Abstract:
A golf club holder for organizing golfing accessories and removably supporting a golf club above a ground surface, the golf club holder comprising a shaft and a handle that are each coupled with a joint. The handle and the shaft may be movable between a first position where they are substantially parallel, and a second position where they are substantially perpendicular and locked in either position. The shaft may include a ground-piercing member. The ground-piercing member of the first shaft can be pushed into the ground and supported thereby. The golf club holder can be folded up to be transported.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/550,164, filed Oct. 17, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/727,411, filed Oct. 17, 2005. Each of the above-identified applications are each individually incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Golf is a popular sport that can be played by people of all ages. In this sport, a typical golfer driving a golf ball onto or adjacent to a green often carries two clubs, one club being an iron to be used in making an approach shot, the other club being a putter for attempting to sink the ball into the hole cup. This is particularly true because golf cart paths rarely come close enough to golf greens so as to permit the golfer to select clubs conveniently from his or her golf bag. When the golfer is using one club, the other club is often placed on the ground. As a result, the handle of the other club often becomes wet and difficult to use. Moreover, the golfer may forget, walk away, and leave the unused club on the ground.  
         [0003]     In recognition of the fact that it is frequently necessary to take one or more clubs in addition to the putter when one approaches the green, a number of accessory-type devices are known for holding one or more clubs while another is being used. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,530 to Ortuno (“Ortuno”). Ortuno discloses a wire-type golf club stand, the top (proximal) end of which is deformed to provide a receptacle for the grip of one or more golf clubs. In Ortuno, the head of the club rests on the ground. The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,887,137 to Robb (“Robb”) teaches the use of a disk element at the top of a support rod. The disk comprises a plurality of slots therethrough for receiving the handle portion of the golf club. In Robb, the head of the club rests on the ground.  
         [0004]     The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,087 to Thompson comprises an elongated rod, the distal end of which may be inserted into the ground. A hook-type structure is provided in the vicinity of the handle of the rod so that one or more clubs may rest therein and be supported thereby, with the head of the supported club resting on the ground.  
         [0005]     A similar device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,239 to Roland (“Roland”). The holder disclosed in Roland also comprises an elongated rod, the distal end of which is inserted into the ground. Mounted adjacent to the handle of the rod are a series of ring-like members. To support the club, the handle of the golf club may be placed within a ring-like member and the head of the club will rest on the ground. U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,363 to Leote (“Leote”) discloses a similar device for supporting the shaft of a club while the head rests on the ground. The device of the Leote patent also includes a holder for other golf accessories such as, for example, a golf ball or a towel.  
         [0006]     The device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,990 to Engel is a golf club rest for supporting the shaft of a club with the club head sitting on the ground. The device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,916 to Govoni discloses another such device wherein the supporting rod not only has a hook-type member extending from the top thereof, but the rod also comprises a hollow tube for receiving the shaft of a golf club. Thus, the shaft of a first club can be held within the tube, with the head of the first club up, and a second club can be received and supported by the hook such that the head of the second club rests on the ground, thereby supporting the club in a substantially vertical position.  
         [0007]     The disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 699,291 to Johnson and U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,334 to Wu each show holders for golf clubs wherein the grip of the club is oriented downwardly and the head of the club extends upwardly. Finally, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,616,749 and 4,991,839 each disclose golf club supports which hold one or more golf clubs in a generally prone position with the head of the club sitting on the ground and the grip of the club at least slightly elevated above the ground.  
         [0008]     Another common problem facing golfers is the continual loss of small devices such as divot repair tools, ball markers, and the like commonly used during the game of golf. Typically, these accessory devices are kept within a large pouch on the side of a golf bag or in a pocket of the golfer. As previously noted, the golfer must often leave his or her golf bag at the cart and walk to the green. Therefore, golf accessory devices must also be carried to the green along with any clubs that the golfer requires. It is not uncommon that, before the round of golf is complete, he or she has either lost or misplaced one or more various devices used in the game of golf.  
         [0009]     Furthermore, individuals oftentimes desire to smoke a cigar, cigarette, or pipe while golfing. As previously mentioned, golf is sometimes played when the grass is wet, either from rain, morning dew, or from watering. The individuals that desire to smoke a cigar while playing golf on a wet course oftentimes cannot find a location to rest their cigar while they tee-off or otherwise hit their golf ball, thereby forcing the cigar smoking golfers to lay their cigar upon wet grass. Wet grass may undesirably extinguish or ruin the cigar, thereby forcing these golfers to either re-ignite a wet cigar or to dispose of the wet cigar and light a new cigar. In addition, considering the amount of tools a golfer often carries, there may not be ample room left in the pockets of a golfer to carry a cigar or cigarette holder.  
         [0010]     Finally, as golf is an outdoor sport, umbrellas are often used during the game during both rain periods as well as sun periods. The umbrella protects the golfer from the heat of the sun and also protects the golfer and his or her golf clubs from rain. Manually holding an umbrella can prove quite cumbersome. As the golfer takes each shot, the umbrella must be temporarily discarded. In addition, as previously noted, an umbrella is not the only item which golfers must carry around the course.  
         [0011]     To solve these problems, umbrella holders and golf accessory devices have been developed in the art. Such umbrella holders relieve the golfer from manually holding the umbrella by attaching the umbrella to either a golf cart or to the golf bag. However, prior art devices are either too complex to build or use, require a permanent alteration to the golf bag, or are adapted to attach only to a golf cart thereby being unusable by golfers who do not employ golf carts. In addition, such golf accessory organizers often times compile all golfing accessories into one area, but still require the golfer to carry the golf accessory organizer on the course.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0012]     There is a need in the art for an umbrella holder and accessory holder that is one unit and easy and quick to use, even in the event the golfer carries the device and the clubs he or she will need onto the green. A golf club holder is provided for removably supporting a golf club above a surface in such a manner that the club has a head which contacts the ground surface and a shaft which extends above the ground surface. The golf club holder may have a handle and a shaft that are each coupled with a joint. The handle and the shaft may be pivotably movable between a first position where they are substantially parallel to each other, and a second position where they are substantially perpendicular to each other. The joint may comprise a positive engaging mechanism to retain the handle and the shaft in either the first position or the second position. The handle may be capable of retaining various golfing accessories therein. Further, an umbrella and golf club holder is provided. The umbrella and golf club holder may have a shaft configured to be received by an umbrella and a handle, the shaft and the handle are coupled by a joint. The joint may comprise a positive engagement mechanism that enables the shaft and the handle to be pivotably moveable between a substantially parallel position and a substantially perpendicular position. Similar to the golf club holder, the shaft and handle are capable of being inserted into a surface at a first angle and supporting a golf club thereon. In addition, the umbrella and golf club holder comprises a locking mechanism and allows the user to combine an umbrella and a golf club holder into one device. A further embodiment includes a golf club holder comprises the aforementioned elements, but may further include a rest that may be inserted into the holder.  
         [0013]     Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0014]     The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale; emphasis is instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.  
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a golf club holder in a second position;  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a the golf club holder of  FIG. 1  in the second position;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a golf club supported by the golf club holder of  FIG. 1  in the second position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the golf club holder of  FIG. 1  in a first position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view in an exemplary operational environment of the golf club holder of  FIG. 1  in the second position;  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golf club holder of  FIG. 1  in a first position;  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golf club holder of  FIG. 1  in a second position;  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a golf club holder in a first position;  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the handle of the golf club holder of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 10A  is a side view of the golf club holder of  FIG. 8  in a first position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of the golf club holder of  FIG. 8  in a second position;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10C  is a detailed perspective view of the cap of the golf club holder of  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of the golf club holder of  FIG.8 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the golf club holder shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0029]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  are a side view of an alternate embodiment of the golf club holder shown in  FIG. 8 ; and  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the cigar holder aspect of the golf club holder of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golf club holder shown in  FIG. 8 , wherein the embodiment is illustrated in two different positions.  
         [0032]      FIG. 16  is a perspective bottom view of the umbrella handle aspect of the alternative embodiment of the golf club holder shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 17  is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the handle aspect of the golf club holder of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0034]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , golf club holder  10  is adapted for removably supporting a golf club  50  above a ground surface (not shown) in such a manner that the club  50  has a club head  52  which contacts the ground surface and a club shaft  54  which extends above the ground surface. The golf club holder  10  includes a shaft  12 , ajoint  20 , and a handle  30 . The joint  20  may include a pivot pin  24 . The shaft  12  has a longitudinal axis B-B and may include a ground piercing end  16 . The handle  30  has a longitudinal axis C-C, may be substantially cylindrical, and may include a plurality of indentations  32 .  
         [0035]     The shaft  12  may be fabricated from a metal, a wood, a plastic, or another rigid material. The shaft  12  may be fabricated as a solid or hollow, tubular structure. In one embodiment, the shaft  12  comprises aluminum. However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the shaft  12  may be comprised of almost any material. The handle  30  may be fabricated from metal, wood, plastic, foam, rubber, foam rubber, or a combination of these or other materials. In one embodiment, the handle  30  is fabricated from rubber similar to that found in a golf club grip. Again, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that handle  30  may be comprised of many different materials without affecting the operation of the golf club holder  10 .  
         [0036]     The piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  is shown in the drawings as a symmetrical solid of revolution, but a variety of shapes for piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  are possible. For example, the piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  may be an angled planar surface bisecting the shaft  12 . Several methods of providing a ground piercing shape are known in the art, and the pictorial description of the piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the claimed invention in any way.  
         [0037]     The shaft  12  is coupled by the joint  20  to the handle  30 . The joint  20  allows the shaft  12  and the handle  30  to pivot with respect to one another via an axis A-A. The pivot pin  24  of the joint  20  may extend through a first and second opening in the shaft  12  and the handle  30 , respectively, and may be, for example, flared at each end to hold the shaft  12  and handle  30  together. In one embodiment, the pivot pin  24  may comprise a rivet. In another embodiment, the pivot pin  24  may comprise a bolt and a nut. Several methods of coupling the shaft  12  to the handle  30  together while providing for relative pivoting are known in the art, and the descriptions of the joint  20  and pivot pin  24  are merely illustrative, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention in any way.  
