And Turf Repair Tool Or Ball Retriever Patents (Class 473/286)
  • Patent number: 11571612
    Abstract: A divot repair tool for fixing divots in the playing surface made while playing golf. The tool is attached to the grip of a golf club and used to replace and fix divots in the grass. The club allows the tool to be extended to the ground without bending over or squatting down, thus reducing sports related injuries. The divot repair tool includes removable prongs and blade that can be used to fix the divot holes using a levering motion or a rotational motion. The divot repair tool can include an automated motorized embodiment that can rotate the tool and the individual prongs to repair the divot holes. Both versions can press the divot material up against a flat surface of the tool to further flatten the playing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventor: Ryan Harland Tarrant
  • Patent number: 11504586
    Abstract: A golf club head with a channel sized to receive one or more adjustable weights and an external support structure that bridges, and thereby supports, the channel without unduly interfering with weight adjustment is disclosed herein. The support structure, which includes one or more stiffening members on the exterior of the golf club head, improves the sound quality of the golf club head, and is particularly useful to attenuate the lower frequency mode shapes associated with slider channel geometry in golf club heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.
    Inventors: Dominic LeBlanc, Christopher A. G. Nunez, Brandon D. DeMille
  • Patent number: 10905928
    Abstract: A putter-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, includes a blade portion having a striking face, a top line, and a sole, the striking face in turn including a face center. The club head further includes a rear portion in communication with, and rearward of, the blade portion, and it includes an alignment element rearward of, and recessed toward the sole from, the top line. The alignment element defines a virtual center line segment oriented in a substantially front-to-rear direction at a height between 19 mm and 24 mm from a lowermost point of the sole, the center line segment having a length no less than 34 mm and being not spaced more than 10 mm from a virtual vertical plane passing through the face center and extending generally perpendicular to the striking face. A width of the club head is no less than 3.0 in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Adam K. Sheldon, Mika Becktor
  • Patent number: 10286261
    Abstract: A ball retriever base includes an upper surface, a lower surface for coupling to a walking stick or pole. The base includes two prongs extending away from the base with each of the two prongs having a contoured upper surface forming first and second seats sized to receive first and second ball sizes. The two prongs may be made of a flexible material so that when a ball having a weight of at least 1 pound falls into place between the two prongs, the base produces an audible “snap” to indicate the ball is properly seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Urioste Sports and Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Urioste, Nathan Jon Urioste, Martin Miguel Vasquez
  • Patent number: 9180352
    Abstract: A multi-sport apparatus is provided including a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion includes a hingedly attached hinge portion moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration a longitudinal axis of the hinge portion extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head portion. In the second configuration the longitudinal axis of the hinge portion extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: BABAK FORUTANPOUR
    Inventor: Babak Forutanpour
  • Patent number: 8956239
    Abstract: An apparatus which uses a club having a head portion and a shaft. Integrated with the head portion is a golf ball holder. The golf ball holder is capable of gripping and holding a golf ball with a predetermined force requirement for release, which requires the user to execute a proper golf swing to release the ball. The predetermined force requirement may be adjustable. The user also may vary the angle of the club face on various planes relative to the shaft, thereby changing the swing required to release the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Swing Sensei, LLC
    Inventor: William Parks
  • Patent number: 8858354
    Abstract: A golf putter ball-marker handling system uses distance of a magnet from the marker to control whether the marker is captured or dropped. The golf putter preferably also has a ball-handling system that captures a ball in an aperture in the club head by sliding a ball-engagement pin into the aperture and underneath the ball. Both the marker-handling system and the ball-handling system are actuated at generally the same time by an actuation system that is controlled by a single handle at or near the club grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: Hyong Kun Pak, Jerry Wayde Johnson
  • Patent number: 8852018
    Abstract: A method for retrieving a golf ball employs a gripper with a magnetic coupling. The coupling has a cavity containing a magnet. The magnet has a field strength adequate to hold onto a vertical surface of an unmagnetized metal object while a golf ball is held in the gripper. The magnetic coupling is magnetically attached a non-magnetized head of a golf club. In operation, downward force is applied through the golf club to depress the magnetic coupling in order to encompass and grip the golf ball with the gripper. The head of the club is lifted and the golf ball removed from the gripper. The device can be stored by clipping it to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: James Hanley
