Flexible distance marker for golf course

• US 6,099,412 A
• Filed: 11/10/1998
• Issued: 08/08/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ronald Weibye
• Original Assignee: Ronald Weibye
• Inventors: Weibye, Ronald
• Primary Examiner(s): WONG, STEVEN B
• Application Number:
  US09/189,208
• Time in Patent Office: 637 Days
• Field of Search: 473/150, 473/405, 40/608, 52/103, 116/209, 404/10, 404/11
• US Class Current: 473/150
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/12 attached to straps
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/30 Markers
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 15/0469 Covers, e.g. of ground surface around the foot
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/629 Traffic guidance, warning or control posts, bollards, pillars or like upstanding bodies or structures
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/685 Subsoil means, e.g. foundations

Abstract

A flexible marker system includes a cup member having an aperture centered in its base through which a stake is inserted. The anchor has a tapered stem with two triangular anchor plates extending from the tapered stem. A flexible hinge has two opposing cylindrical members, one for receiving the upper end of the stake and the other for receiving the lower end of a rod. The hinge deflects in all directions. The rod extends upward from the hinge and is colored to indicate distance. A greens mower can approach the flexible marker system from any direction. When the mower encounters the rod, the rod will deflect via the flexible hinge to a position substantially flush with the ground surface. Once the mower has passed the flexible marker system, the rod will return to an upright position.

Claims

1. A flexible marker system comprising:

(a) a cup member having an upper rim for engaging the ground surface and a base with a first aperture centered in said base;

(b) a stake removeably extending through said first aperture, said stake having a first end for inserting into the ground and a second end for positioning within said cup member;

(c) a rod; and

(d) a flexible rod mount selectively secured to said second end of said stake, said rod selectively mounted in said flexible rod mount,

(e) said flexible rod mount includes a first cylindrical member selectively mounted on said second end of said stake and a second cylindrical member selectively supporting said rod;

(f) said second end of said stake comprising a neck and a flexible rod mount mounting member positioned on said neck, said neck having a diameter less than said flexible rod mount mounting member and said first cylindrical member having an open end with a lip extending around said open end, said lip defining a diameter less than said flexible rod mount mounting member, whereby said second cylindrical member receives said flexible rod mount mounting member with said lip contacting said neck.

2. A flexible marker system of claim 1 wherein said cup member further includes a second aperture in said base, said second aperture having a diameter less than said first aperture.

3. A flexible marker system of claim 1 wherein said stake includes a stem tapering from said second end to said first end.

4. A flexible marker system of claim 1 wherein said stake comprises four plates extending from a central axis.

5. A flexible marker system of claim 1 wherein said stake includes at least one anchor member extending from said stake.