GOLF ACCESSORY CADDY

Abstract

A caddy for securing golf or other accessories therein and attaching to a beverage container insulating device that is sometimes carried while golfing. The golf accessory caddy includes a carrier having a fastener and housing with mounting provisions that enable various configurations of accessory arrangements. The fastener allows the caddy to be removably or permanently affixed to various designs of beverage container insulating devices. Preferred and alternate embodiments include design features that provide motion-based advertising opportunities for golf, automotive, and casinos to name a few.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to accessory holders. The present invention specifically relates to a device for holding golf or other accessories, whereon the device secures to a support such as a beverage insulating sleeve, a pocket, a book, or other article that may be used while enjoying a round of golf.

2. Description of Related Prior Art

There are various accessories golfers need to assist them during a round of golf. These accessories range from ball markers and golf tees to scorekeepers and starters (a device used to randomly determine the tee-off order before any honors have been established). Whether walking or riding in a cart, the space and storage options for golf accessories are limited. Efficient use of space and storage options demands that the functions of the items that are carried be optimized. One way to maximize storage opportunities is by centralizing or combining the functions of various accessories into a single item or location.

There are numerous devices in the marketplace and in prior art that are perfectly suited to keeping and storing accessories for use during a game of golf. As any golfer knows, the time spent waiting for the golfers playing ahead of you often far exceeds the time that is spent interacting with one's golf ball. So, the time between golf strokes is often spent in conversation or engaging with various other devices that utilize the aforementioned limited storage space.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement for a golf accessory holder that optimizes the available storage opportunities. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF TIE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a novel golf accessory holder that can be hosted by a beverage container insulating device, a pocket, a book, or similar. The golf accessory caddy generally consisting of a carrier that enables attachment to a beverage container insulating device or similar and may also store one or more golf accessories. The preferred embodiment of the golf accessory caddy incorporates a ball marker and utilizes a ball bearing, spring, an outcome wheel, and an actuator that drives a mechanism to create random outcomes for activities where chance plays a role, such as a starter, while also providing the mounting provisions to attach the golf accessory caddy to a beverage container insulating device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a golf accessory caddy removably attached to a beverage container insulating device that is deployed over a beverage can.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view, rear perspective view and right-side view of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of a housing with integral carrier clip.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5C is a rear plan of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5D is a left-side plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5E is a right-side plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5F is a bottom plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate housing embodiment with separable carrier clip.

FIG. 6A is a side cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 with installed carrier clip.

FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a partially assembled golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 8 includes three views of an embodiment of the present invention, including a top plan view of the actuator arm of a golf accessory caddy (center), a bottom plan view of the same (left image), and a cross-section view of the same (right image).

FIG. 9 is a top plan view (center) and four additional views of an actuator shuttle of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the actuator shuttle mounted to the actuator arm.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a partially assembled golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 12 is a pair of front plan views illustrating the movement of the shuttle actuator for a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 13 includes three views of a golf accessory caddy wheel, including a top plan view (left), a cross-section side view (center); and a bottom plan view (right).

FIG. 13A is a front plan view of a partially assembled embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 14A is a side cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 includes a front plan view of an alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy (top left), a bottom plan view of the same (Bottom left), and a right-side plan view of the same (top-right).

FIG. 15A is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 16A includes is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 (at left) with a front exploded perspective of the same (at right).

FIG. 17 is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 17A is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, with a front exploded perspective of the same (at right).

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 18A is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a golf accessory caddy with beverage container and beverage container insulator.

FIG. 20 is a collection of perspective views of different embodiments of a beverage container insulator.

FIG. 21 is a collection of front perspective views of an alternate embodiment of golf accessory caddy mounted to different embodiments of beverage container insulators.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 22A is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 22B is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 22C is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a golf accessory caddy with clip.

FIG. 23 includes a partially transparent rear perspective view of a beverage container insulator embodiment (left), and a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy mounted onto an embodiment of beverage container insulator (right).

FIG. 24 is a side cross-section view of an alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy mounted to an embodiment of a beverage container insulator.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy mounted to an embodiment of a beverage container insulator.

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy mounted to an embodiment of a beverage container insulator.

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 27A is a side cross-section view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy.

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of a partially assembled alternate embodiment golf accessory caddy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases, all of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

A new golf accessory caddy and combination golf accessory caddy and beverage container insulating device are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below. Certain Figures demonstrate alternative embodiments. The reference to a specific item when discussing a certain Figure may be determined by reference to the same item in an alternative figure.

