A GOLF BALL MARKER AND HOLDER

[0001] This invention relates generally to golf ball markers, and more particularly to a clip and magnetic golf ball marker for clipping to a golf shoe.

[0002] Over the years, golfers have used a variety of devices to mark their position on the green when temporary removal of their ball is desired or necessary. The most common marking means used by golfers is a small marker, such as a coin or other small, flat disc. In fact, this marking means has become so common that golf gloves and even putters have been developed that include a removable golf ball marker of this type. However, it should be appreciated that golfers rarely select golf equipment such as gloves or shoes based on the marker that they carry, they more often select such equipment based upon its fit and comfort. Further, when utilizing golf equipment including an incorporated golf ball marker, if the marker is misplaced, a replacement marker that can be used with the golf equipment can seldom be found.

[0003] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.

[0004] In one aspect of the present invention, a golf ball marker and holder includes a clip that is sized for attachment to a shoe. A marker having a solid face with an image at least partially covering a central portion is also provided and is removably attached to said clip. One of the holder and the marker includes a ferrous portion, while an other of the holder and the marker includes a magnetic portion.

[0005] In another aspect of the present invention, a golf ball marker and shoe includes a marker having a solid face with an image at least partially covering a central portion and being removably attached to a clip. One of the clip and the marker has a ferrous portion, while an other of the clip and the marker has a magnetic portion. The clip is clipped to a shoe.

[0006] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of marking a golf ball includes detaching a ball marker having a solid face from a clip that is attached to a shoe. The ball marker is replaced on the clip, at least in part by magnetically attaching the ball marker to the clip.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a golf shoe including a golf ball marker and clip according to the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a front view of the clip of FIG. 1, and

[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectioned side view of the golf ball marker and clip of FIG. 1 as viewed along section line 3-3.

[0010] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 there is illustrated a golf ball marker and holder 10 according to the present invention. As illustrated, golf ball marker and holder 10 provides a clip 12 that is sized for attachment to a shoe 11. Shoe 11 can be a golf shoe or any other shoe worn by a golfer while playing golf A marker 20 is magnetically attached to clip 12. Preferably, marker 20 is composed of a ferrous material and clip 12 preferably includes a magnet 15. While magnet 15 is preferably glued to clip 12, it should be appreciated that magnet 15 could be attached to clip 12 in any other suitable manner, such as via an alternative adhesive or by being molded into clip 12. It should be further appreciated that marker 20 could be composed of any suitable material, such as plastic, and could include an appropriately positioned ferrous portion. In addition, clip 12 could be composed of any other suitable material, such as plastic. For instance, clip 12 is preferably composed of a dark plastic or composite material. Further, clip 12 could instead be composed of a ferrous material, or include a ferrous portion, and marker 20 could be, or could include, a magnet.

[0011] As best illustrated in FIG. 3, a top edge 13 of clip 12 is preferably rounded to reduce the likelihood of discomfort to the golfer associated with use of clip 12. Additionally, clip 12 includes a face 14 that preferably includes dimpling to imitate the surface of a golf ball, as shown. Alternatively, face 14 could be flat or it could include any desirable texture feature. Face 14 preferably defines a recessed portion 17 that is sized and positioned to receive marker 20. Face 14 preferably includes one or more indentations 16 that are sized and positioned to allow a golfer to grasp marker 20 to remove it from recessed portion 17. Similarly, marker 20 can be replaced by inserting marker 20 back into recessed cavity 17. It should be appreciated that marker 20 could also be sized to further protrude from recessed cavity 17 and could include a rim or other similar feature to aid in removal from recessed cavity 17. In addition, while marker 20 could be held in place by magnet 15 alone, it should be appreciated that it is more securely held on clip 12 when inserted into recessed cavity 17. Thus, the likelihood of marker 20 being accidentally brushed off of clip 12 by the golfer's pantleg, by golf course terrain or otherwise, can be greatly reduced.

[0012] Referring again to FIG. 1, marker 20 preferably has a solid face 22 that is sized to allow a central portion 23 of face 22 to include an image, such as a corporate logo or another indicator of origin. For instance, as illustrated, face 20 could include advertising in the form of a corporate or event logo. Similarly, face 20 could include a school emblem, a monogram or any other desirable message or indicator. In addition, while marker 20 is preferably composed of a ferrous material, face 22 could be composed of any suitable material. In addition, it should be appreciated that marker 20 could include a rounded transparent covering to extend over solid face 22. Thus, it should be appreciated that marker 20, and thus face 22, could be composed of any number or type of materials suitable for display of a logo, emblem or other message. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates marker 20 having the logo of golf shoe marker FootJoy on its solid face.

[0013] When in use, clip 12 is preferably clipped on the outside of the right shoe to be worn during the round of golf. When a golfer steps forward and bends down to temporarily remove his ball from the green, marker 20 can be conveniently removed from clip 12 and placed in position. Similarly, as the golfer steps forward and bends down to replace his ball, marker 20 can be retrieved from the green and replaced on clip 12 in a convenient manner. In addition, because marker 20 is positioned in recessed portion 17 when not in use, it can be securely stored on clip 12 when not in use. However, it should be appreciated that indentations 16, in addition to the slight difference in height between marker 20 and recessed portion 17, will allow marker 10 to be easily removed from clip 12 when needed. In addition, because clip 12 is removably attachable to shoe 11, it can be removed from shoe 11 for storage when it is not in use. Further, because marker 20 includes a solid face 22, it can be modified to include any desirable logo or other indicator.

[0014] It should be understood that the above description is intended for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other aspects, objects and advantages of this invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims.