Abstract:
An impact-responsive scoring and sensing goal post that forms an active target for hybrid soccer golf games of numerous variations, and a soccer golf game using the goal pole. The portable electronic “goal-pole” comprises an upstanding, cylindrical stanchion that supports sensor circuitry and display apparatus. The goal pole can be disposed in different predetermined locations over a playing surface to provide a target. The solid state circuitry responds to an impact-responsive electrical switch to energize an activation line for a predetermined time, turning on a trio of driver transistors activating a motor that rotates the visual display, a plurality of LED&#39;s, and a loud recorded message for audibly indicating a score.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This utility patent application is based upon, and claims the filing date of, prior pending provisional application entitled “Scoring and Sensing System for Soccer-Golf Games” Ser. No. 61/128,122, which was filed May 20, 2008, inventor Robert C. Hinn. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    I. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to targets for projectile games involving balls that are kicked by players. More particularly, the present invention relates to a scoring and sensing goal pole that detects the impact of kicked balls (or projectiles) and which aids in scoring hybrid games of soccer-golf. 
         [0004]    II. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    In recent years the sports of golf and soccer have become very popular. There are many elements of the two games that are similar. Both games involve relatively large, outdoor playing facilities, such as a conventional golf course, and both involve specific “targets” that determine scoring. Golf and soccer games both use projectiles, i.e., balls that are shot towards the target. In golf, the target comprises a cup on a conventional golf green, and in soccer a goal is the target. In each game the balls are projected by player impact, either with a club or, in the case of soccer, by physical contact through kicking or head butting. The substantial popularity of the games of soccer and golf has led to the development of hybrid versions of these games. 
         [0006]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,272 issued to Bernard Feb. 20, 2001 illustrate one form of a hybrid “Soccer-Golf” game. Play is conducted upon a suitable field, such as a golf course, which may be provided with a plurality of goals, each disposed upon the golf course greens. Players kick a ball from starting points towards the remotely spaced goals or targets. Scoring occurs upon each kick, and terminates when the goals are penetrated by the balls. Players may calculate scores based upon the number of kicks required to reach the goals. As with the game of golf, the player with the lowest point total or score wins. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,234 issued to Hannon on Mar. 13, 2001 shows another hybrid soccer-golf game where players kick soccer balls over a large, outdoor course towards various goals. The game may be played over a golf course by placing goals at various greens, successively kicking towards the greens, and then penetrating target goals. The player with the fewest number of kicks to complete the course is the winner. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,600 issued to Jarimba on Jun. 13, 2006 disclose a hybrid soccer-golf game using soccer balls that are hit with clubs towards target balls. Multiple players using different play balls may take turns striking their ball toward the target ball. Points are awarded for the fewest strokes or for location on the target ball that is hit. 
         [0009]    Many projectile games that are not necessarily similar to soccer or golf exist where balls or discs or the like are thrown or driven towards a target. Of course, in any competitive sports game, the proper determination of scoring is important. Thus a number of targets have been developed for registering a “score” or “hit” in response to impact in tossing or throwing type games. There are both passive targets and “active” targets that provide a feedback signal to the player or players when a score or “hit” occurs. 
         [0010]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,511 issued to Mackie on Jun. 30, 1987 discloses a target for use in a ball game in the form of an upstanding post. Objective target areas to be it are disposed on opposite faces. Illuminated lights indicate when a target area has been properly struck by the ball for scoring. The lights are actuated by pressure-sensitive actuators that respond to impact. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,860 issued to Zelikovich on Sep. 10, 1996 also disclose a sensing target that is responsive to impact. Different modulated signals are generated and transmitted remotely in response to impact sensors, providing distinguishing data for scoring determination. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,569 issued to Kolefas on Mar. 16, 1999 discloses another “active,” impact-responsive scoring device. Circuitry transmits a signal upon impact that is remotely sensed by a receiver which generates a sound in accordance with the signal. Impacts are detected by conductive layers in sensing means. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,194 issued to Schachter on Jun. 1, 1999 disclose a sports target utilizing an acoustic sensor. Active electronic circuitry determines if a valid hit has occurred. In response to sensed impact, the device plays a digitally recorded, audio message. The signal may be transmitted to a remote receiver. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,284 issued to Chou Apr. 29, 2003 shows an electrically responsive target assembly for impact ball games. The target has front and rear sheets with multiple aligned conductors. In response to ball contact or impact, the target material deforms, and the conductors are temporarily electrically joined to complete an alarm circuit. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,417 issued to Holgate on Aug. 17, 2004 show a target for “disc golf” that captures properly thrown disc projectiles. The target has a basket assembly attached to a supporting center pole that captivates impacting disks used in the game. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,390 issued to Shioda on Dec. 13, 2005 disclose a practice system having a practice ball and a target assembly. An energy absorbing surface attached to a rigid frame held in place by a frame support monitors “hits.” 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017]    This invention provides an improved soccer golf game and an impact responsive scoring post that forms an active target for projectile games. Ideally the target is used for soccer-golf games of numerous variations. 
