FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM Not Applicable
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to sports equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a golf ball carrier providing tools for marking one or more golf balls with identifying and alignment aids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The main reason for golf ball marking is to provide a player with the ability to identify their ball on the odd occasion that it goes astray or if/when a player's ball ends up in the rough. Ball markings are also used for personal, corporate, or charity branding.
The rules of golf encourage a player to mark their golf ball(s) to ensure the player can identify and play their ball. Should a player find a ball in a hazard but be unable to positively identify it, the rules require the player to have to declare a lost ball with the related penalty of stroke and distance.
Playing someone else's ball will encounter a two stroke penalty in stroke play and the loss of a hole in match play. The penalty can be applied more than once on a hole if a player continues to play the wrong ball.
In addition to making it easier to identify, there is a multitude of other reasons for a manufacturer or player to mark golf balls such as personalization, marketing, and more.
Ball alignment is another common reason for the need for repeated ball marking. Golfers and manufacturers have added markings on the ball to aid in the alignment of the ball, especially on the green. This helps many players with their drives and putting.
The simplest and most flexible way of marking a golf ball is by using a permanent marker. This allows a player to place any mark that they deem necessary to enable them to identify their golf ball anywhere on their ball. There are many templates available that a player can use in combination with a permanent marker to leave a pattern of their choice on the ball for identification and/or alignment purposes.
The use of current marking tools on the market increase the amount of items in a golf bag and increase the complexity of an action that should be simple. Therefore, what is needed is a device that provides for the organization and storage of a plurality of golf balls and marking tools such as a template and marker.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device of the present invention is a golf ball carrier providing tools for marking one or more golf balls with identifying and alignment aids.
The present invention teaches a device where, in combination, packaging or a storage case contains and stores a plurality of golf balls, a template, and at least one marker.
The present invention teaches a plus sign and a three line template for marking a ball. The present invention has been further developed to include, in combination, a recess in the interior of the bottom body for retaining a permanent marker and further providing the addition of a template, which can be removably attached to the hinge, which can be rotated over the golf balls to enable easy marking. In this novel and non-obvious combination, a plurality of balls, the template, and a marker are stored in one, self-contained case, making for easy usage and transportation and storage in or attached to a golf bag.
Any template design can be used and molded into the movable template attached to the hinge as taught by the present invention and that these templates can be easily removed or interchanged.
The top and bottom sections are connected by a hinge, which also acts to retain a template. In this illustrations, the top body is illustrated as being a shell and not having individual and corresponding ball recesses for retaining a golf ball as well as providing the template for marking a side of a golf ball being retained within the template and corresponding bottom body recess. The illustrations also better depict the permanent marker recess molded into the template, which corresponds to the permanent marker recess molded into the interior of the bottom body for retaining a permanent marker.
In a closed configuration the body is divided into two equal top and bottom portions, and a front side is comprised of a recess for inserting fingers or fingernails to separate the top and bottom sections to open the case.
In an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker, the template can be moved in conjunction with the top body and how the template and its protrusions and recesses correspond and fit into the top body recess, as well as how the three golf balls and permanent maker are retained within their respective bottom body interior recesses.
Also, in an open configuration where, the template is moved into a position over the balls so they can be marked using the permanent marker.
In a closed configuration a hinge is located on the rear or back for opening and separating the top and bottom body to gain access to the stored balls, template, and marker.
The template is removable with respect to being enclosed between the top and bottom body sections. The template can be further comprised of a notch corresponding to the hinge which allows it to be removably inserted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.
FIG. 1 is a prior art example of markers and templates currently known in the prior art.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a first iteration of the present invention which is based on an AIRPOD case designed to hold or retain three golf balls.
FIG. 3 is an exemplary version of the present invention which teaches a plus sign template for marking a ball.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary version of the present invention which teaches a three parallel line template for marking a ball, and illustrating how balls can be marked using the stored marker.
FIG. 5 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top and bottom sections are connected by a hinge, which also acts to retain a template.
FIG. 6 illustrates the device of the present invention in a closed configuration.
FIG. 7 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker.
FIGS. 8-9 illustrate the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to illustrate the recesses molded into the internal bottom body for storing and retaining the golf balls and marker.
FIG. 10 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 11 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to illustrate the recesses molded into the internal top body for storing and retaining the golf balls and template.
FIG. 12 illustrates the device of the present invention in a closed configuration.
