US20020177493A1

US20020177493A1 - Measuring device for golf playing

Info

Publication number: US20020177493A1
Application number: US09/862,617
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Harvot; Neil Simmons
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-05-22
Filing date: 2001-05-22
Publication date: 2002-11-28

Abstract

The present invention is a device for accurate measuring the distance from a ball to the cup hole at the green to determine which ball is closest or farthest. The device is comprised of a pin, a balancing disk, a tape measure, a bumper, a board with slots, and a clip for holding writing utensils. The board surface makes for easier writing and display of measurements. The balancing disk provides balance and accuracy during measurements. The measuring device is sturdy and portable and promotes a neat and manicured appearance to the golf course.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to measuring devices, particularly to devices used for measuring the distance between a golf ball and the cup hole on a golf green.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of golf is a very popular sport. Distance is an important part of the game of golf, the distance of the drive, the distance to the hole, the putting distances, etc. Once a ball reaches the green it is important to know accurately the distance from the hole to the ball. In some instances the accuracy of the measurement decides which player is the winner of closest to the pin contests on selected par three holes. In other instances the accuracy of the measurement is going to decide which player is going to putt first by determining who is furthest from the hole.

One way to mark the distance of the ball to the cup is the use of a stake that it is positioned on the green at the point where the ball comes to rest. If, after positioning the stake, another player shoots closer to the hole, the stake is moved to the new position. This method of selecting the closest to the hole is not very accurate and tends to cause some damage to the grass on the green. Also, such a device mars the smooth appearance of the golf green and acts as a distraction to golfers. It would be preferable to use a device that doesn't leave marks on the green to promote a more manicured and professional appearance to the course.

There are devices in the prior art to measure distances in a golf course. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,329 to Trigg et. al. teaches an attachment to a pin flag, which includes a measuring line and a turf repair tool. The patented invention is a small device that uses a fishing line to measure the distance to the ball. A fishing line is not as accurate a means of measuring distance as a tape measure with standard measuring markings. The patented device lacks a balancing means for the flag pin allowing minor inclinations of the flag pin to affect the accuracy of the measurement.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,232 to Lang discloses a flag pin-golf ball distance-measuring device. The disclosed device uses an elongated cylinder, which substitutes for the flag pin, with a right angle bracket attached to the cylinder. The right angle bracket provides for an open slot or box to accommodate measuring means such as a tape measure. Also, the invention does not provide environmental protection to the measuring means, leaving it exposed to damage by the elements. It also lacks a method to balance the pin during measurements to eliminate the minor inclinations affecting the accuracy of the measurement that occur in the pin when pulling the tape measurement. The disclosed invention provides for a clipboard attached to the elongated cylindrical pin for recording the measurement, however, but it is difficult to write on the clipboard attached to the cylinder because the cylinder doesn't provide a flat surface on which to rest the clipboard.

There are other U.S. Patents that disclose measuring devices for golf courses such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,298,904, 5,904,726 and 5,658,210. These patents have in common the use of expensive electronic equipment for measuring and using triangulation or integration of data to calculate distance rather that taking an actual measurement. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,210 an method is presented of taking measurements by rolling a wheeled counter to transverse the distance to be measured. It is difficult to guarantee an accurate measurement with the rolling counter because it is hard to ensure that a user will walk in a perfectly straight line. Also some of the devices are hard to use for players with limited knowledge of electronics.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for measuring accurately the distance between a golf ball and the cup hole on a golf green.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a device that is sturdy and can withstand the elements without affecting the accuracy of the measurement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a measuring device that is portable and easy to carry.

Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring device that is easy to use.

In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring device that is also comfortably utilized as writing device to record the information regarding the measurement.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring device that also promotes a neat, manicured professional appearance on golf courses.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to solve the above limitations in the prior art. The measuring device is comprised of a pin, a balancing disk, a tape measure, a wide board with slots, a handle, a bumper, and a holder for writing utensils. The pin is attached to a balancing disk and a board with a tape measure. The balancing disk provides for accurate measurements while pulling the tape measure eliminating the inclination of the pin that can affect the accuracy of the measurement.

The design of a wide member or board allows for ease of writing. The wide board also provides for a protective place to put the tape measure. In a preferred embodiment, an attachment is added to the place of insertion of the tape measure, keeping the tape measure in place and protected from the elements. The bumper protects the device from the metal end of the tape measure from causing damage during rolling back.

