Patent Publication Number: US-2023143848-A1

Title: Adjustable Height Golf Cup

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/263,639 filed Nov. 5, 2021 entitled Adjustable Height Golf Cup, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Golf cups are a well-known component of the game of golf that typically comprise a cylindrical cup that is placed in the ground so that golf balls can fall or be hit in. Traditionally, golf cups have been relatively simple plastic cup shapes that are buried so that their upper edge is even with the surrounding turf. Once installed, traditional golf cups rarely need to be removed and replaced. 
     More recently, illuminated golf cups have become popular, as seen in U.S. 7,594,859, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. These golf cups include a lower light assembly that connects to a wired or battery power supply and includes one or more lights that shine upward from the cup, illuminating both the cup and the cup flag that might be present in the cup. 
     These illuminated golf cups tend to require removal for servicing more frequently than their traditional cup counterparts. For example, light bulbs may need replacement, wiring may need replacement, batteries (if used) may need replacement, or the light assembly may be removed for winter months. 
     In these circumstances, the entire cup must be removed and then replaced by first removing soil and turf from around the cup and then replacing that soil and turf later. Typically, the top edge of the cup must be placed at the exact height of the surrounding turf and then soil and turf are backfilled around the cup. Even when great care is taken, it can be difficult to achieve the exact same height of the cup’s top edge with the replaced soil. Additionally, not all turf surrounding the cup may be the exact same height. Again, if the cup’s top edge is not close or identical to the surrounding turf, a golf ball may not roll into the cup as expected and thereby interfere with a golf player’s game. 
     Hence, what is needed is a golf cup that can be removed and replaced in an easier manner. Additionally, such a golf cup will allow for precise height adjustment relative to the surrounding turf so that such a desirable cup position can be easily achieved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present specification is directed to embodiments of a golf cup device that can be easily removed and replaced at a desired height or elevation relative to surrounding turf. Generally, the embodiments described herein include an outer sleeve and an inner cup assembly that slides into the outer sleeve. A height adjustment mechanism connects the inner cup assembly to the outer sleeve, allowing a user to mount the inner cup assembly at various heights/elevations relative to the outer sleeve. This allows the outer sleeve to be initially buried within the ground and then the inner cup assembly to be positioned within the installed outer sleeve. As long as a top edge or surface of the outer sleeve is positioned below the surrounding turf, the height of the inner cup assembly can be adjusted to the desired level height via the height adjustment mechanism. 
     In one example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a plurality of stepped areas that engage with one or more fins or ribs. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more set screws that adjustably extend from a side of the inner cup assembly. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a washer or resilient ring positioned on an outer surface of the inner cup assembly and which engages a ledge or angled surface of the outer sleeve. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise helical threads located on the inner surface of the outer sleeve and the outer sidewall surface of the inner cup assembly. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more pins that extend radially outward from the inner cup assembly to engage one or more vertical and horizontal channels in the inner surface of the outer sleeve. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a kit with a plurality of platforms of different sizes which can be placed, one at a time, under the inner cup assembly. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a clamp that clamps the outer sleeve against the inner cup assembly. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a plurality of ridges and grooves between the inner surface of the outer sleeve and the outer surface of the inner cup assembly. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a pull pin positioned through a wall of the inner cup assembly to engage the outer sleeve. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a screw that passes through a floor of the inner cup assembly and is located near a bottom of the outer sleeve. 
     In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a detent mechanism. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a plurality of magnets within the walls of the outer sleeve and the inner cup assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects, features and advantages of which embodiments of the invention are capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a side view of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a bottom view of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a top view of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a side cross sectional view of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a bottom view of an inner cup assembly with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a top view of an outer sleeve with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a bottom view of an outer sleeve with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a bottom view of an inner cup assembly with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a top view of an inner cup assembly with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  11    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  12    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  13    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  14    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  15    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  16    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a top view of the sleeve illustrating the ridges forming grooves between themselves. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  19    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  20    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  21    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
         FIG.  22    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device with a height adjustment mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. 
     While different embodiments may be described in this specification, it is specifically contemplated that any of the features from different embodiments can be combined in any combination. In other words, the features of different embodiments can be mixed and matched with each other. Hence, while every permutation of features from different embodiments may not be explicitly shown, it is the intention of this specification to cover any such combinations. 
     Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements. 
