Patent Publication Number: US-2021162283-A1

Title: Divot repair tool

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a tool for repairing divots or retrieving golf balls, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a tool that can be composed from fusing recycled golf clubs to a pronged divot head and can be employed from a plurality of positions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Current methods of divot repair involve multipurpose tools that are generally handheld, involve an extension member and are constructed with plastic. The handheld models involve bending over and kneeling which can become strenuous and or even impossible to perform if an individual faces mobility issues. Furthermore, the extendable models and handheld models that are composed of plastic lack the strength and durability for prolonged use. Additionally, these methods don&#39;t offer the ability to be produced from recycled materials. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2018/0036609 A1 (Arseneau) discloses a multipurpose golf club tool which features a two fingered attachable apparatus may be for divot repair. Shortcomings include a lack of durability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,647 A (Hood) discloses a multipurpose golf club tool which features a two fingered removable apparatus for divot repair. Shortcomings include a lack of durability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,019 A (Wissman) discloses a handheld multipurpose golf tool which features a two fingered apparatus for divot repair. Shortcomings for this invention include a lack of durability and the requirement for the user to apply the device at the point of source, which can become an obstacle for users with mobilities issues. 
     All references cited above are incorporated herein. 
     There is a need for a strong and durable divot repair tool that can be made from recycled clubs and allows for quick and easy repair of ball marks and divots that can be performed from a standing position for ease of use. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a divot repair tool. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a divot repair tool comprising a shaft having a first end and a second end, the shaft having a handle at the first end of the shaft and a divot head having one or more prongs at the second end of the shaft, said second end of the shaft is fused to the divot head. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a method of using the divot repair tool to repair divots, comprising embedding one or more prongs from the divot head into turf beneath the divot, applying a leveraging motion to the handle and lifting the turf. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a method of using the divot repair tool to retrieve golf balls, comprising applying one or more prongs from said divot head underneath one or more golf balls, scooping said golf balls upward. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the shaft is recycled from a golf club. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the handle is recycled from a golf club. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the shaft and the handle are recycled from a golf club. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the divot repair tool is molded as one unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a divot repair tool  100  in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a closeup of a divot head  200  in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     The divot repair tool has the length of a golf club which allows for quick and easy repair of ball marks and divots from a standing position for ease of use. The handle resembles that of a golf club, and in some embodiments the handle and shaft are a recycled golf club, where a one or more-pronged divot head is fused into the shaft. The fusing of these members provides strength and durability for the tool, as well as the ability to recycle old and broken clubs. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a divot repair tool  100  as in one embodiment. The divot repair tool  100  shown comprises a two-pronged divot head  102  and a welding joint  104  where the divot head  102  and a shaft  106  are fused. In other embodiments, one or more of the handles, the shaft  106  and the divot head may be fused together. Examples of fusing these components include, but are not limited to, welding, riveting, brazing and soldering. The shaft  106  is comprised of a first end where a handle  108  is located and a second end the divot head  102  is located. The handle  108  may be gripped and used to operate the divot repair tool  100 . The length of the divot repair tool  100  allows for upright, convenient repair of the turf. In other embodiments, a recycled golf club is repurposed as the shaft  106  and handle  108  and is welded to the divot head  102 . In another embodiment, the divot repair tool  100  is molded as one unit. In another embodiment, the divot repair tool is employed to retrieve one or more golf balls. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a closeup of a divot head  200 . The divot head  102  is employed to repair any divots created in turf from golf ball impacts. The divot head  102  may be employed by embedding one or more prongs from the divot head into turf beneath the divot and applying a leveraging motion to the handle in order to lift the turf. The method for repairing the divots may be performed from a plurality of positions, such as, but not limited to, a standing position and a sitting position. Repairing the divots within the turf as soon as possible helps turf maintenance required for maintaining smooth turf and further enjoyment while playing golf. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.