BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing a golf pin to a golf cup, and particularly an apparatus which is intended to allow the golf pin to remain in the hole during putting of the golf ball and be removed when required, for example for cutting of the grass or maintenance of the green.

In a game of golf each hole concludes with the ball being hit into the hole on the green, and specifically into a cup which sits within the hole. The cup maintains the shape of the hole and provides a bright colour (typically white) which against the green grass improves the visibility of the hole for the player. A flag is located at one end of a pin, with the other end of the pin being located centrally in the hole. The pin is typically made of fibre-glass, and the pin and flag together are commonly referred to as a flag pin.

Until recently, a penalty was given if a ball is played from the putting green and the ball hits an unattended flag pin that was left in the hole (United States Golf

Association Rule 17-3). This changed in early 2019, when Rule 13.2 came in to force. Under this new rule, there is no longer a penalty if a ball is played from the putting green and it hits a flag pin left in the hole. Players are not required to putt with the flag pin in the hole, and can instead choose whether to the remove the flag pin or not before proceeding to attempt to putt the ball. The rule change is intended to speed up play, since a player can putt with the flag pin in the hole without fear of penalty.

However, there are multiple issues which some players have with leaving the flag pin in the hole. A pin may be removed and replaced into the cup several hundred times per week, which induces wear on both the cup and the pin. As the cup and the pin wear, the flag pin becomes more loosely positioned in the cup, and is freer to move in the wind. This can cause the ball to be deflected away from the pin by the constant movement of the pin in the cup. The ball can also become jammed in the hole between the pin and the edge of the cup, making it difficult to move because of the lack of space. As a result the edge of the cup may become damaged. Furthermore, if the flag pin is blown in the direction of the player at a severe angle, then the ball may be obstructed from entering the hole, or it may strike the flag pin and come to rest in front of the hole, on the green, where it may have proceeded to enter the hole if the flag pin was vertical and not bending in the wind or offset because of wear.

The diameter of the pin in the cup is also of concern to players, as they are often put off of leaving the pin in the cup as it creates a smaller area where the ball can enter the hole. A standard pin is around 13mm in diameter.

Additionally, play is continually held up by players removing the flag pin and replacing it, with the option of removing or leaving the flag pin in the hole being available at each shot taken. This slows play, which is frustrating for players that are held up by such delays, and for spectators watching the sport.

The removal of the flag pin from the hole also impacts spectator viewing pleasure in terms of their appreciation of the final shots of each hole, as the distance between spectators and the hole is often considerable, and so seeing the hole clearly without a flag pin for guidance is often difficult.

There are also negative implications on the flag pin, the green and green keeping staff of allowing removal of the flag pin from the hole. The flag pin is often laid down on the grass and can be stood on by accident, or run over by golf buggies or bags, which can damage the flag pin. Furthermore, staff are employed at golf courses to cut the grass and maintain the greens and equipment in a good condition for play. The staff typically remove the flag pins at night to avoid them being stolen or vandalised, and replace the flag pins in each hole in the morning before the first game can be played. This is time consuming for staff.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which overcomes at least one of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf pin connector comprising:

a base member having a lower cylindrical socket therein extending from an upper surface of the base member,

a thin shaft having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end of the thin shaft being removably engageable in the lower cylindrical socket of the base member, a thin shaft fastening mechanism adapted to secure the lower end of the thin shaft in the lower cylindrical socket of the base member, and

a ferrule secured to the upper end of the thin shaft and having an upper cylindrical socket for receiving a golf pin;

wherein the thin shaft has a diameter of 10 mm or less, preferably 8 mm or less.

The thin shaft has a diameter significantly less than that of a conventional golf pin, which is typically 12.7 mm in diameter, so that a ball is less likely to strike the thin pin than a conventional pin during putting. If it does strike the thin pin, it is less likely to rebound out of the cup, because there is a greater clearance between the thin pin and the edge of the cup than between a conventional pin and the edge of the cup. The base member can fit in a conventional cup, and the thin pin can be removed for maintenance purposes by disengaging the lower end of the thin shaft from the lower cylindrical socket of the base member. The ferrule permits the golf pin connector to be used with a conventional golf pin.

