GOLF PUTTING GREEN CUP COVER

Abstract

A golf putting green cover system that secures to a putting green cup, covering the putting green cup opening. The golf putting green cup cover system may comprise a putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member and a golf putting green cup cover. The putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member is constructed and arranged to be insertable into a putting green cup which is placed within a surface, such as a golf course green or residential backyard. The putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member engages and secures to the putting green cup in a bottom up manner.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/579,080, entitled “GOLF PUTTING GREEN CUP COVER,” filed on Aug. 28, 2023. The contents of the above referenced application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to sports; to devices or systems for use in the sport of golf; to systems and devices for use in golf greens or areas using a putting green cup; and more particularly, to a golf putting green cup cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sport of golf is played by many all over the world. Golf courses exist in many communities all over the world. While the game includes simple play instructions, i.e., hit a ball into a cup in the least number of attempts, achieving success is not easy. As such, whether a professional, amateur, or socially amongst friends, players always looking to improve their golf games. Although hitting golf balls a distance along a fairway is important to the game, golf scores can be improved dramatically by improvement to one's putting ability. To this end, putting surfaces having a putting cup have been created to aid in improving a golfer's game. Putting surfaces having a putting cup are often found separate from the actual golf course, and can include in and around outdoor surfaces associated with a home (i.e., a backyard), county clubs, away from the actual golf course. Other businesses, such as restaurants or airports, may also include surfaces with putting green cups for use by their patrons. One of the issues surrounding these non-golf course associated putting greens are the need to use the surfaces having the putting green cup for non-putting reasons. For instance, the practice putting green cups are usually placed in one's backyard. When not in use, the “open” cup can be a danger. Injury can result when a person playing in the backyard is unaware of the location of putting green cup openings.

To avoid the “open” cup when not being used for a game of golf, golf covers have been designed to cover the golf cup putting green cup opening. Typically, the golf cup putting green cup cover uses an “over the top” approach. That is, the cover is designed to be and is simply placed on top of the golf cup putting green cup opening. This approach, while easy to use, can result in failure as the covers can be easily, and often times, unintentionally removed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and devices for use in golf greens or areas using a putting green cup. Embodiments of the invention relate to a golf putting green cover system that secures to a putting green cup from the bottom up. The golf putting green cup cover system may comprise a putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member and a golf putting green cup cover. The putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member is constructed and arranged to be insertable into a putting green cup which is placed within a surface (golf course green or backyard). The putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member engages and secures to the putting green cup in a bottom up manner.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the invention to provide a golf putting green cup cover.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide a golf putting green cover system constructed and arranged to be insertable into a putting green cup.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention golf putting green cover system that engages with a putting green cup in a bottom up manner.

It is a still further objective of the invention of the instant invention golf putting green cover system that secures to a putting green cup in a bottom up manner.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from following the description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a surface having an uncovered putting green cup;

FIG. 2 illustrates the surface shown in FIG. 1 with an embodiment of a golf putting green cover that secures to a putting green cup from the bottom up in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the golf putting green cover system that secures to a putting green cup;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf putting green cover system placed within a putting green cup;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a putting green cup;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the putting green cup;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member, shown in a first, fully extended position;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member, shown in a second, non-extended position;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member, shown in position between the first, fully extended position and the second, non-extended position;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an upper portion of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an upper portion of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a lower portion of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member;

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a cover;

FIG. 14 illustrates a surface of the cover having artificial blades of grass; and

FIG. 15 illustrates the green cup cover holding and adjustment member arranged so the upper portion is positioned below a first end of the putting green cup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Embodiments of a golf putting green cover that secures to a putting green cup from the bottom up, referred to generally as a golf putting green cup cover system 10, are provided, see

FIGS. 1-18. Referring specifically to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a surface 12, with grass blades 14 extending upwardly therefrom, and having a putting green cup 16. The surface 12 may be, for example, an actual golf course lawn, a backyard lawn, or synthetic material simulating a natural lawn. The putting green cup 16 is shown in an open position, wherein the opening 18 is not covered. In this position, a ball may roll into the opening 18, traveling to the bottom of the putting green cup 16. FIG. 2 illustrates the golf putting green cup cover system 10 engaged with the putting green cup 16, covering the opening 18. In this position, a ball would be prohibited from traveling to the bottom of the putting green cup 16. In addition, a person walking on or over the putting green cup 16 would not be in jeopardy of having a foot “fall in” to the bottom of the putting green cup 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, embodiments of components of the golf putting green cup cover system 10 are shown. The golf putting green cup cover system 10 may comprise a putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 (may also be referred to as a putting green cup cover supporting and positioning 20) and a golf putting green cup cover 22. The putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 is constructed and arranged to be insertable into the putting green cup 16, engaging and securing to the putting green cup 16 in a bottom up manner. The putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 is further constructed and arranged to receive and hold the golf putting green cup cover 22.

Referring to FIG. 4, the golf putting green cup cover system 10 is shown inserted into the putting green cup 16. The putting green cup 16 comprises a main body 24, illustrated herein as a rounded, continuous wall having a first end 26, an opposing second end 28, and a first, or outer surface 30; the first end comprising the opening 18. The rounded, continuous wall 24 partially encloses an interior region 32, which is defined by a second, or inner surface 34 of the main body 24, see FIG. 5. Towards the second, opposing end 28, the interior region 32 comprises a circumferential ring 33 having a plurality of inwardly sloping surfaces 36 (sloping or angled downwardly from the ring 33 or inner surface 34, toward the center of the interior region 32). Each of the inwardly sloping surfaces 36 are separated by an opening or cut-out portion 38. The inwardly sloping surfaces 36 form the upper surface of walls or fins 40, see FIG. 6, which extend towards the second end 28. Each of the plurality of inwardly sloping surfaces 36 and openings 38 terminate in a flag pole receiving member 42. The flag pole receiving member 42 is shown having a generally circular diameter, and a tubular shape. The center flag pole receiving member 42 may be defined by a body 44 extending a length between a first opening 46, and a second, opposing opening 48.

Preferably, the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 is configured to be height adjustable. However, such configuration is not required and embodiments of the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 can be non-adjustable, uniform size, or made of a single piece. Referring to FIGS. 7A-8, the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 is shown as an adjustable unit, having an upper portion 50 (may also be referred to as an upper portion member) and a lower portion 52 (may also be referred to as a lower portion member. The upper portion 50 is configured to engage with the cover 22. The lower portion 52 is configured to engage with the flag pole receiving member 42. Accordingly, the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 is adjustable so when the upper portion 50 is inserted into the lower portion 52, the positioning of the upper portion 50 is traversable, or movable, between a first, fully extended position, see FIG. 7A, and a second, non-extendable position, see FIG. 7B, or to any position between the first, fully extended position and the second, non-extendable position, see FIG. 7C.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the upper portion 50 comprises a body 54 having a first end 56 and a second, opposing end 58. A body length separates the first end 56 and the second, opposing end 58. The upper portion member body 54 is illustrated as having a generally cylindrical shape. Along the outer surface 60, the upper portion member body 54 comprises threading 62, illustrated herein as male or external threading. Attached to or integrally formed to the first end 56 is a cover receiving member 64. The cover receiving member 64 is configured to receive and hold the cover 22. The cover receiving member 64 is illustrated as a generally circular body 66 having a first surface 68 and a second surface 70.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the lower portion 52 comprises a body 72 having a first end 74 and a second, opposing end 76. A body length separates the first end 74 and the second, opposing end 76. The lower portion member body 72 is illustrated as having a generally cylindrical shape. The first end 74 comprises an opening 78, exposing an interior region having a lumen or passageway 80. The interior region having a lumen or passageway 80 is sized and shaped to receive and hold the upper portion member body 72. Internal threading 82, illustrated herein as female threading, is sized and shaped to engage with the threading 62 along the outer surface 60 of the upper portion member body 54. The second end 76 may also comprise an opening 84.

