Integrated Ball Marker and Club Grip

Abstract

This present disclosure relates to an accessory for use during a round of golf. More particularly, the instant invention is an integrated mounting system in which a ball marker can be mounted on a golf club so that it is readily and easily available when needed, but such that the presence of the ball marker on the golf club will not interfere with the golfer's performance or that of the golf club. In one embodiment, the ball marker is mounted to the grip of the golf club via a magnetic attachment means. In other embodiments, the attachment means may be mechanical in nature, or that of a friction or interference fit.

Claims

1. A golfing accessory comprising: a ball marker comprised of a size and a shape; a golf club comprised of a head, a shaft, and a grip, wherein the shaft is comprised of a proximal end and a distal end, and further wherein the head is attached to the distal end and the grip is attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and a recess formed in the grip, wherein the recess is configured to receive the size and the shape of the ball marker and retain the ball marker therein until needed by a user, and further wherein the ball marker does not protrude outwardly from the recess beyond an exterior surface of the grip when positioned in the recess.

2. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the grip further comprises an attachment feature for retaining the ball marker in the recess.

3. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 2, wherein the attachment feature is one of a magnet, a frictional fit, a mechanical connection, or a combination thereof.

4. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the mechanical connection is one of a button, a snap, a hook and loop fastener or a combination thereof.

5. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the frictional fit comprises the ball marker having an interlocking engagement with the recess.

6. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the magnet is positioned in the recess of the grip and the ball marker is comprised of a metal.

7. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the magnet is attached to the ball marker and a portion of the grip or the shaft is comprised of a metal that is attracted to the magnet.

8. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 3, wherein the ball marker is positioned on a first end of the grip and the magnet is positioned on an opposite end of the grip.

9. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the ball marker is further comprised of an RFID tag.

10. The golfing accessory as recited in claim 1, wherein the ball marker is personalized with indicia.

11. A ball marker and golf club combination comprising: a golf club having a shaft, a head and a grip, wherein the head is attached to a distal end of the shaft and the grip is attached to a proximal end of the shaft; and a ball marker having a size and shape for marking a position of a golf ball on a surface, wherein the ball marker is removably stored within a recess in the grip until needed to mark the position of the golf ball on the surface.

12. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the grip comprises an attachment element for securing the ball marker within the recess of the grip.

13. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 12, wherein attachment feature is one of a magnet, a frictional fit, a mechanical connection, or a combination thereof.

14. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 11, wherein the ball marker does not extend outwardly from the recess beyond an exterior surface of the grip.

15. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 12, wherein the magnet is positioned within the recess.

16. The ball marker and golf club combination as recited in claim 12, wherein the magnet is attached to the ball marker, and further wherein the ball marker is comprised of a RFID tag.

17. A method of using an integrated ball marker comprising the steps of: providing a golf club, wherein the golf club is comprised of a shaft, a head and a grip and the head is attached to one end of the shaft and the grip is attached to an opposite end of the shaft; supplying a ball marker; creating a recess in the grip; fitting the ball marker within the recess such that the ball marker is one of (a) flush with an exterior surface of the grip, or (b) below the exterior surface of the grip; removing the ball marker from the recess in the grip; and placing the ball marker on a playing surface to mark a position of a golf ball.

18. The method of using an integrated ball marker feature as recited in claim 17, including a further step of customizing the ball marker after the step of supplying the ball marker.

19. The method of using an integrated ball marker feature as recited in claim 17, including a further step of making an attachment element in the grip after the step of creating a recess in the grip.

