Abstract:
A golf putter configured to assist a player in marking the location of a golf ball on the golf course green and further provide retrieval capabilities of the golf ball subsequent completion of play. The golf putter further includes a shaft having a head secured to one end. The head includes a bottom surface having a recess that is generally annular in shape. Disposed within the recess is an annular shaped ball marking disc. The head further includes a magnet that is slidably mounted within an internal cavity that functions to releasably secure the ball marking disc to the bottom surface of the head of the putter. The golf putter further includes a ball retrieval apparatus that is disposed within the shaft opposite the head. The ball retrieval apparatus includes a plurality of arms manufactured of a resilient metal that are operable to be extended outward from the shaft in order to assist in the retrieval of a golf ball without the user having to bend over to retrieve the golf ball.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a golf putter, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a golf putter that further includes an integrated ball marking device facilitating the marking of a position of a golf ball on a golf course green and wherein the golf putter further includes a golf ball retrieval device that is stored with the shaft of the golf putter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Millions of individuals around the world play golf on a regular basis. The sport of golf has existed for centuries and is steeped in tradition. As is known in the art, there are many facets to the game of golf. The game of golf can be divided into generally three segments of play. The first segment consists of the initial shot on a hole, which is traditionally referred to as a tee shot. This segment usually involves the use of a specialized golf club known as a driver. The next segment of a golf game can be generally categorized as fairway play. This segment is executed utilizing numerous different types of clubs that are all within the general category of golf clubs known as irons. The last segment of play involves the play on the golf course green. Players will utilize a specialized golf club known as a putter on this portion of the golf course. 
     Typically, players will execute more shots per round of golf on the golf course green than any of the other two aforementioned segments. During the course of play on the green, in accordance with the rules of the game, a player will be required to mark the position of their golf ball on the green while the other player(s) execute their turn of play. Typically this is achieved by utilizing a coin or a disc that meets the size requirements of the regulations of the game. This coin or disc is often kept in the player&#39;s golf bag or in their pocket. The player typically bends down and places the ball-mark adjacent to their golf ball and subsequently removes the golf ball from the green. For many players that have medical conditions such as injured knees or back pain, this task can be quite burdensome and ultimately result in the player retiring from the game or playing the game with less frequency. 
     Another step in the execution of play on the golf course green is retrieving the golf ball once it has been putted into the golf cup. Golf course greens have a hole that is typically 4.25 inches in diameter and about 4 inches in depth. To complete each hole during the game, once the player has positioned the golf ball on the golf course green, the player must advance the golf ball utilizing a golf putter until it is deposited into the golf cup. Once the golf ball has been advanced into the golf cup the player is required to retrieve the golf ball. This maneuver again typically requires the player to bend so as to reach the golf ball within the golf cup. This again can cause pain or trauma to those players that are older or have medical conditions. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a golf putter that has releasably secured thereto a golf ball-mark that can be positioned adjacent to the golf ball on the golf course green wherein the player can remain in an upright position. Furthermore, it is desirable to have the golf putter to further be capable of retrieving the golf ball from the golf cup once the hole has been completed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a golf putter that further includes a golf ball-mark that is integrally formed with the head of the putter. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter that includes a golf ball retrieval device that is stored within a portion of the shaft of the putter. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter having an integrally formed ball-mark wherein the ball-mark is integrated into the bottom surface of the head of the putter. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter having an integrally formed ball-mark on the bottom surface of the head of the putter that is releasably secured within a recess utilizing a magnet. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter having an integrally formed ball-mark that conforms to the regulations of the game of golf. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter that includes a golf ball retrieval device that is stored within the shaft proximate the grip. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter that includes a golf ball retrieval device that is stored within the shaft that is extendable. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter that includes an integrated ball-mark and a ball retrieval apparatus wherein the putter is manufactured such that the putter conforms to the regulations of the game of golf. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter that includes an integrated ball-mark and a golf ball retrieval apparatus that is inexpensive. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a detailed view of the head portion of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed view of the shaft portion having the golf ball retrieval apparatus disposed therein; and 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the head portion of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective external view of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a golf putter  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     A cross-sectional view of the head  5  of the golf putter  100  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The head  5  is mounted to the shaft  17  proximate end  1  utilizing suitable durable techniques. The head  5  is generally modified rectangular in shape having a first end  6  and a second end  7 . The head  5  is manufactured from conventional materials such as but not limited to metal. The head  5  includes a striking surface  8 , shown in  FIG. 6 , similar to most conventional golf putters, that is generally solid and vertical in nature when the golf putter  100  is placed on a golf course green in the proper position to strike a golf ball. While the head  5  is illustrated herein as being generally modified rectangular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that head  5  could be shaped in numerous different shapes. The head  5  further includes a cavity  10 . The cavity  10  is generally rectangular in shape and has an interior volume  11  that functions to house the spring  15  and magnet  20 . The cavity  10  is integrally formed with channel  17 . The channel  17  is generally arcuate in shape having a hollow passage  18  therethrough that provides access for the control wire  40 . 
     Removably mounted to the bottom surface  25  of the head  5  is a ball-mark  30 . The ball-mark  30  is substantially rigid and generally planar in manner and is mounted within recess  28 . The recess  28  is formed in the bottom surface  25  and has a sufficient depression so as to allow the lower surface  31  of the ball-mark  30  to be planarly aligned with the bottom surface  25  so as to substantially inhibit the mark  30  from interfering with the performance of the golf putter  100  when in use during the putting a golf ball on a golf course green. The ball-mark  30  has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the ball-mark  30  is stored within the recess  28  such that the lower surface  31  of the ball-mark  30  is planarly aligned with the bottom surface  25  of the head  5 . The ball-mark  30  and the recess  28  are generally annular in shape and the ball-mark  30  is manufactured from a material such as but not limited to a ferromagnetic metal. While the ball-mark  30  and the recess  28  are illustrated herein as being annular in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the ball-mark  30  and the recess  28  could be manufactured/formed in numerous different shapes that are similar and mateable. In the second position, the ball-mark  30  is released from the head  5  of the golf putter  100  and is deposited onto a golf course green adjacent to the player&#39;s golf ball. The ball-mark  30  is stored in its first position utilizing the magnet  20 . The magnet  20  is slidably secured within the cavity  10  utilzing suitable durable techniques. The magnet  20  is a conventional magnet and has a first position and a second position. In its first position, the magnet  20  is positioned such that the magnet  20  is substantially aligned with the recess  28 . In the first position, the magnetic vector forces of the magnet  20  provide sufficient force to maintain the ball-mark  30  in its stored position within the recess  28 . In its second position, the magnet  20  is slidably traversed towards end  6  such that the magnetic vector forces acting on the ball-mark  30  are reduced allowing the ball-mark  30  to be released from the recess  28  of the head  5  and be placed adjacent to a golf ball on a golf course green. 
     The magnet  20  is operably connected to control wire end  41  utilizing suitable durable methods such as but not limited to welding. The control wire end  41  is secured to the magnet  20  allowing the user to transition the magnet  20  between its first position and its second position. The control wire  40  journals through the spring  15  permitting the spring  15  to bias the magnet  20  in its first position wherein the magnet  20  is substantially aligned with the recess  28 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the control wire  40  has secured thereto proximate end  49  distally located from the spring  15  a keeper  50 . The keeper  50  is manufactured from a suitable durable material and is secured to the control wire  40  utilizing suitable techniques. The keeper  50  is operable to maintain the end  49  of the control wire  40  in a first position or a second position utilizing the slots  52 ,  54 . The slots  52 ,  54  are formed in the exterior of the shaft  17  and journal through the shaft wall  3 . When the keeper  50  is placed in slot  52 , tension is applied to the control wire  40  and therefore compressing the spring  15  causing the magnet  20  to slidably traverse such that the magnet  20  is moved its second position wherein the magnet  20  is no longer in general alignment with the recess  28 . Once the magnet  20  has been moved to its second position, the ball-mark  30  is released from the recess  28  of the head  5 . 
     As the keeper  50  is maintained in the slot  52 , the magnet  20  will remain in its second position such that the magnet  20  is not aligned with the recess  28 . While not particularly illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the slots  52 ,  54  are formed such that the keeper  50  is retained therein and movable between slots  52 ,  54 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the slot  52  could be formed in numerous different manners and accomplish the desired functionality as described herein. When the user engages the keeper  50  and moves the keeper  50  such that the keeper  50  is releasably secured in slot  54 , the force on the control wire  40  is reduced, the spring  15  then biases against the magnet  20  and the interior wall  7  of the cavity  10  so that the magnet  20  is returned to its first position such that the magnet  20  is substantially aligned with the recess  28 . Subsequent the ball-mark  30  being positioned proximate the recess  28 , the magnetic vector forces of the magnet  20  will secure the ball-mark  30  within the recess  28  in its stored position wherein the lower surface  31  of the ball-mark  30  is planarly aligned with the bottom surface  25  of the head  5 . While in the embodiment illustrated herein, the ball-mark  30  is releasably secured in the head  5  of the golf putter  100  utilizing a magnet  20  having a control wire  40  and spring  15  operably coupled thereto, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the ball-mark  30  could be releasably secured to the bottom surface  25  of the head  5  utilizing numerous other mechanical or electrical techniques. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the ball-mark  30  could be releasably secured to the head  5  utilizing an electromagnet and/or other techniques of mechanical coupling fasteners. It is also additionally contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the head  5  of the golf putter  100  is manufactured such that the weight distribution is substantially equal across the distance from first end  6  to second end  7 . 
     Illustrated in particular in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the shaft  17  has disposed therein a ball retrieval apparatus  70 . The ball retrieval apparatus  70  is movably secured within the interior volume  98  of the shaft  17  proximate the grip area  72 . The ball retrieval apparatus  70  includes a plurality of arms  73 . The arms  73  are manufactured of a suitable durable material such as but not limited to a resilient metal. The arms  73  function to engage a golf ball once extended from the shaft  17  so as to facilitate retrieval thereof. The arms  73  further include ends  74  that are generally hook shaped so as to facilitate an increased securement of the golf ball subsequent the golf ball being releasably secured within the ball capture area  75 . While the ball retrieval apparatus  70  is illustrated herein as having four arms  73 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the ball retrieval apparatus  70  could utilize as few as three arms  73  or more than four arms  73 . 
     The ball retrieval apparatus  70  further includes member  77  that has secured thereto control wire  85 . The arms  73  are secured at member  77 . The member  77  is shaped so as to slidably mount within the shaft  17  utilizing suitable techniques. The member  77  includes bottom  78  that is substantially rigid. The bottom  78  is operably coupled with end  167  of the spring  90 . The second end  168  of the spring  90  is secured to pin  177  utilizing suitable durable techniques. The pin  177  is mounted diametrically across the shaft  17  and is positioned so as not to engage with the arms  73  as the ball retrieval apparatus  70  during operation. The pin  177  is constructed of a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. 
     As discussed further herein, when the control wire  85  is moved to slot  81  or  82 , the spring  90  will be in an extended position such that the member  77  will be moved towards the head  5  and the ball retrieval apparatus  70  will be either partially or completely disposed within the shaft  17 . 
     The wire control wire  85  is a conventional metal wire and is secured to member  77  utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to welding. The control wire  85  functions to allow the user to move member  77  so as to transition the ball retrieval apparatus  70  between a first, second and third position. The spring  90  includes a first end  91  and a second end  92 . The second end  92  of the spring  90  is secured to pin  177 . The control wire  85  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal. The control wire  85  extends from bottom  78  of the member  77  to the holder  80 . The holder  80  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal or plastic and is secured to the control wire  85  utilizing suitable techniques. The holder  80  is movably secured to the slots  81 , 82 , 83 . The slots  81 , 82 , 83  are journaled through the wall  3  of the shaft  17  and are formed such that the holder  80  is releasably secured thereto and movable between the slots  81 , 82 , and  83 . 
     The grip area  72  includes end  137  that is hingedly secured utilizing conventional fasteners to shaft  17 . The end  137  functions to be transitioned from a first position to a second position during operation of the ball retrieval apparatus  70 . The end  137  is substantially annular in shape and is hingedly secured so as to allow the end  137  to be placed in a second position wherein the end  137  is substantially removed from opening  67 . End  137  in its second position is hinged away from opening  67  to allow the ball retrieval apparatus  70  to be utilized to retrieve a golf ball. As previously referenced herein, holder  80  is movably secured to slots  81 , 82  and  83 . As holder  80  is releasably secured within slot  83 , the spring  90  is compressed having little or no biasing force and the ball retrieval apparatus  70  is extended outward from within the interior volume  98 . In this position a user may position the arms  73  circumferentially around a golf ball in order to be retrieved. 
     Subsequent the holder  80  being transitioned to slot  82  wherein the spring  90  is at least slightly extended thereby applying a downward force on the member  77 , the arms  73  are refracted towards the head  5  such that the arms  73  collapse around a golf ball disposed within the ball capture area  75  and are biased sufficiently against the golf ball so as to maintain the golf ball within the ball capture area  75 . In order to release the golf ball from the ball capture area  75  the holder  80  is transitioned back to slot  83  so that the arms  73  are not biased thereagainst. 
     Subsequent holder  80  being transitioned to slot  81 , the spring  90  is substantially extended and the ball retrieval apparatus  70  is positioned such that the ends  74  of arms  73  are disposed within the shaft  17 . The holder  80  is maintained in slot  81  during utilization of the golf putter  100 . While a preferred embodiment of the ball retrieval apparatus  70  has been disclosed herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the ball retrieval apparatus  70  could be formed in alternative manners and perform the desired function as described herein. Additionally, while the golf putter  100  has been illustrated having the ball-mark  30  and the ball retrieval apparatus  70 , it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the golf putter  100  could be manufactured having the ball-mark  30  or the ball retrieval apparatus  70  as described herein only. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.