U.S. patent application number 14/753791 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-29 for golf flagstick spacer, system, and method of use thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Spencer Trigg. Invention is credited to Spencer Trigg.
Application Number | 20160375327 14/753791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57601722 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160375327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Trigg; Spencer |
December 29, 2016 |
Golf Flagstick Spacer, System, and Method of Use Thereof
Abstract
A golf flagstick spacer includes an inner surface and an outer
surface. The inner surface is configured to fit around a flagstick.
The outer surface is spaced an elevation distance from inner
surface. The elevation distance from the inner surface to the outer
surface is configured to space, elevate or raise the flagstick off
the ground whereby a club or a putter may be inserted between the
flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.
Inventors: |
Trigg; Spencer; (Charlotte,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Trigg; Spencer |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57601722 |
Appl. No.: |
14/753791 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/176 ;
473/131; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 57/357
20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. A golf flagstick spacer comprising: an inner surface configured
to fit around a flagstick; and an outer surface spaced an elevation
distance from said inner surface; said elevation distance from the
outer surface to the inner surface is configured to elevate the
flagstick off a ground whereby a club or a putter is insertable
between the flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.
2. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1 being flexible.
3. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 2, wherein the golf flagstick
spacer is made from a flexible material.
4. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 3, wherein the flexible
material is a light weight durable flexible material.
5. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the golf flagstick
spacer has a donut shaped cross-section, or a substantially donut
shaped cross-section.
6. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the golf flagstick
spacer is integral with the flagstick.
7. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1 being removably attachable
to the flagstick.
8. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 7 further comprising a gap
from the inner surface to the outer surface for removably attaching
the golf flagstick spacer to the flagstick.
9. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 8, wherein the golf flagstick
spacer is flexible, whereby the gap is operable to open and close
by bending and/or twisting the golf flagstick spacer.
10. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 8, wherein the gap includes
at least one protrusion on one or both sides of the gap for
securing the spacer on the flagstick; wherein each of the at least
one protrusions being rounded.
11. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 8, wherein the gap increases
from the inner surface to the outer surface at an angle.
12. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the outer surface
is circular or substantially circular.
13. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1 having a thickness between
a top edge and a bottom edge.
14. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 13, wherein the top and
bottom edges being rounded.
15. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the inner surface
is configured to fit around a flagstick having a flagstick diameter
of 0.5 inches and/or 0.75 inches.
16. The golf flagstick spacer of claim 1, wherein the inner surface
is circular or substantially circular.
17. A golf flagstick system comprising: a golf flagstick; and a
golf flagstick spacer comprising: an inner surface configured to
fit around a flagstick; and an outer surface spaced an elevation
distance from said inner surface; said elevation distance from the
outer surface to the inner surface is configured to elevate the
flagstick off a ground whereby a club or a putter is insertable
between the flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.
18. A method of raising a flagstick comprising: providing a golf
flagstick spacer on a flagstick; putting the flagstick on a ground
whereby the flagstick spacer elevates the flagstick off the ground;
inserting a club or a putter between the ground and the flagstick;
and raising the flagstick with the club or the putter.
19. The method of raising a flagstick of claim 18 wherein the
flagstick spacer is removable, the method further comprising:
attaching the flagstick spacer to the flagstick prior to putting
the flagstick on the ground; and removing the flagstick spacer
after raising the flagstick with the club or the putter.
20. The method of raising a flagstick of claim 19 wherein the
flagstick spacer is further configured to be removably attached to
a golf bag or a golf club for transportation and/or storing, the
method further comprising: affixing the flagstick spacer to the
golf bag or the golf club for transportation and/or storage; and
taking the flagstick spacer off the golf bag or the golf club prior
to attaching the flagstick spacer to the flagstick.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] Technical Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The instant disclosure relates to the sport of golf and the
flagsticks used therefore. More particularly, the instant
disclosure relates to a device for spacing, raising or elevating a
flagstick off the ground, a system utilizing such a spacer with a
flagstick, and a method of use thereof.
[0003] Description of the Related Art
[0004] In most cases individuals are hesitant to bend down in order
to lift/retrieve an object lying on the ground, as when bending
down to lift/retrieve the object for most involves effort and
sometimes pain. The repeated task of bending down or stooping from
a standing position (or from a sitting position) to retrieve an
object may initiate painful physical conditions for those doing
this task repeatedly. Mechanical equipment has been developed and
known to limit the physical burdens of such lifting/retrieving
tasks. As examples, a variety of mechanical objects are known for
the specific function to help those picking up cans, bottles, trash
from streets, and trash cans. These gadgets used are gripping or
piercing tools to ease the strain of bending down to retrieve
objects.
