Patent Publication Number: US-6656062-B2

Title: Divot tool

Description:
The present disclosure relates to the subject matter disclosed in German application No. 100 63 890.2 of Dec. 21, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a divot tool comprising a handle part and a fork part. 
     Divot tools of this type are used for repairing the turf when clumps of grass (divots) have been knocked out whilst hitting balls during games of golf. 
     Divot tools, which are also referred to as pitch-repair forks, are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,627,621, US 4,960,239, US 5,116,046 and US 5,305,999 for example. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, there is provided a divot tool comprising a handle part and a fork part wherein the fork part is a tuning fork which vibrates at a defined frequency, and wherein the construction of the handle part and the arrangement of the fork part on the handle part are such that the handle part does not substantially affect the frequency of vibration of the fork part. 
     Thus, in accordance with the invention, a divot tool is adapted as a divot tuning fork. The tuning fork vibrates at a defined frequency, in particular, at the frequency of a fundamental note, and the frequency of vibration itself is not affected by the handle part. The divot tuning fork in accordance with the invention can thereby carry out all of the functions which a divot tool can execute, i.e. especially the repair of the turf by replacement of the divots. 
     In order to obtain a defined frequency of vibration, it is expedient if the fork part is constructed in one-piece form. The fork part is then dimensioned such that it will exhibit the desired resonant frequency. This one frequency is substantially unaffected by the handle part. 
     In order to obtain a defined frequency of vibration and in order to produce a vibration whose amplitude decays as slowly as possible, it is especially advantageous if the fork part is made from a metallic material. One possible material is brass for example. 
     In order to have as little affect upon the vibration of the fork part as possible, it is advantageous if the handle part is made from a non-metallic material. Possible materials are synthetic materials such as wood cement. However, natural wood could also come into question. 
     In order to construct the fork part in the form of a tuning fork, it is advantageous for the fork part to comprise a first fork prong and a second fork prong which are connected by means of a fork arch. The Eigen frequency of such a structure can be calculated in a simple matter and the frequency can be set in a defined manner by suitable shaping. 
     Basically, the fork part may be made from a round wire. It is expedient, if the fork part comprises opposite flat surfaces. For equal masses of the fork part, this thereby makes it possible, in particular, for the fork prongs to be widened and for the fork part itself to be shortened (the resonant frequency is a function of the mass) so as to keep the linear extent of the divot tool low. Broad fork prongs are advantageous in regard to the employment thereof as a divot tool i.e. for sticking and digging it into the turf or into a clump of grass. It is especially advantageous, if the width of a fork prong amounts to at least three millimeters. 
     In order to retain the fork part on the handle part on the one hand, and in order to keep the effect of the handle part on the Eigen frequencies of the fork part as small as possible on the other, it is advantageous that an attachment part for the handle part be arranged on the fork part. The attachment part then serves for mounting the handle part and, by appropriate design of the attachment part, such as the connection thereof to the fork part via a bridge, the effect of the handle part can be minimized. 
     For example, the attachment part may be arranged at a vertex of a fork arch of the fork part. It is thereby ensured that the effect of the handle part on the Eigen frequencies of the fork part is minimized (and, because of the symmetry of the fork part, this effect equally applies to the fork prongs which are the essential vibrating elements). 
     In one embodiment, the attachment part is arranged between the fork prongs of the fork part. An especially compact and aesthetically beautiful design for the divot tuning fork can thereby be achieved since the attachment part can be hidden. 
     However provision may also be made for the attachment part to be arranged outside an intermediary space between the fork prongs of the fork part. This is particularly advantageous when the frequency should be set such that a greater mass will vibrate. 
     It is expedient if the handle part is clamped to the attachment part. This thereby caters for an adequate fixture between the handle part and the attachment part whereby the contact surfaces between the handle part and the fork part are adapted to be minimized. 
     In one variant of an embodiment, the attachment part comprises an accomodation like a recess for one or more engaging elements which are arranged on the handle part. A clamp-like retention of the fork part on the handle part can be implemented in this manner. It is especially very advantageous if one engaging element of the handle part is a bar-like member. The contact surface between the fork part and the handle part can thereby again be minimized; basically, the larger the contact surface, the greater the damping effect of the handle part on the vibrations of the fork part could then be. 
     Furthermore, it is expedient if a bar-like engaging element is arranged substantially parallel to a tangent to the vertex of the fork part so as to enable a shaping of the fork part which is such that it will vibrate at a defined frequency on the one hand, and to cater for an adequate fixture on the other. 
     In order to minimize the effect of the handle part on the Eigen vibration of the fork part and especially in order to minimize the damping effect of the handle part, it is particularly advantageous if, in regard to the fork prongs, the fork part is held freely on the handle part. Contact between the vibrating fork prongs and the handle part is thereby generally prevented; such contact would lead to a damping of the vibrations. Moreover, if the contact surfaces are rigid then this can produce a substantial change in the frequency of vibration. 
     In order to ensure freedom between the fork part and the handle part, it is particularly advantageous if an adhesive layer is provided between the fork part and the handle part. The material of the adhesive layer should then be selected such that the transfer of vibrations (and thus the damping of the vibrations) between the fork part and the handle part will be minimized but, on the other hand, that the Eigen vibrations of the fork part will be disturbed as little as possible by the adhesive layer. 
     In one embodiment, the handle part is constructed in two sections, having one handle element and a second handle element between which the fork part is arranged. From a design point of view, an appealing divot tuning fork can thereby be constructed in a simple manner, one which is compact and which can be manufactured (and assembled) in a simple manner. The handle part, which may be manufactured by an injection molding process for example, can then be produced with the desired shape. 
     It is expedient if the first handle element comprises a plurality of spaced engaging elements so as to produce a mounting arrangement for fixing it on the fork part. Furthermore, it is expedient if the second handle element comprises one or more engaging elements which are adapted to be positioned in the intermediary space between the engaging elements of the first handle element. On the one hand, the contact surface with the fork part is thereby minimized, whilst, on the other hand, provision is made for adequate retention especially as the two handle elements are also fixed to one another. 
     In another advantageous variant of an embodiment, the handle part comprises a recessed insert area for a marker. Such markers may carry logos of a golf course for example. By virtue of this insert area, the divot tuning fork in accordance with the invention could then be used as a promotional article, whereby the manufacture thereof is economical since a special “printing” can be effected simply by inserting a marker. Such a marker can also be used as a ball marker on a golf course insofar as it is extractable from the insert area. 
     To this end, it is expedient if the insert area comprises a depression which is constructed in such a manner that an inserted marker is tiltable with respect to the depression for the purposes of removing it. Especially in that case where the marker is matched relatively precisely to the dimensions of the insert area, it can be difficult to remove it again. By virtue of the depression, it is sufficient to exert a light pressure and thereby tip the marker into the depression whereby it can easily be extracted. This then also enables such a marker to be employed as a ball marker. 
     In one variant of an embodiment, the insert area is provided with a magnet for holding the marker magnetically. In an alternative embodiment, the marker is held in the insert area by means of a clamping force. Any form of marker can thereby be fixed, especially markers made from a non-magnetic material. 
     In order to ensure proper retention and easy removeability of the marker when it is retained in the insert area by means of a clamping force, it is advantageous if a snap action connector is arranged on the handle part for holding the marker. By virtue of the snap-in behavior of the snap action connector, it is automatically ensured that the marker will be properly retained and, by virtue of this construction in the form of a snap action connector, this connector can also be opened in order to enable the marker to be extracted. 
