TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to measurement devices, and more particularly to a carpet bowling measuring device for determining which bowl or wood is closest to the jack ball.

BACKGROUND ART

Carpet bowling is an offshoot of lawn bowling and is enjoyed by many enthusiasts, especially in Canada and several countries in Europe. A favorite of senior citizens, team tournaments are popular, and the competition, though friendly, is fierce. The bowls or woods used in the carpet game do not exceed 4" in diameter or lib, 10oz in weight. The jack ball is 2 Vs " in diameter. Often during a match, a determination must be made as to which wood is closest to the jack ball in order to properly award a score. In some situations, this determination cannot be made with the naked eye, and a player designated as a measurer must physically measure the distances in question to make the correct determination.

Heretofore, devices used for measuring this distance have been unwieldy, causing unwanted wood and/or jack ball movement, resulting in repositioning. This scenario often resulted in imprecise measurements and controversy. The game would certainly welcome a device that would precisely measure the distance between the wood and the jack ball while minimizing the chance for inadvertent movement. Thus, a carpet bowling measuring device solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The carpet bowling measuring device is a device for measuring the distance from the jack ball to bowls or woods in a carpet bowling game to determine which wood is closest to the jack ball. The device comprises an elongate rod having a rolling disc disposed at a distal end and a jack ball cradle disposed at a proximate end. A wood-locating member is positioned on the rod and is slidable thereon for moving the member into contact with the wood(s) to determine, by comparison, which wood is closest to the jack ball.

Accordingly, the invention presents a measuring device that is accurate and minimizes the chance for inadvertent movement of a wood(s) or jack ball during the measuring process. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a carpet bowling measuring device according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a carpet bowling measuring device according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view showing details of the jack ball cradle of a carpet bowling measuring device according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to Figs. 1-3, the carpet bowling measuring device 10 is positioned on bowling carpet 12 to determine the relative distances between woods 14, 16 and jack ball 18. Device 10 comprises an elongate rod 20 having a distal end 20a and a proximate end 20b. A leg 22 is attached to end 20a and extends perpendicularly downward therefrom. A rolling disc or wheel 24 defines the lower end of leg 22. A pivot pin receptacle 26 is attached to end 20b of rod 20. A jack ball cradle, generally indicated at C, is attached to receptacle 26 for pivoting movement thereon.

As best seen in Fig. 3, the jack ball cradle C comprises a leg member 30 having an upper end pivotally attached to receptacle 26 by means of a pivot pin 32 or the like. A base member 34 defines the lower end of leg member 30. A fork or V-shaped niche 36 is formed in base member 34 for receiving jack ball 18 therein. Locating member 40 is disposed on rod 20 and is slidable along the length of the rod 20. Arm 42 is formed with a planar face and depends perpendicularly downward from member 40. Member 40 is provided with a thumbscrew 40a or the like for temporarily locking or securing the position of member 40 on rod 20. All parts of the measuring device can be fabricated from any suitable material or combinations thereof (metal, plastic, wood, etc.). In use, the cradle C is positioned to cradle the jack ball 18. The rod 20 is rotated, using disc 24 to position the rod 20 over the wood 16 whose distance from the jack ball 18 is to be determined. Locating member 40 is positioned on the rod 20 so that arm 42 abuts the wood 16. Thumbscrew 40a is tightened to secure member 40 in place. The rod 20 is then rotated over another wood 14 to determine if that wood 14 is closer or more distant from the jack ball 18. As indicated above, these determinations may be made quickly while minimizing the chance of inadvertent movement of the wood(s) 14, 16 and jack ball 18.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.