Adjustable golf cup cover and hole reducing system

Abstract

An adjustable golf cup cover and hole reducing system includes a cup connector for engaging a flag receptacle of a golf cup. An elongated threaded shaft extends from the cup connector and engages a bowl assembly having a shaft receptacle, ball cavity, a pivot joint and a bowl having a flange along the top end. The flange including artificial turf along the top surface and a central opening leading to the inside surface of the bowl and ball cavity. The threaded shaft and pivot joint adjust the height and orientation of the flange to match the height and orientation of the turf that surrounds the golf cup. A disc-shaped cover is positionable over the central opening of the flange, and a disc-shaped training aid having a small center hole is positionable over the central opening of the flange.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 63 / 791,781 filed on Apr. 21, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The following disclosure relates generally toward the game of golf, and more particularly to a system having one or more devices capable of providing a flush cover for a putting green cup and an adjustably oriented cup hole size reducer.BACKGROUND

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Artificial and natural grass putting greens are a popular way for golfers to practice their putting skills. In many instances, putting greens are installed with a plurality of plastic and aluminum-lined holes (also referred to as a “cup”) at different locations to allow users to putt from different areas, thus providing a more stimulating experience. Although useful, there are times where it is beneficial to cover one or more holes to achieve greater playability on the putting surface.

[0005] Ideally, a cup cover would be completely flush with the turf surrounding the cup to avoid disrupting the path of a golf ball traveling across the cover. Unfortunately, currently available cup covers do not install flush with the surrounding green. Instead, they are designed so that the bottom end rests along the top edge of the cup, and with their sides extending outward beyond the sides of the cup and onto the green itself. Moreover, these covers often have a surface texture that is not consistent with the green. As such, when these covers are encountered by a golf ball, they tend to cause a noticeable deflection in the ball's path.

[0006] These problems are only magnified when the cup, which is positioned vertically, is installed onto a contoured or unlevel area of the green. In this situation, it is virtually impossible to flush mount the cover due to the different angles of the cup and surrounding green because one side will always be raised or lowered relative to the other. Moreover, you cannot simply raise or lower the cover relative to the cup, because this vertical movement would not align with the angular turf surrounding the cup.

[0007] Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide an adjustable golf cup cover and hole reducing system that can be adjusted both vertically and angularly for use with golf cups on any surface so as to alleviate each of the drawbacks noted above. It would also be beneficial for the system to include functionality for increasing the difficulty level of each putt by reducing the diameter of the hole.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is directed to an adjustable golf cup cover and hole reducing system. One embodiment of the present invention can include a cup connector having a cylindrical bottom end for positioning within a flag receptacle of a golf cup. An elongated threaded shaft can be positioned between the cup connector and an adjustable bowl assembly. The shaft can allow a user to adjust the height of the bowl assembly to relative to the cup connector.

[0009] In one embodiment, the adjustable bowl assembly includes a shaft receptacle along the bottom end, a ball cavity, a pivot joint and a bowl having a flange along the top end. The flange can include an outside edge having a diameter that is the same as the outside diameter of the cup holder, and an inside edge that defines a central opening leading to the inside surface of the bowl and ball cavity.

[0010] The top surface of the flange can include artificial turf, and the orientation of the flange and bowl can be adjusted to be level with the orientation of the turf that surrounds the golf cup via the pivot joint.

[0011] In one embodiment, a flat disc-shaped cover can be positioned along the central opening of the flange. The cover can include artificial turf and can also positioned level with the flange and the turf that surrounds the golf cup. In one embodiment, a flat disc-shaped training aid having a small center hole can be positioned along the central opening of the flange. The training aid body can also include artificial turf and can be positioned level with the flange and the turf that surrounds the golf cup.

[0012] This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an exploded parts view of the adjustable golf cup cover and hole reducing system that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cup connector of the system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the adjustable bowl assembly of the system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 3B is a top view of the adjustable bowl assembly of the system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 3C is a side view of the system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cover and bowl assembly of the system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the system installed on a golf cup in a level surface, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the system installed on a golf cup in an unlevel surface, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 7 is perspective view of the system in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the training aid and bowl assembly of the system, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the system in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0026] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. 112.Definitions

[0027] As described herein, a “unit” means a series of identified physical components which are linked together and / or function together to perform a specified function.

