U.S. patent application number 17/351326 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-27 for adaptable disc golf basket.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mark Brown. Invention is credited to Mark Brown.
Application Number | 20220023731 17/351326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220023731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Mark |
January 27, 2022 |
Adaptable Disc Golf Basket
Abstract
This present invention relates to an adaptable disc golf basket
designed to enable users to easily set up and take down disc golf
targets on a tree, pole, flagpole, or other upright structures as
per the desires of the players. The adaptable disc golf basket
features a basket made of chains that help to deflect the discs
into the target. Additionally, the disc golf basket comprises a
hinge and clasp system and a flexible support structure, that
allows the system to easily wrap around a tree, a flagpole or other
structures. The adaptable disc golf basket is light-weight and can
be repeatedly set-up, taken down, and transferred from one place to
another with minimal effort.
Inventors: |
Brown; Mark; (Indianapolis,
IN) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brown; Mark |
Indianapolis |
IN |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/351326 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63054310 |
Jul 21, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20060101
A63B067/06; A63B 71/02 20060101 A63B071/02 |
Claims
1. A disc golf basket configured to provide a portable mechanism to
trap a disc contacting said basket, the disc golf basket
comprising: an upper member, wherein said upper member comprises a
first portion and a second portion including a hinged connection
between said first portion and said second portion; a lower tray
member, wherein said lower tray member comprises a first portion
and a second portion including a hinged connection between said
first portion and said second portion; an attachment mechanism
comprises an upper flexible ring and a lower flexible ring, wherein
at least one of said upper flexible ring and said lower flexible
ring flex from a coiled position to an uncoiled position and then
to a semi-coiled position during attachment of the disc golf basket
to an upright structure; and said upper member connected to said
lower flexible ring by a plurality of chains mounted
therebetween.
2. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein both said upper
flexible ring and said lower flexible ring flex from a coiled
position to an uncoiled position and then to a semi-coiled position
during attachment of the disc golf basket.
3. The disc golf basket of claim 2, wherein both said upper member
and said lower tray member hinge from an open position to a closed
position during attachment of the disc golf basket.
4. The disc golf basket of claim 3, wherein said upper member and
said lower tray member are plastic.
5. The disc golf basket of claim 3, wherein said upper member and
said lower tray member include diameters generally about 10 inches
to about 30 inches.
6. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein said upper member and
said lower tray member include diameters generally about 12 inches
to about 24 inches.
7. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein the flex of said upper
flexible ring is different than the flex of said lower flexible
ring for selective attachment to an asymmetrical upright
structure.
8. A disc golf basket configured to provide a portable mechanism to
trap discs contacting said basket, the disc golf basket comprising:
an upper member, wherein said upper member comprises a first
portion and a second portion including a hinged connection between
said first portion and said second portion; said upper member
further comprises a latch and clasp for securing said upper first
portion to said upper second portion; a lower tray member, wherein
said lower tray member comprises a first portion and a second
portion including a hinged connection between said first portion
and said second portion; said lower tray member further comprises a
latch and clasp for securing said lower tray first portion to said
lower tray second portion; an attachment mechanism comprises an
upper flexible ring and a lower flexible ring, wherein at least one
of said upper flexible ring and said lower flexible ring flex from
a coiled position to an uncoiled position and then to a semi-coiled
position during attachment of the disc golf basket to an
asymmetrical upright structure; said upper member connected to said
lower flexible ring by a plurality of chains mounted therebetween;
and said attachment mechanism for selective attachment and removal
of the disc golf basket to the asymmetrical upright structure.
9. The disc golf basket of claim 8, wherein both said upper member
and said lower tray member hinge from an open position to a closed
position during attachment of the disc golf basket.
10. The disc golf basket of claim 9, wherein both said upper
flexible ring and said lower flexible ring flex from a coiled
position to an uncoiled position and then to a semi-coiled position
during attachment of the disc golf basket.
11. The disc golf basket of claim 8, wherein said upper member and
said lower tray member are plastic.
12. The disc golf basket of claim 8, wherein said upper member and
said lower tray member include diameters generally about 10 inches
to about 30 inches.
13. The disc golf basket of claim 9, wherein the flex of said upper
flexible ring is different than the flex of said lower flexible
ring for selective attachment to the asymmetrical upright
structure.
