DEVICE FOR POSITIONING AND ORIENTING TEE-OFF MARKINGS

Abstract

Device for indicating marking positions on a ground surface of a golf course, which device is arranged facing the ground surface, wherein a plurality of beams of light rays are output by at least one light source, which beams of light rays are directed onto the ground surface from a high point spaced apart from the ground surface, wherein a plurality of patterns are projected on the ground surface by individual beams of light rays, wherein an individual beam of light rays characterizes an individual marking position by an individual pattern of the plurality of patterns, wherein each beam of light rays comprises a main axis, which main axis is oriented at an acute angle alpha, beta with respect to the ground surface and/or to a horizontal axis.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A device for positioning and aligning tee-markers for displaying marking positions on a ground of a golf course, the device being arranged on the ground, comprising: at least one light source configured to emit a plurality of bundles of light beams, the plurality of bundles of light beams being directed onto the ground from a high point spaced from the ground, which individual bundles of light rays project a plurality of patterns onto the ground, with a single bundle of light rays identifying a single marking position by a single pattern of the plurality of patterns; wherein each bundle of light beams comprises a main axis, the main axis being oriented at an acute angle to at least one of the ground and the horizontal axis, the marking position being for a tee-marker.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein a first acute angle of a first main axis and a second acute angle of a second main axis have a same magnitude.

22. The device according to claim 20, wherein the marking positions are arranged on the ground adjacent to different sides of the device.

23. The device according to claim 20, wherein the bundles of light rays are emitted in different directions.

24. The device according to claim 22, wherein the marking positions are arranged on the ground adjacent to opposite sides of the device.

25. The device according to claim 23, wherein the bundles of light rays are emitted in opposite directions.

26. The device according to claim 20, wherein at least one of a light beam guiding element and a light beam focusing element is arranged between the at least one light source and the ground, at least one of the light beams configured to pass through the at least one of the light beam guiding element and the light beam focusing element.

27. The device according to claim 20, wherein a first light source is configured to emit a first bundle of first light rays and a second light source is configured to emit a second bundle of second light rays.

28. The device according to claim 20, wherein a single light source is configured to emit several bundles of light beams.

29. The device according to claim 20, further comprising a sighting device fixedly or detachably arranged on the device for aligning the main axis of the light beam to a direction of play.

30. The device according to claim 20, further comprising a position determination device, the position determination device configured to determine a position of the device for positioning and aligning tee-markers and an orientation of the main axis of the light beam with respect to a coordinate system; wherein a direction of play is defined in the coordinate system, the main axis of the light beam being aligned with the direction of play.

31. The device according to claim 20, wherein the pattern comprises a direction indication parallel to a direction of play.

32. The device according to claim 20, further comprising a height adjusting device configured to adjust a distance between the ground and at least one of: the at least one light source; a light beam guiding element; and a light beam focusing element; wherein the height adjusting device is configured to adjust a marking position distance measured between the marking positions by changing a vertical distance of the device for positioning and aligning tee-markers to the ground; and wherein the height adjusting device is configured to be operated at least one of manually and by a drive system.

33. The device according to claim 20, further comprising an angle adjusting device configured to adjust the acute angle, the angle adjusting device being operable at least one of manually and by a drive, a marking position distance being adjustable by changing the acute angle of a main axis of the light beam.

34. The device according to claim 20, further comprising a display configured to display at least one of: a change or a value of the distance between the high point and the ground; a change or a value of the acute angle; a numerical value of the acute angle; and a marking position distance.

35. The device according to claim 20, wherein a lighting duration of the at least one light source is configured to be regulated by a time control unit.

36. The device according to claim 20, wherein the at least one light source is arranged on a carrier plate, the carrier plate being rotatably mounted in a lockable manner around at least one horizontal axis, so that the high points and the marking positions are arranged in a plane extending vertically, at an angle of 90 degrees to a direction of play.

37. The device according to claim 20, wherein the at least one light source is cooled by a cooling medium.

38. The device according to claim 20, wherein the at least one light source is arranged in a housing, the housing comprising light outlet openings made of a transparent material or recesses.

