Golf accessory

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a golf ball retrieval and marking device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Golfing is a very popular sport that is enjoyed by people of many different ages. When playing a round of golf, the golf ball can be retrieved in many different situations, such as when putting. The golf ball is often retrieved, and its location is marked, when other golfers are putting. The golf ball is then positioned near the mark when it is the golfers turn to putt, and the mark is retrieved.

However, it can be difficult for a golfer to bend over and position and retrieve a golf ball and mark, especially when playing many holes. For example, it is often difficult for an elderly or injured golfer to bend at the waist and knees, and it generally becomes more difficult the longer the golfer plays. A golf ball retriever can be used to retrieve a golf ball without having to bend over and pick it up. Examples of golf ball retrievers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,811,980, 5,328,174, 5,509,658 and 5,800,280. However, these golf ball retrievers do not alleviate the need to position and retrieve the mark.

The present invention employs a golf accessory which operates as a golf ball retrieval and marking device. The golf accessory includes a lower opening for receiving the golf ball, and grasping arms for holding the ball therein. The golf accessory also includes an arm which carries a magnet, wherein the magnet allows a mark to be repeatably coupled to and decoupled from the golf accessory. The mark is repeatably moveable between positions coupled to and decoupled from the magnet in response to movement of the arm. The magnet is moved away from the mark in response to the golf ball being received by the lower opening and the golf ball moving the arm away from the lower opening. The mark falls to the ground in response to the magnet being moved away from it, and marks the location of the golf ball. In this way, the ball can be retrieved and its location marked in a single motion. The arm can be moved towards the lower opening so the golf ball is pushed out. When the arm is positioned proximate to the lower opening, the mark can be magnetically coupled to the magnet, and the above steps can be repeated.

The present invention provides a method of marking the location of a ball, wherein the method includes providing a golf accessory that includes an arm which carries the magnet, and a mark which is repeatably moveable between positions coupled to and decoupled from the magnet. The method also includes engaging the arm with the ball so the arm moves the magnet away from the mark, and the mark is allowed to fall.

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a golf accessory, wherein the method includes providing a golf accessory body with a first opening sized and shaped to receive a ball; providing an arm which carries a magnet; and positioning the arm so it is engaged by the ball when the ball moves through the first opening.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a golf accessory, in accordance with the invention, for retrieving a golf ball and marking its location.

FIG. 1b is a bottom view of the golf accessory of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 1c is a cut-away perspective view of the golf accessory of FIG. 1a showing an arm and guide rails.

FIG. 1d is a cut-away perspective view of the golf accessory of FIG. 1a showing guide rails and graspers.

FIG. 1e is a side view of the golf accessory of FIG. 1a, showing a mark coupled to a magnet.

FIGS. 1f and 1g are side views of the golf accessory of FIG. 1a, showing a mark decoupled to and decoupled from, respectively, the magnet.

FIGS. 2a and 2b are side views of another embodiment of a golf accessory, showing the mark decoupled to and decoupled from, respectively, a magnet.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a golf accessory, in accordance with the invention, for teeing a golf ball.

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Previous Patent Application:
Method and apparatus for striking golf balls simulating the angular stances frequently found during play on a course
Next Patent Application:
Golf club
Industry Class:
Games using tangible projectile

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