GOLF GAME TRACKING DEVICE

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/732,755, filed on September 20, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference except to the extent that content therein conflicts with content herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of golf accessories and, more specifically, to golf accessories for use in playing tracking golf games and golf bets among golfers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golfers tend to engage in many different “side games” while playing golf. A method of tracking the outcomes of these games is currently a pencil and paper tracking method where you write down the outcomes and tally/count after the round of golf to see who won. Manually tracking bets for such games can be cumbersome and also inaccurate, as well as inconvenient and confusing. For example, in some instances, the golfers are more focused on keeping the score of their golf game and may forget to write down the pertinent information on the bet that is being made, or whatever information may be needed for the “side game” that is being played during the round of golf. Accordingly, a more accurate and simpler to use method of tracking such “side games” is needed.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the above in mind, embodiments of the present invention are related to a golf game tracking device and system. The device according to the present invention advantageously allows for efficient tracking and collecting of winnings during various golf side games such as, for example, skins, closest to the pin, longest drive competitions, match play, and other wagering games commonly played by golfers.

The golf game tracking device according to embodiments of the present invention may include a cylindrical housing having a top portion and a bottom portion. The device may also include a cylindrical housing cover member that is removably connected to the top portion of the cylindrical housing. The device may further include a chip dispensing mechanism carried by the cylindrical housing and configured to carry a plurality of chips.

The golf game tracking device of the present invention may also include a cylindrical housing outer member and a connection member connected to the cylindrical housing outer member. The cylindrical housing may be carried by the cylindrical housing outer member. The cylindrical housing cover member may include a chip deposit slot formed therein for receiving chips representing winnings.

The chip dispensing mechanism may comprise an elongate chip holding member sized and configured to carry the plurality of chips. The chip dispensing mechanism may also include a chip pushing mechanism to push the plurality of chips carried thereby in an upward position. The chip pushing mechanism may include a spring positioned adjacent a lower portion of the chip dispensing mechanism so that as the plurality of chips are loaded into the chip dispensing mechanism, the spring is compressed, and when one of the plurality of chips is removed from the chip dispensing mechanism, the spring pushes the plurality of chips upwardly so that another one of the plurality of chips is advanced and positioned to be dispensed therefrom.

The connection member may comprise a clip carried by a portion of the cylindrical housing outer member. In some embodiments, the device may further include a magnet member carried by a portion of the cylindrical housing outer member, and a metal clip that is configured to magnetically connect to the magnet member. The cylindrical housing cover member may be threadably connected to the top portion of the cylindrical housing. An upper portion of the chip dispensing mechanism may include a lip sized and configured to prevent a chip of the plurality of chips from being dispensed. The cylindrical housing outer member may be shaped to resemble a golf bag.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the cylindrical housing and the cylindrical housing outer member may be monolithically formed as an integral unit. The chip deposit slot may be sized to receive at least one of the plurality of chips so that each of the plurality of chips deposited through the chip deposit slot are carried by an interior portion of the cylindrical housing.

The present invention provides an efficient and accurate system for tracking golf game winnings, eliminating the confusion and inaccuracy associated with traditional tracking methods while providing immediate, tangible rewards through the dispensing and collection of chips during golf play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a golf game tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective environmental view of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1 showing a user withdrawing a chip from a chip dispensing device.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing a plurality of chips carried inside a cylindrical housing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cylindrical housing of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing a plurality of chips carried by the chip dispensing device prior to being dispensed and another plurality of chips carried within an interior portion of the cylindrical housing after being deposited.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the cylindrical housing illustrated in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a chip dispensing device of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of one of a plurality of chips used in connection with the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view showing a set of four golf game tracking devices according to the present invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of a set of four golf game tracking devices according to the present invention and positioned within a carrying case in a kit configuration.

FIG. 14 is an environmental perspective view showing the golf game tracking device according to an embodiment of the present invention being connected to a golf bag.

FIG. 15 is an environmental perspective view showing two golf game tracking devices according to an embodiment of the present invention being carried in golf cart cup holders.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are environmental perspective views showing four golf game tracking devices according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a golf cart windshield.

