Ball marker

Abstract

To provide a ball marker which makes it possible to easily and accurately match a line drawn on a ball with a ball hitting direction.SOLUTION: A ball marker 1 comprises: a flat base part 10; an indication part 20 provided on a predetermined straight line on an upper surface of the base part 10; wing parts 30 provided on both of two symmetrical portions spaced with the predetermined straight line as a border and attached to the base part 10 so as to respectively rotate between a first position parallel to the upper surface of the base part 10 and a second position upright perpendicularly to the upper surface of the base part 10; and a magnet 45 attached to the base part 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball marker used for ball games such as golf.

Background Art

[0002] A golf ball marker is used on the green to replace the ball at its original position after picking up the ball once, in order to prevent one's own ball from interfering with the putting of other players or to wipe the dirt off the ball. The ball marker is placed directly behind the ball with respect to the direction of travel of the ball aiming at the target cup. Conventionally, as this type of ball marker, there is known one having a pin extending downward at the center of a disk. At present, the main role of the ball marker is to determine the stationary position of the ball, and for the direction aiming at the cup, it is aligned with the line drawn on the outer periphery of the ball.

[0003] In golf play or practice, when placing the ball based on the ball marker placed on the green, when placing the ball while being conscious of the target, it is necessary to be conscious of the line of the hitting direction towards the cup. Conventionally, a method of using a ball with a mark on its surface is known when placing the ball while being conscious of the target. Specifically, one or three lines are drawn on the outer periphery of the ball, and the ball is placed in a state where the line coincides with the direction in which the ball is to be advanced, and the accuracy of the hitting direction is obtained by using the line as a guide. This line on the ball may be drawn by the user himself using a predetermined jig, or may be pre-designed on a ready-made ball.

[0004] By the way, it is conceivable to give the ball marker a function for placing the ball while being conscious of the target. For example, a line is drawn on the upper surface of the ball marker. Then, the ball marker is placed in a state where the line on the upper surface coincides with the hitting direction of the ball, and when placing the ball, by using the line of the ball marker as a guide, it becomes easier to align the line of the ball with the hitting direction.

[0005] However, it was found that with a ball marker that has a line drawn on its top surface as described above, it is difficult to accurately align the line on the ball with the line on the ball marker. Referring to Figure 7, the line 101 on the ball marker 100 is drawn on a flat surface, so even if the viewing position (eye position) of the ball marker 100 changes, the line 101 appears as a straight line. On the other hand, the line BL on the ball B is drawn on a three-dimensional (spherical) surface, so depending on the viewing position of the ball B, the line BL may appear as a straight line or a curve. Ideally, when viewed from directly above, the line BL on the ball B should appear as a straight line, and then the line BL on the ball B should be aligned with the line 101 on the ball marker 100. However, "directly above" is a subjective perception for the user, so even when one thinks they are looking from directly above, they may actually be looking from an angle above. When the line BL on the ball B is made to appear as a straight line when viewed from an angle above, and then aligned with the line 101 on the ball marker 100, the line BL on the ball B will appear tilted (see Figure 7(b)). As a result, the line BL of ball B was different from the direction of the hit, making it difficult to accurately align the line BL of ball B with the direction of the hit. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a ball marker that allows the lines drawn on the ball to be easily and accurately aligned with the direction of the hit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the ball marker according to the present invention is "A flat base section, An indicator portion is provided on a predetermined straight line on the upper surface of the base portion, Two symmetrical parts separated by a predetermined straight line, with a gap between them. Both It is provided in the direction, and has a first position parallel to the upper surface of the base portion and relative to the upper surface of the base portion. UpwardIt is attached to the base so as to be able to rotate between the second position, which is vertically raised. a pair The wing section and, The magnet attached to the base portion" It is characterized by having the following features.

[0008] With this configuration, when picking up a ball from the green, just like with conventional ball markers, you place the ball marker directly behind the ball in the direction of its movement toward the target cup before picking it up. At this time, by positioning the wing portion in a second position, which is raised from the base portion, the wing portion can be grasped with your fingers, making it easier to place the ball marker and to pick it up once it has been placed.

[0009] Furthermore, by placing the wing section in the second position on the green, the ball marker is easily visible from a distance. If the wing section interferes with other players after placing the ball marker, the wing section can be returned to the first position, parallel to the top surface of the base, so as not to obstruct other players' play.

[0010] Furthermore, when the wing sections are in the second position, each rises vertically from the base section. Therefore, by moving the eye position so that only the upper end surface of the wing section is visible when viewed from above in this state, it becomes as if the ball marker is being viewed from directly above (perpendicular to the top surface of the base section), allowing the eye position to be positioned directly above the ball marker. If the wing sections are provided on both of two symmetrical parts separated by a predetermined straight line (a pair of wing sections), the eye position should be moved so that the top surface of the base section (the part on the straight line indicated by the indicator) is visible between the pair of wing sections. In this state, by positioning the ball in front of the ball marker (replacement) so that the line drawn on the ball appears as a straight line and the line on the ball coincides with the straight line indicated by the ball marker's indicator, the line on the ball and the straight line indicated by the indicator can be precisely aligned. Therefore, if the straight line indicated by the indicator is aligned in advance with the line of the ball's trajectory toward the cup (putting line), the wing section in the second position can be used to easily and accurately align the ball's trajectory toward the direction of the shot.

[0011] Furthermore, because a magnet is attached to the flat base, when not in use, the ball marker can be magnetically attached to a metal clip, and the clip can be attached to the user's hat or clothing, making it easy to carry and retrieve the ball marker. In this case, by keeping the wing section in its first position parallel to the base, the wing section will not get in the way.

[0012] Furthermore, the ball marker according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, "A first holding means for holding the wing portion in the base portion when the wing portion is in the first position, The device further comprises a second holding means for holding the wing portion in the base portion when the wing portion is in the second position." This could be considered a distinguishing feature.

[0013] Examples of the "first holding means" and "second holding means" include "holding by magnetic attachment of a magnet," "holding by hooking a claw," and "holding by pressing a projection."

[0014] With this configuration, the wing portion can be held in the first position by the first holding means and in the second position by the second holding means, so the wing portion will not rotate and flap around on its own during use or storage.

[0015] Furthermore, the ball marker according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, "It further comprises a columnar anchor pin extending downward from the base portion." This could be considered a distinguishing feature.

[0016] With this configuration, when placing a ball marker on the green, the anchor pin is driven into the green, making it difficult for the ball marker to move even if something hits it. In addition, when aligning the line indicated by the indicator with the direction of the shot, the pair of wing parts in the second position can be grasped and rotated around the anchor pin to easily align with the direction of the shot. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] As described above, the present invention provides a ball marker that allows for easy and accurate alignment of the lines drawn on the ball with the direction of the hit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] (a) is a plan view of a ball marker which is one embodiment of the present invention, (b) is a perspective view of the ball marker of (a) seen from above, and (c) is a perspective view of the ball marker of (a) seen from below. [Figure 2](a) is a plan view of the ball marker of FIG. 1 with a pair of wing portions in the second position, and (b) is a perspective view of the ball marker of (a) viewed from above. [Figure 3] (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1(a), (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1(a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 2(a). [Figure 4] (a) is an explanatory view of the state where the ball is replaced in front of the ball marker of FIG. 1 as viewed from above, and (b) is an explanatory view of the state of (a) as viewed from the rear in the traveling direction of the ball. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory view showing the state where the ball marker of FIG. 1 is magnetically attached to the clip. [Figure 6] (a) is a plan view of a ball marker according to an embodiment different from FIG. 1, (b) is a perspective view of the ball marker of (a), and (c) is a perspective view of the ball marker shown with a pair of wing portions in the second position. [Figure 7] (a) is an explanatory view of the state where the ball is replaced in front of a conventional ball marker as viewed obliquely from above, and (b) is an explanatory view of the state of (a) as viewed from the rear in the traveling direction of the ball.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the ball marker 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The ball marker 1 of the present embodiment is installed on the green as a mark in a ball game such as golf so that when picking up the ball B during play, the ball B can be replaced at the original position.

[0020] The ball marker 1 comprises a flat base portion 10, an indicator portion 20 provided on the upper surface of the base portion 10, a pair (two) wing portions 30 rotatably attached to the base portion 10, and a magnet 45 attached to the base portion. The indicator portion 20 is provided on a virtual straight line L (see Figure 1(a)) passing through the center of the base portion 10. The wing portions 30 are provided on both of two symmetrical portions separated by a gap along the straight line L on which the indicator portion 20 is provided. Each of the pair of wing portions 30 is rotatably attached to the base portion 10 via a cylindrical shaft 40.

[0021] Furthermore, the ball marker 1 includes a first holding means for holding the wing portion 30 on the base portion 10 when the wing portion 30 is in a first position parallel to the upper surface of the base portion 10, and a second holding means for holding the wing portion 30 on the base portion 10 when the wing portion 30 is in a second position perpendicular to the upper surface of the base portion 10.

[0022] The base portion 10 has a flat base body 11 with an oval shape in plan view, and a pair of wing housing portions 12 that are provided symmetrically on the base body 11 with respect to the major axis of the oval shape.

[0023] The base body 11 has an oval major axis on a straight line L on which the indicator part 20 is provided. The oval outer surface of the base body 11 is composed of a pair of first sides 11a that extend linearly parallel to the oval major axis, and a pair of second sides 11b that connect the ends of each of the pair of first sides 11a and extend in an arc shape centered on the middle of the oval major axis.

[0024] The pair of wing housing sections 12 are recessed portions on the upper surface of the base body 11, between each of the pair of first side surfaces 11a and the indicator section 20, capable of housing each of the pair of wing sections 30. In other words, the wing housing section 12 is open outward on the side of the first side surfaces 11a in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the base body 11.

[0025] The base portion 10 also includes protrusions 13 projecting outward from the center of each of the pair of first sides 11a of the base body 11, a magnet housing portion 14 recessed in an annular shape at the center of the lower surface of the base body 11, and a cylindrical anchor pin 15 extending downward from the center of the base body 11. A magnet 45 is housed and attached to the magnet housing portion 14. The lower end of the anchor pin 15 is tapered.

[0026] Furthermore, the base portion 10 has a pair of shaft holes 16 through which a shaft 40 for rotatably attaching the wing portion 30 is inserted. The shaft holes 16 penetrate the base body 11 in a direction parallel to the major axis (straight line L) of the oval shape of the base body 11.

[0027] Furthermore, the base portion 10 has a first mounting portion 17 to which the base-side first holding portion 50 of the first holding means (described later) is attached, and a second mounting portion 18 to which the base-side second holding portion 55 of the second holding means (described later) is attached. The first mounting portion 17 is provided on the upper surface of the protruding portion 13 of the base body 11 and is a cylindrical recessed blind hole. Two second mounting portions 18 are provided spaced apart in the direction in which the straight line L extends. The second mounting portions 18 extend parallel to the upper surface of the base body 11 and in the direction in which the pair of wing housing portions 12 are spaced apart, and are through holes connecting the parts in each of the pair of wing housing portions 12 to which the bearing portion 31 (described later) of the wing portion 30 is housed.

[0028] The indicator section 20 extends in a band shape with a constant width along a straight line L, connecting a pair of second sides 11b on the base body 11 of the base section 10. The width of the indicator section 20 is the same as the distance between the pair of wing housing sections 12. In this embodiment, the indicator section 20 is formed integrally with the base section 10 and protrudes slightly from the upper surface of the base body 11. This makes it easy to color the indicator section 20.

[0029] Each pair of wing sections 30 has a pair of bearing sections 31 spaced apart from each other, a pair of extension sections 32 extending in a strip-like manner from each of the bearing sections 31, and a connecting section 33 connecting the ends of each of the extension sections 32. Each of the pair of bearing sections 31 has a shaft hole 31a running through it coaxially. A shaft 40 is inserted through these shaft holes 31a. The pair of extension sections 32 extend from the bearing section 31 in directions perpendicular to the axis of the shaft hole 31a. The thickness of the extension section 32 in the direction perpendicular to the surface formed by the pair of extension sections 32 and the connecting section 33 is smaller than the thickness of the bearing section 31 in the same direction, but one of the two surfaces formed by the pair of extension sections 32 and the connecting section 33 is on the same plane as the outer surface of the bearing section 31. The connecting section 33 is curved in an arc shape so that its central portion bulges outwards from the extension section 32.

[0030] Furthermore, the wing portion 30 is provided with an anti-slip portion 34 on the curved side surface of the connecting portion 33. The anti-slip portion 34 in this embodiment is formed in a so-called flat textured shape with multiple rows of triangular ridges in cross-section. The anti-slip portion 34 may also be a diagonal textured shape or a textured shape like a grain.

[0031] Furthermore, the wing portion 30 has a first mounting portion 35 to which the wing-side first holding portion 51 of the first holding means, which will be described later, is attached, and a second mounting portion 36 to which the wing-side second holding portion 56 of the second holding means, which will be described later, is attached. The first mounting portion 35 is provided on the connecting portion 33 and is located in the part that faces the first mounting portion 17 of the base portion 10 when the wing portion 30 is in the first position. The first mounting portion 35 is a cylindrical recessed blind hole. The second mounting portion 36 is provided on the bearing portion 31 and is located in the part that faces the second mounting portion 18 of the base portion 10 when the wing portion 30 is in the second position. The second mounting portion 36 is a cylindrical recessed blind hole.

[0032] The wing portion 30 is attached to the base portion 10 via a shaft 40 inserted through the shaft hole 31a of the bearing portion 31 and the shaft hole 16 of the base portion 10, with the direction in which the pair of bearing portions 31 are separated oriented in the direction in which the straight line L extends. At this time, when the wing portion 30 is positioned horizontally above the base portion 10, the wing portion 30 is attached with the side on which the first mounting portion 35 is provided (the side on which the blind hole is open) facing downwards.

[0033] The magnet 45 is an annular magnet and is housed and mounted in the magnet housing 14 of the base portion 10. When the magnet 45 is mounted on the base portion 10, an anchor pin 15 is inserted through the central hole. By making the magnet 45 an annular shape, it is possible to provide the anchor pin 15 on the base portion 10 while also mounting the magnet 45 in the center of the base portion 10.

[0034] The first retaining means consists of a base-side first retaining portion 50 and a wing-side first retaining portion 51. The base-side first retaining portion 50 and the wing-side first retaining portion 51 are each cylindrical magnets. The base-side first retaining portion 50 is mounted by being inserted into the first mounting portion 17 of the base portion 10. The wing-side first retaining portion 51 is mounted by being inserted into the first mounting portion 35 of the wing portion 30. The base-side first retaining portion 50 and the wing-side first retaining portion 51 are mounted such that when the wing portion 30 is in the first position, the magnetic poles of the opposing surfaces are different.

[0035] The second retaining means consists of a base-side second retaining portion 55 and a wing-side second retaining portion 56. The base-side second retaining portion 55 is a cylindrical rod (round bar) made of a magnetic material (for example, SS400, SUS420J2, etc.), and the wing-side second retaining portion 56 is a cylindrical magnet. The base-side second retaining portion 55 has the same length as the hole in the second mounting portion 18 of the base portion 10 and is installed in a state where it is inserted into the second mounting portion 18. The wing-side second retaining portion 56 is installed in a state where it is inserted into the second mounting portion 36 of the wing portion 30. When the wing portion 30 is in the second position, the two wing-side second retaining portions 56, with the base-side second retaining portion 55 in between, are installed such that the magnetic poles of the opposing surfaces are different.

[0036] In this embodiment, the ball marker 1 has a base portion 10 and a pair of wing portions 30, each made of synthetic resin.

[0037] In this embodiment, the ball marker 1 can be rotated between a first position (see Figure 1) where the tips of the curved connecting portions 33 of the pair of wing portions 30 are separated and parallel to the upper surface of the base portion 10, and a second position (see Figure 2) where the tips of the connecting portions 33 are closer together and rise perpendicular to the upper surface of the base portion 10.

