GOLF APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MARKING THE POSITION OF A GOLF BALL AND SUPPORTING A GOLF CLUB

Abstract

A golf apparatus and method for marking the position of a golf ball and supporting a golf club serves to mark the position of golf balls when visibility is restricted, and supporting golf clubs in a vertical orientation, easily accessible for play. The golf apparatus provides a stem defined by a flag end and an anchor end. One or more flag members detachably attach to the flag end. The flag members are defined by a linear upper edge, a curved lower edge configured to retain golf clubs, and defined by colors and patterns for identifying individual player golf balls. The anchor end of stem couples to an anchor housing that forms channels to receive golf clubs and cigars. The anchor housing contains an interior weight member that creates a center of mass, which maintains the stem upright. The upright position enhances visibility of flag members.

Claims

1. A golf apparatus for marking the position of a golf ball and supporting a golf club, the apparatus comprising: a stem defined by a flag end and an anchor end; multiple flag members detachably attached to the flag end of the stem, the flag members defined by a linear upper edge and a curved lower edge; an anchor housing detachably attached to the anchor end of the stem, the anchor housing comprising sidewalls having a perimeter edge and defining a cavity, the anchor housing further comprising a mount face forming a stem reception hole and one or more channels; and an interior weight member disposed inside the cavity of the anchor housing, the interior weight member forming a center of mass vertically below the mount face of the anchor housing, whereby the anchor housing retains the stem at a stable equilibrium and in a substantially upright orientation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stem is at least 6 feet long.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchor housing is defined by a spherical shape.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stem reception hole of the mount face is operable to receive the anchor end of the stem.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more channels comprises two, spaced-apart, parallel channels.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channels are sized and dimensioned to receive a golf club, a golf related accessory, and a cigar.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchor housing is waterproof.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the anchor housing comprises a polymer.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interior weight member comprises metal or rubber.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flag members are disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees from each other.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flag members are defined by a rigid construction.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the curved lower edge of the flag members is operable to enable supporting a golf club.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flag members are defined by colors, or patterns, or both.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the flag members are interchangeable with additional flag members having different colors or patterns.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the anchor housing forms multiple boreholes.

16. A golf apparatus for marking the position of a golf ball and supporting a golf club, the apparatus comprising: a stem defined by a flag end and an anchor end; a pair of flag members detachably attached to the flag end of the stem, the flag members being disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees from each other, the flag members defined by a linear upper edge and a curved lower edge, the flag members further being defined by colors, or patterns, or both, the curved lower edge being operable to enable supporting a golf club; an anchor housing detachably attached to the anchor end of the stem, the anchor housing comprising sidewalls having a perimeter edge and defining a cavity, the anchor housing forming multiple boreholes, the anchor housing further comprising a mount face forming a stem reception hole and one or more channels; and an interior weight member disposed inside the cavity of the anchor housing, the interior weight member forming a center of mass vertically below the mount face of the anchor housing, whereby the anchor housing retains the stem at a stable equilibrium and in a substantially upright orientation.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more channels comprises two, spaced-apart, parallel channels sized and dimensioned to receive a golf club, a golf related accessory, and a cigar.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the anchor housing is waterproof.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the flag members are interchangeable with additional flag members having different colors or patterns.

