US20020033402A1

US20020033402A1 - Method and apparatus for dispensing fill material into a divot hole on a golf course

Info

Publication number: US20020033402A1
Application number: US09/957,199
Authority: US
Inventors: David Winkler
Original assignee: Covered Solutions Inc
Current assignee: Covered Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2000-08-08
Filing date: 2001-09-20
Publication date: 2002-03-21
Also published as: US6547312B2; US6601904B2; WO2002012008A1; US20020027373A1; AU2001281042A1; US20020041106A1; US6761391B2; US20020145302A1

Abstract

A dispenser is provided for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course. The dispenser has a container and a spout releasably attached to an end of the container. The spout has a rainproof opening.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/827,327, filed Apr. 5, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/634,437, filed Aug. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,647, issued Apr. 24, 2001, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course.

In golfing, it is common to create a divot when hitting a golf ball with a golf club. In order to create loft, the club face is directed into the ground under the golf ball. Consequently, the club creates a small depression or divot hole in the ground and contents of the hole or the divot are projected outward in the same general direction as the golf ball. Depending on the type of grass used on the golf course fairway and rough, most divots formed are intact sections of grass and sod that can be directly replaced into the divot hole. Once the divot is returned to the divot hole and some pressure applied to the divot, the grass/sod section can take root again. By replacing divots, the overall condition of the golf course may be maintained. Generally, golf course rules require that golfers replace their divots. Also, under the time-honored customs of the golf game, the golfer has a duty to replace a divot after taking such a shot.

However, some golf courses utilize different types of grasses that do not form generally intact divots. Consequently, when a golfer takes his shot and a divot is formed, the divot generally disintegrates and is not able to be returned directly to the divot hole. Generally, these golf courses use a Bent-type grass or Bermuda-type grass. Thus, in order to maintain the course in good condition, golf courses generally provide the golfers with a divot mix container for repairing divot holes. These containers are commonly called sand shakers. The containers dispense a mixture of sand, dirt, fertilizer, and grass seed and colorant in selected proportions to start new grass growth in the divot hole.

A conventional divot mix container generally comprises a cylindrically shaped tube with a closed end and a conically shaped open end opposite the closed end. The conically shaped open end is generally screwed onto the closed end to contain the divot mix in an interior of the container. The conically shaped open end has a hole opening into the interior of the container. When using the container, the conically shaped open end is positioned below the closed end such that the divot mix flows from the interior of the shaker into the conically shaped open end and out through the hole into the divot hole. When the container is desired to be refilled with the divot mix, the container is returned to a vertically upright position where the conically shaped open end is positioned vertically above the closed end. The conically shaped open end is then unscrewed from the closed end thus exposing the hollow interior of the container. Fill material is then deposited into the hollow interior of the closed end, and the conically shaped open end is screwed back onto the closed end to return the shaker to a service condition.

The divot mix containers of the prior art have many disadvantages. Generally, they are not provided with any handles or other carrying/holding devices to allow the golfer effectively grip the container. Generally, the size of the container requires a golfer to use two hands to pour out the divot mix. Considering that the golfer has just taken a shot and is holding a golf club and/or ball and/or tee, using two hands to pour the mix is very cumbersome.

Additionally, the conventional divot mix containers are not easily transportable around a golf course. As a golfer will generally create divots in different locations on the golf course, for the container to be effectively used, the container must move with the golfer as the golfer travels along the course. Generally, the conventional container is stored in a basket (the “sweater basket”) located to the rear of the passenger compartment behind the seats of the golf cart. Accordingly, the container is in the back of the cart and not readily accessible to a golfer.

The conventional container has other drawbacks. As the container is generally cylindrical in shape, the container tends to roll and bounce around as the golf cart is operated along the generally hilly and bumpy terrain of a golf course. As stated before, the conventional divot mix container is often loosely carried in a basket on the golf cart. This undesired agitation and vibration tends to cause the fill material to undesirably spill from the container.

Additionally, the conventional container generally has a hole that is axially aligned with a central axis of the container. Thus, when the container is positioned vertically upright with its closed end positioned below the conically shaped open end, rain or water from sprinklers or the like may enter the hole. Consequently, the fill material tends to solidify in the container, thus rendering it difficult if not impossible to shake mix out of the container. Also, as the hole is oriented coaxially with the center axis of container, it is often difficult to meter the proper amount of divot mix into the divot hole.

