KR20180022716A - Golf marker devices, systems, and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

Various exemplary portable golf beacon devices are provided that can be configured to mark the position of a golf ball on a golf course with a liquid mark having a predetermined shape. The liquid markers do not interfere with other golf balls and disappear themselves after a short time, such as about two hours. There is provided an exemplary design for creating a cover having a predetermined shape, including providing a cover pad having a predetermined cross sectional shape and providing a removable inner cover over a cover pad having an opening with a predetermined shape do. A double end device can be employed. A multi-color kit and a clip for removably holding the indicator device on the cigar of a user's hat, for example, are described.

Description

Golf marker devices, systems, and methods of use

Cross-reference to related application

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62 / 188,613, filed July 3, 2015, entitled " Liquid Dye / Ink Ball Marker Device and Apparatus & (Hereafter "the 613 application"), incorporated herein by reference, and is a formal application thereof.

The present invention relates to a golf game. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved apparatus for marking the position of a golf ball and related use methods.

Golf is an outdoor game played on a course usually with 9 or 18 holes. Each hole includes a tee, a fairway, and a putting green, which are designated areas for the first hit of the hole. An individual participant or team uses the golf club to hit the ball into the cup placed on the putting green from the tee. The ball is struck using various types of golf clubs depending on the position of the ball and the distance between the ball and the cup. There are three main types of golf clubs: wood (also known as "metal"), irons, and putters. Wood is usually used to strike the ball from a tee or fairway with a long range strike. An iron is typically used to strike from the "rough" which is a tall grass or wood area on the sides of the fairway and fairway. The putter is mostly used to hit the ball in a rolling manner on the putting green.

The goal of the golf game is to let the balls fall into each cup with the smallest possible number of balls. The golf hole consists of hitting the ball from the tee towards the cup and hitting the ball continuously until the ball falls into the cup on the putting green. The cup typically has a flag on a rod called a golf cup flag or "pin ". The pin is positioned within the cup so that the position of the cup can be seen from a distance. Often, the ball is hit and placed on the putting green phase before the ball is hit into the cup. When you are on the green, it is often necessary to pick up the ball just as you would for the trim before putting. Also, the ball may be removed from its seating position on the putting green if the ball is in the path of putting of the other golfer. Such removal of the ball is done in etiquette and fair play to prevent interference or contact with other golfers or golf balls. When the ball is removed from the putting green, the position of the ball shall be marked using a ball marker. Marking a position or point where the ball is stopped allows the golfer to accurately return the ball to the marked position when it becomes the putter turn of the golfer.

There are a wide range of available devices for marking the position of the ball. The most commonly used device is a small coin sized plastic or metal marker that loosely carries a golfer in his pocket, or fixes it to a golf glove, golf shoes, putter end, or di boat repair tool. A substantial disadvantage of these coins and snap-on devices involves the creation of three-dimensional physical presence on the playing surface which can interfere with the path of a moving golf ball struck by another participant. Clashes with one of these three-dimensional markers will change the speed of the moving golf ball or divert the ball path, all of which are undesirable results. Such a collision can also move the marker, thereby nullifying the purpose of employing such a position marker. If a participant intentionally chooses a ball path that can cause such a collision, the marker will require removal, which also disqualifies the purpose of placing the device on the green. Also, deliberately moving a golf ball position marker intentionally slows down the game and causes the golfer to bend uncomfortably or repeatedly to kneel while moving the marker. More importantly, shifting the golf ball marker always presents a risk that the golfer misidentifies the original position of the marker and incorrectly positions the ball upon return to the green, thus causing a one-stroke penalty. These conventional golf ball markers, in addition to their disturbing physical presence, are loose items that are easily lost or forgotten by the participant, thereby creating a potentially dangerous protrusion when contaminated by the environment and traversed by a lawn mower. In addition, golf ball markers left on the green can create a risk to the mowing equipment by removing sensitive turf cutting blades that can be expensive to repair.

Over the years, a number of inventors have proposed alternatives in an attempt to address the drawbacks of this general, loosely-loaded, retrievable three-dimensional position indicator. For example, various publications disclose a mechanical apparatus that includes a powder chamber that is selectively activated for dispensing powder onto a playing surface, so as to mark the position of the golf ball. Unfortunately, powder based labeling presents its inherent disadvantages. For example, the powder is prone to drifting on windy days, which prevents the creation of adequately sustainable labels for a successful and accurate repositioning of the golf ball.

Even under windless conditions, powder labels are defective for a number of reasons. First, the powder-based labeling apparatus applies powder to the greens, and the powder includes fine particles of the material. These particles uniquely change the texture and friction coefficient of the rolling surface, which in turn changes the speed and / or path of the golf ball to roll. Depending on the cohesive nature of the powder and the particle size and the amount of ambient moisture present during the competition, the powder can adhere to the rolling golf ball, filling the dimple of the ball and altering aerodynamics when the ball is subsequently propelled.

Second, the powder marker can form a three-dimensional mound, depending on the amount of powder exiting the device during operation. Physics describes that controlling precise amounts of fine particulate matter in precise three-dimensional shapes is unreliably repeatable and depends on a number of factors including the trajectory of emission, distance to the playing surface, and gravity . Releasing a mound of powder produces a powder position indicator that may alter the path of the golf ball to roll. However, unlike a three-dimensional coin or snap-on marker, the powder marker is immovable and must be thoroughly cleaned or cleaned from the playing surface to prevent interference with the golf ball being rolled. The process of transferring the powder marker may cause some damage to the grease because the powder melts or shatters into the surface or is aggressively wiped. Also, the powder cover can leave a long-lasting visual residue that drifts across the greens, which can spawn other golfers, which is contraindicated in the most fully maintained golf green.