20. A method for marking the position of a golf ball and supporting a golf club with a golf apparatus, the method comprising: providing a stem, the stem defined by a flag end and an anchor end; detachably attaching a pair of flag members to the flag end of the stem, the flag members defined by a linear upper edge, a curved lower edge, and a color; joining the anchor end of the stem with an anchor housing, the anchor housing being defined by a sidewall forming a cavity and a mount face forming one or more channels; placing an interior weight member inside the cavity of the anchor housing, whereby the position of the weight member creates a center of mass vertically below the center of anchor housing; maintaining, through the center of mass, the stem at a stable equilibrium in a substantially upright position; placing the anchor housing and attached stem at the location of a golf ball; visually identifying the location of the golf ball with the flag members; supporting a golf club or a golf accessory on the curved lower edge of the flag members; and laying a golf club or a cigar in the channels formed in the mount face of the anchor housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary golf apparatus for marking the position of a golf ball and supporting a golf club, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective side view of an exemplary stem and flag member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of the pair of flag members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of the pair of flag members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the curved lower edge of the flag members retaining a head of a golf club, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the curved lower edge of the flag members retaining a handle of a golf club, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates an upper perspective view of an exemplary anchor housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the anchor housing shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a front of the anchor housing shown in FIG. 7 showing the boreholes for fastening halves of the anchor housing together, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a sectioned side view of the anchor housing shown in FIG. 7, showing the interior cavity containing the weight member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0044] FIG. 11 illustrates an elevated side view of the channels in the anchor housing supporting a golf club, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 12 illustrates an elevated side view of the channels in the anchor housing supporting a cigar, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0046] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for marking the position of a golf ball and supporting a golf club, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0049] A golf apparatus 100 and method 1300 for marking the position of a golf ball 120 and supporting a golf club is referenced in FIGS. 1-13. Golf apparatus 100 is operable on a golf course 118 to provide the dual function of marking the position of a golf ball 120 when visibility is restricted, and supporting a golf club or golf-related accessory in a vertical orientation, easily accessible for play. Golf apparatus 100 is lightweight and easily portable for quick positioning on the golf course 118. Golf apparatus 100 is also easily visible to serve as an effective marker for golf balls 120 in the rough or high vegetation, often found on golf courses.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 1, golf apparatus 100 provides an elongated stem 102 that serves as the elevating component to enable visibility and thereby, location of the golf ball 120. Stem 102 is defined by a flag end 104 and an opposing anchor end 106. A pair of flag members 108a, 108b detachably attach to the flag end 104. Flag members 108a, 108b are defined by a linear upper edge 110a and a curved lower edge 110b. Lower edge 110b is sized to receive and retain the head of a golf club, the handle of a golf club, and a golf accessory, in a gripping relationship.

[0051] Further, the upright position of stem 102 enhances visibility of flag members 108a, 108b and creates a horizontal surface for supporting golf club heads and golf-related accessories. This stowage capacity offered by flag members 108a, 108b can be useful during play on the golf course 118. Flag members 108a-b may be colored, or marked, so as to draw attention to the golf ball 120 in the rough and other vegetation commonly found on a golf course 118. Anchor end 106 of stem 102 couples to an anchor housing 112.

[0052] Golf apparatus 100 also provides a unique anchor housing 112 that forms an upright foundation for stem 102 and flag members 108a-b. Anchor housing 112 is defined by multiple sidewalls 122 that form a cavity 1000. Anchor housing 112 also has a mount face 114 that forms multiple parallel channels 124a, 124b that are sized and dimensioned to receive and retain a golf club 500, a cigar 1200, and golf accessories.

[0053] Furthermore, the cavity 1000 that forms inside anchor housing 112 contains an interior weight member 1002, such as a lead slug. Weight member 1002 is configured to create a center of mass, vertically below the perimeter edge 116 of anchor housing 112. The center of mass maintains the stem 102 at stable equilibrium in an upright position.

[0054] As referenced in FIG. 2, golf apparatus 100 comprises an elongated stem 102 that is defined by a flag end 104 and an opposing anchor end 106. Stem 102 is elongated, having a body that elevates to help visually identify a golf ball 120 in the rough. In one non-limiting embodiment, stem 102 is at least 6′ long. In another embodiment, stem 102 is cylindrical in shape. In yet another other embodiment, stem 102 is semi-rigid, providing a flexible, elongated body that bends for facilitated stowage. The semi-rigid configuration is also useful to resist strong winds blowing across the golf course 118.

[0055] It is a primary objective of golf apparatus 100 to visually indicate the location of golf ball 120 from a distance. Thus, as FIG. 2 shows, one or more flag members 108a, 108b project prominently from flag end 104 of stem 102. Flag members 108a, 108b are configured to detachably attach to flag end 104 of stem 102. In some embodiments, flag members 108a-b comprise two flag members 108a, 108b that are disposed at a 45° angle from each other. This unique configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3. However, in alternative embodiments, more than two flag members may be used, with each flag member oriented at an acute or obtuse angle relative to the others.

[0056] As referenced in FIG. 4, flag members 108a, 108b have a rigid, linear upper edge 110a that is oriented towards the top of flag member 108a, and a curved lower edge 110b oriented towards the bottom of flag member 108a. Lower edge 110b is configured as an arced surface for supporting golf club heads and other golf equipment, and golf-related objects. The arc shape creates an inherent gripping effect that holds golf club 500 in place. Additionally, lower edge 110b may have a rough surface that restricts slippage of golf club 500 while retained thereto.

[0057] For example, FIG. 5 shows lower edge 110b snugly retain the head 502 of a golf club 500; and FIG. 6 shows lower edge 110 retaining the handle 504 of the same golf club. Additionally, other golf-related accessories may also be retained by lower edge 110b of flag members 108a-b.

[0058] Lower edge 110b is oriented towards the top of flag members. In some embodiments, lower edge 110b may be textured with a rough surface to restrict slippage by the club head. Lower edge 110b may also be indented to provide an indentation to retain club member in place. In one non-limiting embodiment, flag members 108a, 108b are defined by a triangular shape with the pointed apex oriented distally from stem 102. AS illustrated, curved lower edge 110b creates an arced shape for flag members 108a-b. However, in other embodiments, flag members 108a, 108b have rectangular, square, or irregular shapes.

[0059] In some embodiments, flag members 108a, 108b are defined by colors, or patterns, or both. For example, one flag member 108a is red, and a second flag member 108b is green and white striped. Thus, due to the detachability aspect, flag members 108a, 108b are interchangeable, such that flag members 108a-b can be attached to stem 102 with different colors or patterns. This can be useful for identifying different players on the golf course 118; whereby each player has a different colored or textured flag member. In this manner, flag members 108a-b provide an easy to use means for marking the position of a golf ball 120 and supporting a golf club 500 and other golf-related accessories.

[0060] Looking now at FIG. 7, golf apparatus 100 includes an anchor housing 112 that forms the stabilizing foundation for stem 102 and flag members 108a-b. Anchor housing 112 is configured to detachably receive the anchor end 106 of stem 102. Anchor housing 112 has curved sidewalls 122 that form the exterior of anchor housing 112. Sidewalls 122 are smooth and bulbous in outward appearance.

[0061] In one non-limiting embodiment, sidewalls of anchor housing 112 form a spherical, or at least half-spherical shape (See FIG. 8). In one non-limiting embodiment, anchor housing 112 is fabricated from a lightweight polymer material. The lightweight configuration of the anchor housing 112 allows it to be tossed from a distance towards the golf ball 120 hidden in the rough and tall vegetation on the golf course 118.

[0062] In another embodiment, anchor housing is bifurcated to enable entry of anchor end 106 of stem 102. Thus, multiple boreholes 700a-d form to enable passage of a screw or other fastening device to fasten each half of anchor housing together. As FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show, four boreholes 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d are symmetrically spaced-apart to retain screws on each half of anchor housing 112.

[0063] Thus, anchor housing 112 is portable and lightweight for easy positioning on the golf course 118, at the site of a golf ball 120 during play. This can be useful for locating the golf ball 120 buried under tall weeds and foliage where visual location of the golf ball 120 is restricted. Thus, the spherical shape and light weight of anchor housing 112 to maintain the attached stem 102 in an upright position. In other embodiments, the anchor housing 112 can be floatable, waterproof, and support other golf-related items known in the art.

[0064] In some embodiments, anchor housing 112 is defined by a mount face 114 that is configured to engage with stem 102 through a stem reception hole 1004 that receives anchor end 106 of stem 102. Mount face 114 orients upwardly, forming the stem reception hole 1004. Stem reception hole 1004 is sized and dimensioned to receive the anchor end 106 of stem 102. An exemplary stem reception hole 1004 formed in mount face 114 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, stem reception hole 1004 may have a threaded interior face, or a tapered shape, so as to snugly receive mount end of stem 102. In this manner, stem 102 anchors into stem reception hole 1004 of anchor housing through a threaded or friction fit relationship.

[0065] Anchor housing 112 also has a mount face 114 that forms multiple parallel channels 124a, 124b that are sized and dimensioned to receive and retain a golf club 500, a cigar 1200, and golf accessories. In one non-limiting embodiment, two symmetrical, parallel channels 124a-b form. FIG. 11 shows channels 124a-b supporting handle 504 of golf club 500. FIG. 12 shows channels 124a-b supporting a cigar 1200. However, in other embodiments, any golf-related item may be retained in channels 124a-b.

[0066] In some embodiments, mount face 114 has a perimeter edge 116 that orients upwardly. This unique configuration, shown in FIG. 7, creates a concave shape adapted to retain golf equipment. In one non-limiting embodiment, the anchor housing 112 comprises a polymer. In another embodiment, the interior weight member 1002 comprises metal or rubber. Additionally, anchor housing 112 may be waterproof.