As noted above, the conventional container generally has a threaded connection between the conical open end and the closed end. If the threads are not wiped clean after filling the container, the conical open end will oftentimes not properly screw onto the closed end. As the divot mix is abrasive, divot mix adhering to the threads may damage them and render the container unusable. This detail is often overlooked and can result in premature failure of many of these containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Among the aspects of the present invention is the provision of a dispenser for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course. The dispenser comprises a container and a spout releasably attached to an end of the container. The spout has a rainproof opening.

In another aspect of the invention a dispenser for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course is provided. The dispenser comprises a generally rectilinear container and a generally rectilinear spout releasably attached to an end of the container. The spout has a rainproof opening for dispensing the fill material. The dispenser further comprises a latch and a hinge for releasably attaching the spout to the container. The dispenser further comprises a handle generally aligned with the spout opening so that as the dispenser is allowed to rest on a side, the dispenser does not inadvertently spill any fill material.

In another aspect of the invention the combination of a dispenser for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course and a holder for holding the dispenser is provided. The holder mounts to an external structure of a golf cart. The holder has a receiving area adapted to releasably secure the dispenser to the holder. The dispenser comprises a container, and a spout releasably attached to an end of the container. The spout has a rainproof opening. The dispenser releasably secures to the holder.

In another aspect of the invention a method is provided. The method comprises providing a dispenser comprising a container for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on golf course and a spout releasably attached to an end of the container. The spout has a rainproof opening for dispensing the fill material. The dispenser has a latch and a hinge for releasably attaching the spout to the container. The method further comprises filling the dispenser with the fill material and positioning the dispenser in a manner such that the outlet opening faces generally upward thereby preventing the fill material from moving from the container through the outlet opening. The method further comprises positioning the spout above the divot hole into which the fill material is desired to be dispensed with the outlet opening facing generally away from the divot hole. The method further comprises tilting the dispenser in a manner such that the outlet opening is oriented generally vertically. The method further comprises shaking the dispenser upwardly and downwardly in a manner such that the fill material moves from the container through spout and through the outlet opening whereby the fill material is dispensed into the divot hole.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following more detailed description and drawings in which like elements of the invention are similarly numbered throughout.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser and a holder of the present invention; [0016]
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1; [0017]
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1; [0018]
FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the dispenser of FIG. 1; [0019]
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the holder of FIG. 1; [0020]
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the holder of FIG. 1; [0021]
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the holder of FIG. 1; and [0022]
FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the holder of FIG. 1.[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention is generally indicated at [0024] reference character 200. The dispensing apparatus 200 includes a dispenser 202 and a holder 204. Preferably, both the dispenser 202 and the holder 204 are made of a resilient, rust-proof material, such as plastic or PVC. The dispenser 202 is a generally tube shaped member 206 having a center axis 208 extending along its length. The dispenser 202 has a support end 210 and an axially opposite dispensing end 212 spaced apart by the tube member length, thus forming a container. The tube member defines a container hollow interior 214 that is adapted to receive and dispense a fill material. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the tube member 206 preferably has a generally rectilinear cross-section with four generally flat faces extending along its length. The support end 210 is preferably flat and arranged perpendicularly to the side faces of the tube member 206. Thus, the dispenser 202 may be positioned to rest vertically upward on its support end 210 in a stored position, as will be discussed later. Also, the dispenser 202 may be positioned to rest on one of its generally flat faces for temporary storage, as will be discussed later.