The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred and alternate embodiments including technical details on the function. FIGS. 1 through 3 depict various views of a preferred embodiment of the golf accessory caddy, 100, and the golf accessory caddy system, 1000, including a golf accessory caddy (heretofore referred to as “the caddy”), 100, and a beverage container insulating device (heretofore referred to as “the insulator”), 30, the figures thus illustrating the caddy being removably attached to the insulator which is commonly used to maintain the temperature of the contents held within the beverage container, 40. The most common version of the insulator, 30, is a flexible foam-based fabric sewn or formed into an open-ended sleeve that slides around the periphery of a beverage container. Whereby the natural elasticity of the insulator, 30, holds the curved clip, 110D, of the caddy, 100), against the external side of the beverage container, 40, providing both vertical and horizontal support for the caddy, 100, during removal and replacement of accessories such as a golf ball marker, 160. An alternate embodiment of the caddy may be configured for accepting accessories, metallic or non-metallic, other than those used while playing golf, accessories such as coins, tokens, keys, and the like. FIG. 4 is a collection of exploded perspective views of the components for the preferred embodiment, 100, and an alternate embodiment, 101. The preferred embodiment employs a housing with integrated carrier clip, 110, whereas the alternate embodiment employs a housing, 115, configured to accept a separable carrier clip, 105, comprising a mounting provision 105A. Otherwise the two embodiments utilize the same components in the same assembly order. FIGS. 5 and 5A introduce the housing, 110, including the upper stop, 110A, which limits the upward travel of the actuator arm, 125, when released by the user. Other features of housing, 110, include the engagement slot boss, 110B, which hosts the engagement path slot, 110G, which is used to control the timing of engagement and separation between the actuator shuttle, 130, and the wheel, 145. The design of the engagement path slot, 110G, can be optimized such that the follower, 130, disengages from the gear, 145A, at the point of highest rotational velocity thereby maximizing the opportunity for the greatest number of free rotations of the wheel, 145. Although a cam with meshed follower arrangement is proposed for the preferred embodiment, there are other ways to impart a rotational impulse to an object that results in a period of free-rotation for the object, they include, but are not limited to the following: cam-follower with rotating friction element in momentary contact with the object to be spun, cycling an electrical motor, transferring the stored energy of a wound linear spring as is commonly found in badge holders, additionally magnetic coupling can be used to generate rotation. While the source of the rotational energy is varied, one common component is the bearing, 135, that suspends the object being rotated. The bearing, 135, (rolling element (ball bearing), sleeve, or hydrodynamic) is a low-friction mechanism particularly designed to conserve rotational momentum. Once the rotational energy has been applied, the free rotation that results provides the perception of chance or randomness. The better the bearing/journal relationship, the freer the resulting rotation thereby providing a better experience for the user.

Continuing with features of housing, 110, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, etc.) the spring catch, 110C, which prevents rotation of the drive spring, 120, during winding, the central key slot, 110E, which provides alignment and mounting features, and the integral carrier clip, 110D, which serves to removably mounting the caddy, 100, by preferably setting the integral carrier clip, 110D, over an upper edge, 30T, of insulator, 30. Additional feature of housing, 110, may include the housing front face, 110F, with bearing mount, 110H, which establishes the central rotation axis of the caddy, 100, while integral spacing boss, 110J, provides vertical space from face 110F to mount internal components. Drive spring hub, 110K provide a washer, or space for baring mount. Actuator arm slot, 110L, may be used to locate and limit the travel of actuator arm, 125 (See FIG. 11, etc.). Continuing with FIG. 5B, curvilinear shape of the housing rear mount, 110M, is shown in profile. Also shown with curvilinear profile is the integrated carrier clip rear face, 110N, of the integrated carrier clip, 110D. FIG. 5C highlights a mounting provision, 110P, to mount clip onto caddy housing body. Housing rear face, 110R, is shown partially occluded by clip 110D which is mounted thereon. Figure SD demonstrates a curvilinear shape of the integrated carrier clip front face, 110S, with the center of the clip (1100) recessed towards housing 110, and edge 1101 shown towards the container receptacle (not shown) with which to mate the clip. FIG. 5E introduces the housing side slot, 110L, in side of housing 110, which enables the actuator arm, 125, to protrude from the side of the caddy. 100. FIG. 5F presents a top plan view of previously introduced features of housing, 110, without actuator arm.

