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Golf pitch mark repair toolRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Golf, Player Manipulated Turf Repair ToolGolf pitch mark repair tool description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070202967, Golf pitch mark repair tool. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Design Pat. No. 29/232,720, titled "Golf Pitch Mark Repair Tool," executed Jun. 23, 2005, in the name of the same inventor, Express Mail No. ER674653814US. This design application is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to a golf pitch mark repair tool. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] When a golf ball lands hard on a putting green, the golf ball can make a ball mark on the green. In the jargon of golf, this mark is called a "pitch mark." [0006] Putting greens are supposed to provide a uniform putting surface. Unrepaired pitch marks mar this surface. For this reason, part of golf etiquette is to repair pitch marks left by one's golf balls on greens. [0007] Unfortunately, many people repair pitch marks improperly. They use a pitch mark repair tool that has two prongs much like a fork. They insert the prongs of this tool beside and under the pitch mark, and then pry and/or twist up the center of the pitch mark with the repair tool. [0008] Inserting the prongs of the repair tool can cut the roots of the grass at the pitch mark. Prying up the center of the pitch mark further damages the grass and also exposes the soil under the mark. As a result, the grass is likely to die, resulting in a marred putting surface. [0009] The dead grass at improperly repaired pitch marks can take around three weeks to heal, during which time a significant number of pitch marks can accumulate. This presents a serious challenge for greens keepers and golf course owners. [0010] A proper method exists for repairing pitch marks that does not kill the grass. This method involves inserting a repair tool just outside of the pitch mark and then pulling turf over the center of the pitch mark. However, even with this method, the prongs of a repair tool can still cut the roots of the grass, which can kill the grass. [0011] Professional golfers sometimes use a tee instead of a two-pronged repair tools. When the proper method is performed using a tee, the grass tends not to be killed. The tee tends not to cut the roots of the grass, but rather aerates the soil, which can even promote healing. However, few regular golfers use a tee in this manner to repair pitch marks. [0012] Applicant is aware of one pitch mark repair tool that has been designed in an attempt to promote proper repair of pitch marks. This tool is the "GreenFix.RTM. Wizard." Information about the tool can be found at greenfixgolf.com. However, the tool has several drawbacks. First, the GreenFix.RTM. Wizard has a two-pronged end for insertion near a pitch mark. This two-pronged end will still cut grass roots. Second, the tool is designed so that a person's thumb and index finger rest near the two-pronged end, with the thumb on top and the index finger on the bottom of the tool. This arrangement places a person's index finger at a nearly perfect location to be used as a fulcrum for prying up the center of a pitch mark. Therefore, even though the tool is marked with an instruction to "Just Push!" the design of the tool might actually encourage improper prying. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] Accordingly, what is needed is a repair tool that promotes proper repair of pitch marks and that does not cut the roots of the grass when the proper method is used. [0014] One embodiment of the invention that addresses this need is a pitch mark repair tool that includes a base with a push ledge at one end and a location for a thumb positioned at least one third way across the base from the push ledge. Preferably the location for the thumb is an indentation or ridged area, the center of which is at least half way across the base from the push ledge. The tool also includes a single prong extending from the push ledge or from a portion of the base adjacent the push ledge. The single prong preferably has a diameter of a standard golf tee. [0015] The single prong decreases root damage when used properly. In addition, the position of the thumb location (e.g., indentation or ridged area) promotes such proper use. Thus, this repair tool is superior to existing pitch mark repair tools, including the GreenFix.RTM. Wizard tool. [0016] Another embodiment of the invention is a pitch mark repair tool that also includes a base with a push ledge at one end and a location for a thumb positioned at least one third way across the base from the push ledge. This embodiment further includes an opening in the base or push ledge for insertion of a golf tee so as to form a single prong extending from the base or push ledge. [0017] In some embodiments, the base further includes a through hole at an end opposite the push ledge and the single prong, for example for attachment to a key ring. The tool can be made of any suitably strong and durable material including but not limited to plastic, wood, or metal. [0018] In some embodiments, the base is shaped to have a flat profile when viewed side-on. In other embodiments, the base and the push ledge are shaped to have a profile of a corporate logo such as the Nike.RTM. "swoosh" when viewed side-on. Other shapes are possible. [0019] The invention also encompasses methods of using the foregoing embodiments. [0020] This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of the invention may be understood quickly. A more complete understanding of the invention may be obtained by reference to the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Continue reading about Golf pitch mark repair tool... Full patent description for Golf pitch mark repair tool Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Golf pitch mark repair tool patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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