Opposite the [0025] support end 210 is the dispensing end 212. Preferably the dispensing end 212 is tapered with a progressively smaller cross-sectional area at its distal end 216. Preferably, the dispensing end 212 is provided with a dispensing passage or spout 218 that is in communication with the tube member hollow interior 214. The spout 218 is preferably offset from the dispenser 202. Preferably, the spout 218 has a rainproof opening 219 that prevents water, for instance, from rain and/or sprinklers, from entering the tube member hollow interior 214 when the dispenser 202 is in its stored position. In forming the rainproof opening 219, a center axis 220 of the spout 218 is preferably offset from the tube member center axis 208. More preferably, the spout center axis 220 is angled to the tube member center axis 208. More preferably, the spout center axis 220 is obliquely angled to the tube member center axis 208. Thus, the spout 218 extends preferably radially outward from an exterior 222 of the tube member. The spout may also be formed curvilinearly to project radially outward from the tube member exterior. Accordingly, a reference for the spout center axis may include an axis formed tangentially to a substantial portion of the curvilinear form of such a spout.
Additionally, the spout [0026] rainproof opening 219 is arranged on the spout distal end 226. Preferably, the opening 219 is oriented to define a plane that is generally parallel to the tube member center axis 208. Additionally, the opening 219 is preferably radially spaced from the tube member center axis 208. Accordingly, when the dispenser 202 is positioned to rest on its support end 210 with the tube member center axis 208 oriented vertically, the spout 218 extends generally upward from the dispensing end 212, and the rainproof outlet opening 219 defines a plane that is oriented generally vertically. In this arrangement, the outlet opening 219 is spaced from and parallel to the tube member center axis 208 (FIGS. 2-3). This orientation also serves to prevent water from entering into the tube member hollow interior.
Preferably, the [0027] dispenser 202 is provided with a handle 230 formed on the tube member exterior 222. Preferably, the handle 230 is formed adjacent the support end 210 of the tube member 206. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the handle 230 is arranged to extend vertically along a portion of the length of the tube member 206 in a direction generally parallel to the tube member center axis 208. However, the handle 230 may also be formed to extend generally perpendicularly to the tube member center axis 208. Preferably, the handle 230 extends outward from the tube member exterior 222 in the same general direction as the spout 218. In such an arrangement, the outlet opening 219 and the handle 230 are generally located on the same side of the dispenser 202. This allows the dispenser 202 to be positioned for temporary storage generally horizontally, resting on the flat exterior face of the tube member opposite the handle 230. By arranging the outlet opening 219 in a spaced away arrangement from the tube member exterior surface 222, the fill material in the tube member hollow interior 214 is prevented from moving from the hollow interior through the spout 218 and the outlet opening with the outlet opening facing generally upward in the temporary storage position of the dispenser. It should be noted that other cross-sectional shapes may be employed for the tube member to accomplish the aforesaid goals of providing a horizontal resting surface for temporary storage of the dispenser. Preferably, such a horizontal resting surface is arranged radially opposite the outlet opening.
Preferably, the [0028] tube member 206 comprises a dispensing body 240 with a hollow interior 242 at the dispensing end 212 and a support body 250 with a hollow interior 252 at the support end 210. Preferably, the dispensing body 240 is releasably attached to the support body 250. Accordingly, when the dispensing body 240 is releasably attached to the support body 250, the dispensing body hollow interior 242 is placed in communication with the support body hollow interior 252 thus defining the tube member interior 214. In releasably attaching the dispensing body 240 to the support body 250, the dispensing body may be formed with a slot 256 extending generally perpendicular to the tube member center axis 208 and the support body may be formed with a cooperating lip 258 where the lip is received in the slot (FIGS. 3-4). Also, in releasably attaching the dispensing body 240 to the support body 250, the dispenser 202 may be provided with a hook 260 and loop 262 latching arrangement where the loop releasably engages the hook (FIG. 2). Such a hook 260 and loop 262 latching arrangement is common in the art and may include a cam-type lock where a tab 264 of the loop is pivoted to releasably engage the loop around the hook. Preferably, the dispenser 202 is arranged with the slot 256 and the lip 258 on the container exterior and the hook 260 and loop 262 on the container exterior radially opposite the slot and lip (FIG. 3). The dispenser 202 may also include several hook and loop arrangements intermittently spaced about the container exterior periphery in releasably attaching the support body to the dispensing body. The container may also be formed with a system of cooperating slots and lips in releasably attaching the support body to the dispensing body.