[0005] In the sport of golf, one must remove the flagstick at each
hole for putting. This process typically requires one to remove the
flagstick, lay or drop the flagstick on the ground, and pick up the
flagstick once the hole is completed to return the flagstick to the
hole. For example, after the golfer or group of golfers have sunk
their ball into the hole, it is the responsibility of one of the
golfers to retrieve the golf flagstick laying flat on the ground
and place it back into the hole in the upright position for the
next golfer or group of golfers. Thus, golf flagsticks are removed
repeatedly and replaced during a round of golf. The flagstick
typically must be laid flat on the ground while the golfer or
golfers put into the hole, thereby preventing any objects or clubs,
like the golfer's putter, from going underneath the flagstick. As a
result, the golfer replacing the flagstick into the hole is forced
to bend over and pick up the flag from the ground with his or her
hands. As one should readily understand, this process of bending
over to pick up the flagstick repeatedly throughout a round is
undesirable, especially for the older golfers and/or golfers with
back injuries or other physical limitations or disabilities.
[0006] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a
recognizable unmet need for a device that spaces, raises, or
elevates the flagstick off the ground to allow a user to insert
their putter, or other device or club, below the flagstick to raise
it up. The instant disclosure is designed to address at least some
of the above mentioned problems by providing a golf flagstick
spacer, system, and method of use thereof.
SUMMARY
[0007] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
apparatus, system, and method overcomes the above-mentioned
disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by
providing a golf flagstick spacer and method of use thereof. The
flagstick spacer may be a device for aiding a golfer in raising a
flagstick where the golfer does not have to bend over to pick up or
raise the flagstick. The flagstick spacer may be for spacing,
raising, and/or elevating the flagstick off the ground to allow a
user to insert their putter, or other device or club, below the
flagstick to raise it up.
[0008] The present spacer device for raising a flagstick may
include an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface
may be configured to fit around the flagstick. The outer surface
may be spaced an elevation distance from the inner surface. The
elevation distance from the outer surface to the inner surface may
be configured to space, elevate, raise, lift, the like, etc. the
flagstick off the ground whereby a club or putter may be inserted
between the flagstick and the ground for raising the flagstick.
[0009] One feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that it can
be flexible. The flexibility of golf flagstick spacer may aid in
attaching and removing the spacer from the flagstick. In addition,
the flexibility may reduce and/or prevent damage to the ground or
other surrounding objects. In select embodiments, the golf
flagstick spacer may be made from a flexible material. The flexible
material may be any flexible material, including, but not a light
weight durable flexible material. Examples may include, but are
clearly not limited to plastics, like polyethylene foam. The light
weight durable flexible material embodiments of the golf flagstick
spacer may provide a light weight durable flexible material for the
golf flagstick spacer.
[0010] In select embodiments, the golf flagstick spacer may have a
donut shaped cross-section, or a substantially donut shaped
cross-section. As used herein, a substantially donut
shaped-cross-section may include a donut-shaped spacer with
portions removed (like a gap) or added.
[0011] In select embodiments, the golf flagstick spacer can be
integrally attached or formed with the golf flagstick.
[0012] Another feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that in
select embodiments it can be removably attachable to the golf
flagstick. In this removably attachable embodiment, a gap may be
provided between the inner surface and the outer surface for
removably attaching the spacer to the flagstick. In select
embodiments, when the golf flagstick spacer may be flexible, the
gap may be operable to open and close by bending and/or twisting
the golf flagstick spacer. In other select embodiments, or in
combinations thereof, the gap may include a protrusion or
protrusions on one or both sides of the gap for securing the spacer
on the flagstick. As examples, but clearly not limited thereto, the
protrusions may be rounded protrusions.
[0013] In select embodiments, the gap may increase from the inner
surface to the outer surface at an angle. The angle that the gap
increases from the inner surface to the outer surface may be any
desired angle. In select embodiments, the angle may be between 5
and 50 degrees. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the
angle that the gap increases from the inner surface to the outer
surface may be between 20 and 40 degrees. In other select possibly
most preferred embodiments, the angle that the gap increases from
the inner surface to the outer surface may be approximately or
equal to 30 degrees.
