Ball marker holder with removable ball marker

Abstract

The golf ball marker holder is designed to be removably attached to the cap so that the holder is substantially vertical and out of the wearer's field of vision. A portion of the golf ball marker extends beyond the top edge of the holder to facilitate removal during play. The marker may include a magnetic element that allows it to be removably secured to the golf ball marker holder.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 964,609, entitled "BALL MARKER HOLDER WITH REMOVABLE BALL MARKER," filed January 22, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to ball markers and holders thereof, and more particularly to golf ball marker holders designed to be removably attached to a cap. [Background technology]

[0003] A golf ball marker is a small, flat, usually circular object used to mark the position on the putting green where a golf ball has been lifted. Typically, a golf ball marker is placed directly behind the golf ball before lifting, maintaining the ball's position while removing it from play to prevent interference. The flat nature of most ball markers limits the impact on the trajectory of an opponent's ball if it rolls over the marker. Ball markers may contain indicia on one surface to serve decorative purposes and to help distinguish between multiple markers. When ready to putt, the player places their golf ball back on the green directly in front of the marker, picks up the marker, and stores it. Some ball markers are sold in kits with holders, reducing the chance of losing, misplacing, or damaging the small markers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to a first embodiment, the device includes a ball marker having a first magnetic element and a ball marker holder having a ball marker receiving area on an outer surface of the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder includes a second magnetic element, and the first and second magnetic elements attract each other to hold the ball marker on the outer surface of the ball marker holder. At least a portion of the outer surface of the ball marker holder is curved outward from the plane of the ball marker.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a device includes a ball marker having a first magnetic element and a ball marker holder having a ball marker receiving area on an outer surface of the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder includes a second magnetic element, and the first and second magnetic elements attract each other to hold the ball marker in the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder has a first edge that forms the top edge of the ball marker holder when the ball marker holder is oriented vertically. When held in the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the top edge so that the underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the top edge.

[0006] According to a further embodiment, the device includes a ball marker having a first magnetic element and a ball marker holder having a second magnetic element, the first and second magnetic elements attracting each other to hold the ball marker in the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder includes a front panel and a rear panel, each of which curves backward. The front and rear panels are securely fastened to each other, forming a gap between the lower edges of the front and rear panels to receive the cap strap. The gap is at least 2 mm and extends at least 1.5 cm above the lower edge of the rear panel.

[0007] According to yet another embodiment, a method of using a ball marker and ball marker holder with a cap is disclosed. The ball marker holder has a first panel having a first panel width greater than the height of the first panel, the first panel curving backward along its width, and the ball marker holder includes a second panel disposed behind the first panel, the second panel having a second panel width greater than the height of the second panel. The second panel is permanently spaced from the first panel at a lower end of the second panel, and the first and second panels are arranged such that the first and second panels are configured to be positioned over a cap strap. The method includes attaching the ball marker holder to the cap by sliding the first and second panels over the cap strap so that the cap strap is positioned between the first and second panels, such that the first panel is oriented vertically when the cap is held or worn upright. The method also includes removing the ball marker from the ball marker holder while the first panel is oriented vertically.

[0008] It should be understood that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts described below, can be arranged in any suitable combination, as the disclosure is not limited in this respect. Furthermore, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a front, top, left perspective view of a ball marker holder with a removable ball marker attached to the rear strap of a baseball cap according to one embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front, top, left perspective view of a ball marker holder with a removable ball marker attached.

[0012] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front, top, left exploded perspective view of the ball marker holder with the removable ball marker removed.

[0013] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a ball marker holder with a removable ball marker attached.

[0014] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a ball marker holder with a removable ball marker attached.

[0015] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a left side view of a ball marker holder with a removable ball marker attached.

[0016] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4, showing the ball marker holder with a removable ball marker attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] A golf ball marker is a small, flat, usually circular object used to mark the position on the putting green where a golf ball has been lifted. A player typically places a marker directly behind the ball to mark its location before lifting it. This preserves the ball's position while removing it from play to prevent interference during the putt by other players. When ready to putt, the player places the ball back on the green directly in front of the marker before picking up and stowing the marker. Ball markers play an important role in the putting phase of golf, with players manipulating the marker many times per round.

[0018] Golf ball markers are often sold in kits with holders. These holders reduce the chance of losing, damaging, or misplacing the small markers. Some holders contain one or more magnets that are used to removably secure the ball marker. In such cases, the marker may include a corresponding magnet or may be constructed from a material that is attracted to the magnet in the holder. Other holders may use an interference fit to secure the ball marker. The holder and marker attachment method are often designed to allow players quick access to the markers during a game. To this end, golf ball marker holders may be designed to attach to the player's clothing or equipment.