The thin shaft may have a length measured between the ferrule and the base member when the lower end of the shaft is fully engaged in the lower cylindrical socket of the base member of between 100 mm and 600 mm, preferably between 100 mm and 400 mm.

This length gives the advantage of the thin shaft during putting, but allows the thicker shaft of a conventional golf pin to be used above the ferrule, so that the flag and pin may be seen by a golfer from a distance.

The upper cylindrical socket may be a circular cylindrical socket with an internal diameter of between 12.7 mm and 13.5 mm. This allows the golf pin connector to be readily used with a standard golf pin inserted in the upper cylindrical socket, cut to length if necessary.

The upper cylindrical socket may include an upper circular cylindrical socket portion with an internal diameter of between 12.7 mm and 13.5 mm and/or a lower tapering socket portion.

Tapering the socket allows a longer socket length and therefore a stronger connection between the thin shaft and the golf pin. It also allows a reduced outer diameter of the ferrule, because the diameter of the end of the golf pin is reduced to fit in the tapered socket.

The ferrule may have a thin shaft socket within which the upper end of the thin shaft is secured, the thin shaft socket being arranged at an opposite end to the upper cylindrical socket.

This allows the thin shaft to be made of one material, for example stainless steel, or process, for example from off the shelf rod, and the ferrule to be made of another material, for example aluminium alloy, or process, for example machining, and for the thin shaft and ferrule to be subsequently joined by bonding with adhesive, welding, or other joining technique.

The ferrule may be a one-piece metal component.

One-piece construction provides strength, and allows shaping by machining and the like.

The ferrule may have a circular external shape in cross-section.

A circular external shape provides equal strength in all directions, while minimising the maximum width of the ferrule.

The ferrule may have a maximum external diameter of 20 mm, preferably 18 mm or less. Because the ferrule has a small outside dimension, it is not a visual obstacle on the golf pin.

The external diameter of the ferrule may taper over at least part of its length such that the external diameter is less at the lower end than at the centre thereof.

Without a taper the wall thickness of the ferrule around the thin shaft would be greater than is needed for strength reasons. Providing a taper allows a material saving, while providing a smooth transition from the golf pin to the thin shaft.

The thin shaft may be of any suitable metal, preferably stainless steel. Stainless steel rod may be sourced economically, and it may be painted or coated in a plastic coating, such as a vinyl coating, to provide the required colour.

The base member may have a circumferential rib or flange at its outer surface.

The rib or flange allows it to sit securely on the aperture provided in the conical ball support surface found in a conventional cup. The conical ball support surface is generally provided with a central aperture within which the base of a conventional golf pin may be placed. The rib or flange may also be used to secure the base member in the cup.

The base member may comprise a cylindrical portion extending above the circumferential rib or flange for a height of between 20 mm and 50 mm.

This cylindrical portion projects above the aperture provided in the conical ball support surface found in a conventional cup, and prevents a ball falling completely between the cylindrical portion and the wall of the cup, thereby making retrieval of the ball easier.

The total height of the circumferential rib or flange and the cylindrical portion extending above the circumferential rib or flange may be between 25 mm and 80 mm. This dimension ensures that a ball falls cleanly into the cup, but allows the ball to sit between 20 mm and 50 mm, preferably about 30 mm, higher than in a conventional cup with a conventional pin therein. The thin shaft fastening mechanism may comprise a radial threaded aperture in the base member extending to the lower cylindrical socket and a locking screw adapted to engage in the radial threaded aperture against the lower end of the thin shaft.

In one embodiment the locking screw may include a hexagonal head which can be turned by a ratchet or spanner inserted into the cup, to lock or unlock the thin shaft in the base member. Alternatively or additionally the locking screw may include a head with one or more transverse apertures in which a tool may be inserted to rotate the locking screw. Alternatively the locking screw may be provided with any suitable drive means which can be accessed using a suitable tool from outside the cup.

In another embodiment the thin shaft fastening mechanism may comprise a retaining member adapted to retain the lower end of the thin shaft in the lower cylindrical socket. The retaining member may be operable to permit removal of the lower end of the thin shaft from the lower cylindrical socket.

The retaining member may be a resilient detent structure which on application of pressure by a suitable tool removes an engaging means from the lower end of the thin shaft, for example from a circumferential slot in the outer surface of the thin shaft, thereby permitting the thin shaft to be removed from the lower cylindrical socket. The engaging means may automatically engage with the lower end of the thin shaft, for example by biasing action, when the thin shaft is replaced in the lower cylindrical socket.