U.S. Patent No. 7,959,526 B2 issued to Patela on June 14, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference, provides a complicated actuator that is aimed at a putting green and then propels or exhales the blowing agent into a putting green phase, Attempts to avoid inconsistencies and inaccuracies associated with the device. However, like a powder device, the Petra device fails to provide an ideal solution. Flushing of the blowing agent onto the putting green phase is prone to splashing if the device is not aimed at the proper distance or at the right angle or is in a windy state. In addition, such blowing agents can be decomposed too quickly, or they can be erased when someone steps on it. In addition, while the Patella device is a complex, expensive and non-disposable device, it obviously requires regular recharging or replacement of internal cartridges, which is a cumbersome and undesirable waste of time. Due to one or all of these reasons, the Patella system has not been widely adopted in golf sports.

When the above-described inventions are taken alone or in combination, they do not adequately handle or solve the above-mentioned problems. Therefore, a simple, inexpensive, and easy to use method of marking the position of a golf ball on a putting green in a highly visual, highly accurate manner without interfering with the path of the rolling ball or leaving sparse or damaging long- , There is a need for non-recoverable golf ball position markers.

The present invention overcomes many of the drawbacks of conventional systems clearly and provides many additional improvements and advantages as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In various exemplary embodiments, a golf ball position indicator is provided, which extends from the proximal end to the distal end and is sized, shaped, and configured to be held in the user's hand between the fingers of the user. Wherein the elongated body comprises a first reservoir containing a liquid comprising a first water soluble colorant; A first valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the first reservoir; A first liquid absorbing cover pad having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape and positioned proximate the distal end, the first liquid absorbing cover pad being in selective fluid communication with a liquid in the first reservoir through a first valve; A first cap removably attached to the distal end of the elongate body and covering the first liquid absorbent cover pad, wherein the golf ball position marker is configured such that the first cap is removed from the elongated body, When the golf ball marker is pressed against the golf ball green so that the liquid absorbing cover pad directly contacts and applies force to the golf club green and transmits at least a portion of the liquid containing the first water soluble colorant to the golf club green, To leave a visual aqueous temporary coloring mark having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape on the surface.

In various exemplary embodiments, a golf ball position marker may be used to move the golf ball from the elongated body such that the first cap is removed from the elongated body, And may further comprise a first valve configured to selectively open the first reservoir when the coin position indicator is depressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the golf ball position marker may be configured such that the user presses the golf ball position marker against the golf green to stop the first liquid absorbing cover pad from contacting and directly applying force to the golf green, The first reservoir may further comprise a first valve configured to selectively close the first reservoir.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first water soluble colorant comprises a high-release jet pattern indicator configured to color mark the agricultural land on which the pesticide is sprayed. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the first water soluble colorant comprises an orthosulfonate phenyl TPM colorant synthesized from a poly (ethyleneoxy) substituted aniline.

In various exemplary embodiments, the golf ball position marker may further include a elongate body having an outer profile formed in the shape of a tapered golf tee. In various exemplary embodiments, the golf ball position marker may further include a elongated body having an outer profile formed in the shape of a cylinder. In various exemplary embodiments, the first cap has an outer profile formed in the shape of a dimple-shaped golf ball.

In various exemplary embodiments, the golf ball position indicator comprises a elongated body including a second reservoir containing a liquid comprising a second water soluble colorant; A second valve in fluid communication with the second reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the second reservoir; A second liquid absorbing cover pad having a second predetermined cross-sectional shape and located proximate the proximal end, the second liquid absorbing cover pad being in selective fluid communication with the liquid in the second reservoir through the second valve; A second cap removably attached to the proximal end of the elongated body and covering the second liquid absorbing indicia pad, wherein the golf ball position marker is configured such that the second cap is removed from the elongate body, Presses the golf ball position marker onto the golf course green so that the second liquid absorbing cover pad directly contacts and applies force to the golf course green and transfers at least a portion of the liquid comprising the second water soluble coloring agent to the golf course green , To leave a visual, water soluble temporary colored mark with a second predetermined cross-sectional shape on the golf green. In various exemplary embodiments, the second valve may be configured such that the second cap is removed from the elongated body, and the user applies a force to the golf ball, such as a golf ball, And may be configured to selectively open the second reservoir when pressurizing the position indicator. In various exemplary embodiments, the second valve is configured to press the golf ball position marker against the golf green so that the user stops stopping the second liquid absorbing cover pad in direct contact with the golf green < RTI ID = 0.0 > The second reservoir may be configured to selectively close the second reservoir. In various exemplary embodiments, the second cap has an outer profile formed in the shape of a dimple-shaped golf ball.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first water-soluble colorant and the second water-soluble colorant are of a different color, and in another exemplary embodiment, the first water-soluble colorant and the second water-soluble colorant are of the same color. In various exemplary embodiments, the second water soluble colorant comprises a spray pattern indicator configured to color mark the agricultural land on which the pesticide is sprayed. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the second water soluble colorant comprises an orthosulfonate phenyl TPM colorant synthesized from a poly (ethyleneoxy) substituted aniline.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first predetermined cross-sectional shape and the second predetermined cross-sectional shape are the same cross-sectional shape, and in another exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined cross-sectional shape and the second predetermined cross- to be.