     In one advantageous variant of an embodiment, a support saddle is arranged on the handle part at the end thereof remote from the fork prongs. When the fork prongs of the divot tuning fork in accordance with the invention are stuck into the ground, this support saddle will then enable the grip of a golf club to be placed upon the support saddle. This club grip will thereby be spaced from the possibly damp ground and will remain dry. The support saddle can also be used as a place for resting a cigarette for example. 
     If a club grip is placed on the support saddle, then the picking up of the club is simplified since the club grip is resting on the ground. For such a use, it is especially advantageous if the support saddle is spaced from the handle part by one or more leg elements. The longer the leg elements, the easier it is to pick up the club again. 
     Moreover, the support saddle may be constructed such that it is in the form of a clip (a belt clip for example). 
     In accordance with the invention, provision is especially made for the resonant frequency of the fork part to be a fundamental note, for example 136 Hz or a multiple thereof. The resonant frequency of the fork part may also correspond to concert pitch “a” (440 Hz). The divot tool is thereby in the form of a divot tuning fork having a defined tuning frequency. 
     The following description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawing will serve for a more detailed explanation of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a divot tool in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 2 a fork part of the divot tool according to FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 a sectional side view of the divot tool according to FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 a front view of the divot tool according to FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 5 a top view of a second embodiment of a divot tool in accordance with the invention; 
     FIG. 6 a perspective view of a third embodiment of a divot tool; 
     FIG. 7 a fourth embodiment of a divot tool and 
     FIG. 8 a fork part of the divot tool according to FIG.  7 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An embodiment of a divot tool (pitch-repair fork) in accordance with the invention, which bears the general reference  10  in FIG. 1, comprises a fork part  12  and a handle part bearing the general reference  14 . The fork part  12 , which is in the form of a tuning fork, is held by the handle part  14 . 
     As is shown in FIG. 2, the handle part  14  is in one-piece form consisting of a first fork prong  16 , a second fork prong  18  and a fork arch  20  whereby the fork arch  20  connects the two fork prongs  16  and  18  together. The fork part  12  is mirror symmetrical about a central plane  22  which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG.  2 . 
     The fork arch  20  comprises an outer vertex point  24  having a vertex tangent  26 , and an inner vertex point  28 . An attachment part  32  connected in one-piece form to the fork arch  20  is arranged on the inner vertex point  28  in an intermediary space  30  between the first fork prong  16  and the second fork prong  18 . This attachment part  32  serves for fixing the fork part  12  to the handle part  14 . 
     The attachment part  32  comprises an eye  34  serving to accommodate a corresponding meshing element on the handle part  14 . For example, the eye  34  is in the form of a continuous rectangular opening in the attachment part  32 , whereby this opening can be open at the ends  36  of the fork prongs  16 ,  18  and include an opening  38  whose width is less than the adjacent width of the eye  34 , i.e. the eye  34  is in the form of a step at the opening  34 . The contact surface between the handle part  14  and the attachment part  32  can thereby be minimized. 
     The attachment part  32  is connected via a bridge  33  to the fork arch  20 . 
     In the first embodiment  10 , a fork prong  16 ,  18  is formed such as to vibrate (FIGS. 1,  2 ). In the region of the fork arch  20 , the outer dimensions of the first fork prong  16  and the second fork prong  18  are such as to form a circle so that a handle part  14  having a circular cross-section can cover the fork prongs  16 ,  18  in this region. The outer spacing between the first fork prong  16  and the second fork prong  18  is smaller in the vicinity of the end  36  than it is in the vicinity of the attachment part  32 . 
     The fork prongs  16 ,  18  have a minimum width in the order of magnitude of 3 mm; an adequate width of the fork prongs  16 ,  18  is thereby obtained, this being expedient for the final processing of the fork prongs  16 ,  18 , and also being necessary for setting a defined frequency of vibration for the fork part  12 , in particular, for setting it to a fundamental note. 
