GOLF BALL ELEVATOR

Abstract

A golf ball elevator facilitates retrieval of a golf ball by a golfer after the golfer strokes the golf ball into a golf hole cup on a putting green of a golf course.

Claims

1. A system to facilitate retrieval of a golf ball after the ball is stroked by a golfer into a golf hole cup, comprising: a golf ball elevator mounted to the golf hole cup, comprising: a motorized telescoping shaft assembly, the motorized telescoping shaft assembly having a telescoping shaft, a motor coupled to the telescoping shaft, and a motor control coupled to the motor to control activation of the motor; a cylindrical cup element to receive and retain a golf ball stroked into the golf hole cup, the cylindrical cup element having an aperture through which a flagstick assembly may be extended into an aperture comprising the golf hole cup to retain the flagstick assembly in the golf hole cup; a plate attached to the telescoping shaft, the plate having an aperture through which the flagstick assembly may be extended into the aperture comprising the golf hole cup to retain the flagstick assembly in the golf hole cup; at least one spring interconnected between the cylindrical cup element and the plate to mount the cylindrical cup element to the plate; and a switch mounted to the plate and connected to the motorized telescoping shaft assembly and coupled to the motor control, wherein the switch is actuated when the weight of a golf ball in the cylindrical cup element causes the at least one spring to be compressed to actuate the switch to activate the motor control to cause the motor to extend the telescoping shaft to raise the cylindrical cup element containing the golf ball until the telescoping shaft is fully extended and wherein the switch is deactuated when the golf ball is retrieved from the cylindrical cup element to cause the at least one spring to decompress to deactuate the switch to activate the motor control to cause the motor to retract the telescoping shaft to lower the cylindrical cup element into the golf hole cup until the telescoping shaft is fully retracted; wherein the motorized telescoping shaft assembly causes the cylindrical cup element and the plate to move axially with respect to a center axis of the flagstick assembly when the flagstick assembly is retained in the aperture of the golf hole cup without raising or lowering the flagstick assembly.

2. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein the golf ball cup is a cylindrical golf hole cup comprising a webbing structure formed by web elements projecting inwardly from an inner cylindrical cup wall and having voids formed between the web elements and a center cylindrical aperture formed to retain the flagstick assembly, wherein the flagstick assembly may be slid into and out of the center cylindrical aperture, wherein the golf ball may fall into the golf hole cup while the flagstick assembly is retained in the golf hole cup, and wherein the telescoping shaft extends through one of the voids for attachment to the plate.

3. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising at least one battery connected to the motorized telescoping shaft assembly to supply power to the motor.

4. A system as recited in claim 3 wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable, and further comprising a connector connected to the at least one battery and adapted to be coupled to a power source to supply power to charge the at least one battery.

5. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising wiring connected to the motorized telescoping shaft assembly, wherein the wiring is connected to a power source to supply power to the motor.

6. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a processor connected to the motorized telescoping shaft assembly and at least one of a display and loudspeaker integrated with the telescoping shaft, and wherein the processor controls messaging produced by the display and sound produced by the loudspeaker.

7. A system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a housing, and wherein the golf ball elevator is mounted in the housing.

8. A system to facilitate retrieval of a golf ball after the ball is stroked by a golfer into a golf hole, comprising: a golf ball elevator mounted in the golf hole, comprising: a housing; a motor mounted in the housing; a rod mounted in the housing; a shaft, wherein the rod is disposed in the interior of the shaft so that the shaft is mounted on the rod for rectilinear movement along the rod; coupling means to couple the motor to the shaft to raise and lower the shaft; a cylindrical cup element to receive and retain a golf ball stroked into the golf hole, the cylindrical cup element having an aperture through which a flagstick assembly may be extended into an aperture comprising a golf hole cup to retain the flagstick assembly in the golf hole cup; a plate attached to the shaft, the plate having an aperture through which the flagstick assembly may be extended into the aperture comprising the golf hole cup to retain the flagstick assembly in the golf hole cup; at least one spring interconnected between the cylindrical cup element and the plate to mount the cylindrical cup element to the plate; and a switch mounted to the plate and connected to the motor, wherein the switch is actuated when the weight of a golf ball in the cylindrical cup element causes the at least one spring to be compressed to actuate the switch to activate the motor to raise the cylindrical cup element containing the golf ball until the shaft is fully extended and wherein the switch is deactuated when the golf ball is retrieved from the cylindrical cup element to cause the at least one spring to decompress to deactuate the switch to activate the motor to lower the cylindrical cup element into the golf hole; wherein the golf ball elevator causes the cylindrical cup element and the plate to move axially with respect to a center axis of the flagstick assembly when the flagstick assembly is retained in the aperture of the golf hole cup without raising or lowering the flagstick assembly.

