US20110136591A1

US20110136591A1 - Pin shot measuring device

Info

Publication number: US20110136591A1
Application number: US12/653,024
Authority: US
Inventors: Fred C. Podlogar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-07
Filing date: 2009-12-07
Publication date: 2011-06-09

Abstract

The purpose of this invention is to permit accurate determinations of the distance of a golf ball to a golf cup on a golf green. A golf pin shot measuring device is employed to fit within a golf cup. The golf pin shot measuring device has a string therein that may be locked in place to permit accurate determinations.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The purpose of this invention is to permit accurate determinations of the distance of a golf ball to a golf cup on a golf green.
2. Description of the Art Practices
U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,278 issued Oct. 2, 1990 to Hainey describes A pocket-sized divot repair tool which has two strong, thin metal prongs rigidly attached to a disc-shaped handle which contains a spool of very fine, high-strength, man-made line of substantial length fastened to a hookclamp which may be unsnapped from the handle, hooked around a golf flagstick and played out in order to measure relative distance to competing golf balls. The line is retrieved by opening a crank hinged to the spool, after which the crank is closed and the hook/clamp snapped back onto the handle locking itself and the spool firmly into place.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,839 issued to Krangle on Sep. 10, 1991 discloses a hand-held electro/optical range finder, sends discrete pulses of coherent light to a retroreflector which is mounted on a golf course pin. The time period required for the light pulses to traverse the distance between the golfer and the pin is converted into a distance measurement which is displayed to the golfer.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,823 issued Feb. 14, 2006 to Garza Sep. 10, 1991 recites a golf green reader includes a lens comprising a plurality of spaced, parallel lines and a line extending perpendicularly to the spaced, parallel lines. When the perpendicularly extending line is aligned with a golf ball resting on a golf green and the pin of the golf green, the spaced, parallel lines are used to read the slope or inclination of the golf green. The golf green reader includes a level for aligning the spaced, parallel lines horizontally and a handle for aligning the perpendicularly extending line with the golf ball and cup. The lens of the golf green reader further includes vertically spaced indicia useful in determining the distance within 150 yards to the pin of a golf green. A lanyard precisely positions the golf green reader relative to user thereof to facilitate an accurate reading of the distance of the pin.
United States published patent application 20060148595 naming Bostock as an inventor published Jul. 6, 2006. The Bostock application recites a telescopic distance marker includes attachment means for a cardholder and writing implement. The preferred embodiment has a magnetic attachment and a separate small wallet with metal studs or strip fixed to the bottom for attaching to the magnet. This wallet is high visibility and also doubles as a flag. Inside the wallet is a pencil, eraser and pre-printed cards to enable competitors in a golf competition to record their names. The pre-printed cards are heavy duty so that names written in pencil can be erased and the cards can be used again.
Shekell in United States Design patent D332,573 issued Jan. 19, 1993 provides an ornamental design for a measuring line spool housing for use in golf.
To the extent that the foregoing references are relevant to the present invention, they are herein specifically incorporated by reference. Certain portions of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is in a first aspect a golf pin shot measuring device 10 comprising:
a pin shot measuring device central region 12;
a pin shot measuring device upper section 40;
a pin shot measuring device lower section 90;
said pin shot measuring device central region 12 fixedly connected with a pin shot measuring device upper section 40;
said pin shot measuring device central region 12 intermediate between said pin shot measuring device upper section 40 and said pin shot measuring device lower section 90;
said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 rotatablely connected to said pin shot measuring device upper section 40; and,
a pin shot measuring device spool 140, for when in use receiving a pin shot measuring device string 60, fixedly connected to said pin shot measuring device lower section 90.
A further aspect of the invention is a golf pin shot measuring device 10 comprising:
a pin shot measuring device central region 12;
a pin shot measuring device upper section 40;
a pin shot measuring device lower section 90;
said pin shot measuring device central region 12 fixedly connected with said pin shot measuring device upper section 40;
said pin shot measuring device central region 12 intermediate between said pin shot measuring device upper section 40 and said pin shot measuring device lower section 90;
said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 rotatablely connected to said pin shot measuring device upper section 40;
said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 is connected with a pin shot measuring device crank arm 100;
a pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 is fixedly connected with said pin shot measuring device crank arm;
said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 has pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96, for when in use, to receive said pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102;
a pin shot measuring device spool 140 fixedly connected to said pin shot measuring device lower section 90;
a pin shot measuring device string 60 attached at a first end to said pin shot measuring device spool 140; and,
said pin shot measuring device central region 12 has a plurality of string locking channels 180, for when in use, to permit the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 to be inserted into one of said string locking channels 180.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the pin shot measuring device;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the pin shot measuring device;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pin shot measuring device;

