ball 158. Elongated hollow body 138 may include links 138B, 138C that are pivotably connected by a folding joint 186. Joint 186 is positioned between the first and second distal ends 142, 146. In some aspects, the handle 162 may, optionally, comprise a T-shaped handle 190.

Spring members 182 bias capping (cup) members 180 to an open position, and actuation of lever 184 pulls elongated flexible connecting members 186 inwardly in the direction of arrow “A,” thereby pulling cup members 180 inwardly as shown by the arrows “B1” and “B2” (FIG. 10). Cup members 180 may be secured to spring members 182 and flexible connecting members 186 by threaded fasteners 181 to permit rotation (adjustment) about axis “A1” as shown by arrow “R1.” The preload (torque) of threaded fastener 181 can be adjusted to substantially prevent rotation of cup members 180 about axis A1, or to adjust the force required to overcome frictional engagement between spring members 182 and cups 180 to permit adjustment of the angular position of cups 180 relative to link 138B. Spring members 182, body 138A, connecting members 186, handle 162, and lever 184 may operate in substantially the same manner as known commercially available grippers used to grasp household items that may be out of reach.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described device and other components may not be limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the device disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present device. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Claims

1. A tee for supporting a golf ball comprising:

a body having a ball-receiving end that is configured to support a golf ball;

a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg extending outwardly from the body to form a tripod;

wherein the body and first, second, and third legs are a single, unitary piece.

2. The tee of claim 1, wherein:

the first, second, and third legs are coupled to the body at a distal end away from the ball-receiving end.

3. The tee of claim 1, wherein:

the single, unitary piece is wood or plastic.

4. The tee of claim 1, wherein:

the body has a conical shape having a rim and a concave hollow portion configured to support a golf ball.

5. The tee of claim 4, wherein:

the concave hollow portion includes a curvature configured to allow the ball to be positioned in the concave hollow portion.

6. The tee of claim 1, wherein:

the first, second, and third legs are positioned equidistant around the body.

7. The tee of claim 1, wherein:

the first, second, and third legs each include a pointed end configured to contact a playing surface.

8. A golf ball brush comprising:

a body portion in the form of a golf ball having a dimpled surface;

an attachment member extending outwardly from the dimpled surface; and

a plurality of bristles extending outwardly from the dimpled surface.

9. The golf ball brush of claim 8, wherein:

the plurality of bristles are positioned in a bristle panel operatively coupled to the dimpled surface.

10. The golf ball brush of claim 8, wherein:

the plurality of bristles are positioned in one or more holes formed in the dimpled surface.

11. The golf ball brush of claim 8, wherein:

the plurality of bristles comprise one or more bristle packs.

12. The golf ball brush of claim 8, wherein:

the attachment member is positioned on an opposite side of the body portion than the plurality of bristles.

13. The golf ball brush of claim 8, wherein:

attachment member comprises a loop, a hook, a carabiner, a clip, a button, a magnet, a hook and loop fastener, or a combination thereof.

14. The golf ball brush of claim 8, wherein:

the plurality of bristles comprise plastic, metal, nylon, polyester, animal hair, bronze, brass, and/or ceramics.

15. A marker holder comprising:

an s-shaped body having a first side and a second side;

the first side comprises a receiving slot, wherein the receiving slot is configured to snugly and removably receive a golf ball member and wherein the receiving slot is defined by a pair of opposing spaced flanges extending from the s-shaped flat body forming the first side;

the second side forms a clip extending along a center wall whereby a portion of user's article of clothing may be inserted between the clip and user.

16. The marker holder of claim 15, wherein:

the user's article of clothing comprises a belt, a belt seam, a hat, a shirt, a waistline, or a combination thereof.

17. The marker holder of claim 15, wherein:

the marker holder is a single, unitary piece of plastic.

18. The marker holder of claim 15, wherein:

the marker holder is a single, unitary piece of metal.

19. The marker holder of claim 15, wherein:

the golf ball member comprises a golf ball marker or a golf ball tee.

20. A single-handed actuated golf ball positioning tool, comprising:

an elongated body terminating at a first distal end and a second distal end wherein the first and second distal ends are spaced-apart;

first and second cupping members extending divergently outward from the second distal end of the elongated body, wherein at least one of the first and second cupping members is movable relative to the other of the first and second cupping members to shift the first and second cupping members between open and closed configurations and wherein the first and second cupping members are configured to releasably retain a golf ball;

a handle operatively coupled to the first distal end of the elongated hollow body wherein the handle is configured to push and pull a shaft to shift the first and second cupping members from the closed configuration to the open configuration;

an elastic member configured to bias the shaft to assist a user in opening and/or closing the first and second cupping members.

21. The golf ball positioning tool of claim 20, wherein:

the first cupping member comprises a receiving slot configured to removably receive a golf tee therein.

22. The golf ball positioning tool of claim 20, wherein:

the elongated body includes a folding joint operatively coupled a portion of the elongated body positioned between the first and second distal ends.

23. The golf ball positioning tool of claim 20, wherein:

the handle is a T-handle.