Preferably, the [0029] lip 258 is arcuate to provide a pivoting connection between the dispensing body 240 and the support body 250 (FIG. 4). Such a connection also allows the dispensing body 240 to be detached from the support body 250 when the dispensing body is moved relative to the support body to disengage the lip 258 from the slot 256. However, other means for providing a pivoting connection between the dispensing body and the support body may be provided including providing the container with a pin and barrel style hinge connection between the dispensing body and support body. By providing the dispenser 202 with a pivoting connection between the dispensing body 240 and the support body 250, the dispensing body may be pivoted relative to the support body to an open position where the dispensing body is spaced from the support body to allow access to the tube member hollow interior 214. The dispensing body 240 may be then pivoted to the closed position relative to the support body 250, thereby aligning the dispensing body hollow interior with the support body hollow interior to define the tube member hollow interior 214.
Preferably, the dispensing [0030] body 240 has a recessed shoulder 268 formed in its interior 242 axially opposite the dispensing end 212. The recessed shoulder 268 is dimensioned to receive a portion of the support body 250 when the dispensing body 240 is releasably attached to the support body.
Preferably, the dispensing [0031] body 240 and the support body 250 are keyed to allow only one orientation of the dispensing body relative to the support body. Preferably, the keyed arrangement orients the outlet opening 219 and the handle 230 to extend outwardly in the same direction from the tube member exterior surface 222.
The apparatus of the present invention also includes the [0032] holder 204 as shown in FIGS. 5-8. The holder 204 has a receiving area 270 that is adapted to releasably secure the dispenser 202 therein. Preferably, the holder 204 is formed as a sleeve shaped member 272 with a center axis 274 extending along its length. The holder 204 preferably has a receiving opening 278 and axially opposite support member 280 spaced apart by the holder sleeve member length. The holder sleeve member 272 defines opposite exterior and interior surfaces 282,284 where the interior surface is in part bounded by the holder support member 280.
The holder [0033] interior surface 284 preferably forms the receiving area 270 to releasably secure the dispenser 202 therein. Preferably, the holder interior surface 284 conforms to the general shape of at least a portion of the container tube member exterior 222. Preferably, the holder interior surface 284 is dimensioned slightly larger than the portion of the container tube member exterior 222 so that the portion has a neat sliding fit in the holder receiving area 270. Preferably, the container tube member center axis 208 and the holder sleeve member center axis 274 are aligned in releasably securing the dispenser 202 to the holder 204. Also, it is preferred that the container support end 210 abuts the holder support member 280 when the dispenser 202 is releasably secured to the holder 204.
Preferably, the [0034] holder 204 is provided with an axially extending slot 286 that communicates with the receiving opening 278 (FIG. 5). The slot 286 is dimensioned to receive the container handle 230 when the dispenser 202 is releasably secured to the holder 204. Preferably the arrangement of the slot 286 and handle 230 is such that the handle extends outward beyond the holder exterior surface 282 when the dispenser 202 is received in the holder 204 to allow access to the dispenser. Preferably, the dispenser 202 is slidingly received in the holder interior surface 284 by aligning the dispenser with the receiving opening 278 and the container handle 230 with the holder slot 286. The holder 204 and the dispenser 202 may also be provided with a latching mechanism to more firmly hold the dispenser in the holder. Such latching mechanisms are known in the art and may include a system of interlocking tabs and slots or a groove and lip formed in the receiving area and the portion of the dispenser received therein.
Preferably, the [0035] holder 204 is provided with an attachment mechanism 288 that allows the holder to be attached to a golf cart (FIGS. 6-7). Preferably, the attachment mechanism 288 comprises a plurality of mechanical fasteners 290 that extend outward from a rear exterior surface 282 of the holder. Preferably, the golf cart is provided with a bracket adapted to accept the mechanical fasteners 290 of the holder 204. Preferably, the golf cart bracket allows the dispensing apparatus 200 to be located to the side on the golf cart. In this way, the apparatus 200 may be positioned at an optimum location on the golf cart that is readily accessible to the golfer while providing the golf cart a neat and streamlined profile.