Also, in various exemplary embodiments, a golf ball position indicator is provided, which extends from the proximal end to the distal end and is sized, shaped, and configured to be held in the user's hand between the fingers of the user, The elongated body comprising a first reservoir containing a liquid comprising a first water soluble colorant; A first valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the first reservoir; A first liquid absorbing cover pad positioned proximate the distal end and selectively in fluid communication with the liquid in the first reservoir through the first valve; A first inner cap which is slidably attached to the distal end of the elongate body and at least partially covers the first liquid absorbing indicia pad, the first inner cap having a first predetermined shape formed therethrough, Having an opening positioned adjacent to the first liquid absorbing indicia pad such that a portion of the first liquid absorbing cover pad extends through the opening in the first inner cap when sliding in the base direction with respect to the body; And a first outer cap removably attached to the distal end of the elongated body and covering the first inner cap, wherein the golf ball position indicator is configured such that the first outer cap is removed from the elongated body, So that the first inner cap and the first liquid absorbent cover pad are in direct contact with and apply force to the golf green so that the absorbent cover pad conveys at least a portion of the liquid comprising the first aqueous colorant to the golf green. When the golf ball position marker is pressed against the golf green marker, the visualized water soluble temporary color marker having a first predetermined shape on the golf green. These alternative embodiments may include one or both of the same features, functions, and design options as described for the other embodiments described herein, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In addition, in various exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method of marking the position of a golf ball on a golf green, comprising: providing one of the golf ball position markers described herein; Removing the first cap from the elongate body; Wherein the first liquid absorbent cover pad is in direct contact with the golf green to apply a force thereto and to transmit at least a portion of the liquid comprising the first water soluble colorant to a golf green adjacent to the first position of the golf ball, Leaving a visual, water soluble temporary colored marker having a first predetermined shape on the golf green by pressing the golf ball position marker onto the golf green marker adjacent the first position; Removing the golf ball from its first position on the golf course green; And repositioning the golf ball in its first position on the golf green by positioning the golf ball adjacent a visual soluble temporary colored marker having a first predetermined shape.

Additional aspects, alternatives, and modifications as will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, including but not limited to all of the embodiments disclosed herein and illustrated or described in the '613 application, As shown in Fig. The present invention is described only in the claims, as recognized by the Patent Office in this or related application, and the following summary description of certain examples is intended to limit, restrict, or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection in any way no.

Various embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of embodiments in any way. In addition, various features of the different disclosed embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments that are a part of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that certain components and details may not appear in the drawings to aid in further clarifying the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows an exemplary golf beacon device according to one exemplary embodiment, showing an exploded side view, a cross section, and a perspective partial exploded view.
Figure 2 shows an exemplary golf beacon device of Figure 1, showing a side view of the assembly, a cross section thereof, and a perspective view of the assembly.
Figure 3 shows another exemplary golf beacon device according to another exemplary embodiment, showing an exploded side view, a cross section, and a perspective partial exploded view.
Fig. 4 shows an exemplary golf beacon device of Fig. 3, showing a side view of the assembly, a cross section thereof, and a perspective view of the assembly.
Figure 5 illustrates another exemplary golf beacon device according to another exemplary embodiment, showing an exploded side view, a cross section thereof, and a perspective partial exploded view.
Figure 6 shows an exemplary golf beacon device of Figure 5, showing a side view of the assembly, a cross section thereof, and a perspective view of the assembly.
FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary golf club according to another exemplary embodiment, showing an exploded side view of an exemplary inner cap that may be removable, interchangeable and interchangeable in various exemplary embodiments, a cross- FIG.
Figure 8 shows an exemplary golf beacon device of Figure 7, showing a side view of the assembly, a cross section thereof, and a side view of the assembly with the outer cap removed.
Figure 9 shows various exemplary golf marker devices in use, leaving a mark on the golf course green adjacent to the position of the golf ball (not shown).
FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary clips useful for securing various exemplary golf beacons to a variety of articles, such as a hat of a user's hat.

Some specific examples of the present invention, including any optimal modes contemplated by the present invention for carrying out the invention, are referred to herein. Examples of such specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present invention has been described in connection with such specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated or shown. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, process operations known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes be described in singular form for the sake of clarity. However, some embodiments include multiple iterations or multiple mechanisms of one technique, unless otherwise stated. Similarly, the various steps of the method shown and described herein are not necessarily performed in the indicated sequence, nor are they performed at all in some embodiments. Thus, some implementations of the methods described herein may include more or fewer steps than those shown or described. In addition, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes describe connections, relationships, or communications between two or more entities. The connection or relationship between the entities does not necessarily mean a direct, uninterrupted connection, as it is to be understood that various other entities or processes may exist or occur between any two entities. As a result, the indicated connection does not necessarily mean a direct, uninterrupted connection unless otherwise stated.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a proximal end 110 extending from a proximal end 110 to a distal end 120, sized, shaped, and configured to be held in the user's hand between fingers (not shown) There is shown an exemplary golf ball position indicator 1000, each including a elongated body 100. Elongated body 100 may have any suitable size and shape; In one exemplary embodiment, the elongated body may be about 2 inches long and about 5/8 inches thick. In various exemplary embodiments, elongated body 100 may have an outer profile formed in an aesthetic, non-functional shape, such as, for example, the shape of a tapered golf tee, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 have. Alternatively, in various exemplary embodiments, the elongated body 100 may have an outer profile formed in the shape of a cylinder, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The elongate body 100 may be formed from a single piece or may be formed from multiple pieces attached together and may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, injection molded biodegradable and recyclable plastic . The outer surface of the elongated body 100 can be used as a space for applying advertisement or event information or emblems.