     The present specification is directed to embodiments of a golf cup device that can be easily removed and replaced at a desired height or elevation relative to surrounding turf. Generally, the embodiments described herein include an outer sleeve and an inner cup assembly that slides into the outer sleeve. A height adjustment mechanism connects the inner cup assembly to the outer sleeve, allowing a user to mount the inner cup assembly at various heights/elevations relative to the outer sleeve. This allows the outer sleeve to be initially buried within the ground and then the inner cup assembly to be positioned within the installed outer sleeve. As long as a top edge or surface of the outer sleeve is positioned below the surrounding turf, the height of the inner cup assembly can be adjusted to the desired level height via the height adjustment mechanism. 
     Many of the examples of a height adjustment mechanism are located on an outer wall surface of an inner cup assembly, an inner wall surface of an outer sleeve, or both. 
     In one example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a plurality of stepped areas or regions that engage with one or more fins or ribs. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more set screws that adjustably extend from a side of the inner cup assembly. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a washer or resilient ring positioned on an outer surface of the inner cup assembly and which engages a ledge or angled surface of the outer sleeve. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise helical threads located on the inner surface of the outer sleeve and the outer sidewall surface of the inner cup assembly. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more pins that extend radially outward from the inner cup assembly to engage one or more vertical and horizontal channels in the inner surface of the outer sleeve. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a kit with a plurality of platforms of different sizes which can be placed, one at a time, under the inner cup assembly. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a clamp that clamps the outer sleeve against the inner cup assembly. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a plurality of ridges and grooves between the inner surface of the outer sleeve and the outer surface of the inner cup assembly. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a pull pin positioned through a wall of the inner cup assembly to engage the outer sleeve. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a screw that passes through a floor of the inner cup assembly and is located near a bottom of the outer sleeve. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a detent mechanism. In another example, the height adjustment mechanism may comprise a plurality of magnets within the walls of the outer sleeve and the inner cup assembly. 
     Some examples of this specification are depicted with a light assembly for illuminating the interior of the golf cup device and other examples do not depict the light assembly. However, any of the embodiments of this specification may include this light assembly. Alternately, any of the embodiments may also or alternatively include other components that may require periodic removal and maintenance, such as sensor assemblies, wireless transceivers (e.g., repeaters for mesh networks), location beacons, RFID transceivers, or other electronic devices. Alternatively, any of the embodiments may not include any electronic devices. 
       FIGS.  1 - 9    illustrate various views of one embodiment of a golf cup device  100  with a height adjustment mechanism that allows height or elevation adjustment between an outer sleeve  102  and an inner cup assembly  104 . As previously discussed, this height adjustment mechanism allows the outer sleeve  102  to be installed within the soil with less precision since the inner cup assembly  104  can be adjusted (and removed) relative to the outer sleeve  102  and surrounding turf. 
     The height adjustment mechanism may include a plurality of stepped areas at different heights or elevations that engage with one or more fins or ribs. For example,  FIG.  5    illustrates a bottom end of the golf cup device  100  in which the outer sleeve  102  includes a plurality of ribs  106  extending radially inwards and a bottom of the inner cup assembly  104  has a plurality of stepped regions  110 , each of which having steps at different heights. Depending on the rotational orientation of the inner cup assembly  104 , only stepped areas  110  of a particular height rest on the one or more ribs  106 . Hence, partially removing, rotating, and reseating the inner cup assembly  104  results in changing the height of the inner cup assembly  104  relative to the outer sleeve  102 . 
     The golf cup assembly  100  may include the same number of stepped regions  110  as ribs  106 . The stepped regions  110  may also be positioned equal distances from each other and the ribs  106  may also be positioned at equal distances from each other such that the ribs  106  may contact the step of each stepped region  110  having the same elevation at the same time or rotational position of the inner cup assembly  104 . 
     The ribs  106  may be located near a bottom of the outer sleeve  102  or at relatively higher locations, such as 0.5 inch, 1 inch, 2 inches, or more from the bottom of the outer sleeve  102 . 
     In an alternate example, the ribs  106  may instead be located on a side of the inner cup assembly  104  and the stepped areas  110  can be located on an inside of the sleeve  102 . 
     The outer sleeve  102  may have a cylinder shape with a round cross section shape. The outer sleeve  102  may have a bottom floor or surface, or may be free of a floor or bottom surface so as to expose soil underneath when installed. 