9. A system as recited in claim 8, further comprising a limit switch, and wherein the motor is activated to elevate the cylindrical cup element containing the golf ball until the limit switch deactuates the motor when the shaft is fully extended and wherein the motor is activated to lower the cylindrical cup element when the golf ball is retrieved until the limit switch deactivates the motor when the shaft is fully retracted.

10. A system as recited in claim 8 wherein the motor has a motor shaft and the coupling means comprises gear teeth formed along a length of the exterior of the shaft, a gear connected to the motor shaft, and a worm wheel to couple the gear teeth formed along the length of the exterior of the shaft and the gear connected to the motor shaft, and further comprising a limit switch and a projection on the shaft to actuate the limit switch when the shaft is fully extended or fully retracted.

11. A system as recited in claim 8 wherein the motor has a motor shaft and the coupling means comprises a first pulley connected to the motor shaft, a mast mounted in the housing, a second pulley mounted to the mast, and a belt or cable to interconnect the first and second pulleys, and further comprising a limit switch and a cleat attached to the belt or cable to actuate the limit switch when the shaft is fully extended or fully retracted.

12. A system as recited in claim 8 wherein the golf ball elevator is integrated with the golf hole cup.

13. A system as recited in claim 8, further comprising at least one battery connected to the motor to supply power to the motor.

14. A system as recited in claim 13 wherein the at least one battery is rechargeable, and further comprising a connector connected to the at least one battery and adapted to be coupled to a power source to supply power to charge the at least one battery.

15. A system as recited in claim 8, further comprising wiring connected to the motor, wherein the wiring is connected to a power source to supply power to the motor.

16. A system as recited in claim 8, further comprising a processor connected to the motor and at least one of a display and loudspeaker integrated with the shaft, and wherein the processor controls messaging produced by the display and sound produced by the loudspeaker.

17. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein the shaft is cylindrical.

18. A system as recited in claim 16 wherein the shaft is square.

19. A system as recited in 6 wherein the messaging comprises advertising.

20. A system as recited in 16 wherein the messaging comprises advertising.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0015] The various examples of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying figures of the drawing to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. In the drawing:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional golf course flag and golf hole cup assembly.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of a conventional golf hole cup.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf ball elevator in accordance with a preferred example of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf ball elevator in accordance with an alternative example of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golf ball elevator in accordance with another alternative example of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 are described above. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the prior art as represented by a conventional USGA golf hole cup.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the golf ball elevator in accordance with a preferred example of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a golf ball elevator assembly 300 which is portable from one location of golf hole 11 to another (from place to place) on a golf course putting green. The golf ball elevator assembly 300 preferably comprises a rechargeable battery(ies) 440 to be charged before a round of golf is played so that the charge will be sufficient to last an entire day of golf. The battery(ies) 440 may be charged through an electrical connector 442, which can be plugged into a battery charger connected to a source of electrical power, such as an electrical outlet (not shown). Alternatively, the battery(ies) 440 can be charged using electrical power produced by solar cells (solar power).

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the golf ball elevator assembly 300 comprises a motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302 having a telescoping shaft 312 which can be driven up and down. That is, the motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302, which is powered by the battery(ies) 440 is transferred to the telescoping shaft 312, raising or lowering the telescoping shaft. The motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302 may be mounted to the conventional golf hole cup 20 such that the telescoping shaft 312 may extend through one of the voids 25 in the webbing structure of the conventional golf hole cup.