         [0038]     The shaft  12  and the handle  30  may pivot between a first position wherein the longitudinal axis B-B of the shaft  12  and the longitudinal axis C-C of the handle  30  are substantially parallel and substantially collinear (shown in  FIG. 4 ), and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis B-B of the shaft  12  and the longitudinal axis C-C of the handle  30  are substantially at a right angle to one another (shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ). The relative positions of the longitudinal axis B-B of the shaft  12  and the longitudinal axis C-C of the handle  30  are maintained by a set of protrusions  14  that are incorporated into the handle  30 . The protrusions  14  extend into a cavity  36  (which is a hollow area) of the handle  30 . The cavity  36  extends from one end of the handle  30  to a middle portion along the length of the handle  30 , and may be a longitudinal opening, such as the u-shaped notch shown in  FIG. 2 . The joint may be coupled with the handle  30  near an interior end of the cavity  36 , as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0039]     The cavity  36  is substantially configured for receiving a portion of the shaft  12 , such that the first position a portion of the shaft  12  is partially, substantially, or completely enveloped by the handle  30 . The protrusions  14  extend into a cavity  36  far enough to inhibit relative movement between the shaft  12  and the handle  30  between either the first or second position, but not so far into the cavity  36  so as to prevent movement altogether. Therefore, the protrusions  14  provide a clearance less than the diameter of the shaft  12  such that the protrusions  14  engage and releaseably retain the shaft  12  when the golf club holder  10  is in the first position (substantially parallel). Thereby, the protrusions  14  function to keep the handle  30  in either the first position (substantially parallel) or the second position (substantially perpendicular). The degree of incursion by the protrusions  14  into the cavity  36  and the overall tolerance of the cavity  36  relative to the shaft  12  will determine the “tightness” of the locking of the golf club holder  10  into either the first or second position.  
         [0040]     The handle  30  may be coupled with the shaft  12  such that in the first position, shown in  FIG. 4 , the longitudinal axis C-C of the handle  30  is substantially parallel and substantially collinear to the longitudinal axis B-B of the shaft  12 . In this first position, the golf club holder  10  resembles a walking stick or a ski pole. As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the first position the golf club holder  10  may be easily stored in a golf bag. Furthermore, in the first position, the golf club holder  10  is also easy to carry, and may be used as a walking stick, as a position marker, or as a spear to aid in picking up and removing trash. The handle  30  may include a plurality of indentations  32 , which can prevent the club shaft  54  of the club  50  from sliding off of the handle  30  while the golf club holder  10  is in the second position. Additionally, the plurality of indentations  32  may facilitate gripping of the handle  30  when the piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  is driven into the ground surface  100 .  
         [0041]     The shape of the indentations  32  may be circular, v-shaped, u-shaped, squared, parabolic, or the like. The indentations  32  may each, in some fashion, decrease in diameter from the diameter of the handle  30  to about the diameter of the shaft  12 . Alternatively, the handle  30  could have a series of elevated rings, such that the shaft has a first diameter and each ring has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. In yet another alternative, the handle  30  may have no indentations or rings at all, and may have a single diameter, or a gradually changing diameter from end-to-end or middle-to-end. Many configurations of the handle  30  are possible such that the handle provides sufficient friction to support the club shaft  54  of the club  50 .  
         [0042]     In operation, a golfer locates the golf club holder  10  in a desired position such that the piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  is touching the ground surface, and the shaft  12  is at an angle of about between thirty (30) and sixty (60) degrees to the ground surface at that point. The golfer then applies pressure to the golf club holder  10 , thereby forcing the piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  into the ground surface. The ground itself will support golf club holder  10 . Next, the golfer pivots the handle  30  away from the shaft  12 , until the longitudinal axis C-C of the handle  30  is substantially parallel to the ground surface  100 . Of course, the golfer may also “open” the handle  30  prior to placing the piercing end  16  of the shaft  12  into the ground.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in this first position the golf club holder  10  is adapted for removably supporting one or more golf clubs  50  above the ground surface in such a manner that the club  50  has a head  52  which contacts the ground surface and the club  50  has a club shaft  54  which extends above the ground surface. The golfer may later remove the golf club holder  10  by folding the handle  30  back so that the longitudinal axis B-B is parallel and substantially collinear to the longitudinal axis C-C, and pulling on the handle  30 , which will cause the golf club holder  10  to become dislodged from the ground surface. Of course, the golfer may also fold the handle  30  back parallel to the shaft  12  prior to removal from the ground.  
         [0044]     Turning to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the golf club holder  10  in an exemplary operational environment is shown. The shaft  12  of the golf club holder  10  has penetrated a ground surface  56 . The club shaft  54  of the golf club  50  is shown resting on the handle  30  such that the club shaft  54  of the golf club  50  forms a first acute angle a with the shaft  12  of the golf club holder  10 . The shaft  12  is shown inserted into the ground surface  56  at a second acute angle β, where the second acute angle β is between about thirty (30) and sixty (60) degrees. While the second acute angle β is between about thirty (30) and sixty (60) degrees, the first acute angle α and the second acute angle β are inversely related such that as one increases, the other decreases. Where the second acute angle β is about forty-five (45) degrees, the majority of the force exerted by the golf club  50  on the golf club holder  10  due to gravity is in the direction of the shaft  12 , thereby holding the shaft  12  into the ground surface  56 . As more golf clubs  50  are rested against the golf club holder  10 , the force of gravity acts to hold the golf club holder  10  in place, rather than to remove it from the ground.  
