US20040084495A1

US20040084495A1 - Golf accessory carrier

Info

Publication number: US20040084495A1
Application number: US10/287,470
Authority: US
Inventors: John Rudeen; Mark Landgraf
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-11-04
Filing date: 2002-11-04
Publication date: 2004-05-06

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a carrier device for transporting a golfer's accessory items during play. The device includes a carrier member attached to a glove attachment surface that is configured to engage a portion of a golf glove such that the golf glove can be stored on the carrier member when not being used by the golfer. In accordance with other embodiments, the carrier member is configured to secure one or more golf balls therein. In accordance with other embodiments, various device holders are attached to the carrier member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to a device for simplifying play of the game of golf. More specifically, the present invention pertains to carriers designed to conveniently hold and transport golf-related accessory items.

Almost all golfers transport and utilize numerous game-related accessories during play. Every golfer transports and utilizes a golf ball, and most golfers transport extra balls as replacements for those that are lost or hit in the water. Almost all golfers transport and utilize a tee to support their ball when driving from the tee box, and most golfers transport extra tees as replacements for those that are broken or lost.

Many golfers transport and utilize a divot tool for repairing ball marks on the green. Numerous golfers transport and utilize a ball marker for indicating the position of their ball on the green while other golfers advance their balls closer to the hole. Most golfers transport and utilize a pencil or similar device for marking scores on a scorecard.

In addition to one or more of the above-noted accessory devices, numerous golfers wear a golf glove on at least hand. It is common for golfers to remove one or both gloves during certain shots, such as during putting. Of course, when a glove is removed, it must be transported by the golfer until it is needed again.

During play, it is common for golfers to transport at least some of their selected game accessory items in their personal pockets, such as in their pant, shirt and/or jacket pockets. Transporting items in this manner is often uncomfortable and/or inconvenient.