The elongated body 100 may include a first reservoir 130 for containing a non-toxic liquid 200 comprising a first water soluble colorant 210. The water-soluble colorant 210 may be photosensitive so that it tends to fade or disappear after a relatively short period of time after it has been applied to the golf green 7 (shown in Fig. 9). For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the colorant 210 may be applied to the surface of the substrate 210 at about 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, There may be a tendency to fade or disappear within a period of time. In various exemplary embodiments, the first water-soluble colorant 210 may include a plant marker such as a high-release spray pattern indicator configured to color-mark the farmland where the pesticide is sprayed.

According to a report dated December 21, 1997 by the US Department of Agriculture, titled " Use and Assessment of Marker Dyes Used With Herbicides ", the name of a plant marker It should be considered when deciding which dye to choose. The first consideration is to use dyes which are soluble organic colorants in solvents and polymers or pigments which are inorganic or organic colorants that are not soluble in solvents or polymers. In addition, dyes generally provide higher color strength and produce very transparent colors, and the pigments may be transparent or opaque. Overall, pigments have better fastness properties, especially light fastness, than dyes (i. E., The pigment slowly fades upon receiving light).

Important factors to consider when matching dye properties to end use requirements include solubility, compatibility, fastness properties, and price. To be most effective, the dye must be soluble in the system in which it is used (e.g., water, solvent, oil, wax, and polymer). In addition, the dye should be compatible with the other ingredients in the composition. For example, anionic (acid) dyes should not be used with the same composition, even cationic (basic) dyes and water-soluble dyes. Mixing incompatible dyes usually results in precipitation of the dye. The fastness of dye or the end use requirements of the dye should also be considered. Factors such as light fastness, acid / base resistance, and thermal stability vary with the type of dye. For example, basic and metal complex solvent dyes are soluble in alcohol; Basic dyes have poor light fastness and metal complex dyes have good light fastness. Finally, the cost of the dye should match the end use. For example, when using alcoholic inks with minimal light fastness requirements, it is better to use lower cost basic dyes instead of more expensive solvent dyes. Some other factors to consider in selecting the indicator dye are ease of use (some dyes are more difficult to manufacture and therefore not readily available), and non-staining chemical properties (such as the skin of a person applying the marker, And the like).

The inventors have found in various exemplary embodiments that suitable water-soluble colorants (210, 220) may comprise an orthosulfonate phenyl TPM colorant synthesized from poly (ethyleneoxy) substituted aniline. U.S. Patent No. 3,927,044, issued Dec. 16, 1975 to Foster et al .; And U.S. Patent No. 6,124,036 A to Brown et al., Issued September 26, 2000, all incorporated herein by reference. In one exemplary embodiment, the United States, South Carolina Spartanburg mm of material ken Chemical's commercially available block reyijeun ^® blue spray pattern indicator (Blazon ^® Blue Spray Pattern Indicator) a suitable water soluble coloring agent (210, 220 from (Milliken Chemicals) ). Suitable water-soluble colorant in a different potential (210, 220) is bullseye ^® blue spray pattern indicator (Bullseye ^® Blue Spray Pattern Indicator) from Milliken; Bigfoot ^® brand colorant, available from Parkway Research Corp., Houston, Tex .; And Signal Brand spray colourant available from Precision Laboratories, Inc. of Northbrook, Illinois, USA. However, any suitable water-soluble colorant (210, 220) may be used. U.S. Patent No. 5,387,745 A, issued to Brendle on Feb. 7, 1995, is also incorporated herein by reference.

The exemplary golf ball position indicator 1000 may further include a first valve 300 in fluid communication with the first reservoir 130 and configured to selectively open and close the first reservoir 130. For example, as described in the '613 application, in certain exemplary embodiments, the first reservoir 130 may be sealed, but the removal of the small piece of plastic (FIG. 2 (E) Will open the first reservoir 130 and allow the liquid 200 to flow to the sponge or first liquid absorbent cover pad 400. In this exemplary embodiment, a small amount of liquid 200 is ejected for application to the golf green 7, by turning the golf ball position marker 1000 over and pressing the elongated body 100 lightly, ). ≪ / RTI > Alternatively, a more complicated valve 300 may be provided, for example, with a bingo bingo (not shown) integrated in its entirety by reference herein (which describes the exemplary valve 300 shown in the figures herein in more detail) as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,899,624 A ("Thompson") issued to Thompson on May 4, 1999, which is a reference relating to the field of dauber. Although the Thomson valve 300 is shown in the figures herein, any suitable valve 300 may be used, for example, as is known in the art of dissimilar bingo dover.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary golf ball position indicator 1000 may be used, for example, as the fluid delivery pad 24 shown and described in Thomson, incorporated herein by reference, 3 a heart shape 24, or present in a star-shaped (410) or Nike (Nike) ^® "switch Wuwei (swoosh)" shape 810 as shown in Figure 9 as shown in, or, for e. , A sports team or any other desired shape including a company logo, a square, a diamond, a smiley face, or a simple curved circle) and is located near the distal end 120 and has a first predetermined cross- May further include a first liquid absorbing cover pad (400) in fluid communication with the liquid (200) in the first reservoir (130) through the first liquid absorbing cover pad (300). The liquid-absorbent cover pads 400, 450 may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, for example, the fluid transfer pads 24 disclosed in Thompson and described herein.

