DEVICE FOR POSITIONING AND ALIGNING TEE-OFF MARKER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention discussed below relates to a device for displaying the positions of tee markers on the surface of a golf course. Hereinafter, the position of a tee marker displayed using the device according to the invention will be referred to as the marker position.

[0003] The teeing area is the area of ​​a golf course from which a golfer begins their round at the start of a hole. The teeing area is rectangular in shape and two club-lengths deep. Its front boundary is defined by the line between the foremost points of two tee markers placed by the tournament officials. The back area is defined by extending the lines from the outermost points of the tee markers two club-lengths backward.

[0004] Within the scope of the disclosure of the invention, a playing direction is defined as the direction in which the player hits the ball or in which direction the player hits or intends to hit the ball with a reasonable probability.

[0005] Research has revealed that a device is known from DE102005203510A1 that is intended to assist in placing tee markers on golf courses. This is achieved by aligning the device in the direction of play and using lasers or poles to indicate the direction in which the tee markers should be positioned. Laser beams or poles are guided parallel to the ground above the surface, but this does not indicate a defined distance between the tee markers. This is only possible with telescopic or removable poles of a defined length. Since the distance between the tee markers is typically about four to six meters, the device can only be practically transported between teeing areas with the telescopic poles retracted or removed. This means that the poles would have to be readjusted for each tee shot, which introduces inaccuracies.Aligning the tee markers with the direction of play is not possible with this device. This is probably the reason why this device is practically never used.

[0006] The device described in AT507753A1, while related to golf, is not used for course preparation but rather as a training device that measures parameters of the golf swing. The device uses lights to mark the foot and ball position but is not suitable for positioning tee markers.

[0007] Documents DE 102007030989A1, DE29716316U1, DE102007039341A1, DE102007039342A1 and US000003936197A describe devices that use light or laser beams, but cannot be used as described for positioning the tee markers.

[0008] US8690715 discloses a lighting device for projecting field markings onto a playing field. According to established doctrine, such field markings are, for example, those used in... Figure 1 US8690715 is clearly not suitable for identifying a unique position. Therefore, US8690715 cannot be considered a document defining the state of the art.

[0009] US11161028 does not disclose a device for determining two points by guiding light beams from a high point to marking positions, wherein the principal axes of the light beams have similar or equal angles to the ground or to a horizontal axis. Unlike the patent application discussed below, the teaching of US11161028 is not limited to creating marking positions at equal or similar distances from the device.

[0010] US20080254920 discloses the display of playing field markings. Like US8690715, US20080254920 does not constitute relevant prior art for the device according to the invention.

[0011] WO2016023051 reveals that a circle is projected onto the playing field. According to established doctrine, a circle is unsuitable for uniquely marking multiple individual marker positions on a playing field.

[0012] According to current technology, the placement of tee markers remains an unsatisfactorily solved problem. To a certain extent, the placement of tee markers is subject to the subjective judgment of the member of the tournament committee responsible for their placement, who typically assesses the individual positions of the tee markers. This influence of the member's subjective judgment is partly due to the fact that technical aids are now used to a very limited degree.

[0013] The invention aims to position and, if necessary, align tee markers on golf courses with minimal effort and in a precise and reproducible manner. The method for positioning the tee markers should be as short as possible.

[0014] According to the invention, this is achieved by a device according to claim 1.

[0015] According to the invention, this is achieved by the fact that Several bundles of light rays are emitted by at least one light source, which bundles of light rays are directed from a high point spaced from the ground onto the ground, wherein several patterns are projected onto the ground by individual bundles of light rays, wherein a single bundle of light rays marks a single marking position by a single pattern of the several patterns, wherein each bundle of light rays includes a principal axis, which principal axis is oriented at an acute angle to the ground and / or to an imaginary horizontal axis, in which marking position a teeing mark can be arranged.

[0016] The device according to the invention is preferably designed to be portable.

