Abstract:
An improved divot tool for golfers, which tool includes textured or contoured tines for more effectively mechanically engaging soil beneath a divot to thereby more effectively manipulate and de-compact the soil in remediation of a divot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to tools for golfers, and those relating to the repair of divots in particular. 
   2. Background Information 
   The use of tools for repairing divots in a golf green is well known, and the motivations for doing so are likewise well-established in the manners and decorum of traditional golf. 
   With the exception of certain elaborate divot repair tools (such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,792, issued to Tate), the basic divot repair tool has changed little since its inception. 
   Basically, every divot tool known to the present inventor involves a pair of tines which extend from a handle. The tines are generally tapered and, to varying degrees, are pointed at their distal ends. 
   The purpose of using a divot tool is to penetrate the turf beneath a divot, and de-compact the dirt by mechanically agitating it to thereby lift the surface back to its original contour. 
   Typical use of a divot tool requires multiple manipulations in order to sufficiently de-compact the soil as to adequately repair the divot. The tediousness of using conventional divot tools leads to a problem, beyond golfers simply not enjoying the task of divot repair—some golfers forego the process altogether. This is a definite breach of etiquette in the golf world. Unrepaired divots can alter the travel of a golf ball, beyond anything that could be anticipated through normal visual inspection of the turf, thereby frustrating golfers beyond the normal degree. 
   Unrepaired divots also represent a real problem for grounds keepers. Because a divot represents a localized compaction of the soil immediately underneath turf surface, roots of the grass are often affected. Left unrepaired, a divot will in many cases lead to death of the turf in the immediately vicinity of the divot, because of the traumatic compaction of the root system. 
   In view of the above, it would well serve all those associated with the game of golf to provide an improved divot tool for golfers which, because of increased effectiveness and efficiency of use, will afford more effective divot repair, and prompt more consistent attempts at divot repair. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved divot tool for golfers. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved divot tool for golfers, which divot tool more effectively manipulates soil than conventional divot tools to thereby more efficiently, effectively, and quickly repair divots. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved divot tool for golfers, which divot tool, through use of twisted, helical, spiral-shaped or textured tines, more effectively manipulates soil than conventional divot tools to thereby more efficiently, effectively, and quickly repair divots. 
   In satisfaction of these and related objects, the present invention provides, at its most basic level, a divot tool with one or more tines which present non-smooth or non-planer surfaces to the soil underlying a divot. In so doing, the divot tool of the present invention more effectively manipulates and agitates soil underlying a divot, thereby more quickly de-compacting the soil. This, in turn, reduces the time and number of steps involved in effectively and properly repairing a divot. This, in turn, makes divot repair less time-consuming and frustrating for golfers who might otherwise conveniently “forget” to repair their divots to the detriment of following golfers. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an elevational front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an elevational front view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an elevational front view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the improved divot tool of the present invention is identified generally by the reference number  10 . Divot tool  10  includes a handle member  12  and, in the preferred embodiment, and in conformance to convention in this area, includes two tines  14 . It should be noted that divot tool  10  may include merely one tine  14 , or may even include more than two tines  14 . The non-smooth surfaces presented to the soil is the primary departure from prior designs, and use of tine contours to achieve that effect is within the scope of the present invention, whether involving one, two or three tines. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a substantially planar handle member  12  having tines  14 , each extending therefrom along a linear axis. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the linear axes of tines  14  are substantially parallel to one another throughout their entire length. Each tine  14  is originally formed in a substantially planar or rectangular configuration. Each tine is then rotated along its linear axis into its final shape with the point, or bottom, end exhibiting a 90 to 180 degree rotation with respect to its handle member, or top, end. 
   Any tine  14  of the present invention will, as already mentioned, include a non-smooth exterior surface. The design shown in  FIG. 1  is believed to be the preferred mode, inasmuch as tines  14  of this design are easily manufactured and provide the easiest compromise between ease of insertion into the soil and effective, mechanical agitation of the soil once inserted. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , examples of alternative designs for tines  14  are shown. While the design shown in  FIG. 1  is believed to be preferred, the providing of time contours which more effectively engage soil underneath a divot is at the heart of the present invention. Therefore, while, perhaps, not so easily inserted as the design of  FIG. 1 , nor removed without dragging more soil or root material than would be desired, the designs of  FIGS. 2 and 3  (as well as alternative designs which involve otherwise providing texture or contours to tines  14 ) are within the scope of the present invention. 
   Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.