20. The method of using an integrated ball marker feature as recited in claim 19, wherein the attachment element is one of a magnet, a frictional fit, a mechanical attachment, or a combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of another potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention being removed from the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention about to be nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 5A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention about to be attached to a magnet nestled within the grip of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 5B illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker is attached to the grip via a friction or interference fit;

[0024] FIG. 5C illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker is attached to the grip via a mechanical means;

[0025] FIG. 5D illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker is attached to the grip via a magnetic panel positioned on the opposite side of the grip; and

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of using the integrated ball marker and golf club of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0028] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a golf club with an integrated ball marker, such that the golfer does not need to worry about having to bring or find a suitable ball marker with him or her as the accessory is always integrated with the club and available for use. More specifically, the invention uses an attachment element, one of magnetic, frictional or mechanical properties (or combinations thereof) to secure the ball marker to the grip of the golf club and to prevent the ball marker from falling out of the recess in the grip area. The unique structure of the invention also does not interfere with the performance of the golfer or the golf club.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 120 of the present invention nestled within the grip 110 of a golf club 100 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the golf club 100 itself is comprised of a head (not shown), a shaft 102 and a handle or grip 110. The head is positioned at a distal end of the shaft 102 (i.e., the end of the shaft 102 closest to the ball to be struck), and the grip is positioned at a proximal end 104 of the shaft 102 (i.e., the end of the shaft closest to the golfer).

[0030] The ball marker 120 is removably disposed in an opening 114 in the grip 110. The opening 114 is sized and configured to receive the ball marker 120, and removably retain the ball marker 114 until needed by the golfer. Because the ball marker 120 is positioned within the grip 110, where a golfer would otherwise handle the golf club 100, it is important that the placement of the ball marker 120 in the grip 110 does not interfere with the golfer's performance and/or the performance of the golf club 100. Accordingly, the opening 114 in the grip 110 should be of sufficient depth that the ball marker 120 does not extend or protrude beyond the outer surface of the grip 110.

[0031] Similarly, it is important that the golfer have easy and ready access to the ball marker 120 when needed. Accordingly, it is also equally important that the opening 114 in the grip 110 not be too deep so as to make it difficult for the golfer to remove the ball marker 120 from the grip 110 when needed, which would be both time consuming and frustrating. If round in shape, the ball marker 120 may have a size ranging from about 0.705 inches (17.91 millimeters) in diameter and 0.053 inches (1.35 mm) in thickness to about a diameter of 0.955 inches (24.26 mm) and a thickness of 0.069 inch (1.75 mm). In accordance with the above stated principles, the size and depth of the opening 114 should correspond thereto. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that other sizes and shapes of both the ball marker 120 and the corresponding opening 114 could also be used, provided that the ball marker 120 remains easily accessible by the golfer and does not interfere with his or her use of the golf club 100 and/or the performance of the golf club 100.

[0032] Additionally, the ball marker 120 may have a user customizable area 115, as best shown in FIG. 1. Customization may include the name of the individual's favorite golfer, the owner of the golf club 100, the name of the golf course or country club, different sports teams, or any other logo, design, indicia or other marketing theme. It is also contemplated that the ball marker 120 may further comprise an RFID chip 122 contained therein, such that the location of the ball marker 120 and/or the golf club 100 to which it is attached can easily be determined and retrieved if either is lost or misplaced.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial perspective view of another potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 210 of the present invention nestled within the grip portion 220 of a golf club 200 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the golf club 200 is comprised of a shaft 202, a head portion (not shown) that is used to make contact with a golf ball during practice or play and that is positioned at a distal end of the shaft 202, and a handle or grip 220 which the golfer uses to handle and swing the golf club 200. The ball marker 210 is embedded into the grip 220, such that the ball marker 210 is positioned below a surface of the grip 220, even with the surface of the grip 220, or slightly above the surface of the grip 220. In any event, the individual may easily extract the ball marker 210 from the grip 220, and the presence of the ball marker 210 on the grip 220 does not interfere with the performance of the golfer and/or the golf club 200.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 320 of the present invention being removed from the grip portion 310 of a golf club 300 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the grip 310 may be removable from the shaft 302 of the golf club 300 so that the individual can create the recess 315 therein for receipt of the ball marker 320, and then place the grip 310 back on the distal end of the shaft 302. The ball marker 320 is then placed and stored in the recess 315 until needed. Accordingly, each of the ball marker 320 and recess 315 are suitably sized to create a snug fitting arrangement between the two. In one embodiment, a magnet 330 may be provided in the recess 315 to hold the ball marker 320 in position within the recess 315. In this embodiment, the ball marker 320 is made of metal to be attracted to the magnet 330. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that the ball marker 320 could be comprised of other suitable materials including paper, plastic, metal, alloys, or the like, and have the magnet 330 attached thereto, such that the magnet 330 is attracted to the metal surface of the shaft 302 in the recess 315, or that each of the recess 315 and the ball marker 320 could have corresponding magnets 330.