Exemplary golf ball position indicator 1000 may include a distal end 120 of elongated body 100 to protect pad 400 and, in certain embodiments, to block excessive exposure to air, And may include a first cap 500 that is removably attached to the first liquid absorbing cover pad 400 and covers the first liquid absorbing cover pad 400. In various exemplary embodiments, the cap 500 may be waterproof or airtight, or both, when installed on the golf ball position indicator 1000. The cap 500 may be attached in any suitable manner, such as, for example, the cap 14 disclosed in Thompson. In various exemplary embodiments, the first cap 500 may have an outer profile formed in an aesthetic, non-functional shape, such as the shape of a dimpled golf ball, for example, as shown in Figs. 1-10 have. Any other suitable shape or design may be used for the cap 500, which may have space for an advertisement or logo. The cap 500 may be formed from any suitable material, such as, for example, biodegradable and recyclable plastics.

In use, the exemplary golf ball position indicator 1000 is configured such that the first cap 500 is removed from the elongated body 100 and a user (not shown) removes the first liquid absorbing cover pad 400 from the golf green (7) onto the golf course green (7) in direct contact with the golf course green (7) to apply force thereto and to transmit at least a portion of the liquid (200) comprising the first water soluble colorant When pressing the position marker 1000, a visual water-soluble temporary coloring mark 420 having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape 410 of the first liquid-absorbing marking pad 400 on the golf course green 7 Quot;) < / RTI > This allows the first cap 500 to be removed from the elongated body 100 and allow the user (not shown) to force the first liquid absorbent cover pad 400 to contact and directly contact the golf green 7, Can be achieved in various exemplary embodiments wherein the first valve 300 is configured to selectively open the first reservoir 130 when the golf ball position marker 1000 is pressed onto the golf green 7 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the first valve 300 allows the user (not shown) to stop direct contact of the first liquid absorbing cover pad 400 with the golf course green 7 and stop applying force thereto , And may selectively be configured to selectively close the first reservoir 130 when it stops pressurizing the golf ball position marker 1000 relative to the golf green 7.

5 and 6, in various exemplary embodiments, an alternative golf ball position indicator 1000 'includes a second reservoir 140 that contains a liquid 200 that includes a second water soluble colorant 220, (Not shown). In such a "double ended" embodiment, a second valve 350 is provided in fluid communication with the second reservoir 140, for example, with reference to opening and closing the first reservoir 130 And may be configured to selectively open and close the second reservoir 140, as will be described. (Not shown) that is located proximate the proximal end 110 and is in fluid communication with the liquid 200 in the second reservoir 140 via the second valve 350, A second liquid absorbing cover pad 450 may be provided. A second cap 550 is removably attached to the proximal end 110 of the elongated body 100 and may cover the second liquid absorbing cover pad 450. The second cap 550 can be configured, shaped, and functioned in any suitable manner, for example, in one of the ways described herein with reference to the first cap 500. The golf ball position marker 1000 'is configured such that the second cap 550 is removed from the elongated body 100 and a user (not shown) is positioned between the second green absorbent cover pad 450 and the golf green 7 (See FIG. 9) so that at least a portion of the liquid 200 containing the second water soluble colorant 220 is applied to the golf ball 7 It may further be configured to leave a visual water soluble temporary colored marker 420 having a second predetermined cross-sectional shape (not shown) on the golf course green 7 when pressing the location marker 1000 '. In various exemplary embodiments, the second valve 350 may be configured such that the second cap 550 is removed from the elongated body 100 and a user (not shown) removes the second liquid absorbing cover pad 450 from the golf green May be configured to selectively open the second reservoir 140 when pressing the golf ball position marker 1000 'onto the golf course green 7 so as to apply a force thereto in direct contact with the golf ball position marker 7'. In various exemplary embodiments, the second valve 350 may be configured such that the user (not shown) stops the second liquid absorbing cover pad 450 from contacting the golf green 7 directly and stops applying force thereto , And may be configured to selectively close the second reservoir 140 when it stops pushing the golf ball position marker 1000 'relative to the golf course green 7. See, for example, Thomson's valve operation.

Continuing with Figures 5,6 and 9, in various exemplary embodiments, the first predetermined cross-sectional shape 410 and the second predetermined cross-sectional shape (not shown) have the same cross-sectional shape, In an exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined cross-sectional shape 410 and the second predetermined cross-sectional shape (not shown) are of different cross-sectional shapes. In various exemplary embodiments, the first water-soluble colorant 210 and the second water-soluble colorant 220 are of a different color, and in another exemplary embodiment, the first water-soluble colorant 210 and the second water- It is the same color. Providing the option of a single device capable of producing two different shapes or colors of (or both) indicia can be achieved by using the two ends of the same device, or by using the unique ends of two separate identical devices, Allows multiple participants to distinguish their marked ball positions. The second water soluble colorant 220 may comprise any of the suitable compositions, for example, those described for the first water soluble colorant 210.