     In addition to its ribs  106 , smaller ribs  108  may also be included on an inner surface of the sleeve  102 . These smaller ribs  108  may be aligned with the ribs  106  or positioned at other radial positions/angles, and may extend most or all of the length between the top and bottom of the sleeve  102 . These smaller ribs  108  help provide some spacing between the inner surface of the outer sleeve  102  and the outer side surface of the inner cup assembly  104 . Without this spacing, if even small amounts of dirt are positioned between the two surfaces, they may grind, scratch, or even prevent the inner cup assembly from sliding into the outer sleeve  102 . 
     The outer sleeve  102  can have almost any number of ribs  106  (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10), so long as both they are each sized and positioned to only engage one “step” of the stepped areas  110  at a time and that each of the steps engaged by the ribs  106  are of the same elevation relative to each other. Or put another way, the size and position of the stepped areas  110  is such that only steps at a single height simultaneously and evenly contact the ribs  106 . 
     While the stepped areas  110  are shown extending from a bottom surface of the inner cup assembly  104 , it is also possible that they are formed around the outer side surface of the inner cup assembly  104 . For example, an outer sleeve with the steps cut into it may be fixed around the inner cup assembly  104 . 
     The inner cup assembly  104  may include an upper cup portion  114  fixed on an optional lower light assembly  112  (though the lower light assembly  112  may additionally or alternately include other electronic components, as noted earlier). The upper cup portion  114  has a generally cylindrical shape with an open top end. The interior of the cup portion  114  can include bottom angled ribs that forms a floor for a golf ball and a center aperture for holding a flag pole, as seen in  FIG.  9   , and as are generally found in traditional golf cups. 
     The lower light assembly  112  includes one or more (e.g., 3) lights  118  on its top surface that are arranged to shine through the bottom of the interior of the cup portion  114  (e.g., between the ribs) and out the top opening of the cup portion  114 . The lights may be electrically connected to a power cable  116  that passes through a bottom surface of the lower light assembly  112 . 
     As best seen in  FIG.  8   , the stepped areas  110  can be formed from an outer ridge along the outer circumference of the light assembly  112  that extends downward or perpendicular to the bottom surface of the light assembly  112 . In that respect, the steps of the stepped areas  110  may have a similar curvature as the outer wall of the light assembly  112  and/or cup portion  114  (i.e., the inner cup assembly  104 ). The stepped areas  110  include a plurality of steps that are spaced at different lengths away from the bottom surface of the light assembly  112 . The number of steps of each specific height may correspond to the number of ribs  106  in the outer sleeve  102 . For example, the outer sleeve  102  may have four ribs  106  that are each positioned 90 degrees from adjacent ribs  106 . Similarly, steps of a certain height may be positioned at 90 degrees from each other so that that all steps of the same height can contact all of the ribs  106  simultaneously. 
     The stepped areas can have any number of steps that vary from each other in any increments. For example, the stepped areas  110  may have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. or 10 different step heights. Those step heights (or lengths from the bottom surface of the light assembly  112  or inner cup assembly  104 ) may be in increments of 0.1 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, 1 inch or combinations of the same. 
     Each step may also include a shape that helps engage the rib  106 . For example, each step may include a groove or indentation 110A that has a width sized to engage the rib  106 . This generally prevents rotation of the inner cup assembly  104  relative to the outer sleeve  102  without vertical movement between the two first. An alternate approach to this description is that each step has raised portions on each side to create a groove and prevent rotation. 
     In practice, a user will first install the outer sleeve  102  in a hole in the ground and fill in the soil and turf surrounding its outer walls. A top surface of the outer sleeve  102  is preferably located level with or lower than the level of the surrounding turf. 
     Next, the inner cup assembly  104  is at least partially placed into the outer sleeve  102  so that its stepped areas  110  are pointing downward. The user allows the inner cup assembly  104  to move completely downward so that steps of the stepped areas  110  of a certain height all engage the ribs  106  of the inner sleeve  102 . 
     The user determines if the height of the top surface of the inner cup assembly  104  is level with the surrounding turf. If not level, the inner cup assembly  104  is partially withdrawn from the outer sleeve  102 , rotated slightly, and placed back down, thereby allowing steps of a different height to all engage the ribs  106  of the inner sleeve  102 . This process is repeated until the desired height of the inner cup assembly  106  (i.e., its top being level with the surrounding turf) is achieved. 