[0019] Some ball markers are designed to attach to the brim of a player's cap. Clipping the holder to the brim places the object in the player's field of view. This creates a visual imbalance that can be distracting and hinder a player's performance. The brim design also limits the visibility of the marker to other players and spectators.

[0020] The inventors recognized the advantages of a golf ball marker holder that can be attached to a cap, which prevents visual distraction for the player, allows the marker and its indicia to be continuously visible during normal use, and facilitates the removal and attachment of the marker to the holder.

[0021] Such golf ball marker holders can be configured to removably attach to a strap portion of a conventional baseball-style cap or visor. The strap portion is typically located on the rear side of the cap opposite the brim and can include two separate straps that overlap and can be joined via studs and holes or hook-and-loop fasteners. An alternative strap can include a single strap that can be removably attached to a corresponding feature on the cap, such as a buckle or clamp.

[0022] Regardless of the cap strap configuration, the golf ball marker holder may include two panels defining a gap through which the hat strap or straps are inserted. The gap is designed with a height, depth, width, and / or curvature to securely accommodate most standard cap straps. This secure fit prevents unwanted movement of the holder during play. The secure fit also prevents the holder from accidentally detaching from the hat. Attaching the ball marker holder to the back of the hat prevents the holder from being a visual distraction to the player wearing the hat. Even when the hat is worn "backwards" with the brim facing back, the ball marker holder remains hidden from the wearer.

[0023] Additionally, the disclosed configuration allows the marker and holder to be oriented substantially vertically when worn, so that any indicia, emblems, logos, or other aesthetic considerations are visible to others during normal use, allowing players to project their personal style, allowing groups to become familiar with each other's markers, and providing a platform for brands and advertisers.

[0024] Such golf ball markers may also be designed to be easily accessible during play. In some embodiments, the golf ball marker may be securable to a first panel of the golf ball holder that faces away from the wearer when attached to the hat. The golf ball marker may be magnetically attached to the holder and may include one or more features that align the marker during attachment. Other attachment methods may be used, as the design is not limited in this respect. Such features may be protrusions, ribs, embossments, or other geometric alignment features.

[0025] In some embodiments, the golf ball marker and holder may be positioned to facilitate lifting the marker from the holder. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the marker extends beyond the edge of the holder, allowing a user to place a finger under the installed marker and lift it from the holder. In some embodiments, multiple portions of the marker may extend beyond the holder. Such portions may be positioned at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock to provide equal and uncompromising access for both right-handed and left-handed golfers.

[0026] Referring now to the figures, according to one embodiment shown in Figure 1, a cap 100 is worn on a golfer's head. The back of the cap, opposite the brim, includes a strap 110 that can be used to adjust the diameter of the hat's brim to fit different sized golfers' heads. A golf ball marker holder can be removably attached to strap 110 of cap 100. The cap can be worn brim-back so that the ball marker holder is positioned on the golfer's forehead.

[0027] 2 shows a golf ball marker holder 200 including a first panel 210, a second panel 220, and a connector 230. In some embodiments, these three components may be rigidly connected. In alternative embodiments, these components may be hinged or flexibly connected.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 210 is the front panel and the second panel 220 is the rear panel.

[0029] The first and second panels 210 and 220 define substantially parallel sidewalls of a gap 260 (not visible in FIG. 2 ) that terminates at a connector 230. In some embodiments, the distance between the first panel 210 and the second panel 220 is at least 2 mm, and in some embodiments, at least 4 mm. This gap is designed to receive the strap 110 of the hat 100 so that the holder 200 can be removably secured to the hat 100. When secured to the hat 100, the first panel 210 is on the outside of the strap 110 and the second panel is on the inside of the strap 110 adjacent the wearer's head. The connector 230 is at the top of the strap.

[0030] The first panel 210 may also be used to hide the strap 110 of the cap 100. Thus, in some embodiments, the height of the first panel in the vertical direction may be greater than 15 mm, and its linear width in the horizontal direction parallel to the ground may be at least 70 mm. The second panel 220 may be the same height as or shorter than the first panel 210 so as to be hidden behind the first panel. Furthermore, the second panel 220 may have a width that is smaller than the width of the first panel 210. In some embodiments, the second panel 220 may be greater than 20 mm in width and less than 60 mm in width.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second panel 220 may be curved in one or more directions to better fit the user's head. In such embodiments, the first panel 210 may also be curved in one or more directions. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first panel 210 curves backward, away from the ball marker receiving area. In embodiments in which the first panel 210 is curved, the radius of curvature may be at least 50 mm. Alternatively, one or both panels may be flat. In embodiments in which one or both of the first and second panels 210 and 220 are curved, select portions of each panel may be flat. For example, the portion of the first panel located behind the removable ball marker 300 may be substantially flat to ensure consistent planar contact with a majority of the surface area of ​​the ball marker 300. In some embodiments, the ball marker holder 200 may curve outward from the plane of the ball marker 300.

[0032] In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the first panel 210 may include first and second sections 212 and 214. These sections may be distinguished from the remainder of the exterior surface of the first panel 210 by changing the material, changing the color, adding indicia or markings by pad printing or alternative processing means. This may be done for decorative or branding purposes. While the accompanying drawings show two separate sections 212 and 214, it should be understood that any desired number of sections may be used, as the application is not limited in this respect.

[0033] The exterior surface of the first panel 210 may also include one or more walls, such as first and second ribs 240 and 242, that help align and secure the removable ball marker 300. In alternative embodiments, features other than ribs, such as posts or walls, may be used for the same purpose.

[0034] Further embodiments may include a countersink in which ball marker 300 may reside. In some embodiments, ribs 240 and 242 may have variable heights along their lengths to account for the rearward curvature of first panel 210. In the embodiment shown, the ribs have an arcuate shape corresponding to the circular shape of marker 300, but it should be understood that any shape feature may be used. In the embodiment shown, two ribs are used, but it should be understood that any suitable amount of ribs or similar features may be used. In some embodiments, no alignment features are used.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the golf ball marker holder 200 of FIG. 2 with the removable golf ball marker 300 removed. Removing the marker reveals the magnetic element 250. In this embodiment, the magnetic element 250 is shown centrally located in and protruding from the ball marker receiving area on the exterior surface of the first panel 210. In alternative embodiments, the magnetic element may be fully countersunk. The magnetic element 250 may be one of any known types, including, but not limited to, neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, or ceramic or ferrite magnets. Alternatively, the first panel 210 may have inherently magnetic properties. As shown, the magnetic element 250 is shown to have a substantially flat exterior surface corresponding to the flat design of the removable ball marker 300. In other embodiments, the magnetic element 250 may be curved or include features protruding from or recessed into the exterior surface. In some embodiments, the exterior surface of magnetic element 250 may include indicia, markings, patterns, brands, or other distinguishing visual and / or textual features, as described with respect to sections 212 and 214. The magnetic element need not necessarily be a magnet. For example, a non-magnetized piece of ferrous metal may be used as the magnetic element of the ball marker, and a magnet may be used in the ball marker holder. In such embodiments, both components are considered magnetic elements.

[0036] FIG. 3 additionally illustrates a removable ball marker 300, which in this embodiment is shown as being circular and substantially flat. In alternative embodiments, the marker 300 may be any suitable shape. Additionally, the marker 300 may include a poke-yoke feature, such as a notch or protrusion, to help align the marker with the holder 200 during attachment. The marker 300 also includes a third section 310 on its exterior surface. This section may also include indicia, markings, patterns, branding, or other distinctive visual and / or textual features, as described in connection with the magnetic element 250 and sections 212 and 214. While not shown, the marker 300 may include a magnetic element 320 attached to the magnetic element 250 of the first panel 210 of the holder 200. Alternatively, the marker 300 may have inherent magnetic properties. In embodiments in which the entire first panel 210 has magnetic properties, the marker 300 or its magnetic element 320 may be magnetically attached to the panel 210. In embodiments where it is a separate component, the magnetic element 320 may be joined to the marker 300 using an adhesive or through alternative means including press fit, welding, or the like.

[0037] Although shown as being attached by magnetic force, it should be understood that the removable ball marker 300 may be attached to the holder 200 in any suitable manner, such as via structural features such as a press fit, interference fit, adhesive, or clips.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the golf ball marker holder 200, revealing the inner surface of the second panel 220, including the cushion 222. In some embodiments, the cushion 222 is used to provide comfort to the user. It can also be used to firmly grip the user's head or hair and prevent unwanted movement of the holder 200 or hat 100. This cushion 222 can be made of leather, synthetic leather, woven fabric, silicone, or any other material with desirable properties. In some embodiments, the cushion can also serve to absorb the user's sweat. In some embodiments, the cushion may also include indicia or other visual and / or textural details, as described above. In the embodiment shown, the cushion 222 matches the curvature of the second panel 220; however, in alternative embodiments, the cushion may have a more pronounced curvature than the second panel 220, a lesser curvature, or be flatter.

[0039] 4 shows marker 300 extending beyond first panel 210 and ribs 240 and 242. This may be done for aesthetic reasons or to provide a surface / edge that a user can manipulate while installing or removing marker 300. Alternative embodiments may not include these different heights; for example, the outer surface of marker 300 may be flush with ribs 240 and 242 or first panel 210.

