Golf club holding device

Abstract

A device for holding a golf club upright includes an elongate main member for restraining a golf club head against the ground; and at least one spike pivotally attached to one end of the elongate main member, The spike is moveable between a retracted position substantially parallel to the main member and an extended position substantially perpendicular to the main member. The main member restrains a golf club head against the ground when the spike is driven into the ground when it is extended.

1 . A device for holding a golf club upright, comprising:
 (a) an elongate main member for restraining a golf club head against the ground; and   (b) at least one spike pivotally attached to one end of the elongate main member, moveable between a retracted position substantially parallel to the main member and an extended position substantially perpendicular to the main member.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  comprising first and second spikes, each pivotally attached to opposing ends of the main member. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the main member defines an elongate cavity along an underside, such that the at least one spike is retracted into the cavity when moved to its retracted position. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one spike has a sharpened end to facilitate driving the spike into the ground. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the main member comprises a belt clip for carrying or retaining the device. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising first and second end caps which pivot together with the first and second spikes respectively, from an extended position to a closed position. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 3  further comprising first and second end caps which pivot together with the first and second spikes respectively, from an extended position to a closed position enclosing the underside cavity of the main member when the spikes are retracted. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the main member defines a profile having at least one notch within which a golf club may fit when the device is restraining the golf club against the ground. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6  wherein one or both of the first and second end caps have a notch within which a golf club may fit when the first and/or second end cap is extended open and the device is restraining the golf club against the ground. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a restraining clip for holding the at least one spike in its retracted position. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 6  further wherein the first and second end caps each comprise a tab which cooperates with a notch formed in the main member, for holding the first and second end caps in their closed position. 
     
     
         12 . A method of holding a golf club substantially upright, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a device having an elongate main member for retaining a golf club head and at least one spike in an extended position substantially perpendicular to the main member;   (b) holding the golf club with its head on the ground, underneath the main member; and   (c) driving the at least one spike into the ground such that the main member restrains the golf club head against the ground, thereby holding the golf club in a substantially upright position.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the device has a first spike and a second spike, positioned at opposing ends of the main member, each pivotable between the extended position and a retracted position substantially parallel to the main member.