FIG. 4 side view of a part of the pin shot measuring device pin shot measuring device;

FIG. 5 is a partial bottom plan view of the pin shot measuring device;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a part of the pin shot measuring device;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a part of the pin shot measuring device;

FIG. 8 is an alternate top plan view of the pin shot measuring device; and,

FIG. 9 is an alternate top plan view of the pin shot measuring device; With more particular reference to the drawings the following is set forth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As best seen in FIG. 1, is a pin shot measuring device 10. The first portion of the pin shot measuring device 10 is a pin shot measuring device central region 12. The pin shot measuring device central region 12 may be made of any convenient material including plastic, metal, or wood or combinations thereof. The pin shot measuring device central region 12 may be molded, stamped or cut to the desired shape.
At one end of the pin shot measuring device central region 12 is a pin shot measuring device tip 16. The opposite end of the pin shot measuring device central region 12 is a pin shot measuring device circular region 14. The pin shot measuring device central region 12 has an elongated body region between the pin shot measuring device central region 12 and the generally circular area. A pin shot measuring device tapered section 20 extends from the pin shot measuring device central region 12. Located on the pin shot measuring device central region 12 is a pin shot measuring device channel 26.
Also as seen in FIG. 1 is a pin shot measuring device upper section 40. The pin shot measuring device upper section 40 has a pin shot measuring device upper section outer surface 42. The pin shot measuring device upper section outer surface 42 as a pin shot measuring device dimpled region 48. A pin shot measuring device fastener 50 is shown centrally located on the pin shot measuring device upper section 40.
A pin shot measuring device upper section opening 54 is located in the pin shot measuring device upper section 40. The pin shot measuring device upper section opening 54 is conveniently positioned so as to extend through the pin shot measuring device upper section 40. Alternatively, the pin shot measuring device upper section opening 54 may be a notch in the edge of the pin shot measuring device upper section 40.
A pin shot measuring device string 60 is shown extending through the pin shot measuring device upper section opening 54. A pin shot measuring device end piece 70 is fixed at one end of the pin shot measuring device string 60. A pin shot measuring device end piece opening 76 extends through the pin shot measuring device end piece 70.
As seen in FIG. 7, a pin shot measuring device fastener channel 198 extends through the pin shot measuring device upper section 40. A pin shot measuring device upper section inner surface 206 partially defines a pin shot measuring device upper section chamber 210.
Turning to FIG. 2, there is seen the reverse side of the pin shot measuring device central region 12. FIG. 2 depicts the pin shot measuring device lower section 90 of the pin shot measuring device 10. The pin shot measuring device lower section 90 is a generally cylindrical component.
According to FIG. 6, a more detailed view of the pin shot measuring device central region 12 is shown. At one end of the pin shot measuring device central region 12 is circular region having a plurality of openings through the pin shot measuring device central region 12 labeled 180 a, 180 b, 180 c, and 180 d. The plurality of openings through the pin shot measuring device central region 12 surround a pin shot measuring device central region void 188.
Also shown in FIG. 6 are a pin shot measuring device central region retention channel 170, a pin shot measuring device central region retention channel 172, a pin shot measuring device central region retention channel 174, and a pin shot measuring device central region retention channel 176. The pin shot measuring device central region retention channels serve to fasten the pin shot measuring device central region 12 to the pin shot measuring device upper section 40.
As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are detailed views of the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. A pin shot measuring device lower section outer wall 92 surrounds the periphery of the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. The pin shot measuring device lower section outer wall 92 is preferably cylindrical to permit easy insertion into a golf hole. A pin shot measuring device lower section inner wall 94 is opposite the pin shot measuring device lower section outer wall 92.
A pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96 extends into the pin shot measuring device lower section 90 from the pin shot measuring device lower section outer wall 92. The pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96 ends before penetrating the pin shot measuring device lower section inner wall 94.
A pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 extends through the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. The pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 permits ease in rotating the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. The pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 is also rotatable in a channel through the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. The pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 has a spring-loaded mechanism (not shown) that permits movement in the channel through the pin shot measuring device lower section 90.
A pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 extends through the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100. The pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 may be swaged into a channel in the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100.
Alternatively, the pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 may be adhered to the channel in the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 or screwed into pin shot measuring device crank arm 100. While the pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 is shown extending completely through the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 it may be constructed such as it is only partially through the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100. The pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 is sized to fit within the pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96.
