DISC GOLF MINI MARKER WITH PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING CUES

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to disc golf accessories, specifically mini marker discs used to mark a player's lie, incorporating performance-enhancing cues to improve mental and physical outcomes during gameplay.

Description of Related Art

Disc golf is a precision sport requiring mental focus and physical technique, with players using mini marker discs to mark their lie per Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) rules.

Conventional markers are simple, typically circular objects made of plastic, metal, or other materials, serving only to indicate position. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,767,985 (Headrick, 2010) discloses a basic marker disc for lie marking, lacking features to support player performance. Such markers do not address the mental or physical preparation critical for consistent shot execution in competitive settings.

Sports psychology techniques, such as visualization and focus prompts, are known to enhance athletic performance but are underutilized in disc golf equipment. Electronic systems, like U.S. Pat. No. 9,069,648 (Bates, 2015), describe delivering motivational messages via personal devices with audible output, but these are impractical for PDGA play due to restrictions on audible devices during active play (Rule 3.01), the need for hands-free operation, and their lack of disc golf-specific cues tailored to PDGA standards. The PDGA allows tools like rangefinders for distance measurement, provided they comply with play rules, but electronic aids with audio remain prohibited during critical phases. No prior art discloses a PDGA-compliant mini marker disc with physically integrated performance-enhancing cues for immediate use during gameplay.

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) establishes standards for mini marker discs used to mark a player's lie, currently defining a maximum diameter of 15 centimeters and a maximum thickness of 3 centimeters as of August 2025, based on Rule 813.02 and practical usage in sanctioned events. These standards may be amended over time, and the invention is intended to comply with both current and future PDGA requirements to ensure applicability in competitive play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a disc golf mini marker disc with physically integrated performance-enhancing cues, such as text or visual symbols, to improve mental and physical shot execution. The cues, displayed on one or both surfaces, prompt disc golf-specific actions and/or mindsets (e.g., focus, technique, relaxation) during lie marking without requiring electronic devices. Compliant with PDGA standards, the disc enhances performance through seamless integration into gameplay routines.

The disc may feature single or multiple cues, on one or both sides, or in modular configurations, with cues tailored to disc golf shot types (e.g., putting, driving) or general positive disc golf related mindsets. The invention bridges sports psychology and practical application, distinguishing it from conventional markers and electronic systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top view of a disc golf mini marker disc with a singular performance-enhancing cue represented by text on one surface.

FIG. 1B is a top view of a disc golf mini marker disc with multiple performance-enhancing cues represented by text on one surface.

FIG. 1C is a top view of a disc golf mini marker disc showing performance-enhancing cues represented by text on both surfaces.

FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the same mini marker disc in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the disc's profile and PDGA-compliant dimensions.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a double-sided embodiment with performance-enhancing cues represented by text on each surface.

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment with modular cue inserts represented by text.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a player placing the disc golf mini marker disc on a playing surface, illustrating the moment of reading a performance-enhancing cue to enhance mental and physical preparation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a disc golf mini marker disc designed to enhance player performance through the integration of performance-enhancing cues, while complying with Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) equipment and competition standards. The disc serves as a traditional marker for a player's lie but includes features to support mental and physical preparation, addressing a gap in existing equipment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the disc (10) comprises a substantially circular body (12) with a top surface (14) and a bottom surface (16). FIG. 1A depicts a configuration with a singular performance-enhancing cue, represented by text (18) to indicate variable text or symbols (e.g., “Focus on chains” or a target icon), applied via printing, embossing, etching, molding, adhesive, or other durable methods. FIG. 1B illustrates a variation with multiple cues on the top surface, represented by text (18) to denote multiple variable prompts (e.g., “Steady aim,” “Power through”). FIG. 1C shows cues on both surfaces, with text (18) on the top and bottom, highlighting the double-sided embodiment with variable cues on each side.

The disc is made of any suitable material, such as plastic (e.g., flexible PVC, polyethylene, polycarbonate), metal, wood, glass, foam, composites, or other durable substances, with dimensions compliant with Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) standards as currently defined, including a maximum diameter of 15 centimeters and a maximum thickness of 3 centimeters as of August 2025, and as may be amended in the future. The cues prompt disc golf-specific mental or physical actions, such as visualization, breathing, focus, or technique adjustments, often tailored to shot types like putting, driving, or approaching. For example, a putting cue might read “Steady aim” with a chain-link icon, while a driving cue might state “Power through” with an arrow.

In a preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the disc is double-sided, with distinct cues represented by text (18) on each surface (e.g., putting cues on the top surface, driving cues on the bottom). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the disc may include modular inserts (22) for interchangeable cues, represented by text (18), allowing customization for different shots or player preferences. In use, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a player places the disc (10) with their hand (24) to mark their lie, with the cue-bearing surface visible, prompting immediate mental or physical preparation before a shot. This figure demonstrates the critical timing of cue exposure, enhancing the invention's effectiveness by aligning the cue-reading moment with the player's shot preparation phase. The bottom surface (16) may include a textured or non-slip feature for stability.

The cues are informed by sports psychology and physiological principles and may be validated through player feedback or performance testing in disc golf settings.

The disc is manufactured using methods such as injection molding, compression molding, machining, carving, casting, turning, etc. while the cues can be printed, etched, machined, carved, embossed, mechanically attached, or otherwise adhered, ensuring durability in outdoor conditions. Unlike electronic systems (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,069,648), it requires no power or additional devices, ensuring PDGA compliance and seamless integration.