[0028] As described throughout this document, the term “about”“approximately”“substantially” and “generally” shall be used interchangeably to describe a feature, shape, or measurement of a component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

[0029] As described throughout this document, the term “removably secured” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated. This can be accomplished through the use of any number of different “connectors”.

[0030] Several nonlimiting examples of connectors include, but are not limited to, thread-to-connect, twist-to-connect, and push-to-connect type devices, opposing strips of hook and loop material (e.g., Velcro®), attractively oriented magnetic elements or magnetic and metallic elements, and other types of compression fittings, for example.

[0031] As described herein, the terms “flat” and “level orientation” between two components refers to a joint or interface where both components meet at the same plane, height, or reference elevation—meaning neither component is raised, recessed, or offset relative to the other

[0032] As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

[0033] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate one embodiment of an adjustable golf cup cover and hole reducing system 10 that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,”“bottom,”“right,”“left,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 3C.

[0034] FIG. 1. is an exploded parts view of the adjustable golf cup cover and hole reducing system 10 that includes a central shaft 11, cup connector 20, an adjustable bowl assembly 30, a removable cover 40 and / or a removable training aid 80. As shown, one embodiment of the central shaft 11 can include an elongated rod having a top end 11a, a bottom end 11b and a plurality of threaded elements 12 extending therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the shaft will be constructed from plastic; however, any number of other durable and weather resistant materials are also contemplated.

[0035] As shown best at FIG. 2, the cup connector 20 can include an elongated hollow cylindrical-shaped member 21 having a bottom end 21a and an upper end 21b onto which a circular flat-flanged disc 22 is located. An opening 23 is positioned centrally through the disc 22 and aligns with the open top end of the cylinder 21. The inside of the cylinder includes a plurality of spiral threaded elements 24 for receiving and engaging the threaded elements 12 on the rod 11 via a twisting motion. As will be described below, the threaded elements permit the height of the below described bowl assembly to be raised and lowered relative to the cup connector by selectively twisting the rod.

[0036] The cylindrical member 21 of the connector 20 is designed to be positioned within the flagstick socket that is centrally located within all standard golf cups. Accordingly, the cylindrical member can include a shape, size and outside diameter that is complementary to the shape, size and inside diameter of the flagstick socket. In one embodiment, the cylindrical member will include a height (e.g., distance between ends 21a and 21b) of about 1 to 2 inches, and an outside diameter of about 1 to 1.25 inches, for example. These dimensions being suitable for engaging most commercially available golf cups. Of course, any number of other shapes, sizes and dimensions are contemplated.

[0037] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate one embodiment of the adjustable bowl assembly 30. As shown, the bottom of the assembly can include a hollow generally cylindrical-shaped receptacle 31 having an opening 31a along the bottom end. The receptacle opening is designed to removably or permanently receive the top end 11a of the of the central shaft 11 and thus will include a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the shaft.

[0038] In one embodiment, a broad, generally cylindrical-shaped hollow ball cavity 32 having a flat bottom wall 32a can be disposed along the top of the receptacle 31. The ball cavity can include an open top end 32b for allowing a golf ball to enter the cavity and rest on the top surface of the bottom wall 32a.

[0039] In one embodiment, a pivot joint having a generally dish-shaped body 33 can be positioned along the top of the ball cavity. As shown, the pivot joint can include a pair of mounting arms 33a and 33b extending upward from the top end, and each of the arms can include holes 33a1 and 33b1, respectively for receiving the below described screws. Additionally, the pivot joint can include a central opening 33c that is positioned along the center of the bottom wall 33d. The central opening 33c including a shape, size and location that is complementary to the shape, size and location of the open top end 32b of the ball cavity.

[0040] In one embodiment, a bowl 34 can be positioned along the top of the pivot joint 33. As shown, the bottom end of the bowl can be located within the dish-shaped pivot body, and a pair of elongated openings 34a and 34b can be positioned along the sides of the bowl body so as to align with the mounting arms and holes of the pivot joint.