14. A method of mounting a disc golf basket to an asymmetrical
upright structure, the method comprising: providing an upper
member, wherein said upper member comprises a first portion and a
second portion including a hinged connection between said first
portion and said second portion, and a latch and clasp for securing
said upper first portion to said upper second portion; said upper
member further comprises an upper flexible ring; providing a lower
tray member, wherein said lower tray member comprises a first
portion and a second portion including a hinged connection between
said first portion and said second portion, and a latch and clasp
for securing said lower tray first portion to said lower tray
second portion; said lower tray member further comprises a lower
flexible ring; attaching the golf disc basket to the asymmetrical
upright structure by uncoiling at least one of said upper flexible
ring and said lower flexible ring, surrounding the upright
structure with at least one of said upper flexible ring and said
lower flexible ring, and releasing at least one of said upper
flexible ring and said lower flexible ring; latching said upper
member; and connecting said upper member to said lower tray member
by attaching a plurality of chains between said upper member and
said lower flexible ring.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising uncoiling both of
said upper flexible ring and said lower flexible ring, surrounding
the upright structure with both said upper flexible ring and said
lower flexible ring, and releasing both of said upper flexible ring
and said lower flexible ring.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising latching said lower
tray member.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said upper member and said
lower tray member are plastic.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said upper member and said
lower tray member include diameters generally about 10 inches to
about 30 inches.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the flex of said upper flexible
ring is different than the flex of said lower flexible ring for
selective attachment to the asymmetrical upright structure.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said upper member and said
lower tray member include diameters generally about 10 inches to
about 30 inches.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit
of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/054,310, which was filed on
Jul. 21, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of disc
golf. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
adaptable disc golf basket that can be adjusted and fitted around a
variety of objects, such as trees, poles and/or other structures.
In one exemplary embodiment, the disc golf basket is made up of
chains that help to deflect the discs into the target. The
invention also enables users to create a professional-looking
course anywhere trees or poles are available. The portable
configuration of the golf basket offers a unique design that
eradicates the need for a separate freestanding pole that has to be
moved around after each use. In this manner, the modified disc golf
basket greatly minimizes the time and effort it takes to set up and
take down the baskets. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes
specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated
that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable
to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] By way of background, the game of disc golf has been known
for decades. Disc Golf, also called "Frisbee golf" or "Frolf", is a
flying disc sport in which players throw a disc at a target, and is
played using rules similar to the game of golf. Disc golf is
usually played on a course with 9 or 18 holes. Players complete a
hole by throwing an initial disc from a tee pad or tee area toward
a target. Subsequent throws are made, each one sequentially thrown
from where the previous throw landed, until the final target is
reached. Usually, the number of throws a player uses to reach each
target is tallied and players seek to complete each hole in the
lowest number of total throws. When disc golf started, courses were
played using trees, fence posts, or park equipment as the actual
target. However, with advancements in the game and its equipment,
disc golf baskets became commonly used as targets. A disc golf
basket is typically constructed using a central pole holding a
disc-catching basket with an assembly of hanging chains. When a
disc hits the chains, the disc is often deflected into the basket.
The deflected disc can then be collected by a tray around the
bottom of the hanging chains.
[0004] Traditional disc golf baskets that comprise a central pole
and hanging chain basket assembly are usually mounted to the ground
via a pole. Typical disc golf baskets are heavy, cumbersome and
prohibitive to relocation. Once the disc golf basket is positioned
in the ground, it may be difficult to transfer the basket from one
place to another. Transferring traditional disc golf baskets can be
both difficult and time consuming due to their cumbersome
nature.
[0005] Disc golf is not traditionally played in a neighborhood
setting due to the hassle and inconvenience. Players must either
travel to courses or not play at all. Due to the inconvenience of
the current basket style, disc golf courses are a rarity. The
majority of children and adults are not afforded the opportunities
to participate in disc golf. People could potentially participate
if courses were more readily available.
[0006] Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a
modified disc golf basket that is convenient to use to play disc
golf. There is also a long felt need in the art for a disc golf
basket that is lightweight, portable and easy to carry.
Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a disc golf
basket that can be easily transferred from one place to another
without much effort. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art
for a disc golf basket that does not require a user to expend a
great deal of effort and time in moving the basket from one place
to another. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a
disc golf basket that can be set up anywhere as per the needs and
requirements of the user. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in
the art for a disc golf basket that does not cause inconvenience to
players, thereby encouraging them to play the game of disc golf.
Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a modified disc
golf basket that can be fitted around various symmetrical and
asymmetrical objects such as trees, poles, flagpoles or the like,
forming disc golf targets as per the needs and requirements of the
players.
[0007] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one
embodiment thereof, comprises an adaptable disc golf basket
designed to be secured around any upright structure. The adaptable
golf basket comprises an upper circular member having two
symmetrical circular portions joined through a first hinged joint,
an upper hinge and clasp fastener to attach the two symmetrical
circular portions, a plurality of catchers along the bottom edge of
the upper circular member, an upper member flexible ring attached
to the upper circular member and configured to secure around an
upright structure, a tray member having two symmetrical circular
portions joined through a second hinged joint that are fastened
through a second hinge and clasp fastener, a tray member flexible
ring attached to the tray member and configured to secure around an
upright structure, and a plurality of chains, each having a hook at
the top end to secure with a catcher and a bottom end to engage
with the tray member flexible ring, wherein the upper member and
the tray member are generally concentrically positioned around the
upright structure.
[0008] In this manner, the novel adaptable disc golf basket of the
present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and
provides a relatively easy, convenient and portable solution for
using the baskets to play disc golf. The adaptable disc golf basket
of the present invention is also user friendly, inasmuch as the
basket is lightweight and can be easily transferred from one place
to another. Additionally, the flexible support system of the
adaptable disc golf basket enables the user to set up disc golf
targets on a tree, pole, flagpole or any other similar upright
structure, as per the needs and requirements of the users. The
adaptable and portable disc golf basket provides a convenient and
spontaneous way of playing disc golf, thereby saving both time and
effort for the user.
SUMMARY
[0009] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed
innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts
in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description
that is presented later.
[0010] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one
embodiment thereof, comprises an adaptable disc golf basket
designed to secure around just about any upright structure. The
disc golf basket, in one embodiment, comprises an upper circular
member having two symmetrical circular portions joined through a
first hinged joint, an upper hinge and clasp fastener to fasten the
two symmetrical circular portions, a plurality of catchers along
the bottom edge of the upper circular member, an upper member
flexible ring attached to the upper circular member and configured
to secure around an upright structure, a tray member having two
symmetrical circular portions joined through a second hinged joint
that are fastened through a second hinge and clasp fastener, a tray
member flexible ring attached to the tray member and configured to
secure around an upright structure, and a plurality of chains each
having a hook at the top end to secure with a catcher and a bottom
end to engage with the tray member flexible ring, wherein the upper
member and the tray member are generally concentrically positioned
around the upright structure.
[0011] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a
disc golf basket fixed about an upright structure is disclosed and
comprises an upper circular member having equally spaced catchers
to receive chains, a first hinge and clasp fastener to secure two
symmetrical portions of the upper circular member, a tray member
configured to concentrically placed below the upper circular member
and having a surface to receive a disc, the tray member having a
second hinge and clasp fastener to secure two symmetrical portions
of the tray member, an upper flexible ring attached to the upper
circular member, and a tray flexible ring attached to the tray
member, wherein both the upper flexible ring and the tray flexible
ring are secured around the upright structure and the chains are
stretched down from the hooks to the tray flexible ring.
[0012] In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a disc
golf basket without an integrated pole is disclosed and comprises a
plurality of vertical chains connected to an upper railing at a top
end and to a lower railing at a bottom end, with the upper railing
and the bottom railing generally concentrically-positioned around
an upright structure, wherein both the upper railing and lower
railing have attached flexible rings that can be bent and secured
around the upright structure to secure the disc golf basket for use
without a pole.
[0013] In yet still a further exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a method of securing a disc golf basket around an
upright structure without a pole is disclosed and comprises the
steps of securing an upper circular member around the upright
structure using an upper flexible ring, fastening the upper
circular member using a first hinge and clasp fastener, securing a
lower tray member around the upright structure using a flexible
tray ring, fastening the tray member using a second hinge and clasp
fastener, and connecting a plurality of chains between the upper
member and the flexible tray ring to form an integrated single unit
disc golf basket. During play, a disc that is thrown at the basket
by a user, upon hitting the chains, is deflected downward and into
the tray member.