Preferably, the [0036] holder 204 is attached to the golf cart such that the holder center axis 274 is aligned vertically with the holder receiving opening 278 facing generally upward and oriented above the holder support member 280. Accordingly, when the dispenser 202 is releasably secured to the holder 204, the dispenser is arranged vertically upright with the dispenser support end 210 being arranged below the dispensing end 212. However, it should be noted that the orientation of the holder center axis 274 and the dispenser 202 stored therein is referenced to the general orientation of the golf cart and a structure of the golf cart to which the holder 204 is attached. As the holder interior surface 284 is generally enclosed and positioned vertically with the receiving opening 278 facing generally upward, drain holes 294 are preferably provided through the holder support member 280 (FIG. 8).
In operation, the [0037] holder 204 is attached to the golf cart using the attachment mechanism 288. The holder is arranged on the golf cart with generally vertically upright orientation wherein the receiving opening 278 faces generally upward.
The [0038] dispenser 202 is prepared for use by filling the tube member interior 214 with the fill mixture. To fill the dispenser 202, the tab 264 is operated to release the loop 262 from the hook 260 and the dispensing body 240 is pivoted away from the support body 250 to a position where the lip 258 may be disengaged from the slot 256 and the dispensing body 240 detached from the support body 250. Using the handle 230, the support body interior 252 may be filled with the fill material. The handle 230 and support body 250 may be used as a “scoop” to deposit the fill material into the support body hollow interior 252. Once the support body hollow interior 252 is filled, the dispensing body 240 may be releasably attached to the support body 250 by engaging the lip 258 in the slot 256 and pivoting the dispensing body 240 to the closed position where the loop 262 may be releasably engaged around the hook 260. The dispenser 202 may then be positioned in the storage position with the tube member center axis 208 oriented generally vertically.
With the dispensing [0039] body 240 releasably attached to the support body 250, the dispenser 202 may be releasably secured to the holder 204. Preferably, the dispenser support end 210 is directed through the holder receiving opening 278 with the dispenser handle 230 aligned with the holder slot 286. The dispenser 202 is then moved vertically downward, sliding the portion of the dispenser 202 into the holder receiving area 270 formed in the holder interior surface 284 such that the dispenser support end 210 abuts the holder support member 280.
When the [0040] dispenser 202 is desired to be used to fill a divot hole, the dispenser may be removed from the holder 204 by grasping the handle 230 and sliding the dispenser 202 vertically upward and out through the receiving opening 278 such that the dispenser support end 214 clears the holder receiving opening. In this orientation, the dispenser outlet opening 219 defines a generally vertically oriented plane. The user may then transport the dispenser 202 to the location of the divot hole by carrying the dispenser by the handle 230 in a manner such that the dispenser outlet opening 219 is positioned generally vertically and/or facing generally upward so that the fill material does not inadvertently spill. When at the divot hole location, the user may position the dispenser distal end 216 above a divot hole in a manner such that the dispenser outlet opening 219 faces generally away from the divot hole. The user may then move the dispensing end 212 to a position below the support end 210 in a manner such that the outlet opening 219 is oriented generally vertically. The user may then shake the dispenser 202 upwardly and downwardly in a manner such that the fill material moves from the tube member hollow interior 214 through the spout 218 and through the outlet opening 219.
Preferably, when shaking the [0041] dispenser 202, the user rotates the dispenser about the support end 210 such that the dispenser distal end 216 and spout 218 move upwardly to stop the movement of the fill material from the tube member interior 214 through the outlet opening 219. The user may then rotate the dispenser 202 about the support end 210 such that the distal end 216 and spout 218 move downwardly to start the movement of the fill material from the tube member interior 214 through the spout and out the outlet opening 219.
Through the oscillating rotary motion, a desired amount of fill material may be metered from the [0042] dispenser 202. By placing the handle 230 on the dispenser support end 210, the metering may be more effectively controlled. When filling the divot hole, the dispenser 202 is oriented at an oblique angle to the divot hole. When the divot hole is filled as desired, the user may move the dispensing end 212 vertically above the support end 210 with the outlet opening facing 224 generally vertically and/or generally upwardly. The dispenser 202 may then be returned to the holder 204 and releasably secured to the holder in the manner previously described.
Various changes and modifications may be made within this invention as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and teaching of this invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. [0043]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dispenser for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course, the dispenser comprising:

a container, and a spout releasably attached to an end of the container, the spout having a rainproof opening.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a latch and a hinge, the latch and hinge releasably attaching the spout to the container.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein the hinge and latch are disposed about the container periphery generally opposite to each other.

4. The dispenser of claim 3 wherein the hinge is a detachable hinge, thereby allowing the spout to detach from the container as the spout is rotated to an extreme opening position.

5. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a handle on the container, said handle being generally aligned with the spout opening so that as the container is held by the handled and tilted to dispense the fill material, the spout is generally oriented upward.

6. The dispenser of claim 5 wherein the container has a generally flat resting surface opposite the handle so that the container may be allowed to rest on the resting surface and yet not inadvertently dispense the fill material.

7. The dispenser of claim I wherein the container is generally rectilinear in cross section and having a substantially flat bottom surface.

8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the container and spout are keyed to require a specific orientation therebetween for assembly.

9. The dispenser of claim 8 further comprising a shoulder formed on one of the container and spout, and at the location of their juncture as they are attached to each other, said shoulder overlapping the other of the container and spout as the spout and container are joined.

10. A dispenser for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course, the dispenser comprising:

a generally rectilinear container, and a generally rectilinear spout releasably attached to an end of the container, the spout having a rainproof opening for dispensing the fill material;

a latch and a hinge for releasably attaching the spout to the container; and

a handle generally aligned with the spout opening so that as the dispenser is allowed to rest on a side, the dispenser does not inadvertently spill any fill material.

11. The dispenser of claim 10 further comprising a shoulder formed on one of the container and spout, and at the location of their juncture as they are attached to each other, said shoulder overlapping the other of the container and spout as the spout and container are joined.

12. The dispenser of claim 11wherein the hinge and latch are disposed about the container periphery generally opposite to each other and the hinge is a detachable hinge, thereby allowing the spout to detach from the container as the spout is rotated to an extreme opening position.

13. The combination of a dispenser for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on a golf course and a holder for holding the dispenser, the combination comprising:

the holder mounting to an external structure of a golf cart, the holder having a receiving area adapted to releasably secure the dispenser to the holder; and

the dispenser comprising a container, and a spout releasably attached to an end of the container, the spout having a rainproof opening, the dispenser releasably securing to the holder.

14. The combination of claim 13 wherein the holder is a sleeve and the holder interior surface forms at least a portion of the receiving area and is dimensioned to slidingly receive a portion of the dispenser exterior in releasably securing the dispenser to the holder.

15. The combination of claim 14 wherein the holder sleeve has a closed bottom and an axially opposite open top and a portion of the exterior of the dispenser rests against the holder closed bottom in releasably securing the dispenser to the holder.

16. The combination of claim 13 wherein the dispenser further comprises a handle on its exterior and the holder is formed with a slot in at least a portion of the receiving area, and the dispenser handle is slidingly received in the slot in releasably securing the dispenser to the holder in the receiving area.

17. The combination of claim 16 wherein the dispenser handle extends outward through the slot beyond the holder exterior surface.

18. The combination of claim 17 wherein the dispenser handle extends from the slot in the same general direction as the dispensing rainproof opening.

19. The combination of claim 13 wherein the dispenser and holder are keyed whereby the dispenser has only one orientation relative to the holder in releasably securing the dispenser to the holder in the receiving area.

20. A method comprising:

providing a dispenser for holding and dispensing a fill material into a divot hole on golf course wherein the dispenser comprises a container and a spout releasably attached to an end of the container, the spout having a rainproof opening for dispensing the fill material, the dispenser having a latch and a hinge for releasably attaching the spout to the container;

filling the dispenser with the fill material;

positioning the dispenser in a manner such that the outlet opening faces generally upward thereby preventing the fill material from moving from the container through the outlet opening;

positioning the spout above the divot hole into which the fill material is desired to be dispensed with the outlet opening facing generally away from the divot hole;

tilting the dispenser in a manner such that the outlet opening is oriented generally vertically; and

shaking the dispenser upwardly and downwardly in a manner such that the fill material moves from the container through spout and through the outlet opening whereby the fill material is dispensed into the divot hole.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the step of shaking includes rotating the dispenser in a manner such that the spout moves upwardly to stop the movement of the fill material from the container through the outlet opening and downwardly to start the movement of the fill material from the container through the outlet opening.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the spout is hingedly connected to the container to pivot between open and closed positions, the spout is spaced from the support end in the open position to allow access to the tube container interior, the spout is placed in communication with the container interior in the closed position, the step of filling the dispenser further comprising:

pivoting the spout the open position relative to the container;

depositing the fill material in the container interior; and

pivoting the spout to the closed position relative to container.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the container is detachable from the spout at the hinge connection, the step of filling the dispenser further comprising detaching the spout from the support end before depositing the fill material in the container interior.