In another embodiment the thin shaft fastening mechanism may comprise a friction or close fitting fit between the lower end of the thin shaft and the lower cylindrical socket. The lower end of the thin shaft and the lower cylindrical socket may be shaped to engage securely with each other, either by axial movement or rotational movement. The thin shaft fastening mechanism may comprise corresponding thread or bayonet structures on the lower end of the thin shaft and the lower cylindrical socket.

The thin shaft fastening mechanism allows the golf pin connector, with or without the attached golf pin, to be removed by the use of an appropriate tool or an appropriate removal technique, for example when a groundsman is cutting the grass on the green in which the cup and golf pin are located. The golf pin connector can be easily replaced thereafter by the reverse process.

The golf pin connector may further comprise a locking plate adapted to secure the base member within a cup and a locking plate fastener adapted to secure the locking plate to a surface of the cup.

This allows the base member to be locked to a cup to prevent its unauthorised removal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf pin assembly comprising a golf pin connector according to the first aspect and a golf pin which is removably engageable in the upper cylindrical socket of the ferrule.

If required the golf pin may be at least semi-permanently fixed to the ferrule, for example by adhesive or one or more fixing screws, so that under normal use the golf pin is not removed from the golf pin connector, but under special circumstances, for example damage to the golf pin, the golf pin can be removed from the golf pin connector.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf pin and cup assembly comprising a golf pin connector according to the first aspect, a golf pin which is removably engageable in the upper cylindrical socket of the ferrule, and a cup, wherein the base member is removably engageable in the cup.

The cup may be an existing cup, used with conventional golf pins, or a cup provided as part of the pin and cup assembly.

The cup may comprise a cylindrical wall and a conical ball support surface extending from an inner surface of the cylindrical wall,

wherein the conical ball support surface has a central aperture adapted to receive the base member therein, and

wherein the assembly comprises a base fastener for securing the base member to the cup. In one embodiment the cup may comprise a cup base, with a closed lower end of the cup. The base fastener may comprise a threaded fastener, and the cup base may have an aperture therein for receiving the threaded fastener. The base member may have a central, axial threaded aperture therein for receiving the threaded fastener.

In this embodiment the base member is fixed to the cup by removing the cup from the ground and inserting the threaded fastener through the aperture in the cup base, and optionally through one or more washers, and screwing it into the aperture in the base member. If the base member is supported against the conical ball support surface by the rib or flange, it may not extend all the way to the cup base. In this case the fastener is tightened until the rib or flange sits firmly against the conical ball support surface.

In another embodiment the cup has an open lower end and no cup base. The assembly may further comprise a fixing plate having a maximum dimension greater than the diameter of the open lower end of the cup. The base fastener may comprise a threaded fastener, the fixing plate may have an aperture therein for receiving the threaded fastener, and the base member may have a central threaded aperture therein for receiving the threaded fastener.

In this embodiment the base member is fixed to the cup by removing the cup from the ground, placing the fixing plate against the cylindrical wall of the cup at its lower end, inserting the threaded fastener through the aperture in the fixing plate, and optionally through one or more washers, and screwing it into the aperture in the base member. If the base member is supported against the conical ball support surface by the rib or flange, it may not extend all the way to the fixing plate. In this case the fastener is tightened until the rib or flange sits firmly against the conical ball support surface.

The fixing plate may be narrower than the diameter of the open lower end of the cup in a transverse direction, or may be provided with apertures, so that water can drain from the cup around or through the fixing plate.

The base fastener may comprise: a locking plate adapted to engage with a rib or flange provided on the outer surface of the base member to secure the base member within the cup,

an aperture provided on the conical ball support surface of the cup, and

a locking plate fastener engageable in the aperture provided on the conical ball support surface to secure the locking plate to the conical ball support surface.

This allows the base member to be locked to a cup to prevent its unauthorised removal. The locking plate may have a slot so that the locking plate can be slid away from the rib or flange of the base member to permit removal of the base member without fully removing the locking plate fastener from the aperture provided on the conical ball support surface. Preferably the locking plate has a length less than the distance between the inner wall of the cup and the outer circumference of the base member when the base member is located in the central aperture of the conical ball support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AND INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a golf pin and cup assembly with a golf pin connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the cup and golf pin connector of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the base member of the golf pin connector of Fig.