     The depth  40  of the fork part  12  is substantially uniform over its entire length and, in particular, one outer surface of a fork part  12  is plane whilst the surface remote therefrom has an outer surface plane which is parallel to said first mentioned plane. Moreover, the normal vectors of said planes are, in particular, parallel to the direction of the depth  40  of the fork part  12 . 
     The fork part  12  is made of a metal, for example, brass, whilst its size and shape are such that it will vibrate in the manner of a tuning fork at a defined, set and, in particular, pure frequency. In particular, the frequency of vibration is set such that the upper harmonics and lower harmonics are minimized, as is of course typical for a tuning fork. This frequency thereby represents a fundamental note. For example, provision is made for the tuning fork  12  to vibrate at a frequency of 136.1 Hz or multiples thereof. Concert pitch “a” (440 HZ) could also be set for example. The precision of the frequency setting should thereby be kept precisely to a frequency which is at least in the order of magnitude of 5 to 10 Hz, and especially, to at least 1 Hz. 
     The respective ends  36  of the fork prongs  16 ,  18  are preferably rounded or chamfered so that they are able to penetrate into the ground when it is being employed as a divot tool. 
     In the first embodiment  10  of a divot tool in accordance with the invention, the handle part  14  is in two sections, having a first handle element  42  and a second handle element  44  each of which has a substantially circular cross-section, the fork part  12  being arranged therebetween in vibratory manner. 
     The first handle element  42  comprises a substantially plane inner surface  46  and, for example, a domed outer surface  48 . The shape of the outer surface  48  is not coupled to the functioning of the divot tool in accordance with the invention as a divot tuning fork, so that it is possible for the outer surface  48  to have a multiplicity of shapes. For example, the outer surface  48  may be designed such that it is similar in shape to the shaping of the outer surface of a golf ball. 
     A plurality of bar-like or tooth-like engaging elements  50 , which are aligned in parallel to the tangent  26  to the vertex, are located over the length of the inner surface  46  of the first handle element  42  in the vicinity of the center of the first handle element  42 . The engaging elements  50  are thereby uniformly spaced, having an intermediary space  52  therebetween. The length of the engaging elements  50  is adapted to the corresponding dimension of the eye  34  whereat the first handle element  42  is held in the eye  34  by means of a clamping force. Furthermore, one length of the plurality of engaging elements  50  is matched to the corresponding dimension of the eye  34  (perpendicular to the first mentioned dimension) so as to ensure the efficacy of this clamped mounting arrangement. 
     The second handle element  44  is also generally planar having an outer surface  54  whose shape is rather less dependent on technical requirements than on its aesthetic appeal. For example, the outer surface  54  may be provided with a bevelled face  56  which comprises depressions reminiscent of a golf ball. The two handle elements  42  and  44  could also be appropriately colored, white for example, so as to evoke an even greater impression of a golf ball. 
     A synthetic material in particular may be selected as the material for the two handle elements  42  and  44 . One exemplary material is wood cement. By virtue of such materials, apart from the high degree of variability in regards to the shape, and also due to the very low mass of the handle part  14  which is achievable thereby, a high level of vibratory decoupling between the handle part  14  and the fork part  12  can be obtained, so that the vibrations of the divot tool  10  will occur at the frequency of the tuning fork  12  but the handle part  14  will not substantially affect this frequency, i.e. will not change it. 
     Bar-like engaging elements are also located on the inner surface  58  of the second handle element  44 , these elements being aligned in parallel with the tangent  26  to the vertex and their dimensions along this direction being matched to those of the eye  34 . The engaging elements  60  serve for engaging in the intermediary spaces  52  between the engaging elements  50  on the first handle element  42  in order to connect the two handle elements  42  and  44  together and, at the same time, to hold the fork part  12 , which is in the form of a tuning fork, between the first handle element  42  and the second handle element  44 . 