  • Patent number: 8845447
    Abstract: The golf putter attachment is an apparatus that is able to grasp golf balls from hard-to-reach places and is able to prop up the grip of a golf putter. The apparatus includes a grip insert, two separate bodies, a locking mechanism, a hinge, a thumbnail opener, a suction cup, and a ball marker. The grip insert attaches the apparatus to a golf putter. The suction cup is used to grasp a golf ball by using the full length of a golf putter. The locking mechanism allows the two bodies to attach and detach from each other, which allows the two bodies to reconfigure themselves and prop up the golf putter. The thumbnail opener can separate the two bodies, and the hinge keeps the two bodies adjoined while the two bodies are separated. The ball marker is detachable component used to mark the location of a golf ball during a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: William Gardiner, Timothy Carr
  • Patent number: 8801534
    Abstract: Disclosed is an attachment for a club. In example embodiments the attachment may be configured to fit at an end of the club, for example, a golf club. In example embodiments, the attachment may include a crown and a body. In example embodiments, the body may be configured to capture a golf ball or, in the alternative, a golf club or a flag stick. In example embodiments the body may include a first aperture and a second aperture wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are substantially aligned with one another and configured to accommodate at least one of the golf club and the flag stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Graball Golf Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy Rydberg
  • Patent number: 8777775
    Abstract: The mallet putter head in this present invention is comprised of a body cast in 304 stainless steel having a smooth putting face with a 3 degree loft and also balancing weights starting at the putter face and continuing to the rear curve of the putter head giving a proper look, weight and feel. There are three painted grooves perpendicular to the putter face to assist the golfer in aligning the putter to the intended line of the putt. A hole just smaller than a golf ball is also provided that will assist the golfer in aligning the putt. The sole of the putter is curved to permit easy movement of the putter head in the pendulum swing and also in or out in front of the body. The rear end of the putter allows the golfer to pick up a golf ball, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Lyle Dean Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140135142
    Abstract: A golf club accessory stand is characterized by a unitary frame having retractable lower end and an extendable upper end. The retracted lower end of the leg is inserted into the ground and the extendable upper end has a receptacle to retrieve a golf ball from the water. The stand is lightweight and used by a golfer to support a number of golf clubs when the golfer is separated from his golf bag. The accessory stand includes a removable cup holder, cigarette holder and cigar holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Wilson David, SR.
  • Patent number: 8657351
    Abstract: The GOLF DISC AND FLYING DISC AND MULTIPURPOSE PICK UP TOOL is a lightweight, collapsible, segmented shaft fitted with a durable suction cup. The suction cup provides a vacuum adhesion on either side, or any location, on the golf disc or flying disc or other generally flat and smooth objects. The disc or object can then be picked up (retrieved) from any surface or obstacle within reach. A flick of the finger to the suction cup edge breaks the vacuum and the tool and disc or object are separated. The tool can be deployed and used with one hand. The tool can be carried and used as extended or folded and stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Allen Johnson
  • Patent number: 8632415
    Abstract: In one embodiment of a putter the putter comprises a head, a cap, at least one brush insert, and a handle. The brush insert(s) may be positioned between the head and cap and retained by the engagement of the cap with the head. The head and cap may be formed with respective ball apertures such that a golf ball may pass through those apertures. The brush insert, which is replaceable, may be formed with a plurality of radially oriented brushes having distal ends extending inward. The putter may be used to retrieve a golf ball from a golf cup by lowering the putter into the cup and forcing the golf ball into the brush insert. Subsequently removing the golf ball coupled with inserting the golf ball into the brush insert cleans the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: John T. Smith
  • Patent number: 8616994
    Abstract: A multi-purpose golf accessory that incorporates various golfing related functions is disclosed. The golf accessory may comprise a retractable divot fork, a ball marker, a level, a cleaning pad, a nylon brush, a stroke counter, or any combination thereof. The divot fork may be attached to a brush head that comprises one or more brushes, an abrasive brush, an abrasive surface for maintaining golf balls, or any combination thereof. The brush head may be attached within a brush head cover that comprises a counter, tee holders, therapeutic magnets, or any combination thereof. The multi-purpose golf accessory and the brush cover are configured to be attachable to a golfer's belt, other piece of clothing, or a golf bag for convenient carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Yeonwook Kwon, Woojoo Kwon