FIG. 13 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 14 illustrates and expanded view of the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker.
FIG. 15 illustrates the device of the present invention in a closed configuration and the recess for opening and separating the top and bottom body to gain access to the stored balls, template, and marker.
FIG. 16 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 17 illustrates the device of the present invention in a closed configuration and the hinge for opening and separating the top and bottom body to gain access to the stored balls, template, and marker.
FIG. 18 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body is rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker, where the template has been removed or separated from the device body, with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body is rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker, where the template has been removed or separated from the device body, with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 21 illustrates a top view the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body is rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker, where the template has been removed or separated from the device body, with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIGS. 22a-22e are engineering drawings of the top cover of the device of the present invention.
FIGS. 23a-23e are engineering drawings of the bottom cover of the device of the present invention.
FIGS. 24a-24e are engineering drawings of the inner tray of the device of the present invention.
FIGS. 25a-25e are engineering drawings of the inner stencil of the device of the present invention.
FIGS. 26a-26f are engineering drawings of the upper hinge of the device of the present invention.
FIGS. 27a-27d are engineering drawings of the lower hinge of the device of the present invention.
FIGS. 28a-28c are engineering drawings of the lower hinge of the device of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is an engineering drawing of the hinge pin of the device of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention.
The device of the present invention is a golf ball carrier providing tools for marking one or more golf balls with identifying and alignment aids.
FIG. 1 is a prior art example of markers and templates currently known in the prior art. The prior art features many products the assist of templates and markers or marker sets used for marking golf balls either for identification or as an alignment aid for putting or driving. Many such devices do not provide a storage and the template and markers are not easily contained and stored in a golf bag. Manufacturers have created packaging that provides for identification marking, but the packaging is still designed for retail shelves, not storage and transportation in a golf bag during use.
The present invention teaches a device where, in combination, packaging or a storage case contains and stores a plurality of golf balls, a template, and at least one marker. FIG. 2 is an illustration of a first iteration of the present invention which is based on an AIRPOD case designed to hold or retain three golf balls. This first iteration of the invention illustrates the need to provide storage for a plurality of balls first, and then how a marker and template may be incorporated into a storage case being used or inspired by other products on the market, like wireless ear buds such as AIRPODs. Here a storage case is made of a top and bottom body, hinged on one side, each body having corresponding internal recesses for retaining three golf balls.
FIG. 3 is an exemplary version of the present invention which teaches a plus sign template for marking a ball. Here the initial iteration of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2 has been further developed to include, in combination, a recess in the interior of the bottom body for retaining a marker and plurality of balls, such as a standard SHARPIE MINI, and further providing the addition of a template, which can be removably attached to the hinge, which can be rotated over the golf balls to enable easy marking. In this novel and non-obvious combination, a plurality of balls, the template, and a marker are stored in one, self-contained case, making for easy usage and transportation and storage in or attached to a golf bag.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary version of the present invention which teaches a three parallel line template for marking a ball, and illustrating how balls can be marked using the stored marker. Comparing FIG. 3 to FIG. 4, it is noted that any template design can be used and molded into the movable template attached to the hinge as taught by the present invention and that these templates can be easily removed or interchanged.
FIG. 5 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top and bottom sections are connected by a hinge, which also acts to retain a template. In this illustration, the top body is illustrated as being a shell and not having individual and corresponding ball recesses as taught by the initial embodiment of FIG. 2, instead the rotating template has a corresponding shape for retaining a golf ball as well as providing the template for marking a side of a golf ball being retained within the template and corresponding bottom body recess. The illustration also better depicts the permanent marker recess molded into the template, which corresponds to the permanent marker recess molded into the interior of the bottom body for retaining a permanent marker.
FIGS. 6, 12, and 15 illustrate the device of the present invention in a closed configuration. Here the body is divided into two equal top and bottom portions, and a front side is comprised of a recess for inserting fingers or fingernails to separate the top and bottom sections to open the case.
FIG. 7 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker. Here the illustration shows how the template can be moved in conjunction with the top body and how the template and its protrusions and recesses correspond and fit into the top body recess, as well as how the three golf balls and permanent maker are retained within their respective bottom body interior recesses.
FIGS. 8-9 illustrate the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to illustrate the recesses molded into the internal bottom body for storing and retaining the golf balls and marker. Here the golf balls and permanent markers shown in the previous figures have been removed to better illustrate the internal recesses of the bottom body section.
FIGS. 10 and 13 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker with one ball having been marked using the template and marker. Here the permanent marker and template have been used to mark one ball with three lines.
FIG. 11 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to illustrate the recesses molded into the internal top body for storing and retaining the golf balls and template. Here the template is moved into a position over the balls so they can be marked using the permanent marker.
FIG. 14 illustrates and expanded view of the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker. FIG. 16 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
Here the illustrations show how each component of the present invention might interact with other components taught by the present invention.
FIG. 17 illustrates the device of the present invention in a closed configuration and the hinge located on the rear or back for opening and separating the top and bottom body to gain access to the stored balls, template, and marker.
FIG. 18 illustrates the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body and template are rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker with one ball having been marked using the template and marker. FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body is rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker, where the template has been removed or separated from the device body, with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body is rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker, where the template has been removed or separated from the device body, with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIG. 21 illustrates a top view the device of the present invention in an open configuration where the top body is rotated to allow access to the golf balls and marker, where the template has been removed or separated from the device body, with one ball having been marked using the template and marker.
FIGS. 18-21 illustrate how the template is removable with respect to being enclosed between the top and bottom body sections. FIGS. 18 and 21 also more clearly illustrate an embodiment with a notch in the template corresponding to the hinge which allows it to be removably inserted as shown in FIG. 20.
FIGS. 22a-22e are engineering drawings of the top cover of the device of the present invention. FIG. 22a illustrates the top cover in an upside down orientation illustrating a side view where the logo is to be recessed and have a high polish finish. FIG. 22b is a side view of the top cover with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 22c is a side cross sectional view along section A-A with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIGS. 22d and 22e are top and bottom side views where FIG. 22e is an interior/inner side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated showing screw. Magnet, and hinge pin locations and FIG. 22d is an exterior/outer side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated.
FIGS. 23a-23e are engineering drawings of the bottom cover of the device of the present invention. FIG. 23a illustrates the bottom cover in an upside down orientation. FIG. 23b is a side view of the bottom cover with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 23c is a side cross sectional view along section A-A with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIGS. 23d and 23e are top and bottom side views where FIG. 23e is an interior/inner side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated showing screw, magnet, and hinge pin locations and FIG. 23d is an exterior/outer side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated.
FIGS. 24a-24e are engineering drawings of the inner tray of the device of the present invention. FIG. 24a illustrates the inner tray and inside bowls in an upside down orientation with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 24b is a side view of the inner tray and inside bowls with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 24c is a side cross sectional view along section A-A with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIGS. 24d and 24e are top and bottom side views where FIG. 24e is an interior/inner side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated showing screw, magnet, and hinge pin locations and FIG. 24d is an exterior/outer side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated.
FIGS. 25a-25e are engineering drawings of the inner stencil of the device of the present invention. FIG. 25a illustrates the inner stencil in an upside down orientation with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 25b is a side view of the inner stencil with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 25c is a side cross sectional view along section A-A with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIGS. 25d and 25e are top and bottom side views where FIG. 25e is an interior/inner side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated showing screw, magnet, and hinge pin locations and FIG. 25d is an exterior/outer side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated.
FIGS. 26a-26f are engineering drawings of the upper hinge of the device of the present invention. The views illustrate the plurality of recessions and protrusions which engage and lower hinge and create the space for a hinge pin to be inserted locking the two hinges together. FIG. 26c is a side view with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 26e is a side cross sectional view along section A-A with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 26f illustrates the surfaces which are to have a cast finish.
FIGS. 27a-27d are engineering drawings of the lower hinge of the device of the present invention. The views illustrate the plurality of recessions and protrusions which engage and lower hinge and create the space for a hinge pin to be inserted locking the two hinges together. The figures have engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 27c is a side cross sectional view along section A-A with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated.
FIGS. 28a-28c are engineering drawings of the lower hinge of the device of the present invention. The views illustrate the plurality of recessions and protrusions which engage and lower hinge and create the space for a hinge pin to be inserted locking the two hinges together. The figures have engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated. FIG. 28b is a side cross sectional view along section A-A with engineering dimensions for an exemplary embodiment illustrated.
FIG. 29 is an engineering drawing of the hinge pin with chamfered edge of the device of the present invention.
Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
