FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to ball markers and their holders, and specifically to a cap with a strap having a golf ball marker holder.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Golf ball markers are small, generally flat, and typically round objects used to mark the location on a putting green from which a golf ball has been lifted. Golf ball markers are typically placed directly behind a golf ball before the golf ball is lifted to preserve the ball’s location when the ball is removed from play to prevent interference. The flat shape of most ball markers limits the impact they have on the trajectory of an opponent’s golf ball should the ball roll over the marker. Ball markers may contain surface indicia which serves decorative purposes and/or differentiates multiple markers. When ready to putt, a player will place their golf ball back on the green directly in front of the marker before picking up and stowing the marker. Some ball markers are sold in kits with a holder that reduces the likelihood that the small marker will be lost, misplaced, or damaged.

SUMMARY

[0003] According to one embodiment, a cap to be worn by a wearer includes a front side, a rear side having a strap portion with first and second straps and one or more fasteners arranged to attach the first strap to the second strap to maintain a desired cap diameter, and a ball marker holder arranged to receive a ball marker, the ball marker holder being permanently attached to the first strap. The ball marker holder is a separate component from the one or more fasteners.

[0004] According to another embodiment, a cap includes a front side, a rear side having a strap portion with first and second straps, and a ball marker holder arranged to receive a ball marker, the ball marker holder being permanently attached to the first strap. The ball marker holder is not arranged to maintain a position of the first strap relative to the second strap. [0005] According to another embodiment, a cap includes a front side, a rear side having a strap portion with first and second straps, and a ball marker holder arranged to receive a ball marker, the ball marker holder being permanently attached to the first strap. A diameter of the cap is adjusted by manipulating a first section of the first strap. The ball marker holder is attached to a second section of the first strap, the second section being a different section of the first strap than the first section.

[0006] According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a cap to be worn by a wearer, the cap having a strap portion with a first strap, a ball marker holder, the ball marker holder and the first strap being integrally formed, and a ball marker arranged to be received in the ball marker holder.

[0007] According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a cap to be worn by a user, the cap having a front side and a rear side, the rear side having a strap portion with a first strap, a ball marker holder attached to the first strap, wherein a position of the ball marker holder relative to the first strap is fixed, and a ball marker arranged to be received in the ball marker holder.

[0008] It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non- limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a cap having a cap strap with a ball marker holder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with a ball marker shown removed; [0011] FIG. 2 shows a cap having a cap strap with a ball marker holder according to another embodiment with a ball marker shown removed;

[0012] FIG. 3 shows a cap strap with a ball marker holder according to another embodiment with a ball marker shown removed; [0013] FIG. 4 shows a cap strap with a ball marker holder according to another embodiment with a removable ball marker;

[0014] FIG. 5 shows a cap strap with a ball marker holder according to another embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of a cap strap with a ball marker holder according to another embodiment; and

[0016] FIG. 7 is a side schematic view of a cap strap with a ball marker holder according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Ball markers play an important role in the putting phase of golf, and players interact with their markers numerous times each round. For example, a ball marker may be placed directly behind a golf ball to preserve the ball’s location on the putting green before the golf ball is lifted off the green. The player may then place the golf ball back on the green, directly in front of the marker, before picking up and stowing the marker.

[0018] A golf ball marker is often associated with a ball marker holder. These holders reduce the likelihood that the ball marker will be lost, damaged, or misplaced. Some holders may contain one or more magnetic materials (e.g., a magnet) which are used to removably secure the ball marker to the holder. In such instances, the marker may include a corresponding magnetic material. Other holders may use an interference fit to secure the ball marker to the holder. The holder and the manner of marker attachment are often designed such that a player has quick access to the marker during the game. To this end, golf ball marker holders may be designed to attach to a player’s clothing or equipment. [0019] According to embodiments herein, a ball marker may be attached to a player’ s clothing, such as to the player’s hat. In one example, the golf ball marker holder may be removably attached to the brim of the player’ s hat. In another example, as described in the Applicant’s previously filed application, U.S. App. No. 17/155,005, filed January 21, 2021 and entitled “Ball Marker Holder with Removable Ball Marker”, which is incorporated by reference herein, a golf ball marker holder may be removably attached to a strap portion of a conventional golf or baseball-style cap or visor. As described therein, the Applicant has recognized the benefits of a golf ball marker holder that can be removably attached to the cap in such a way as to prevent visual distraction to the player, enable continued viewing of the marker and its indicia by others during normal use, and facilitate removal of the marker from the holder and installation of the marker onto the holder.