FIG. 17 is an exploded side perspective view of a golf game tracking device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial environmental view of the embodiment of the golf game tracking device illustrated in FIG. 17 and being connected to a portion of a frame of a golf cart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art realize that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

In this detailed description of the present invention, a person skilled in the art should note that directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” and other like terms are used for the convenience of the reader in reference to the drawings. Also, a person skilled in the art should notice this description may contain other terminology to convey position, orientation, and direction without departing from the principles of the present invention.

Furthermore, in this detailed description, a person skilled in the art should note that quantitative qualifying terms such as “generally,” “substantially,” “mostly,” and other terms are used, in general, to mean that the referred to object, characteristic, or quality constitutes a majority of the subject of the reference. The meaning of any of these terms is dependent upon the context within which it is used, and the meaning may be expressly modified.

An embodiment of the invention, as shown and described by the various figures and accompanying text, provides a golf game tracking device 20. The golf game tracking device 20 according to embodiments of the present invention may, for example, be used by golfers to track certain side games that may be played during a typical round of golf. For example, some golfers may play games such as skins, closest to the pin, longest drive competitions, match play, and other wagering games that are understood by those skilled in the art. Such golf games generally require tracking of some sort and, in some instances, there may be wagering involved in these golf games. The golf game tracking device 20 according to embodiments of the present invention may advantageously be used to track such golf games in an accurate and easy to use manner.

Some of the illustrative aspects of the present invention may be advantageous in solving the problems herein described and other problems not discussed which are discoverable by a skilled artisan. Referring initially to FIGS. 1-8, embodiments of the golf game tracking device 20 are now described in greater detail. The golf game tracking device 20 may include a cylindrical housing 22, which is perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The cylindrical housing 22 may have a top portion 24 and a bottom portion 26. The device 20 may also include a cylindrical housing cover member 28 that is removably connected to the top portion 24 of the cylindrical housing 22. The golf game tracking device 20 according to the present invention may further include a chip dispensing mechanism 30 carried by the cylindrical housing 22 and configured to carry a plurality of chips 32.

As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the golf game tracking device 20 may include a cylindrical housing outer member 34. The cylindrical housing 22 is adapted to be carried by the cylindrical housing outer member 34. More specifically, the cylindrical housing 22 may be slidably carried by the cylindrical housing outer member 34. In some embodiments of the golf game tracking device 20 according to the present invention, the cylindrical housing 22 and the cylindrical housing outer member 34 may be monolithically formed as an integral unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical housing outer member 34 is shaped to resemble a golf bag. This advantageously allows for the golf game tracking device 20 of the present invention to be a novelty item that is appealing to golfers. In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of golf game tracking devices 20 may be provided. For example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, a plurality of golf game tracking devices 20, each having a cylindrical housing outer member 34 shaped to resemble a golf bag may be provided. In such embodiments, the invention may be directed to a kit 36 that includes an outer bag 38 to carry the plurality of golf game tracking devices 20. Each of the golf game tracking devices 20 included in the kit 36 may, for example, have a different color (not illustrated) so that each golfer in a foursome may track their own portion of the golf game that is being played during the golf round.

Although the cylindrical housing outer member 34 is illustrated as resembling a golf bag in the appended drawings, it is contemplated that the cylindrical housing outer member 34 may have any other type of shape. For example, and not meant to be limiting in any way, the cylindrical housing outer member may have a shape that represents a drink container, such as a beer can. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the golf game tracking device 20 may be provided as a promotional item. For example, a beverage company may sponsor a golf tournament and want to give away the golf game tracking devices 20 according to embodiments of the present invention. In such a case, the beverage company referred to in this example, may desire to shape the cylindrical housing outer member 34 similar to a beverage container, and the present invention contemplates the ability to provide such a product. As another example, the cylindrical housing outer member 34 may be adapted so that indicia of any kind may be printed thereon. The indicia may, for example, be advertising indicia, personalization indicia, images, or any other type of indicia desired to be printed on an outer portion of the cylindrical housing outer member 34 as understood by those skilled in the art.

As also illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the kit 36 may include a lining 40 carried by an inside portion of the outer bag 38 to secure each of the plurality of golf game tracking devices 20. More specifically, the lining 40 may, for example, be a foam lining that is shaped to have cutouts that are suitable to carry and secure the plurality of golf game tracking devices 20. The lining 40 may also be shaped and sized appropriately to be carried by the outer bag 38. The outer bag 38 that is illustrated in the appended drawings includes a zipper enclosure 42, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that any other type of closure is contemplated by the present invention to cause the outer bag 38 to be closed.