[0067] Looking at the interior view of anchor housing 112, sidewalls 122 are further defined by a cavity 1000. As the cross-sectional view of anchor housing 112 shows, an interior weight member 1002 is disposed inside the cavity 1000 of the anchor housing 112 (See FIG. 8). In one possible embodiment, interior weight member 1002 positions inside of sidewalls 122. Interior weight member 1002 may include a metal or rubber component having greater weight than anchor housing 112. Interior weight member 1002 may also be integral to sidewalls 122. In any case, interior weight member 1002 provides sufficient weight (at least 5 pounds in one embodiment) to maintain a center of mass for anchor housing and stem 102.

[0068] In some embodiments, the position of interior weight member 1002 creates a center of mass vertically below mount face 114 of anchor housing 112. This allows anchor housing 112 to wobble, but not tip over when placed on surface of golf course 118. Thus, the stem 102 is held upright as the center of mass maintains stability. Interior weight member 1002 allows stem 102 to be retained at a stable equilibrium in a substantially upright position. Thus, flag member 108a is maintained in an upright position by utilizing the principle of a center of mass. This is when weight member 1002 is located vertically below a center of stem reception hole that forms in anchor housing 112, or concentrically below mount face 114 of anchor housing 112.

[0069] Consequently, the upright position of the stem 102 and the vibrant colors of the vertical flag members 108a, 108b help in locating a golf ball 120. This visual characteristic achieves a primary objective of utilizing an upright, colored marker that can be placed at the position of a golf ball 120 to help a golfer locate the golf ball 120 on a golf course 118 where visibility may be problematic.

[0070] In this manner, variously colored flag members 108a, 108b can interchangeably couple to the anchor housing 112 through stem 102, so as to identify different golf balls 120 for different golfers. For example, a first golfer marks the position of the golf ball after a long drive with a green flag member 108a. And a second golfer marks the position of a short put that fell in the tall weeds with a red golf marker. The length of stem elevates flag members 108a-b for enhanced viewing.

[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method 1300 for marking the position of a golf ball and supporting a golf club with a golf apparatus. Method 1300 may include an initial Step 1302 of providing a stem, the stem defined by a flag end and an anchor end. Stem 102 that serves as the elevating component to enable visibility and thereby, location of the golf ball 120. In one embodiment, method 1300 further comprises a Step 1304 of detachably attaching a pair of flag members to the flag end of the stem, the flag members defined by a linear upper edge, a curved lower edge, and a color. Flag members 108a, 108b project prominently from support end of the elongated stem 102. Flag members 108a, 108b are configured to detachably attach to flag end 104 of stem 102.

[0072] In some embodiments, a Step 1306 includes joining the anchor end of the stem with an anchor housing, the anchor housing being defined by a sidewall forming a cavity and a mount face forming one or more channels. Another Step 1308 comprises placing an interior weight member inside the cavity of the anchor housing, whereby the position of the weight member creates a center of mass vertically below the center of anchor housing. A Step 1310 includes maintaining, through the center of mass, the stem at a stable equilibrium in a substantially upright position.

[0073] In some embodiments, a Step 1312 may include placing the anchor housing and attached stem at the location of a golf ball. The stem 102 anchors into aperture of anchor housing through a threaded or friction fit relationship. Another Step 1314 for method 1300 comprises visually identifying the location of the golf ball with the flag members. A Step 1316 includes supporting a golf club or a golf accessory on the curved lower edge of the flag members. Lower edge 110b may have a rough texture to prevent the golf club from slipping off. A final Step 1318 comprises laying a golf club or a cigar in the channels formed in the mount face of the anchor housing.

[0074] Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process.

[0075] In conclusion, golf apparatus 100 is configured to mark the position of a golf ball 120 when visibility is restricted, and supporting golf clubs in a vertical orientation, easily accessible for play. Golf apparatus 100 provides a stem defined by a flag end and an anchor end. One or more flag members 108a-b detachably attach to the flag end. Flag members 108a-b have identifying colors and patterns, and an edge for supporting golf clubs and golf equipment. The anchor end of stem couples to an anchor housing. Anchor housing 112 contains an interior weight member that creates a center of mass vertically below the center of anchor housing. The center of mass maintains the stem in an upright position. The upright position enhances visibility of flag members and creates a horizontal surface for supporting golf club heads.

[0076] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0077] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.