The measuring device presented in this invention is put at the cup hole, with the balancing disk flat against the ground, and the tape measure is used to measure the distance form the cup hole to the ball. If the device is not in use, it is put at the side of the green on its side so as not to obstruct the shots of the next player. Since the device doesn't use sticks to mark the position of the ball it promotes a more manicured and neat appearance on the golf green.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of the preferred embodiment for the measuring device. [0017]
FIG. 2 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment for the measuring device. [0018]
FIG. 3 shows a perspective rear view of the preferred embodiment for the measuring device.[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFFERED EMBODIMENT

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, reference will be made to an embodiment of a measuring device as depicted in the drawings. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitations of the scope of the invention are thereby intended. Such alterations as changing the geometry of the board or changing the placement for writing or means to hold the writing device would fall within the spirit and scope of the invention described herein. [0020]
With particular reference to the drawings, the reader should understand that like numerals in different figures refer to the same elements of the invention. [0021]
FIG. 1 shows a perspective front view of the preferred embodiment for the measuring device. It can be appreciated in FIG. 1 the [0022] pin 6 has dimensions that fit a standard hole cup used in golf greens. The balancing disk 7 can be observed coupled to the pin 6. Different means for attachment can be used such as adhesive, nail, screw and threads. The pin 6 can be made of durable materials such as rust free metals or plastic. Alternatively, coatings such as polyurethane can be applied to the pin 6 and the subject device as a whole to protect it from environmental damage. It can be observed on the figure a wide board 10, generally as wide as the diameter of the balancing disk 7, attached to the disk. The board 10 has a top section 17 and bottom section 18. Portions of the bottom section 18 define a channel that accommodates a tape measure 9. While observing the bottom section 18 of the board 10, a small bumper 8 can be appreciated in front of the tape measure 9. The small bumper 8 holds the tape measure end, allowing easier pulling and eliminating potential damage by the roll back of the tape measure. Portions of the top section 17 of the board 10 define a hole to be used as handle to carry and insert the device in the cup hole. Modifications such as the inclusion of curvatures to accommodate better the fingers or addition of soft material to the hole for softer touch are within the spirit of the present invention. It can be appreciated that the top section has a slimmer area, which is for ornamental purposes and doesn't affect the performance of the device.
FIG. 2 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment for the measuring device. The side view show depicts of the elements discussed in FIG. 1 such as the [0023] pin 6, the balancing disk 7 and the board 10. In this side view the position of the pin 6 is better appreciated. Pin 6 is attached at the center of balancing disk 7. The bumper 8 is located approximately in line with the pin 6. The tape measure 9 location is the back half of the balancing disk 7. Observing the tape measure an attachment 12 can be noticed in the top back section of the tape measure 9. The attachment 12 is preferably made of PVC plastic. The function of the attachment is to hold in place and protect the tape measure, in such instances when the device is placed on the ground. The attachment may be attached to the tape measure using adhesives, tape or other means known in the art or may be designed to hold the tape measure using friction. Although the embodiment in the figures shows the attachment to have a semicircular shape, it is understood the attachment can be of any shape that holds and protects the tape measure.
In FIG. 2 it can also be appreciated a [0024] slot 13 where paper cards can be slipped in to be held. Also a clip 14 for holding writing means such as pencil, marker or pens can be observed above the slot for holding paper.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective rear view of the preferred embodiment for the measuring device, showing with more detail some of the features of the invention described above. The [0025] slots 13 are arranged at both edges of the board 10 and jointed at the bottom by a third slot 13, forming a substantially open pocket. A paper card can be inserted on the slot13 to be kept in place and due to the open pocket 15 allows writing directly on the card and allows the card to be viewed by all of the players. In the embodiment shown, the clip 14 for holding the writing means is above top of open pocket 15 and below the hole 11 that serves as handle, but it is understood clip 14 can be placed in any convenient location on the device.
The [0026] protective attachment 12 is illustrated going down the backside of the tape measure 9, holding it in place. Other configurations can be used for the attachment such as curving half way around the tape measure or further down the back side and still remain within the scope of the invention. The bumper 8 holds the metal end 16 of the tape measure in position, ready for use.
If the device described on these figures is not in use, it can rest at the side of the green on its side so as not to obstruct the shots of the next golfer. [0027]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for measuring the distance from the cup hole on a golf green to a golf ball, comprising,

a pin fixedly attached to a disk,

a substantially rectilinear flat member, having a top section and lower section, fixedly secured to said disk,

said member having portions defining a channel in the said lower section attached to said disk, and

a tape measure generally fitting said channel.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the said pin fits into a standard golf hole cup.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the said device is made of plastic.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the said tape measurement is a 25 feet tape measure.

5. The device for measuring the distance from the cup hole on a golf green to a golf ball, comprising,

a pin fixedly attached to a disk,

a substantially rectilinear flat member, fixedly attached to said disk said member having a top section and a lower section and front surface and a rear surface,

a step fixedly attached to said disk,

said member rear surface having slots to hold paper cards,

said member rear surface having a clip for holding writing means,

said member having portions defining a channel in the said lower end attached to said disk,

a tape measure generally fitting said channel,

a semicircular piece attached to top region of said channel, and

said member having portions defining a hole in the said top end of said member.

6. The device according to claim 5 wherein said pin fits the into a standard golf hole cup.

7. The device according to claim 5 wherein the said device is made plastic.

8. The device according to claim 5 wherein said step is made of rubber.

9. The device according to claim 5 wherein the said tape measurement is a 25 foot tape measure.

10. The device according to claim 5 wherein said semicircular piece is made of PVC.