During play, it is also common for golfers to store at least some of their selected game accessory items in various pockets and pouches associated with a club-carrying bag. Storing items in this manner is inconvenient because golfers do not always play in close proximity to their club bags. Every trip to the club bag takes time and slows play. For example, it is common to carry several clubs in order to play multiple shots without returning to one's club-carrying bag. During this time, returning to the bag in order to retrieve an accessory item contributes to slow play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a carrier device for transporting a golfer's accessory items during play. The device includes a carrier member attached to a glove attachment surface that is configured to engage a portion of a golf glove such that the glove can be stored on the carrier member when not being used by the golfer. In accordance with other embodiments, the carrier member is configured to secure at least one golf ball therein. In accordance with other embodiments, various device holders are attached to the carrier member to accommodate additional accessory items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a golf accessory carrier. [0008]
FIG. 2 is a top view of the golf accessory carrier. [0009]
FIG. 3 is a view of the golf accessory carrier taken from a first side. [0010]
FIG. 4 is a view of the golf accessory carrier taken from a second side. [0011]
FIG. 5 is a view of the golf accessory carrier taken from a third side. [0012]
FIG. 6 is a view of the golf accessory carrier taken from a fourth side. [0013]
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the golf accessory carrier. [0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a golf [0015] accessory carrier device 100 being worn by an individual 102. While device 100 is illustrated as being positioned proximate the back of the hip, the device can illustratively be relocated to any position that is desirable to a given wearer. Different individuals will adjust device 100 to different positions for various reasons, including the effect that device 100 will have on the swing of a club.
[0016] Device 100 is illustratively designed to conveniently support and transport various golf-related accessory items including tees 104, a marking device 106, a ball marker 108, a divot repair tool 110, ball or balls 112 and glove 114. Device 100 illustratively attaches to individual 102's apparel such that all of the accessory items are conveniently accessible during a game of golf. Device 100 is illustratively engaged to individual 102's belt or the top of individual 102's pants.
FIG. 2 is a top view of [0017] carrier device 100. Device 100 includes a carrier member 200 having an elongated hollow body that is open at both ends and has an overall diameter 204 that enables a golf ball to be slidably received therein. Carrier member 200 is illustratively constructed utilizing at least an outer layer of leather or leather-like material.
[0018] Carrier member 200 further includes a ball-securing annular lip located proximate at least the bottom end of the elongated hollow body. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of carrier device 100 and shows a ball-securing annular lip 206 located proximate the bottom end of the elongated hollow body. Lip 206 is of an overall size and configuration that enables it to secure one or more golf balls within the elongated hollow body until manual force (e.g., force applied by individual 102's fingers) is applied to the secured ball or balls so as to move that ball or balls through annular lip 206. Annular lip 206 illustratively has a diameter that is slightly smaller than diameter 204. As is illustrated in FIG. 1, ball 112 is retained within carrier member 200 by annular lip 206 until force is applied to move ball beyond lip 206.
[0019] Carrier member 200 optionally includes a second annular lip 208 located proximate the top end of the elongated hollow body. FIG. 8, the top view of device 100, shows optional annular lip 208 located proximate the top end of the elongated hollow body. Lip 208 is of an overall size and configuration that enables it to secure one or more golf balls within the elongated hollow body. For example, manual force is applied against a ball so as to move it beyond annular lip 208 and into the elongated hollow body. Lip 208 prevents the ball from easily flying up and out of the elongated body. Annular lip 208 illustratively has a diameter that is slightly smaller than diameter 204, which is the diameter of the elongated hollow tube between annular lips 206 and 208.
With further reference to FIG. 2, [0020] carrier device 100 further includes a glove attachment surface 210 attached to carrier member 200 and configured to engage a portion of a golf glove such that the glove can be stored on member 200 when not being used by individual 102. In accordance with one embodiment, attachment surface 210 comprises a strip of Velcro material designed to engage a corresponding strip of Velcro material associated with a golf glove. For example, FIG. 1 shows a Velcro portion of glove 114 attached to glove attachment surface 210. In accordance with one embodiment, attachment surface 210 comprises a strip of nylon with a surface of minute hooks. In accordance with another embodiment, attachment surface 210 comprises a strip of material having a surface of uncut pile.
[0021] Carrier device 100 further includes a clip 212 attached to carrier member 200 and configured to secure device 100 to a piece of apparel worn by individual 102. Clip 212 illustratively engages a belt or the top of a pair of pants. FIG. 1 shows carrier device 100 engaged to individual 102's pants/belt. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, clip 212 can be designed to engage other apparel items, or to engage a club-carrying bag. Clip 212 is illustratively, although not necessarily, constructed of a rigid material such as but not limited to metal or plastic.
[0022] Carrier device 100 further includes at least one tee loop 214 attached to carrier member 200 and configured to receive and secure the shank of a golf tee. FIG. 1 shows tees 104 engaged within tee loops 214. Tee loops 214 are illustratively, although not necessarily constructed of a flexible material such as but not limited to leather or nylon.
[0023] Carrier device 100 further includes at least one ball marker pocket 216 formed in carrier member 200 and configured to receive and secure a ball marker therein. FIG. 1 shows ball marker 108 engaged within pocket 216. Ball marker pocket 216 is illustratively, although not necessarily constructed utilizing a flexible pocket material such as but not limited to leather or nylon.
[0024] Carrier device 100 further includes at least one divot tool pocket 218 formed in carrier member 200 and configured to receive and secure a divot repair tool therein. FIG. 1 shows divot repair tool 110 engaged within pocket 218. Pocket 218 is illustratively, although not necessarily, constructed utilizing a flexible pocket material such as but not limited to leather or nylon. Glove attachment surface 210 is illustratively, although not necessarily, attached to the outer portion of divot tool pocket 218 such that pocket 218 is formed behind surface 210.
[0025] Carrier device 100 further includes at least one marking device sleeve 220 formed in carrier member 200 and configured to receive and secure a device for marking a score on a card (e.g., a pencil). FIG. 1 shows a marking device 106 engaged within sleeve 220. Marking device sleeve 220 is illustratively, although not necessarily, constructed utilizing a flexible pocket material such as but not limited to leather or nylon. Marking device sleeve 220 is illustratively, although not necessarily, closed at its bottom end.
FIG. 3 is a side view of [0026] carrier device 100 taken from the perspective of line 3-3 in FIG. 2. The FIG. 3 perspective shows that marking device sleeve 220 is stitched closed on its bottom end. FIG. 3 also shows a better perspective of ball marker pocket 216, which has a half-moon shaped cut-out to accommodate the prong part of a ball marker. The outlines of annular lips 208 and 210 are visible in FIG. 3. The Figure also shows a different perspective of tee loops 214 and clip 212. It should be pointed out that the length of carrier member 200 can be selected to accommodate placement of one, two or more golf balls therein.
FIG. 4 is a side view of [0027] carrier device 100 taken from the perspective of line 4-4 in FIG. 2. The FIG. 4 perspective shows divot tool pocket 218 formed behind glove attachment surface 210. FIG. 4 also shows ball marker pocket 216 and a tee loop 214.
FIG. 5 is a side view of [0028] carrier device 100 taken from the perspective of line 5-5 in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a side view of carrier device 100 taken from the perspective of line 6-6 in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of carrier device 100. FIGS. 5-7 provide other perspectives of the various components of device 100. With regard to FIGS. 2-7, the same reference numerals are utilized to identify the same elements throughout the Figures.
It should be pointed out that while [0029] carrier device 100 has been illustrated and described as including various individual attachment means for supporting various accessory items, any one or more of the described individual attachment means could be excluded from the device without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, it should be pointed out that one of the benefits of carrier device 100 is its sleek and attractive aesthetic appearance. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the dimensions and arrangements of the various individual attachment means could be altered to accomplish other aesthetic designs.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0030]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A carrier device for transporting a golfer's accessory items during play, comprising:

a carrier member; and

a glove attachment surface attached to the carrier member and configured to engage a portion of a golf glove such that the golf glove can be stored on the carrier member when not being used by the golfer.

2. The carrier device of claim 1, wherein the glove attachment surface comprises a strip of Velcro material.

3. The carrier device of claim 1, wherein the glove attachment surface comprises a strip of nylon with a surface of minute hooks.

4. The carrier device of claim 1, wherein the glove attachment surface comprises a strip of material having a surface of uncut pile.

5. The carrier device of claim 1, further comprising a clip attached to the carrier member and configured to secure the carrier member to a piece of apparel worn by the golfer.

6. The carrier device of claim 1, wherein the carrier member comprises an elongated hollow body that is open at both ends and has an overall diameter that enables a golf ball to be slidably received therein.

7. The carrier device of claim 6, wherein the elongated hollow body includes a ball-securing annular lip located proximate at least one end thereof, the ball-securing annular lip being of an overall size and configuration to secure the golf ball within the elongated hollow body until manual force is applied to the golf ball so as to move the golf ball through the annular lip.

8. The carrier device of claim 6, wherein the elongated hollow body includes a ball-securing annular lip located proximate at least one end thereof, the ball securing annular lip having a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of other portions of the hollow body.

9. The carrier device of claim 1, further comprising at least one tee loop attached to the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure the shank of a golf tee.

10. The carrier device of claim 1, further comprising a ball marker pocket formed in the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure a ball marker therein.

11. The carrier device of claim 1, further comprising a divot tool pocket formed in the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure a divot tool therein.

12. The carrier device of claim 11, wherein the pocket is formed behind the glove attachment surface.

13. The carrier device of claim 1, further comprising a marking device sleeve attached to the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure a device for marking a score on a scorecard.

14. A carrier device for transporting a golfer's accessory items during play, comprising:

a carrier member having an elongated hollow body that is open at both ends and has an overall diameter that enables one or more golf balls to be slidably received therein;

a clip attached to the carrier member and configured to secure the carrier member to a piece of apparel worn by the golfer;

at least one tee loop attached to the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure the shank of a golf tee;

a ball marker pocket formed in the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure a ball marker therein;

a marking device sleeve attached to the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure a device for marking a score on a scorecard;

a divot tool pocket formed in the carrier member and adapted to receive and secure a divot tool therein; and

a glove attachment surface attached to the carrier member and configured to engage a portion of a golf glove.

15. The carrier device of claim 14, wherein the glove attachment surface comprises a strip of Velcro material.

16. The carrier device of claim 14, wherein the elongated hollow body includes a ball-securing annular lip located proximate at least one end thereof, the ball-securing annular lip being of an overall size and configuration that enables it to secure one or more golf balls within the elongated hollow body until manual force is applied so as to move the ball or balls through the annular lip.

17. The carrier device of claim 14, wherein the elongated hollow body includes a ball-securing annular lip located proximate at least one end thereof, the ball securing annular lip having a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of other portions of the hollow body.

18. The carrier device of claim 14, wherein the divot tool pocket is formed behind the attachment surface.

19. A carrier device for transporting a golfer's accessory items during play, comprising:

a carrier member having an elongated hollow body that is open at both ends and has an overall diameter that enables a golf ball to be slidably received therein;

a clip attached to the carrier member and configured to secure the carrier member to a piece of apparel worn by the golfer; and

a device holder attached to the carrier member and selected from a group consisting of a marking device sleeve, a tee loop, a divot tool pocket, a ball marker pocket, and a golf glove attachment surface.

20. The carrier device of claim 19, wherein the device holder is selected from a group consisting of a tee loop, a divot tool pocket, a ball marker pocket, and a golf glove attachment surface.

21. The carrier device of claim 19, wherein the device holder is selected from a group consisting of a divot tool pocket, a ball marker pocket, and a golf glove attachment surface.

22. The carrier device of claim 19, wherein the device holder is selected from a group consisting of a ball marker pocket and a golf glove attachment surface.