39. The device according to claim 20, wherein the at least one light source is configured to emit light with a plurality of colors, the plurality of colors being selectable by a user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] The invention is further explained with reference to the following embodiments shown in the figures:

[0071] FIG. 1 shows the basic system for displaying the marking positions using the device according to the invention through a side view,

[0072] FIG. 2 also shows the basic system and the patterns projected onto the ground through a top view,

[0073] FIG. 3 is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the device mounted on a photo or video tripod with a panning head,

[0074] FIG. 4 is an orthogonal opened view of the embodiment with gimbal mounting of the carrier with mounts for the light sources and the possibility of attaching non-contact vibration damping,

[0075] FIG. 5 is an orthogonal view of the embodiment with a gimbal suspension of the housing, with light sources mounted inside the housing either fixed or rotatable around a horizontal axis pointing in the direction of play,

[0076] FIG. 6 is a view of a carrier plate with light sources mounted rotatable about a horizontal axis pointing in the direction of play,

[0077] FIG. 7 shows a standardized mounting rail for a sighting device, which sighting device is used in other devices according to the state of the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] The embodiments shown in the Figures only show possible embodiments, although it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to these specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but combinations of the individual embodiment variants with one another and a combination of an embodiment with the general description given above are also possible. These other possible combinations do not have to be explicitly mentioned, since these other possible combinations are within the ability of the person skilled in the art working in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0079] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions in their own right. The task underlying the independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0080] In the Figures, the following elements are identified by the preceding reference numerals: [0081] 1 ground [0082] 2 first light source [0083] 3 second light source [0084] 4 first ray of light [0085] 5 second ray of light [0086] 6 device according to the invention [0087] 7 first high point [0088] 8 second high point [0089] 9 first marking position [0090] 10 second marking position [0091] 11 first distance projected onto the ground [0092] 12 second distance projected onto the ground [0093] 13 stand [0094] 14 marking position distance [0095] 15 carrier plate [0096] 16 axis [0097] 17 direction of play [0098] 18 vertical plane [0099] 19 alignment line [0100] 20 sighting device [0101] 21 another vertical beam of light [0102] 22 position vertically below the device [0103] 23 another inclined beam of light [0104] 24 light source for light beam 23 [0105] 25 locking means [0106] 26 third light source for the light beam 21 [0107] 27 direction point

[0108] FIG. 1 uses a sectional view with a vertical sectional plane to illustrate the system for displaying marking positions, which display system can be implemented with the device according to the invention. The device 6 according to the invention is used to display marking positions 9, 10 on a surface 1 of a golf course, wherein the device 6 according to the invention is arranged on the ground 1. The ground 1 can ideally be a flat and horizontally extending plane, as shown schematically in FIG. 1.

[0109] The device 6 according to the invention is used in particular to display marking positions 9, 10 to the left and right of the device 6, looking, for example, in a playing direction 17 described below. The device is arranged between the marking points 9, 10. This arrangement of the device essentially corresponds to the position of the member of the Committee, who, according to common teaching, defines the marking position to his left and right.

[0110] The device 6 comprises a first light source 2, which first light source 2 emits a first light beam 4. Furthermore, the device 6 comprises a second light source 3, which second light source 3 emits a second light beam 5.

[0111] In the Figures, a bundle of light rays is shown in a simplified manner as a light ray 4, 5, in particular as the main axis of the light rays, and is also described as such in the description of the figures. The term ray of light used in the description of the figures can also be understood as a bundle of light rays.

[0112] A bundle of light rays 4, 5 has a cross section that extends exclusively to the size of the marking position 9, 10.

[0113] The light beams 4, 5 are each directed onto the ground 1 from a high point 7, 8 defined by the light sources 2, 3. The light rays 4, 5 pass through the respective high point 7, 8; It is not mandatory that at least one light source 2, 3 forms the respective high point 7, 8. The person skilled in the art will recognize that the high point 7, 8 can also be defined by a light beam guiding element, not shown in FIG. 1.