Beverage containers have been standardized by the bottling industry with the three most common beverage containers of interest being, the 12-ounce aluminum can, 40, the 12-ounce glass bottle, 41, and the 12-ounce aluminum seltzer can. 42. Although all three hold the same volume of fluid, they each have a different outer diameter. Although not necessary, in the preferred embodiment of the caddy, 100, both the carrier clip front face, 110S, and the carrier clip rear face, 110N, of the integrated carrier clip, 110D, and the face of the housing rear mount. 110M, emanating from housing rear face, 110R, of the housing, 110, are curvilinear in shape using a nesting strategy based on the radii of the target beverage container outer diameter and wall thickness of the insulator to ensure the most stable fit at all three interfaces. To reduce tooling and manufacturing costs it may be possible to implement a single design utilizing a common family of curvatures that will provide an acceptable fit for all styles of beverage containers.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment housing, 115, wherein the alternate embodiment clip, 105, is a separate component with mounting provision, 105A (see FIG. 6A). The housing and clip, 105 and 115, may be joined by adhesive, magnetism, or welding. FIG. 6A is a cross-section showing the mounting arrangement. In the preferred embodiment the major components used to manufacture the caddy, 100, being primarily produced using injection molding processes and equipment with ABS, Polyoxymethylene (POM) or other suitable plastic material. The insulator is made from various types of lightweight insulative material such as foam or fabric, its design well known to those skilled in the art. There are also beverage container insulting devices constructed of thermoplastic resin and even metals. An alternate embodiment of the caddy, 200, incorporates an adhesive patch, 210, to enable permanently or semi-permanently affixing the caddy alternate embodiment, 200, to a hard-sided beverage container insulating device, 32. Although other accessories can be successfully stored on the caddy, 100, or any of the alternate embodiments, golf tees and ball markers are the only two accessories incorporated in this discussion. The design, materials, and manufacturing commonly used for metallic ball markers and golf tees are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not discussed further.

As shown in FIGS. 7-10, assembly begins by installing the drive spring, 120, over the drive spring hub, 110K, then being vertically supported by the housing front face, 110F (See FIG. 5A, etc.). To prevent spring rotation a preferably hooked end 1020 of the drive spring. 120, is brought against emanating cylindrical boss spring catch, 110C, leaving the free end of the drive spring, 120, to be wound by the user using actuator arm, 125. The features of the actuator arm, 125, include a central bore, 125B, which rotatably mounts over the integral spacing element, 110J, a spring depression, 125C, which creates the vertical spacing envelope for the drive spring, 120, to operate within, the pair of spring guides, 125D, are used to prevent the spring from slipping beneath the actuator arm, 125, during winding or release and actuator shuttle post, 125A, which slidably mates with the actuator shuttle, 130. FIG. 9 highlights the functional aspects of the actuator shuttle, 130, they include the actuator shuttle drive post, 130B, which meshes with the teeth of gear profile, 145A, of wheel, 145. Additionally, the engagement slot post, 130A, which locates in and is guided by the engagement path slot, 110G, that is hosted within the engagement slot boss, 110B. Finally, as seen in FIG. 9 etc., the actuator shuttle aperture, 130C, which enables the actuator shuttle, 130, to slidably mount over the actuator shuttle post, 125A, of actuator arm, 125, and the actuator shuttle bottom face. 130D, the assembly is shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 continues the assembly process for the caddy, 100, the combination actuator arm, 125, and slidably mounted actuator shuttle, 130, are simultaneously guided through the housing side slot, 110L, and over the bearing mount, 110H, ensuring that the body of the drive spring, 120, is captured in the spring depression, 125C, with the free end of the drive spring, 120, being located between the pair of spring guides, 125D, of actuator arm, 125. In the same motion ensuring that the engagement slot post, 130A, is located within the engagement path slot, 110G, with the actuator shuttle bottom face, 130D, resting on the engagement slot boss, 110B. At this point, the actuator arm, 125, is able to rotate about the bearing mount, 11011, to wind and thus store potential energy within the drive spring, 120. Simultaneously, the actuator shuttle, 130, is moved along the engagement path slot, 110G, by the actuator arm, 125, whereby the profile of the engagement path slot, 110G, slidably moves the actuator shuttle drive post, 130B, in-to and out-of mesh with the gear profile, 145A, of wheel 145, the assembly at this phase is shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 illustrates the movement relationship between the actuator shuttle, 130, and the actuator arm, 125, as the actuator arm, 125, is rotated clockwise from the unloaded upper position, the actuator shuttle, 130, moves inward from the disengaged outer position to the engaged inner position, the movement being along the dashed arrow leader shown in both views of FIG. 12 (from left image to right image of FIG. 12). In continuing assembly of the caddy, 100, the shield, 140, which is also driven by the actuator arm, 125, and serves to keep the housing side slot, 110L, covered for aesthetic and protective purposes is installed as shown in FIG. 13A. Continuing, a bearing, 135, is lightly pressed into the bearing pocket, 1451B, of wheel, 145, coming to rest just below the upper rim of the bearing pocket, 145B, of the wheel, 145, and captured therein by slight deformation of the material of the wheel, 145, that surrounds the outer race on the exposed face of the bearing, 135. Continuing then, the wheel, 145, with installed bearing, 135, is lightly pressed over the bearing mount, 110H, coming to rest on the integral spacing boss, 110J, thereby grounding the inner race of bearing, 135, to the housing, 110, while the outer race of the bearing, 135, with the attached wheel, 145, is free to rotate independently. Detail A of FIG. 13A illustrates the engagement that occurs between the actuator shuttle drive post. 130B, and the gear profile, 145A, of wheel 145. The energy that has been stored in drive spring, 120, by rotating the actuator arm, 125, in a clockwise manner is now available for transfer to the wheel, 145, after the user releases the actuator arm, 125. Upon release, a portion of the springs stored potential energy is used to generate rotation of the wheel, 145.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a fully assembled golf accessory caddy, 100. FIG. 14A illustrates completing the assembly of the caddy, 100. As shown, the accessory holder, 150, incorporates a positive central mounting provision designed to mate with the recessed central key slot, 110E, of housing 110, with the middle shoulder of the accessory holder. 150, coming to rest on the top portion of the inner race of bearing, 135, essentially trapping the bearing, 135, between the internal spacing element, 11W, and the middle shoulder of accessory holder, 150. The upper portion of the accessory holder, 150, comprising a recess wherein the magnet, 155, and the metallic ball marker, 160, are nestably mounted with the ball marker, 160, occupying the outermost position.

