Pitch mark repair tool

Abstract

A tool comprises a generally planar body having a first end and a second end from which projects at least one tine. The tool comprises two handles each having a first end and a second end. A hinge is located between the body and each handle adjacent the first end of each handle. A channel is defined in each handle between their first and second ends, the channels being capable of enclosing the body and tines in a first retracted configuration wherein the body and tines are folded into the channels in both handles, and in an extended configuration, the body and tines are unfolded from the handles. The tool can be used for repairing pitch marks in the game of golf.

1 . A tool for repairing pitch marks, comprising
 a generally planar body having a first end and a second end from which projects at least one tine,   two handles each having a first end and a second end,   a hinge between the body and each handle adjacent the first end of each handle,   wherein a channel is defined in each handle between the first and second ends, the channels being capable of enclosing the body and the at least one tine in a first retracted configuration wherein the body and tines are folded into the channels in both handles, and in an extended configuration, the body and the at least one tine are unfolded from the handles.   
     
     
         2 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein in the retracted configuration, the handles abut each other between the first and second ends. 
     
     
         3 . A tool according to  claim 2 , wherein in the extended configuration, the handles abut each other between the first and second ends. 
     
     
         4 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the handles each comprise at least one substantially flat surface. 
     
     
         5 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the hinges are both located proximate to the first end of the generally planar body. 
     
     
         6 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein each hinge comprises a pivot pin which extends through the generally planar body adjacent the first end thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A tool according to  claim 6 , wherein the pivot pin extends through a handle adjacent the first end thereof. 
     
     
         8 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein each hinge comprises a bush or bearing. 
     
     
         9 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein a shim or spacer is provided between the body and each handle. 
     
     
         10 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein two or three tines extend from the generally planar body. 
     
     
         11 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the tines are generally planar and have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the generally planar body. 
     
     
         12 . A tool according to a  claim 1 , wherein each tine tapers. 
     
     
         13 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein each tine is symmetric about a longitudinal axis of the generally planar body wherein the longitudinal axis extends between the first end and the second end of the generally planar body. 
     
     
         14 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the body and the tines are manufactured of stainless steel. 
     
     
         15 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein each handle is manufactured of a plastics material. 
     
     
         16 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein each channel has a substantially rectangular cross section. 
     
     
         17 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein each channel ends before the second end of each corresponding handle. 
     
     
         18 . A tool according to  claim 1 , wherein a catch is provided between the end of a channel and the second end of a handle. 
     
     
         19 . A tool according to  claim 18 , wherein the catch comprises at least one magnet. 
     
     
         20 . A tool according to  claim 19  wherein the magnet is located in viscous oil. 
     
     
         21 . A method for manufacturing a tool for repairing pitch marks, including a generally planar body having a first end and a second end from which projects at least one tine, first and second handles each having a first end and a second end, a hinge between the planar body and each of the first and second handles adjacent the first end each of the first and second handles, wherein a channel is defined in each of the first and second handles between the first and second ends, method comprising the steps of
 inserting a magnet into the second end of each of the first and second handles,   aligning an opening defined in the planar body with an opening defined in the first end of the first handle,   inserting a first pivot pin through the aligned openings,   aligning a further opening defined in the body with an opening defined in the first end of the second handle, and   inserting a second pivot pin through the aligned openings.   
     
     
         22 . (canceled)