Abstract:
A device for retrieving and securing golf ball marks while providing several modes of motion of the secured ball mark employs paired magnets oppositely positioned within a securing surface having circular curvature.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/849,422 filed Jan. 29, 2013, hereby incorporated herein by reference, and whose filing date is claimed as the filing date of the present Utility Patent Application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the game of golf, and more particularly concerns a device for retrieving and viewing circular coin-shaped devices typically employed for marking the location of a golf ball. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Devices for marking the location of a golf ball, generally referred to as “ball marks” are frequently emplaced and retrieved within a single game of golf. The ball marks are generally rigid circular discs bounded by opposed substantially flat surfaces, and having a diameter of about 25 mm and thickness of about 1.5 mm. They are generally fabricated of ferromagnetic material such as iron, and contain a protective coating which may include embossing, as in coinage. One or both surfaces generally contain decorative or informational indicia. 
     In order to minimize the annoyance of having to frequently deploy and retrieve a ball mark during a game, magnetic techniques have been disclosed whereby the ball mark can be attached to and released from a golf bag or article of clothing such as a cap. This requires the two-fold sequence of retrieving the ball mark by hand from the turf, and then storing it upon a securing substrate. 
     Most golfers still prefer to put the ball mark in their pant&#39;s pocket, and the pocket is often cluttered with other paraphernalia. The retrieval of the ball mark from a pant&#39;s pocket is often challenging because of the small size of the ball mark and the sometimes tight-fitting pants usually preferred by women golfers. 
     A “fidgeting” hand manipulation has been known to sometimes relieve stress. This effect was made famous by the actor Humphrey Bogart in the classic film “The Caine Mutiny”, where Bogart manipulated three steel balls in one hand. So, a ball mark securing device which permits a specialized or challenging movement via finger manipulation whether in or out of a golfer&#39;s pocket, could have special appeal to certain golfers. 
     The aforesaid indicia on the surfaces of the ball mark are generally intended to advertise products, organizations or institutions. Such feature of ball marks also cause them to be collectible items, especially when they may represent a significant golf tournament. Prior ball mark securing devices, especially those which cause the ball mark to magnetically attach to a substantially flat surface, prevent visual observation of both surfaces. 
     It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a ball mark retrieval device specially suited for accommodation within a golfer&#39;s pants pocket. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a ball mark retrieval device of the aforesaid nature which can secure a ball mark in a manner to enable both surfaces of the ball mark to be seen. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a ball mark retrieval device of the aforesaid nature which, when confined within a golfer&#39;s pants pocket, will automatically attract and secure a ball mark entered into said pocket. 
     It is a still further object of this invention to provide a ball mark retrieval device of the aforesaid nature which enables a ball mark retained thereby to be manipulated in a challenging manner by the golfer&#39;s hand. 
     These objects and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The above and other beneficial objects and advantages are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by a device for attracting and holding a circular ferromagnetic golf ball marker, said device comprising a pair of diametrically positioned permanent magnets held adjacent a securing surface having circular curvature, said securing surface being located as an aperture within a substantially rigid frame having a center axis and plane of symmetry orthogonal to said axis. In preferred embodiments, the frame is fabricated of plastic as a doughnut-shaped structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures of the drawing: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of the retrieving device of the present invention with portions broken away. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows upon line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 , and showing in broken outline a ball mark, not a part of this invention, secured within the retrieving device and provided with a rotational first mode of movement, as indicated by the arrowed line. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the device of  FIG. 1  showing in broken outline a second mode of rotational motion of a secured ball mark. 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the device of  FIG. 1  showing a linear translational movement of a ball mark with respect to the device. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective sectional view, taken in the direction of the arrows upon line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective front and side view of a magnet of cylindrical configuration suitable for use in the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective front and side view of a magnet of cubic configuration suitable for use in the device of this invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , an embodiment of the ball mark retrieving device  24  of this invention is shown comprised of a substantially rigid frame  10  of doughnut configuration having a vertical plane of symmetry  11  and horizontal plane of symmetry  12 , a circular outer perimeter edge  13 , and a circular aperture  14  having a securing surface  18  centered within perimeter  13  and defining a center axis  17 . Frame  10  is bounded in part by exterior parallel surfaces  15  and  16  which define perimeter edge  13  and securing surface  18 . Said securing surface is preferably rounded convexly with respect to axis  17 . Such configuration, having a donut shape, is preferably fabricated of a hard or semi-rigid plastic, and may be a monolithic structure or a composite of two shaped halves  34  bonded together as shown in  FIG. 5 . The thickness of the frame, measured orthogonally between said exterior surfaces, is preferably between 5 and 8 millimeters. The diameter of circular aperture  14  is between 22 and 27 millimeters, and the diameter of circular outer perimeter edge  13  is between 45 and 55 millimeters. 
     A pair of preferably identical permanent magnets  20  are embedded within frame  10  at locations which are diametrically opposed about axis  17 . Said magnets are of rare earth composition, wherein at least one magnet has a pull force of 1 to 4 pounds and a surface field of 6300 to 6800 gauss. The magnets may have a circular cylindrical rod-like configuration as exemplified in  FIGS. 1-6 , having a diameter  36  in the range of about ⅛″ to 3/16″, and a length in the range of about ¼″ to ⅜″, causing the ratio of length to diameter to be preferably between 2/1 and 3/1. Magnets of other shapes, such as cubic and disc-shaped may also be employed having the aforesaid strength characteristics and maximum dimensions smaller than ¼″. 
     When cylindrical magnets are employed, they are emplaced such that their length axes  35  are in parallel relationship and equally spaced from axis  17  within horizontal plane of symmetry  12 . Suitable magnets are available from the K and J Magnetics Corporation of Jamison, Pa. The paired magnets, in concert, are preferably capable of lifting a ferromagnetic ball mark  22  a distance of 7 to 12 millimeters. Ball marks which are retrievable by the device of this invention have a circular diameter of about 25 millimeters and a weight between about 2 and 6 grams. 
     In operation, a ball mark engaged by securing surface  18  can be manipulated in three different ways. In a first mode of movement, as indicated in  FIG. 1 , the ball mark can revolve about axis  17  within the horizontal plane of symmetry  12 . In a second mode of movement, as indicated in  FIG. 3 , the ball mark may be rotated about an axis extending between paired magnets  20 , whereby the path of rotation is orthogonal to frame  10 . In a third mode of movement, as indicated in  FIG. 4 , ball mark  22  can be pulled outwardly away from engagement with the device  24 , then released, whereupon it will be pulled back into engagement with securing surface  18 . 
     It has been found that, when having critically selected dimensions, the doughnut configuration of frame  10  provides the further advantage of enabling the golfer to find and remove the device from the pocket of tight-fitting trousers merely by inserting a finger into aperture  14 . When thusly engaged, the device is less likely to be dropped, and can be rotated about the finger for gratification to relieve nervous tension. Such further advantages are achievable particularly when the thickness of frame  10  is between 5 and 8 millimeters, said securing surface is rounded, and the ratio of the diameter of aperture  14  to the diameter of perimeter  13  is between 0.45 and 0.55. 
     While particular examples of the present invention have been shown and described, it is apparent that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention in its broadest aspects. The aim of the appended claims, therefore, is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.