[0017] A bundle of light rays with a principal axis is emitted by at least one light source, and this principal axis strikes the surface. A mark is drawn by the bundle of light rays striking the surface, and these marks define the point of impact with sufficient accuracy. In contrast to prior art methods and devices, the light rays are oriented at an acute angle to the surface. This allows the orientation and distance of the mark position relative to the device, particularly to the highest point, to be determined by the bundle of light rays. Likewise, multiple mark positions can be defined by using several bundles of light rays relative to each other. Typically, the device according to the invention can indicate two mark positions, each for setting a knock-off mark.

[0018] When viewing the device from above, the marking positions can be projected onto the substrate adjacent to different sides of the device. In a preferred embodiment, when viewing the device from above, the marking positions are projected onto the substrate adjacent to opposite sides of the device. This is further explained below with reference to the figures.

[0019] The acute angle alpha, the angle alpha of the first light ray to the surface, and the acute angle beta can be equal in magnitude. This can be the case, in particular, with a flat and horizontally extending surface.

[0020] The angles alpha and beta can be different.

[0021] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the marking positions are arranged adjacent to different sides of the device when viewed on the substrate.

[0022] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the bundles of light rays are emitted in different directions when the device is viewed from above.

[0023] The projection of the marking positions, which marking positions are projected onto the substrate when viewed from above and are adjacent to different sides of the device, is achieved by emitting the main rays of the light rays from the device in different directions.

[0024] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the marking positions are arranged adjacent to opposite sides of the device when viewed from the substrate.

[0025] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the bundles of light rays are emitted in opposite directions when the device is viewed from above.

[0026] Projecting marker positions onto points on the surface opposite each other when viewed from above may require the main beams from the device to be emitted in opposite directions. Emitting light beams in opposite directions results in the projection of marker positions to the left and right of the device.

[0027] The pattern may, for example, and therefore without limitation, have a dot shape, a cross shape, or any other shape known to a person skilled in the art, which shape allows for a sufficiently accurate marking of a point on a substrate according to the prior art.

[0028] The pattern can also include a directional indication. When using the cross shape as a pattern, one leg of the cross can have a longer leg length than the other legs.

[0029] The bundle of light rays can be directed through a lens to indicate the point or marker position. Furthermore, it is possible to indicate the point or marker position using multiple bundles, which together form a geometric shape such as a cross or a circle.

[0030] It is crucial that a main axis of a bundle of light rays passes through a high point spaced away from the ground, and that the light ray is directed at an acute angle towards the ground.

[0031] The principal axes, which pass through high points that are essentially equidistant from the ground in the vertical direction and arranged at a defined distance from each other, intersect the high points at similar distances when projected onto the ground. This is particularly the case when the ground is flat and extends horizontally.

[0032] In an equivalent or obvious embodiment of the device according to the invention, a person skilled in the art can compensate for different heights of the high points relative to the ground or for a ground shape that deviates from the ideal case mentioned above by using different acute angles alpha and beta. Different heights of the high points can, for example, be caused by a sloping or curved ground. Such an embodiment is not excluded by the wording of claim 1.

[0033] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the device includes a measuring device for determining the vertical distance.

[0034] The device can comprise a first measuring device for determining the first vertical distance of a first elevation point to the ground and a second measuring device for determining the second vertical distance of a second elevation point to the ground. The acute angles alpha and beta can be selected as a function of the vertical distances such that the distances between the respective elevation point projected onto the ground and the respective marking position are equal.

[0035] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that a light beam guiding element and / or light beam focusing element is arranged between the at least one light source and the substrate, and the light beam passes through the light beam guiding element or the light beam focusing element.

[0036] A light beam guiding element can, for example, be an element with a reflective surface. The light beam guiding element can change the direction of a light beam. It can also split a light beam.

[0037] The device according to the invention can be based on the use of laser light. A person skilled in the art can also provide for the use of other types of light, which types of light may require the use of light beam focusing elements in order to indicate the marking position with sufficient light intensity.

[0038] The device according to the invention can comprise a single light source. The light beam emitted by the single light source can be split by means of a beam splitter, so that several marking positions can be displayed using a single light source.

[0039] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that a first light source emits a first bundle of light rays and a second light source emits a second bundle of light rays.