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the golf club holder  10 . In this alternate embodiment, the golf club holder  10  includes fabric shade  42 , fabric supports  44 , and couplings  46 . The couplings  46  may be hinged to allow the fabric supports  44  to move from a first position substantially parallel to the shaft  12  to a second position wherein the fabric supports  44  extend radially from the shaft  12  of the golf club holder  10 . In this embodiment, the golf club holder  10  is essentially an umbrella. This embodiment allows for a golfer to have a golf umbrella that also acts as a golf club support.  
         [0046]      FIGS. 7-10  show various views of an alternative embodiment of the golf club holder  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . Similar to golf club holder  10 , golf club holder  100  of  FIG. 7  is adapted for removably supporting a golf club  102  above a ground surface (not shown) in such a manner that the club  102  has a club head  104  which contacts the ground surface and a club shaft  106  which extends above the ground surface.  
         [0047]     The golf club holder  100  includes a shaft  112 , a joint  124 , and a handle  130 . The shaft  112  has a longitudinal axis D-D, a first end  118 , and a second end  116 . The second end  116  may comprise a shape capable of piercing a ground surface. The handle  130  has a longitudinal axis E-E and comprises a top  140 , a first end  142 , a second end  144 , and a bottom  146 . The bottom  146  of the handle  130  may comprise a longitudinal cavity  150  that extends from the first end  142  of the handle  130  to a middle portion thereof. The cavity  150  of the handle  130  may be a longitudinal opening, such as the u-shaped notch shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 .  
         [0048]     The first end  118  of the shaft  112  may be coupled with the handle  130  by the joint  124 . The joint  124  may be coupled with the handle  130  near an interior end of the cavity  150 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The joint  124  allows the shaft  112  and the handle  130  to pivot with respect to one another via axis F-F. The joint  124  may comprise any mechanism known in the art that will allow the shaft  112  and the handle  130  to pivot with respect to one another around axis F-F.  
         [0049]     The shaft  112  may be fabricated from a metal, a wood, a plastic, or another rigid material. The shaft  112  may be fabricated as a solid or hollow, tubular structure. In one embodiment, the shaft  112  comprises aluminum. However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the shaft  112  may be comprised of almost any material. The handle  130  may be fabricated from metal, wood, plastic, foam, rubber, foam rubber, or a combination of these or other materials. In one embodiment, the handle  130  is fabricated from rubber similar to that found in a golf club grip. Again, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that handle  130  may be comprised of many different materials without affecting the operation of the golf club holder  100 .  
         [0050]     In one embodiment, the joint  124  comprises a positive engagement mechanism. In this embodiment the cavity  150  of the handle  130  comprises at least two apertures  164  extending outwardly from the cavity  150 . The at least two apertures  164  may be aligned substantially parallel to axis F-F and formed concentrically around a first axis. The first end  118  of the shaft  112  may be coupled with a cap  170 . The cap  170  comprises a top  180 , a first side  172 , a second side  174 , a third side  176 , a fourth side  178 , and a cavity  182  (not shown), and may be fabricated from metal, wood, plastic, or other rigid materials. The first side  172  and the third side  176  each may have a protrusion  188  extending laterally therefrom. Each protrusion  188  is substantially configured to be capable of moveably engaging with one of the at least two apertures  164  of the cavity  150 . The cavity  182  of the cap  170  is substantially configured to receive the first end  118  of the shaft  112  and engage therewith.  
         [0051]     The first end  118  of the shaft  112  is inserted into the cavity  182  of the cap  170 . Thereafter, the protrusion  188  of the first side  172  and the protrusion  188  of the third side  176  are both engaged with the respective apertures  164  of the cavity  150  in such a manner that the shaft  112  and the handle  130  are capable of being pivotably moveable about axis F-F.  
         [0052]     In an exemplary embodiment, the joint  124  may further comprise a detent member  160  and contoured aspects on the top  180  of the cap  170  (as shown in  FIG. 10 ) to allow the shaft  112  and the handle  130  to retain their position relative to each other. The detent member  160  may be coupled with the handle  130  and protrude a distance into the cavity  150 .  
         [0053]     The top  10  of the cap  170  may further comprise a contoured surface  184  and at least one flange  186 . The contoured surface  184  of the top  180  may include at least one recess configured to correspond to the detent member  160  of the handle  130 . The at least one flange  186  of the top  180  may be substantially configured to engage the detent member  160  and may extend from the top  180 , past the second side  174  or the fourth side  178  of the cap  170 . In an alternative embodiment, the flange  186  may extend past the second side  174  and a second flange  189  may extend past the fourth side  178 .  
         [0054]     The shaft  112  and the handle  130  may pivot about the joint between a first position wherein the longitudinal axis D-D of the shaft  112  and the longitudinal axis E-E of the handle  130  are substantially parallel and substantially collinear (shown in  FIG. 8 ), and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis D-D of the shaft  112  and the longitudinal axis E-E of the handle  130  are substantially at a right angle to one another (shown in  FIGS. 7, 10A , and  10 B). When the handle  130  and the shaft  112  are in the first substantially parallel position, a portion of the shaft  112  may be partially, substantially, or completely within the cavity  150  and enveloped by the handle  130 .  
