Combination paperclip and golf ball marker

Abstract

A golf ball marker that can also be used as a paper clip away from the course. In one preferred aspect, the dual purpose marker comprises a substantially planar body defining a smooth perimeter, such as a ring, having an inner edge bounding an inner open area, and a substantially planar tab flexibly cantilevered from the inner edge into the open area. The preferred tab has a base integral with the edge and an enlarged projection integrally extending from the base, with the projection comprising a design or logo.

1 . A golf ball marker comprising a substantially planar body defining a smooth perimeter, having an inner edge bounding an inner open area, and a substantially planar tab flexibly cantilevered from the inner edge into the open area. 
   
   
       2 . The golf ball marker of  claim 1 , wherein the tab has a base integral with the edge and an enlarged projection integrally extending from the base, with the projection comprising a design or logo. 
   
   
       3 . The golf ball marker of  claim 2 , wherein
 the marker is metal;   the body is ring shaped defining a circular perimeter and an open inner area; and   a cut out within the tab, defines said design.   
   
   
       4 . The golf ball marker of  claim 1 , wherein the tab occupies at least 50% of the area within the body. 
   
   
       5 . The golf ball marker of  claim 1 , wherein the tab has a base integral with the body and a round disc integrally extending from the base and concentric with said body. 
   
   
       6 . The golf ball marker of  claim 1 , wherein
 the tab occupies at least 50% of the area within the body;   the tab has a base integral with the body and a round disc integrally extending from the base and concentric with said body; and   said design is entirely within said disc.   
   
   
       7 . The golf ball marker of  claim 6 , wherein the disc occupies at least about 50% of the area within the body. 
   
   
       8 . The golf ball marker of  claim 3 , wherein
 the body defines an inner circular edge;   said tab has a base integral with between about 10 to 25% of said inner edge; and   said tab occupies at least about 50% of the area within the body.   
   
   
       9 . A golf ball marker comprising:
 a substantially planar body having a major dimension between about 0.5 to 2.0 inches and defining a perimeter and an open inner area; and   a substantially planar tab flexibly cantilevered from the body into said area, wherein said tab occupies at least 50% of the area within the body.   
   
   
       10 . The golf ball marker of  claim 9 , wherein the tab has a base integral with the body and an enlarged projection integrally extending from the base and centered within the body. 
   
   
       11 . The golf ball marker of  claim 10 , wherein the projection comprises a design or logo. 
   
   
       12 . The golf ball marker of  claim 9 , wherein the projection is a geometric shape. 
   
   
       13 . The golf ball marker of  claim 12 , wherein the geometric shape is selected from the group consisting of circle, oval, square, rectangle, or diamond. 
   
   
       14 . The golf ball marker of  claim 9 , wherein
 the body has a perimeter in the shape of a closed curve and an inner edge bounding said open area; and   said tab occupies at least about 50% of said open area.   
   
   
       15 . The golf ball marker of  claim 14 , wherein the tab has a base integral with the edge and an enlarged projection integrally extending from the base. 
   
   
       16 . The golf ball marker of  claim 15 , wherein the projection comprises a design or logo. 
   
   
       17 . The golf ball marker of  claim 16 , wherein the design or logo is a cutout in the projection. 
   
   
       18 . The golf ball marker of  claim 14 , wherein said tab has a base integral with between about 10 to 25% of said inner edge. 
   
   
       19 . A golf ball marker comprising:
 a substantially planar, ring shaped body defining a circular perimeter and having an inner edge bounding an inner open area;   a substantially planar tab flexibly cantilevered from the inner edge into said area, said tab occupying at least about 25% of the open area and comprising a design or logo.   
   
   
       20 . The golf ball marker of  claim 19 , wherein the tab has a base integral with a portion of the edge and an enlarged projection integrally extending from the base into said open area.