[0040] Using multiple light sources to display a corresponding number of marker positions can have the advantage that no light beams emitted by the light sources need to be shared. The intensity displayed for each marker position can be higher when using multiple light sources than when using a single light source to display multiple marker positions.

[0041] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that a single light source emits several bundles of light rays.

[0042] Using a single light source has the disadvantage that the light beams emitted by that single light source must be divided to indicate multiple marking positions. This reduces the intensity of a marking position displayed on the surface compared to using multiple light sources.

[0043] The device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that The device includes a sighting device such as a rear sight, a rod, a beam of light or an optical sighting device, which sighting device allows the main axes to be aligned with the direction of play.

[0044] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the sighting device is detachably or permanently arranged on the device.

[0045] The alignment devices mentioned here as examples are known to those skilled in the art. They may also provide other alignment devices known according to the prior art. The alignment device allows the principal axis projected onto the surface to be aligned with the direction of play. Typically, the principal axis projected onto the surface is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of play.

[0046] A sighting device such as a rear sight, a rod, a light beam, or an optical sighting device must be operated by a person. These types of sighting devices are therefore subject to the accuracy of the person's operation.

[0047] The device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that The device comprises a positioning device by means of which the position of the device and the orientation of the principal axis of the light beam with respect to a coordinate system can be determined, wherein the direction of play is defined in the coordinate system such that the principal axis of the light beam can be aligned with the direction of play. The positioning device can, for example, be a GPS system.

[0048] The device according to the invention can be used on a golf course. Preferably, map data of the golf course exists and is stored in a database. This map data can be compared with data on the position of the device and the orientation of the main beam. A playing direction can then be calculated for a given position of the device and an orientation of the main axes according to the rules of the game. The playing direction is calculated with respect to the coordinate system.

[0049] The device may include a display indicating a required change in the alignment of the main beam or the device itself. The user can then adjust the main beam or the device as a whole according to this indication. Alternatively or additionally, alignment may also be achieved via a control device.

[0050] The device according to the invention can allow the alignment of individual main beams or the coupled alignment of several main beams. Alignment of all main beams can be achieved by aligning the device that outputs all the main beams.

[0051] It is mentioned above that the pattern used to indicate the marking position includes a directional indicator. Aligning the device according to the invention results in alignment of the main axis. Since light beams oriented along the main axis define a specific pattern, aligning the device according to the invention results in alignment of the directional indicator shown by the pattern.

[0052] The device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that The high point can be adjusted by means of a height adjustment device, whereby a marking position distance, which marking position distance is measured between two marking positions, can be changed by a vertical distance of the high point to the ground, which height adjustment device can be operated manually and / or by a drive.

[0053] By setting the high points, the distance projected onto the ground between the high point projected onto the ground and the marking position on the ground is changed, while maintaining a constant acute angle.

[0054] The device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that the acute angle can be adjusted by an angle adjusting device, so that the marking position distance can be adjusted by changing the acute angle of a main axis, wherein the angle adjusting device can be operated manually and / or by a drive.

[0055] By changing the acute angle, the distance projected onto the ground between the high point and the marker position is changed, provided the elevation of the high point remains unchanged.

[0056] The user can adjust the acute angle and / or the height of the high point to change the distance projected onto the ground between the high point and the marker position.

[0057] The surface can be a flat and horizontally extending area. However, such a surface is not feasible in nature and therefore cannot be created on a golf course. The device disclosed herein can also be characterized by the fact that, by setting the elevation of the high point and / or by setting the acute angle, a surface deviating from the ideal shape is taken into account when displaying the marker positions. This can imply that the device according to the invention includes measuring systems for recording the geometric shape of the surface. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can include a processing unit for calculating the acute angle and / or the elevation of the high point, taking the shape of the surface into account.

[0058] The device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that the device comprises a display device on which a change or value of the distance between the high point and the ground and / or a change or value of the acute angle or the numerical value of the acute angle and / or the pattern spacing are displayed.

[0059] The display device can show information for manually setting the required actuator. Furthermore, the display device can show the aforementioned information for documentation purposes.

[0060] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the illumination duration of at least one light source can be controlled by a time control unit.

