CUSTOMIZABLE DIVOT REPAIR TOOL

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No. 63/695,086 filed on Sep. 16, 2024, 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 are typically mass produced and do not afford users or individual golf courses the ability to customize the look or feel of the tool to suit the particular likes of the course or user. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a divot repair tool with removeable grips to allow sellers or users to customize the look or feel of the tool without having to create a whole new tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a customizable divot repair tool. One embodiment of the present invention can include a lower frame having a hinge along one end for engaging a fork plate. The fork plate includes a plurality of tines along one end for repairing a divot mark in turf, and an upper frame is connected to the lower frame via spacers at a location above the fork plate. A button is connected to the spring hinge to transition the fork plate between an open position and a closed position.

In one embodiment, the device can include a removable upper grip that can be connected to the top frame, and a removable lower grip that can be connected to the lower frame. Each of the removable grips can be designed with different textures, thermal insulative qualities and sweat removal properties to allow a user to customize the tool based on the climate and other preferences. Each of the removable grips can also include different decorative elements as desired by the user.

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 customizable divot repair tool that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the customizable divot repair tool in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A is a top view of the customizable divot repair tool in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a top view of the customizable divot repair tool in the closed position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top frame of the customizable divot repair tool in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the top frame and top cover of the customizable divot repair tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the customizable divot repair tool in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the bottom frame and bottom cover of the customizable divot repair tool, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the customizable divot repair tool in the open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the customizable divot repair tool in the closed position, in accordance with one 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.

Definitions

As described herein, a “unit” means a series of identified physical components which are linked together and/or function together to perform a specified function.

As described throughout this document, the term “about” “approximately” “substantially” and “generally” shall be used interchangeably to describe a feature, shape, or measurement of a component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances, or the like.

As described throughout this document, 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. This can be accomplished through the use of any number of different “connectors”.

Several nonlimiting examples of connectors include, but are not limited to, various adhesive materials, thread-to-connect, twist-to-connect, and push-to-connect type devices, opposing strips of hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro®), attractively-oriented magnetic elements or magnetic and metallic elements, buckles, clamps, and compression fittings, for example.

As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

As described herein, the term “decorative elements” can include any type of marking such as various colors, words, shapes, symbols, logos, designs, patterns, images, and photographs, for example. Additionally, the term can include different types of materials, texturing of materials, and/or embedded elements such as jewels, for example. The decorative elements 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.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate one embodiment of a user-customizable divot repair tool 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, 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. As shown, the tool can include a lower frame 20, a fork plate 30, an upper frame 40 and a pair of removable grips 50 and 60.

As shown best at FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the lower frame 20 can include an elongated body having a top surface 21a, a bottom surface 21b, a front end 21c, a back end 21d and a pair of side surfaces 21e and 21f. In one embodiment, a spring-loaded hinge 24 having an actuation button 26 is positioned along the top surface of the lower frame and connects the lower frame 20 to the fork plate 30. Additionally, a plurality of spacers 27 and 28 can be provided along the top surface 21a to engage the top frame 40 and to permit unopposed rotation of the fork plate to the closed position shown at FIG. 3B and FIG. 7. In one embodiment, a plurality of blind holes 29 or other such grooves/indentations can be provided along the bottom surface 21b for receiving the corresponding mating protrusions 62 of the lower grip 60 described below.

In the preferred embodiment, the fork plate 30 can include a generally U-shaped member having a first end 31 and a pair of elongated tines 32 and 33 extending outward therefrom. The fork plate can be connected to the lower frame 20 via the central pin 25 of the hinge 24 and can include a semi-circular aperture 34 into which a prong from the spring hinge is positioned to permit the fork plate to rotate 180 degrees relative to the lower frame 20 when transitioning between the closed and open positions.

The fork plate 30 is designed to penetrate the ground to repair divot marks in grass and other surfaces. To this end, the fork plate 30 will ideally be constructed from a lightweight strong metal such as steel or aluminum, for example. Although described above as including two tines having a particular shape and material, this is for illustrative purposes only, as any number of tines may be provided and may be fixed so as to extend from the frame or may extend from/retract to the frame utilizing any number of different mechanisms.