[0020] The Applicant has also recognized the benefits of having a golf ball marker holder that is permanently attached to a conventional golf or baseball- style cap or visor. For example, in such arrangements, a player need not remember to bring a golf ball marker holder to a game. Instead, the player need only wear their cap to the game and carry one or more ball markers. During the game, the player may then simply attach the ball marker directly to the ball marker holder on the cap when the ball marker is not in use.

[0021] In such arrangements, the wearer also may be able to adjust the cap diameter without first having to remove the ball marker holder from the cap strap and/or without having to worry that the ball marker holder will fall off the cap strap and be lost. For example, with a permanently attached ball marker holder, the wearer may simply adjust the cap diameter and thereafter attach the ball marker to the holder on the strap.

[0022] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a wearer need not manipulate or in some cases even touch the ball marker holder to adjust the cap diameter. For example, in some embodiments, the wearer may adjust the cap diameter by manipulating a portion of a strap to which the ball marker holder is not attached. For example, the wearer may grab at or near a first end of the strap to move the first strap relative to the second strap. In such an embodiment, the ball marker holder may be attached to a different portion of the strap (e.g., to a central portion of the first strap). [0023] The cap diameter also may be maintained without the use of the ball marker holder. For example, the first and second straps may be held relative to one another via corresponding fasteners that are separate form the ball marker holder. In an illustrative embodiment, the first strap may include a plurality of openings for receiving one or more studs on the second strap. In some embodiments, the straps may include hook and loop fastener portions that engage with one another.

[0024] In view of the above, in some embodiments, a golf ball marker holder may be configured to be permanently attached to the strap portion of a conventional golf or baseball- style cap or visor. As described herein, the strap portion is typically located on the rear side of the cap and may include two individual straps which overlap and can be joined together via corresponding fasteners, such as studs and holes or hook and loop fasteners to adjust and hold a desired diameter of the cap. Alternatively, the strap portion may include a single strap removably attachable to a corresponding feature on the cap, such as a buckle or clamp.

[0025] In some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be permanently attached to a first strap of the strap portion. For example, in a strap portion having first and second straps, the ball marker holder may be permanently attached the first, outwardly-facing strap of the cap. For purposes herein, a ball marker holder being permanently attached to a strap portion means that the ball marker holder is arranged to be removable from the strap portion only by damaging the strap and/or the ball marker holder or by using a tool to separate to the ball marker holder from the strap portion. In some embodiments, the first strap may be permanently attached the cap.

[0026] In some embodiments, the position of the ball marker holder may be fixed relative to the first strap to which it is attached. For purposes herein, a ball marker holder having a fixed position relative to the first strap means that once the ball marker holder is attached to the first strap, a position of the ball marker holder cannot be changed relative to the first strap (e.g., without damaging the strap and/or the ball marker holder). The position of the ball marker holder relative to the hat, or at least a portion of the hat, also may be fixed in some embodiments. [0027] In some embodiments, the position of the ball marker holder may move relative to the second strap of the strap portion. For example, as the wearer moves first and second straps to adjust the cap diameter of the hat to fit the wearer’s head, the position of the ball marker holder may change relative to the second strap. As will be appreciated, once the cap diameter of the hat has been chosen, the position of the ball marker holder relative to the second strap may remain unchanged until the first and second straps are again moved relative to one another to change the cap diameter. However, the position of the ball marker holder relative to the second strap may be changed without damaging the second strap or the ball marker holder.

[0028] In some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be formed separately (e.g., via molding or 3D printing) and thereafter permanently attached to one of the straps of the cap strap portion. For example, the ball marker holder may be glued, welded, or otherwise fixedly attached to the strap portion. In other embodiments, the ball marker holder and cap strap may be integrally formed.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be attached to the strap prior to attaching the strap portion to the cap. For example, in some embodiments, a plurality of strap portions may be formed with ball marker holders, with the strap portions later being attached to a plurality of caps. In some embodiments, the strap portions may be sewn to the hat. In such embodiments, the strap portions may be fixedly attached to the cap. As will be appreciated, the straps may be attached to the hat in other suitable manners.

[0030] In some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be attached to the cap after the straps are attached to the cap. For example, the strap portion may be attached to the cap (e.g., via sewing or another suitable method), with the ball marker being attached to the strap portion [after or before the strap is attached] (e.g., gluing or other suitable methods).