[0014] One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer device may
be that it can be configured to space, raise, elevate, lift, the
like, etc., the flagstick off the ground at any desired elevation
distance. In select embodiments, the elevation distance may be
between 1.0 and 3.0 inches. In other select possibly preferred
embodiments, the elevation distance from the outer surface to the
inner surface may be between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In other
select possibly most preferred embodiments, the elevation distance
from the outer surface to the inner surface may be approximately or
equal to 2.0 inches.
[0015] One feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that the
outer surface may be circular or substantially circular including
an outer diameter. In select embodiments, the substantially
circular outer surface may have an outer diameter of between 3.5
and 5.5 inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the
outer diameter of the substantially circular outer surface may be
between 4.0 and 5.0 inches. In other select possibly most preferred
embodiments, the outer diameter of the substantially circular outer
surface may be approximately or equal to 4.5 inches.
[0016] Another feature of the golf flagstick spacer may be that it
can have a thickness between a top edge and a bottom edge. In
select embodiments, the spacer may have rounded top and bottom
edges. This may provide a better feel to the device and/or may
reduce or prevent damage to the ground and/or surrounding objects.
The thickness from the front edge to the bottom edge may be any
desired distance. In select embodiments, the thickness between the
top edge and the bottom edge may be between 0.25 and 2.25 inches.
In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the thickness may
be between 0.75 and 1.75 inches. In other select possibly most
preferred embodiments, the thickness may be approximately or equal
to 1.25 inches.
[0017] One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer may be that
the inner surface may be configured to fit around a flagstick,
including any size, shape or material of golf flagsticks, whether
currently known, or later developed. For example, the inner surface
may be configured to fit around a flagstick diameter of 0.5 inches
and/or 0.75 inches. In select embodiments, the inner surface may be
substantially circular with an inner diameter. In select
embodiments, the inner diameter may be between 0.25 and 1.0 inches.
In other select possibly preferred embodiments, the inner diameter
of the substantially circular inner surface may be approximately or
equal to 0.375 inches.
[0018] The instant invention also includes a golf flagstick system.
The golf flagstick system may include a golf flagstick and the golf
flagstick spacer in any of the embodiments shown and or described
herein. In select embodiments, the golf flagstick system may
include the golf flagstick spacer integrally formed on the golf
flagstick. In other select embodiments, the golf flagstick system
may include a removably attachable golf flagstick spacer, wherein
the golf flagstick spacer may be removably attachable to the golf
flagstick.
[0019] In use, a method of raising a flagstick may be conducted
utilizing any of the various embodiments of the golf flagstick
spacer as shown and/or described herein. The method of raising a
flagstick may generally includes the steps of: providing the golf
flagstick spacer on a flagstick in any of the various embodiments
as shown and/or described herein; putting the flagstick on the
ground whereby the golf flagstick spacer elevates the flagstick off
the ground; inserting a club or putter between the ground and the
flagstick; and raising the flagstick with the club or putter.
[0020] In select embodiments of the method of raising a flagstick,
wherein the flagstick spacer is removable, the method may further
include the steps of: attaching the flagstick spacer to the
flagstick prior to putting the flagstick on the ground; and
removing the flagstick spacer after raising the flagstick with the
club or putter.
[0021] In other select embodiments of the method of raising a
flagstick, or in combination thereof, wherein the flagstick spacer
is further configured to be removably attached to a golf bag or
club for transportation and/or storing, the method may further
include the following steps: affixing the golf flagstick spacer to
the golf bag or club for transportation and/or storage; and taking
the golf flagstick spacer off the golf bag or club prior to
attaching the golf flagstick spacer to the flagstick.
