Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Tee setting device
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-16
2001-07-03
Wong, Steven (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Tee setting device
C473S406000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06254497
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to devices used to aid golfers, and more particularly to a device that aids golfers in setting a golf ball and a golf tee into turf, and for managing a golf ball on the green, without requiring the user to squat or bend to the ground.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Devices used to assist golfers in setting a golf ball and a golf tee are well known in the art. Some of these devices allow the user to set the golf ball and the golf tee without having to squat or bend to the ground. Golfers may prefer devices that eliminate or substantially reduce squatting and bending during golf ball and golf tee setting because such movement may be undesirable, difficult, or the golfer may have some type of physical limitation or handicap that prevents such movement.
Similarly, devices used to assist golfers in managing a golf ball on the green are well known in the art. Specifically, some such devices aid a golfer in replacing a golf ball with a marker, and replacing a marker with a golf ball between puts on the green. Some prior art devices allow the user to maneuver the golf ball and the marker in this manner without having to squat or bend to the ground. Golfers may prefer devices that eliminate or substantially reduce squatting and bending during golf ball management on the green because such movement may be undesirable, difficult, or the golfer may have some type of physical limitation or handicap that prevents such movement.
Despite advances made in the art over the years, the prior art does not reveal a single device that is used to set a golf ball and a golf tee, and to manage a golf ball on the green. Further, the golf ball and golf tee setting devices and the golf ball managing devices in the prior art exhibit other disadvantages. For example, many prior art devices are heavy in weight and/or large in size, making them difficult to maneuver and store. Many prior art devices are not self-standing and do not contain means to pick up a golf tee for possible salvage after use. In addition, many such devices require delicate care and special attention to place a golf ball on a golf tee and pick up a golf ball and a marker, rendering these tasks difficult and frustrating.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a device for setting a golf ball and golf tee and managing a golf ball on the green without requiring the user to squat or bend to the ground.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for setting a golf ball and golf tee and managing a golf ball on the green which is lightweight, easily portable, self-standing and stores within a golf bag.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for setting a golf ball and golf tee and managing a golf ball on the green that also may be used to pick up a golf tee for possible salvage after use.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an improved device for setting a golf ball and golf tee and managing a golf ball on the green is provided. The device consists of a shaft having a ball handling end and a setting end. Preferably, the shaft is of sufficient length to allow a user to operate the device without squatting or bending to the ground. The ball handling end contains means to pick up a golf ball or marker. Preferably, the means to pick up a golf ball or marker is further comprised of a cup and ball ejection means. The setting end includes means to releasably hold a golf ball and a golf tee, and means for releasing a golf ball and a golf tee, such that a golf ball is placed upon a golf tee that is inserted into turf. Preferably, the means for releasably holding a golf ball and a golf tee is further comprised of clamping arms that selectively open and close to engage and disengage a golf ball and a golf tee as desired. Preferably, the shaft is rotatable, and is adapted such that rotating the shaft in a first direction causes the clamping arms to close, and that rotating the shaft in a second direction causes the clamping arms to open. Preferably, the device contains support means to allow the device to be self-standing. More preferably, the support means further contains means to pick up a golf tee, such as a slot, into which a golf tee may be inserted for removal from the turf and possible salvage after use.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method of setting a golf ball and a golf tee without squatting or bending to the ground is provided. The method includes use of a device for setting a golf ball and golf tee having a shaft with a ball handling end and a setting end having clamping means and support means. The method includes the steps of placing a golf ball and a golf tee into the clamping arms; closing the clamping arms; positioning the setting end towards the turf; pushing the setting end to make contact with turf to insert a golf tee into turf; opening the clamping arms to release a golf ball and a golf tee; and lifting the device away from a golf ball and a golf tee.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for managing a golf ball on the green without squatting or bending toward the ground is provided. The method includes use of a device for setting a golf ball and a golf tee and managing a golf ball on the green having a shaft with a setting end and a ball managing end having means for picking up a golf ball or marker and ball ejection means. The method includes the steps of placing a marker into means to pick up a golf ball or marker; positioning the ball handling end toward turf; releasing the marker adjacent a golf ball onto the turf with ejection means; picking up a golf ball with the means to pick up a golf ball or marker; releasing a golf ball adjacent a marker onto turf with ejection means; and picking up a marker with means to pick up a golf ball or marker.
Still other aspects and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description and drawings wherein there is described and shown preferred embodiments of this invention and the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.
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Brant Marion T.
Siders Ernest D.
Wagner Thomas E.
Frost Brown Todd LLC
Wong Steven
LandOfFree
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