Abstract:
A ferrule that includes a ledge having an underside with indentations. The indentations cooperating with a golf putting cup that has a ferrule socket formed by a plurality of primary fins. The ferrule and ferrule socket cooperating to prevent spinning of the flag, resist wear, and provide a straight standing flagstick.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to the field of golf course accessories, and more particularly, to an improved golf flagstick ferrule. 
   Golf flagsticks used on golf courses experience a variety of difficulties including sticking inside the golf putting cup, wearing from use, a tendency of the flagstick to “walk” out of the cup in windy conditions, and maintaining a straight standing flagstick in a golf putting cup even as the cup and ferrule experience wear. 
   One approach to the problem is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,045 issued Sep. 19, 1995. The &#39;045 patent discloses a drainage ferrule having a plurality of valleys or grooves about its outer circumferal surface, allowing water, sand or other debris to pass through the socket while the ferrule is in the socket. This drainage ferrule does not act, however, to prevent the accumulation of sand and other debris in the ferrule socket. In addition, the &#39;045 patent has a shortcoming in that the drainage ferrule is grooved and wears faster than an ungrooved ferrule causing excessive wear especially during a rotating motion caused by wind or player action. 
   Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved golf flagstick ferrule and method of use. 
   Another objective of the present invention is to lock the ferrule into the golf putting cup in order to prevent the flagstick from turning once the flagstick is inserted into the cup. 
   Another objective of the present invention is to provide a self-centering, positive detent when the flagstick is inserted into the cup. The positive detent provides the player with feedback that the flagstick is fully inserted into the cup and assures the flagstick is standing straight. In the prior art, the ferrule when inserted into the cup, simply rested loosely on the cup bottom but because the player does not feel a positive detent the flagstick may not be fully inserted into the cup here and consequently the flagstick may not be standing straight. This condition can be further problematic if the user inserts the flagstick at an angle, if there is debris in the ferrule or cup service, or if the ferrule and ferrule socket is worn. 
   A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a ferrule that is self-centering. A self-centering ferrule does not require the player to match the ferrule with members of the golf putting cup on placing the flagstick in the cup nor does the player have to insert the flagstick at a precise angle when placing it into the putting cup. A self-centering cup permits the player to merely get the ferrule started to have it drop with a positive detent into the cup. 
   Another objective of the present invention is to create a more precise fit between the ferrule and cup so that the flagstick stands straight in the cup. 
   Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a golf flagstick assembly that minimizes debris adhering and precipitates any debris upon the ferrule or within the golf putting cup. 
   A further objective of the present invention is the provision of a ferrule and golf putting cup that maintains vertical alignment even during surface wear. 
   Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a golf putting cup that allows the ferrule of a flagstick to be easily inserted and removed. 
   A still further objective of the present invention is an improved method for using a flagstick and a golf putting cup. 
   Another objective of the present invention is the provision of a golf putting cup that is efficient in operation, economical to manufacture, and durable in use. 
   These and other features, objectives and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art with reference to the accompanying specification. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The foregoing objectives may be achieved with a golf flagstick assembly that includes a golf flagstick, a golf putting cup with a ferrule socket made of cooperating primary fins, and a ferrule fitting within the socket. The ferrule has an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a ledge wider than the lower portion and a plurality of indentations upon the underside of the ledge. The ferrule indentations fitting upon the top surface of fins to provide non-sticking properties, resistance to wear, less tendency to the flagstick to “walk” out of the cup in windy conditions, and a straighter standing flagstick even as the cup ferrule experiences wear. 
   The foregoing objectives may also be achieved by a golf flagstick ferrule that has a head portion having a ledge extending beyond an outer circumference of a base portion. The ledge having at least one indentation upon an underside to engage the golf putting cup. 
   A further feature of the present invention is the ferrule locking within the putting cup to prevent the flagstick from turning after inserted into the putting cup. In windy conditions, the fluttering motion of the flag transmitted through the flagstick causes the flagstick to oscillate, which in turn causes the flagstick to rotate in the cup. This rotation causes excessive wear on both the ferrule and cup, and can additionally cause a flagstick to “walk” out of the ferrule socket of the cup. The ferrule of the present invention prevents the flagstick from turning in causing excessive wear or alleviates “walking” out of the ferrule socket. 
   A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a self-centering, positive detent when the flagstick is inserted into the cup. This is in contrast to conventional putting cups which are constructed with a low angle bottom that slopes toward the center of the cup and conventional ferrule heads constructed at a reciprocal angle. 
   A further feature of the present invention is a large head portion or upper portion of a ferrule with indentations on the underside of a ledge of the head portion that engages fins of a ferrule socket. 
   A still further feature of the present invention is the indentations being radiused so that the flagstick is “self-centering”. The radius feature does not require the player to match the indentations of the ledge of the ferrule to the fins of the putting cup when placing the flagstick into the putting cup. In addition, this feature does not require the player to insert the flagstick at a precise angle when placing it into the putting cup. This feature enables the player to merely get the ferrule started and the flagstick will drop into the putting cup. 
   Another feature of the present invention is a more precise fit between the ferrule and the cup so that the flagstick stands straight in the cup. The indentations on the underside of the ferrule head and the fins of the putting cup are designed in a complete golf flagstick assembly so that they precisely interact to allow for a close tolerance and maximum vertical support. This feature enables the ferrule to be locked onto the surface of the fins and therefore not move from side to side as a result of wind or player action. 
   Another feature of the present invention is to engage only a small portion of the top surface of the fins that make up the ferrule socket with a limited surface area of the ferrule as defined by the indentations. This permits debris adhered to the surface of either the ferrule or the fins to be rapidly dissipated when the ferrule engages the fins since there is no closed ferrule socket or cup bottom surface to hold the debris. Moreover, this feature is enhanced by the fact that the ferrule, once inserted into the cup, cannot rotate and therefore no additional debris falling into the cup can work its way between the ferrule and the ferrule socket of the cup. 
   Another feature of the present invention is a precise fit between the ferrule and the putting cup that holds the flagstick in a straight vertical position even as the ferrule and cup wear through corresponding tapered surfaces. Even as these surfaces begin to wear, the fit between the ferrule and the surface of the fins is maintained as the ferrule comes to rest at a lower point in the cup since the downward taper will offset the wear. 
   The foregoing objectives may also be achieved using a method of a flagstick with a golf putting cup to prevent the flagstick from spinning within the socket. The method comprising the steps inserting a ferrule that has a cylindrical lower portion and an upper portion with a plurality of indentations into a ferrule socket defined by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart inner edge of primary fins in the putting cup. The method also including the step of interconnecting the plurality of indentations with a plurality of top surface of primary fins in the putting cup to prevent axial rotation of the flagstick and center the flagstick within the putting cup. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golf flagstick assembly utilizing a ferrule of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the ferrule of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the ferrule in position over a socket of a golf putting cup. 
       FIG. 4  is a top elevational view of the ferrule in position upon a golf putting cup. 
       FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the ferrule in alignment over a golf putting cup. 
       FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the ferrule in position upon a golf putting cup. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The present invention will be described as it applies to its preferred embodiment. It is not intended that the present invention be limited to the described embodiment. It is intended that the invention cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     FIG. 1  shows the golf flagstick assembly  10  of the present invention. The golf flagstick assembly  10  is shown in use on a putting green  12  that has a golf putting cup  14  located upon it. 
   A side view of the ferrule  20  of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2 . The ferrule  20  has a head portion or upper portion  22  and a body portion or lower portion  24 . The ferrule  20  has a top end  26  having a center opening  28  that leads to a chamber  30  in which the flagstick is placed. The upper portion  22  has a conical section  32 . The conical section  32  tapers away from the top end  26  to a ledge  33 . A ledge  33 , as illustrated, has an annular base  34  and a lower taper  36 . Indentations or grooves  40  are formed in the underside of the ledge  33 . Two indentations generally define a fin  38 . 
   The ferrule  20  also has a cylindrical portion  42 . There are no indentations along the cylindrical portion  42  that align with the indentations  40 . The ferrule  20  ends at bottom end  44 . It is preferred that the ferrule  20  is cast from aluminum or die cast from zinc. Alternatively, the ferrule may be made of hardened plastic or other material. 
     FIG. 3  shows the golf flagstick ferrule  20  of the present invention in position over a golf putting cup  14 . 
   The putting cup  14  has an outer cylindrical wall  46 . The outer cylindrical wall includes an outer surface  48  and an inner surface  50 . 
   The putting cup  14  has a bottom portion that includes a plurality of primary fins  52  that are spaced apart adjacent the inner surface  50  of the outer cylindrical wall  46 . The primary fins  52  are maintained in a generally vertical direction and extend between a first end  54  at or proximate the inner surface  50  of the outer cylindrical wall  46  toward the center of the cup to a second end  56 . It is the second ends  56  of the primary fins  52  that form the ferrule socket  58 . Because the second ends  56  of the primary fins  52  are spaced apart, the structure defining the ferrule socket  58  has a small surface area. As a result, there is less surface area for sand and other debris to accumulate and become trapped between the ferrule  20  and the ferrule socket  58 . 
   The primary fins  52  are tied together for strength by a substantially horizontal band  60 . Unlike the bottom of a traditional putting cup, however, this band  60  has a top surface  26  that slants downwardly and away from the ferrule socket  58 . Therefore, any sand or other debris falling onto the band  60  is directed towards the outside of the cup and will fall through a space between the band  60  and the inner surface  50  of the outer cylindrical wall  46 . 
   A plurality of secondary fins  64  are also provided which provide reinforcement for the bottom portion of the cup and also prevent the ferrule  20  from accidentally becoming jammed between the primary fins  52 . The primary fins  52  are rounded at their top edges  66  to prevent the accumulation of debris. 
   It is preferred that all components of the putting cup  14  of the present invention be made from a hardened plastic material. Alternatively, the putting cup  14  may be cast from aluminum or die cast from zinc. 
   The present invention solves the problems associated with sand and other debris by essentially eliminating any surfaces within the cup in which debris can accumulate. In operation, any sand falling on the band  60  is directed away from the ferrule socket  58  and towards the outside of the putting cup. Thus, large amounts of sand and other debris do not accumulate in the ferrule socket  58 . Further, when the ferrule  20  is inserted into the ferrule socket  58 , there is not a large surface area for the sand to become trapped between the second ends  56  of the primary fins  52  and the indentations  40  of ferrule  20 . As such, the ferrule  20  may be easily inserted and removed without sticking against the walls of the ferrule socket  58 . 
   As seen in  FIG. 4 , the ferrule indentations precisely align with the top surface  66  of primary fins  52 . As shown, there are seven primary fins  52  and fourteen indentations  40 . The putting cup and ferrule have been designed together to provide a precise fit to maintain the flagstick  16  in a straight upright manner. 
   In use, as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the ferrule is positioned over the golf putting cup. Although depicted in axial alignment in  FIG. 5 , the ferrule  20  may be positioned in at an angle to the ferrule socket  58 . The ferrule is then placed into the socket where it provides a positive detent to the user as the ferrule  20  enters the ferrule socket  58 . The indentations  40  of the ledge  33  fit over the top edge  66  of the fins  38  and the ferrule fins  38  of the ferrule fit between the primary fins  52  of the putting cup  14 . 
   From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.