Referring now to FIG. 15, etc., a collection of plan views that illustrate the exterior features of an alternate embodiment, 600, of the caddy. The upper-left image depicts a front plan view of an alternate embodiment hosting two accessories, a golf tee, 180, along with a magnetically captured metallic ball marker, 160. The upper right image is a right-side plan view of the same, while the lower-left image illustrates the continuation of a nested curvilinear surface strategy for both the housing rear mount, 165M, and the integral carrier clip, 165N. The caddy alternate embodiment, 600, utilizes user intervention to create rotation of the wheel, 145, via the incorporated bearing. 135. Tee holder, 175, is designed to slidably accept and hold a golf tee, 180, through tensile gripping as the golf tee, 180, is slid inside the tee holder, 175. As in the preferred embodiment of the caddy, 100, the bearing, 135, is affixed within the bearing pocket. 145B, of the wheel, 145. Continuing then, the wheel, 145, with installed bearing, 135, is lightly pressed over the bearing mount, 165H, coming to rest on the integral spacing boss, 1651, thereby grounding the inner race of bearing, 135, to the housing, 165, while the outer race of the bearing, 135, with the attached wheel, 145, is free to rotate independently. As in the preferred embodiment of the caddy, 100, the assembly is completed by engaging the positive central mounting provision of accessory holder, 150, with the recessed central key slot feature, 165E, of the housing, 165. Again, the upper portion of the accessory holder, 150, comprising a recess wherein the magnet, 155, and the metallic ball marker, 160, are nestably mounted with the metallic ball marker, 160, occupying the outermost position. The novel addition of a bearing, 135, brings forth numerous opportunities for rotationally based functions. The wheel, 145, being affixed to the outer race of the bearing, 135, continues to spin long after the user has applied a rotational force to the wheel, 145. The free-spinning provides the element of randomness required for starters or other games of chance.

