Golf green reading device

Abstract

A golf green reading device has a lens with a reference line that is illuminated when the reference line is in a horizontal or vertical orientation. The reference line is illuminated by an electrical circuit secured within a housing having a power source, a light source, and a level switch. The user holds the device in a horizontal or vertical orientation to read the slope of a golf green relative to the reference line and determine the correct line to putt the golf ball.

1 . A green reading device comprising: 
 a housing;    a lens secured to the housing, the lens having a reference line; and    an electrical circuit comprising; 
 a power source;  
 at least one light source, the at least one light source being electrically connected to the power source and being capable of illuminating the reference line; and  
 at least one level switch, the at least one level switch being electrically connected to the power source and the at least one light source so that the level switch activates the at least one light source when the reference line is in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.  
   
   
   
       2 . The green reading device of  claim 1 , further comprising a power switch that completes and interrupts the electric circuit.  
   
   
       3 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.  
   
   
       4 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the level switch comprises a mercury switch.  
   
   
       5 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the power source comprises a battery.  
   
   
       6 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the housing comprises two halves that removably couple along a parting line.  
   
   
       7 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the lens comprises two segments having edges that mate to form the reference line.  
   
   
       8 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the lens is a one-piece lens with a reference line being defined by a score on the lens.  
   
   
       9 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the lens includes an outer edge that forms the reference line.  
   
   
       10 . The green reading device of  claim 1  wherein the lens and the housing are of unitary construction.  
   
   
       11 . A green reading device comprising: 
 a housing;    a lens secured to the housing, the lens having a reference line;    a power source secured to the housing;    a means for illuminating the reference line operatively connected to the power means;    a means for sensing orientation secured to the housing and operatively connected to the power source and the means for illuminating so that the means for sensing orientation activates the means for illuminating when the reference line is in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.    
   
   
       12 . The green reading device of  claim 11 , further comprising a switching means that completes and interrupts the electric circuit.  
   
   
       13 . The green reading device of  claim 11 , wherein the power source is a battery.  
   
   
       14 . The green reading device of  claim 11 , wherein the means for illuminating is a light emitting diode.  
   
   
       15 . The green reading device of  claim 11 , wherein the means for sensing orientation is a mercury switch.  
   
   
       16 . The green reading device of  claim 11 , wherein the lens comprises two segments having edges that mate to form the reference line.  
   
   
       17 . The green reading device of  claim 11  wherein the lens is a one-piece lens with a reference line being defined by a score on the lens.  
   
   
       18 . The green reading device of  claim 11 , wherein the lens includes an outer edge that forms the reference line.  
   
   
       19 . The green reading device of  claim 11 , wherein the lens and the housing are of unitary construction.  
   
   
       20 . A green reading device comprising: 
 a housing having a body defining a cavity and having a frame extending from the body;    a lens secured to the frame of the housing, the lens having a reference line;    an electrical circuit secured within the cavity of the housing, the electric circuit comprising;    a power source;    at least one light source, the at least one light source being electrically connected to the power source and being capable of illuminating the reference line; and    at least one level switch, the at least one level switch being electrically connected to the power source and the at least one light source so that the level switch activates the at least one light source when the reference line is in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.    
   
   
       21 . The green reading device of  claim 20 , further comprising a power switch.  
   
   
       22 . The green reading device of  claim 20  wherein the lens has a generally straight edge, said edge comprising said reference line.  
   
   
       23 . The green reading device of  claim 22  further comprising a cant formed at at least one end of said edge, said cant being shaped and positioned to be illuminated when said reference line is illuminated and to be visible to a user sighting along the edge of the lens.