Alarm system for forgotten golf club

• US 6,407,667 B1
• Filed: 03/10/2000
• Issued: 06/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/25/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jackson, Robert A., John M. Davis, Susan M. Jackson
• Original Assignee: Jackson, Robert A., John M. Davis, Susan M. Jackson
• Inventors: Jackson, Robert A., Davis, John M., Jackson, Susan M.
• Primary Examiner(s): LA, ANH V
• Application Number:
  US09/522,650
• Time in Patent Office: 830 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.1, 340/568.6, 340/571, 340/572.1, 340/539, 340/693.1, 340/693.5, 340/693.9, 340/636, 340/567, 206/315.3, 473/408, 473/283, 473/282
• US Class Current: 340/568.6
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2055/402 Warning devices for indicating missing golf clubs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 55/10 Stands for golf clubs , e.g. for use on the course ; Golf club holders, racks or presses
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/50 specially adapted for course maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/023 Power management, e.g. system sleep and wake up provisions
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0247 System arrangements wherein the alarm criteria uses signal strength
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 Attachment of child unit to child/article

Abstract

An alarm system is provided for alerting a golfer about a forgotten club. A divot tool incorporates a radio transmitter powered by a rechargeable power source for transmitting a coded transmission. A radio receiver tuned to receive the coded transmission includes logic circuitry that generates an alarm signal whenever power associated with the coded transmission drops below a threshold level. One or more alarm devices are coupled to the logic circuitry to generate alarm(s) when the alarm signal is supplied thereto. A power source is coupled to the radio receiver for supplying power thereto and for supplying a charging current for the rechargeable power source via an electrical coupling. When a golfer places a club or other accessory on the ground, the divot tool is placed near the club. As long as the golfer remains within a prescribed range, no alarm will be activated. However, if the golfer moves further from the divot tool than the prescribed range, an alarm is produced. Alerted to his forgetfulness before leaving the vicinity, the golfer then simply retrieves the club and divot tool.

Claims

1. An alarm system for use by a golfer comprising:

a transmitter device for placing in proximity to a golf club;

a radio transmitter mounted in said transmitter device, said radio transmitter being powered by a rechargeable transmitter power source for transmitting a coded transmission;

a radio receiver tuned to receive said coded transmission, said radio receiver including circuitry that generates an alarm signal whenever power associated with said coded transmission drops below a threshold level;

at least one alarm device coupled to said circuitry for generating at least one golfer-detectable alarm when said alarm signal is supplied thereto;

a receiver power source coupled to said radio receiver for supplying power thereof; and

an electrical coupling having a first portion mounted on said radio transmitter and electrically connected to said transmitter power source, said electrical coupling further having a second portion mounted on said radio receiver and electrically connected to said receiver power source wherein, when said first portion and said second portion are electrically coupled to one another, said transmitter power source is electrically connected to said receiver power source for receiving a charging current.

2. An alarm system as in claim 1 further comprising a housing containing said radio receiver said at least one alarm device, said receiver power source and said second portion of said electrical coupling and an attachment coupled to said housing for allowing said housing to be worn by said golfer.

3. An alarm system as in claim 1 wherein said electrical coupling includes a mechanical coupling for retaining said transmitter device relative to said radio receiver when said first portion and said second portion are electrically coupled to one another.

4. An alarm system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one alarm device is selected from the group consisting of an audio alarm device, a visual alarm device and a vibration alarm device.

5. An alarm system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one alarm device comprises an audio alarm device and a visual alarm device.

6. An alarm system as in claim 1 wherein said receiver power source is a replaceable power source.

7. An alarm system as in claim 1 wherein said threshold level is set such that said alarm signal is generated whenever said radio transmitter and said radio receiver are separated by approximately 50 yards.

8. An alarm system as in claim 1 further comprising an adjuster coupled to said circuitry, said adjuster providing for adjustment of said threshold level.

9. An alarm system as in claim 1 wherein said transmitter device has a divot repair portion formed on one end thereof and a cradle portion formed on the opposing end thereof wherein, when said divot repair portion is stuck into the ground, said cradle portion extends substantially upward from the ground.