         [0055]     The relative positions of the longitudinal axis D-D of the shaft  112  and the longitudinal axis E-E of the handle  130  are maintained when the detent member  160  engages either the contoured surface  184  of the top  180  or the at least one flange  186  of the top  180 . Specifically, when the at least one flange  186  of the top  180  is engaged with the detent member  160 , the shaft  112  and the handle  130  are maintained in the first substantially parallel position. Alternatively, when the contoured surface  184  of the top  180  engages with the detent member  160 , the shaft  112  and the handle  130  are maintained in the second substantially perpendicular position.  
         [0056]     The handle  130  may further comprise at least one flange  190  coupled with the handle  130  and extending into the cavity  150  at a location adjacent to the first end  142  of the handle  130 . The at least one flange  190  may be configured to function as a thumb tab to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of the at least one flange  186  of the top  170  and the detent member  160 . Specifically, the at least one flange  190  provides a surface for which a golfer may use his or her thumb to apply force and easily disengage the detent member  160  from the at least one flange  186  of the top  170 , thereby moving the handle  130  and the shaft  112  from the substantially parallel position to the substantially perpendicular position.  
         [0057]     In an alternative embodiment, the detent member  160  may be coupled directly to the first end  118  of the shaft  112 , the contoured surface  184  may be located on the handle  130 , and an aperture may be located through the first end  118  of the shaft  112 , formed concentrically around a second axis. In this embodiment, the joint  124  comprises a pin joint. In this embodiment, the first axis of the apertures  164  and the second axis of the aperture in the first end  118  are collinearly aligned and a pin is extended through each of the apertures  164  and the aperture of the first end  118 . The pin secures the apertures of the first end  118  of the shaft  112  to the handle  130  such that the shaft  112  and the handle  130  are pivotably moveable between the substantially parallel position and the substantially perpendicular position.  
         [0058]     It is also contemplated that as an alternative to a pin, at least two protrusions may extend from the handle  130  into the cavity  150 . The at least two protrusions each may be configured to engage with the aperture of the first end  118  of the shaft  112 . In this embodiment, the detent member  160  and the contoured surface  184  may engage in the same manner as previously described with respect to the other embodiments disclosed herein.  
         [0059]     In yet another embodiment of the joint  124 , the detent member  160  may be coupled with the top  180  of the cap  170  and the contoured surface  184  may be located on the handle  130 . In this embodiment, at least one aperture is located on the handle  130  and extends from the cavity  150 , toward the second end  144  of the handle  130 . The at least one aperture may be concentrically formed about a third axis. This third axis may be perpendicular to axis F-F and the at least one aperture may be substantially configured to receive the detent member  160 . The detent member  160  may engage the contoured surface  184  may engage in the same manner as previously described with respect to the other embodiments disclosed herein. Furthermore, the detent member  160  may engage the aperture on the handle  112  in the same manner as previously described with respect to the other embodiments disclosed herein.  
         [0060]     Each of the aforementioned embodiments allows a golfer to use the golf club holder  100  to prop up golf clubs with minimal set up. In addition, the embodiments also allow the golfer to easily fold and store the golf club holder  100  in a golf bag or similar location when it is no longer in use.  
         [0061]     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , a perspective exploded view of one embodiment of the golf club holder  100  is shown. This embodiment further comprises an aperture  204 , a grommet  202 , a first recess  208 , a second recess  210 , and a ball marker  206 . The ball marker  206  may be a conventional ball marker known in the art and, in this embodiment, comprises a disk with a first diameter, a relatively thin profile, and a projection extending therefrom. Similarly, the grommet  202  is merely a rubber grommet conventionally known in the art.  
         [0062]     The aperture  204  is formed concentrically about axis D-D (shown in  FIG. 7 ) in the handle  130  and communicates with the cavity  150 . The first recess  208  comprises a certain depth and a certain diameter and is substantially configured to receive the grommet  208 . The first recess  208  is formed concentrically about axis D-D such that the first recess  208  surrounds the aperture  204 . The second recess  210  also comprises a certain depth and a certain diameter, the depth of the second recess  210  being less than the depth of the first recess  208  and the diameter of the second recess  210  being larger than the diameter of the first recess  208 . The depth and diameter of the second recess  210  may be substantially configured to receive the ball marker  206 . Similar to the first recess  208 , the second recess  210  may be formed concentrically about axis D-D such that the second recess  210  surrounds the aperture  204  and the first recess  208 .  
         [0063]     The grommet  202  is inserted into the first recess  208  and a portion of the grommet  202  is inserted through the aperture  204  as is conventionally known in the art. The grommet  202  functions, in part, to retain the ball marker  206  within the aperture  204  by providing adequate friction therein. The protrusion of the ball marker  206  is inserted through the grommet  202  and the disk of the ball marker  206  is allowed to rest within the second recess  210 . In this manner, ball marker  206  is removably coupled to the top  140  of the handle  130 . When the ball marker  206  is fully inserted into the handle  130 , the ball marker  206  may be flush with the top  140  of the handle  130 .  