[0031] Although the straps are shown and described as being permanently attached to the cap, in some embodiments, one or both straps also may be removably attachable to the caps. For example, in some embodiments, the first strap with the ball marker holder may be removably attachable to the cap. In an illustrative example, the strap may include a fastener that engages with a corresponding fastener on the cap. In such an example, the wearer may change the first strap to change the logo displayed on the strap, as described further below. The wearer also may be able to switch the golf ball marker holder strap for a typical cap strap in some embodiments.

[0032] In some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be attached to the cap strap in such a way as to not disrupt the visual field for the user. For example, when the hat is worn “backwards” with the brim at the back of the head, such a ball marker holder may be maintained out of sight of the player.

[0033] Such an arrangement also may allow the ball marker to be oriented substantially vertically when installed in the ball marker holder such that any indicia, emblems, logos, or other aesthetic considerations are visible to other people during normal usage. This orientation may allow a player to project their personal style, allow groups to becoming familiar with each other’s markers, and provide a platform for brands and advertisers.

[0034] Such a golf ball marker holder also may provide easy interaction with the golf ball marker. As described herein, the golf ball marker may be magnetically attached to the ball marker holder while not in use. Other attachment features may be used as the design is not limited in this respect. Such features may be protrusions, ribs, embosses, or other geometrical alignment features. In some embodiments, the holder also may include one or more features to align the marker during installation.

[0035] In some embodiments, the golf ball marker and holder may be arranged to facilitate installation of the ball marker into and/or removal of the ball marker from the ball marker holder. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the marker may extend beyond an edge of the holder such that a user can position his or her finger underneath the installed marker and lift the marker off of the holder. In some embodiments, multiple portions of the marker may extend past the holder. Such portions may be arranged at twelve o’clock and six o’clock orientations such that access is equivalent for both right-handed and left-handed golfers. As will be appreciated, the ball marker may extend past the holder at other suitable portions, such as at three o’clock and nine o’clock orientations such that access is also equivalent for both right-handed and left-handed golfers. [0036] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a cap wearable by a user, such as during a game of golf, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in these views, the front of the cap may include a brim 102 which is positionable over a player’s forehead. The rear of the cap opposite the brim may include a strap portion 104 to which a ball marker holder 200 is permanently attached. A ball marker 300 may be removably attached to the ball marker holder, as will be described. In some embodiments, the cap may be worn with the brim at the back such that ball marker holder is positioned on the golfer’s forehead.

[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6, the strap portion 104 includes first and second straps 106a, 106b which may be used to adjust the cap diameter of the hat to fit the heads of differently sized wearers. For example, the wearer may move the first and second straps relative to one another to increase and/or decrease the cap diameter of the hat. The first and second straps may then be attached to one another to maintain the desired cap diameter. As will be appreciated, in embodiments in which the strap portion includes only a single strap, the wearer may adjust the position of the first strap relative to buckle or another suitable portion of the cap to adjust the cap diameter.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the ball marker holder 200 may be attached to the first strap 106a of the strap portion. As described herein, the ball marker holder may be fixedly attached to the first strap. For example, the ball marker holder may be glued, welded, or otherwise fixedly attached to the first strap. In some embodiments, the first strap and ball marker holder may be integrally formed (e.g., via molding or 3D printing).

[0039] In some embodiments, the strap portion may be permanently attached to the cap. For example, the first and second straps may be sewn, glued, or otherwise permanently attached to the cap. In such embodiments, the strap portions are not removable without damaging the cap and/or the strap. In other embodiments, at least one of the straps may be removably attached to the cap, such as via corresponding fasteners.

[0040] In some embodiments, the strap portion may include one or more fasteners for attaching the first and second straps together to maintain a desired diameter for the cap. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first strap 106a may include a -Si- plurality of holes 108 for receiving one or more studs 110 of the second strap 106b to attach the first and second straps to one another to set the desired cap diameter.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of holes may extend along a portion of a length of length of the first strap. For example, the holes may extend from at or near a distal end 107a of the first strap to a portion at or near the ball marker holder 200. For purposes herein, the distal end of the strap corresponds to the end of the strap furthest away from the hat when the strap is attached to the hat. The proximal end of the strap corresponds to the end closest to the cap when the strap is attached. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the strap is attached to the hat. [0042] In some embodiments, the openings may be spaced evenly from the distal end to the portion at or near the ball marker holder. The holes may extend through the strap, such as from the first, outwardly facing side 114 of the strap to the inner side of the strap (see FIG.

6). As will be appreciated, the shape and size of the openings may be arranged to releasably fasten the corresponding studs on the second strap. [0043] As also shown in FIG. 6, the studs may extend along a length of the second strap.

For example, the studs may extend from at or near a distal end 109a of the second strap 106b to at or near the proximal end 109b of the second strap 106b. The studs also may extend along only a portion of the length of the second strap. In some embodiments, the studs may be equally spaced along the length of the second strap. As will be appreciated, the spacing of the studs on the second strap 106b may correspond to the spacing of the openings on the first strap 106a.

[0044] Although the ball marker holder is shown attached to a strap which includes a plurality of holes for receiving corresponding studs, it will be appreciated that the ball marker holder may be attached to a strap which includes a plurality of studs insertable into openings on the other strap. As will be appreciated, other suitable methods may be used to attach the first and second straps together. For example, the first and second straps may be attached to one another via hook and loop fasteners, via a magnetic attachment, via a buckle, or via another suitable fastener. [0045] In some embodiments, the fasteners and the ball marker holder are separate components so that the wearer can adjust the cap size without having to touch and/or manipulate the ball marker holder. In such embodiments, the ball marker holder may be arranged such that the ball marker holder does not fasten the first strap to the second strap. Instead, in some embodiments, the first and second straps may be attached to one another via the fasteners.

[0046] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a wearer may grab and move a first section of the first strap (e.g., the distal end 107a of the first strap 106a) away from the second strap to disengage the studs from the corresponding openings without having to touch the ball marker holder. In such embodiments, as shown in this figure, the ball marker holder may be attached to a different section of the first strap. For example, the ball marker holder may be attached to the central portion or a proximal portion of the first strap in some embodiments. The wearer may then move the first strap relative to the second strap via the first portion (see the arrow labeled X ) to set a desire cap diameter and thereafter engage the studs with the openings. As a result, the ball marker is less likely to be accidentally dislodged from the ball marker holder as compared to an arrangement where the ball marker holder has to be manipulated or at least contacted in order to adjust the size of the cap.

[0047] In some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be attached to the first strap such that the ball marker is positioned at or near a first side 109a of an opening 112 in the rear of the cap (see FIG. 2). In this regard, the ball marker holder may be attached at or near a proximal end 107b of the first strap (see FIG. 6). The ball marker holder also may be positioned at or near a second, opposite side 109b of the opening 112 in other embodiments (see FIG. 1). In such embodiments, the ball marker holder may be attached at or near a distal end 107a of the first strap. As will be appreciated, the ball marker holder also may be positioned at other suitable locations in between the first and second sides of the opening of the back of the cap. For example, in some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be positioned equidistant in between the first and second sides of the opening. As will be appreciated, the position of the ball marker relative to the opening may change depending upon the size of the cap diameter and the position of the first and second straps relative to one another. [0048] As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the ball marker holder may be attached to the first, outwardly facing side 114 of the first strap 106a. In some embodiments, the first side 114 of the strap is arranged to be visible to other wearers. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of holes for receiving the studs may be visible on the first side of the first strap. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the first side 114 of the strap may include a panel 116 on which a logo, indicia, emblem, or other aesthetic considerations may be displayed for other people to view when the wearer wears the cap. As will appreciated, the panel may cover the plurality of openings for receiving the corresponding studs on the second strap. For example, the panel may be attached to the first strap such that the panel extends over the plurality of openings. As will be further appreciated, the panel may be fixedly attached to the strap (e.g., via glue, adhesive or other attachment method, or integrally formed with the strap)

[0049] In some embodiments, the panel may be differentiated from the remainder of the strap or ball marker holder through a material change, a color change, an addition of indicia or markings via pad printing or alternative means of processing. This differentiation may be done for the purpose of decoration or to add branding. The ball marker holder also may include an indicia, logo, or emblem in some embodiments (see FIG. 2). As will be appreciated, the logo, indicia and/or emblem on the ball marker holder may be different from that on the panel. The ball marker also may include logo, indicia, and/or an emblem that may be the same and/or different from that on the panel and/or on the ball marker holder (see FIG. 2).

[0050] As described herein and as shown in FIG. 4, the ball marker holder may be arranged to receive the ball marker. For example, the ball marker holder may include a countersink in which the ball marker 300 may reside. In some embodiments, the countersink also may be arranged to align the ball marker on the strap. In some embodiments, the countersink may include ribs 240 and 242. In the embodiments illustrated herein, the ribs have an arcuate shape corresponding to the circular shape of marker 300, however, it should be understood that any shape may be used. For example, the shape of the ribs need not match the shape of the ball marker. In the embodiment shown, two ribs are used, however it should be understood that any suitable quantity of ribs or similar features may be used. For example, the ball marker holder may include three, four, or more ribs.

