Disc Golf Basket Target and Improvement Thereof

Abstract

An improvement to a disc golf basket target or goal, the improvement comprising the construction of the target or goal with a plurality of interconnected horizontal chains perimetrally latched onto each vertical chain. The two categories of chains are linked together at regular, symmetrical intervals so as to form, in the preferred embodiment, an essentially cylindrically-shaped assembly of chains, being referred to as a “basket target.” The basket target and its interconnected receiving grill are concentrically positioned along a vertically-oriented pole. A plurality of connector rings provide, regularly-spaced connections of junctions of the vertical and horizontal chains, so as provide a uniformly increasing resistance as a tossed disc initially strikes and begins penetrating some part of the assembly of chains in the basket target. In this manner, a tossed disc or other object is more readily prevented from traveling through the entirety of the interior of the target or goal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of priority from previously-filed U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 62/689,396, filed on Jun. 25, 2018, and further, claims the benefit of content of said provisional application as though the application fully appears herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The disclosed inventive concept relates to the sport of Disc Golf and the equipment used in such sport, particularly disc golf targets of the assembled chain type. The sport is played by means of competing players attempting to toss or throw a disc into, in sequence, several numbered disc golf “basket targets.” The target comprises a basket-like structure, usually of an assembled plurality of chains, the assembly supported atop a vertical pole. As in the more conventional form of golf, the players initiate play at a “tee” and proceed toward the first basket target. The disc golf course consists of several of the pole-mounted targets inserted at various points over an outdoor land area. The players compete to determine who can complete the course in the fewest number of disc throws.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The following items illustrate or describe systems or devices that bear a resemblance to the disclosed inventive concept:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,039,189 (Aug. 2, 1977); Headrick, et al; An entrapment device is provided for use in a flying disc golf game, or the like,

U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,635 (Jun. 26, 2001); Chittenden; A disc golf target assembly. A plurality of curved support members and chain segments cooperate to intercept flying discs which enter the target.

U.S. #2003/0025272 A1 (Feb. 6, 2003); Billig et al. An entrapment device for entrapping projectile or flying objects employed in a game, such as flying discs employed in the game of disc golf.

U.S. #2015/0367216 A1 (Dec. 24, 2015); Todd; A disc golf target includes a disc-receiving basket which is connected to an upper assembly by a variable length pole so that the distance between said disc-receiving basket and said upper assembly can be changed.

U.S. #2017/0291082 (Oct. 12, 2017); Curran; A disc golf game system comprises two or more elongated poles adapted to be positionable upright on a surface. Each pole comprises two or more selectively connectable pole segments. At least one pole segment of each pole has circumferential indicia along at least a portion of a length of the at least one pole segment of each pole. The indicia forms a target area.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

The disclosed inventive concept discloses a chain-segmented “basket target” 1 for receiving a thrown disc, the disc being the type used in the sport of disc golf. Further, the inventive concept presents an improvement in the “standard,” or commonly used, disc golf target baskets.

The device basically is constructed with the coordinated joining of a plurality of vertical chains and a plurality of horizontal chains. The two categories of chains are linked together so as to form an essentially cylindrical assembly of chains, which, along with a vertically-oriented upper pole 15 and a receiving grill 30 is referred to as a “basket target 1.” The basket target 1 is positioned atop the upper pole 15. In this manner, participants are enabled to play the sport of disc golf. In the preferred embodiment, the basket target 1 is constructed with twelve (12) vertical segmented chains, three (3) horizontal segmented chains 7, 8, 9, a rounded support rim 11, and a circular receiving grill 30. Other geometric shapes, including a square, rectangle, or various polygonal structures may be used for defining and construction of the support rim 11 and/or receiving grill 30.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

FIG. 1 presents a perspective, upward-looking view of the basket target 1, showing an upper support pole 15, vertical segmented chains, 2, 3, 4, 5, horizontal chains, 7, 8, 9, rounded support rim 11, a circular receiving grill 30, and the lower pole 18.

FIG. 2 illustrates a clear view of the essential frame of the inventive concept, comprising the upper support pole 15, the support rim 11, beams 10, a collar 17, sleeve 14, the receiving grill 30, and the lower pole 18.