[0114] By orienting the light sources 2, 3 or by setting up light beam guiding elements (not shown in FIG. 1), the respective light beam 4, 5 is directed onto the ground 1.

[0115] A pattern is projected onto the ground 1 by a light beam 4, 5. The pattern has a geometric shape which is suitable for identifying a clear The pattern may include, for example and not limitation, a dot shape or a cross shape. The pattern preferably does not have a surface area that exceeds the floor plan of a tee-marker or a projection area of a wall holding the tee-marker.

[0116] Furthermore, the expert uses a light beam 4, 5 with sufficient intensity so that the pattern on the ground 1 is clearly visible.

[0117] The user can arrange a tee-marker, not shown in FIG. 1, at the marking position 9, 10.

[0118] The embodiment sketched in FIG. 1 relates to the special form in which the marking positions 9, 10 are arranged adjacent to different sides, in particular to opposite sides of the device 6. Marking positions 9, 10 arranged to the left and right of the device according to the invention are thus generated using the device 6 according to the invention.

[0119] With the same height position of the high points 7, 8 and with the same angles alpha and beta, the distances projected onto the ground 1 between the high points 7, 8 and the marking positions 9, 10 are the same. A device 6 standing on a stand 13 on the surface 1 has a defined distance from the ground 1.

[0120] The high point 7, 8 is spaced from the ground 1. The light sources 2, 3 are aligned so that the main axis of the bundle of light rays, shown in FIG. 1 as a light beam 4, 5, encloses an acute angle alpha, beta to the ground 1.

[0121] Viewed in the direction of a light beam 4, 5, a light beam guiding element and/or light beam focusing element can be arranged between the light source 2, 3 and the ground 1. FIG. 1 does not show these elements. A light beam guiding element can, for example, allow the light source 2, 3 to emit the light beam in a direction other than the direction shown in FIG. 1 and for the light beam 4, 5 to be directed onto the ground 1 by means of the light beam guiding element.

[0122] The device 6 according to the invention, shown schematically in FIG. 1, is thereby characterized that the first light source 2 emits a first light beam 4 and the second light source 3 emits a second light beam 5. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a single light source is used and the two light beams are generated via a light splitter. Likewise, a single light source that emits two beams of light can be used.

[0123] The device 6 according to the invention can thereby be characterized that the high point 7, 8 can be adjusted by a height adjustment device, whereby a marking position distance 14, which marking position distance 14 is measured between two marking positions 9, 10, can be changed via a vertical distance of the device from the ground 1, which height adjustment device can be operated manually and/or by a drive system. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the length of the stand 13 is adjustable. The person skilled in the art knows other options for adjusting the height of the light sources 2, 3.

[0124] The stand 13 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be rammed into the ground, whereby a hole in the ground 1 can be created. Such a hole can be viewed as a mark of the position of the device 6, which mark allows the device 6 to be set up repeatedly at this position.

[0125] The device 6 according to the invention can further be characterized in that the output direction of the light beam 4, 5 described by the acute angle alpha, beta can be adjusted by an angle adjustment device, so that the pattern distance can be adjusted by changing the acute angle of a main axis, the angle adjustment device being manual and/or can be actuated by a drive system.

[0126] The user can combine the adjustment devices mentioned in an advantageous manner.

[0127] The device 6 according to the invention can thereby further be characterized that the light sources 2, 3 are arranged on a carrier plate 15, which carrier plate 15 is mounted so that it can be locked and rotated about at least one horizontal axis 16, so that the high points 7, 8 and the marking positions 9, 10 are arranged in a plane 18 extending vertically, at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of play 17.

[0128] FIG. 2 shows a view from above on the ground 1, which view includes, among other things, the markings 9, 10, 22 projected onto the ground 1.

[0129] The marking positions 9, 10 and the high points 7, 8 are arranged in a vertically extending plane 18, which vertical plane 18 is shown in FIG. 2 as a line representing the floor plan of the plane 18. Furthermore, the light beams 4, 5 and the axis 16 extend in this plane 18.