1 ;

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the ferrule of the golf pin connector of Fig. 1 with a golf pin;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a base member of a golf pin connector according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a ferrule of a golf pin connector according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c show a cross-sectional view through a cup and a golf pin connector according to another embodiment of the invention, a plan view of the fixing plate of Fig. 7a and a plan view of the washer of Fig. 7a respectively;

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view through a golf pin and cup assembly including a golf pin connector according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 9a, 9b and 9c show the locking plate fastener, locking plate and conical ball support stiffener respectively of the golf pin and cup assembly of Fig. 8

Figs. 10a, 10b and 10c show various base members which may be incorporated in the golf pin connector of the invention;

Fig. 11 shows a thin shaft which may used in the golf pin connector of the invention; and

Fig. 12 shows a ferrule which may used in the golf pin connector of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF PRESENT INVENTION

In Fig. 1 there is shown a golf pin and cup assembly 10, comprising a golf pin connector 12 removably mounted in a cup 14, and a golf pin 16 which is removably connected to the golf pin connector 12. The cup 14 is typically installed in a green of a golf course such that its upper rim 20 is generally flush with or just below the putting surface of the green. The golf pin 16 has a flag 19 secured to its top portion 20.

The golf pin connector 12 is seen more clearly in Fig. 2. It includes a generally cylindrical base member 30, shown more clearly in Fig. 3, which has an axial lower cylindrical socket 32 arranged in the upper surface 34 of the base member 30.

Typically the base member is of metal, for example stainless steel or an aluminium alloy. It can be formed by machining. However the invention encompasses other materials, such as a moulded plastic material.

Extending upwards from the lower cylindrical socket 32 is a thin shaft 36 having a lower end 38 and an upper end 40. The lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36 is removably engageable in the lower cylindrical socket 32 of the base member 30.

The lower cylindrical socket 32 is sized such that the thin shaft 36 can be easily located therein. A thin shaft fastening mechanism 42 is used to secure the lower end 40 of the thin shaft in the lower cylindrical socket 32. In the example of Fig. 2 the thin shaft fastening mechanism 42 comprises a threaded aperture 44 in the base member 30 which extends radially from the outer cylindrical surface of the base member 30 to the lower cylindrical socket 32 and a locking screw 46 which engages in the radial threaded aperture 44 against the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36. In use the locking screw 46 is screwed in to the radial threaded aperture 44 until it bears against the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36, thereby clamping the thin shaft 36 in the base member 30.

A ferrule 50, shown more clearly in Fig. 4, is secured to the upper end 52 of the thin shaft 36 and has an axially extending upper cylindrical socket 54 at its upper end for receiving a golf pin 16, not shown in Fig. 2. At its lower end it has a thin shaft socket 56 in which the upper end 52 of the thin shaft 36 is secured, for example by adhesive or other fixing method. The ferrule 50 is typically formed of a single piece of metal, for example stainless steel or an aluminium alloy. It can be formed by machining. However the invention encompasses other materials, such as a moulded plastic material. If required the ferrule 50 and thin shaft 36 can be formed as a single piece, so that there is no thin shaft socket 56 used for joining the ferrule 50 and thin shaft 36.

The thin shaft 36 has a diameter of 10 mm or less, typically 8 mm. This diameter is significantly less than that of a conventional golf pin, or indeed of the golf pin 16 received in the upper cylindrical socket 54 of the ferrule 50, which is typically 12.7 mm in diameter. Typically the thin shaft 36 has a length measured between the underside of the ferrule 50 and the upper surface 34 of the base member 30 of between 100 mm and 400 mm, when the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36 is fully engaged in the lower cylindrical socket 32 and the upper end 52 of the thin shaft 36 is fully engaged in the upper lower cylindrical socket 32. In practice, the inventor has found that the use of a thin shaft 36 having a length of 200 mm to 300 mm, preferably about 250 mm, produces a good result, being of sufficient length to provide a thin target for a ball played on the putting green, while being stiff enough to ensure that the top of the golf pin 16 deflects no more under wind load than a standard golf pin. Typically the lower cylindrical socket 32 has a depth of 30 mm to 60 mm, preferably 45 mm, while the thin shaft socket 56 has a depth of 20 mm to 40 mm, preferably 30 mm, so that the length measured between the underside of the ferrule 50 and the upper surface 34 of the base member 30 is between 100 mm and 250 mm, preferably about 175 mm.