[0024] The golf ball elevator assembly 300 also comprises a cylindrical cup element 410 to receive and retain a golf ball 444 stroked into the golf hole 11. The cylindrical cup element 410 has an aperture 411 through which the flagstick 12 may be extended into the aperture 22 of the conventional golf ball cup 20 shown in FIG. 2. The cylindrical cup element 410 is mounted by springs 418 to a plate 421 which is attached to the telescoping shaft 312. The plate 421 has an aperture 422 through which the flagstick 12 may be extended into the aperture 22.

[0025] An electrical switch 428 connected to the motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302 by electrical wiring 424 is mounted to the plate 421 and is actuated when the weight of the golf ball 444 in the cylindrical cup element 410 causes the springs 418 to be compressed to actuate the motorized telescoping shaft assembly to elevate the cylindrical cup element containing the golf ball until the motorized telescoping shaft assembly is deactuated when the telescoping shaft 312 is fully extended.

[0026] The springs 418 have a spring constant equivalent to the tension force of the weight of the golf ball 444. Consequently, when a golfer strokes his or her golf ball 444 into the golf hole 11, the springs 418 are compressed to actuate the switch 428 to cause the motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302 to raise the cylindrical cup element 410 containing the golf ball 444 three or four feet or any comfortable height with the aid of the shaft 312. For example, the cylindrical cup element 410 containing the golf ball 444 may be elevated to a distance which is preferably three feet above the surface of the putting green. The golfer may then conveniently and comfortably remove his or her golf ball 444 from the cylindrical cup element 410. When the golfer removes his or her golf ball 444 from the cylindrical cup element 410, the springs 418 are in tension, and the switch 428 is switched so that the motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302 is actuated to lower the cylindrical cup element 410 and plate 421 assembly with the aid of the telescoping shaft 312.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the golf ball elevator assembly 300 comprises the housing 430 which is portable and can be moved to any putting green or to different locations on a putting green of a golf course. The motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302 and battery(ies) 440, are preferably mounted in the housing 430 for waterproof protection and portability.

[0028] Because the shaft 312 can be telescopic, the length of the golf ball elevator assembly 300 can be approximately one foot. This enables the golf ball elevator assembly 300 to be portable for use on golf courses. The motorized telescoping shaft assembly 302 can be implemented by modifying a motorized antenna module such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,162 or a commercially available Model PA-03 fully automatic mini power antenna marketed by Retro Manufacturing, LLC, located in Henderson, Nev.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf ball elevator in accordance with an alternative example of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a golf ball elevator assembly 400 which is portable from one location of the golf hole 416 to another (from place to place) on a putting green. The golf ball elevator assembly 400 preferably comprises a rechargeable battery(ies) 440, to be charged before a round of golf is played so that the charge will be sufficient to last an entire day of golf. The battery(ies) 440 may be charged through an electrical connector 442, which can be plugged into a battery charger connected to a source of electrical power, such as an electrical outlet (not shown). Alternatively, the battery(ies) 440 can be charged using electrical power produced by solar cells (solar power).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft of a motor 414 is connected to a gear 438A. A shaft 412 has gear teeth 438C formed along the length of the shaft. The gear 438A is coupled to the gear teeth 438C by a gear 438B. For example, the gear 438B may be a worm wheel utilized to couple the gear 438A and the gear teeth 438C formed along the length of the shaft 412 so that the shaft can be driven up and down. That is, the motor 414 has the gear 438A, and the shaft 412 has gear teeth 438C coupled by the worm wheel 438B, so that rotation of the shaft of the motor 414, which is powered by the battery(ies) 440, is transferred to the shaft 412, raising or lowering the shaft 412.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the shaft 412 may be cylindrical. A rod 446 mounted to the base of a housing 430 extends interior of the cylindrical shaft 412. The rod 446 constrains the movement of the shaft 412 to be rectilinear alone the length of the rod 446.