FIG. 3 is an isolated view of the upper support pole 15, further showing the collar 17, a solitary beam 10 and hook 19 extending outward to connect to one of the vertical chains 2, 3, 4, S (typ.) which vertical chains are shown attached to a coupler 26 at the lower support pole 18.

FIG. 4 displays the general layout of the array of chains of the basket target with the receiving grill 30 eliminated from this view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings, which are four (4) in number.

The discussion of the inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1, illustrating a completely assembled basket target 1 mounted upon an upper support pole 15. The basket target 1 is a unique assemblage of vertical columns of chains 2, 3, 4, 5, the vertical chains being symmetrically linked to a grouping of horizontal rows of chains 7, 8, 9.

Additional components of the basket target 1 shown include a receiving grill 30 and a lower pole 18, which pole 18 is a concentric extension of the upper support pole 15. The receiving grill 30, in the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, is a circular apparatus comprising an upper railing 22, mid-railing 22(a), bottom railing 22(b), vertical bars 21, spokes 23, sleeve 14, and inner rail 26. These items collectively, form an overall receiving grill 30.

As an aid in clarifying the explanation of the construction of the basket target 1, reference is made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a view of the essential frame of the inventive concept, comprising the upper support pole 15, the support rim 11, inner wheel 11(a) beams 10, a collar 17, sleeve 14, the receiving grill 30, and the lower pole 18.

Again referring to FIG. 2, the upper support pole 15 is shown connected, in the preferred embodiment, to a circular support rim 11. A collar 17 is permanently affixed to the exterior of the upper support pole 15, level with the circular rim 11. The collar 17 is the common connecting point for a plurality of symmetrically-spaced beams 10, which radiate outward from the collar 17 outward to affix, at regular intervals, to the inner surface of the collar 11. The outermost end of each beam 10 further manifests a hook 19 at its junction with the collar 11. Each of the hooks 19 serves as an attachment point for the first end of one of the plurality of vertical chains 2, 3, 3, 4, 5. An inner wheel 11(a) gives further rigidity and support to the circular rim 11.

Illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper support pole 15 is shown to extend downward to the point of its union with a sleeve 14. The sleeve 14 is positioned directly above, and connected to, the lower pole 18, which is a concentric extension of the upper support pole 15. The sleeve 14 is the common connecting fixture for a plurality of symmetrically-spaced spokes 23, which spokes 23 radiate outward from the sleeve 14 toward a circular bottom railing 22(b).

At the conjunction of the spokes 23 and the bottom railing 22(b) each spoke is bent ninety degrees upward to form a vertical bar 21. Each of the vertical bars 21 thus formed is further affixed to a mid-railing 22(a). Each vertical bar 21 continues further upward to terminate with the formation of a catch 25. The catches 25 also collectively provide a support for a planar-oriented upper railing 22. A circular inner rail 26 gives further support and rigidity to the spokes 23.

As shown in FIG. 2, cumulatively, the sleeve 14, the upper railing 22, mid-railing 22(a), bottom railing 22(b), vertical bars 21, spokes 23, and inner rail 26 form a retaining grill 30. The retaining grill 30 is essential for catching and retention of the discs or other game objects flung into the target basket 1.

Owing to lack of available illustrating space to identify each of the vertical and horizontal chains of the inventive concept, two representative renderings of the vertical chains and the horizontal chains are presented in FIG. 3.

As can be deducted from FIG. 3, the two categories of chains, vertical and horizontal, are linked together so as to form a cylindrically-shaped, perimetral assembly of chains, which is referred to as a disc golf “basket target” 1. The vertical chains, at their bottommost end, are further connected to a sleeve 14, the sleeve located at the center of a receiving tray 20. The basket target 1, when ready for use, is positioned atop a vertically-oriented pole 15. As a result of this arrangement, the basket target 1 provides a receptacle for discs which are aimed and thrown toward the basket target 1 when playing the sport of disc golf.

In the preferred embodiment, the basket target 1 is constructed with twelve (12) vertical chains and three (3) horizontal chains 7, 8, 9, connected in planar intervals, to the vertical chains. Each vertical chain is comprised of a plurality of vertical links 6(a), while each horizontal chain is comprised of a plurality of horizontal links 6(b). There is no specific limit, requirement, or restriction on the positioning and quantity of inter-connected horizontal links 6(b) or vertical links 6(b), the number of horizontal chains 7, 8, 9, or vertical chain segments 2, 3, 4, 5. Likewise, there is not set limit on the extent or length of the span of the vertical chains or the horizontal chains. The descriptions herein and the drawings are exemplary only of the preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, and not intended to be limiting in any manner.