A golfer can enjoy the advantage of the thin shaft 32 during putting, but the golf pin connector 12 allows the thicker shaft of a conventional golf pin 16 to be used above the ferrule 50, so that the flag 19 and pin 16 may be seen by a golfer from a distance.

The upper cylindrical socket 54 of the ferrule is circular cylindrical socket with an internal diameter of between 12.7 mm and 13.5 mm, to allow the golf pin connector 12 to be readily used with a standard golf pin 16 inserted in the upper cylindrical socket 54, cut to length if necessary. If required, the pin 16 can be permanently bonded to the ferrule 50, by adhesive or the like.

In an alternative ferrule 150 shown in Fig. 6, the upper cylindrical socket 54 includes an upper circular cylindrical socket portion 54a with an internal diameter of between 12.7 mm and 13.5 mm and a lower tapering socket portion 54b. Tapering at least part of the socket allows a longer socket length and therefore a stronger connection between the thin shaft 36 and the golf pin 16. It also allows a reduced outer diameter of the ferrule 50, because the diameter of the end of the golf pin 16 is reduced to fit in the tapered socket, so that the wall thickness of the ferrule 150 is increased locally, allowing increased bending strength without increasing the overall diameter of the ferrule 150.

Typically the thin shaft 36 is made of stainless steel or aluminium alloy rod. However it can be made from other materials such as GRP or carbon fibre. Because it has a uniform section, it can be cut from a ready formed rod material. The thin shaft may be painted or coated in a plastic coating, such as a vinyl coating, to provide the required colour.

Typically the ferrule 50, 150 is a one-piece metal component, which is readily machinable, for example aluminium alloy or steel. The thin shaft 36 and ferrule 50, 150 are joined by bonding with adhesive, welding, or other joining technique. One- piece construction provides strength, and allows shaping by machining and the like. Alternatively the ferrule 50 can be formed by welding a tubular upper part to a machined or cast lower part.

The ferrule 50, 150 has a circular external shape in cross-section, of varying diameter. A circular external shape provides equal strength in all directions, while minimising the maximum width of the ferrule. Typically the ferrule is between 60 mm and 100 mm in length, preferably about 70 mm in the embodiment of Fig. 4 or 90 mm in the embodiment of Fig. 6. Typically the upper cylindrical socket 54 and the thin shaft socket 56 are about 30 mm in length. The upper cylindrical socket 54 may be longer, say 40 mm in length, if it includes both cylindrical and tapered portions 54a, 54b.

The ferrule may have a maximum external diameter of 20 mm, preferably 18 mm or less. Typically the ferrule 50 in the embodiment of Fig. 4 has a maximum external diameter of about 16 mm, and the ferrule 150 in the embodiment of Fig. 6 has a maximum external diameter of about 19 mm. Because the ferrule 50, 150 has a small outside dimension, it is not a visual obstacle on the golf pin, but is wide enough to provide the required bending resistance.

In order to provide a smooth external finish to the golf pin connector 12, the external diameter of the ferrule 50, 150 tapers over at least part of its length such that the external diameter is less at the lower end than at the centre thereof.

Turning again to the base member 30, shown in more detail in Fig. 3, the base member 30 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with an outside diameter of between 20 and 30 mm. Preferably the outside diameter is 26 mm, so that the base member 30 can fit in a standard inside round flag aperture found on conventional golf cups.

As can be seen in Fig. 2 the cup 14 has a conical ball support surface 60 which extends from the cylindrical wall of the cup 14 down to a central aperture 62, within which the base of a conventional golf pin may be placed. Optionally the central aperture 62 includes a cylindrical wall (not shown) extending downwards from the aperture in the conical ball support surface 60. The base member 30 has a circumferential rib or flange 64 at its outer surface, which allows it to sit securely on the central aperture 62 provided in the conical ball support surface 60. The rib or flange 64 may also be used to secure the base member 30 in the cup 14, as is described below.