Figures 7, 8, and 9 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention that extends from the proximal end 110 to the distal end 120 and is sized, shaped, and configured to be held in the user ' s hand between the user's fingers Depicts an alternate exemplary embodiment of a golf ball position indicator 1000 " comprising a elongated body 100. The elongated body 100 may include a first water soluble colorant 100 ", as in other embodiments disclosed herein, A first reservoir 130 for containing a liquid 200 comprising a reservoir 210 and a first valve 130 in fluid communication with the first reservoir 130 and configured to selectively open and close the first reservoir 130 300. A first liquid absorbing cover pad 480 may be positioned proximate the distal end 120, for example, as disclosed for another embodiment herein disclosed, and a first valve (not shown) 300 in fluid communication with the liquid 200 in the first reservoir 130 However, various other exemplary embodiments, unlike the other embodiments already described herein, can be used to form a keyway, snap ring, or not shown, as is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art of mechanical design A first inner cap (not shown) that is slidably attached to the distal end 120 of the elongated body 100 and at least partially covers the first liquid absorbent cover pad 480 (by any other suitable sliding, 800. The first inner cap 800 is configured such that when the indicator 1000 "is actuated as shown in FIG. 9, the first inner cap 800 is tilted relative to the elongated body 100, Slides in a direction 110 and has a first predetermined shape 810 formed therethrough such that a portion of the first liquid absorbing cover pad 480 extends through the opening 810 in the first inner cap 800 , Adjacent to the first liquid absorbent cover pad 480, It may have a through-formed opening. The first outer cap 500 is removably attached to the distal end 120 of the elongated body 100 and may cover the first inner cap 800 Embodiments in which the first outer cap 500 is removably attached directly to the elongated body 100 itself and any other suitable attachment mechanism as disclosed for cap 14 in, for example, And is intended to include embodiments removably attached to a first inner cap 800 attached to the elongate body 100). The golf ball position indicator 1000 " indicates that the first outer cap 500 is removed from the elongated body 100 and a user (not shown) removes the first liquid absorbent cover pad 480 from the first water soluble colorant 210 The first inner cap 800 and the first liquid absorbing cover pad 480 are brought into direct contact with the golf course green 7 so as to transmit at least a portion of the liquid 200 including the golf course green 7 to the golf course green 7. [ (Not shown) having a first predetermined shape 810 on the golf course green 7, when pressing the golf ball position marker 1000 " onto the golf course green 7, As shown in FIG.

These alternative embodiments of the golf ball position indicator 1000 " may be implemented using one of the same features, functions, and design options as described for the other embodiments described herein, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. This type of golf ball position indicator 1000 " includes a second reservoir 140 that contains a liquid 200 comprising a second water soluble colorant 220, and a second reservoir < RTI ID = 0.0 > 140 < May be provided with a double ended design as shown in Figures 5 and 6, In such an embodiment, the second valve 350 is in fluid communication with the second reservoir 140, for example, as described herein with reference to opening and closing the first reservoir 130, RTI ID = 0.0 > 140 < / RTI > A second liquid absorption indicator pad similar to pad 480 but located on proximal end 110 instead of distal end 120 is positioned proximate end 110 and a second valve 350 And optionally in fluid communication with the liquid 200 in the second reservoir 140. A second inner cap 850 is slidably attached to the proximal end 110 of the elongated body 100 and may at least partially cover the second liquid absorbing cover pad. The second inner cap 850 has a second predetermined shape 860 formed therethrough so that when the second inner cap 850 slides in the distal direction relative to the elongated body 100, May have a perforated opening located adjacent to the second liquid absorbing cover pad 480 such that a portion of the first inner absorbent cover pad 480 extends through the opening 860 in the second inner cap 850. [ A second outer cap 550 is removably attached to the proximal end 110 of the elongated body 100 and may cover the second inner cap 850 An embodiment in which the second outer cap 550 is removably attached to the elongated body 100 itself and an embodiment in which the second outer cap 550 is removably attached to the second inner cap 850 to which the elongated body 100 is attached . ≪ / RTI > A double end version of the golf ball position indicator 1000 " is shown in which the second outer cap 550 is removed from the elongated body 100 and a user (not shown) removes the second liquid absorbing cover pad 480 A second inner cap 850 and a second liquid absorbing cover pad 490 are arranged on the golf course green 7 to transmit at least a portion of the liquid 200 containing the water soluble colorant 220 to the golf course green 7. [ When pushing the double ended golf ball position marker 1000 " onto the golf course green 7 so as to apply a force thereto in direct contact with the golf course green 7, a second predetermined shape 860 And may be configured to leave the visual receptive temporary coloring indicia 420.

In various exemplary embodiments, the inner cap 800, 850 of the golf ball position indicator 1000 " may be removed from the elongated body 100, replaced therewith, and interchangeable therewith. the color-shaped cover 420, a predetermined becomes possible by cover pads (480) extending through a uniquely shaped apertures (810, 860) in the inner cap (800, 850) (NIKE, Inc. under the trade name of Nike ^® of May be advantageous in the case of a famous logo or other desired shape used with permission, such as a "swish" logo 810. The custom shaped openings 810, 860, e.g., Or a desirable emblem may be provided in the inner cap 800,850.

One, two, three, four, or more golf ball position markers 1000 (as shown and described in FIG. 10 of the '613 application and in FIG. 10 herein) Clms Page number 8 > clip 900). The clip 900 may be a golf bag, a belt, a trouser pocket, or a shirt pocket, as shown in the ' 613 application, and more particularly, And may be configured to attach to any number of items, such as a hat. One exemplary clip 900 is shown in Fig. 10, which includes a single body 910 (which can be manufactured, for example, as a plastic injection molded part, in one piece) with a central flat portion 920; And between the central flat portion 920 and the resilient clamping arm 930 for the golf cap's torso (shown in the '613 application), which extends from the first end portion 940 of the central flat portion 920, And an elastic clamping arm 930 configured to be removably clamped. The clip 900 may include resilient opposing arms 950 extending from the central flat portion 920 to the base and the resilient opposing arms 950 may include a golf ball position indicator 1000, At least partially around the elongate body 100 of the clip 900. Although the design has been found particularly suited for the purposes of the present application, it is contemplated that, if the clip 900 is required, Suitable clip designs, geometric shapes, and materials (such as steel) may be used.

