US3752588A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser football first down measuring device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-07-14
•
Granted: 1973-08-14
•
Expires: 1991-07-14
Abstract
Abstract An optical laser measuring device more particularly for measuring the required distance necessary for a first down in the sport of football. The forward pole marker includes a laser unit pivotably mounted to the marker for sweeping the football field with a visible signal. Means for perpendicularly aligning the laser unit is provided on the pole marker and insulation for protecting the laser unit from shock can be optionally added.
Inventors
- 👤 J Chapman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 05:18
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B71/00; A63B71/06; A63B71/0605
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
In combination with a measuring device utilized in the sport of football for determining the distance that a ball must be moved on the football field to establish a first down wherein a pair of markers are connected with a flexible member, the improvement which comprises: projecting means attached to the forward marker capable of projecting a signal visible upon contact with the field across the width of the football field; alignment means for perpendicularly aligning the forward marker and projection means with the sidelines of the football field; and means for sweeping the projected signal across the width of the football field whereby the relative position of the ball can be ascertained from the projected visible signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
118 words
In combination with a measuring device utilized in the sport of football for determining the distance that a ball must be moved on the football field to establish a first down wherein a pair of markers are connected with a flexible member, the improvement which comprises: projecting means attached to the forward marker capable of projecting a signal visible upon contact with the field across the width of the football field; alignment means for perpendicularly aligning the forward marker and projection means with the sidelines of the football field; and means for sweeping the projected signal across the width of the football field whereby the relative position of the ball can be ascertained from the projected visible signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination of claim 1, where the projecting means is a laser unit which generates a laser as a visible signal beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination of claim 2, where the sweeping means includes a hinge connecting the laser unit to the forward member to permit the laser unit to be pivoted in the vertical plane for sweeping the projected visible signal across the width of the football field.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The combination of claim 2, where the alignment means includes a beam splitter for projecting a portion of the laser beam at 90* along the sidelines to indicate perpendicularity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 2, where the alignent means includes a triangular base member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination of claim 3, where the projecting means further includes an outer housing and shock resistant insulation between the laser unit and the outer housing.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of claim 4, where the alignment means further includes at least one target member positioned along the sidelines to indicate perpendicularity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The combination of claim 6 where the target member includes photo-conductive means for generating a signal when the laser beam is in alignment and a dispay device for indicating alignment.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-13 | 1977-02-12 | 1977-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-13 | 1981-02-12 | 1981-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-13 | 1985-02-12 | 1985-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |