The present invention relates to a pitch mark repair tool suitable for use in repairing pitch marks formed in a playing surface during the game of golf.

Background of the Invention

In the game of golf, the aim is to putt a ball into a plurality of holes in the minimum number of shots. With this in mind, golfers seek to successfully hole as many putts as possible. However, the condition of the playing surface can have an important influence on how well this can be achieved.

When a golf ball lands on the playing surface from a height, it can leave an indentation in the playing surface referred to as a pitch mark. Subsequently, this can affect the path of a ball rolling across the playing surface.

A pitch mark which is unrepaired or repaired badly can take weeks to disappear. However, a pitch mark which is repaired properly will allow the playing surface to heal so that any indentation will be almost invisible within about 24 hours. Therefore, it is good etiquette for golfers to repair any pitch marks.

A number of tools are known for helping to repair pitch marks. In a simple form, a pitch mark repair tool can take the form of a simple spike which is used to lever the turf up, in fact a sufficiently long golf tee can be used for this purpose although more typically a tool resembling a simple 2-pronged fork is carried by a golfer and used for this purpose.

This tool comprises a generally planar body from which project two tapering tines. The tines are inserted into the ground around the pitch mark and the tines are levered to push earth inwards towards the centre of the indentation. Thereafter, the repair is tapped down to leave the smoothest possible playing surface. This known device works well, but it suffers from the problem that the tines are sharp and if the tool is kept in a pocket, if can form a hole in the pocket, or injure a user. This problem has been addressed by including in a tool, a handle which can enclose the tines. In this regard, the planar body and tines are moveable from a retracted configuration wherein they are enclosed by the handle and an extended configuration wherein the tines extend from the handle.

One such tool has a hinge, for example a pivot screw, at one end of the handle. The body and tines fold around the hinge relative to the handle. In the retracted configuration the body and tines are folded into the handle, whereas in the extended configuration, the body and tines are unfolded and extend from the handle. However, this tool suffers from the problem that it can be difficult to use because the hinge can be stiff, and two hands are generally needed to move the body and tines from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

Another known tool addresses this problem by including a button which when pressed operates a mechanism which is biased to deploy the body and tines from the handle. The handle defines an opening in one end and, in an extended configuration, the body and tines extend though the opening parallel with a longitudinal axis of the handle. In a retracted configuration, the body and tines are pushed back into the opening defined in the end of the handle. However, this tool suffers from the problem that the mechanism comprises numerous parts and it can be unreliable.

In light of the problems discussed above, various proposals have been made, but there remains a need for an improved tool which address one or more of the problems presented by prior art arrangements. In this regard, the present invention seeks to provide an alternative tool which preferably addresses one or more of the problems presented by prior art arrangements.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool for repairing pitch marks which comprises a generally planar body having a first end and a second end from which projects at least one tine, two handles each having a first end and a second end, a hinge between the body and each handle adjacent the first end of each handle, wherein a channel is defined in each handle between their first and second ends, the channels being capable of enclosing the body and tines in a first retracted configuration wherein the body and tines are folded into the channels in both handles, and in an extended configuration, the body and tines are unfolded from the handles.

In use, preferably, the handles are rotated around each hinge from a first, retracted configuration, wherein the handles are aligned parallel to each other with the channels facing inwardly towards each other to a second, extended configuration, wherein the handles are aligned parallel to each other with the channels facing outwardly away from each other and the body and tines are exposed and extend from the handles.

Preferably, in the retracted configuration, the handles abut each other between their first and second ends.

Preferably, in the extended configuration, the handles abut each other between their first and second ends.

Preferably the handles each comprise at least one substantially flat surface. More preferably, the handles have a substantially rectangular cross section.

Preferably, the hinges are both located proximate to the first end of the generally planar body.

Preferably, each hinge comprises a pivot pin. Preferably, the pivot pin extends through the generally planar body adjacent its first end. In this regard, preferably, body defines two openings for receiving pivot pins, each opening having a diameter of about 2.6 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably 2.8 mm. Preferably, the openings have centres which are about 15 mm to about 16 mm apart, more preferably 15.4 mm apart. Preferably, the pivot pin extends through a handle adjacent its first end.

In an embodiment, each pivot pin is replaced with a screw or bolt or the like. In this embodiment, preferably, a nut is located in a handle to receive the screw of bolt or the like.

Preferably, each hinge comprises a bush or bearing. Advantageously, this facilitates free rotation of a handle about the hinge relative to the body.

Preferably, a shim or spacer is provided between the body and each handle.

Preferably, two or three, more preferably two tines, extend from the generally planar body.

Preferably, the tines are generally planar. Preferably, the tines have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the generally planar body.

Preferably, each tine tapers. Preferably, each tine tapers to a point. Advantageously, this facilitates insertion of the tines into soil.