Various golf ball position indicators, for example, an exemplary golf ball position indicator 1000, 1000 ', 1000 "may be used to indicate the position of a golf ball (not shown) on the golf course green 7 in at least the following ways A user (not shown) may remove or retrieve the golf ball position indicator 1000, 1000 ', 1000 "from its holder, such as the clip 900, (500, 550) can be removed. A user (not shown) then applies a force to the liquid absorbing cover pads 400, 450, 480 in direct contact with the golf green 7 and applies a force to the liquid 200 (Not shown) adjacent to the first position 710 of the golf ball (not shown) so as to transmit at least a portion of the golf ball (not shown) to the golf course green 7 adjacent to the first position 710 of the golf ball A visual water-soluble temporary staining mark 420 (FIG. 10) having predetermined shapes 410, 810, 860 on the golf course green 7 by pressing the golf ball position markers 1000, 1000 ', 1000 " 9). A user (not shown) can then reposition golf ball position markers 1000, 1000 ', 1000 "with their holders 900 or with their holders, (Not shown) to its first position on the golf course green 7 It can be removed from the 710. If another participant rolls his ball over the visual receptive temporary coloring cover 420, his ball will simply roll over the cover 420, which will not block or interfere with the path of the ball. When the user is again on his way to proceed, the user places a golf ball (not shown) by positioning a golf ball (not shown) adjacent to the visual soluble temporary color indicator 420 having the predetermined shape 410, 810, ) At its first position 710 on the golf course green 7. The user (not shown) can then continue playing the game, for example, after about two hours, without self-destructing or tampering with the environment.

As shown and described in the '613 application, golf ball position markers 1000, 1000', 1000 "may include, for example, four markers, each containing a colorant 210 of a different color, A cap 500 for each indicator 1000 may be packaged with a corresponding colorant 210 in each indicator 1000. In such a kit, A group of golf players playing a golf game can purchase one kit of markers 1000 and each participant has their own markers 1000 with their own unique colors, So that when the participants mark the golf course green 7 with their respective markers 1000 the unique color of the cover 420 on the golf course green 7 will indicate where the participants will position their respective golf balls I can maintain the trajectory of Correspond to the individual participant.

Any of the techniques and materials described and incorporated herein may be used to implement various illustrative aspects of the invention as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. While the exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention have been described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments and applications or that the exemplary embodiments and applications And is not intended to be limited in the manner set forth herein. Indeed, many variations and modifications to the illustrative embodiments are possible, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The present invention includes any device, structure, method, or function, as long as the resulting apparatus, system, or method is within the scope of one of the claims as recognized by the Patent Office based on this or any related patent application can do.

Claims (20)