[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 420 of the present invention about to be nestled within the grip 410 of a golf club 400 in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the golf club 400 includes a shaft 402, a grip portion 410 having a recess 415 therein, a magnet 430 disposed in the recess 415 of the grip 410, and the ball marker 420 exploded outwardly therefrom. The magnet 430 may be smaller than the shape of the recess 415, or may be equal to the size and shape of the recess 415. Likewise, the ball marker 420 may be of any suitable shape or design that fits snugly against the edges of the recess 415, or may be inset from the edges or side walls of the recess to facilitate easier removal of the ball marker 420 from the grip area 410. In any event, the placement of the ball marker 420 in the recess 415 in the grip 410 must not protrude outwardly therefrom, or otherwise interfere with the golfer's handling of the golf club 400, his or her performance, or the performance of the golf club 400.

[0036] FIG. 5A illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 530 of the present invention about to be attached to a magnet 520 nestled within a recess 540 in the grip 500 of a golf club in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 530 is of a different geometric shape than previously described. Nonetheless, it should be understood that the ball marker 530 may take any suitable shape or configuration, whether geometric or fanciful.

[0037] FIG. 5B illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 550 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 550 is attached to the grip 500 via a friction or interference fit with the walls of the recess 540. In this embodiment, the ball marker 550 has a plurality of different side walls or configurations to fit within the corresponding recess 540. Due to the increase in the number of walls, from for example a square, rectangle or circle, a more significant frictional engagement between the side walls of the recess 540 and the marker 550 is created.

[0038] FIG. 5C illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 560 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 560 is attached to the grip 500 via a mechanical means. More specifically, the grip 500 has a snap element 575 positioned within a recess 570 in the grip 500. Likewise, the ball marker 560 has a corresponding snap 565 that engages with the snap element 575 in the recess 570 to hold the ball marker 560 in position in the grip area 500 until needed. Notwithstanding, the invention is no so limited and the mechanical means can also be any of a button, a hook and loop fastener, or any combination thereof.

[0039] FIG. 5D illustrates a partial perspective view of one potential embodiment of the integrated ball marker 580 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the ball marker 580 is attached to the grip 500 via a magnetic panel 585 positioned on the opposite side of the grip 500. In this embodiment, it is important that the magnetic panel 585 be strong enough to retain the ball marker 580 through the grip 500 and shaft positioned therein (not shown). It is also equally important that the magnetic panel 585 not protrude outwardly from the grip 500, or otherwise interfere with the golfer's handling of the golf club, his or her performance, or the performance of the golf club.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of using the integrated ball marker and golf club of the present invention and in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, at step 600 a golf club is provided, and a ball marker is supplied at step 610. The ball marker may be customized at step 620, which may including any type of personalization, such as name, address, team, design, logo, indicia, theme or the like. At step 630, a recess is created in the grip area of the golf club, and the ball marker is fit, positioned, or otherwise inserted into the grip recess at step 640. The recess may be of any size, configuration or shape including, without limitation, a geometric shape, characters, themes, numbers, or the like. Nonetheless, it is important that the ball marker not protrude outwardly from the recess, or otherwise interfere with the golfer's handling of the golf club, his or her performance, or the performance of the golf club. During a round of golf, when the golfer is on the green, the ball marker is removed from the grip area at step 650, and placed in position to mark the ball location at step 660.

[0041] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features, or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function.

[0042] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the various components of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of an improved mounting assembly for a ball marker as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of components of mounting configurations are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.