  • Patent number: 8523699
    Abstract: A golf ball lifting device is provided comprising: a golf ball gripper with a mechanical feature and a magnetic feature; and a gripper mount for attachment to a golf club. The mount has a mechanical feature and a magnetic feature. The mechanical and magnetic features of the gripper and mount are arranged for mutual cooperation, the mechanical and magnetic cooperation together assisting to maintain engagement between the gripper and mount when the gripper is mounted on the mount. The mount magnetic feature is arranged to enable the picking up of a magnetic golf ball marker, at least when the gripper is not mounted on the mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Northcroft Golf Limited
    Inventor: John H. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8512163
    Abstract: A golfing accessory having a golf club handle holder, a divot repair tool, and a golf ball marker retainer. The accessory has a pair of prongs attached to each end of its body. The first end having prongs that form a U-shape adapted to cradle a golf club handle. The opposite end of the accessory has a second set of prongs attached thereto that form a V-shape, divot repair tool. When the second end of the accessory is planted into the ground, a collapsible stand may be extended and a golf club handle may be laid upon the device to provide a stable way to hold the club aloft above the soil. The middle portion of the accessory's body contains a round cut-out for storing a golf ball marker of predetermined size and shape. This cut-out is lined with a magnetic material to facilitate retention of a marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Ulysses McDowell, Larry McDowell
  • Patent number: 8414416
    Abstract: A golf accessory system having a main shaft, a divot repair tool, and a beveled or pointed cover removably attached. A shaft extension is removably attached to the first end, and a ball retriever component is disposed on the first end of the extension. A divot-pressing component is on the top end of the ball retriever. The system also features first and second scooper shafts, wherein the first ends are pivotally attached to the main shaft via a hinge and the second ends are curved towards the first end of the main shaft. The scooper shafts can pivot between at least a vertical and horizontal position. Scoops on the second end of the scooper shaft which are half-pipe in shape with an apex, wherein the apex is attached to the second end of the scooper shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130072318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a golf ball retrieval device configured for retrofit to a putter grip. An exemplary embodiment generally takes the form of a cylinder having an interior space defined on one end, i.e. the golf ball receiving end, by a front diameter large enough to receive a golf ball and, on the opposite end of the interior space, i.e. the golf ball retention end, a rear diameter small enough to prevent a received golf ball from passing through. In some embodiments, the interior surface slopes from the front diameter back to the rear diameter. As such, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the interior surface of some embodiments operates to substantially define a space in the shape of a frustum. Advantageously, embodiments of a golf ball retrieval device receive, retain, and release a golf ball by leveraging only gravitational forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Brewer
  • Patent number: 8342983
    Abstract: A golf putter comprising a body including a front face, and a rearward member joined to and extending rearwardly from the body and comprising a lower region, and a first cleat and a second cleat extending downwardly from the lower region. The first and second cleats may be positioned to extend downwardly along first and second cleat axes, such that a line segment extending between the cleat axes is parallel to the front face of the club body. The putter may be further comprised of a shaft joined to a top portion of the body and having a central axis which intersects a line segment extending from a junction of the first cleat with the lower region of the rearward member to a junction of the second cleat with the lower region of the rearward member. The central axis of the shaft may be substantially perpendicular to the line segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: D&M Precision, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel C. Jeffres
  • Patent number: 8337322
    Abstract: A device for a game, the device attachable to a playing means and including a substantially annular gripping portion surrounding an inner member, said gripping portion including a first and a second end, the arrangement being such that with said first and second ends urged towards one another the gripping portion squeezes the inner member to more securely grip the playing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Ivor Harper
  • Publication number: 20120289355
    Abstract: A golf ball lifting device is provided comprising: a golf ball gripper with a mechanical feature and a magnetic feature; and a gripper mount for attachment to a golf club. The mount has a mechanical feature and a magnetic feature. The mechanical and magnetic features of the gripper and mount are arranged for mutual cooperation, the mechanical and magnetic cooperation together assisting to maintain engagement between the gripper and mount when the gripper is mounted on the mount. The mount magnetic feature is arranged to enable the picking up of a magnetic golf ball marker, at least when the gripper is not mounted on the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: NORTHCROFT GOLF LIMITED