[0032] The golf ball elevator assembly 400 also comprises a cylindrical cup element 410 to receive and retain a golf ball 444 stroked into the golf hole 416. The cylindrical cup element 410 has an aperture 411 through which a flagstick 413 may be extended into an aperture 415 which is preferably the same as the aperture 22 of the conventional golf hole cup 20 shown in FIG. 2. The cylindrical cup element 410 is mounted by springs 418 to a plate 421 which is attached to the shaft 412. The plate 421 has an aperture 422 through which the flagstick 413 may be extended into the aperture 415.

[0033] An electrical switch 428 connected to the motor 414 by electrical wiring 424 is mounted to the plate 421 and is actuated when the weight of the golf ball 444 in the cylindrical cup element 410 causes the springs 418 to be compressed to actuate the motor 414 to drive the gear 438A connected to the shaft of the motor and meshed with the worm wheel 438B which in turn is meshed with the gear teeth 438C along the length of the shaft 412 to elevate the cylindrical cup element containing the golf ball until a limit switch 423 actuated by a projection 425 at the base of the shaft deactuates the motor when the shaft is fully extended.

[0034] The springs 418 have a spring constant equivalent to the tension force of the weight of the golf ball 444. Consequently, when a golfer strokes his or her golf ball into the golf hole 416, the springs 418 are compressed to actuate the switch 428 that causes the golf ball elevator assembly 400 to raise the cylindrical cup element 410 containing the golf ball 444 three or four feet or any comfortable height with the aid of the shaft 412. For example, the cylindrical cup element 410 containing the golf ball 444 may be elevated to a distance which is preferably three feet above the surface of the putting green. The golfer may then conveniently and comfortably remove the golf ball 444 from the cylindrical cup element 410. When the golfer removes his or her golf ball 444 from the cylindrical cup element 410, the springs 418 are in tension, and the switch 428 is switched so that the motor 414 is actuated to lower the cylindrical cup element 410 and plate 421 assembly with the aid of the shaft 412.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the components of the golf ball elevator assembly 400 comprise the housing 430 which is portable and can be moved to any putting green or to different locations on a putting green of a golf course. The motor 414, battery(ies) 440, gear assembly 438A-C, limit switch 423, shaft 412, and rod 446 are preferably mounted in the housing 430 for waterproof protection while maintaining portability.

[0036] The golf ball elevator assembly 400 including the housing 430 can be constructed from any kind or combination of materials, for example, metal or plastic or any other materials that are suitable. Preferably, materials are selected which are lightweight so that the golf ball elevator assembly 400 can be easily carried and moved around. With the golf ball elevator assembly 400 shown in FIG. 4, there is no change to the golf course above ground. The hole 416 in the putting green is made to accommodate the golf ball elevator assembly 400. A deeper cylindrical hole 416 can be made the diameter of golf hole cup 416 to a depth of three to four feet under the surface of the golf course to accommodate the housing 430.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows another alternative example of a golf ball elevator assembly 500. The golf ball elevator assembly 500 comprises the cylindrical cup element 410 to receive and retain the golf ball 444 stroked into the golf hole 416. The cylindrical cup element 410 is mounted by the springs 418 to the plate 421 which is attached to a shaft 512. The switch 428 is mounted to the plate 421 and is connected by the electrical wiring 424 to the motor 414. The plate 421 is attached to the shaft 512 within which the rod 446 extends.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the shaft of the motor 414 is attached to a pulley 534A. The pulley 534A is coupled by a belt or cable 532 to a pulley 534B mounted to a mast 535 mounted to and extending from the bottom of the housing 430. A cleat 536 connects the shaft 512 to the belt or cable 532 to move the shaft to raise and lower the cylindrical cup element 410 and plate 412 assembly.

[0039] The electrical switch 428 connected to the motor 414 by electrical wiring 424 is mounted to the plate 421 and is actuated when the weight of the golf ball 444 in the cylindrical cup element 410 causes the springs 418 to be compressed to actuate the motor to drive the pulley 534A connected to the shaft of the motor coupled by the belt or cable 532 to the pulley 534B to elevate the cylindrical cup element containing the golf ball until the limit switch 423 is actuated by the cleat 536 to deactuate the motor when the shaft 512 is fully extended.

[0040] The springs 418 have a spring constant equivalent to the tension force of the weight of the golf ball 444. Consequently, when a golfer strokes his or her golf ball into the golf hole 416, the springs 418 are compressed to actuate the switch 428 that causes the golf ball elevator assembly 400 to raise the cylindrical cup element 410 containing the golf ball 444 three or four feet or any comfortable height with the aid of the shaft 512. For example, the cylindrical cup element 410 containing the golf ball 444 may be elevated to a distance which is preferably three feet above the surface of the putting green. The golfer may then conveniently and comfortably remove the golf ball 444 from the cylindrical cup element 410. When the golfer removes his or her golf ball 444 from the cylindrical cup element 410, the springs 418 are in tension, and the switch 428 is switched so that the motor 414 is actuated to lower the cylindrical cup element 410 and plate 421 assembly with the aid of the shaft 512 coupled to the belt or cable 532 driven by the pulleys 534A and 534B. Preferably, all of the components are mourned in the housing 430 for waterproof protection and portability.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the motor 414 can be connected by wiring 520 to a power source such as an electrical power outlet (not shown), instead of a battery(ies) to supply power to the motor 414. Also, a computer cable 522 can extend through the housing 430 to connect a processor (CPU) 526 to the motor 414. The golf ball elevator assembly 500 can be connected to all eighteen holes with electrical wiring 520 and computer cable 522 to the CPU 526. When a golfer scores, the shaft 512 is raised three to four feet. This makes it easy for other golfers and fans in an audience to know that the golfer scored, because many spectators are far away from the hole.

[0042] The various examples of the golf ball elevator in accordance with the present invention have many advantages. The golf ball elevator including the motorized telescoping shaft 312 or the motor 414 and shaft 412 or 512 enable a golfer to retrieve his or her golf ball easily at a comfortable height, reducing the risk of stumbling and/or falling down when retrieving the golf ball from the golf hole cup.

[0043] Additionally, the golf ball elevator in accordance with the present invention can be installed on all golf course holes, and all of the eighteen holes can be connected to each other with electrical wiring 520 and computer cable 522 connected to a main CPU 526 to track play on the golf course and control advertising, displaying a company name and logo or other branding, or messaging. The golf ball elevator incorporated into the golf hole cup being the prime spot of the golf course to focus all eyes from fans makes this the prime location for advertising and/or messaging with the aid of the golf ball elevator. In accordance with one example, the golf ball elevator can be utilized as a sign board for advertising when in the raised position. In accordance with another example, the golf ball elevator can incorporate a digital display element mounted to the shaft 312, 412, or 512 which can be computer controlled to display digital images. For example, the shaft 412 or 512 can be formed with four sides (square) having digital displays to facilitate digital images used for advertising when in the raised position. Additionally, a loudspeaker can be incorporated into the golf ball elevator, and the CPU 526 can supply the loudspeaker with audio for music before and after the golf match, for example, the fourth of July and Christmas, and/or broadcast announcements during the golf match.

[0044] Also, the shaft 312, 412, or 512 can incorporate a computer controlled display to display which score was achieved by the golfer who stroked his or her golf ball into the golf hole cup, e.g., a hole in one, eagle, birdie, bogie, double bogie, etc. The computer controlled display incorporated into the shaft 312, 412, or 512 can also display images to instruct how to play the game of golf so that spectators and viewers of televised tournaments can more easily understand golf.

[0045] The examples described above are provided by way of example only, and various modifications which will be apparent to persons skilled in the art are contemplated. For example, the golf ball elevator may be powered by a pneumatic motor or hydraulic motor. Also, the golf ball elevator may alternatively be remotely controlled by computer. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention can only be ascertained with reference to the appended claims.