Abstract:
A handicap-calibrated visual sighting device enabling a golfer at the driving range to rate each shot they make in regard to the shots accuracy on a substantially lateral plane for bringing competition to the driving range and providing an entertaining environment that enhances a golfers&#39; concentration and aids in the improvement of the golfers&#39; accuracy.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/142,440 filed Jul. 6, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a sighting device and, in particular, to a golf driving range sighting device and a method for use thereof. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to improve their accuracy and consistency, golfers practice at the driving range. While nearly every golfer starts with a high level of focus and concentration on improvement, nearly all golfers become bored and unfocused by the time they finish their bucket of balls. It has long been an elusive goal of practicing golfers to be able to maintain their level of concentration and focus while practicing in order to improve the accuracy in their golf game. 
     Heretofore, a goal of several inventors was to bring competition to the driving range. It has long been recognized that competition enhances a golfer&#39;s ability to stay focused at the range. Elaborate, expensive and many complicated approaches have been proposed to allow the scoring of a player&#39;s shots. U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,652 to Lang (1996) proposes the landing area of the driving range be set up with a grid pattern with scoring based on proximity of a hit golf ball to an intended grid location This patent would require extensive modification to existing ranges or would require a newly designed range to incorporate its design for a target grid pattern. U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,385 to Tegart (1989) proposes a double-ended course where drives are hit to one area, chipping to a separate area and putting to a third area. This also requires either a newly designed range or an extensive and expensive reconstruction of an existing range to enable a golfer to play a simulated round of golf. Others have suggested rotating buildings as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,115 to Ferns et al. (1995) or alarm sounding devices to alert persons of a hole-in-one at the driving range as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,642 to Bonacorsi (1997). 
     These implementations are problematic in that they all require modifications to the range to provide the environment for competition. The ability to implement competitive scoring to keep the golfer interested does not require movable targets on the range, or camera equipment with computers and automated ball identification apparatus as explained in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,841 to Takagi (1996). Golf is a game of distance and accuracy, but primarily it is a game of left and right. 
     Hence, the disadvantages of the prior art are, inter alia: 
     1) Cost to manufacture; 
     2) Cost for driving range site construction or reconstruction; 
     3) Complexity; 
     4) Mechanical reliability. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a means of keeping golfers at the driving range interested, focused and concentrating on each and every shot without the disadvantages associated with the prior art. Furthermore, there is a need for the practice time to be entertaining. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is distinguished over the known prior art in a multiplicity of ways. For one thing, the present invention provides means for enabling a golfer to judge the accuracy of each shot taken at the driving range and for enabling the golfer to rate or score the accuracy of each shot without the elaborate range altering schemes or expensive equipment as found in the prior art. 
     The present invention comprises a hand-held device with adjustable flags that when held at arms-length produces a visual window of acceptability both left and right of an intended target and may be calibrated by both the golfers&#39; ability level (handicap) and their height. Further, it sets lateral limits for what is considered an excellent shot regardless of their handicap (e.g., a birdie-type shot). 
     The visual angles that are created by moving a set of vertical flags on the hand-held device away from a target flag on the hand-held device, that may be aligned to the intended target, creates views of the driving range landing area that are increasingly easy to hit as they become more separated. 
     The present invention further includes a sighting device that is calibrated to the golfer&#39;s height (and correspondingly related arms-length) and to their ability level. The calibrations create an equivalent sight-angle for golfers of varying height. The calibration related to the player&#39;s ability level or handicap creates a visual target on the practice range with lateral limits defined. These lateral limits appear as “goal-posts” when the device is sighted. The golfer hits their shot and views the landing of their shot in relation to the intended target (typically a flag or yardage marker). The adjustable “goal-posts” provide the means of rating each shot as a birdie-type (very good), par-type (average for their handicap) or as a bogey-type shot (below average for their handicap). 
     Scoring provides the means for a golfer to maintain the desirable concentration level, by making each shot count. The games that can be played provide the entertainment value and concentration. Furthermore, when used with a practice scorecard it provides the accuracy rating that allows golfers to improve by knowing which clubs they are accurate with and which they are not. 