[0022] These and other features of the golf flagstick spacer and
method of use thereof will become more apparent to one skilled in
the art from the prior Summary, and following Brief Description of
the Drawings, Detailed Description, and Claims when read in light
of the accompanying Detailed Drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present golf flagstick spacer device and method of use
thereof will be better understood by reading the Detailed
Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference
numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements
throughout, and in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a prior art flagstick laying flat on the ground as
known;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer
device according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure
attached to a flagstick and elevating it off the ground;
[0026] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the golf flagstick
spacer device from FIG. 2 attached to a flagstick;
[0027] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the golf flagstick
spacer device from FIG. 2 attached to a flagstick and raising it
off the ground with a club inserted underneath the flagstick;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of the golf flagstick spacer device
from FIG. 2 attached to a flagstick;
[0029] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a golf flagstick spacer
device according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure
being attached to a flagstick;
[0030] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer
device of FIG. 6A attached to the flagstick and being dropped to
the ground;
[0031] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the golf flagstick spacer
device of FIG. 6A attached to the flagstick with a putter inserted
underneath the flagstick and raising the flagstick up;
[0032] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a golf flagstick spacer
device according to select embodiments of the instant
disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 7B is a top or bottom view of the golf flagstick spacer
device of FIG. 7A;
[0034] FIG. 7C is a front view of the golf flagstick spacer device
of FIG. 7A;
[0035] FIG. 7D is a rear view of the golf flagstick spacer device
of FIG. 7A; and
[0036] FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the method of raising a flagstick
according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure.
[0037] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended
solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are,
therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to
any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except
insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, specific terminology is
employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however,
is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so
selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element
includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner
to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The
examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely
examples among other possible examples.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7 by way of example, and not
limitation, therein is illustrated example embodiments of golf
flagstick spacer 10. Spacer 10 may be for raising flagstick 12 off
of the ground 14, like the putting surface or surrounding areas.
Flagstick 12 may be any flagstick, including any size, type, or
material of flagstick, or any other similar or like flagstick type
devices or systems. Spacer 10 may generally include inner surface
16 and outer surface 18. Inner surface 16 may be configured to fit
around flagstick 12. Outer surface 18 may be spaced elevation
distance 20 from inner surface 16. Elevation distance 20 from outer
surface 18 to inner surface 16 may be configured to space, elevate,
raise, lift, the like, etc. flagstick 12 off ground 14 whereby club
22 (see FIG. 4) or putter 24 (see FIG. 6C), or any other similar
club or device, may be inserted between flagstick 12 and ground 14
for raising or picking up flagstick 12. As such, golf flagstick
spacer 10 may be utilized by a golfer for allowing the golfer to
pick up or raise the flagstick from ground 14 with their club 22 or
putter 24 (or any other similar device) without the need to bend
over and pick up the flagstick with their hands. In sum, golf
flagstick spacer 10 may be a device for aiding a golfer in raising
flagstick 12 where the golfer does not have to bend over to pick up
or raise flagstick 12.
[0040] Golf flagstick spacer 10 may be for spacing, raising, and/or
elevating flagstick 12 off the ground to allow a user to insert
their club 22, putter 24, or other device or club, below flagstick
12 to raise it up. Golf flagstick spacer 10, or just spacer 10 or
device 10, may be for raising flagstick 12 and may generally
include inner surface 16 and outer surface 18. Inner surface 16 and
outer surface 18 may combine to create a donut shaped
cross-section. Inner surface 16 may be configured to fit around
flagstick 12, including any size, shape and/or material of
flagstick 12, including constant cross-sectional area flagsticks
and non-constant cross-sectional area flagsticks, i.e. flagsticks
with convex and/or concave outer surfaces.
[0041] Outer surface 18 may be spaced elevation distance 20 from
inner surface 16. As such, elevation distance 20 may be the
distance from outer surface 18 to inner surface 16. Whereby,
elevation distance 20 may be configured to space, elevate, raise,
lift, the like, etc. flagstick 12 off ground 14 whereby club 22 or
putter 24 may be inserted between flagstick 12 and ground 14 for
raising flagstick 12.
[0042] Golf flagstick spacer 10 may be positioned and/or attached
anywhere on flagstick 12. Golf flagstick spacer 10 may be
positioned below the top of flagstick 12 and above the bottom of
flagstick 12, i.e. golf flagstick spacer 10 may be positioned
somewhere between the ends of golf flagstick 12. In select
embodiments, as shown in the figures, golf flagstick spacer 10 may
be positioned on the upper half of flagstick 12 below the flag.
[0043] In select embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be
flexible. The flexibility of golf flagstick spacer 10 may aid in
attaching and removing spacer 10 from flagstick 12. In addition,
the flexibility of spacer 10 may reduce and/or prevent damage to
ground 14 or other surrounding objects when contacted by spacer 10.
In select flexible embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be
made from a flexible material. The flexible material may be any
flexible material, including, but not limited to a light weight
durable flexible material. This light weight durable flexible
material may include, but is not limited to, a plastic, including,
but not limited to polyethylene foam. The light weight durable
flexible material embodiment of the flexible golf flagstick spacer
10 may provide a light weight durable flexible material for golf
flagstick spacer 10.
[0044] Golf flagstick spacer 10 may have any desired size or shape
for spacing, elevating, lifting, raising, etc. flagstick 12 off of
ground 14. In select embodiments, as shown in the figures, golf
flagstick spacer 10 may have a donut shaped cross-section, or a
substantially donut shaped cross-section. As used herein, a
substantially donut shaped cross-section may include a donut shaped
spacer with portions removed (like gap 26) and/or added. Inner
surface 16 and outer surface 18 may combine to provide the donut
shaped cross-section of spacer 10. However, the disclosure is not
so limited to a donut shaped cross-section and other shapes may be
utilized for spacing, elevating, lifting, raising, etc. flagstick
12 off of ground 14.
[0045] In select embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 can be
integrally attached or formed with golf flagstick 12. In these
embodiments, flagstick 12 may be manufactured integrally with golf
flagstick spacer 10 and/or golf flagstick spacer 10 may be
subsequently integrally added (attached, welded, glued, etc.) to an
existing flagstick. In these integral embodiments of golf flagstick
spacer 10, spacer 10 could remain on golf flagstick 12 while not in
use and in the hole.
[0046] In other select embodiments, golf flagstick spacer 10 may be
configured to be removably attachable to golf flagstick 12. Golf
flagstick spacer 10 may be removably attachable to golf flagstick
12 by any means. In select embodiments of the removably attachable
spacer 10, gap 26 may be provided between inner surface 16 and
outer surface 18. Gap 26 may be for providing a gap or space in
spacer 10 for inserting flagstick 12 through outer surface 18 and
into inner surface 16. As such, gap 26 may be operable for
removably attaching spacer 10 to flagstick 12. In select
embodiments, when golf flagstick spacer 10 may be flexible, gap 26
may be operable to open and close by bending and/or twisting golf
flagstick spacer 10. In other select embodiments, or in
combinations with spacer 10 being flexible, gap 26 may increase
from inner surface 16 to outer surface 18 at angle 30. Angle 30 may
be for aiding flagstick 12 to be inserted through outer surface 18
into inner surface 16. Angle 30 that gap 26 increases from inner
surface 16 to outer surface 18 may be any desired angle. In select
embodiments, angle 30 may be between 5 and 50 degrees. In other
select possibly preferred embodiments, angle 30 that gap 26
increases from inner surface 16 to outer surface 18 may be between
20 and 40 degrees. In other select possibly most preferred
embodiments, angle 30 that gap 26 increases from inner surface 16
to outer surface 18 may be approximately or equal to 30
degrees.
[0047] In select embodiments, gap 26 may include protrusion 28 or a
plurality of protrusions 28 on one or both sides of gap 26.
Protrusions 28 may be for aiding in securing spacer 10 on flagstick
12. As examples, but clearly not limited thereto, protrusions 28
may be rounded protrusions, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 7A, 7B and
7C.
[0048] One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer device 10
may be that it can be configured to space, raise, elevate, lift,
the like, etc., flagstick 12 off ground 14 at any desired elevation
distance 20. In select embodiments, elevation distance 20 from
outer surface 18 to inner surface 16 may be between 1.0 and 3.0
inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, elevation
distance 20 from outer surface 18 to inner surface 16 may be
between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In other select possibly most
preferred embodiments, elevation distance 20 from outer surface 18
to inner surface 16 may be approximately or equal to 2.0
inches.
[0049] Outer surface 18 may be any desired shape or size. In select
embodiments, one feature of golf flagstick spacer 10 may be that
outer surface 18 may be circular or substantially circular
including outer diameter 32. As used herein, substantially circular
refers to a surface that is almost circular with a relatively
constant radius, and/or circular surfaces that include portions
added and/or removed (like gap 26). In select embodiments, outer
diameter 32 of the substantially circular outer surface 18 may
between 3.5 and 5.5 inches. In other select possibly preferred
embodiments, outer diameter 32 of the substantially circular outer
surface 18 may be between 4.0 and 5.0 inches. In other select
possibly most preferred embodiments, outer diameter 32 of the
substantially circular outer surface 18 may be approximately or
equal to 4.5 inches.
[0050] Another feature of golf flagstick spacer 10 may be that it
can have thickness 34. Thickness 34 may be the distance between top
edge 36 and bottom edge 38. In select embodiments, spacer 10 may
have rounded top and bottom edges 36 and 38. This may provide
spacer 10 with a donut shape and provide a better feel to the
device 10 and/or may reduce or prevent damage to ground 14 and/or
surrounding objects. Thickness 34 from top edge 36 to bottom edge
38 may be any desired distance. In select embodiments, thickness 34
between top edge 36 and bottom edge 38 may be between 0.25 and 2.25
inches. In other select possibly preferred embodiments, thickness
34 may be between 0.75 and 1.75 inches. In other select possibly
most preferred embodiments, thickness 34 may be approximately or
equal to 1.25 inches.
[0051] One feature of the instant golf flagstick spacer 10 may be
that inner surface 16 may be configured to fit around flagstick 12,
including any size, shape or material of golf flagsticks, whether
currently known, or later developed. For example, most current
flagsticks have flagstick diameter 40 of 0.5 inches or 0.75 inches.
As such, inner surface 16 of spacer 10 may be configured to fit
around flagstick 12 with diameter 40 of 0.5 inches and/or 0.75
inches. Inner surface 16 may be any desired shape or size to fit
around various size and/or shapes of flagstick 12. In select
embodiments, one feature of golf flagstick spacer 10 may be that
inner surface 16 may be circular or substantially circular
including inner diameter 42. As used herein, substantially circular
refers to a surface that is almost circular with a relatively
constant radius, and/or circular surfaces that include portions
added and/or removed (like gap 26). In select embodiments, inner
diameter 42 may be between 0.25 and 1.0 inches. In other select
possibly preferred embodiments, inner diameter 42 of the
substantially circular inner surface 16 may be approximately or
equal to 0.375 inches.
[0052] The instant invention also includes golf flagstick system
100. Golf flagstick system 100 may include golf flagstick 12 and
golf flagstick spacer 10, in any of the embodiments shown and or
described herein. In select embodiments, golf flagstick system 100
may include golf flagstick spacer 10 integrally formed on golf
flagstick 12. In other select embodiments, golf flagstick system
100 may include a removably attachable golf flagstick spacer 10,
wherein golf flagstick spacer 10 may be removably attachable to
golf flagstick 12.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 8, in use, method 200 of raising
flagstick 12 may be conducted utilizing any of the various
embodiments of golf flagstick spacer 10 as shown and/or described
herein. Method 200 of raising flagstick 12 may generally include
the steps of: step 202 of providing golf flagstick spacer 10 on
flagstick 12 in any of the various embodiments as shown and/or
described herein; step 204 of putting flagstick 12 on ground 14
whereby golf flagstick spacer 10 elevates flagstick 12 off ground
14; step 206 of inserting club 22 or putter 24 (or other similar or
like device) between ground 14 and flagstick 12; and step 208 of
raising flagstick 12 with club 22 or putter 24 (or other similar or
like device) (see FIGS. 4 and 6C).
[0054] In select embodiments of method 200 of raising flagstick 12,
wherein flagstick spacer 10 is removable, method 200 may further
include the steps of: step 210 of attaching flagstick spacer 10 to
flagstick 12 prior to putting the flagstick on the ground (see FIG.
6A); and step 212 of removing flagstick spacer 10 after raising
flagstick 12 with club 22 or putter 24 (or other similar or like
device) (see FIGS. 4 and 6C).
[0055] In other select embodiments of method 200 of raising
flagstick 12, or in combination thereof of the previous removable
embodiments of method 200, wherein flagstick spacer 10 may be
further configured to be removably attached to a golf bag or club
(like club 22 or putter 24) for transportation and/or storing,
method 200 may further include the following steps: step 214 of
affixing golf flagstick spacer 10 to the golf bag or club (like
club 22 or putter 24) for transportation and/or storage; and step
216 of taking golf flagstick spacer 10 off the golf bag or club
(like club 22 or putter 24) prior to attaching golf flagstick
spacer 10 to flagstick 12.
[0056] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative
embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should
be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures
are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives,
adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the
present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a
method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the
order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other
embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which
this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are
used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes
of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited
to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only
by the following claims.
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