Golf green reader

Abstract

A Golf Green Reader is disclosed. The device is available in two versions—one that is elongated, is sized similar to the length of a golf umbrella and allows the user to site the putt line while standing, and a second version that is handheld. The device includes optics to provide the user with the ability to site along a laser-pointer line and focus, zoom and obtain a wide-angle view of the cup from the ball location. The device further overlays an image that aids the user in holding the device in a level position while siting along the putt line. The image overlay includes symbology that indicates current spacial orientation of the device, the desired spacial device orientation and the direction to correct the device orientation.

1 . A device for aiding golfers, comprising:
 a tubular member defining an upper end and a lower end and a central bore;   a viewing assembly extending from said upper end, said viewing assembly defined by a view window through which said central bore is visible;   an inlet assembly extending from said lower end, said inlet assembly having an inlet aperture; and   whereby said inlet assembly, said viewing assembly and said tubular member are cooperatively designed whereby a user can see through said inlet aperture via said view window.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said inlet assembly comprises:
 a housing defined by an upper mouth attached to said lower end of said tubular member and a bottom face, said inlet aperture formed through said housing; and   a stabilizing pin extending downwardly from said bottom face.   
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said inlet assembly further comprises a reflecting member for reflecting light entering through said inlet aperture from a first axis to direct it along a second axis, said second axis being in excess of thirty degrees from said first axis. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said inlet assembly further comprises an inlet filter, said inlet filter comprising a transparent member bonded to said housing to seal said inlet aperture. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said inlet assembly further comprises a laser light emitter disposed on said housing. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said viewing assembly further comprises:
 a housing defined by a lower mouth attached to said upper end of said tubular member; and   an eye cup extending from said housing, said eye cup positioned over said view window.   
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said viewing assembly further comprises a focusing ring disposed between said housing and said eye cup, whereby rotating said focusing ring adjusts the position of lenses located along a light path defined within said device. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said viewing assembly further comprises a laser actuation pressure sensitive switch disposed on said housing for energizing said laser light emitter. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said tubular member further comprises a level image generator located therewithin, said level image generator generating an image responsive to the spacial position of said device. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said tubular member further comprises a beam splitter located within said central bore, said beam splitter configured to overlay an image from said level image generator with an image from said inlet assembly aperture. 
   
   
       11 . A viewing device, comprising:
 a housing defined by a first end, a second end and a hand grip formed on a top surface;   a viewing assembly extending from said first end, said viewing assembly defined by a view window through which a central bore is visible;   an inlet assembly disposed on said second end, said inlet assembly having an inlet aperture in optical alignment with said central bore; and   whereby said inlet assembly, said viewing assembly and said central bore are cooperatively designed whereby a user can see through said inlet aperture via said view window.   
   
   
       12 . The viewing device of  claim 11 , wherein said inlet assembly further comprises an inlet filter, said inlet filter comprising a transparent member bonded to said housing to seal said inlet aperture. 
   
   
       13 . The viewing device of  claim 12 , further comprising a laser light emitter disposed on said housing. 
   
   
       14 . The viewing device of  claim 13 , wherein said viewing assembly further comprises an eye cup extending from said housing, said eye cup positioned over said view window. 
   
   
       15 . The viewing device of  claim 14 , wherein said viewing assembly further comprises a focusing ring disposed between said housing and said eye cup, whereby rotating said focusing ring adjusts the position of lenses located along a light path defined within said device. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 15 , further comprising a laser actuation pressure sensitive switch disposed on said housing for energizing said laser light emitter. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein said housing further comprises a level image generator located therewithin, said level image generator generating an image responsive to the spacial position of said device. 
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said tubular member further comprises a beam splitter located within said central bore, said beam splitter configured to overlay an image from said level image generator with an image from said inlet assembly aperture.