[0061] The device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that which at least one light source, optionally the light beam guiding elements and optionally the light beam focusing elements are arranged on a carrier plate, which carrier plate is rotatably mounted about 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 the direction of play.

[0062] A first horizontal axis can be arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of play and thus parallel to the main axis projected onto the surface. A second horizontal axis can be arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to the first horizontal axis.

[0063] The support plate can be mounted to pivot freely about the first axis and / or the second axis. A support plate whose center of gravity advantageously lies below at least one axis will be aligned by gravity. The support plate is thus gimbal-mounted.

[0064] This alignment due to gravity can occur about one or two axes, as is known in other devices according to the prior art. The device according to the invention can have locking means for blocking the rotational movement of the support plate about this axis or these axes. Furthermore, the bearing about the aforementioned axis can also include damping and / or resistance. Resistance, for example, prevents the support plate from being realigned due to environmental influences such as wind.

[0065] The device according to the invention can also be characterized in that the support plate is rigidly mounted to a further element such as a housing, which housing is rotatably mounted about at least one horizontal axis.

[0066] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that a laser output device serves as the at least one light source and the laser output device is cooled by a cooling medium.

[0067] According to established theory, laser light is characterized by a strong focusing and high intensity. For this reason, the use of laser light in the device according to the invention is advantageous. A person skilled in the art could also provide for other forms of light.

[0068] When using a light source different from the laser output device, the person skilled in the art may also provide for cooling this light source by means of a cooling medium.

[0069] The device according to the invention can be characterized in that the at least one light source and optionally the light beam guiding elements and optionally the light beam focusing elements are arranged in a housing, which housing comprises light outlet openings, which light outlet openings can be sealed with a transparent material.

[0070] The casing can be waterproof and / or airtight.

[0071] The device according to the invention can be characterized by the fact that The device includes at least one light source, which light source emits light of different colors, and between which colors the user can choose.

[0072] Providing laser light beams of different colors necessitates the use of multiple laser light output devices. The device according to the invention is characterized in that the respective laser light output device is selected along with the type of laser light to be output.

[0073] The invention is further explained with reference to the following embodiments shown in the figures: Fig. 1 The basic system for displaying the marking positions using the device according to the invention is shown in a side view. Fig. 2 It also shows the basic system and the patterns projected onto the substrate from a top view, Fig. 3 is an orthogonal view of an embodiment of the device mounted on a photo or video tripod with a pan / tilt head, Fig. 4is an orthogonal open view of the design with gimbal suspension of the support with brackets for the light sources and the possibility of attaching non-contact vibration damping, Fig. 5 is an orthogonal view of the version with 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, Fig. 6 is the view of a carrier plate with light sources mounted rotatably around a horizontal axis pointing in the direction of play, 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.

[0074] The embodiments shown in the figures merely illustrate possible embodiments. It should be noted here that the invention is not limited to these specifically depicted embodiments, but also encompasses combinations of the individual embodiments with one another and combinations of an embodiment with the general description given above. These further possible combinations need not be explicitly mentioned, since they are within the knowledge of a person skilled in this technical field, given the teaching provided by the present invention.

[0075] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, constitute independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0076] In the figures, the following elements are identified by the preceding reference symbols: 1. Substrate 2. First light source 3. Second light source 4. First light beam 5. Second light beam 6. Device according to the invention 7. First high point 8. Second high point 9. First marking position 10. Second marking position 11. First distance projected onto substrate 12. Second distance projected onto substrate 13. Stand 14. Marking position distance 15. Support plate 16. Axis 17. Direction of play 18. Vertical plane 19. Alignment line 20. Sighting device 21. Further vertical light beam 22. Position vertically below the device 23. Further inclined light beam 24. Light source for light beam 23 25. Locking means 26. Third light source for light beam 21 27. Direction point

[0077] The Figure 1The system for displaying marker positions is illustrated by means of a cross-sectional view with a vertical section plane, and this display system can be implemented with the device according to the invention. The device 6 according to the invention serves to display marker positions 9, 10 on a surface 1 of a golf course, wherein the device 6 according to the invention is arranged relative to the surface 1. Ideally, the surface 1 can be a flat and horizontally extending plane, as is the case in Figure 1 is depicted schematically.