[0040] Viewing the golf ball marker holder 200 also reveals first and second grip features 216 and 218. These grip features, in some embodiments, extend substantially perpendicular and parallel along the outer inner edge of the first panel 210. In some embodiments, they may provide additional grip stabilization and retention of the holder 200 on the strap 110 of the hat 100. Although two grip features are shown on the side of the first panel 210, any suitable number of grip features may be used anywhere on the first panel 210, the second panel 220, and / or the connector 230.

[0041] 5 shows a bottom view of the golf ball marker holder 200. In this view, the gap 260 described above is visible.

[0042] As mentioned above, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how, in some embodiments, golf ball marker 200 and its components, including first panel 210, curve backward out of plane along with golf ball marker 300.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the golf ball marker 200. This view illustrates how the golf ball marker 300 extends beyond the first panel 210 of the holder 200 at two locations, thereby forming a first lip 330 and a second lip 332. These lips 330 and 332 allow a user to place their fingers under the marker 300 and remove it from the holder 200. This significantly reduces the difficulty of removing the marker, especially when the user is wearing one or more gloves, as is common in golf. In the illustrated embodiment, when installed, there are two instances of protrusions at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions of the marker. As shown in FIG. 4, the farthest portions of the ball marker 300 at lips 330 and 320 extend vertically beyond the rest of the holder 200, including the fastener portion. It should be understood that any number of protrusions may be used depending on the player's needs.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the marker may extend beyond the top edge of the marker holder. For purposes of this specification, the term edge does not require two planes to meet at an angle, but may instead be an edge or boundary of an object.

[0045] The marker 300 is flat and the first panel 210 of the holder 200 is curved so that the lip is positioned under the marker and around the entire edge of the marker.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of golf ball marker holder 200 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 4. This view shows strap 110 of cap 100 inserted into gap 260 of holder 200. In this embodiment, strap 110 is shown not in contact with first panel 210, second panel 220, or connector 230. In some embodiments, some or all of these components may be in continuous or intermittent contact with one another. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, interaction between first magnetic element 320 of marker 300 and second magnetic element 250 of holder 200 is shown.

[0047] While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. Rather, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: a ball marker having a first magnetic element; a ball marker holder having a ball marker receiving area on an exterior surface of a first panel of the ball marker holder, the ball marker holder including a second magnetic element; a first wall disposed on a first side of the ball marker receiving area; the height of the first wall varies along the length of the first wall to account for the curvature of the first panel; the first and second magnetic elements attract each other to retain the ball marker in the ball marker holder; the ball marker holder has a first edge that forms a top edge of the ball marker holder when the ball marker holder is oriented vertically when the cap to which the ball marker holder is attached is held or worn upright; When held in the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the top edge such that the underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the top edge; The device.

2. The device described in claim 1, wherein the surface of the first wall facing the marker is parallel to the corresponding side wall of the ball marker.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a second wall disposed on a second side of the ball marker receiving area, the marker-facing surface of the second wall being parallel to the corresponding side wall of the ball marker.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the first wall includes a first rib and the second wall includes a second rib.

5. The device described in claim 3, wherein the height of the second wall varies along the length of the second wall.

6. 1. An apparatus comprising: a ball marker having a first magnetic element; a ball marker holder having a second magnetic element, the first and second magnetic elements attracting each other to hold the ball marker in the ball marker holder; the ball marker holder including a front panel and a rear panel, each of the front panel and the rear panel curving backward; a first wall disposed on the first side of the front panel, the height of the first wall varies along the length of the first wall to account for the curvature of the first panel; a front panel and a rear panel, the front panel and the rear panel being securely fastened together to form a gap between the lower edges of the front panel and the rear panel for receiving a cap strap, the gap being at least 2 mm and extending upwardly at least 1.5 cm from the lower edge of the rear panel; and a second magnetic element disposed on the front panel such that the ball marker is retained on the front panel; The device.

7. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the front panel is connected to the rear panel with connectors located at the top of the front panel and at the top of the rear panel.

8. 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the ball marker holder has a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; and when held in the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the first edge and beyond the second edge such that an underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the first edge and beyond the second edge.

9. the front panel includes a ball marker receiving area, and along a first length extending laterally away from a first side of the ball marker receiving area, the front panel curves rearwardly away from the ball marker receiving area; 7. The device of claim 6, wherein along a second length extending laterally away from a second side of the ball marker receiving area, the front panel curves rearwardly away from the ball marker receiving area.

10. A method of using the apparatus of claim 6, comprising: attaching the ball marker holder to the cap by sliding the first and second panels onto the cap strap such that the cap strap is disposed between the first and second panels, the first panel being oriented vertically when the cap is held or worn upright; and removing the ball marker from the first panel of the ball marker holder while the first panel is oriented vertically; The method.

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