As shown at FIG. 4, the top frame 40 can include an elongated body having a top surface 41a, a bottom surface 41b, a front end 41c, a back end 41d and a pair of side surfaces 41e and 41f. The top frame 40 can be secured to the lower frame 20 via the central pin 25 and other connectors such as bolts that can engage one or both of the spacers 27 and 28, for example.

In one embodiment, a raised cavity 42 can be positioned along the front end of the top frame to accommodate the spring-loaded hinge 24. The cavity can include a button hole 43 through which the spring actuation button 26 is positioned and can further include a centrally located magnet 44 and a circular wall 45 for receiving a metallic or magnetic ball marker (not illustrated) for use when playing golf. Additionally, the top frame can include a plurality of blind holes 46 or other such grooves/indentations for receiving the corresponding mating protrusions 52 on the upper grip.

As shown at FIGS. 5A and 5B, the device can include an upper grip 50 that can be removably positioned onto the top surface 41a of the top frame 40. In one embodiment, the upper grip can include a body having a top surface 51a, a bottom surface 51b, a front end 51c, a back end 51d and a pair of side surfaces 51e and 51f. The grip can include a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the portion of the top frame extending from the raised cavity 42 to the back end 41d so as to completely cover this portion.

Although described above with regard to a complementary shape and size, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the upper grip includes a dissimilar shape and/or size that is larger than the identified portion of the top frame. Such a feature allows a user to change the overall shape of the tool to suit their particular preferences.

The upper grip 50 is designed to be quickly and easily connected to, and removed from the top frame by a user, so as to allow the user to customize the look, feel and/or shape of the device 10. To this end, the upper grip 50 can include any number of different connectors 52 such as the illustrated protrusions for engaging the complementary shaped, sized and located blind holes 46 on the top frame 40. Of course, any number of other connectors capable of removably securing the upper grip to the top frame are also contemplated.

As shown at FIGS. 6A and 6B, the device can include a lower grip 60 that can be removably positioned onto the bottom surface 21b of the lower frame 20. In one embodiment, the lower grip can include a body having a top surface 61a, a bottom surface 61b, a front end 61c, a back end 61d and a pair of side surfaces 61e and 61f. The grip can include a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the entire bottom surface of the lower frame so as to completely cover this portion.

Although described above with regard to a complementary shape and size, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the lower grip includes a dissimilar shape and/or size that is larger than the identified portion of the lower frame. Such a feature allowing a user to change the overall shape of the tool to suit their particular preferences.

The lower grip 60 is designed to be quickly and easily connected to, and removed from the lower frame by a user, so as to allow the user to customize the look, feel and/or shape of the device 10. To this end, the lower grip 60 can include any number of different connectors 62 such as the illustrated protrusions for engaging the complementary shaped, sized and located blind holes 29 on the bottom end 21b of the lower frame 20. Of course, any number of other connectors capable of removably securing the upper grip to the top frame are also contemplated.

As described herein, each of the grips 50 and 60 can include any type of decorative elements 55 and 65 such as various logos, colors, words, or markings, so as to allow a user or company to express a desired theme. Likewise, each of the grips may include or may be lined with any number of different materials and/or textures 56 and 66 so as to be ideally suited for providing grip to a user in different environments.

For example, some of the grips may include a rubberized outer texture having a high coefficient of friction and insulative qualities for use in cold weather environments; whereas other grips may include a less malleable construction material having a plurality of openings throughout the grip for facilitating the removal of sweat when used in warm weather environments.

In operation, a user can simply depress the button 26 to transition the device 10 from the closed position shown at FIG. 7 to the open position shown in the preceding figures when needed to repair a divot in a playing surface. In this regard, the distal ends of the prongs can be inserted into the turf, and the handle of the body can be maneuvered to allow the prongs to remove indentations in the turf surface.

By providing removable grips for the device frame, a user can alter the appearance of the tool to suit their particular interests such as varying colors, logos, sports teams, and the like. More importantly, a user can customize the shape of the tool to suit their particular preferences and can customize the feel of the tool for specific environments.

Accordingly, the removable grips allow users to repeatedly customize the look, feel and/or shape of the divot repair tool to their likings each time they use the tool, thus eliminating the need to purchase different tools over time.

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.

As described herein, one or more elements of the above noted device and system 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 individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, 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.

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. Likewise, the term “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

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.