     OBJECTS OF TIE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a new, novel and useful golf driving range sighting device and a method for use thereof. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a golf driving range sighting device which creates a visual perspective of the driving range in relation to the intended target that challenges the golfer. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a golf driving range sighting device which creates a visual perspective of the driving range in relation to the intended target that entertains the golfer. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a golf driving range sighting device which creates a visual perspective of the driving range in relation to the intended target that visually informs the golfer on the rating of every golf shot hit. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a golf driving range sighting device which provides the feedback necessary to improve golfing accuracy. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a golf driving range sighting device that provides an inexpensive implementation of a scoring system at the driving range. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf driving range sighting device that has the ability to challenge golfers of varying skill levels equally. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf driving range sighting device that has the ability to calibrate the sighting angles based on golfer height (and their orthopedically related arm length). 
     These and other objects and advantages will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the sighting device. 
     FIG. 2 is an end view of the sighting device, showing assembly of friction-fit flags. 
     FIG. 3 is a view of the retracting device that attaches to the golfer&#39;s hip. 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the left height calibration markings. 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the left ability level calibration marks for positioning the PAR flag. 
     FIG. 6 shows a golfer at the driving range sighting in a shot. 
     FIG. 7 shows a top view of a driving range with angles produced by the sighting device. 
     FIG. 8 a  through  8   c  illustrate a variety of alternate embodiments of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the scorecard used for practice. 
     FIGS. 9 a  through  9   d  illustrate embodiments of the scorecard for a variety of competitive games. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  10  is directed to the sighting device assembly according to the present invention. The remaining reference numerals throughout the various drawing figures are as follows: 
       11  elongated support or body 
       12  target flag 
       13  landing area target 
       14 L birdie-indicator flag (left) 
       14 R birdie-indicator flag (right) 
       16 L par-indicator flag (left) 
       16 R par-indicator flag (right) 
       18 L par calibration sticker (left) 
       18 R par calibration sticker (right) 
       20 L height calibration marks (left) 
       20 R height calibration marks (right) 
       22 L end cap (left) 
       22 R end cap (right) 
       23 L left bore  23 R right bore 
       24  golfer&#39;s eye 
       26  golfer&#39;s arm 
       28  golfer&#39;s belt loop on hip 
       30  retractor 
       32  retracting string 
       34  retractor end plug 
       36  target line 
       38  a plurality of tee boxes 
       40  birdie-limit line 
       42  par-limit line 
       44  pivot point 
       46  gun-like assembly 
       48  trigger 
       50  set stops 
       52  telescopic tube assembly 
       54  area of desirability 
       56  area of acceptability 
       58  area of undesirability 
       64  number of balls hit per club 
       66  wedges 
       68  irons 
       70  woods 
       72  score 
       74  date played 
       76  totals per club 
       78  advertising space 
       80  shot-accuracy 
       82  baseball-out 
       84  baseball-single 
       86  baseball-double 
       88  bowling-gutter ball 
       90  bowling-spare 
       92  bowling-strike 
     FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate one preferred form of the present invention. Specifically, and referring to FIG. 1, the sighting device assembly  10  is comprised of the following: an elongated support or body  11 , a fixed placement target flag  12 , two adjustable birdie flags  14 L and  14 R (one on each side of the target flag  12 ), two adjustable par flags  16 L and  16 R, two calibration stickers  18 L and  18 R having calibration markings indicating handicaps from 0 to 36, two sets of calibration marks  20 L and  20 R for calibrating for the height of the golfer, and two end caps  22 L and  22 R which respectively couple to a left and a right end of support  11 . A retractor  30  (please see FIG. 3) is coupled to either end of the support  11  of the sighting device assembly  10  via end plug  34  coupling within either bore  23 L or bore  23 R which are disposed in end caps  22 L and  22 R, respectively. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of a slotted hollow tube making the body  11  of the assembly  10 . The five flags (the two birdie flags  14 L and  14 R, the two par flags  16 L and  16 R and the target flag  12 ) are slid in from one end with only the center target flag  12  being secured in place with glue or other retaining means. For example, the order in which the flags would be slid into body from the left end would be as follows  16 R,  14 R,  12 ,  14 L and  16 L, respectively. Once the flags are slid into slotted hollow tube making the body  11  the end caps  22 L &amp; 22 R are secured with glue or other retaining means such as clips. Preferably, the end caps are designed to allow for a flush fit when end plug  34  is inserted into one of the two end caps. Left-handed golfers insert the end plug  34  with the retracting string  32  into the right end cap  22 R. Right-handed golfers insert the end plug  34  with the retracting string  32  into the left end cap  22 L. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the spring-loaded retractor  30  with retracting string  32  and end plug  34  used to attach sighting device assembly  10  to the golfer&#39;s hip belt loop  28  (please see FIG.  6 ). 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the calibrations necessary to account for the variety of golfers&#39; heights. The distances between the five calibration marks  20 L and  20 R, which are related to the changes in angle required to keep the sight angle from the golfer&#39;s eye  24  between the target flag  12  and the birdie flags  14 L and  14 R, equivalent for golfers ranging in height from four feet six inches to seven feet tall. For each six inch height change in the golfer, the calibration mark used to line up the bird flags  14 L and  14 R and the calibration stickers  18 L and  18 R are adjusted one notch. 
     Calibration mark spacing was based on information gathered from pathology reports on arm lengths as they relate to a persons height. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the left calibration sticker  18 L alignment to the left height calibration marks  20 L and the relationship between the golfer&#39;s ability level or handicap with the location of the par-indicator flags  16 L. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a right-handed golfer&#39;s position after hitting a shot on the driving range with his left arm  26  extended and the sighting device assembly  10  held horizontally, perpendicular to the target line  36 . The retractor  30  is shown attached to the golfers left hip belt loop  28  with retracting string  32  connecting the retractor  30  to the sighting device assembly  10 . The golfer&#39;s eye  24  is used to track the flight of the golf ball, and by aligning the target flag  12  with the target on the driving range landing area  13  (typically a flag or yardage marker), the golfer notes the position on the landing area where the ball makes contact with the ground in relation to the amount left or right of the target flag  12  on the sighting device assembly  10 . For example, a sighting means is provided by the target flag  12  and any one of the other flags such that when the target flag  12  is aligned with a remote target (e.g., the landing area target  13 ) the position of the ball between the target flag  12  and the birdie flag  14 L, the par flag  16 L, the birdie flag  14 R, or par flag  16 R reveals the accuracy of the shot. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the driving range and the visual angles created by the sighting device assembly  10  for a given handicap setting. The view presents to the golfer an ever-widening lateral limit for what is considered an excellent (birdie) average (Par) and below average (bogey) type shots, dependent on distance. Scoring is based on where the ball is hit to in lateral proximity to the landing area target  13 . 
     FIG. 8 a  illustrates an alternative to create the same visual angles being achieved by the preferred embodiment. The pivot-point  44  provides for the separation of the target flag  12 , the birdie flags  14 L and  14 R, and the par-indicator flags  16 L and  16 R that are each disposed at an end of an elongated rod. 
     FIG. 8 b  illustrates a similar embodiment described in FIG. 8 a  mounted on a gun-like assembly  46  with a trigger  48  that is used to separate the par-indicator flags  1   6 L &amp;  1   6 R. 
     FIG. 8 c  illustrates the use of telescopic tubes  52  to create the separation of the target flag  12  from the par-indicator flag  16 L. 
     To create a game that challenges them and keeps their concentration level up, golfers in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention may employ a scorecard as depicted in FIG. 9 and a set of rules as follows: 
     1) Adjust sighting device assembly  10  to your height and handicap. 
     2) Declare a specific landing area target  13  within your distance ability for each club being hit. 
     3) Hit three to six balls for each club in your bag toward intended target (depending on the size bucket of balls). 
     4) For each ball hit to the area of desirability  54  score −1 (birdie-type shot). 
     5) For each ball hit to the area of acceptability  56  score +0 (par-type shot). 
     6) For each ball hit to the area of undesirability  58  score +1 (bogey-type shot). 
     7) Record your score per club  66 - 70  on practice round scorecard  60  and repeat steps two through seven until all clubs have been used. 
     8) Record the date of your round  74 , your score  72 , your handicap setting  62  and save for comparison to other rounds. 
     In another exemplary embodiment to play a competitive round using a conventional scorecard may use the following rules: 
     1) Adjust sighting device assembly  10  to your height and handicap. 
     2) Declare a specific landing area target  13  and determine distance. 
     3) Hit a ball toward intended landing area target  13 . 
     4) Sight shot using driving range device held squarely at arms-length. Reduce target distance from hole yardage on scorecard, for each shot that was hit “cleanly” and landed in the area of desirability  54  or in the area of acceptability  56 . Cleanly hit shots should land within twenty-five yards, front or back, of your intended landing area target  13 . 