         [0018]    An electronic “goal-pole” or target in the general form of an upstanding, cylindrical post that is affixed to the ground for playing soccer golf or kick golf games. The target goal pole can be removed and affixed to different locations, varying the difficulty of play. For example, the goal pole can be placed in or near the cup upon a conventional golf green, were soccer-golf is to be played upon a golf course. 
         [0019]    The goal pole can be used indoors, in backyards, and other limited spaces. Preferably the goal pole is attached to a base that sits flat upon the ground, or floor, allowing the target to be struck by a ball and not tip over. The device is mobile and can be placed in any location indoors or outside. For indoor or backyard use, a small ball is used, although any size ball would be suitable. 
         [0020]    The game is played by setting up a course using one or more goal poles and corresponding starting locations. The game can be played upon a golf course, but ideally the game is played on a course designed exclusively for the game of soccer-golf. In the best mode each hole is approximately 50-100 yards long. By comparison, standard golf course holes average 300-400 yards in length. The soccer ball is kicked from the starting location, and successively kicked until it strikes the targeted goal pole. The goal pole electronically senses the slightest impact of a ball, and provides a visual and audible warning to the player that scoring impact has occurred. 
         [0021]    Preferably, the goal pole circuitry provides one or more of the following three response to impact: 1) an electric motor in the device spins and/or oscillates an object, such as a highly visible simulated soccer ball; 2) indicator lights come on, flash, and/or strobe; and, 3) a digitally recorded message is transmitted audibly through either acoustic means, or the message is transmitted via radio to a remote receiver. The impact responses are preferably activated for a predetermined amount of time before resetting. 
         [0022]    One alternative form of the game is played on a miniature golf course. A small inflatable soccer-type ball, about the size of a softball, is kicked with the feet until it strikes the goal pole. 
         [0023]    Thus a basic object is to provide an improved scoring system for impact games. 
         [0024]    More particularly, it is a broad object of my invention to provide an electronic scoring indicator for a hybrid soccer-golf game. 
         [0025]    Another basic object is to provide a “goal-pole” for the games of soccer-golf. 
         [0026]    A still further object is to provide an improved soccer golf game. 
         [0027]    Another object is to provide a scoring indicator of the type described that gives a visual warning when players have properly struck the target when kicking the ball and competing. 
         [0028]    A related object is to provide a means for enhancing scoring upon the greens used in hybrid soccer-golf games. 
         [0029]    Another important object is to provide a target assembly for use with various projectile games, such as soccer, golf, a hybrid soccer-golf game, or the like. 
         [0030]    It is also an object to provide a goal pole for indicating scoring with soccer-golf games that can be used inside or outdoors. 
         [0031]    A further object is to provide a goal pole of the character described which may be successfully employed at either a kick golf course, a conventional golf course, or upon a smaller, miniature golf course. 
         [0032]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an improved soccer ball target that convincingly and reliably informs players when the target has been hit by the ball. 
         [0033]    It is also an object to provide an improved soccer-golf game, and an improved method of play. 
         [0034]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]    In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views: 
           [0036]      FIG. 1  is a partially exploded, plan view of a preferred goal pole constructed in accordance with the invention, with the goal pole adapted to be disposed within a golf green cup; 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is a view of the goal pole disposed within a base upon ordinary ground; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the bottom of the goal pole, showing it engaged within a base; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmentary, partially exploded view of the bottom of the pole, showing it engaged within a golf green cup; 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the upper portion of the preferred goal pole; 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the goal pole engaged within a base; 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the goal pole engaged within a golf green cup; 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is an electrical schematic view of the preferred electronic circuitry that is disposed within the goal pole; 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of shock sensor switch (SWI); 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a view of a typical nine-hole soccer-golf course; 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is a view of a single hole; and, 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is a close up view of a typical soccer-golf hole in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0048]    With initial reference directed to  FIGS. 