US20160121180A1

US20160121180A1 - Divot repair tool

Info

Publication number: US20160121180A1
Application number: US14/693,108
Authority: US
Inventors: Conor Fallon
Original assignee: SANDGROUP INTERNATIONAL Ltd
Current assignee: SANDGROUP INTERNATIONAL Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-30
Filing date: 2015-04-22
Publication date: 2016-05-05
Also published as: US9381412B2; US9925437B2; WO2016069045A1; US20160121179A1; US20160193513A1; CN105561552A; CN105561552B; WO2016069059A1

Abstract

A divot repair tool includes an elongated main body having a raised lip section and an upper surface onto which one or more cavities are located. Each of the cavities including a first connector. One or more elongated prongs include a teardrop-shaped first end, and a second connector that removably engages the first connector of a single cavity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/072,883 filed on 30 Oct. 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to sporting goods, and more particularly to a device for use in the game of golf to repair divots.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
The game of golf is one of the most widely played sports activities in the world. Golf courses typically include either 9 or 18 holes, each comprising a teeing ground, a fairway area, one or more roughs (and other hazards), as well as a putting green where the hole is located.
Once the golf ball is on the green, a specialized golf club called a putter is used by the golfer. Putters are designed to strike a golf ball in a manner that keeps the ball on the ground, thereby ensuring greater accuracy. In this regard, it is important that the putting green be maintained with a smooth and uniform surface. However, putting greens can be damaged when golf balls are hit from a distance and drop onto the surface of the green. The landing of the ball can produce a depression/divot in the surface of the green, which can seriously affect the ability of the golfer to accurately putt.
There are several known tools for attempting to repair a divot. These tools typically include a plurality of straight shafts that are inserted into the turf at a 45 degree angle, until the distal end of the tool is located beneath the divot. At that time, the user must bend the device so that the portion of the tool under the damaged turf can move upward. This process must be repeated several times as the user must repeat the procedure in a circular pattern around the perimeter of the divot. Unfortunately, by repeatedly puncturing the turf surrounding the divot, these tools often create brown, dead patches of grass or bare exposed soil. This type of action tears the roots from the upper leaf and creates an air pocket between them. When this occurs, the turf is damaged and typically takes at least a month for the green to fully recover.
In addition to the above, golf courses employ groundskeepers who maintain the golf course. It is the responsibility of these groundskeepers to repair divot marks that are not corrected by the golfers. In this regard, groundskeepers utilize essentially the same tools as described above, and must bend down to address multiple divots each day. This process can be burdensome to the groundskeepers, as the constant bending can cause back pain and other discomfort over time.
Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a divot repair tool which can allow a user to quickly and easily repair divot marks without damaging the turf, as described above. Moreover, it would also be beneficial to provide a divot repair tool which can eliminate the need for the user to repeatedly bend and kneel to the ground in order to use the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a divot repair tool. One embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated main body having a raised lip section and an upper surface onto which one or more cavities are located. Each of the cavities can include a first connector for receiving an elongated prong. The invention can also include one or more elongated prongs which can have a teardrop shape first end, and a second connector that is configured to removably engage the first connector of a single cavity.
Another embodiment of the present invention can include a plurality of elongated prongs having identical or different shapes, sizes, construction materials and ends.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated wand that is removably secured to the bottom end of the main body.
This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of a divot repair tool that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main body of the divot repair tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front side view of an elongated prong of the divot repair tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the divot repair tool in operation, and in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the divot repair tool, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the divot repair tool, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention. Although described with respect to the game of golf, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting to any particular sport or usage, as many other applications are contemplated.
As described herein, the term “indicia” can include any type of decorative elements such as colors, markings, words, shapes, symbols, logos, designs, types of materials, texturing of materials, patterns, images, lithographs, photographs and/or jewels such as rubies, diamonds, emeralds and the like. The indicia can be secured onto and/or into the device elements in accordance with known techniques so as to be flush with the surface, or can be raised/protruding outward from the surface so as to give a three dimensional effect.
As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.
Identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.
FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of one embodiment of a divot repair tool 10 that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. As shown, the tool 10 can include a cap 15, a main body 20, and one or more elongated prongs 30.
The cap 15 can include an elongated, generally hollow member having a top end 15 a, a hollow middle section 15 b and a bottom end 15 c having an opening 15 d. The bottom end 15 c can include a dimension that corresponds to the lip of the main body described below. When inserted onto the main body 20, the cap 15 functions to enclose any inserted prongs 30, in order to prevent the same from causing injury or damage to persons and property when the device is not in use. The cap 15 can be constructed from any number of suitable materials such as plastic or metal, for example, and can include any desirable indicia.
Owing to the complementary diameters of the cap opening and the main body lid, the cap can preferably be snapped onto the main body and maintained in place by friction. Of course, other embodiments are also contemplated wherein a connector such as threaded elements, for example, can be included on both the cap and the main body.
FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the main body 20 that includes an elongated, member having a bottom end 21 a middle section 22, and a top end 23. A raised lip section 24 can extend upwards from the top end of the main body and can include an upper surface 25 having one or more cavities 26 disposed thereon. Each of the cavities 26 can function to engage an elongated prong 30, described below. In this regard, each of the cavities can include a first connector 26 a that is configured to engage a complementary/second connector 33 a that is disposed along the bottom end of an elongated prong.
Although illustrated as including five cavities in a generally circular arrangement, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. In this regard, the tool 10 can include as few as one cavity, and as many additional cavities as can be constructed to fit onto the upper surface. Each of these cavities can include an unlimited number of different shapes, depths, and arrangements along the upper surface, so as to be able to accommodate prongs of various shapes and sizes, in an unlimited number of different orientations. In this regard, by providing multiple cavities, the tool user can selectively insert and/or remove prongs in order to adjust the total number of prongs on the device for any desirable activity. As such, not only are the shape and/or type of pins adjustable, the total number of pins are also adjustable by the user.
As described herein, the main body can preferably be constructed from a lightweight waterproof material such as plastic, for example; however, any number of other materials such as steel, aluminum and/or various composite materials are also contemplated. The main body can function as a handle for the device user, and can be manufactured in any number of different shapes and dimensions such as various lengths, widths and/or thicknesses, for example. Additionally, the main body can include any number of indicia to suit a variety of interests. Although not illustrated, an optional belt clip or other such retention device can be secured to, or included with the construction of the main body, and can function to allow a user to easily carry the device on their person.
In the preferred embodiment, the first and second connectors can include a plurality of embedded elements forming complementary screw threads on both the main body and the elongated prong(s) in order to allow the later to be secured onto the former. Threaded elements having lands and grooves for securing complementary objects together via a twisting motion are extremely well known in the art.
Although described above as utilizing threaded elements, this is for illustrative purposes only, as the first and second connectors can include any number of different elements capable of repeatedly securing two items together in a nonpermanent manner. Several nonlimiting examples include magnetic elements and compression fittings such as snaps, for example. Each connector can be permanently secured to the respective portion of the device via a permanent sealer such as glue, resin, adhesive tape, or can be molded into the construction of the item so as to comprise a unitary element, in accordance with known construction methodologies.
FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an elongated prong 30 which can be secured onto the main body 20 and utilized to repair a pitch mark/turf divot. As shown, the prong 30 can include a top end 31, an elongated shaft section 32, and a bottom end 33 having a complementary connector 33 a. In the preferred embodiment, top end 31 can include a generally teardrop shape, and the entire prong can be constructed from a sturdy and impact resistant material such as steel, for example, however other forms of metal, plastic and/or composite materials are also contemplated.
By providing a teardrop-shaped distal end, each prong can be inserted into the central portion of a divot in a vertical (i.e., 90 degree angle with the ground), and can restore the damaged turf to a straight and level playing surface with a single attempt. In this regard, FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the device in operation to repair damaged turf. As shown, the pointed distal section 31 a of each prong can easily penetrate organic material such as a golf course green 40 (see arrow a). Once positioned beneath the green surface, the broad proximal tip portion 31 b of each prong can engage a large section of turf, and when the tips are pulled upward (see arrow b), can assert an upward motion (arrows b′) onto the bottom of the turf, thereby restoring the turf to a flat and level orientation. In this regard, a single tool can utilize multiple prongs to restore large portions of turf in a single step. As such, the collateral damage to the turf caused by the tool is severely less than utilizing a conventional device.
In addition to the above, the prongs of the tool can also be inserted at an angle from the outside edge of the divot/ball mark and then pushing or levering the upper part of the tool forward and stretching new grass in over the damaged area. This action can be repeated all around the ball mark. When so performed, the tool functions to cover the divot area with new ground, thus preventing an air pocket from forming (as happens with conventional divot repair tools) thus ensuring the turf does not become damaged and/or die.
Although the prong(s) 30 are described above as including a particular shape and construction material, the tool 10 can include any number of prongs each having a different shape and/or size and/or construction material. As such, FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the tool 10 that includes the above described teardrop shaped prong 30, and additional prongs 51, 52, 53 and 54 having different shapes. As shown, the prongs can be arranged in any orientation to one another, and can include any number of different shapes, sizes and construction materials.
FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the tool 10 that further includes an elongated wand 60 that is configured to engage the main body of the tool, in order to allow a user to repair divot marks without the need to bend or kneel. As shown, the wand 60 can include an elongated member having a plurality of threaded elements 61 along a first end 62. The wand can include any length, and can be constructed from any suitable material such as wood, metal or plastic, for example.
In the present embodiment, the main body 20′ can include a bottom end having an aperture 65 and a plurality of threaded elements 66 disposed therein. Threaded elements 61 and 66 being complementary to one another, so as to allow the first end of the wand 62 to be secured within the aperture 65. Of course, any number of other connectors, as described above can be used with, or substituted for the threaded elements, in order to allow the wand and the main body to be joined together in a nonpermanent manner.
Alternatively, the wand 60 and the main body 20′ can be constructed from a single piece of material and/or permanently secured together so as to form a single, inseparable body.
As described herein, each element of the divot repair tool can be constructed from any number of different materials such as plastic, steel or aluminum, for example, which are durable and resistant to adverse weather conditions. Additionally, one or more elements of the device 10 can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individual elements of the device may be formed together as one continuous element, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.
As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A divot repair tool, comprising:

an elongated main body having a bottom end, a middle section, and a top end;

a raised lip section that extends upwards from the top end of the main body, said lip section including an upper surface;

one or more cavities that are disposed along the upper surface, each of said one or more cavities including a first connector; and

at least one elongated prong, each of the at least one elongated prongs having a top end, a middle section, a bottom end, and a second connector that is configured to removably engage the first connector of a single cavity.

2. The tool of claim 1, further comprising:

a cap that includes an elongated, generally hollow member having an aperture located along a bottom end thereof, said aperture including a dimension that is complementary to a dimension of the raised lip section, and being configured to engage the same in a removable manner.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the top end of each of the at least one elongated prongs include a generally teardrop shape.

4. The tool of claim 1, wherein said first and second connectors include a plurality of embedded elements forming complementary screw threads that are configured to engage via a twisting motion.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein said first and second connectors include at least one of a pair of opposing magnetic elements, and compression fittings.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein said one or more cavities comprises a single cavity, and said at least one elongated prong includes a single prong having a top end with a teardrop shape.

7. The tool of claim 1, having a plurality of cavities, and a plurality of elongated prongs, each of which including a top end having a teardrop shape.

8. The tool of claim 1, having a plurality of cavities, and a plurality of elongated prongs, wherein one of said elongated prongs includes a top end that is different from another of the elongated prongs.

9. The tool of claim 1, having a plurality of cavities, and a plurality of elongated prongs, wherein one of said elongated prongs includes a middle section having at least one of a shape and a construction material that is different from another of the elongated prongs.

10. A divot repair tool, comprising:

an elongated main body having a bottom end, a middle section, and a top end, said bottom end including an aperture having a third connector disposed therein;

11. The tool of claim 10, further comprising:

an elongated wand having a fourth connector along a first end, said fourth connector being configured to removably engage the third connector and to secure the first end of the wand within the aperture of the main body.

12. The tool of claim 10, further comprising:

13. The tool of claim 10, wherein the top end of each of the at least one elongated prongs include a generally teardrop shape.

14. The tool of claim 10, wherein said first and second connectors include a plurality of embedded elements forming complementary screw threads that are configured to engage via a twisting motion.

15. The tool of claim 10, wherein said first and second connectors include at least one of a pair of opposing magnetic elements, and compression fittings.

16. The tool of claim 10, wherein said one or more cavities comprises a single cavity, and said at least one elongated prong includes a single prong having a top end with a teardrop shape.

17. The tool of claim 10, having a plurality of cavities, and a plurality of elongated prongs, each of which including a top end having a teardrop shape.

18. The tool of claim 10, having a plurality of cavities, and a plurality of elongated prongs, wherein one of said elongated prongs includes a top end that is different from another of the elongated prongs.

19. The tool of claim 10, having a plurality of cavities, and a plurality of elongated prongs, wherein one of said elongated prongs includes a middle section having at least one of a shape and a construction material that is different from another of the elongated prongs.