     The remaining embodiments of this specification discuss alternate height adjustment mechanisms between an outer sleeve  102  and an inner cup assembly  104 . While features of both items are depicted in a simplified form (e.g., without the light assembly  112 ), they can include any of the features and description of that of  FIGS.  1 - 9   , including the light assembly. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  150  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism may include one or more set screws  152  that pass through one or more apertures in a sidewall the inner cup assembly  104  to engage the inner wall of the outer sleeve  102 . In this manner, the inner cup assembly  104  can be moved to a desired position and the set screws  152  can be screwed to radially extend into the outer sleeve  102 , locking the two components in place. Optionally, the inner walls of the outer sleeve  102  may radially increase in size downward (i.e., toward the dirt and away from the sky), thereby decreasing the diameter of its passage downward. This may allow the set screws to be set to a specific position outside of the sleeve  102  and therefore engage the sleeve walls at a specific position as the inner cup assembly  104  is positioned into the sleeve  102 . The inner cup assembly  104  may have 1, 2, 3, 4, or more set screws that may be placed at equal distances from each other. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  160  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the inner cup assembly  104  may include a washer or resilient ring  162  positioned on its outside surface. The ring  162  may contact a fixed ledge on the inner surface of the outer sleeve  102  or may wedge against the inner surface of the outer sleeve  102  if that passage downwardly tapers (as shown in  FIG.  11   ). The ring  162  may frictionally engage the inner cup assembly  104  but may also be movable to different locations/heights on the inner cup assembly  104 . Hence, by adjusting the height of the ring  162 , the ultimate height of the inner cup assembly  104  within the outer sleeve  102  can also be adjusted. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  170  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the outer surface of the inner cup assembly  104  may include a helical thread  174  that is configured to engage a mating helical thread  172  on the inner surface of the outer sleeve  102 . Hence, the inner cup assembly  104  can be rotated within the outer sleeve  102  to adjust its relative height. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  180  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the outer surface of the inner cup assembly  104   includes one or more pins  184  that extend radially outward to engage or fit into one or more channels  182  in the inner surface of the outer sleeve  102 . The channels  182  or grooves have a vertical channel  182 A that extends downward and connects to two or more horizontal or circumferential channel  182 B. As the inner cup assembly  104  is moved downwards, one pin  184  is aligned with and enters the vertical channel  182 A. Once the pin  184  reaches an elevation of one of the horizontal circumferential channels  182 B, the inner cup assembly  104  can be rotated, causing the pin  184  to move into the circumferential channels  182 B and then preventing the inner cup assembly  104  from moving vertically. Hence, the inner cup assembly  104  can be rotated to a certain predetermined position that allows vertical movement and then can allow further rotation to lock the vertical position of the inner cup assembly  104 . 
     The number of pins  184  preferably corresponds to the number of vertical channels  182 A. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 pins/channels can be used. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more circumferential channels may be included and may be positioned at vertical intervals from each other such as 0.1 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, or 1 inch. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  190  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism comprises a kit with a plurality of different platforms  192  that each have different sizes. A single platform, such as platform  192 A is placed underneath the inner cup assembly  104  and against the floor of the outer sleeve  102  to maintain the inner cup assembly  104  at a desired height. However, if platform  192 A does not allow the inner cup assembly  104  to achieve a desired height, a different platform, such as taller platform  192 B, can replace the prior platform  192 A. 
     Alternately, instead of using only a single platform  192 , a plurality of smaller height platforms can be stacked in a number to achieve a desired height of the inner cup assembly  104 . These plurality of platforms can be, for example, all the same height or different heights, including 0.1 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, or 1 inch. 
     The platforms can be any structure, solid or hollow that fits within the outer sleeve  102  and has a radius sufficient to support the inner cup assembly  104  (i.e., similar in diameter). The platform(s) may have structural features that allow them to mate with each other, the inner cup assembly  104  and optionally the floor of the outer sleeve  102 . Such features may include ridges and grooves, or even hook-and-loop, Velcro-style connectors. 
       FIG.  15    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  200  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism comprises a clamp mechanism that clamps the outer sleeve  102  against the inner cup assembly  104 . In one example, the clamp mechanism can be a hose clamp mechanism  202  that includes a band  202 A that is tightened by a screw tightening mechanism  202 B. Alternately, a spring clamp style hose clamp or similar mechanism can be used. All or a portion of the outer sleeve  102  may be composed of a material that flexes, at least somewhat, so that when the clamp mechanism is tightened, it tightens around the inner cup assembly  204 . 