1-4  of the accompanying drawings, a soccer-golf game score indicator and sensing goal pole is generally designated by the reference numeral  15 . In play, soccer balls, for example, are kicked towards the goal pole  15 , which is disposed upon a playing surface in a target area. The portable goal pole may be used indoors or outdoors, either upon a small limited area, upon a soccer-golf course designed exclusively for this game, or upon a conventional golf course with fairways, tee-boxes, and conventional putting greens. As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the goal-pole  15  is adapted to be fastened within a conventional putting cup  17 , of the type normally disposed upon golf green. As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the goal pole  15  can alternatively be fastened to a generally planar rubber base  62  which can lie flush over a suitable horizontal playing surface such as the ground, a golf course, or an indoor carpet or floor. 
         [0049]    As seen in  FIGS. 1-4  the goal pole  15  comprises an elongated stanchion portion  22  that rises vertically upwardly from cup  17  via shaft  18  ( FIG. 1 ) extending through a cup cover  19 . Alternatively a rubber base  62  as in  FIGS. 2 and 6  can provide support. Stanchion  22  supports an upper sensor housing  24  that enclose the electronics and sensing apparatus, motors and battery power explained later. 
         [0050]    Sensor housing  24  also supports a highly visible, mechanically operable display device, generally indicated by the reference number  26  that preferably rotates in response to a score. Preferably the display device  26  resembles a soccer ball, but a variety of configurations and shapes are quite possible. The mechanical display device  26  preferably comprises a translucent, plastic housing  27 , which separates vertically into two separate, generally hemispherical pieces. The display device  26  is coupled to an interior motor discussed later via a driveshaft  28  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0051]    With additional reference directed to  FIGS. 5-7 , the sensor housing  24  preferably comprises a tubular plastic sleeve. A circuit board  34 , a small, low power DC motor  35 , a battery pack  37 , and at least one audio transducer  25  (i.e., a small low power speaker) are protectively located within housing  24 . Preferably there are several LED&#39;s  40  disposed on top of the housing  24  that visually flash when activated by the circuit in response to sensed scoring. 
         [0052]    The display device  26 , nominally a modified soccer ball, has a plurality of shiny, reflective panels  42  (i.e.,  FIG. 1 ) that glisten brightly in the sunlight to allow a distant observer to observe a score after a hit when rotation occurs. These reflective  42  panels cooperate with LED&#39;s  40  in the top of the housing  24  to make sure a visual score warning is reliably provided. 
         [0053]    As best seen in  FIG. 6 , a support stanchion  22  couples to housing  24 , and whose bottom couples to a reduced diameter bushing  58 . A lower screw fitting  60  mates with bushing  58 , to compressively secure a rigid, circular support stand  62  after penetrating central orifice  63 . 
         [0054]    As best seen in  FIG. 7 , a support stanchion  22  whose top couples to housing  24 , and whose bottom couples to a reduced diameter bushing  58 , is threadably attached to a shaft  55  that passes through a golf hole or cup cover  19 . A golf flag ferrule  54  is attached to bottom of shaft  55 . The ferrule  54  snugly fits within a conventional golf green cup  17 . 
         [0055]    Referencing  FIG. 8 , a circuit for the goal pole  15  has been generally designated by the reference numeral  70 . An LM555C Chip designated by the reference numeral  72  is activated by SPST “on/off” switch  74  to receive power from battery  75 . 
         [0056]    An impact-sensing switch has been generally indicated by the reference numeral  76  in  FIG. 8 . Switch  76  is electrically coupled to line  77  and, in response to sudden impacts it activates the LM555 chip U 1  on its line  2 . U 2  activates the alarm and the goal pole display in response to a scoring hit from a kicked ball. Switch  76  can be constructed with the spiral spring arrangement  79  of  FIG. 9  described later. 
         [0057]    As seen in  FIG. 9 , switch  76  comprises a spring mass  79  that vibrates in response to any slight contact on the goal pole  15 , first closing electrical contacts associated with switch  76  and then opening them. When switch  76  is closed, LM555 Chip  72  outputs a voltage on line  80  for a predetermined time. Voltage on line  80  activates driver transistor  86  (i.e., Q 2 ) that activates visual array  44  comprising LED diodes D 2 -D 6 . Transistor  86  also turns on driver transistor  84  (i.e., Q 3 ) that ultimately activates chip  73  (i.e., U 2 ). U 2  activates transistor  82  (i.e., Q 1 ) that energizes DC motor  88  (i.e., shown electrically via symbol “M”) that activates and mechanically rotates the display device  26 . 
         [0058]    When transistor  84  activates U 2 , an internal, recordable sound section plays a prerecorded message through transducer  25  that acoustically warns nearby players of a score. Concurrently, transistor  86  operates the LED&#39;s D 2 D 6  discussed earlier  FIG. 9  shows spiral spring arrangement  79  that can function as switch  76  to trigger  555  Chip  72  ( FIG. 8 ). An elongated, electrically conductive shaft  78  anchored to the device circuit board  34  is concentrically surrounded by a conductive, spiral spring element  75 . In response to shock-inducing impacts with the goal pole, spring  75  physically contacts the shaft  78  to close the switching circuitry, that latches “on” for a predetermined time. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Best Mode Circuit Components 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Part Number 
                 Value 
                 Notes 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 C1, C3, C5, C7, C9 
                 0.01 mfd. 
                 Disc ceramic capacitors 
               