The base member 30 includes an upper cylindrical portion 30a a extending above the circumferential rib or flange 64 for a height of between 20 mm and 50 mm, and a lower cylindrical portion 30b. In the illustrated example the upper cylindrical portion 30a, like the lower cylindrical portion 30b, has a diameter of about 26 mm, and it has a height above the circumferential rib or flange 64 of 30 mm. In the illustrated example the rib 64 has a height of 15 mm, although this could be less or more, for example between 5 mm and 25 mm, and projects radially from the cylindrical base member by 5 mm, although this could be any suitable dimension, for example 10 mm.

The upper cylindrical portion 30a projects above the aperture provided in the conical ball support surface 60, as seen in Fig. 2. The spacing between the wall of the cup 14 and the upper cylindrical portion 30a is less than the diameter of a golf ball, so a ball is prevented from falling completely between the cylindrical portion 30a and the wall of the cup 14, thereby making retrieval of the ball easier.

The total height of the circumferential rib or flange and the cylindrical portion extending above the circumferential rib or flange may be between 25 mm and 80 mm. In the illustrated example the total height is 45 mm. This dimension ensures that a ball falls cleanly into the cup, but allows the ball to sit about 30 mm higher than in a conventional cup with a conventional pin therein.

In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3 the thin shaft fastening mechanism comprises a locking screw 46 with a hexagonal head which can be turned by a ratchet or spanner inserted into the cup 14, to lock or unlock the thin shaft 36 in the base member 30. The head of the locking screw 46 may have one or more optional transverse apertures 66 in which a tool may be inserted to rotate the locking screw 46. Alternatively the locking screw 46 may be provided with any suitable drive means which can be accessed using a suitable tool from outside the cup 14.

In another embodiment of the base member 30 illustrated in Fig. 7b, the thin shaft fastening mechanism comprises a retaining member 70 adapted to retain the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36 in the lower cylindrical socket 32. The retaining member 70 is operated to permit removal of the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36 from the lower cylindrical socket 32. In the illustrated example the retaining member 70 is a resilient detent structure which is resiliently biased by a spring means 72 in the direction of arrow 74 to engage with a recess 76 in the thin shaft 36. The recess 76 may extend part or all of the way around the circumference of the thin shaft 36, and may form a slot. By application of pressure by a suitable tool on the retaining member 70, the engaging means (in this example the tip of the engaging member 70) is removed from the recess 76 in the thin shaft 36, thereby permitting the thin shaft 36 to be removed from the lower cylindrical socket 32. The engaging means 70 may automatically engage with the lower end of the thin shaft 36, for example by biasing action, when the thin shaft is replaced in the lower cylindrical socket 32. To that end the engaging means may be rounded, to form a detent action.

Other methods of securing the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36 in the lower cylindrical socket 32. For example, the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36 and the lower cylindrical socket 32 may be shaped to engage securely with each other, either by axial movement or rotational movement. The thin shaft fastening mechanism may comprise corresponding thread or bayonet structures (not shown) on the lower end 40 of the thin shaft 36 and the lower cylindrical socket 32, so that the thin shaft 40 is engaged in the base member 30 by twisting the thin shaft 40.

The thin shaft fastening mechanism allows the golf pin connector 12, with or without the attached golf pin 16, to be removed by the use of an appropriate tool or an appropriate removal technique, for example when a groundsman is cutting the grass on the green in which the cup 14 and golf pin connector 12 are located. The golf pin connector 12 can be easily replaced in the cup 14 thereafter by the reverse process. A further embodiment of a base member 30 is shown in Fig. 5. In this embodiment the base member 30 includes a waist portion 78 of reduced diameter. This allows a reduction in weight and material for the base member. The upper and lower thicker portions 80, 82 have a diameter of 26 mm to allow them to fit snugly in the central aperture 62 of the pin 14. A number of vertical drainage channels 82 are formed around the circumference of the lower portion 82. If the base member 30 is used with a central aperture 62 having a tubular wall, the upper and lower thicker portions 80, 82 will form a close fit with the wall of the central aperture 62, but any moisture will pass through the gap between the waist portion 78 and the wall of the central aperture 62, and can drain away through the drainage channels 82. If the base member 30 is left in the cup 14 for a long time, the waist portion 78 and drainage channels prevent water being trapped between the base member 30 and the central aperture 62, so retrieval of the base member 30 from the cup 14 is made easier.