Preferably, each tine is symmetric about a longitudinal axis of the generally planar body wherein the longitudinal axis extends between the first end and the second end of the generally planar body.

Preferably, the body and tines are manufactured of stainless steel. This provides the advantage that the body and tines can be manufactured of a suitable thickness and corrosion is avoided.

Preferably, the body or a tine can be engraved or branded. Advantageously, the body or tine can be used for branding, customisation, logos, personalisation or similar. Preferably, each handle is manufactured of plastics material. Preferably, the plastics material is recycled.

Preferably, each channel has substantially rectangular cross section.

Preferably, each channel ends at or adjacent the second end of a handle. More preferably, each channel ends before the second end of a handle. This provides the advantage that the handles completely encase the tines when the tool is in a retracted configuration.

Preferably, a catch is provided between the end of a channel and the second end of a handle. Advantageously, the catch biases the tool in a retracted or extended configuration.

Preferably, the catch comprises at least one magnet.

For example, two magnets could be included so that one magnet is provdied in each handle. Alternatively, a single magnet can be provided in one handle together with a magnetic material in the other handle. Alternatively, a single magnet can be provided in one handle and the other handle can be of magnetic material.

Preferably, each magnet is embedded within a handle. Advantageously, this allows the magnet to be concealed. Therefore, it is invisible to a user. In addition, advantageously, by embedding a magnet in a handle, it prevents the magnet from being separated from the handle.

Preferably, the magnet is located in viscous oil. Advantageously, this prevents the tool from rattling.

Preferably, the at least one handle can be engraved or branded. Advantageously, the faces of the handles between their first and second ends can be used for branding, customisation, logos, personalisation or similar. Advantageously, the tool of the invention has an elegantly symmetrical simple folding mechanism and unlike known folding or forward deploying tools, the mechanisms of the invention require no springs or complex and unreliable mechanisms to function.

In addition, advantageously, the tool of the invention can be opened and changed from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration to deploy the tines with one hand.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for manufacturing a tool of the invention, which comprises the steps of inserting a magnet into the second end of each handle, aligning an opening defined in the body with an opening defined in the first end of a first handle, inserting a first pivot pin through the aligned openings, aligning a further opening defined in the body with an opening defined in the first end of a second handle, and inserting a second pivot pin through the aligned openings.

Each magnet can be embedded within a handle. Advantageously, this allows the magnet to be concealed. Therefore, it is invisible to a user. In addition, it prevents the magnet from being separated from the handle.

Advantageously, the tool of the invention can be used for a number of purposes.

In one aspect, the tool of the invention can be used as a golf club handle stand. In this regard, when the tool is in an extended configuration, it can be placed in the ground in such a way that permits a golf club handle to be rested safely above the ground, thus preventing foreign bodies, chemicals and general dirt from getting onto the golf club handle. Sometimes a player may take two or three clubs from a golf bag to the putting green whist only using one. The tool of the invention permits the golfer to safely and hygienically place the golf clubs so that the handles of the clubs are positioned above the ground. In a further aspect, the tool of the invention can be used as a ball marker. A ball marker in the game of golf is a device that is used on a putting green to mark a position where a ball has come to rest so that the ball can be picked up, cleaned and replaced on the putting green in the same position. This is also a requirement of play so that ball of one player does not impede the path of another ball.

Alternatively, one of the flat surfaces of the handles is used to accommodate a separate ball marking device. These devices are not complex, a coin or even a clearly visible tiddly wink or paper clip could legitimately be used legally in the game for this purpose. As such, any marker that could be separated from the handle could be used to mark the position of a ball on the putting green.

Typically, premium ball markers carry a manufacturers brand, logo or other customisation.

In a further aspect, the tool of the invention can be used as a fidget toy. The method used for opening and closing the device from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration is very similar to the martial artform known as "flipping". This provides the tool with a fiddle factor. One can play with the tool of the invention in one hand, and this can be therapeutic for the same reason that "Fidget Toys" that have become widely popular.

In a further aspect, the tool of the invention can be used as an Alzheimer's abatement device. It is said that learning a new skill every 4 years is useful in stemming the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. Skills such as learning a new language or a sport such as tennis or even learning to use a 3D Printer can help. Learning how to deploy the tines from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration with one hand can be of benefit in this regard.