[0014] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but
a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein
can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become
apparent from the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the
different views, and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the adaptable disc golf basket of the present
invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the upper member of the adaptable disc golf basket of
the present invention in an open position in accordance with the
disclosed architecture;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the tray member of the adaptable disc golf basket of
the present invention in an open position in accordance with the
disclosed architecture;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the tray member of the adaptable disc golf basket
receiving the disc thrown at the basket in accordance with the
disclosed architecture;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the adaptable disc golf basket of the present
invention secured to a flag pole with an individual using the
adaptable disc golf basket for playing in accordance with the
disclosed architecture; and
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the adaptable disc golf basket of the present
invention secured to a light pole in accordance with the disclosed
architecture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident,
however, that the innovation can be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a
description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter.
It should be noted that the figures are described only to
facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not
intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not
limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated
embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus,
in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from
different embodiments may be combined.
[0023] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a
modified disc golf basket that can be spontaneously set-up and used
to play the disc golf game. There is also a long felt need in the
art for a disc golf basket that is light-weight and easy to carry.
Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a disc golf
basket that can be easily transferred from one place to another
with minimal effort. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art
for a disc golf basket that does not require a user to expend a
great deal of effort and time in moving the basket from one place
to another. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a
disc golf basket that can be set up anywhere as per the needs,
desires and requirements of the user. Furthermore, there is a long
felt need in the art for a disc golf basket that does not cause
inconvenience to players and encourages them to initiate play of
disc golf anytime and anywhere. Finally, there is a long felt need
in the art for a modified disc golf basket that can be fitted
around various objects such as a tree, pole, flagpole or the like,
to easily make targets while playing disc golf as per the needs and
requirements of the players.
[0024] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a
novel adaptable disc golf basket, trap basket, or catch basket
designed to be secured around any upright structure. The basket
comprises an upper circular member having two symmetrical circular
portions joined through a first hinged joint, an upper hinge and a
clasp fastener to fasten the two symmetrical circular portions, a
plurality of catchers along the bottom edge of the upper circular
member, an upper member flexible ring attached to the upper
circular member and configured to secure around an upright
structure, a tray member having two symmetrical circular portions
joined through a second hinged joint that are fastened through a
second hinge and a second clasp fastener, a tray member flexible
ring attached to the tray member and configured to secure around an
upright structure, and a plurality of chains each having a hook at
the top end to secure with a catcher and a bottom end to engage
with the tray member flexible ring wherein the upper member and the
tray member are generally concentrically positioned around the
upright structure.
[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective view of one potential embodiment of the adaptable disc
golf basket, trap basket or catch basket of the present invention
in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the
adaptable disc golf basket 100 comprises a single unit integral
device having a circular upper member or upper ring 102 including a
hinge and clasp 1020 for opening and closing the circular upper
member 102. The hinge and clasp 1020 fasten the two symmetrical
circumferential components of the upper member 102. On the interior
surface of the upper member 102, an upper member flexible ring 110
is attached. The upper flexible ring 110 can be uncoiled prior to
mounting of the basket to an upright pole, tree or upright
structure, and then can be recoiled to wrap around the pole, tree
or upright structure after mounting. The coiled tension built into
the flexible ring 110 provides a firm grip to securely wrap around
any pole, tree, or upright structure. A plurality of catchers 114
are present along the bottom circumferential edge 116 of the upper
member 102 wherein each catcher 114 engages with a chain 108. In
one illustrative embodiment, twenty-four catchers are present along
the bottom circumferential edge 116 of the upper member 102.
[0026] Each chain 108 is engaged with a respective catcher 114 at
the top end through a hook 1080 and is connected to a flexible
member 112 of a circular lower ring or tray member 104. The tray
member flexible ring 112 is similar in shape, size and function as
the upper member flexible ring 110. The tray member flexible ring
112 is connected to the tray member 104. The tray member 104 has a
tray surface 106 around the tray member flexible ring 112. The tray
surface 106 is used for catching a disc 120 after the disc 120 hits
the chains 108.
[0027] The chains 108 that are connected to the catchers 114 along
the bottom circumferential edge 116 of the upper member 102 are
removably connected to the tray member flexible ring 112. The tray
member 104 comprises a hinge and clasp fastener system 1040 to open
the tray member 104 into two symmetrical portions to access the
tray member flexible ring 112. The tray member flexible ring 112 is
accessed by opening the hinge and clasp fastener system 1040 to
wrap it around a pole, a tree or other upright structure.