     The fork part  12  is thereby held substantially freely between the handle elements  42  and  44 , namely there is an intermediary space  62  between the second handle element  44  and the fork part  12  and, correspondingly, an intermediary space  64  between the first handle element  42  and the fork part  12 . Decoupling in a vibratory sense between the fork part  12  and the handle part  14  is thereby catered for so as to minimize, in particular, any damping effect of the handle part  14  on the vibration mode that has been excited in the fork part  12 . 
     For the purposes of fixing the fork part  12  between the handle elements  42 ,  44  and, in particular, to ensure the formation of the intermediary spaces  62 ,  64 , provision may be made for the fork part  12  to be adhered between the handle elements  42  and  44  in such a manner that the damping effect is minimized. For example adhesive layers  66  are provided, whereby the adhesive material is selected such that the effect upon the vibration of the fork part  12  is minimal. 
     In other respects, the depths of the engaging elements  50  and  60  should also be selected in such a manner that intermediary spaces  62  and  64  will be formed between the tuning fork  12  and the handle elements  42  and  44 . 
     A recessed insert area  68 , which may have a circular cross section in particular, is formed in the outer surface  54  of the second handle element  44 . This insert area  68  serves for accommodating a marker which may be especially in the form of a disk. This marker may be an advertising plaque upon which the logo and/or the name of a golf course could be imprinted or embossed for example. Alternatively or simultaneously, it may also be a ball marker which can be utilized for marking the position of a golf ball. For example, the marker would then be provided with a pin projecting therefrom for sticking it into the ground. Accordingly, the insert area  68  would then be provided with an opening for this pin (not shown in the drawing). 
     The insert area  68  comprises a depression  70  which is disposed at one edge of the insert area  68 , and, in particular, at a region of the insert area  68  remote from the ends of the fork prongs  16 ,  18 . A tilting line  72  is formed by the depression  70 . If a marker has been inserted into the insert area  68 , then it will not be in surface contact with the insert area in the region of the depression  70 . Should pressure then be applied to the marker in this region, it will then be tilted about the tilting line  72  and can be removed from the insert area  62  in a simple manner. 
     A snap action connector  74 , by means of which the marker can be held in a clamped manner in the insert area, is provided in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to  4 . The snap action connector  74  comprises a resilient retaining element  76  for example, which is biased in such a manner as to exert a force in a direction towards the center of the insert area  68  on a marker located in the insert area  64 . The retaining element itself is connected in movable, and in particular, tiltable manner to the first handle element  42  by a web element  78  which is seated, in particular, in one-piece manner on the inner surface  46  of the first handle element  42 . 
     Furthermore, the retaining element is connected to a lever element  80  by means of which the retaining element  76  can be tilted when an appropriate force is exerted. The lever element  80  is thereby arranged between the two fork prongs  16  and  18  and projects out over their outer surfaces  48 ,  54  so that it is adapted to be actuated externally. 
     An opening  82 , through which the retaining element  76  is introduced into the insert area  68 , is arranged in the inner surface  58  of the second handle element  44 . 
     Provision may also been made for a tongue  84  to be arranged on the retaining element  76  in the vicinity of the opening  72 , said tongue being aligned substantially parallel to a seating surface  86  of the insert area  68  and being located below the seating surface  46  when the lever element  80  is in a state where force is not being applied, or, said tongue being flush therewith. 
     Provision may also be made for the upper edge of the retaining element to comprise a nose  88  for enabling a marker to be gripped at least partially from above so as to ensure better retention thereof in the insert area  68 . 
     Likewise retaining noses  90  facing the insert area  68  may be formed on the face  56  for ensuring proper retention of the marker in the insert area  68 . 
     Due to the bias of the retaining element  76 , the latter exercises a force on a marker in the insert area  68 . If the lever  80  is pressed in the direction of the first handle element  42 , then the retaining element  76  will be tilted backwardly and hence the clamping effect will be canceled. At the same time, the tongue  84  is tilted upwardly and lifts an inserted marker, that is to say, it tilts it. The marker can then be removed from the insert area  68 . Contrariwise, when inserting a marker, the marker is pressed into the insert area  68  and the retaining element  76  of the snap action connector  74  snaps-in when the marker is held on the deposition surface  68  in a retention position in which the marker is clamped. 