Referring now back to FIGS. 2 and 3, additional features of the golf game tracking device 20 according to the present invention are now described. As illustrated, the golf game tracking device 20 may include a connection member 44 that may be connected to the cylindrical housing outer member 34. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the connection member 44 is illustrated as a clip 46. The clip 46 may be carried by a portion of the cylindrical housing outer member 34. Referring to FIG. 14, in the embodiments of the golf game tracking device 20 where the connection member 44 is provided by a clip 46, the golf game tracking device 20 may be readily connected to a golf bag 48, for example. Although not illustrated, it is contemplated that a golfer may, for example, carry the golf game tracking device on his/her belt using the clip 46, if so desired. Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the golf game tracking device 20 may also be readily connected to a windshield 50 of a golf cart 52 via the clip 46.

Referring to FIG. 17, in some embodiments of the present invention, the golf game tracking device 20 may include a magnet 54 carried by a portion of the cylindrical housing outer member 34. The magnet 54 may be connected to the cylindrical housing outer member in any number of ways including, but not limited to, an adhesive. In some instances, the magnet 54 may be integrally molded with the cylindrical housing outer member 34. In the embodiment of the golf game tracking device 20 illustrated in FIG. 17, the clip 46 may be a metal clip that may magnetically connected to the magnet 54 so that a user can use the golf game tracking device either with or without the clip. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the embodiment of the golf game tracking device 20 that includes the magnet 54 can be readily connected to a metal frame portion 56 of a golf cart 52. As illustrated, the golf game tracking device 20 according to the present invention can be carried in any number of ways. In FIG. 14, the golf game tracking device is shown as being carried by a golf bag 48, while in FIG. 15, a plurality of golf game tracking devices are illustrated as being carried by cup holders 58 in a golf cart 52. As discussed above, it is also contemplated that a plurality of golf game tracking devices may be carried by a windshield 50 of a golf cart 52 (as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B) and, alternatively, the golf game tracking device 20 of some embodiments may be magnetically connected to a portion of a golf cart 52 as illustrated in FIG. 18.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 5, and 7-8, additional features of the cylindrical housing cover member 28 are now described in greater detail. More specifically, the cylindrical housing cover member 28 may include a chip deposit slot 60 formed therein. The chip deposit slot 60 is illustratively formed through a top portion of the cylindrical housing cover member 28 and is preferably sized to allow one of the plurality of chips 32 to pass therethrough. In practice, as a user may want to tally up a score of the golf game that is being played, the user may remove one of the plurality of chips 60 from the chip dispensing mechanism 30 and deposit the chip 46 through the chip deposit slot 60. Once the chip 46 is passed through the chip deposit slot 60 it is deposited into an interior portion of the cylindrical housing 22.

The chip dispensing mechanism 30 may include an elongate chip holding member 62 that is sized and configured to carry the plurality of chips 32. The chip holding member 62 may, for example, include a bottom 68, and side portions 70 extending upwardly from the bottom 68. As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 9, the chip dispensing mechanism 30 is configured to interact and/or be carried by the cylindrical housing cover member 28. The chip dispensing mechanism 30 may be configured to pass through a portion of the cylindrical housing cover member 28 or may, in some instances, be monolithically formed with the cylindrical housing cover member 28. Another embodiment of the present invention provides for the chip dispensing mechanism 30 to be threadably connected to the cover member 28. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, a top portion of the chip dispensing member may have grip members 76 formed therein. This advantageously allows for a user to readily grip the top portion of the chip dispensing mechanism 30 to rotate it clockwise and/or counterclockwise to threadably connect and/or disconnect the chip dispensing mechanism 30 from the cylindrical housing cover member 28. As also illustrated in FIG. 9, a portion of the cylindrical housing cover member 28 may have threads 64 so that the cylindrical housing cover member 28 may be threadably connected to the top portion of the cylindrical housing 28.

