Patent Publication Number: US-10773148-B1

Title: Device and method for scoring

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to scoring, and, more particularly, for scoring a task, event or game with several rounds of activity or play, with only the score of current round exposed, and all scores for prior rounds concealed. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tracking one&#39;s score can distract a player and lead to misery. Golfers spend their hard earned money to do something that they should enjoy. Yet so many golfers leave the course miserable. Often, scoring is the culprit. Scores have a tendency to separate golfers. The constant reminder of past shortcomings as displayed on a scorecard leads to avoidable mistakes. Discontent over a prior hole, distracts a golfer. The reminder of past performance interferes with fellowship among a group of golfers. Past scores often negatively influence play on the next holes. Golfers troubled by their prior performance may take risks in an effort to save a stroke. Distraction by prior performance can compromise a golfer&#39;s mechanics. 
     To be generally aware of score is fine. However, it can be liberating and spiritual to play without feeling accountable. The outdoors is a reinvigorating environment. Focusing on results takes away from the moment. 
     Concomitantly, a score is a good measure of performance. Often, one or more golfers in a group will insist on scoring. 
     What is needed is a means and method of keeping score without reminding golfers of their scores on prior holes throughout a round of play. 
     The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a scorecard holder and method of scoring according to principles of the invention exposes one round of scores at a time, concealing all other scores. The scorecard holder is sleeve-like structure, with an opening into which a scorecard is inserted. A window is positioned and sized to expose the round of scores. The window allows a user to write, with a pen or pencil, on the exposed portion of the scorecard, a score for the exposed round. Movement of the scorecard, relative to the holder, positions one round of scores in the window. Such movement may be linear or rotational. After a score has been entered, the scorecard may be moved relative to the holder to expose, in the window, the next round, for scoring. In this manner, all previously scored rounds are concealed within the holder. Thus, a player is relieved of the burden and distraction of prior scores. This allows a player to enjoy and focus exclusively on the current round. A round may be a round of golf, a frame of bowling, a game of tennis, an inning of baseball or cricket, a quarter of football, a period of basketball or hockey, an event in a triathlon, decathlon or other combined event competition, or any other determined portion of an event, game or task for which a score may be recorded. 
     A method of scoring a plurality of rounds of play, according to principles of the invention, includes steps of inserting a scorecard into a holder. The scorecard is a sheet (e.g., a rectangular or circular [i.e. disc-shaped] sheet) with a surface on which indicia is displayed. The indicia includes an identifier, such as an integer, for each of a plurality of rounds and a scoring space for each identifier (i.e., a scoring space for each round). Each identifier and scoring space is separated from each other identifier and scoring space, such that one identifier and scoring space for one round may be displayed in the window of the holder (described below) at a time. 
     The holder has an upper panel, a lower panel, and a compartment between the upper panel and lower panel. The compartment is sized and shaped to receive the scorecard. A window is formed in the upper panel. The window is sized and shaped to expose a scoring space and an identifier for a round of the plurality of rounds. To facilitate handling the inserted scorecard, the holder may include a concavity, such as a cutout or cove, that facilitates grasping or engaging the scorecard. The compartment of the holder is sized to receive enough of the scorecard to allow the identifier and scoring space for each round to be aligned with the window, one round at a time. 
     The scorecard may be moved relative to the holder to align, with the window of the holder, the identifier and scoring space for a round. The movement may be linear or rotational. After a round of play, a score is written in the scoring space exposed in the window. Then the scorecard is moved to expose, in the window, the identifier and scoring space for the next round. The steps of writing a score and moving the scorecard to expose, in the window, the identifier and scoring space for the next round are repeated until all rounds of play have been scored. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an exemplary holder and scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary holder and scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of an exemplary holder and scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of an exemplary holder receiving a scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary holder receiving a scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of an exemplary holder receiving a scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of another exemplary holder and scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the exemplary holder of  FIG. 7  receiving a scorecard according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of a sheet for constructing the exemplary holder of  FIG. 1  according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a sheet for constructing the exemplary holder of  FIG. 7  according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of components for constructing the exemplary holder of  FIG. 1  according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of components for constructing the exemplary holder of  FIG. 7  according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart for a method of using a scorecard holder according to principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the specific components, configurations, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions as shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a plan view of an exemplary holder  100  and scorecard  200  is provided. The holder  100  is a sleeve-like structure that is shaped and sized to receive at least a substantial portion of the score card  200 , i.e., at least the portion that contains round numbers  205  and score spaces  215 . The holder  100  includes a top edge  110  and an opposite bottom edge  125 , and opposite side edges  111 ,  112 . 
     A window  120  exposes each round  205  and space  215  for scoring. The window  120  is an uncovered opening in the upper panel  115 . The window  120  is positioned, sized and shaped to expose a round  205  and scoring space  215 , while all spaces that have been scored previously are concealed beneath the top portion  105  of the upper panel  115 . In the exemplary embodiment, the window  120  exposes one round at a time. However, the window  120  may be sized to expose more than one previously unscored round at a time. 
     The bottom portion  130  of the upper panel  115  beneath the window is optional. Without the bottom portion  130 , the window  120  would extend to the bottom edge  125 , and thereby expose more than one previously unscored round at a time. 
     The scorecard  200  includes an upper surface  225  a top edge  210 , an opposite bottom edge  220 , and side edges  211 ,  212 . The width of the scorecard  200  measured from side edge  211  to side edge  212  is less than the width of the holder  100  measured from side edge  111  to side edge  112 , to allow the scorecard to slide into the holder  100 . 
     The upper surface  225  of the scorecard  200  includes columns and rows of indicia, including a column of printed rounds  205 , numbered  1  through  18 , and four scoring spaces  215  per round. Fewer or more than 4 scoring spaces per round may be provided. By way of example and not limitation, one scoring space may be provided for one player per round. Alternatively, as shown, 4 scoring spaces, one for each of up to 4 players, may be provided per round. Each scoring space is an area in which a score may be written for a player for the round. In the exemplary embodiment, each scoring space is defined by a printed square  215 . 
     The perspective view of  FIG. 2  more clearly illustrates the relative thicknesses of the scorecard  200  and holder  100 , the compartment  135  of the sleeve-like structure of the holder  100  into which the scorecard  200  is received, and a cutout  140  to facilitate removal of the scorecard  200  from the compartment  135  of the holder  100 . As illustrated, the thickness of the scorecard  200 , measured from the upper surface  225  to the opposite lower surface  226  ( FIG. 3 ) is less than the thickness of the holder  100 , measured from the top panel  115  to the lower panel  116  ( FIG. 3 ). The scorecard  200  is thin enough to slide into the compartment  135  defined between the top panel  115  and the lower panel  116  of the holder  100 . 
     The compartment  135  is defined between the upper panel  115  and lower panel  116  of the holder  100 . The compartment  135  is accessible through an opening at the bottom edge  125  of the holder  100 . The compartment  135  is shaped and sized to receive at least a substantial portion of the scorecard  200 , i.e., at least to the extent that the last row of rounds  205  and score spaces  215  is exposed in the window  120 . 
     To facilitate removal of a scorecard  200  from the holder  100 , a fingertip shaped cutout  140  may be provided in the lower panel  116  and/or in the top panel  115  of the holder  100  at the bottom edge  125 . The cutout  140  enables fingertip engagement of a portion of the scorecard  200  near the bottom edge  220  of the scorecard  200 , even when the scorecard  200  is fully inserted into the holder  100 . Additionally, or alternatively, the bottom portion of the scorecard  200 , measured from the last row of rounds and scoring spaces to the bottom edge  220 , may be elongated. The elongated bottom portion may extend outwardly from the bottom edge  125  of the holder  100 , even when the scorecard  200  is fully inserted to the extent that the last row of rounds  205  and score spaces  215  is exposed in the window  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-6  the scorecard  200  is shown partially inserted in the compartment  135 . The first row of rounds  205  and scoring spaces  215  is exposed in the window  120 . A user may enter one or more scores for the round, in the spaces provided, with a pen or pencil. Then the scorecard  200  may be inserted further to expose the next round and corresponding spaces. Upon such further insertion, the previous scored round is no longer exposed. Rather, the previous scored round is concealed beneath the upper panel  115 . The steps of scoring a round and then further inserting (i.e., advancing) the scorecard  100  into the compartment  135  may be repeated until the last round is scored. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. The scorecard  400  is a disc-shaped panel  405 . The rounds  410  and score spaces  415  are arranged in a radial pattern, with each round and corresponding score space(s) aligned along a radius. In the case of 18 rounds, each radius may be 20 degrees apart from the next radius for a total of 360 degrees. The holder  300  is also disc-shaped, with a cove  310  to expose an edge of the scorecard  400 . The holder  300  may be comprised of an upper panel  305  and a similarly shaped lower panel, with a compartment defined between the two panels. The compartment of the holder  300  is sized and shaped to receive at least a substantial portion of the scorecard  400 , except a portion of the scorecard  400  exposed by the cove  310 . The exposed edge of the scorecard  400  may be engaged to manually rotate the scorecard  400  within the holder  300  for the purpose of advancing the round  410  and score space(s)  415  exposed in the window  315  of the holder  315 . The window  315  is positioned, shaped and sized to expose one round and corresponding score space(s) at a time. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the cove  310  is shallow enough to allow the holder  300  to conceal the score spaces even along the exposed edge of the panel  405  of the scorecard  400 , because the radial distance of the score spaces  415  (measured from the center of scorecard  400 ) is less than the radial distance of innermost part of the cove  310  (measured from the center of the holder  300 ). 