[0078] The device 6 according to the invention serves in particular to indicate marking positions 9, 10 to the left and right of the device 6, for example, when looking in a direction of play 17 as described below. The device is arranged between the marking points 9, 10. This arrangement of the device essentially corresponds to the position of the game master, who, according to the prevailing teaching, defines the marking positions to his left and right.

[0079] The device 6 comprises a first light source 2, which emits a first light beam 4. Furthermore, the device 6 comprises a second light source 3, which emits a second light beam 5.

[0080] In the figures, a bundle of light rays is represented in a simplified manner as a light ray 4, 5, in particular as the principal axis of the light rays, and is also described as such in the figure description. The term "light ray" used in the figure description should also be understood as a bundle of light rays.

[0081] A bundle of light rays 4, 5 has a cross-section extending exclusively to the size of the marking position 9, 10.

[0082] The light rays 4, 5 are each directed from a high point 7, 8 defined by the light sources 2, 3 onto the surface 1. The light rays 4, 5 pass through the respective high point 7, 8; it is not necessary that at least one light source 2, 3 forms the respective high point 7, 8. The person skilled in the art recognizes that the high point 7, 8 can also be formed by a Figure 1 The light beam guiding element, which is not shown, can be defined.

[0083] By orienting the light sources 2, 3 or by setting up in Figure 1 The respective light beam 4, 5 is directed onto the substrate 1 by the light beam guiding elements not shown.

[0084] A light beam 4, 5 projects a pattern onto the surface 1. The pattern has a geometric shape suitable for precisely identifying a unique marking position 9, 10 and thus a point of impact. The pattern can, for example, but is not limited to, be a dot shape or a cross shape. Preferably, the pattern does not have an area that extends beyond the outline of a teeing area marker or the projection surface of a wall supporting the teeing area marker.

[0085] Furthermore, the expert uses a light beam 4, 5 with sufficient intensity so that the pattern on the substrate 1 is clearly visible.

[0086] The user can enter Figure 1 Place the not shown teeing ground marker at marker position 9, 10.

[0087] The in Figure 1 The outlined embodiment 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. Thus, the device 6 according to the invention creates marking positions 9, 10 to the left and right of the device according to the invention.

[0088] With the same elevation position of the high points 7, 8 and the same angles alpha and beta, the distances projected onto the surface 1 between the high points 7, 8 and the marking positions 9, 10 are equal. A device 6 standing on a stand 13 on the surface 1 has a defined distance to the surface 1.

[0089] The high point 7, 8 is spaced away from the base 1. The light sources 2, 3 are aligned such that the in Figure 1 The principal axis of the bundle of light rays, represented as light ray 4, 5, forms an acute angle alpha, beta to the background 1.

[0090] In the direction of a light ray 4, 5, a light ray guiding element and / or a light ray guiding element can be located between the light source 2, 3 and the surface 1.

[0091] A light beam focusing element must be arranged. Figure 1 These elements are not shown. A light beam guiding element, for example, can allow the light source 2, 3 to point in a different direction than the one shown. Figure 1 The direction indicated emits the light beam and the light beam 4, 5 is directed onto the substrate 1 by means of the light beam guiding element.

[0092] The in Figure 1The device 6 according to the invention, shown schematically, is characterized in 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 can be used that emits two light beams.

[0093] The device 6 according to the invention can be characterized in that the high point 7, 8 can be adjusted by a height-adjusting 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 to the surface 1, which height-adjusting device can be operated manually and / or by a drive. In the case of the Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the upright 13 is adjustable. Those skilled in the art are aware of other possibilities for adjusting the height of the light sources 2, 3.

[0094] Standing 13 of the in Figure 1 The embodiment shown can be driven into the ground, creating a hole in the subsoil 1. Such a hole can be considered a marker of the position of the device 6, which marker allows the device 6 to be repeatedly set up in this position.

[0095] 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 spacing can be adjusted by changing the acute angle of a main axis, wherein the angle adjustment device can be operated manually and / or by a drive.