It is a golf ball position marker,
The elongate body-elongate body extending from the proximal end to the distal end and sized, shaped, and configured to be held in the user's hand between the fingers of the user comprises a first reservoir for containing the liquid comprising the first water- ;
A first valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the first reservoir;
A first liquid absorbing cover pad having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape and positioned proximate the distal end, the first liquid absorbing cover pad being in selective fluid communication with a liquid in the first reservoir through a first valve;
A first cap removably attached to the distal end of the elongate body and covering the first liquid absorbent cover pad,
/ RTI >
The golf ball position marker is configured such that the first cap is removed from the elongated body and the user is in contact with the golf green to apply pressure to the first green absorbent cover pad in direct contact with the golf green, To leave a visual water soluble temporary colored marker having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape on the golf green when the golf ball position marker is pressed against the golf green marker to deliver the golf ball marker to the golf green. The method according to claim 1,
When the first cap is removed from the elongated body and the user presses the golf ball position marker onto the golf course green so that the first liquid absorbing cover pad directly contacts and applies force to the golf course green, Further comprising a first valve configured to selectively open the golf ball position indicator. 3. The method of claim 2,
When the user stops pressurizing the golf ball position marker against the golf course green so as to stop the first liquid absorbing cover pad from making direct contact with the golf course green and applying a force thereto, ≪ / RTI > further comprising: 2. The golf ball position indicator of claim 1, wherein the first water soluble colorant comprises a high release jet pattern indicator configured to color mark the agricultural land on which the pesticide is sprayed. 2. The golf ball position indicator of claim 1, wherein the first water soluble colorant comprises an orthosulfonate phenyl TPM colorant synthesized from poly (ethyleneoxy) substituted aniline. 2. The golf ball position indicator of claim 1, wherein the elongated body has an outer profile formed in the shape of a tapered golf tee. 2. The golf ball position indicator of claim 1, wherein the first cap has an outer profile formed in the shape of a dimple-shaped golf ball. The method according to claim 1,
Said elongated body comprising a second reservoir containing a liquid comprising a second water-soluble colorant;
The golf ball position marker
A second valve in fluid communication with the second reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the second reservoir;
A second liquid absorbing cover pad having a second predetermined cross-sectional shape and located proximate the proximal end, the second liquid absorbing cover pad being in selective fluid communication with the liquid in the second reservoir through the second valve;
A second cap removably attached to the proximal end of the elongate body and covering the second liquid absorbent cover pad,
, ≪ / RTI >
The golf ball position indicator is configured such that the second cap is removed from the elongated body and the user is in contact with the golf green green so that the second liquid absorbing cover pad is in direct contact with the golf green to apply force thereto and at least a portion of the liquid comprising the second water soluble colorant To leave a visual water soluble temporary colored marker having a second predetermined cross-sectional shape on the golf green when the golf ball position marker is pressed against the golf green marker to deliver the golf ball marker to the golf green. 9. The golf ball position indicator of claim 8, wherein the first water soluble colorant and the second water soluble colorant are of different colors. The golf ball position indicator according to claim 8, wherein the first water-soluble coloring agent and the second water-soluble coloring agent are the same color. The golf ball position indicator according to claim 8, wherein the first predetermined cross-sectional shape and the second predetermined cross-sectional shape are the same cross-sectional shape. The golf ball position indicator of claim 8, wherein the first predetermined cross-sectional shape and the second predetermined cross-sectional shape are different cross-sectional shapes. 3. The method of claim 2,
Said elongated body comprising a second reservoir containing a liquid comprising a second water-soluble colorant;
The golf ball position marker
A second valve in fluid communication with the second reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the second reservoir;
A second liquid absorbing cover pad having a second predetermined cross-sectional shape and located proximate the proximal end, the second liquid absorbing cover pad being in selective fluid communication with the liquid in the second reservoir through the second valve;
A second cap removably attached to the proximal end of the elongate body and covering the second liquid absorbent cover pad,
, ≪ / RTI >
The golf ball position indicator is configured such that the second cap is removed from the elongated body and the user is in contact with the golf green green so that the second liquid absorbing cover pad is in direct contact with the golf green to apply force thereto and at least a portion of the liquid comprising the second water soluble colorant To leave a visual water soluble temporary colored mark having a second predetermined cross-sectional shape on the golf green when the golf ball position marker is pressed against the golf green marker to deliver the golf ball marker to the golf green,
The second valve is configured such that when the second cap is removed from the elongated body and the user presses the golf ball position marker onto the golf green so that the second liquid absorbing cover pad is in direct contact with the golf green, And selectively open the second reservoir. 14. The method of claim 13,
The second valve stops when the user stops pressing the golf ball position marker against the golf course green so as to stop the second liquid absorbing cover pad from making direct contact with the golf course green and applying a force thereto, And selectively closes the golf ball position indicator. 9. The golf ball position indicator according to claim 8, wherein the second water-soluble colorant comprises a spray pattern indicator configured to color-mark the agricultural land on which the pesticide is sprayed. 9. The golf ball position indicator of claim 8, wherein the second water soluble colorant comprises an orthosulfonate phenyl TPM colorant synthesized from poly (ethyleneoxy) substituted aniline. The golf ball position indicator according to claim 8, wherein the elongated body has an outer profile formed in the shape of a cylinder. The golf ball position indicator of claim 8, wherein the second cap has an outer profile formed in the shape of a dimple-shaped golf ball. A method for marking the position of a golf ball on a golf course green,
Providing a golf ball position marker, wherein the golf ball position marker extends from a proximal end to a distal end and is configured to be gripped by the user's hand between the user's fingers, Wherein the elongated body comprises a first reservoir containing a liquid comprising a first water soluble colorant; A first valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the first reservoir; A first liquid absorbing cover pad having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape and positioned proximate the distal end, the first liquid absorbing cover pad being in selective fluid communication with a liquid in the first reservoir through a first valve; A first cap removably attached to a distal end of the elongated body and covering a first liquid absorbent cover pad, wherein the golf ball position marker is configured such that the first cap is removed from the elongated body, When a golf ball position marker is pressed against a golf course green so that a liquid absorbing cover pad directly contacts and applies force to the golf course green and transfers at least a portion of the liquid containing the first water soluble coloring agent to the golf course green, Providing a golf ball position marker that is configured to leave a visual soluble temporary colored marker having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape on the green image;
Removing the first cap from the elongate body;
Wherein the first liquid absorbent cover pad is in direct contact with the golf green to apply a force thereto and to transmit at least a portion of the liquid comprising the first water soluble colorant to a golf green adjacent to the first position of the golf ball, Leaving a visual water soluble temporary colored marker having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape on the golf course green by pressing the golf ball position marker onto the golf course green adjacent to the first position;
Removing the golf ball from its first position on the golf course green; And
Repositioning the golf ball on its golf green at its first position by positioning the golf ball adjacent a visual aqueous temporary color indicator having a first predetermined cross-sectional shape
/ RTI > It is a golf ball position marker,
The elongate body-elongate body extending from the proximal end to the distal end and sized, shaped, and configured to be held in the user's hand between the fingers of the user comprises a first reservoir for containing the liquid comprising the first water- ;
A first valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir and configured to selectively open and close the first reservoir;
A first liquid absorbing cover pad positioned proximate the distal end and in selective fluid communication with the liquid in the first reservoir through the first valve;
A first inner cap that is slidably attached to the distal end of the elongate body and at least partially covers the first liquid absorbent bead pad, the first inner cap having a first predetermined shape formed therethrough, Having an opening positioned adjacent to the first liquid absorbing indicia pad such that a portion of the first liquid absorbing cover pad extends through the opening in the first inner cap when sliding in the base direction relative to the elongate body;
A first outer cap removably attached to the distal end of the elongate body and covering the first inner cap,
/ RTI >
The golf ball position indicator is positioned such that the first outer cap is removed from the elongated body and the user moves the first inner absorbent cover pad to the first inner side so that the first liquid absorbent cover pad conveys at least a portion of the liquid comprising the first water- When the golf ball position marker is pressed against the golf course green marker so that the cap and the first liquid absorbing cover pad are in direct contact with the golf course green to apply a force thereto, Configured to leave a cover,
Golf ball position marker.

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