As seen in FIG. 5, a pin shot measuring device retaining mechanism 108 is attached to the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. The pin shot measuring device retaining mechanism 108 is conveniently an envelope like structure.
A pin shot measuring device marker retaining mechanism 110 is also attached to the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. A pin shot measuring device marker retaining mechanism 110 may alternatively be attached to the pin shot measuring device retaining mechanism 108. The pin shot measuring device marker retaining mechanism 110 is comprised of a pin shot measuring device wall 114 and a pin shot measuring device wall 116.
Together the pin shot measuring device wall 114 and the pin shot measuring device wall 116 form a pin shot measuring device wall channel 118. A marking device such as a pencil may be inserted into the pin shot measuring device wall channel 118.
Turning again to FIG. 4, a pin shot measuring device spool 140 is attached to the pin shot measuring device lower section 90. The pin shot measuring device spool 140 is a coaxially located on the pin shot measuring device lower section inner wall 94. The pin shot measuring device spool 140 has a pin shot measuring device arm 146 and a pin shot measuring device arm 148. A pin shot measuring device spool shaft 160 extends axially through the pin shot measuring device spool 140.
In use the pin shot measuring device spool shaft 160 is threaded and receives the pin shot measuring device fastener 50 through the pin shot measuring device fastener channel 198 to attach the pin shot measuring device upper section 40 to the pin shot measuring device lower section 90.
The pin shot measuring device 10 is assembled through pin shot measuring device central region retention channels 170, 172, 174, and 176 by screws to the pin shot measuring device upper section 40.
The pin shot measuring device lower section 90 is connected to the pin shot measuring device spool 140. The pin shot measuring device string 60 is fixed at one end to the 140. The pin shot measuring device string 60 is passed through the pin shot measuring device central region void 188 of the pin shot measuring device central region 12.
The pin shot measuring device string 60 exits through the pin shot measuring device upper section opening 54. The pin shot measuring device end piece 70 is then attached to the pin shot measuring device string 60.
In use, a first golfer hits a golf ball onto a golf green 300. The first golfer is the first to reach the golf green 300. The first golfer is entitled to win a prize or honor for being the first to reach the golf green 300. The first golfer then enters the first golfer's name on a sheet of paper and places that paper in the shot measuring device retaining mechanism 108. The first golfer may use a pencil attached to the pin shot measuring device marker retaining mechanism 110. The first golfer then places the pin shot measuring device 10 in the golf green 300 using the pin shot measuring device tip 16.
Thereafter, a second golfer and a third golfer each hit a golf shot onto a golf green 300. The second golfer and the third golfer each believe that they are closer to the golf cup 306 (or pin) than the first golfer. A neutral party then removes the pin shot measuring device 10 from where it was placed by the first golfer taking care to place a coin or other object in the original location of the pin shot measuring device 10.
The neutral party then takes the pin shot measuring device 10 to the golf cup 306. The pin shot measuring device lower section 90 is then placed in the golf cup 306 so that the pin shot measuring device lower section outer wall 92 is firmly against the golf cup outer wall 304 in the direction of the second golfer's golf ball. The pin shot measuring device central region 12 may be firmly connected to the golf green 300 by a golf tee 310 inserted through the pin shot measuring device channel 26.
The neutral party then unrolls the pin shot measuring device string 60 by gently pulling the second end a pin shot measuring device end piece 70 a sufficient distance until the second golfer's golf ball is reached. The very end of the pin shot measuring device end piece 70 is then allowed to touch the closest point of that golf ball to the golf cup 306.
A second neutral party then carefully removes the pin shot measuring device 10 from the golf cup 306 and turns the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 to the point where the pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 is longitudinally aligned with the pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96. Through the action of the spring in the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 the pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 is aligned urged into pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96.
The pin shot measuring device crank arm shaft 104 then engages one of the string locking channels 180 a-d and locks the pin shot measuring device string 60 in place. The second neutral party then replaces the pin shot measuring device 10 in the golf cup 306 and the first neutral party measures the distanced to the third golfer's golf ball as previously described.
If, for example, the second golfer's golf ball is closer to the hole than either the first golfer's golf ball or the third golfer's golf ball then the pin shot measuring device 10 is inserted into the golf green 300 as previously described. If the first golfer's golf ball is still the closest to the golf cup 306 then the pin shot measuring device 10 is returned to its prior location.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. In the alternative embodiment the pin shot measuring device circular region 14 diameter of the pin shot measuring device central region 12 is greater than that of the golf cup 306. In such an arrangement the pin shot measuring device central region 12 lies upon the golf green 300 while the pin shot measuring device lower section 90 is within the golf hole 306.
From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf pin shot measuring device 10 comprising:

a pin shot measuring device central region 12;

a pin shot measuring device upper section 40;

a pin shot measuring device lower section 90;

said pin shot measuring device central region 12 fixedly connected with a pin shot measuring device upper section 40;

said pin shot measuring device central region 12 intermediate between said pin shot measuring device upper section 40 and said pin shot measuring device lower section 90;

said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 rotatablely connected to said pin shot measuring device upper section 40; and,

a pin shot measuring device spool 140, for when in use receiving a pin shot measuring device string 60, fixedly connected to said pin shot measuring device lower section 90.

2. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 1, wherein said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 has a pin shot measuring device lower section outer wall 92.

3. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 2, wherein said pin shot measuring device lower section outer wall 92 is constructed to fit snuggly within a golf cup.

4. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 1, wherein said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 is connected with a pin shot measuring device crank arm 100.

5. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 4, wherein a pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 is fixedly connected with said pin shot measuring device crank arm.

6. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 5, wherein said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 has pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96, for when in use, to receive the pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102.

7. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 4, wherein said pin shot measuring device central region 12 has a pin shot measuring device tip 16, for when in use, to permit insertion of said golf pin shot measuring device 10 into a golf green.

8. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 1, wherein said pin shot measuring device central region 12 has a pin shot measuring device channel 26, for when in use to receive a golf green fixing mechanism.

9. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 1, further comprising a pin shot measuring device string 60 attached at a first end to said pin shot measuring device spool 140.

10. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 9, wherein said pin shot measuring device string 60 has attached at a second end a pin shot measuring device end piece 70 having a pin shot measuring device end piece opening 76, for when in use, to receive a golf green fixing mechanism.

11. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 1, wherein said pin shot measuring device central region 12 is cylindrical and has an outer diameter greater than a golf cup.

12. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 4, wherein said pin shot measuring device central region 12 has a plurality of string locking channels 180, for when in use, to permit the pin shot measuring device crank arm shaft 104 to be inserted into one of said string locking channels 180.

13. A golf pin shot measuring device 10 comprising:

a pin shot measuring device central region 12;

a pin shot measuring device upper section 40;

a pin shot measuring device lower section 90;

said pin shot measuring device central region 12 fixedly connected with said pin shot measuring device upper section 40;

said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 rotatablely connected to said pin shot measuring device upper section 40;

said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 is connected with a pin shot measuring device crank arm 100;

a pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102 is fixedly connected with said pin shot measuring device crank arm;

said pin shot measuring device lower section 90 has pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece slot 96, for when in use, to receive said pin shot measuring device crank arm cross piece 102;

a pin shot measuring device spool 140 fixedly connected to said pin shot measuring device lower section 90;

a pin shot measuring device string 60 attached at a first end to said pin shot measuring device spool 140; and,

said pin shot measuring device central region 12 has a plurality of string locking channels 180, for when in use, to permit the pin shot measuring device crank arm 100 to be inserted into one of said string locking channels 180.

14. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 13, wherein said pin shot measuring device central region 12 has a pin shot measuring device circular region 14 with an outer diameter greater than a golf cup.

15. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 13, wherein said pin shot measuring device central region 12 has a pin shot measuring device tip 16, for when in use, to permit insertion into a golf green.

16. The golf pin shot measuring device 10 according to claim 13, wherein said pin shot measuring device string 60 has attached at a second end a pin shot measuring device end piece 70 having a pin shot measuring device end piece opening 76, for when in use, to receive a golf green fixing mechanism.