[0041] In one embodiment, connectors 35a and 35b such as the illustrated nuts and bolts, for example, can be positioned through the aligned openings 33a / 33a1 and 33b / 33b1, to secure the bowl onto the pivot joint. Such a feature acts as an axle for allowing the bowl 34 to tilt / pivot relative to the pivot joint 33, the ball cavity 32 and the receptacle 31 as shown by arrow a. In various embodiments, a user can selectively tilt the bowl at various angles ranging from 0 to 20 degrees, however other angles are also contemplated.

[0042] In one embodiment, the bottom end of the bowl 34 can include an elongated central opening 34c that is serially aligned with the bowl openings 34a and 34b. The elongated shape of the central opening 34c is important as it ensures the openings 33c of the pivot joint 33 and the open top end 32b of the ball cavity 32 remain unobstructed along the inside surface 34d of the bowl regardless of the orientation and tilt angle of the bowl 34.

[0043] In one embodiment, a wide, flat, circular flange 36 can be disposed along the top edge of the bowl body 34. In one embodiment, the flange can include a top surface 36a, an outer edge 36b, an inner edge 36c that defines a central opening having a recessed lip 36c1. In the preferred embodiment, the flange will include an outer diameter of between about 4 to 4.25 inches so as to be complementary to or slightly less than the outer diameter of industry standard golf cups; however other sizes are contemplated.

[0044] As shown best at FIG. 4, the removable cover 40 can include a flat disc-shaped body having a top surface 41a, and an outer edge 41b that is complementary in shape and size to the diameter of the inside flange opening 36c. The cover can include a recessed lip 41b1 along the bottom surface for engaging the recessed lip 36c1 of the flange. In this regard, when the cover is positioned onto the flange, the top surface 41a of the cover will be flush with the top surface 36a of the flange so as to provide a completely smooth and uniform surface across which a golf ball can travel.

[0045] In one embodiment, both the top surface 36a of the flange and the top surface 41a of the cover 40 can each receive pieces of artificial turf 45a and 45b, respectively. Turf sections 45a and 45b (and the below described 45c) can each be shaped and sized to match the shape and size of the respective top surfaces and can be permanently affixed thereto via any number of different adhesives. In the preferred embodiment, the turf sections will be constructed from or matched with the same type of artificial turf used in the putting green that surrounds the hole into which the inventive system is to be placed. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein different connectors and / or types of turf are utilized.

[0046] Although described above with regard to an adjustable height and artificial turf, those of skill in the art will recognize that other variations are possible. To this end, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the height of the system is not adjustable and may therefore be fabricated as a single unitary device. Additionally, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the turf comprises other materials such as carpet or actual grass that is grown on the surface of the illustrated component.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the system 10 in operation with a level playing surface wherein the ground is perpendicular with the cup. As shown, the cup connector 20 can be positioned within the flag receptacle 1a of the cup 1, that is buried underground 2. When so positioned, the height of the cup 30 can be adjusted via the shaft 11 until the top surface of the flange 36 and the cover 40 is completely level with the turf / grass 3 that surrounds the hole 4 into which the cup 1 is located. When so positioned, the artificial turf 45a / 45b on the flange and cover will blend with the surrounding turf / grass to result in a completely level playing surface.

[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the system 10 in operation with a non-level playing surface wherein the ground 3 is not perpendicular with the cup 1. As shown, the cup connector 20 can be positioned within the flag receptacle 1a of the cup 1, that is buried underground 2. When so positioned, the height of the cup 30 can be adjusted via the shaft 11, and the angle of the bowl 34 can be adjusted via the pivot joint 33 (see arrow b) until the top surface of the flange 36 and the cover 40 are completely level with the orientation of turf / grass 3 that surrounds the hole 4 into which the cup 1 is located.