     In use, the first row (radius) of rounds  410  and scoring space(s)  415  is exposed in the window  315 . A user may enter one or more scores for the round, in the space(s) provided, with a pen or pencil. Then the scorecard  400  may be advanced (i.e., rotated), until the next round and corresponding space(s) is exposed in the window  315  for scoring. Upon such advancement, the previous scored round is no longer exposed. Rather, the previous scored round is concealed beneath the upper panel  305 . The steps of scoring a round and then further rotating (i.e., advancing) the scorecard  400  relative to the compartment  300  may be repeated until the last round is scored. 
     An exemplary holder  100 ,  300  may be constructed of a single elongate sheet of material. With reference to  FIG. 9 , rectangular section  122  may be removed by cutting or pressing with a die to form the window  122 . Likewise, semi-circular section  142  may be removed by die cutting or another cutting operation to form the cutout  140 . After forming the window  120  and cutout  140 , the holder  100  of  FIG. 1 , may be constructed from the sheet  101  by folding along fold line  113 , and bonding along edges  103 ,  104  and  116 ,  117 , with edge  103  overlaying and being bonded to edge  104  and edge  116  overlaying and being bonded to edge  117 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , section  326  may be removed by cutting or pressing with a die to form the window  315 . Likewise, sections  322 ,  324  may be removed from sheet  320 , as a unitary piece or as separate pieces by die cutting or another cutting operation to form the upper and lower panels of holder  300 . After such cutting, the holder  300  of  FIG. 7 , may be constructed by folding along fold line  328  if the removed piece is unitary, and bonding along edges  340 ,  342  with edge  342  overlaying and being bonded to edge  340 . 
     While the edges are preferably bonded together using an adhesive, such as hot melt or water based adhesive, it should be understood that any other means known in the art for securing the edges together would be suitable for purposes of this invention, including the use of staples, ultrasonic welding, or rivets. The sheet material may, by way of example and not limitation, comprise paper, card stock, Mylar, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, or any other material suitable for production of envelopes and/or file folders. 
     The assembled size of a holder according to principles of the invention, is any size adequate to accommodate the scorecard intended to be inserted into the holder. The size of the scorecard will depend upon the number of rounds, scoring spaces per round, and other indicia presented on the scorecard. Each scoring space should be of sufficient size for writing a score. The window  120 ,  315  should be of sufficient size to expose a round and corresponding scoring spaces. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11, 12 , a holder according to principles of the invention may be constructed of separate parts. The separate parts may be formed by die-cutting, molding, casting, extruding, machining or other part formation processes. The parts may be comprised of paper, card stock, cardboard, plastic, metal, wood, fabric, leather and/or composites or any other material suitable for production of holder or sleeve. Parts may be joined together by bonding, such as by using an adhesive or by welding (e.g., ultrasonic welding). Alternatively, parts may be mechanically fastened, such as with rivets, screws, stitching, staples, and/or snap-fit connectors. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , the holder  100  of  FIG. 1  may be constructed by forming window  120  in upper panel  115  and cutout  140  in lower panel  116 . A three-sided  117 - 119  U-shaped spacer is then sandwiched between upper panel  115  and lower panel  116 . The spacer defines a volume (i.e., compartment  135 ) between the panels  115 ,  116  into which a scorecard  200  may be received. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , the holder  300  of  FIG. 7  may be constructed by forming window  315  in upper panel  305  and coves  310 ,  312  in upper panel  305  and lower panel  308 . A C-shaped spacer  306  is then sandwiched between upper panel  305  and lower panel  308 , opposite the coves  310 ,  312 . The spacer defines a volume (i.e., a compartment) between the panels  305 ,  308  into which a scorecard  400  may be received and rotated. 
     With reference to the flowchart of  FIG. 13 , a method of scoring according to principles of the invention entails using a holder and scorecard according to principles of the invention. In step  500 , the scorecard is inserted into the holder. In step  505 , if the round to be played (or currently being played) is not exposed in the window, then, in step  510 , the scorecard is moved (e.g., slid or rotated) to align the round on the scorecard with the window of the holder, such that the round number and scoring space(s) are exposed in the window. After a player completes the round, the player&#39;s score for the round is written in the player&#39;s assigned space for the round, as in step  515 . When a round of play is completed, if there are additional rounds to be played, as determined in step  520 , then the process proceeds from step  505 , with a determination if the next (now current) round to be played is exposed in the window. Steps  505  through  520  repeat until all rounds have been played and scored, with no rounds remaining to be played. Then the process ends, as in step  525 . By exposing a round to be scored in the window, using a holder and scorecard according to principles of the invention, all previously scored rounds are concealed. Thus each player may focus on the current round, without distraction from prior scored prior rounds of play. 
     While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.