GB2132490A - Device for viewing lie of golf green - Google Patents

Abstract

A device 10 for golfers having a body adapted to be located on a green and which may include a level 28 for horizontal mounting and having, in connection therewith, a mirror 25 locatable with the aid of leg 20 at such an angle e.g. 45 DEG as to enable a user looking on to the mirror 25 from above to examine the green between the device 10 and any required point, normally the pin, towards which the device is directed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Green reading device This invention relates to a green reading device for golfers although, as will be described hereinafter, the device may well have wider applications.

In golf, conscientious golfers normaily tend to ascertain the slope of a green in both the parallel planes transverse to the general direction of the desired movement of a ball and, also, the plane in the direction of movement of the ball, to enable them to judge how to strike the ball.

Accurate reading of the transverse situation enables a golfer to "aim-off" so that a ball which is struck in a direction away from the hole will move, during its movement, to the direction of the hole.

In a green having a complex curve it will be appreciated that the quantum of transverse movement can vary along the length of the putt and can, in extreme cases, be in different senses at different times during movement.

The variation along the line of the putt, together with the speed of the green provides the parameters necessary to estimate the force to be applied to the ball to ensure that it travels to the cup and does not fall short of the cup or pass therebeyond.

Conventionally, golfers have read the green by placing themselves a distance behind the ball and relatively close to the green surface and, from the appearance of the green, made a judgement as to the required direction and velocity needed in the putt.

Correct positioning can be rather difficult or uncomfortable, particularly if the golfer has a stiff back or arthritic joints, and the present invention is designed to enable a green to be read with the minimum of inconvenience and discomfort to the user.

The invention, in its broadest sense, comprises a device to assist a user to read greens comprising a body, means on the body whereby the body can be located on the green and a mirror in connection with the body and locatable at such an angle as to enable a user looking on to the mirror from above to be able to examine the green between the position of location of the device and any required point.

Preferably, the body may comprise two wings pivotally connected along an axis and the mirror is located ozone wing substantially parallel to the axis. The body may include a level which is arranged so that the mirror can readily be placed horizontally so the device can adapt to greens of various slopes.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, I shall describe, in relation to the accompanying drawings, one particular form of green reader made in accordance with this invention.

In these drawings: Fig. 1 shows the device, which is basically in the form of a wallet, in its closed condition; Fig. 2 shows the device, which can be used as a carry all, in its open condition; and Fig. 3 which is a transverse section shows the arrangement of the device in use.

The device 10 is in the form of a wallet having two wings 11, 12 pivotally connected by a hinge 13 which may be of a flexible material.

The device may be made of a synthetic plastics material by fabrication or moulding or by a combination of these.

The wing 11 may have a retaining member 14 of Velcro or the like which, in association with straps 1 5 of the same material on the other wing 12, can hold the device in the closed condition of Fig. 1.

The wing 11 has its inner surface 1 6 formed as a flap so a score card or the iike can be located thereunder and may have loops or the like 17, 1 8, 1 9 whereby a leg 20, pencil 21 and green marker 22 can be retained.

The wing 12 has loops 23 whereby golf tees 24 can be located.

It will be appreciated that these are preferments and do not constitute part of the invention.

Located in the wing 12 there is a mirror 25 which, as illustrated, has an etched or otherwise formed longitudinal line 26 and a transverse line 27.

Adjacent the mirror 25 there is a bubble level 28 in which variation in two planes can be ascertained by movement of the bubble from a central position.

In use the leg 20 is removed and the formed end 30 is located in a complementary slot 31 at the rear of the wing 12. The device is then located behind the user's ball 35; the wing 12 is located at an angle of approximately 450 and the pointed end 32 of the leg is placed into the ground surface.

The longitudinal angular displacement of the device from the horizontal can then be adjusted by examining the location of the bubble in the level 28.

The golfer then, by standing over the device, can look downwardly on to the mirror 25 from which light rays are reflected and can see the green, say, between the ball 35 or marker and the pin.

The transverse line 27 on the mirror may be lined up with the pin or, possibly, the initially proposed situation of "aim-off" and, by examining the situation along the length of the mirror, particulariy in relation to the longitudinal line 26 thereon, the user can ascertain any tendency for the green to fall away relative to the direct line between the marker and the pin. The golfer, armed with this information can, by experience, ascertain the general nature of the green and can decide the distance he wishes to "aim-off" from the pin.

Also, from examination along the transverse line, an idea can be obtained as to the rise and fall between the reader and the pin and, thus, an estimate of the strength of putt required can be gathered.

It is quite feasible to partially rotate the device around the leg 20 should this be considered desirable to attempt to read the broad structure of movement of the body of the green.

It is preferred that the mirror 25 used with the device of the invention is a non-reflecting mirror, so that this cannot distract other players in the vicinity should the sun strike the mirror and reflect from it in their direction.

Whilst I have described the device of the invention in the form of a wallet having two wings and a leg whereby the angle of one of the wings relative to the ground may be adjusted, the device could take other forms.

For example, it could comprise an open fronted box closed by a member having a mirror on its inner surface and arranged so that the mirror can adopt an angle of approximately 45 to the box when this is on the ground.

Many other and various forms of devices can also be made which will be completely satisfactory in practice and which inventionally do not depart from the reader described.

For example, the device could be built into a putter, say on the reverse face, or be located in a pocket in a putter.

If required, the reader may be provided with more than one level, so that its orientation can be more accurately established and it may also be arranged to be adapted for rotation about an axis parallel to a plane at right angles to that described.

The same device, with little or no modification, can also be used for measuring variations across surfaces, such as floor or ceilings, and can be used in confined spaces, such as beneath floor boards, to ascertain both the variation from flat of the boards or the slope of the surface from which a building framing is located.

The device has an advantage in any area where space is restricted and, at the same time, the user can generally examine the mirror with little or no bodily movement.

Claims (7)

1. A device to assist a user to read greens comprising a body, means on the body whereby the body can be located on a green and a mirror in connection with the body and locatable at such an angle as to enable a user looking on to the mirror from above to be able to examine the green between the position of location of the device and any required point.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body is comprised of two wings, one of which is adapted to contact the ground and the other carries the mirror, the wing having the mirror being provided with a leg to act as a support to locate the wing and the mirror at a required angle relative to the ground.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the leg is removably attachable to the rear of the wing having the mirror.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is a level in the body.

5. A device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein there is a level on the wing containing the mirror.

6. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the level is a bubble level which can indicate location in two planes.

7. A device to assist a user to read greens constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.