The cup 14 may be a closed cup, having a fixed cup base 90 extending across the bottom of the cup, as shown in Fig. 2, or an open cup, having an open lower end 100, as shown in Fig. 7a. A base fastener 92, which in the illustrated example is a threaded fastener, is used to secure the base member 30 to the cup 14.

With reference to Fig. 2, the cup base 90 has an aperture 94 therein for receiving the threaded fastener 92, and the base member 30 has a central, axial threaded aperture 96 therein for receiving the threaded fastener 92. The base member 30 is fixed to the cup 14 by removing the cup 14 from the ground and inserting the threaded fastener 92 through a washer 98 and through the aperture 94 in the cup base 90, and screwing it into the aperture 96 in the base member 30. In the embodiment of Fig. 2 the base member is then supported by both the rib or flange 64 and the fastener 92.

If the base member 30 is supported against the conical ball support surface 60 by the rib or flange 64, but does not extend all the way to the cup base 90, then the fastener 92 is tightened until the rib or flange 64 sits firmly against the conical ball support surface 60.

In the embodiment of Figs. 7a, 7b and 7c, the cup 14 has an open lower end 100 and no cup base. The golf pin and cup assembly 10 further comprises a fixing plate 102 having a maximum dimension greater than the diameter of the open lower end 100 of the cup 14. The base fastener comprises a threaded fastener 104, the fixing plate has a central aperture 106 therein for receiving the threaded fastener 104, and the base member 30 has a central threaded aperture 108 therein for receiving the threaded fastener 104. The base member 30 is fixed to the cup 14 by removing the cup 14 from the ground, placing the fixing plate 102 against the cylindrical wall of the cup at its lower end 100, inserting the threaded fastener through an optional washer 110 and the aperture 106 in the fixing plate 102, and screwing it into the aperture 108 in the base member 30.

The fixing plate 102 is narrower than the diameter of the open lower end 100 of the cup 14 in a transverse direction, so that water can drain from the cup around the fixing plate. Alternatively the fixing plate 102 may be provided with apertures for drainage.

Figs. 8, 9a, 9b and 9c show an embodiment in which a locking plate 120 is provided to secure the base member 30 within the cup 14. The locking plate 120 can be used as a base fastener instead of the threaded fastener 104, or can be used as an additional base fastener with the threaded fastener 104. The locking plate 120 is adapted to engage with the rib or flange 64 provided on the outer surface of the base member 30. An aperture 122 is provided on the conical ball support surface 60 of the cup, and a locking plate fastener 124, in this example a threaded fastener, is engageable in the aperture 122 to secure the locking plate 120 to the conical ball support surface 60. To stiffen the conical ball support surface 60, a reinforcing member 126 may be provided beneath the conical ball support surface 60, and it can be secured by bonding or welding or the like. The reinforcing member 126 may have a threaded aperture 128 to receive the locking plate fastener 124. A slot 130 is provided in the locking plate 120 so that once the fastener 124 is partially

unthreaded, the plate can be slid in a radial direction away from the rib or flange 64, so that it no longer engages the rib or flange 64, and the base member 30 can be lifted out of the cup 14, without fully removing the locking plate fastener 124.

The base member 30 can thus be locked to the cup 14 to prevent its unauthorised removal. Referring to Fig. 10a, there is shown a base member 230 which may be used in the connector of the invention. Like the base member of Fig. 3, the base member 230 is generally cylindrical, and has an axially lower cylindrical socket 232 arranged in the upper surface of the base member 230. Like the embodiment of Fig. 3 the lower cylindrical socket 232 is arranged to receive a thin shaft (not shown) such as the shaft 36 described above. The thin shaft may be secured in position within the socket 232 by way of a thin shaft fastening mechanism. The thin shaft fastening mechanism comprises a threaded aperture 244 in the base member 230 which extends radially from the outer surface of the base member 230 to the lower cylindrical socket 232 and a locking screw (not shown) which engages in the radial threaded aperture 244 against the lower end of the thin shaft.