    Inventor: John H. BENNETT
  • Patent number: 8277332
    Abstract: A golf ball pick-up device includes a body, which has a shape that allows the body to form a frame with a head of the golf club. The body has an end forming a clamping section that defines an internal receiving space. The clamping section also forms a sideway opening in communication with the receiving space. The clamping section uses the opening to lead a shaft of the golf club into the receiving space, so as to allow the clamping section to fit over and thus retain on the shaft of the golf club. A user may then use the frame formed by the body and the head of the golf club to pick up a golf ball, especially a ball that falls in a sand trap or a water hazard where hands may not reach to pick up the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: I-Chung Liu
  • Patent number: 8246480
    Abstract: An apparatus which uses a club having a head portion and a shaft. Integrated with the head portion is a shaped recess with a golf ball holder. The golf ball holder is capable of gripping and holding a golf ball with a predetermined force requirement for release, which requires the user to execute a proper golf swing to release the ball. The predetermined force requirement may be adjustable. The user also may vary the angle of the club face on various planes relative to the shaft, thereby changing the swing required to release the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Swing Sensei, LLC
    Inventors: Willam Parks, Harpreet Suri
  • Publication number: 20120208652
    Abstract: A golf ball-grabbing device including a cap affixable at the longitudinal extremity of the grip of a putter shaft and having a single central opening therethrough with finger-receiving guide notches therearound, and a movable grabber assembly having (a) a base member shaped to be movably retained within the shaft below the cap and (b) at least three non-destructibly resiliently-deformable resiliently-deformable strip-like fingers each having a proximal end secured to the base member, an arcuate ball-grabbing portion, and a distal end terminating in a camming member having a substantially-planar ball-engagable face, each finger slidably engaged within one of the notches. The movable grabber assembly is slidable with respect to the cap between a non-use position in which the arcuate portions of the fingers are contained only by the shaft and a use position in which the arcuate portions of the fingers are deployed outside the shaft and above the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Bernhard Kaluza, Ralph Rhein
  • Patent number: 8192293
    Abstract: A method for predicting a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Scott Denton, Joseph Balardeta
  • Publication number: 20120135817
    Abstract: Golf accessory are presented including: a body having a front face, a rear face, a distal end, and a proximal end; a thumb indent disposed along the front face of the body, the thumb indent configured to provide a surface area for a user's thumb; a tamping portion configured to tamp a divot or ball mark during a divot or ball mark repair operation, the tamping portion disposed along the rear face along the proximal end, the tamping portion extending away from the rear face; an elongated repair prong extending away from the proximal end, the elongated repair prong configured for use in the divot or ball mark repair operation; and an object rest disposed along the distal end, the object rest including a shape receptive to at least a golf club shaft. In some embodiments, the elongated repair prong further includes a taper, the taper narrowing away from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Gary Lee Paustenbach
  • Publication number: 20120115629
    Abstract: A golfing accessory having a golf club handle holder, a divot repair tool, and a golf ball marker retainer. The accessory has a pair of prongs attached to each end of its body. The first end having prongs that form a U-shape adapted to cradle a golf club handle. The opposite end of the accessory has a second set of prongs attached thereto that form a V-shape, divot repair tool. When the second end of the accessory is planted into the ground, a collapsible stand may be extended and a golf club handle may be laid upon the device to provide a stable way to hold the club aloft above the soil. The middle portion of the accessory's body contains a round cut-out for storing a golf ball marker of predetermined size and shape. This cut-out is lined with a magnetic material to facilitate retention of a marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Ulysses McDowell, Larry McDowell
  • Publication number: 20120115630
    Abstract: Prongs of a divot repair tool that is secured to a golf club are repeatedly inserted into the turf and removed from the turf surrounding a ball mark to repair the turf without requiring the user to bend over. The divot repair tool includes a base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top, and a bottom opposite the top. At least one prong extends from the first end. A vertical portion extends from the base and is substantially perpendicular to the base. A magnet is secured within the base portion to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, SR.
