US1684566A

US1684566A - Ten-yard line

Info

Publication number: US1684566A
Application number: US205112A
Authority: US
Inventors: Moses H Winkler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1927-07-12
Filing date: 1927-07-12
Publication date: 1928-09-18
Anticipated expiration: 1945-09-18

Description

H I l-l TEN YARD LINE Filed July 12, 1927 Hllllllllll\'llllAlllllllllllllllllllL) Patented Sept. 18, 1928.

MOSES H. WINKLER, or MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI,

TEN-YARD LINE.

Application filed. July 12,

This invention has reference to n ensuring devices used in football games, consisting of what is known as a .ten yard line, and its objects are to easily determine the exact 10- cat-ion of the ball; to obtain a precise knowledge of distance so necessary under the circumst-ances, to aid in the measuring off of a penalty, to facilitate the duties of a hnesman, and, to insure proper placement or replacement of the ball. p I

Heretofore, it hasbeen customary for a ten yard line to consist merely of two uprights connected by a chain, cord, or rope, etc.,'w1th no provision for obtaining any exaetness-as regards the intermediate distances. birch has led to ugly situations arising in the midst of the confusion prevalent during a foot-ball game, makes the official the sole Judge of determining distance, and has been the causeof much dissatisfaction on the part of players, officials, and spectators alike. However, by having at hand the means for measuring required distances such unpleasantness may be avoided and the exact distance determlned. WVith the above and further objects in view, the invention consists in the novel arrangement, construction, and combination of parts hereinafter described, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a ten yard line constructed in accordance with the lnven tion, I .Figure 2, a detail view illustrating the manner of aflixing the measuring tape to one of the poles, and I Figure 3, a detail view of the measuring tape showing fragmentary portions of the tape in top and bottom plan.

Figure 4 is a detail view on. an enlarged scale of the lower portion of one of the poles. The ten yard line consists of two standards or poles, such as indicated at 1 and 1 respectively. Both are preferably of the same structure, length, and material with the exception that pole 1 1s cut away above 1ts lower end to accommodate the circular case 2 in which is housed the measuring tape 3, while pole 1 is cut away, as shown at 4, to provide a notch in which is anchored a conventlonal snap hook 5. The snap hook is anchored in the notcln as seen in Figure 5, by one or more staples 16 driven into the pole 1*, as shown, and having the ring 17 of the snap hook loosely engaged therewith. Each pole has a pointed metal tip 6 secured by tacks 18 or other means about its lower extremity, and is adaptconnection but for the purposes pole to point of 1927. Serial N0. 205,112.

ed to be supported in upright position by having its pointed end thrust into the groundin the customary manner. 1

The tape case 2 may be of any suitable weather proof material and is suitably fastenedto pole 1 by a bolt or screw 7. Any conventional tape reel may be employed in this of the invention the tape 3 ismarked on its upper side in feet and inches, as seen at 8, and on its lower side in yards, as seen at 9. The tape is adapted to unroll from the casev through opening 10 and its free end is provided with a ring 11 for engagement with the snap hook 5 of the pole 1. lVhen not in use the tape is withdrawn into the case by turning the reel ha-ndle 12.

During the progress of a game, the ten yard line is positioned on one side of the playing field and is brought into useimmediately upon thefirst play ordown ;one of the polesbeing placed in parallel alignment with the football and the other at a point ten yards distant from the ball in advance of the latter. The tape, having been previously connected to pole 1 is therefore stretched to its intended length and the arrangement is such that the line measures exactly ten yards from point of pole. As is generally known, it is the primary object of the attacking team, or that team having possession of the ball, to advance the same ten yards or from pole to pole in an allotted number of downs against the resistance of the opposing or resisting team. Not infrequently, the advancement or set back of the ball is due to a penalty inflicted on either team as prescribed for in the rules governing the game and in measuring off the distance required in either case the result has heretofore been obtained by the oflicial merely pacing off the distance, which is at best but an approximate measurement. Since such penalties are usually in the nature of a loss or gain in distance and may have an important bearing on the outcome of the game, an exact determination of the distance is desirable. Moreover, it is necessary after each quarter or period into which the time of play is divided to changethe location of the ball from one part ofthe field to another and to so place it in its new location that its position relative to the field of play corresponds to its formerposition. This too has resulted in but mere guess workin determining the new location due to a lack of proper measuring instruments. With the present invention, however, guess work is eliminated and exact measurements are determined by the tape which can be readily detached from pole 1 the latter being left in its position as a marker to prevent error as to the original I location of the ten yard line. The special markings on the tape permit measurements to be made in yards and feet, and fractions,

thereof.

i The line poles 1 and 1 may be marked with colors, as shown-at 15. a

By providing a tape so mounted between line poles as hereinbefore set forth, all guess work on the part of ofiieials is done away with andexaetness, when necessary, will elwaysbe assured without the need of other than the ten yard line. e I Having thus described the invention, what I claim asmy invention is t 1; A ten yard line for foot ball games oomprising two poles havingpointed ends, one of end and the other pole havinga notch above its pointed end, a tape ease fastened inthe 25 y ne of the first pole, a tape within the latter to said second ho'l said poles having a cutout above its pointed I signature.

to the pole Within the cut out thereof, and a tape within the said ease and adaptedfto unroll therefrom. V a i v a v 3. In a ten yard" line ior .feothall game oomprising two poles, web of which is pointed at one end whereby itis adapted to be supported in upright sition by having ibS pointed end thrust into the grenade tape line, a tape reel for, said line mounted on one Les edjaeent. its grounde aging of said end, an means on the other pole a jacent thedgmund-engaging endior and ing the free end of the tape line. In testimony whereoai I have eflixed my Moses n. .wmmm