       FIGS.  16  and  17    illustrate another embodiment of a golf cup device  210  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism comprises a plurality of ridges and grooves on the inner surface of the outer sleeve  102  and the outer surface of the inner cup assembly  104  that engage each other in one rotational position and disengage each other at a different rotational position of the inner cup assembly  104 . 
     For example, the inner surface of the outer sleeve  102  may include a plurality of arc-shaped grooves embedded in its wall or a plurality of ridges  212  that form grooves between themselves.  FIG.  17    illustrates a top view of the sleeve  102  illustrating the ridges  212  forming grooves between themselves. Similarly, the outer surface of the inner cup assembly  104  includes one or more arc shaped ridges  214  that are sized to mate with the grooves created by ridges  212 . In the present example, both ridges  212  and  214  extend about 180 degrees, which allows the ridge  214  to disengage from the ridges  212  only when it is rotated completely opposite from the ridges  212 . Hence, at least one rotational position of the inner cup assembly  104  can be disengaged with the sleeve  102  and at least one rotational position of the inner cup assembly  104  can be engaged with the sleeve  102 . 
     A plurality of the ridges  212  can be spaced along the vertical length of the sleeve  102 , such that a plurality of grooves at different heights are created. In that respect, a user can position the inner cup assembly  104  at a desired height and then rotate it to engage it in place. While 180 degree ridges are shown, other arc lengths are possible, such as 30 or 60 degrees. Additionally, the ridge’s arc length  212  may be different from that of the ridge  214 . For example, the ridge  214  may be relative smaller compared to that of ridges  212 . 
       FIG.  18    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  220  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism comprises a spring-loaded pull-pin  224  that is positioned through a wall aperture of the inner cup assembly  104  and biased radially outward. The inner surface of the outer sleeve  102  includes a plurality of openings or depressions  222  at various heights sized to accept the pin  224 . The pin  224  may include a wire loop or similar element to allow the user to pull the pin  224  against its outward bias and out of one of the depressions  222 , vertically move the inner cup assembly  104 , and then release the pin  224  into a depression  222  at a different elevation. Hence, the inner cup assembly  104  can be easily adjusted to a desired height. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  230  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism comprises a screw  232  (or similar threaded member) that passes through the floor of the inner cup assembly  104  and threads into a lower structure  234  near the bottom of the outer sleeve  102 . The screw  232  can either be engaged with the inner cup assembly  104  via a second set of threads or it can be “captured” so as to freely rotate relative to the inner cup assembly  104  but without vertical movement. As the screw  232  rotates, it moves through the mating threads of structure  234 , increasing or decreasing the height of the inner cup assembly  104 , depending on the rotational direction the screw  232  is screwed in. 
       FIG.  20    illustrates a golf cup device  240  that is generally similar to the previous device  230 , with a screw  242  and a structure  244  with a mating thread to the screw  242 . However, instead of the screw  242  being captured or threaded to the floor of the inner cup assembly  104 , a spring  246  is included between the bottom of the inner cup assembly  104  and the structure  244 . This spring  246  maintains or biases the floor of the inner cup assembly  104  against the screw head of the screw  242 , preventing it from falling downward on the structure  244 . 
       FIG.  21    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  250  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism comprises a detent mechanism that allows detents at different heights to be engaged.  FIG.  21    illustrates one example of a ball and detent mechanism in which a lower structure  254  has a central cylindrical passage  254 A with a plurality of detents or apertures  254  at various heights. A detent engagement mechanism  252  can be moved vertically within the passage  254 A to allow one or more ball members  252 B on its lower end to engage with the detents/apertures  254 B. 
     The detent engagement mechanism  252  may include a cylindrical body containing a spring biased pin that is connected to the one or more ball members  252 B to bias then radially outwards. When the user pulls a ring  252 A connected to the inner pin, it pulls on and retracts the one or more ball members  252 B into the body. Hence, the user can releasably lock the height of the inner cup assembly  104 , which is fixed to the detent engagement mechanism  252 . The detents/apertures  254 B can be vertically spaced from each other by a variety of different distances, including 0.1 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, or 1 inch. Optionally, a spring  256  may be included between the lower structure  254  and the bottom of the inner cup assembly  104  to provide additional support. 