As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 7, the chip dispensing mechanism 30 of the golf game tracking device 20 according to the present invention may include a chip pushing mechanism 66. The chip pushing mechanism 66 may, in some embodiments of the present invention, be provided by a spring 72. The spring 72 is positioned adjacent to the lower portion of the chip dispensing mechanism 30 and, more specifically along the bottom 68 of the chip holding member 68. The spring 72 is illustratively carried within the elongate chip holding member 62 and is sized to fit therein. The chip pushing mechanism 66 is configured to push the plurality of chips 32 carried by the chip dispensing mechanism 30 in an upward position. As a plurality of chips 32 are loaded by a user into the chip dispensing mechanism 30 and, more specifically, into the elongate chip holding member 62, the spring 72 becomes compressed. Further, as one of the plurality of chips 32 is removed from the chip dispensing mechanism 30, the spring 72 pushes the plurality of chips 32 upwardly so that another one of the plurality of chips 32 is positioned to be dispensed therefrom.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, an upper portion of the chip dispensing mechanism 30 may include a lip 74. The lip 74 is configured to prevent a chip 32 of the plurality of chips from being dispensed. The chip dispensing mechanism 30 is cylindrical in shape. The opening along an upper portion of the chip dispensing mechanism 30 is sized so that each of the plurality of chips 32 may readily slide therein. In other words, an outer diameter of each of the plurality of chips 32 is smaller than an inner diameter of the elongate chip holding member 62 of the chip dispensing mechanism 30. The lip 74 is shaped to extend along some portion of the circumference of the opening along the upper portion of the chip dispensing mechanism 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip 74 extends about half of the circumference of the upper portion of the chip dispensing mechanism 30, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the lip 74 may extend less than half of the circumference of the upper portion of the chip dispensing mechanism 30 while still carrying out the features and advantages of the present invention.

When the chips 32 are positioned within the elongate chip holding member 62 of the chip dispensing mechanism 30, a user can apply a force to disengage the uppermost chip 32 from contact with the lip 74 to allow the chip to be removed from the chip holding member 62. Upon removal of the uppermost chip 32 from the chip holding member 62, the next chip is moved upward by the force exerted from the spring 72 so that the next chip becomes the uppermost chip. This can be repeated until all the chips 32 of the plurality of chips are dispensed from the chip dispensing mechanism 30. Thereafter a user can load chips 32 into the chip dispensing mechanism 30 by pushing an uppermost chip down (or in cases where all the chips have been dispensed, pushing the spring down to load the initial chip, which will be the lowermost chip after all the chips are deposited) to make room to allow for a chip to be moved into the elongate chip holding member 62. After the user releases the force being exerted on the chip 32, the chip is pushed upwardly until a portion of the chip makes contact with a portion of the lip 74 which, in turn, secures the chip in place and prevents the chip from falling out of the chip dispensing mechanism 30 until it is removed by a user that is exerting a force thereto.

The chips 32 of the golf game tracking device 20 are illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 6-8. In FIG. 6, for example, the plurality of chips 32 are visible within the interior portion of the cylindrical housing 22. This is a view of the chips 32 after they have been deposited by a user through the chip deposit slot 60. The illustration in FIG. 6 shows a view with the chip dispensing mechanism 30 removed so that the interior portion of the cylindrical housing 22 is viewable. FIG. 10 shows one of the chips 32. As illustrated, the chips 32 may have a dimpled pattern. This is to mimic the appearance of a golf ball. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the chips 32 may have any texture. In some embodiments it is contemplated that each of the chips 32 may have indicia positioned thereon. This advantageously allows for the chips 32 to be personalized is so desired by a user. The chips 32 may come in any number of colors and may be configured to match the color of the cylindrical housing cover member 28. As discussed above, there are instances where a plurality of golf game tracking devices 20 may be provided in a kit 36. In such instances, each of the plurality of golf game tracking devices 20 may have a different color scheme, and the chips 32 associated with each of those devices 20 may have a matching color scheme, of so desired.

The chips 32 may, for example, be provided by poker chips, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that any type of similar chip may be used while still accomplishing the benefits, features and advantages of the present invention. It is advantageous, however, for the chips 32 of the present invention to be provided by poker chips to represent a wagering type of activity associated with the golf game. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, poker style chips are associated with wagering, such as in casinos, for example. Accordingly, the use of poker chips in association with the golf game tracking device 20 according to the present invention more closely associates the chips 32 with a wagering type of activity.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but as exemplifications of the presented embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the various embodiments. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best or only mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Also, in the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so limited. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.