[0028] The shape and construction of both the upper member 102 and
the tray member 104 are similar. Further, the shape and
construction of both the upper member flexible ring 110 and the
tray member flexible ring 112 are similar.
[0029] In one embodiment, transverse chains may also be present and
may be connected to the chains 108 through cross-connectors (not
illustrated). Logos, trademarks, signatures or any similar items
used for advertisement or branding may be present on the outer
surface of the upper member 102 and/or the tray member 104. Both
the tray member flexible ring 112 and the upper member flexible
ring 110 are accessible to a user during mounting and can be
wrapped around a tree, a flagpole, or any other upright structure
to set up the disc golf basket or target 100.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the upper member 102 of the adaptable disc golf
basket 100 of the present invention in an open position in
accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the upper
member 102 has two symmetrical portions, a first upper member
portion 206, a second upper ember portion 208, and a fastener
mechanism. The fastener mechanism comprises a latch 2020 and a
clasp 2022 to fasten the first upper member portion 206 and the
second upper member portion 208 together. The first upper member
portion 206 and the second upper member portion 208 are connected
with each other through a hinge joint 204 that allows the
horizontal or pivotal movement of the first upper member portion
206 and the second upper member portion 208. An upper member
flexible ring 110 is connected to the inner surface of the upper
member 102 at a joint connection 210 and is configured to be
straightened (i.e. uncoiled) before installation, and then recoiled
after installation of the basket 100 around a tree, flagpole or
other upright structure.
[0031] The upper member 102 has equally spaced U-shaped catchers
114 along the bottom circumferential edge 116. The catchers 114
hold one end of the chains 108 that are mounted in a generally
vertical orientation extending between the upper member 102 and the
lower member 104. Depending on the size of the basket of which the
upper member 102 is a part of, the number of catchers 114 can vary
from fourteen to thirty-two. The number of chains 108 in the
adaptable basket 100 can be less than or equal to the number of
catchers 114.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the lower or tray member 104 of the adaptable disc
golf basket 100 of the present invention in an open position in
accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown, the tray
member 104 has two symmetrical portions, a first tray member
portion 302 and a second tray member portion 304, and a fastener
mechanism. The fastener mechanism comprises a latch 3020 and a
clasp 3022 to fasten the first tray member portion 302 and the
second tray member portion 304 together. The first tray member
portion 302 and the second tray member portion 304 are connected
with each other through a tray hinge joint 306 that allows
horizontal or pivotal movement of the first tray member portion 302
and the second tray member portion 304. The tray member 104 can
include a circumferential flat surface 106 to catch the discs that
have been thrown by a user and deflected by the chains 108. A tray
member flexible ring 112, connected to the inner surface of the
tray member 104, can be uncoiled prior to mounting of the basket to
an upright pole, tree or other upright structure, and then can be
partially recoiled to wrap around the pole, tree or upright
structure after mounting of the basket. The coiled tension built
into the flexible ring 112 provides a firm grip to securely wrap
around any symmetrical or asymmetrical pole, tree or upright
structure. The tray member flexible ring 112 can be connected to
the inner surface of the tray member 104 at a tray joint connection
308. It is to be appreciated that the rings 110, 112 each include a
spring force that enables the rings 110, 112 to flex or bend from a
coiled orientation to an uncoiled orientation and then to a
semi-coiled orientation during the steps of mounting the golf
basket 100. The rings 110, 112 are configured to be repeatedly
uncoiled and recoiled for mounting and dismounting the basket 100
from an upright structure. The chains 108 hanging or stretching
downward from the catchers 114 are received by the tray member
flexible ring 112 along its length.
[0033] As stated earlier, the upper member 102 and the tray member
104 can be similar in shape and construction. Both the tray member
flexible ring 112 and the upper member flexible ring 110 are
similar in shape and curvature for symmetrical or asymmetrical
wrapping around an upright structure.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the tray member of the adaptable disc golf basket
receiving the disc thrown at the basket in accordance with the
disclosed architecture. The discs 120, 121 thrown at the adaptable
bucket 100 strike the chains 108 and are then deflected downward
onto the flat tray surface 106 of the tray member 104. The tray
member flexible ring 112 can be placed around an upright tree
structure 402 with the tray member 104 closed using the fastener
1040. The tray member 104 is configured to catch a plurality of
discs of various sizes. The chains 108 can be tightened or loosened
as per the requirements and needs of the players to ensure the
discs are deflected as desired.