Positioned along the lower portion body 72 is a longitudinal positioning stop member 79, illustrated herein as a flange 81. The longitudinal positioning stop member 79 prevents the lower portion body 72 from being inserted too deep into center flag pole receiving member 42. The longitudinal positioning stop member 79 also provides stability by minimizing or preventing side to side movement. The flange 81 has a disc shaped body 83 extending from an outer surface 86 of the lower portion body 72. The disc shaped body 83 may be flat or have a sloping or angled surface or wall 88 (angled relative to a lower portion body longitudinal axis 90, see dashed arrows 92, FIG. 11). The sloping or angle of the sloping or angled surface or wall 88 is sized and shaped to correspond to the angle or slope of the plurality of inwardly sloping surfaces 36 of the putting green cup 16 to allow for proper seating when the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 is inserted into and rests within the putting green cup 16. A flag pole engaging portion 94, defined as a portion of the lower portion member body 72 between the flange 81 and the second, opposing end 76 is configured to be inserted into, and rest within the center flag pole receiving member 42 (via the first opening 46).

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the cover 22 is shown as a round, synthetic plastic membrane 96 having synthetic grass blades 98. The size and shape of the cover 22 is designed to fit on the cover receiving member 64. The cover 22 may include synthetic grass blades 98, or include a representation of other types of surfaces, such as cement, or wood, or may include symbols, text, logos, or other visualizations, such as pictures, or combinations thereof. The cover may be made of a martial(s), such as a plastic material, designed to look and/or feel like a another material, such as a concrete or a wood.

As the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 is configured to be adjustable, the cover receiving member 64 (and thus the location of the cover 22) can be adjusted to different heights within the putting green cup 16. FIG. 15 illustrates the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 arranged so the cover receiving member 64 is positioned below the first end 26. In this position, a cover 22 having a thicker plastic membrane 96 or synthetic grass blades 98 may be used. For a cover 22 having a thinner plastic membrane 96 or synthetic grass blades 98, the putting green cup cover holding and adjustment member 20 can be adjusted to position the cover receiving member 64 closer to the first end 26.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred should be understood that the invention as embodiments, it claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf putting green cup cover device, comprising:

a putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member comprising an upper portion member configured to hold a golf putting green cup cover and a lower potion member configured to engage with a flag pole receiving member of a putting green cup;

a longitudinal positioning stop member; and

a golf putting green cup cover sized and shaped to cover a golf putting hole.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said lower portion member of said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member comprises a first end, an opposing second end, an elongated body having longitudinal axis and separating said first end and said side and a flag pole engaging portion.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion member of said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member comprises a stem and a cover receiving member.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said longitudinal positioning stop member includes a disc-shaped body extending around a perimeter of said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member lower portion member.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said disc-shaped body include sloped or angled walls.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein said sloped or angled walls of said disc-shaped body include corresponds to a sloped or angled interior portion of said putting green cup.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member is traversable between a first, non-extendable position and a second, fully extended to position, or any position therebetween.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein said upper portion member of said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member comprises a stem sized and shaped to engage with or fit within said first end of said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member lower portion member.

9. The device according to claim 7, wherein said stem comprises threading.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member lower portion member comprises threading.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said golf putting green cup cover includes a material placed on an upper surface of said putting green cup cover supporting and positioning member upper portion member.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein said material is grass.

11. The device according to claim 11, wherein said grass is natural grass or synthetic grass.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein said material is cement or wood, or a material that looks like wood or cement.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein said material includes symbols, text, logos, visual representations, or combinations thereof.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein said a flag pole engaging portion is configured to be inserted into, and rest within said flag pole receiving member.