[0130] In the view shown from above, the marking positions 9, 10 are arranged adjacent to opposite sides of the device 6. The light beams 4, 5, in particular the horizontal component of the light beams 4, 5, are emitted in opposite directions. Marking positions 9, 10 arranged on the left and right of the device and on the ground are thus created.

[0131] The point 22 serves to identify the position of the device 6 on the ground. The point 22 can be generated by a further vertically aligned light beam 21 projected vertically onto the ground by the device 6, as can be seen in FIG. 3 The user can mark point 22 on the surface.

[0132] In a preferred application, the vertical plane 18 is arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to a direction of play 17. The device can include a sighting device 20, which sighting device 20 allows it to be aligned in the direction of play 17 and thus to align the plane 18 at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of play 17.

[0133] The direction of play 17 can include at least one horizontal component, to which horizontal component the plane 18 can be aligned at an angle of 90 degrees.

[0134] FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of a possible embodiment of the device 6 according to the invention. The device shown in FIG. 3 can be the device shown in FIG. 2.

[0135] The portable device 6 is mounted on three stands 13. Such stands 13 are known, for example, for mounting cameras and allow lockable height adjustment and/or inclination adjustment of the device 6. The inclination adjustment of the device 6 can, as described above, take place as an inclination of the device 6 about one axis or two axes, which axis or axes are not shown in FIG. 3.

[0136] The device 6 can be adjusted in height and/or in its inclination to the ground 1 via the tripod comprising the stands 13. This ensures that the light beams 4, 5 are projected onto the ground 1 to mark marking positions 9, 10, so that tee-markers (not shown in FIG. 3) can be set at the marking positions 9, 10.

[0137] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 comprises an optical sighting device 20, the invention disclosed here being in no way limited to optical sighting devices for aligning the device 6 in the direction of play 17. The person skilled in the art can also provide other devices for aligning the device 6 according to the invention.

[0138] The device 6 according to the invention can include a further output unit for outputting a further vertical light beam 21 for marking the point 22. The point 22 can serve to identify the position of the devices 6 according to the invention after the device 6 according to the invention has been moved. The use of the tripod with three supports advantageously allows the output of the further vertical light beam 21 for projecting the point 22 onto the ground 1.

[0139] The device 6 according to the invention can include a further output unit for outputting a further inclined light beam 23. The projection of the further inclined light beam 23 onto the ground 1 creates an alignment line 19 displayed on the ground 1. The device 6 can be aligned using the alignment line 19 as an alternative or in addition to the sighting device mentioned. The user can compare the orientation of the alignment line 19 with an imaginary direction of play 17 and, if necessary, change the orientation or location of the device 6.

[0140] A consistent height adjustment and inclination alignment can be achieved by a locking means. The tripod shown in FIG. 3 includes such a locking means.

[0141] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the device 6 according to the invention in a partially opened and in an open state. The device 6 according to the invention comprises a carrier plate 15, on which carrier plate 15 a first light source 2 for emitting a first light beam 4 is aligned at an acute angle alpha. The angle alpha is measured between the first light beam 4 and a horizontal. The horizontal can be parallel to the ground 1. The carrier plate 15 is gimbal-mounted to the axes 16, 16 and thus aligns itself by gravity. The device 6 can include locking means 25 for locking at least one degree of freedom.

[0142] The carrier plate 15 further comprises a third light source 26 for outputting the above-described light beam 21 and/or the light beam 23.

[0143] FIG. 5 shows the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in a closed view. The axes 16, 16 are external so that the user can observe alignment around these axes 16, 16.

[0144] FIG. 6 shows a possible embodiment of a mounting of light sources 3, 4 on the carrier plate 15. To set the acute angle alpha, beta, the light sources 3, 4 are mounted rotatable about an axis, which axis is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface of the carrier plate 15.

[0145] FIG. 7 shows a standardized mounting rail for a sighting device according to the state of the art, which mounting rail is used in other devices.