     The divot tool in accordance with the invention can be employed wherever a divot tool would be employed: 
     Displaced clumps of grass (divots) can be replaced with the divot tool  10 . Golf shoes can be cleaned with the fork part  12  and the grooves in a golf club can also be cleaned therewith. 
     Markers, which carry the logo of a golf course and/or which are usable as ball markers, can be inserted into the insert area  68 . 
     Moreover, the divot tool is also a tuning fork which vibrates at a defined frequency. Due, in particular, to the free mounting of the fork part  12  on the handle part  14 , the frequency of vibration is not affected by the type of marker which is inserted into the insert area since the frequency of vibration is determined only by the fork part  12  and not by the total mass of the tool  10 . 
     A second embodiment of a divot tool bearing the general reference  92  in FIG. 5 is basically of the same construction as the first embodiment  10 . Consequently, like components are referenced by the same reference symbols. In the second embodiment  92 , the handle part  14  comprises an insert area  94  in which there is arranged a disk-shaped flat magnet  96 , whereby here, a depression  98  is provided which, in particular, is formed such that no magnet is seated in the region of the depression  98 . By virtue of the magnet  96 , markers of magnetisable material can be held in the insert area  94 . A marker in the insert area  94  can be tilted over the depression  98  in order to allow it to be removed from the insert area. 
     A support saddle  100 , which has a saddle shaped seating surface  102 , is seated on the handle part  14  in the vicinity of the tangent to the vertex, this support saddle being decoupled from the fork part  12  in a vibratory sense. 
     If the divot tool  92  is stuck into the turf by means of the fork part  12 , then the grip of a golf club can be rested on the support saddle  100  for example so as to ensure that the grip of the golf club will remain dry should the grass be wet. Moreover, the golf club can be lifted more easily since the grip is located at a greater height. Hereby, one or more leg elements may be provided so as to increase the spacing between the seating surface  102  and the ends  36  of the fork prongs  16 ,  18  (not shown in the drawing). 
     In a corresponding embodiment, the support saddle  100  may also be employed as an implement for cleaning the grooves in a club for example. 
     Provision may also be made, for example, for the seating surface  102  of the support saddle  100  to be shaped such that e.g. cigarettes can be placed thereupon, that is to say, such that they do not come into contact with the ground. 
     Moreover, the support saddle  100  may also be in the form of a clip so as to enable the divot tool to be hung on the reverse for example. 
     A third embodiment of a divot tool in accordance with the invention bearing the general reference  104  in FIG. 6 is basically of the same construction as described hereinabove. One difference vis a vis the two embodiments  10  and  92  is that a handle part  106  is arranged between the fork prongs  16  and  18 , that is to say, it does not cover them. Otherwise the divot tuning fork  104  functions in exactly the same manner as described above. 
     In a fourth embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, there is again provided a fork part  110  in the form of a tuning fork which is held on a handle part  112  in the form of a sleeve. Hereby, the fork part  110  again comprises a first fork prong  114 , a second fork prong  116  and a fork arch  118  which connects the two fork prongs. A mounting tab  122 , which is connected via a bridge  124  to the fork arch  118 , is connected in one-piece manner to the fork part  110  at a vertex  120  of the fork arch  118  and is located outside an intermediary space between the two fork prongs  114  and  116 . The frequency of vibration of the fork part  110  including the mounting tab  122  is set to a defined fundamental note. 
     The fork part  110  is held in the sleeve-shaped handle part  112  by means of this mounting tab  122 , namely in a free manner such that the frequency of vibration of the fork part  110  is basically unaffected. Otherwise, the divot tuning fork  108  functions in the manner described above.