[0035] In one potential embodiment, the chains 108 can be welded
and hot-dipped galvanized. All the chains can be assembled with
heavy duty stainless steel. The hooks at the top end of the chains
108 are aligned with the catchers of the upper member 102 and the
bottom end of the chains 108 are engaged with the tray member
flexible ring 112.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the adaptable disc golf basket 100 of the present
invention secured to a flag pole 504, along with a player preparing
to toss a disc towards the adaptable disc golf basket in accordance
with the disclosed architecture. As shown, a user 502 throws a disc
120 towards the adaptable disc golf basket 100 secured to a
flagpole 504. The basket 100 is secured using the upper flexible
ring of the upper member 102 and the lower flexible ring of the
tray member 104. The disc 120, upon making contact with the chains
108, is deflected or stopped whereby gravity causes the disc 120 to
drop onto the tray member 104.
[0037] It should be noted that for securing the basket 100 around
any upright structure, the upper member 102 and the tray member 104
should be securely placed around the upright structure and the
chains 108 stretched down or hung from the upper member 102 to the
tray member 104. In the mounted positions, the upper member 102 and
the tray member 104 are spaced-apart from one another and placed in
a generally parallel arrangement.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one potential
embodiment of the adaptable disc golf basket of the present
invention secured to a light pole in accordance with the disclosed
architecture. As shown, the adaptable disc golf basket 100 can be
secured around a light pole 602 at any appropriate height using the
upper member 102 and the tray member 104.
[0039] It should be appreciated that the adaptable basket 100
provides a disc golf basket that is adjustable and can be fitted
around a variety of symmetrical and asymmetrical objects, such as a
tree or pole, and features a basket made of chains that helps to
deflect the discs into the target. The adaptable basket 100 also
enables users to spontaneously create a professional-looking course
anywhere trees or poles are available. The unique mounting
configuration of the aforementioned invention offers a unique
design that eradicates the need for a separate freestanding pole
that has to be moved along with the basket after each use.
[0040] The basket components such as the upper member 102, tray
member 104 and chains 108 of the basket 100 are modular. The basket
components can be easily disassembled for convenient storage and
portability. The upper member 102 and the tray member 104 are
connected to each other through chains 108 and the chains 108 are
stretched or hung from the upper member 102 to the flexible ring of
the tray member 104 after installation of both the upper member 102
and the tray member 104. The basket 100 and the associated
components do not require a symmetrically manufactured pole (i.e.
uniformity) for functioning, thereby making the basket 100
lightweight, portable and easy to use and install on any upright
structure. The upper member 102 and the tray member 104 are
generally concentrically-positioned around the upright
structure.
[0041] In one illustrative embodiment, the diameters of both
concentric members 102, 104 can be in the range of about 10 inches
to about 30 inches. Alternatively, the diameter of the lower ring
or tray member 104 can be greater than the diameter of the upper
ring or upper member 102. The disc golf basket 100 of the present
invention can weigh between 8 and 28 lbs. depending on the size and
materials. The basket and its components can be made up of hard
plastic or other lightweight materials for ease of portability. The
basket 100 can be weather resistant and durable to provide long
term utility and repeated mounting and dismounting. The baskets, as
described herein, are particularly suited for converting any
recreational area into a disc golf course, such as school yards,
camp grounds, backyards and neighborhoods.
[0042] Certain terms are used throughout the following description
and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one
skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to
the same feature or component by different names. This document
does not intend to distinguish between components or features that
differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein
"adaptable disc golf basket", "adjustable disc golf basket",
"adaptable bucket", "adaptable basket", "disc golf basket", and
"basket" are interchangeable and refer to the adaptable disc golf
basket 100 of the present invention.
[0043] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the adaptable disc golf basket
100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and
configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall
concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above
stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate
that the size, configuration and material of the adaptable disc
golf basket 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes
only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the adaptable disc
golf basket 100 are well within the scope of the present
disclosure. Although the dimensions of the adaptable disc golf
basket 100 are important design parameters for user convenience,
the adaptable disc golf basket 100 may be of any size that ensures
optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs
and/or preferences.
[0044] Various modifications and additions can be made to the
exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of
the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer
to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes
embodiments having different combinations of features and
embodiments that do not include all of the described features.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as
fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents
thereof.
[0045] What has been described above includes examples of the
claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further
combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are
possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
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