         [0064]     In another embodiment, a divot repair tool (not shown) may also be removably coupled with the top  140  of the handle  130 . A conventional divot repair tool comprises a prong portion and a planar portion with an aperture located thereon. Similar to the embodiment disclosed above, the grommet  202  is inserted into the first recess  208  and a portion of the grommet  202  is inserted through the aperture  204 . Thereafter, the divot repair tool is positioned over the aperture  204  such that the center of the aperture located on the planar portion of the divot repair tool is concentrically aligned about axis D-D. The ball marker  206  is inserted into the aperture  204 , necessarily penetrating the aperture of the divot repair tool. In this manner, the divot repair tool is sandwiched between the top  140  of the handle  130  and the ball marker  206  and is removably coupled to the ball marker  206  and the handle  130 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the golf club holder  100 . In this alternate embodiment, the golf club holder  100  is combined with a modified umbrella  300  to form an umbrella and golf club holder  400 .  
         [0066]     The modified umbrella  300  is comprised of a shaft  302 , a handle  304 , a plurality of fabric supports  306 , a fabric shade  308 , and a plurality of couplings  310 . The shaft  302  consists of a hollow, cylindrical tube and has a proximate end  312 , a distal end  314 , and an interior surface. The proximate end  312  further comprises an aperture  316  of a first diameter, the aperture  316  communicating with the interior surface of the shaft  302 . The handle  304  is coupled with the proximate end  312  such that the aperture  316  is exposed. The plurality of fabric supports  306  surround the outside of the first shaft  302  in a location adjacent to the distal end  314  of the shaft  302 . Each of the fabric supports  306  are comprised of a first end  318  and a second end  320  and are displaceable between a collapsed position wherein the fabric supports  306  are disposed adjacent to the shaft  302  in a manner substantially parallel thereto, and an open position wherein the fabric supports  306  extend radially from the shaft  302 . The fabric shade  308  is coupled with and supported by the plurality of fabric supports  306 . The plurality of couplings  310  are hingedly coupled with the first end  318  of each fabric support  306  and the first shaft  302  in a location proximate to the distal end  314  of the first shaft  302 . The configuration of the plurality of couplings  310  allows the fabric supports  306  and fabric shade  308  to move between a collapsed position and the open position, thereby allowing a user to raise and lower the modified umbrella  300 .  
         [0067]     The umbrella and golf club holder  400  is further comprised of the golf club holder  100 . In this embodiment, the shaft  112  of the golf club holder  100  has a diameter less than the diameter of the aperture  316  of the first shaft  302  and is configured to be received by the shaft  302  of the umbrella. The handle  130  of the golf club holder  100  has a diameter greater than the diameter of the aperture  316  of the first shaft  302 . The shaft  112  of the golf club holder  100  may be slidably received through aperture  316  of the modified umbrella  300 , such that the distal end  116  of the shaft  112  is located within the distal end  314  of the shaft  302 . Because the diameter of the handle  130  is larger than the diameter of the aperture  316 , the handle  130  is not received into the interior of the shaft  302  of the modified umbrella  300 . Therefore, the handle  130  cooperates with the proximate end  312  of the shaft  302  in a position adjacent to the handle  304  of the modified umbrella  300 .  
         [0068]     It is within the scope of this embodiment that the handle  304  and the handle  130  are configured such that the handle  304  is substantially the mirror image of the handle  130 . In this manner, when the shaft  112  of the golf club holder  100  is fully received within the shaft  302  of the modified umbrella  300 , the handle  112  and the handle  304  are positioned in a substantially parallel position and may cooperate to form a single, larger handle. In this manner, a golfer may hold the single larger handle to operate the combination umbrella and golf club holder when the golf club holder  100  is not in use.  
         [0069]     It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the combination umbrella and golf club holder does not require an umbrella manufactured specifically for this apparatus. For example, conventional umbrellas typically contain a hollow shaft as the central aspect of the umbrella. It is within the scope of this disclosure to use a conventional umbrella and merely puncture the handle thereof to allow the shaft  112  of the golf club holder  100  to be inserted and received into the shaft of the conventional umbrella. In this embodiment, the handle of the conventional umbrella and the handle  130  of the golf club holder  100  are unlikely to be positioned immediately adjacent to one another. Therefore, the shaft  112  of the golf club holder  100  may function to elongate the central shaft of the conventional umbrella, thereby providing more height to the fabric shade when the umbrella is opened and in use.  
         [0070]     Turning now to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , an alternative embodiment of the umbrella and golf club holder  400  shown in  FIG. 12  are shown. In this embodiment, a modified umbrella and golf club holder  500  is comprised of a modified umbrella  501  and a golf club holder  503 . The modified umbrella  501  is capable of wholly receiving the golf club holder  503 . As the structure of the umbrella and golf club holder  500  is substantially equivalent to that of the umbrella and golf club holder  400  previously described, only the aspects that differ will be described in detail herein.  
         [0071]     The golf club holder  503  comprises a handle  530  coupled to a shaft  522 . The handle  530  of the golf club holder  503  comprises a proximate end  532 , a distal end  534 , a top  536 , and a bottom  538 . Further the handle  520  may be substantially configured to be received within the modified umbrella  501 . Similar to the embodiments previously discussed, the shaft  522  is coupled with the distal end  534  of the handle  530 . The proximate end  532  may be of either of an open or closed configuration.  
         [0072]     The bottom  538  of the handle  530  may comprise a cavity (not shown), substantially similar to the cavity  150  of handle  130  shown in  FIG. 9 . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the handle may further comprise a plurality of ribs  570  that traverse the cavity. The plurality of ribs  570  may be configured to couple with and removably retain a conventional ball marker  580  within the cavity of the handle  530 . In another embodiment, a plurality of ribs  590  may be configured in a curved orientation such that a user could easily disengage the golf club holder  503  from the modified umbrella  501  by inserting his or her finger into the cavity and applying pressure to one of the ribs  590 .  
         [0073]     The modified umbrella  501  comprises a handle  504 , a shaft  502 , and a fabric shade portion. The handle  504  of the modified umbrella  501  may comprise an interior, an exterior, a first end  510 , a second end  512 , a top  514 , and a bottom  516 . In one embodiment, the first end  510  and the bottom  516  may be open, thereby allowing access to the interior of the handle  504 .  
         [0074]     The second end  512  of the handle  504  may be configured in a substantially funnel-like shape and is coupled with the shaft  502 . A plurality of ridges  508  may extend along the second end  512  to provide support to the second end  512 . In an exemplary embodiment, the narrow end of the funnel-shaped second end  512  may be coupled with the shaft  502  and configured such that the plurality of ridges  508  extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle  504 .  
         [0075]     In one embodiment, the golf club holder  503  is slidably inserted into the modified umbrella  501  such that the handle  530  and the shaft  532  are both enclosed therein. When the golf club holder  503  is wholly received within the modified umbrella  501 , the proximate end  532  may either be positioned flush with the first end  510  of the handle  504  or at some distance within the handle  504 .  
         [0076]     When the golf club holder  503  is wholly inserted within the modified umbrella  503 , a cap  525  may be coupled with the first end  510 . The cap  525  may be configured in any shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the cap  525  is configured to provide a seal on the first end  510  and cooperates with the proximate end  532  of the handle  530 . The cap  525  may also be configured to seal the bottom  516  of the handle  504  as well as the first end  510  of the handle  504 . Once the first end  510  is sealed by the cap  525 , a label may be applied to the first end  510 , thereby sealing the golf club holder  503  within the modified umbrella  501 . In an exemplary embodiment, the label may comprise a Mylar dome label. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the addition of the label is beneficial to equipment manufacturers and the like because it provides a convenient place to adhere a trademark or logo.  
         [0077]     It is also within the scope of this disclosure that the umbrella and golf club holder  500  further comprises a locking mechanism to secure the golf club holder  503  within the modified umbrella  501 . The locking mechanism may comprise any locking mechanism known in the art that is capable of removably retaining the golf club holder  503  within the modified umbrella  501 . In one embodiment, the locking mechanism may comprise an aperture  527  and a ring (not shown). The second end  512  of the umbrella handle  504  may comprise the aperture  527  wherein the aperture  527  communicates with the interior of the handle  504 . In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture  527  is located proximate to the tapered end of the funnel-shaped second end  512 . The ring is configured to couple with the shaft  522  of the golf club holder  503  and may comprise a protrusion extending therefrom.  
         [0078]     When the golf club holder  503  is received within the modified umbrella  501 , the ring may be inserted through the aperture  527  and removably coupled with the shaft  522  of the golf club holder  503 . The protrusion of the ring is configured to extend through the aperture  527  toward the exterior of the modified umbrella  501 . In this manner, the protrusion prevents the golf club holder  503  from sliding within the modified umbrella  501 . The ring may be fabricated of any material that is substantially rigid and sufficiently durable to withstand pressure on the protrusion in the event the golf club holder  503  slides toward the first end  510  of the modified umbrella  501 .  
         [0079]     The locking mechanism of the umbrella and golf club holder  500  may also comprise an alternative embodiment of the cap  525 . The locking mechanism portion of the cap  525  may comprise a protrusion extending from the cap  525  into the interior of the handle  504 . The protrusion of the cap  525  may be configured to prevent movement of the golf club holder  503  by obstructing the first end  510  of the handle  504 .  
         [0080]     In yet another embodiment, the handle  504  may be coupled with a clear handle cover  528 . The clear handle cover  528  may be removably secured to the handle  504  in any manner known in the art. The clear handle cover  528  may form a removable sleeve over a portion of the handle  504 , thereby allowing for a label to be affixed between the handle  504  and the clear handle cover  528 . For example, a golfer could insert a personal information label between the handle  504  and the clear handle cover  528 , or a manufacturer could insert a logo identifying the company that manufactured the equipment. The use of the clear handle cover  528  eliminates the risk of a label degrading or detaching. Moreover, the clear handle cover  528  provides a secure way to affix ownership information to the umbrella and golf club holder  500 .  
         [0081]     Now referring to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , two front views of an alternative embodiment of the golf club holder  100  of  FIGS. 7 and 8  are shown. In this alternative embodiment, a golf club holder is combined with an umbrella to form an umbrella and golf club holder  350 .  