Referring now to FIG. 16, etc., the sectioned view in FIG. 16 details an alternate embodiment of the caddy, 200, where the separable carrier clip, 105, has been replaced by a disc of double-sided adhesive, 210, where one side is affixed to the housing, 115, thereby creating a version of the caddy, 200, capable of being adhered to a metallic or other hard-sided version of the insulator, 32. There are a number of different adhesives that can be selected for permanent or semi-permanently attaching the caddy, 200, to a hard-side type of beverage container insulating device. For a semi-permanent attachment, the adhesive patch may be made from commercially available strips or other double-sided adhesive products. More permanent solutions include the use of mixable or pre-mixed epoxy, ultraviolet hardened epoxies, or structural adhesives. The housing, 115, and adhesive patch, 210, may be modified appropriately for fitment to the hard-side version of the insulator, 32, being designed for cans, bottles, and slim cans. FIG. 16A are two perspective views of the caddy, 200, illustrating the installed adhesive patch, 210, and the removable ball marker, 160, that is retained by a magnet, 155. Various forms of the magnet used to retain the ball marker, 160, are provided in FIGS. 16 and 16A. A semi-circle shape cut from thin sheet magnet or a disc magnet are both viable and provide different design and cost options.

Referring now to FIG. 17, etc., the sectioned view in FIG. 17 details an alternate embodiment of the caddy, 300, that enables a permanent (or semi-permanent) installation wherein the separable carrier clip, 105, has been replaced by a mounting post, 320, and the alternate housing, 310, that includes a provision to accept mounting post, 320, replaces housing. 110. The mounting relationship between housing, 310, and the inside surface of mounting post, 320, creates a slight clamping force to the sidewall of the insulator thereby inhibiting movement of the caddy, 300. This embodiment of the caddy, 300, requires a prepared version of the insulator whereby a positioned hole is cut through the sidewall of the insulator, 31, as shown in FIG. 23. Both a hard-side version of the insulator, 32, and soft versions, 31, 34, and 36 can be appropriately modified to accept the caddy, 300. Starting with an appropriately modified version of the insulator, the caddy. 300, sans mounting post. 320, pilots into the prepared hole while the mounting post, 320, is inserted into the provision of housing, 310, from the inside of the insulator and when the mounting post, 320, and housing, 310, are brought together a slight squeeze is imparted onto the sidewall of the insulator. Once a beverage container, 40, 41, or 42, is inserted, the sidewall of the beverage container will nest with the rear surface of the mounting clip, 320, thereby providing a stabilizing force that will minimize extraneous movement of the caddy, 300, during use. The housing, 310, and mounting post, 320, may be modified appropriately for fitment to the insulator designed for different beverage containers including cans, 40, bottles, 41, and slim cans, 42. FIG. 17A are two perspective views of the caddy, 300, illustrating the alternate housing, 310, the mounting post, 320, and the removable ball marker, 160, that is retained by a magnet, 155. As in previous illustrations, the magnet, 155, is a semi-circle shape cut from thin sheet material.

Referring now to FIG. 18, this figure illustrates and begins to detail an alternate embodiment, 400, of the caddy that combines a rotating element with provisions to store up to two standard golf tees, 180, additional accessories are possible, but not shown. A modification of face, 455, can be made to incorporate a magnet, 155, and a metallic ball marker, 160. As shown in the exploded view, FIG. 18A, the design of the alternate embodiment, 400, of the caddy incorporates a housing subplate, 420, that serves to trap the golf tees, 180, within the housing, 410, and also provides a centrally located mounting provision, 420H, for the bearing, 135, thereby creating a central rotation axis to enable symmetrical spinning of wheel, 445. The design of mounting provision, 420H, includes a central recess, 420E, that mates with an appropriately designed central boss that grounds the face, 455, to the housing, 410, thereby preventing rotation of the face 455.

Referring now to FIG. 19 that illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the golf accessory caddy system, 2000, wherein the insulator, 32, is a hard-side version and the caddy, 200, being affixed to the outside surface of the insulator, 32, with an adhesive patch, 210. Many of the hard-side versions of the insulator, 32, have a removable upper portion to facilitate replacement of an empty beverage container. When the caddy, 200, is affixed to only the lower portion of the insulator, 32, the combination system, 2000, will operate as designed.