[0051] In some embodiments, each rib may have a variable height along its length. In other embodiments, the ribs may have the same height along their lengths. In some embodiments, the ribs may have the same heights. The heights of the ribs also may vary from rib to rib.

[0052] FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic top and side cross-sectional views of the golf ball marker holder strap according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in these views, the ball marker holder may include a magnetic element 250 to hold the ball marker in the ball marker holder. In some embodiments, the magnetic element 250 may be centrally located on the ball marker holder. In some embodiments, the magnetic element may be fully countersunk. The magnetic element also may protrude from a ball marker receiving 252 area of the exterior face of the ball marker holder (see FIG. 4). As will be appreciated, the magnetic element 250 may be one of any known variety including but not limited to neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, or ceramic or ferrite magnets.

[0053] In some embodiments, the magnetic element 250 may have a substantially flat exterior face corresponding to the flat design of removable ball marker 300. In other embodiments, the magnetic element 250 may be curved or contain features that protrude from or recess into the ball marker holder (or into the strap). In some embodiments, the exterior face of magnetic element may contain indicia, markings, patterning, branding or other distinguishing visual and/or textual features.

[0054] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the ball marker holder does not include a countersink for receiving the ball marker. Instead, the ball marker holder may include only a panel 116 that attaches to the first strap 106a. As will be appreciated in view of the above, the panel may be fixedly attached to the strap such that the position of the panel is maintained relative to the strap once attached. The panel also may be integrally formed with the strap.

In such embodiments, the panel may be formed of a magnetic element or may have intrinsic magnetic properties. In some embodiments, the panel may have a logo, emblem, insignia, or other indicia, as described herein. [0055] In still other embodiments, the first strap does not include a countersink or a panel, but instead may itself be formed with one or magnets or with a material having intrinsic magnetic properties. As will be appreciated in view of the above, the ball marker may be attached directly to the strap in such embodiments. [0056] A magnetic element does not necessarily need to be a magnet. For example, a piece of metal including iron which is not magnetized may be used as a magnetic element in the ball marker while a magnet is used in the ball marker holder. In such an embodiment, both components would be considered to be magnetic elements.

[0057] FIGS. 1-4 show the removable ball marker 300 as circular and substantially flat. As will be appreciated, the marker 300 may be any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the marker 300 may include features such as notches or protrusions which help align the marker with holder 200 during installation. The ball marker 300 also may include an inner section 310 on its exterior face. This section may also contain indicia, markings, patterning, branding or other distinguishing visual and/or textual features as described herein. While not shown, marker 300 may include a magnetic element 320 which is attached to magnetic element 250 of the ball marker holder 200. Alternatively, marker 300 may have intrinsic magnetic properties. In embodiments where the entirety of first panel 210 has magnetic properties, marker 300 or its magnetic element 320 may be magnetically attached to the ball marker holder (or to the panel). In embodiments where it is a separate component, magnetic element 320 may be joined to marker 300 using an adhesive or via alternative means including press fitting, welding, etc.

[0058] While shown as being attached by magnetic attraction, it should be appreciated that removable ball marker 300 can be attached to the holder 200 by any suitable manner including press fitting, interference fitting, adhesion, or via a structural feature such as a clip. Such attachment mechanisms also may be attached to the first strap of the strap portion.

[0059] According to some embodiments, a marker may extend beyond an uppermost edge of the marker holder. For purposes herein, the term edge does not require an angled meeting of two planes, but instead can be an end surface or border of an object. In such embodiments, the golf ball marker may create first and second lips (e.g., extending beyond an uppermost or bottom most edge of the ball marker holder) which enable the user to place their finger on an underside of the marker 300 to remove the marker from the holder 200. Such embodiments may greatly reduce the difficulty of removing the marker, especially when the user is wearing a glove. In some embodiments, the ball marker may overhang the ball marker holder at the six o’clock and twelve o’clock positions of the marker when installed, although the ball marker may overhang other suitable portions of the ball marker holder in other embodiments (e.g., the three o’clock and 9 o’clock positions).

[0060] Marker 300 may be flat and first panel 210 of holder 200 may be curved, such that that a lip is positioned underneath the marker around the entire edge of the marker.

[0061] While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.

[0062] Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

[0063] Also, the invention may be embodied as a method, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

[0064] Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

[0065] Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.