In a further aspect, the tool of the invention can be used as a self-defence tool. The diminutive size of the tool of the invention coupled with its sharp tines which are required to facilitate insertion into soil and the fact that it can be rapidly deployed in a single hand, meaning that the tool of the invention can be suitable for use in self- defence. Advantageously, the tool of the invention is unlikely to be identified as a traditional weapon, such as a knife.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a tool according to an embodiment of the invention in an extended configuration;

Figure 2 shows a tool according to an embodiment of the invention in a retracted configuration;

Figure 3 shows a top view of a body and tines of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows perspective view of a body and tines of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows an alternative top view of a body and tines of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7 shows the steps involved in assembly of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

It will be appreciated that aspects, embodiments and preferred features of the invention have been described herein in a way that allows the specification to be written in a clear and concise way. However, unless circumstances clearly dictate otherwise, aspects, embodiments and preferred features can be variously combined or separated in accordance with the invention. Thus, preferably, the invention provides a device having features of a combination of two or more, three or more, or four or more of the aspects described herein. In a preferred embodiment, a device in accordance with the invention comprises all aspects of the invention.

Within the context of this specification, the word "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

Within the context of this specification, the word "substantially" means preferably at least 90%, more preferably 95%, even more preferably 98%, most preferably 99%.

Within the context of this specification, the word "comprises" means "includes, among other things" and should not be construed to mean "consists of only".

Within the context of this specification, the word "catch" is interpreted to mean a restraint that checks the motion of one thing relative to another, or a means for holding in position.

The invention provides a tool (1) for repairing pitch marks in the game of golf.

As shown in Figure 1, a tool (1) according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a generally planar body (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4) from which projects two tines (5) (6), two handles (7) (8) each having a first end (9) (10) and a second end (11) (12), and a hinge (13) (14) between the body (2) and each handle (7) (8) adjacent the first end (9) (10) of each handle (7) (8). A channel (15) (16) is defined in each handle (7) (8) between their first ends (9) (10) and second ends (11) (12), the channels (15) (16) being capable of enclosing the body (2) and tines (5) (6).

As shown in Figure 1, in an extended configuration, the body (2) and tines (5) (6) are unfolded from the handles (7) (8).

As shown in Figure 2, in a retracted configuration, the body (2) and tines (5) (6) are folded into the channels (15) (16) in both handles (7) (8).

In use, the handles (7) (8) are rotated around each hinge (13) (14) from a first, retracted configuration (as shown in Figure 2), wherein the handles (7)(8) are aligned substantially parallel to each other with the channels (15) (16) facing inwardly towards each other to a second, extended configuration (as shown in Figure 1), wherein the handles (7) (8) are aligned parallel to each other with the channels (15) (16) facing outwardly away from each other and the body (2) and tines (5) (6) are exposed and extend from the handles (7) (8).

In the retracted configuration shown in Figure 2, the handles (7) (8) abut each other between their first ends (9) (10) and second ends (11) (12). In the extended configuration shown in Figure 1, the handles (7) (8) abut each other between their first ends (9) (10) and second ends (11) (12).

The handles (7) (8) each comprise a substantially rectangular cross section.

The hinges (13) (14) are both located proximate to the first end (3) of the generally planar body (2). Each hinge (13) (14) comprises a pivot pin (17) (18). Each pivot pin (17) (18) extends through the generally planar body (2) adjacent its first end (3).

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, two tines (5) (6) extend from the generally planar body (2). The body (2) defines two openings (19) (20) for receiving pivot pins (17) (18), each opening (19) (20) having a diameter of 2.8mm to receive a pivot pin (17) (18).

The openings (19) (20) have centres which are 15.4mm apart.

The tines (5) (6) are generally planar and have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the generally planar body (2).

Each tine (5) (6) tapers to a point (21) (22) to facilitate insertion of the tines (5) (6) into soil.

Each tine (5) (6) is symmetric about a longitudinal axis of the generally planar body (2) wherein the longitudinal axis extends from the first end (3) to the second end (4) of the generally planar body (2).

The body (2) and tines (5) (6) are manufactured of stainless steel and each handle (7) (8) is manufactured of recycled plastics material.

Each channel (15) (16) has substantially rectangular cross section and ends before the second end (11) (12) of a handle (7) (8).

A magnet (23) is provided between the end of each channel (15) (16) and the second end (11) (12) of each handle (7) (8). The magnets (23) bias the tool (1) in a retracted or extended configuration.

As shown in Figure 6, pivot pins (17) (18) extend through each handle (7) (8) adjacent their first ends (9) (10).

As shown in Figure 7, method for manufacturing a tool (1) of the invention, comprises the steps of inserting a magnet (23) into the second end (11) (12) of first and second handles (7) (8), aligning an opening (19) defined in the body (2) with an opening defined in the first end (9) of a first handle (7), inserting a first pivot pin (17) through the aligned openings, aligning a further opening (20) defined in the body (2) with an opening defined in the first end (10) of a second handle (8), and inserting a second pivot pin (18) through the aligned openings.

The above-described embodiment has been given by way of example only, and the skilled reader will naturally appreciate that many variations could be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.