[0038] In the first position, the pair of wing sections 30 are tilted, with a portion of them housed in the wing housing section 12 of the base section 10. In this first position, the top surface of the ball marker 1 is flat. Also in the first position, the pair of wing sections 30 are located inside a virtual circle that includes the pair of second sides 11b of the base section 10. Furthermore, in the first position, a portion of the connecting portion 33 of the wing section 30 protrudes outward from the first side 11a of the base body 11. This allows for easy contact of the tips of the wing sections 30 even in the first position, and makes it easy to raise the wing sections 30 to the second position.

[0039] Furthermore, when the pair of wing sections 30 are in the first position, the base-side first retaining section 50 and the wing-side first retaining section 51, which constitute the first retaining means, are in contact with each other and magnetically attached (see Figure 3(a)). Due to this magnetic attachment of the first retaining means, the wing sections 30 do not rotate spontaneously from the first position to the second position, and the wing sections 30 do not flap around. Note that the base-side second retaining section 55 and the wing-side second retaining section 56, which constitute the second retaining means, are separated from each other and are not magnetically attached (see Figure 3(b)).

[0040] On the other hand, when the pair of wing sections 30 are in the second position, each wing section 30 is raised upward and extends perpendicularly to the base section 10 and parallel to each other. In this second position, the base-side second retaining section 55 and the wing-side second retaining section 56, which constitute the second retaining means, are in contact with each other and magnetically attached (see Figure 3(c)). Due to this magnetic attachment of the second retaining means, the wing sections 30 will not unintentionally rotate from the second position to the first position, and the wing sections 30 will not fall over. In contrast, the first retaining means has a base-side first retaining section 50 and a wing-side first retaining section 51 that are separated from each other and not magnetically attached.

[0041] Furthermore, the ball marker 1 of this embodiment is formed so that its horizontal size falls within a predetermined range (for example, a diameter of 2 inches), and its height (the height from the upper end of the wing portion 30 at the second position to the lower end of the anchor pin 15) falls within a predetermined range (for example, 1 inch). In other words, the ball marker 1 of this embodiment complies with the rules of golf equipment.

[0042] Next, the method of using the ball marker 1 of this embodiment will be described. When storing or carrying the ball marker 1, the pair of wing parts 30 should be left in the first position. As a result, the wing parts 30 do not protrude beyond the base part 10, making it less bulky.

[0043] Because this ball marker 1 is equipped with a magnet 45, it can be magnetically attached to a metal clip 2 (see Figure 5) that can be attached to the user's hat or clothing, for example, making it easy to carry and take out the ball marker 1. When the pair of wing parts 30 are in the first position, the top surface of the ball marker 1 (base part 10) is flat, so by bringing this top surface into contact with the clip 2, it magnetically attaches tightly to the clip 2 and is difficult to detach. When using the ball marker 1 to pick up the ball B from the green or elsewhere during a round of golf, it is removed from the clip 2 before use. Also, when the ball marker 1 (base part 10) is attached to the clip 2, the side of the base part 10 facing the anchor pin 15 (bottom surface) becomes the surface, so one can write their name or other information on that surface. In other words, by writing one's name or other information on the bottom surface of the base part 10, the ball marker 1 can be used as a nameplate.

[0044] The ball marker 1 of this embodiment is placed directly behind the ball B in the direction in which the ball B is to be advanced toward the target cup, similar to conventional ball markers. When placing the ball marker 1, the pair of wing portions 30 are moved from the first position to the second position, and the pair of wing portions 30 are held by pinching them with the fingers. At this time, since the tips of the wing portions 30 protrude outward from the base portion 10 and anti-slip portions 34 are provided at the tips of the wing portions 30, the wing portions 30 are easy to pinch with the fingers and can be easily raised.

[0045] When placing it on the green, insert the anchor pin 15 into the green and bring the bottom surface of the base 10 into contact with the green. Once the ball marker 1 is placed on the green, pick up the ball B.

[0046] When the ball marker 1 is placed on the green, the pair of wing sections 30 are in the second position and are rising from the base section 10, making the ball marker 1 easily visible from a distance. If, after placing the ball marker 1, the pair of wing sections 30 become an obstruction to other players, the pair of wing sections 30 can be moved to the first position and stored in the wing storage section 12 of the base section 10, making the top surface of the ball marker 1 flat and preventing it from interfering with other players' play.

[0047] When replacing ball B with ball marker 1 on the green, ball marker 1 should be in the following position. Here, the pair of wing sections 30 are in the second position, and if the pair of wing sections 30 are in the first position, they should be moved to the second position. First, the indicator section 20 on the upper surface of the base section 10 should be pointed towards the cup. That is, the ball marker 1 should be pointed so that the extension of the straight line L indicated by the indicator section 20 passes through the cup. Then, reading the line in the direction of the shot (putting line) that ball B will take towards the cup from the slope and grain of the green, the ball marker 1 should be rotated around the anchor pin 15 so that the straight line L indicated by the indicator section 20 coincides with that putting line. If the putting line is curved, the straight line L indicated by the indicator section 20 should be tangent to the putting line.

[0048] With the ball marker 1 in the state described above, place ball B directly in front of ball marker 1. At this time, position ball B so that the straight line L indicated by the indicator part 20 on ball marker 1 coincides with the line BL drawn on the large circle of ball B. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(a), when viewed from above, the indicator part 20 on the upper surface of the base part 10 should be visible between the pair of wing parts 30 in the second position. In other words, only the upper end surface of the wing part 30 (here, the end surface on which the anti-slip part 34 is provided) should be visible. Then, in this state, orient ball B so that the line BL drawn on ball B appears as a straight line, and replace ball B in front of ball marker 1. Because the indicator part 20 is visible between the pair of wing parts 30, it is as if you are viewing ball marker 1 from directly above (perpendicular to the upper surface of the base part 10), and your eyes can be positioned directly above ball marker 1.

[0049] With ball B placed in this manner, as shown in Figure 4(b), when viewed from behind ball marker 1, the line BL drawn on ball B is positioned between the pair of wing sections 30 in the second position. In other words, the line BL drawn on ball B appears as a straight line, and this straight line coincides with a straight line perpendicular to the upper surface of the base section 10 between the pair of wing sections 30. Thus, the line BL drawn on ball B is precisely aligned with the direction of the shot (putting line) of ball B. In this way, using this ball marker 1, the aiming direction can be determined by the ball marker 1 and the line BL drawn on ball B, resulting in long alignment and significantly improved accuracy. It can bring about a revolutionary change in playing style. Therefore, it is not merely an improved version that follows the conventional playing style.

[0050] After placing ball B directly in front of ball marker 1 as described above, pick up ball marker 1 by pinching the pair of wing sections 30.

[0051] If line BL is not drawn on ball B, you can use the manufacturer's name or logo drawn on the large circle of ball B as a substitute for line BL, or you can use a commercially available jig to draw line BL with a marker pen.

[0052] Thus, according to this embodiment, when placing (replacing) ball B in front of ball marker 1, if the straight line L indicated by the indicator unit 20 is aligned in advance with the line of the ball's trajectory toward the cup (putting line), then by using the pair of wing units 30 in the second position, the line BL of ball B can be easily and accurately aligned with the trajectory.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by positioning the pair of wing sections 30 in a second position where they are raised from the base section 10, the pair of wing sections 30 can be grasped, making it easier to place the ball marker 1 and to pick up the placed ball marker 1.

[0054] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when placing the ball marker 1 on the green, the anchor pin 15 is driven into the green, making it difficult for the ball marker 1 to move even if something hits it. Also, when aligning the line L indicated by the indicator 20 with the direction of the shot, the pair of wing parts 30 in the second position can be grasped and rotated around the anchor pin 15 to easily align with the direction of the shot.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first holding portion 50 on the base side of the first holding means is provided on a protruding portion 13 that protrudes from the first side surface 11a of the base body 11, and since it is far from the rotation axis of the wing portion 30, the lever action with the shaft 40 as the fulcrum can be reduced compared to the case where it is close to the rotation axis, the force required to raise the wing portion 30 against the magnetic force becomes larger, and the wing portion 30 is less likely to flap around.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since it is equipped with a magnet 45, as described above, it can be magnetically attached to a clip 2 attached to a hat or clothing, allowing it to be stored in an easily accessible location. Moreover, since the ball marker 1 is equipped with an anchor pin 15 and a magnet 45, it can achieve the following effects. In detail, for example, when storing the ball marker 1 by inserting the anchor pin 15 into an air hole provided at the tip of the grip of a putter, when vibrations act due to walking or cart movement, compared to a ball marker with an anchor pin that does not have a magnet, the ball marker 1 is less likely to fall off the grip because, in addition to the frictional force between the anchor pin 15 and the air hole, the attractive force between the magnet 45 and the iron (magnetic material) part of the putter also acts, allowing it to be stored in an easily accessible location such as the tip of the grip. In this way, since the ball marker 1 can be stored in an easily accessible location such as the clip 2 or the tip of the grip, there is no need to store it mixed with balls and tees in pockets of clothing or bags, reducing the effort required to find the ball marker 1.

[0057] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various improvements and design changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention, as shown below.

[0058] For example, in the above embodiment, the base body 11 of the base portion 10 is shown as an oval-shaped ball marker 1, but it is not limited to this, and as shown in Figure 6, the base body 11A of the base portion 10A may be a circular ball marker 1A. Components similar to those of the ball marker 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted. In this ball marker 1A, when the pair of wing portions 30 are in the first position, the tip surface of the connecting portion 33 of the wing portion 30 is formed to substantially coincide with the outer edge of the base portion 10.

[0059] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows the indicator section 20 as extending in a strip shape, it is not limited to this, and may also be "dotted line," "one or more arrow shapes," "a series of letters, symbols, marks, etc.."

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first and second holding means are shown to hold the wing portion 30 in the first and second positions by magnetic attachment using magnets, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, elastically deformable claws may be provided on the base portion 10 or the wing portion 30, and the claws may engage with the wing portion 30 or the base portion 10 when it is in the first or second position, thereby holding the wing portion 30 in the first or second position. Alternatively, projections may be provided on the base portion 10 or the wing portion 30, and the projections may press against the wing portion 30 or the base portion 10 when it is in the first or second position, thereby holding the wing portion 30 in the first or second position.

[0061] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows ball markers 1 and 1A equipped with an anchor pin 15, the invention is not limited to this, and ball markers without an anchor pin may also be used.

[0062] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows the wing portion 30 provided on both of two symmetrical parts separated by a gap along the straight line L, the invention is not limited to this, and the wing portion 30 may be provided on only one of the two symmetrical parts separated by a gap along the straight line L. In other words, the invention may be provided with only one wing portion 30.

[0063] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows a configuration with a first retaining means and a second retaining means, it is not limited to this configuration. It may also be configured with only one of the first retaining means or the second retaining means, or without either the first or second retaining means. If the first retaining means is not provided, the wing portion 30 will not flap around by placing the wing portion 30 in the first position and magnetically attaching the upper surface of the base portion 10 to the clip 2. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1 Ball Marker 1A Ball Marker 10 Base section 10A Base 20 Instruction section 30 Wing section 40 shaft 45 Magnets 50 Base-side first retaining part (first retaining means) 51 Wing-side first retaining part (first retaining means) 55 Base-side second retaining part (second retaining means) 56 Wing-side second retaining part (second retaining means)

Claims

1. A flat base section, An indicator portion is provided on a predetermined straight line on the upper surface of the base portion, A pair of wing portions are provided on both of two symmetrical portions separated by a predetermined straight line, and are attached to the base portion so as to rotate between a first position parallel to the upper surface of the base portion and a second position rising vertically upward from the upper surface of the base portion. The magnet attached to the base portion and A ball marker characterized by having the following features.

2. A first holding means for holding the wing portion in the base portion when the wing portion is in the first position, The device further comprises a second holding means for holding the wing portion in the base portion when the wing portion is in the second position. The ball marker according to feature 1.

3. The system further comprises a columnar anchor pin extending downward from the base portion. A ball marker as described in claim 1 or 2.

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