[0049] In this regard, it is noted that the bowl 34, flange 36, and cover 40 will be at a first angle that aligns with the surrounding ground 2, and the pivot joint 33, ball cavity 32, receptacle 31, shaft 11 and cup connector 20 will be at a second (different) angle that aligns vertically with the orientation of the cup. When so positioned, the artificial turf 45a / 45b on the flange and cover will blend with the surrounding turf / grass to result in a smooth playing surface that is oriented identically with the surrounding unlevel ground.

[0050] Importantly, because the top end 1b of the cup is positioned at least 1 inch into the hole 4 beneath the turf / grass3 in both situations (e.g., level and unlevel turf), a portion of the bowl 34, the entire flange 36 and cover 40 will extend above the top end of the cup 1b. Moreover, because the outside diameter of the flange 36 is equal to or slightly less than the outer diameter of the cup 1, the entire system remains completely within the hole 4 containing the cup 1.

[0051] As such, neither the flange 36 or the cover 40 extend laterally past the cup body to rest on the turf / grass 3, and instead the outer edge of the flange abuts the inside edges of the hole 4. Such a feature is critical as it ensures no portion of the system rests atop the surrounding turf and / or is raised above the turf, which would result in a bump or uneven playing surface as a ball travels across the turf, flange and cover during play.

[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the system 10 in operation without the cover so as to be used to receive a golf ball 5 when it is not desirable to cover the hole into which the system is located. When so used, the top surface of the flange 36 having the turf 45b will be level with the surrounding turf / grass 3via the process noted above. In this regard, when a golfer G putts the ball 5 it will travel over the flange 36 into the bowl 34 where it can remain within the ball cavity 32 until retrieved.

[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a training aid 80 which can be used with the system components in place of the above noted cover 40. As shown, the training aid can include a flat disc-shaped body having a top surface 81a, an outer edge 81b, a lip 81b1 and a central opening 82. The outer edge of the aid including a diameter that is complementary to the diameter of the inside flange opening 36c of the bowl assembly 30, and the recessed lip 71b1 can engage the lip 36c1 of the flange as described above.

[0054] The central opening 82 can include any number of different sizes suitable for allowing a golf ball to pass therethrough and enter the bowl assembly. In the preferred embodiments the central opening will be between about 2-3 inches. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the central opening is not positioned directly in the center of the body and / or wherein openings of different sizes are utilized.

[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the system 10 with the training aid 80 in operation. As shown, the top surface of the flange 36 and the training aid 81 will include turf 45b and 45c, and both will be level with the surrounding turf / grass 3 via the process noted above. In this regard, when a golfer G putts the ball 5 it will travel over the flange 36 and the top of the aid 81a through the central opening 82 and into the bowl 34 where it can remain within the ball cavity 32 until retrieved.

[0056] The training aid 80 can be used to greatly increase the difficulty of the golf shot, as the smaller diameter of the central opening requires significantly greater accuracy, thus providing more challenging experience to the user.

[0057] As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0058] As described herein, one or more elements of the above noted device and system can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Likewise, the term “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

[0060] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. 112. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.

[0061] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A system, comprising:a cup connector;a shaft that is connected to the cup connector;a bowl assembly that is connected to the shaft; anda cover that is removably connected to the bowl assembly,wherein the cup connector is configured to engage a portion of a golf cup, andwherein the cover is configured to be positioned above the golf cup at an orientation level with a ground surface surrounding the golf cup.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein a height of the bowl assembly relative to the cup connector is adjustable.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a cylindrical-shaped member extends from a bottom end of the cup connector and said cylindrical-shaped member is configured to be positioned within a flag receptacle of the golf cup.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the cup connector includes an opening having a plurality of internally located threads.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the shaft includes a plurality of threaded elements along an outside surface.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein a separation distance between the bowl assembly and the cup connector is adjustable via a twisting motion of the shaft.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the cover includes artificial turf.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein bowl assembly includes a shaft receptacle, a bowl and a flange.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the flange is positioned along a top surface of the bowl, and is configured to be oriented level with the ground surface surrounding the golf cup.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising:a first piece of artificial turf that is positioned along a top surface of the cover; anda second piece of artificial turf that is positioned along the top surface of the flange.

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