FIG. 20 illustrates details on different embodiments of the insulator with modifications that enable incorporation of present invention. The insulator embodiments, 30, 31, and 34, being prepared to accept the permanent or semi-permanent installation of an embodiment of the caddy, 300 (not shown). The various surfaces that may be used for supporting the installation of the caddy are identified. The inner surface of the sidewall, 301, 311, and the outer surface of the sidewall, 300, 310, upper edge surface 30U, 31U, 34U, and the tertiary surface, 30T, 31T, at the top and bottom of the insulator, as well as, in the sidewall at the through hole, the tertiary surfaces are created during the manufacturing or modification process of the insulator. Although the insulator, 34, for 12-ounce bottles is being shown with a horizontal slot prepared for a bottle version of the preferred embodiment, 500, the insulator, 34, may be just as easily prepared to accept a bottle version of alternative embodiment of the caddy, 300, simply by altering the shape of the sidewall hole, with tertiary slit 341, and sidewall 341, and sidewall 340. Finally, the insulator, 30, when paired with the preferred embodiment, 100, creates the golf accessory caddy system, 1000, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 21 which illustrates two different versions of the golf accessory caddy system. The golf accessory caddy system, 3000, comprises a bottle version of the insulator, 34, over bottle 41, that incorporates a modification from the commercially available design to enable the hosting of an alternate embodiment of the caddy, 500, specifically modified for integration with the external dimensions of the standard 12-ounce bottle and the bottle version of the insulator. The golf accessory caddy system, 4000, comprises a slim-can version of the insulator, 36, over can 42, and is already capable of hosting an alternate embodiment of the caddy, 600, specifically modified for integration with the external dimensions of the standard 12-ounce slim-can and the slim-can version of the insulator.

Referring now to FIG. 22 which illustrates a few of the many design variations possible with respect to the rotating portion of the caddy. FIG. 22 (top left) is a push-button version of the preferred embodiment with pushbutton actuator 2200 whereby a spring-loaded rack-and-pinion type arrangement drives the rotation of the decorated wheel. FIG. 22A illustrates a golf ball theme for the rotating element wherein a portion of the center 2201 remains fixed and can incorporate a logo thereby mimicking a typical logo golf ball while the outer rotating portion can be decorated separately. FIG. 22B illustrates the potential design of an automotive themed golf accessory caddy with outer rim tire tread 2202. The rotating portion can be designed in look and feel to represent a rubber tire. Finally, FIG. 22C is designed to be mounted to the insulator, 30, from an opening found on the bottom, with dice faces 2203 shown around perimeter of face.

Referring now to FIG. 23 that provides additional detail regarding the installation of alternate embodiment of the caddy, 300, first discussed in relation to FIG. 17. As previously discussed, the insulator, 31, is prepared by cutting a hole through the sidewall creating the tertiary mounting surface 31T, wherein the mounting post, 320, and the caddy, 300, will reside. As shown in FIG. 24, once mated, a slight compression at the inner, 311, and outer, 310, surfaces of the sidewall of the insulator, 31, serves to hold the caddy, 300, in contact with the insulator, 31.

Referring now to FIG. 25 where a perspective view of the completed golf accessory caddy system, 5000, is provided. Although the manually operated embodiment of the caddy, 400, is being shown (in the alternative, as described above, alternative caddy embodiments of 300, or even appropriately modified versions of the caddy, 700 or 800, could also be used in this configuration). FIG. 26 provides a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the caddy, 600, removably mounted the upper surface, 30T, of insulator, 30,

FIGS. 27, 27A, and 28 illustrate two electrified versions of the caddy, 800 and 900, that integrate on-board electrical power storage (batteries), electrical conduction circuitry, and commercial electrical devices to provide the rotational functions of the present invention. Both illustrated alternative embodiments utilize commercially available miniature cooling fans, 895, in mechanical communication with a wheel or disc, 875 or 975, and in electrical communication with the on-board batteries, 865, and a momentary contact switch, 885, to provide the rotation feature. The fans provide a pre-packaged, and very economical means for electrically generating rotation of the wheel, 875 or 975. By design, the fans incorporate very efficient bearings (ball, sleeve, or hydrodynamic) which enable the follow-on free-rotation that provides the aforementioned perception of randomness or chance.

FIG. 29 illustrates additional details for the two electrified versions of the caddy, 800 and 900, that integrate on-board batteries, 865, electrical conduction circuitry, 855, a momentary switch 885, and cooling fan, 895, to provide the rotational functions of the present invention. Additional embodiments may include driving a series of independently spinning wheels to simulate the action of a slot machine. Additional electronic features are also possible, they may include: lights, speakers, switches, printed circuit boards, digital memory, audio recordings, audio playback.