         [0082]     Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the umbrella and golf club holder  350  comprises an umbrella portion, an embodiment of the golf club holder  100  and a axis G-G. The umbrella portion comprises a first shaft  352 , a first handle  354 , a plurality of fabric supports (not shown), a fabric shade (not shown), and a plurality of couplings (not shown). The fabric shade portion of the umbrella and golf club holder  350  is a conventional umbrella shade and is commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0083]     The first handle  354  of the umbrella portion consists of a hollow, cylindrical tube comprising a first diameter, a distal end  357 , and a proximate end  359 . The proximate end of the first handle  354  may comprise an insert portion  366  of a twist lock fitting mechanism  358 . The insert portion  366  of the twist lock fitting mechanism  358  comprises an aperture comprising a first leg  372 , a second leg  374 , and a third leg  376 . The first leg  372  extends distally and parallel to the axis G-G for a first distance. The second leg  374  forms a first right angle and extends perpendicular to the axis G-G for a second distance. The third leg  376  forms a second right angle and extends toward the proximate end  359  in a direction parallel to the axis G-G for a third distance. The third distance may be shorter than the first distance, such that the third leg  376  does not extend completely to the edge of the proximate end  359 . In this manner, the insert portion  366  forms a hook shape in the proximate end  359  of the first handle  354 . The distal end  357  of the first handle  354  contains an aperture therein (not shown), the aperture having a second diameter that is less than the diameter of the first handle  354 . The aperture on the distal end  357  communicates with the first shaft  352 .  
         [0084]     The first shaft  352  of the umbrella portion consists of a hollow, cylindrical tube comprising an inner surface, an open, proximate end  355 , and a closed, distal end (not shown). The proximate end  355  of the first shaft  352  comprises a third diameter equal to or greater than the second diameter of the aperture on the distal end  357 , but less than the first diameter of the first handle  354 . The interior of the first shaft  352  communicates with the interior of the first handle  354  via the aperture on the distal end  357 . The fabric shade portion and the plurality of couplings are coupled with the first shaft  352  in a location adjacent to the distal end of the first shaft  352 . Therefore, the umbrella portion of the umbrella and golf club holder  350  comprises a conventional umbrella having a hollow shaft and handle, with the interior of the shaft and the handle exposed at the proximate end  355  of the first handle  354 .  
         [0085]     The aspects of the golf club holder included in this embodiment directly correlate with all aspects of the golf club holder  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ; however, the golf club holder of the umbrella and golf club holder  350  may not comprise a moveable joint allowing the handle and the shaft to rotate relative to one another. Therefore, in this embodiment, the golf club holder portion may be permanently fixed in the substantially perpendicular position described previously herein.  
         [0086]     The golf club holder aspect of the umbrella and golf club holder  350  comprises a second shaft  362  and a second handle  364 . The second handle  364  of the umbrella and golf club holder  350  is equivalent to the handle  130  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , and is coupled with the proximate end  370  of the second shaft  362 . However, as mentioned previously, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the second handle  364  and the second shaft  362  may be coupled in such a manner so that the second handle  364  and the second shaft  362  do not rotate relative to one another.  
         [0087]     The second shaft  362  comprises a a proximate end  370 , and a distal end (not shown), and is configured to be received by the umbrella portion. The distal end of the second shaft  362  is equivalent to the second end  116  of the shaft  112  in  FIG. 7 . The second shaft  362  may be slidably moveable into and out of the first handle  354  and the first shaft  352  through the proximate end  359  of the first handle  354  and the aperture of the first handle  354 , respectively.  
         [0088]     The proximate end  370  of the second shaft  362  may further comprise a key portion  368  of the twist lock fitting mechanism  358 . The key portion  368  is configured to insert into the insert portion  366  and lock therein. In this manner, the golf club holder and umbrella portion of the umbrella and golf club holder  350  may be effectively secured together. It is also within the scope of this embodiment to include a compressive material, such as a spring, within the distal end of the first shaft  352 . Such compressive material provides a degree of resistance to the complete insertion of the second shaft  362  into the first shaft  352 , therefore providing an upward force capable of further securing the key portion  368  within the third leg of the insert portion  366 .  
         [0089]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a rest aspect  400  of the golf club holder  100  of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The rest  400  comprises a clip portion  402  and a protrusion  404  extending from the base of the clip portion  402  and may be configured to retain a cigar or similar object.  
         [0090]     The clip portion  402  comprises at least two prongs configured to sufficiently retain a cigar or other similar object therein. The clip portion  402  may be fabricated of metal, wood, plastic, or other similar material that is sufficiently rigid to retain a cigar or similar shaped object within the clip portion. The protrusion  404  may be comprised of the same material as the clip portion  402  and extends outwardly from the base of the clip portion  402 .  
         [0091]     A plurality of apertures  406  may be located in the surface of the handle  130 , particularly at first end  144 . The apertures  406  are substantially configured to receive and engage the protrusion  404  of the rest  400 . Similarly, the protrusion  404  may be substantially configured to be insertable into the plurality of apertures  406  located on the surface of handle  130 . The protrusion  404  of the rest  400  may be removably inserted into one of the plurality of apertures  406  located on the handle  130  such that the clip portion  402  is projected away from the handle  130  in a manner capable of supporting a cigar or similar object. In this manner, a golfer may place a cigar in the rest  400  when it is their turn to swing.  
         [0092]     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.