[0096] The user can combine the aforementioned positioning devices in an advantageous way.

[0097] The device 6 according to the invention can further be characterized in that the light sources 2, 3 are arranged on a carrier plate 15, which carrier plate 15 is rotatably mounted 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.

[0098] The Figure 2 shows a top view of the substrate 1, which view includes, among other things, the markings 9, 10, 22 projected onto the substrate 1.

[0099] The marker positions 9, 10 and the high points 7, 8 are arranged in a vertically extending plane 18, which vertical plane 18 in the Figure 2as a line representing the plan view of plane 18. Furthermore, light rays 4, 5 and axis 16' extend into this plane 18.

[0100] In the top view shown, marking positions 9 and 10 are arranged adjacent to opposite sides of the device 6. Light beams 4 and 5, in particular the horizontal component of light beams 4 and 5, are emitted in opposite directions. Thus, marking positions 9 and 10 are created to the left and right of the device and on the substrate.

[0101] Point 22 serves to mark the position of the device 6 on the substrate. Point 22 can be generated by a further vertically oriented light beam 21 projected vertically from the device 6 onto the substrate, as shown in the Figure 3 This is evident. The user can mark point 22 on the surface.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the vertical plane 18 is arranged at an angle of 90 degrees to a playing direction 17. The device can include a sighting device 20, which allows the sighting device 20 to be aligned with the playing direction 17 and thus aligns the plane 18 at an angle of 90 degrees to the playing direction 17.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Figure 3 Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention. Figure 3 The device shown can be used in the Figure 2 The device shown is shown.

[0105] The portable device 6 is mounted on three supports 13. Such supports 13 are known, for example, for mounting cameras and allow a lockable height adjustment and / or tilt adjustment of the device 6. The tilt adjustment of the device 6 can be carried out as described above by tilting the device 6 about one axis or two axes, which axis or axes are specified in the Figure 3 are not registered.

[0106] The device 6, comprising the stand 13, is adjustable in height and / or in its inclination to the base 1 via the tripod. This ensures that the light rays 4, 5 are projected onto the base 1 to mark marking positions 9, 10, so that at the marking positions 9, 10 in the Figure 3 Unregistered tee markers can be placed.

[0107] The in Figure 3The illustrated embodiment comprises an optical sighting device 20, whereby the invention disclosed herein is by no means limited to optical sighting devices for aligning the device 6 in the direction of play 17. The person skilled in the art may also provide other devices for aligning the device 6 according to the invention.

[0108] The device 6 according to the invention can include a further output unit for emitting a further vertical light beam 21 for marking point 22. Point 22 can serve to indicate the position of the device 6 according to the invention after it has been repositioned. The use of the tripod with three supports advantageously allows the further vertical light beam 21 to be emitted for projecting point 22 onto the surface 1.

[0109] The device 6 according to the invention can include a further output unit for emitting a further inclined light beam 23. The projection of the further inclined light beam 23 onto the surface 1 creates an alignment line 19 displayed on the surface 1. The device 6 can be aligned using the alignment line 19, either alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned sighting device. 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 the position of the device 6.

[0110] A consistent height setting and tilt alignment can be achieved by means of a locking device 25. The in Figure 3 The tripod shown includes such a locking device 25.

[0111] The Figure 4Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device 6 according to the invention in a partially open and in an open state. The device 6 according to the invention comprises a support plate 15 on which a first light source 2 is aligned to emit a first beam of light 4 at an acute angle α. The angle α is measured between the first beam of light 4 and a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane can be the one shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 The substrate 1 is not registered. The support 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.

[0112] The carrier plate 15 further comprises a third light source 26 for emitting the light beam 21 described above and / or the light beam 23. The light beam 23

[0113] The Figure 5 shows the in Figure 4The illustrated embodiment is shown in a closed view. The axes 16, 16' are located on the outside, so that the user can observe an alignment around these axes 16, 16'.

[0114] The Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a mounting of light sources 3, 4 on the carrier plate 15. The light sources 3, 4 are rotatably mounted about an axis for setting the acute angle alpha, beta, which axis is oriented at an angle of 90 degrees to the surface of the carrier plate 15.