  • Patent number: 8161612
    Abstract: A broken tee extractor has a bulbous handle portion and a pair of tweezer arms extending downwardly from the bulbous handle portion. A narrow neck extends upwardly from the bulbous handle portion. A platform terminates the narrow neck and is supported by the narrow neck. A tee pulling member is mounted to the platform and a notch is formed between a pair of hook arms. The tee pulling member comprises the pair of hook arms and the notch. The broken tee extractor also has a pair of points disposed on the pair of tweezer arms. The pair of points are oriented inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Man-Young Jung
  • Publication number: 20120064988
    Abstract: A golf putter head a putter head body. The letterhead body has a putter base, a putter top, a putter striking face, and a putter rear wall. A hosel connection is mounted on the putter head. An opening is sized to receive a standard regulation golf ball and a rim formed at the entrance of the opening. An inside surface of an opening wall provides a tee hole having a substantially horizontal direction and is sized to receive a standard tee. The tee hole communicates with the opening. The tee hole is positioned to allow ejecting of a golf ball within the opening, when the tee is pressed into the tee hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Andreas Raab
  • Patent number: 8123625
    Abstract: An apparatus for sporting equipment includes a housing. An inlet orifice is disposed on a first side of the housing for enabling a volume of air to enter the housing in response to the housing being passed through the air generally about a plane defining a swing. An exhaust orifice disposed on a second side of the housing for enabling the volume of air to exit the housing to produce a sound indicative of a path of the housing about the plane. Means joins the housing to the sporting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. Martovitz, Barbara A. Martovitz
  • Publication number: 20120046122
    Abstract: A multi-purpose golf accessory that incorporates various golfing related functions is disclosed. The golf accessory may comprise a retractable divot fork, a ball marker, a level, a cleaning pad, a nylon brush, a stroke counter, or any combination thereof. The divot fork may be attached to a brush head that comprises one or more brushes, an abrasive brush, an abrasive surface for maintaining golf balls, or any combination thereof. The brush head may be attached within a brush head cover that comprises a counter, tee holders, therapeutic magnets, or any combination thereof. The multi-purpose golf accessory and the brush cover are configured to be attachable to a golfer's belt, other piece of clothing, or a golf bag for convenient carry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Yeonwook KWON, Woojoo Kwon
  • Patent number: 8109838
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with a three-dimensional alignment member and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Leslie J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8052542
    Abstract: A ball retriever for use on golf balls by being selectively positioned on the head of a golf club iron. The ball retriever defines an open cup having contoured side walls with a cutaway area where for visibility during use. A powerful magnet is secured within the base of the cup providing magnetic attraction and selective positioning and removal attachment on to any ferrous metal club head face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: George Cepin
  • Publication number: 20110183774
    Abstract: A golf ball pick-up device includes a body, which has a shape that allows the body to form a frame with a head of the golf club. The body has an end forming a clamping section that defines an internal receiving space. The clamping section also forms a sideway opening in communication with the receiving space. The clamping section uses the opening to lead a shaft of the golf club into the receiving space, so as to allow the clamping section to fit over and thus retain on the shaft of the golf club. A user may then use the frame formed by the body and the head of the golf club to pick up a golf ball, especially a ball that falls in a sand trap or a water hazard where hands may not reach to pick up the ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: I-CHUNG LIU
  • Patent number: 7951014
    Abstract: A device for picking up balls or golf balls (10) is disposed in the region of the grip (11) of a club (12). It includes several holding elements, which are displaceable under the effect of at least one resilient element from a rest position on the grip into an actuatable position in which they are capable of picking up the golf ball. By the holding element being at least two gripping arms (13, 14), which are fitted into each other in the rest position under the effect of at least one resilient element, a compact device for picking up that is simple to operate is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Werner Nickel