               
                 C2, C4, C6, C8, C10 
                 4.7 mfd. 
                 16 WVDC tubular 
               
               
                   
                   
                 capacitors 
               
               
                 R1, R2 
                 100k ohm 
                 ¼ watt resistors 
               
               
                 R5, R9 
                 4.7k ohm 
                 ¼ watt resistors 
               
               
                 R4 
                 1 meg. Ohm 
                 ¼ watt resistor 
               
               
                 R6 
                 80k ohm 
                 ¼ watt resistor 
               
               
                 R3, R7, R8, R10 
                 1k ohm 
                 ¼ watt resistor 
               
               
                 U1 
                 LM555 
                 1-shot timer 
               
               
                 U2 
                 1SD1610BDY 
                 Sound chip 
               
               
                 D1 
                 1N212 
                 Rectifier Diode 
               
               
                 D2, D3, D4, D5, D6 
                 LED&#39;s 
                 High bright 
               
               
                 M1 
                 DC Motor 
                 3.0-4.5 volts DC 
               
               
                 SW1 
                 Switch 
                 Spring activated 
               
               
                 SW2 
                 Switch 
                 SPST 
               
               
                 SP8 
                 Speaker 
                 8-ohm, &gt;1 watt pwr. 
               
               
                 Q1, Q2, Q3 
                 2N3904 
                 Transistors 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0059]    Operation: 
         [0060]    A player, or group of players, prepares to play a round of Soccer-Golf on a course designed exclusively for this game. After a few minutes of stretching and warming, up the first player places his ball on the teeing ground and prepares to start. The first hole on this course is about sixty yards long. The grass in the lane from the teeing ground through the putting ground is cut short and is highly manicured. The hole is downhill with the ground leaning towards the left. In the distance the target can be seen in the form of the Goal Pole  15 . The Goal Pole  15  comprises an elongated stanchion  22  which supports an upper sensor  24  that house the electronics, sensing apparatus, motor, and battery power. Above the sensor housing  24  sits a display device  26  in the form of a small soccer ball which is enclosed in a clear, plastic spherical housing  27 . The Goal Pole  15  is approximately three to four feet tall and is fastened within a conventional golf putting cup  17 . 
         [0061]    The first player kicks the ball with enough force that it flies for about thirty yards before rolling down the hill and stopping about thirty feet from the Goal Pole  15 . A more delicate touch is required to move the ball towards the Goal Pole  15  and the second shot comes to rest inches from it. The third kick strikes the Goal Pole  15  causing the impact sensor  79  in the circuit board  34  to immediately activate three responses. The display device  26  (i.e., a small soccer ball in the best mode) on the Goal Pole  15  begins to spin quickly as a plurality of shiny, reflective panels  42  glisten brightly in the sunlight. A battery pack  37  (i.e.,  FIG. 6 ) powers a low power DC motor  35  that spins the ball  26 , activates LED&#39;s  40  that flash, as well as a speaker  25  inside the housing  27  that audibly announces a score by emitting a prerecorded message such as “GOALL!”. These three responses are activated for several seconds before resetting itself for the next player. The number of strikes is recorded for that hole and the player(s) moves to the next hole. 
         [0062]    Game Play: 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10- 12  of the accompanying drawings, a soccer-golf course has been generally designated by the reference numeral  108 . In  FIG. 11 , the soccer-golf course  108  is shown as a nine-hole course designed exclusively for this game. The soccer-golf course can be of any number holes, with each hole  109  having a starting place(s), teeing ground  112 , and a fairway  113  leading to the target  15 . Each hole  109  is up to 100 yards in length and covered in grass, natural or artificial. 
         [0064]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , a player(s)  110  places a soccer ball  111 , of any size, on the teeing ground  112  and kicks it down the fairway  113  towards the target  15 , a goal pole, trying to avoid collections areas  114  that would steer the ball away from the target  15 . Once the ball  111  is in play it cannot be touched with anything but the players&#39; feet. 
         [0065]      FIG. 10  shows the player  110  approaching the ball  111  for the second shot after having avoided the collection areas  114  and keeping the ball in the fairway  113 . The ball  111  has to be at rest before being kicked again. The player  110  kicks the ball  111  towards the target  15 . The ball  111  comes to rest two feet from the target  15 . The third kick strikes the target  15  causing it to respond by spinning a small ball on top, flashing LED lights, and audibly announcing the score with a loud prerecorded message. 
         [0066]    The player(s) adds the number of kicks to get from the teeing area  112  to the target  15  and moves on the teeing area for the next hole  109 . After a predetermined number of holes are played, the total number of kicks for all the holes played is added up with the lowest score being the winner. 
         [0067]    From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure. 
         [0068]    It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. 
         [0069]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.