[0115] 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.

Claims

1. Device (6) for indicating marker positions (9, 10) on a surface (1) of a golf course, which device (6) is arranged relative to the surface (1), wherein several bundles of light rays (4, 5) are emitted by at least one light source (2, 3), characterized in that the bundles of light rays (4, 5) are directed from a high point (7, 8) spaced apart from the surface (1) onto the surface (1), wherein several patterns are projected onto the surface (1) by individual bundles of light rays (4, 5), wherein a single bundle of light rays (4, 5) indicates a single marker position (9, 10) by a single pattern of the several patterns, wherein each bundle of light rays (4, 5) comprises a principal axis, which principal axis is oriented at an acute angle alpha, beta to the surface (1) and / or to a horizontal axis, which angles alpha, beta are equal in magnitude, at which marker position (9, 10) a tee marker can be arranged.

2. Device (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the marker positions (9, 10) are arranged on the surface (1) adjacent to different sides of the device (6) when viewed from above.

3. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the bundles of light rays (4, 5) are emitted in different directions when the device (6) is viewed from above.

4. Device (6) according to claim 2, characterized in that the marker positions (9, 10) are arranged on the surface (1) adjacent to opposite sides of the device (6) when viewed from above.

5. Device (6) according to claim 3, characterized in that the bundles of light rays (4, 5) are emitted in opposite directions when the device (6) is viewed from above.

6. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a light beam guiding element and / or a light beam focusing element is arranged between the at least one light source (2, 3) and the surface (1), the light beam (4, 5) is passing through the light beam guiding element and / or light beam focusing element.

7. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a first light source (2) emits a first bundle of first light rays (4) and a second light source (3) emits a second bundle of second light rays (5).

8. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a single light source (2, 3) emits several bundles of light rays (4, 5).

9. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (6) comprises a sighting device (20) arranged fixedly or detachably on the device for aligning the main axis of the light beam (4, 5) to a playing direction (17).

10. Device (6)according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the device (6) comprises a position determination device by means of which position determination device the position of the device and the orientation of the principal axis of the light beam (4, 5) can be determined with respect to a coordinate system, wherein the direction of play (17) is defined in the coordinate system, so that the principal axis of the light beam (4, 5) can be aligned to the direction of play (17).

11. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pattern includes a direction indication parallel to the direction of play (17).

12. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the high point (7, 8) can be adjusted by a height adjustment device, by which height adjustment device the distance of the at least one light source (2, 3) and / or a light beam guiding element and / or light beam focusing element and the surface (1) and consequently a marker position distance (14), which marker position distance (14) is measured between the marker positions (9, 10), is changeable via a vertical distance of the device (6) to the surface (1), which height adjustment device is operable manually and / or by a drive.

13. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the acute angle alpha, beta can be adjusted by an angle adjustment device, so that the marker position distance (14) can be adjusted by changing the acute angle of a principal axis of the light beam (4, 5), wherein the angle adjustment device can be operated manually and / or by a drive.

14. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the device (6) comprises a display device on which a change or value of the distance between the high point (7, 8) and the surface (1) and / or a change or value of the acute angle alpha, beta or the numerical value of the acute angle alpha, beta and / or the marker position distance (14) is displayed.

15. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the illumination duration of the at least one light source (15) can be controlled by a time control unit.

16. Device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the at least one light source (3, 4), optionally the light beam guiding elements and optionally the light beam focusing elements are arranged on a carrier plate (15), which carrier plate (15) is rotatably mounted about at least one horizontal axis (16') so that the high points (7, 8) and the marker positions (9, 10) are arranged in a plane (18) extending vertically at an angle of 90 degrees to a playing direction (17).

17. Device (6) according to claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the at least one light source (2, 3) is cooled by a cooling medium.

18. Device (6) according to claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the at least one light source (2, 3) and optionally the light beam guiding elements and optionally the light beam focusing elements are arranged in a housing, which housing includes light outlet openings (11) made of a transparent material or recesses.

19. Device (6) according to claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the device (6) comprises at least one light source (2, 3), which light source emits light of different colors, from which the user can choose.