A bottom portion 250 of the base member 230 is secured in position within a cup (not shown) with a base fastener 292, which in the illustrated example is a threaded fastener 290. Above the bottom portion 250 of the base member is a cylindrical portion 252 of the base member, which has a smaller diameter than the bottom portion.

The cylindrical portion 252 comprises a flange portion 254. Above the flange portion 254 is an outwardly tapering portion 256 of the base member which tapers outwardly to where it meets an inwardly tapering portion 258 of the base member. As shown the base member 230 has its greatest diameter where the outwardly and inwardly tapering portions 256, 258 meet. The inwardly tapering portion 258 tapers inwardly to a top of the base member 230. As shown, the cylindrical socket 232 extends downwards from the top of the base member 230 through the inwardly tapering, outwardly tapering and flange portions 258, 256, 254.

Referring to Fig. 10b, there is shown a further base member 330, which may be used in the connector of the invention. The base member 330 is essentially the same as the base member 230. However, in the base member 330 the inwardly tapering portion 258 is replaced with a top cylindrical portion 352. In other words, the top portion of the base member 330 is cylindrical. Referring to Fig. 10c, there is shown a further base member 430, which may be used in the connector of the invention. The base member 430 is essentially the same as the base member 230. However, in the base member 430 the inwardly tapering portion 458 is much longer (in the axial direction) when compared to the inwardly tapering portion 258 of the base member 230, and the cylindrical socket 432 does not extend into the outwardly tapering and flange portions 456, 454.

Referring to Fig. 11 , there is shown a thin shaft (or shaft) 436 which may be received in the socket of each of the base members described above. In the illustrated example, the thin shaft comprises a recess 476 which extends all of the way around the circumference of the thin shaft 436 and forms a slot. In use, an engaging member such as the locking screw described above engages the recess.

Referring to Fig. 12, there is shown a ferrule which may be used in the connector of the invention. The ferrule 550 is arranged to be secured to the upper end of the thin shaft and has an axially extending upper cylindrical socket 554 at its upper end for receiving a golf pin (not shown). At its lower end it has a thin shaft socket 556 in which the upper end 552 of the thin shaft (not shown) is secured, for example by adhesive or other fixing method. The ferrule 550 is typically formed of a single piece of metal, for example stainless steel or an aluminium alloy. It can be formed by machining. However the invention encompasses other materials, such as a moulded plastic material.

The invention offers a number of benefits. For the golfer, the reduced diameter of the thin shaft 36 means that a ball goes into the cup 14 easily when striking the thin shaft 36. The provision of a base member which projects above the aperture 62 in the conical ball support surface 60 and the slenderness of the thin shaft 36 provides more space for a hand to retrieve a ball from the cup 14. In particular the extra height of the base member 30 above the flange 64 allows the ball to sit higher in the cup, making retrieval of the ball easier, since the ball cannot pass between the base member 30 and the wall of the cup 14. Typically a 30mm projection above the flange 64 may result in the ball sitting 30 m higher in the cup. If the golf pin connector 12 is fixed in the cup 14, play is speeded up because the pin is not being removed and replaced in play for different players. The golf pin connector 12 is well supported within the centre of the cup 14, so that the golf pin 16 remains centrally located over the cup.

For the greenkeeper, the fact that the golf pin connector 12 remains fixed in the cup 14 means that there is less wear and tie arising from repeated removal and replacement of a pin in the cup, and less damage to the cup and pin from careless players. The golf pin connector 12 offers an easy release system to allow removal of the golf pin connector 12 and pin 16 for green maintenance. The golf pin connector 12 remains centrally located in the cup so there is less damage to the grass around the cup due to careless removal and replacement of the pin. The golf pin connector 12 is cost effective, lasts longer than conventional pins and can be used with any conventional cups and flags.

For spectators and TV broadcasters, the fact that the golf pin connector 12 remains centrally located in the cup improves the viewing experience, especially from a distance, because the position of the cup 14 can always be identified. With conventional golf pins, when players are putting with the pin out, it is difficult to see where the cup 14 is.

The invention is not limited such that it is only for use with grass golf courses. It may equally be implemented for some or all of the above mentioned benefits in mini golf courses, crazy golf courses, golf courses with artificial surfaces, or any other type of golf course.

The invention is not limited to the materials listed herein. Any suitable materials may be used.