While preferred materials for elements have been described, the device is not limited by these materials. Although the present invention has plastics and various metal alloys, other materials may comprise some or all of the elements of the golf accessory caddy in various embodiments of the present invention.

Although the present invention has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf accessory caddy adapted to mate with an insulator set at least partially over or around a beverage container, said golf accessory caddy comprising: a. a carrier comprising a rear side and a front side separated along an axial line,b. a mounting element along said rear side, said mounting element adapted with a support frame member coupled to said carrier and an extending member, said insulator captured in a space between said support frame member and said extending member.

2. The golf accessory caddy of claim 1 wherein the carrier further comprises a fixed circular or conical lever mount within said carrier, and a bearing mount nested into said lever mount.

3. The golf accessory caddy of claim 2 wherein said bearing mount comprises a polygonal shape with at least one side wall substantially planar and parallel said axial line.

4. The golf accessory caddy of claim 1 further comprising a rotating wheel coupled to said carrier, said rotating wheel mounted on a lever mount via a bearing element, said rotating wheel coupled to said bearing element, said rotating wheel comprising an inner face directed towards the rear side and a front face directed to said front side and an outer ring portion.

5. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a torsion spring coupled to said rotating wheel and biasing rotation of said wheel along said axial line.

6. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 5 further comprising an actuator moving between a first and second position, wherein said second position incorporates additional potential energy stored in said torsion spring, and upon release, said torsion spring biases said actuator to said first position and transfers energy from said torsion spring to both of said actuator arm to cause said actuator arm to return to said first position and said rotating wheel as rotational kinetic energy.

7. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 6 wherein said actuator comprises a rotatable lever arm mounted around said lever mount.

8. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 6 wherein said actuator comprises a push bar coupled to said rotating wheel.

9. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a power source mounted within said carrier, said power source comprising a battery in electrical communication with an actuator having an activation button, said actuator initiating a motor to rotate said rotating wheel.

10. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a stationary ball marker on a rotating wheel coupled to said front side, said ball marker comprising a diameter less than a rotating wheel diameter so that outer ring portions of said rotating wheel are set around said ball marker, wherein the rotating wheel is arranged behind said ball marker adapted to rotate along the axial line while the ball marker remains stationary.

11. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 10 further comprising a partially circumferential shield at least partially occluding portions of said rotating wheel outer ring portion.

12. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support frame is coupled to a beverage container.

13. A golf accessory caddy adapted to mate with an insulator set at least partially over or around a beverage container, said golf accessory caddy comprising: a. a carrier comprising a rear side and a front side separated along an axial line,b. a mounting element along said rear side, said mounting element adapted with a support frame member coupled to said carrier and an extending member, wherein a portion of said insulator is adapted to fit between said extending member and said support frame member, said insulator captured in a space between said support frame member and said extending member,c. said carrier housing a fixed circular or conical lever mount, said lever mount arranged around said axial line and directed towards the front side,d. a bearing mount nested into said lever mount;e. a bearing mounted onto said bearing mount, said bearing in mechanical communication with a rotating wheel, said rotating wheel comprising an inner face directed towards the rear side and a front face directed to said front side and an outer ring portion with indicia along the circumferential edge of said front face.

14. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a torsion spring coupled to said rotating wheel and biasing rotation of said wheel along said axial line.

15. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 13 further comprising an actuator moving between a first and second position, wherein said second position incorporates additional potential energy stored in said torsion spring, and upon release, said torsion spring biases said actuator to said first position and transfers energy from said torsion spring to both of said actuator arm to cause said actuator arm to return to said first position and said rotating wheel as rotational kinetic energy.

16. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 15 wherein said actuator comprises a rotatable lever arm mounted around said lever mount.

17. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 15 wherein said actuator comprises a push bar coupled to said rotating wheel.

18. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a power source mounted within said carrier, said power source comprising a battery in electrical communication with an actuator having an activation button, said actuator initiating a motor to rotate said rotating wheel.

19. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 13 further comprising a stationary ball marker coupled to said front side, said ball marker comprising a diameter less than a rotating wheel diameter, wherein the rotating wheel is arranged behind said ball marker adapted to rotate along the axial line while the ball marker remains stationary, and further comprising a partially circumferential shield at least partially occluding portions of said rotating wheel outer ring portion.

20. The golf accessory caddy as set forth in claim 13 wherein said mounting element comprises a mounting post.