       FIG.  22    illustrates another embodiment of a golf cup device  260  with a height adjustment mechanism. Specifically, the height adjustment mechanism comprises a plurality of magnets that may retain the inner cup assembly  104  at various heights. For example, the outer sleeve  102  may include a plurality of magnets  264  at various circumferential and vertical positions. The inner cup assembly  104  also includes a plurality of magnets  264  that are at least positioned along a single circumferential level. The magnets  262  of the inner cup assembly  104  are configured to attract the magnets  264  that they are horizontally aligned with. Hence, a user may push the inner cup assembly  104  to a desired vertical position in the sleeve  102  and the magnets  262 ,  264  will attract each other and maintain the position of the inner cup assembly  104 . In one example, the magnets  264  of the sleeve  102  are positioned at repeating vertical positions from each other, including 0.1 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, or 1 inch. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, including: an outer sleeve having an inner wall surface; an inner cup assembly having an outer wall surface and being positioned entirely within the outer sleeve and inner wall surface; and, a height adjustment mechanism including one or more structures extending from the outer wall surface of the inner cup assembly, the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve, or both the outer wall surface of the inner cup assembly and the inner cup assembly, the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include a plurality of ribs extending radially inward from the inner surface of the outer sleeve; and wherein the height adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of stepped regions extending from a bottom of the inner cup assembly. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the plurality of ribs are spaced apart so as to contact stepped regions of the plurality of stepped regions that have a same height relative to inner cup assembly. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the plurality of ribs are vertically oriented and have a first portion that extends radially inward a first distance and a second portion that extends radially inward a second distance, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the plurality of stepped regions have a groove having a width sized to accept one of the plurality of ribs. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the inner cup assembly includes a cup shape with an internal cup bottom portion; and wherein the inner cup assembly further include one or more lights positioned to shine through gaps within the internal cup bottom portion. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include a first set screw positioned through a first aperture in a sidewall of the inner cup assembly; wherein the set screw is configured to press against the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve increases in radially diameter in a downward direction. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include a resilient ring positioned on the outer wall surface of the inner cup assembly; wherein the resilient ring is movable upwards and downwards along the outer wall surface; and wherein the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve increases in radially diameter in a downward direction. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include a first helical thread on the outer wall surface of the inner cup assembly, and a second helical thread on the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve; wherein the first thread and the second thread are configured to mate and engage with each other. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include one or more pins extending from the outer wall surface of the inner cup assembly, and one or more channels in the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve that are sized to accommodate the one or more pins. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more channels include a vertical channel and two or more horizontal channels connected to the vertical channel. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include a plurality of sleeve horizontal ridges extending from the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve, and at least one cup horizontal ridge; wherein the at least one cup horizontal ridge engages the plurality of sleeve horizontal ridges in a first rotational orientation of the inner cup assembly and wherein the at least one cup horizontal ridge disengages the plurality of sleeve horizontal ridges in a second rotational orientation of the inner cup assembly. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the plurality of sleeve horizontal ridges and the at least one cup horizontal ridge are both arc shaped and horizontally oriented. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include a spring-loaded pull-pin positioned through an aperture through a wall of the inner cup assembly and extends radially outward from the outer wall surface in a first position and is moved radially inward in a second, pulled position. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the inner wall surface of the outer sleeve includes a plurality of depressions sized to accept the pull pin in the second position, wherein the plurality of depressions are located at different heights. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the one or more structures include a plurality of magnets. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, including: an outer sleeve including and interior passage and one or more ribs extending radially inward from its interior passage; and, an inner cup assembly including a plurality of stepped regions positioned to rest on the one or more ribs; wherein adjusting a rotational position of the inner cup assembly relative to the outer cup assembly repositions the plurality of stepped regions relative to the one or more ribs to thereby change an elevation of the inner cup assembly relative to the outer sleeve. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, wherein the plurality of stepped regions further include a groove sized to engage the one or more ribs. 
     In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a golf cup, including: an outer sleeve including a sleeve sidewall; an inner cup assembly including a cup wall; and, one or more wall structures located between the sleeve sidewall and the cup wall; wherein the one or more wall structures releasably secure the inner cup assembly at different heights relative to the outer sleeve. 
     Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.