In more closely analyzing the array of chains of the basket target 1 shown in FIG. 3, it is seen that the representative samples of the respective spans of the two vertical chains comprise a top segment 2, a mid-segment 3, a lower segment 4, and a bottom segment 5. These segments are formed by symmetrical placement of three connector rings 16, which join with the horizontal chains 7, 8, 9. A first end of each of the vertical chains is connected to a hook 19, which hook 19 is integral to a beam 10, all beams 10 extending from the outer surface of a collar 17 affixed near the top of the pole 15. The hooks 19 are affixed to the inner perimeter of the support wheel 11, which is shown in FIG. 1 and also, in FIG. 2.

The second end of each of the sample vertical chains is attached to a circular coupling 27 which coupling 27 encircles the lower pole 18, just atop a sleeve 14. The sleeve 14 is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the lower pole 18.

In the completely-operational form, the vertical chains (or chain segments) are regularly spaced around the support wheel 11 and hang downward to form the perimeter of the basket target 1. The embodiment of the target basket 1 shown comprises three horizontal chains 7, 8, 9, equally-spaced and connecting the hanging vertical chains, in the manner of draperies. Each of the horizontal chains 7, 8, 9 is sequentially fastened to each vertical chain shown by means of the previously-mentioned spaced-apart connector rings 16. The same vertically-spaced connector rings 16 further simultaneously connect the four sequential segments 2, 3, 4, 5 of every vertical chain.

Also shown in FIG. 3 are typical horizontal links 6(b) which comprise each of the horizontal chains 7, 8, 9. The horizontal chains 7, 8, 9 (or chain segments) in the inventive concept provide a restriction on the maximum attainable opening between any two consecutive vertical chains.

In viewing FIG. 4, there is emphasized and depicted a pattern of naturally occurring vertical links 6(a), as well as the horizontal links 6(b) to form the basket target 1. The receiving grill 30 has been deleted in FIG. 4 to more clearly show the basket target array of chains. Noticeable is the exemplary construction using twelve (12) vertical chains, each chain comprising a top-vertical chain segment 2, a mid-vertical chain segment 3, a lower-vertical chain segment 4, and a bottom-vertical chain segment 5.

Further the exemplary construction feature three (3) horizontal chains 7, 8, 9. Each of the twelve vertical chains is comprised of a plurality of vertical links 6(a), while each horizontal chain 7, 8, 9 is comprised of a plurality of inter-linking horizontal links 6(b).

As mentioned earlier, the four segments of each of the twelve vertical chains are referred to as a top segment 2, a mid-segment 3, a lower segment 4, and a bottom segment 5. For each specific vertical chain, its integral segments 2, 3, 4, 5 are separated and defined by its associated connector rings 16. In the preferred embodiment, the connector rings 16 are circular in shape. However, the device will also function as intended with connector rings 16 comprising other open, geometric shapes.

In the preferred embodiment, the twelve vertical chains are regularly spaced around the support wheel 11 and hang downward by a topmost link attached to a hook 19. Each hook 19 is integrally attached to a horizontal beam 10, the beams 10 being symmetrically arranged about the inner perimeter of the support wheel 11. The embodiment of the target basket 1 shown comprises three horizontal chains 7, 8, 9, loosely strung about the perimeter of the hanging vertical chains, in the manner of draperies.

In both FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, each of the horizontal chains 7, 8, 9 is shown sequentially fastened to neighboring vertical chains by means of the previously-mentioned spaced-apart connector rings 16. The regularly-spaced connector rings 16, in the shown embodiment, are spaced between three vertical links 6(s) for each vertical chain, thereby forming the four sequential segments 2, 3, 4, 5 of every vertical chain. Each connector ring 16 comprises essentially another type of link, wherein the connector ring 16 substitutes for, and performs as, a connection between two successive vertical chain links, while simultaneously substituting for, and performing as, a connection between two successive horizontal chain links.