  • Patent number: 7946926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to shot tracking. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and system for tracking shots of a golfer during a round of golf. One aspect of the present invention is a system for automatically tracking a golf club swung by a golfer. The system comprises a plurality of golf clubs. Each of the plurality of golf clubs comprises a device attached to a grip which is attached to a shaft which is attached to a golf club head. The device comprises a power source, a shock switch and a RFID component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7942756
    Abstract: A golf tool capable of performing multiple manipulation tasks associated with the play of the game of golf has a body of a first material and inserts of a second material. The inserts are user removable and replaceable relative to the body of the golf tool. The inserts will be associated with tasks which require a relatively strong and durable material in order to ensure an acceptable life span for performance of their respective tasks. Cutting or scrapping operations are such tasks. The use of durable inserts provide for the body of the golf tool to be considerable less expensive to manufacture using lighter and softer materials than that material utilized for the inserts. Replacement of the insert with a replacement insert, supplied with the golf tool, is an option when the respective deployed insert becomes worn or dull. Removal of certain inserts provide for easier sharpening of cutting edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth Neu
  • Patent number: 7922596
    Abstract: A putter and golf ball deformity measuring apparatus is described. A putter head comprises a front portion, a rear portion, a bottom portion defining an oblong through hole, and a containment area above the oblong through hole sized and shaped to surround at least a portion of a golf ball without gripping the golf ball, the containment area defined between the front portion and the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Andrew Brothers LLC
    Inventors: Essay Anne Vanderbilt, Gerolin Jordan
  • Publication number: 20110053701
    Abstract: There is provided a golf ball retriever that is easy to install and convenient for any golfer, eliminating the need to bend over when retrieving a ball. The ball-retrieval system may be integrated into a golf club shaft or grip portion without interference to use of the golf club. The device can be used with any golf club, such as a putter, to retrieve a golf ball from the ground or within the cup. The system also allows the release of the golf ball after retrieval. The device includes a ball retrieval cup sized and formed of a material to allow it to flex around the diameter of the golf ball and frictionally engage the ball. The cup further allows the ball to be released by the application of a force thereto. A magnetic mounting system attachment to a golf club is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Larry J. Eddings
  • Publication number: 20110053700
    Abstract: A golf club that picks up a golf ball, sets the golf ball on a tee and may be used to hit the golf ball by providing an opening in the golf club head for entrance of the golf ball which through a series of inclining and declining planes and bumpers the ball rolls into the back of the golf club via a push down motion, thence the golf club can be picked up, held above the tee, and with a turn of the wrist the golf ball can be set upon the tee for driving by the same golf club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Robert DAgostino
  • Patent number: 7883427
    Abstract: A device for tracking a golfer's shot during a round of golf wherein the device comprises a housing composed of a polymer material, the housing having a main body and a projection body extending from the main body, the projection body having a length ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm and a diameter ranging from 20 mm to 25 mm, a battery, a microprocessor and an accelerometer. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
  • Patent number: 7850539
    Abstract: A retrieval apparatus for retrieving golf balls is disclosed. The retrieval apparatus may be attached to a golf club handle and may include a flexible collar disposed for attachment around the golf club handle. The retrieval apparatus may also include a pair of tines projecting distally from a neck portion and the collar wherein the neck portion bridges the collar to the pair of tines and, wherein the tines define a substantially circular forked carrier for holding the golf ball. The tines may also include a sloped surface on each of the tines disposed to lift the golf ball and guide the golf ball into the forked carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Quinn
  • Patent number: 7846036
    Abstract: A golf putter head includes an opening, a deflectable plate and a cutout. The opening is located behind a putter face, and is larger than a golf ball. The deflectable plate is coupled to the golf putter head, with a first end of the deflectable plate projecting into the opening. The cutout is located above the deflectable plate, the cutout having a width that is greater than or equal to a width of the deflectable plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20100173722
    Abstract: A golf ball pick-up tool includes a supporting shaft and a resilient golf ball hook attached to the supporting shaft. The resilient golf ball hook defines an opening of an original size smaller than a diameter of a golf ball. Upon application of a force, such as by pressing the tool over a golf ball, the resilient golf ball hook is displaceable to an enlarged size larger than the diameter of the golf ball. Upon cessation of the force, the resilient golf ball hook resiliently returns to the original size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Patrick Mallory Horne
  • Publication number: 20100160063
    Abstract: A device for a game, the device attachable to a playing means and including a substantially annular gripping portion surrounding an inner member, said gripping portion including a first and a second end, the arrangement being such that with said first and second ends urged towards one another the gripping portion squeezes the inner member to more securely grip the playing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Ivor Harper
  • Patent number: 7731601
    Abstract: A pitch-mark repair tool to be carried by a golf club (e.g., a putter) to enable a golfer to quickly and easily repair an impact area at a putting green of a golf course caused by the impact of a golf ball striking the green during play. The pitch-mark repair tool includes a base to be affixed to the grip which surrounds one end of the golf club shaft. A plurality of upstanding earth leveling prongs project from the base for use in lifting up the earth to a level, smooth surface over the impact area to be repaired. A fastener having a set of helically wound screw threads extends through the base and the grip for receipt in the existing vent hole of the grip for holding the base against the grip. An end cap is detachably connected in surrounding engagement with the base to enclose the upstanding prongs therewithin and thereby prevent injury to the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Hugh V. Penton
  • Patent number: 7713135
    Abstract: A golf pitch mark repairer (101) is adapted to be removably retained on an extremity of a golf club, thereby allowing a golfer to utilize the reach afforded by the golf club to facilitate repair of the pitch mark. The pitch mark repairer (101) comprises a sleeve (103) for receiving the golf club extremity, and a retaining mechanism in the form of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) adapted to resist movement of the golf club relative to the pitch mark repairer (101). The golf club extremity is inserted with a sliding collar (117) positioned towards closed end (105) of sleeve (103). The sleeve (103) comprises windows (116a, 116b) through which respective portions of resilient tabs (111a, 111b) are urged to protrude outwardly when the golf club extremity is inserted. Thereafter the sliding collar (117) is engaged by sliding it along the sleeve (103) towards its open end (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Northcroft Golf Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Bailey, Paul Simpson
  • Patent number: 7713136
    Abstract: An adapter that consist of a cylinder that contains three flat springs shaped to fit around a golf ball and a spring retainer. A golfer can permanently insert the adapter into the butt end of a golf putter shaft without the use of tools. The adapter is comprised of a cylinders with it's out side diameter slightly larger than the inside diameter of the butt end of a putter shaft. When the adapter is inserted into the butt end of a golf putter shaft with the springs positioned in the adapter, the springs will not interfere with the golfer while putting The three flat springs are shaped and spaced slightly smaller than a golf ball when extended to pick up a golf ball. To position the springs to pick up a golf ball, the golfer manually pulls the main spring out of the adapter to a stop that positions the three springs to the proper length to pick up a golf ball. For a golfer to pick up a golf ball, the golfer positions the springs over a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Nicholas Colucci