Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Target or obstacle
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-11
2001-07-31
Graham, Mark S. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Target or obstacle
C473S175000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267688
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES
The present invention was first disclosed in the Disclosure Document filed on Mar. 1, 1999. There have been no previously filed, nor any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to golf course equipment, and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Having attained the status as one of the leading leisure time outdoor sporting activities in America today, the game of golf enlists participants of all ages. In hitting the links, one not only enjoys the satisfaction of getting out in the fresh air and playing the game, they also gain the benefit of exercise in swinging the clubs and walking what can amount to several miles.
Golf course managers, trying to generate new business, continually trying to attract new members to their courses. One way to accommodate new and differently skilled golfers is to provide differently located holes on the greens for various levels of skill.
However, multiple holes pose problems, not the least of which is the damage to the greens and the time to auger out and place the new cups. Once a hole is placed, it is there until it is filled. Other sports also require holes in the playing surfaces such as for baseball backstops, soccer goals, goal posts and the like. Again, once these holes are placed, they are difficult to quickly fill. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which one can provide for permanent holes on playing surfaces for the use of stanchion mounted equipment or the placement of multiple golf cups on greens that can be covered when not in use.
In the related art, several devices are disclosed that describe a putting practice device which decreases the diameter of the hole. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,919, issued in the name of Hoyt et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,004, issued in the name of Wilson, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,891, issued in the name of Owen, Jr. et al.
Several patents describe a golf cup cover and putting aid including a small central opening large enough for a golf ball to enter. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,078,394, issued in the name of Kretz, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,698, issued in the name of Troiano.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,371, issued in the name of Huston et al., discloses an indoor golf hole, installation method, and cover plate to cover the hole when not in use.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,397, issued in the name of Van Holt, Jr., describes a device for reducing the diameter of a golf hole and simultaneously increasing its visibility.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,612,291, issued in the name of Jackson, discloses an indoor golf game with a metal plug to cover the golf hole when not in use.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that anticipate directly many features of the instant invention. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method which overcomes the problems cited above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens and the like that provides for permanent holes on playing surfaces for the use of stanchion mounted equipment or the placement of multiple golf cups on greens that can be covered when not in use.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus and method for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens and the like is disclosed, designed as a system and method by which holes in natural or synthetic playing surfaces can be created and then covered when not in use.
The present invention comprises an insert, of a generally linearly elongated, cylindrical, hollow configuration. One end of the insert is open. Insert holes are located on the other end to allow water to pass out of the insert.
It is envisioned that the insert is placed permanently into the ground at a location where a hole is desired.
A pointed protrusion, being of a generally flat, rectangular configuration, with a knife edge, prohibits the insert from rotating once the insert is placed in the ground.
The insert is designed to be used as a golf cup on a green or with stanchion supports for other sporting equipment that may be used with soccer, baseball, football, and the like. As such, the depth and radial diameter of the insert may vary depending on its application.
It is envisioned that a flat, circular cap screws into the top of the insert.
The cap has a covering of synthetic grass which matches the surrounding surface area. The thickness and density of the synthetic grass is designed to mimic the surrounding surface.
The cap is screwed onto and off of the insert via cap rotation means. As the cap is screwed on and off the insert, the pointed protrusion on the insert keeps the insert from rotating.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that allows for multiple holes on one golf green.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that quickly covers and uncover the holes used in golf or to support sporting equipment.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an insert that will not rotate over time or when the cap is removed or placed on the insert.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used for virtually every sport.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be for highway safety purposes by securing reflective signs, stanchions, etc.
Other objects of the present invention include providing an apparatus that is strong, durable and light weight.
DESCRIPTIVE KEY
10
apparatus and method for the
creation and covering of holes on
golf greens and the like
20
insert
25
insert hole
27
auger tool
30
pointed protrusion
40
golf green
50
sporting equipment
60
cap
70
external threads
80
internal threads
90
covering
95
synthetic grass
100
cap rotation means
105
cap hole
107
T-wrench
REFERENCES:
patent: 947819 (1910-02-01), Hinckley
patent: 1041081 (1912-10-01), Hinckley
patent: 3612287 (1971-10-01), Maltese
patent: 3772841 (1973-11-01), Barak et al.
patent: 3870301 (1975-03-01), Brisendine
patent: 5382018 (1995-01-01), Browne
patent: 2030219 (1993-04-01), None
patent: 238383 (1925-08-01), None
U.S. Patent No. 5,857,919* issued in the name of Hoyt et al. on Jan. 12, 1999.
U.S. Patent No. 5,776,004* issued in the name of Wilson on Jul. 7, 1998.
U.S. Patent No. 5,524,891* issued in the name of Owen, Jr. on et al. Jun. 11, 1996.
U.S. Patent No. 5,078,394** issued in the name of Kretz on Jan. 7, 1992.
U.S. Patent No. 4,280,698** issued in the name of Troiano.
U.S. Patent No. 5,427,371* issued in the name of Huston et al. on Jan. 27, 1995.
U.S. Patent No. 5,415,397* issued in the name of Van Holt, Jr. on May 16, 1998.
U.S. Patent No. 1,612,291* issued in the name of Jackson on Dec. 28, 1926.
Graham Mark S.
Gugliotta John D.
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