The disclosed connector rings 16 serve an important purpose in improving and enhancing the sport of golf. Each connector ring 16, once attached to the junctions of vertical and horizontal chains, is set to provide uniformly increasing resistance as a tossed disc initially strikes and begins penetrating some part of the assembly of chains in the basket target 1. The maximum attainable opening between vertical chains is thereby limited.

In the fraction of a second that a thrown disc or other game object pushes further into the assembly of chains, it encounters a rapidly increasing resistive force, which force is generated by the weight of both the vertical chain segments 2, 3, 4, 5 and horizontal chains 7, 8, 9 existing near the point of penetration of the disc. This action, in essence, figuratively amounts to pulling the assembled junctions of chains at the point of penetration. This force eventually stops the disc and drops it into the retaining grill 30 of the basket target 1.

It is important to note that, common to each connector ring 16 there is also formed a junction consisting of the adjoining of sequential horizontal links 6(b) of an associated horizontal chain 7, 8, 9 and sequential vertical links 6(a) of the associated vertical chain. The inventive concept is an improvement over existing disc golf basket targets because this arrangement prevents a disc from penetrating two immediately neighboring lengths of vertical chains and passing entirely through and out the other side of the basket target 1.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive method have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A disc golf game system comprising a target fixed about a vertical support pole, the target further comprising a spaced-apart series of vertical chain-segments and horizontal chain-segments which form an interior space for receiving a thrown disc or other game item used for throwing toward the target. Further, chain-segments of the formed target comprise regularly-spaced, symmetrical intersections which are formed by means of joining the vertical chain segments and the horizontal chain segments. The two categories of chain segments, upon being joined, form essentially an assembly of chains attached to the upper end of the vertical support pole.

2. The disc golf game of claim 1, wherein the intersection means of joining vertical chain segments and horizontal chain segments comprises connector rings constructed so as to be insertable as a connector between two successive links of a vertical chain segment, while simultaneously being insertable as a connector between two successive links of a horizontal chain segment.

3. The disc golf game of claim 1, wherein a retaining grill is affixed about the vertical support pole directly below the cylindrical assembly of chains.

4. The disc golf game of claim 1, wherein the assembly of chains may form a generally cylindrical shape, a cuboid shape, a spherical shape, or any other geometric shape.

5. A disc golf game system comprising (a) a plurality of vertical chain segments and a plurality of horizontal chain segments, both types of chain segments being connected, at regular, symmetrically-spaced intervals; (b) a vertical support pole connected, at its upper end, to a horizontally-oriented, support rim by means of a plurality of beams extending outward from the vertical support pole and connecting to the interior surface of the support rim; (c) a means for connection, proximate the support rim, of the first end of each of the vertical chains to one of the beams; (d) a lower support pole extending from, and concentric to, the first pole; (e) a plurality of horizontal spokes extending outward from the lower vertical support pole, each spoke, at a uniform distance, being bent so as to extend upward forming symmetrically-spaced vertical bars; (f) an upper railing, a mid-railing, and a bottom railing, connected, perimetrally, to the vertical bars, thereby forming a retaining grill about the lower support pole; and (g) a means of connecting the second end of each of the vertical chains to the lower support pole.

6. The disc golf game of claim 5 wherein (a) the means for connection, proximate the support rim, of the first end of each of the vertical chains to one of the beams comprises a hook affixed to the inner surface of the support rim; and (b) the means of connecting the second end of each of the vertical chains to the lower support pole comprises a coupling, the coupling encircling the outer circumference of the support pole, and being freely movable vertically along the support pole.

7. An improvement to a disc golf game system of the type wherein the disc golf goal or target comprises primarily, a plurality of uninterrupted vertical chains, the improvement being a means of connection, at regularly-spaced planar intervals between the vertical chains, of a series of horizontally-oriented chains, such that the horizontally-oriented chains thereby restrain the maximum attainable lateral opening between consecutive vertical chains.

8. The improved disc golf game system of claim 7 wherein the means of connection, at regularly-spaced intervals between vertical chains, comprises a circular connector ring, wherein the connector ring substitutes for, and performs as, a connection between two successive vertical chain links, while simultaneously substituting for, and performing as, a connection between two successive horizontal chain links.