     5) Once distance on scorecard for the hole your playing has been reduced to zero; hit at least two short-iron shots toward a short distance landing area target  13 , making a minimum of one shot within your area of acceptability  56  or your area of desirability  54 . 
     6) “Birdie Opportunities” are capitalized on by hitting at least one shot within the area of desirability  54  and hitting both short-iron shots within your area of desirability  54  or within your area of acceptability  56 . 
     7) An alternative “Birdie Opportunity” can be noted when any two shots for a given hole land within the area of desirability  54 . 
     8) Count each shot taken, except shots where contact with the ground is not seen. 
     9) “Birdie Opportunities” reduce score for the hole by one. 
     10) “Eagle Opportunities” require every shot for the hole, including two short-iron shots be hit within the area of desirability  54 . 
     11) “Eagle Opportunities” reduce score for the hole by two. 
     12) Play nine or eighteen holes and total score. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment a modified game of baseball can encourage a golfer to hit a series of good shots to score runs. An embodiment of the scorecard is illustrated in FIG. 9 a  and rules for this example are as follows: 
     1) Using sighting device assembly  10  illustrated in FIG. 9 b , adjust to your height and handicap. 
     2) For each of the clubs listed, wedges  66 , irons  68 , and woods  70  hit three to six shots toward an intended landing area target  13 . 
     3) Score each shot hit within the baseball-double  86  area as a double, abbreviated as a “D” in shot-accuracy  80  section of scorecard. 
     4) Score each shot hit within the baseball-single  84  area as a single, abbreviated as an “S” in the shot-accuracy  80  section of the scorecard. 
     5) Score each shot hit within the baseball-out  84  area as an out, abbreviated as an “O” in the shot-accuracy  80  section of the scorecard. 
     6) Load bases before singles can score runs. 
     7) Clear the bases for each out hit. 
     8) Record runs by having consecutive hits and total in final score  72 . 
     9) Record the date  74 , handicap setting  62 , and save for comparison at a later date. 
     10) Record your name and favorite team in the advertising space  78 . 
     In still yet another exemplary embodiment a modified game of bowling can encourage a golfer to hit a series of good shots to score points. An embodiment of the scorecard is illustrated in FIG. 9 c , and rules for this example are as follows: 
     1) For each frame as depicted in FIG. 9 c , assign a club you will hit aligning target flag  12  with the landing area target  13  you have selected. 
     2) Scoring is based on FIG. 9 d  definitions of shots. 
     3) For each shot hit to the bowling-gutter  88  area record a zero for the frame first shot. 
     4) For each shot hit to the bowling-spare  90  area record a for the frame. 
     5) For each shot hit to the bowling-strike  92  area record an “X” for the frame. 
     6) Use standard scoring except all scores are a simple multiple of  10 . 
     7) Record your total score  72 . 
     8) Play three to six games simultaneously to prevent changing clubs every shot (depending on the size bucket of balls you got). 
     Conclusions, Ramifications and Scope: 
     In conclusion, the ramifications and scope of the present invention includes, inter alia, the following: Allowing a golfer at the driving range to find practice sessions more fin, entertaining and informative. Providing feedback on the accuracy of each shot, which places the golfer into a competitive environment where they can compete against themselves for score or against other golfers. Sighting angles produced by the hand-held sighting device are calibrated for golfers of a variety of heights to produce similar views of the driving range landing area. Golfers of a variety of skill levels can find equally challenging experiences at the range based on the calibrations for skill level that are also incorporated into the sighting device. 
     Some further ramifications of device  10  are that it permits golfers the ability to test: 
     1) new grips, 
     2) different clubs, 
     3) swing changes, 
     4) stances, and 
     5) the use of other training devices. 
     Furthermore, the driving range device  10  provides golfers the ability to quantify their results to determine if changes are really helping them improve their accuracy. Teaching professionals will use the rating system to get feedback from their students as to their strengths and weaknesses to help determine where more practice time should be spent. Driving ranges will be able to organize tournaments where players of a wide range of ability levels could compete. 
     Although the descriptions above contain much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the device providing the housing for the target flag, and the calibrated par and birdie indicators could be a rifle-shaped housing or a shaped like a set of calipers, or be mounted on a stand rather than be hand-held. 
     Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the present invention as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims and their legal equivalents.