FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of sporting goods and, in particular but not exclusively, relates to a stackable game play device for use by players of all levels on a variety of outdoor playing surfaces.
BACKGROUND
Numerous attempts have been made in the recent past to create devices for those who enjoy playing games such as golf, croquet or games with similar styles of game play. Amateurs and ardent enthusiasts lack the time to pursue their interests in playing such games on established courses. The devices that have been created are often crude and simplistic and are frequently used by amateurs for limited, single stroke game play in both indoor and outdoor locations. The game of golf, whether played as a hobbyist or amateur, is a game that is best played over nine to eighteen holes and such game play is often difficult or impossible to achieve when limited by existing consumer game play devices.
The limitations of current game play devices for such sports are numerous. In the case of golf, many such devices frequently use only singular, indoor golf putting receiving cups or receptacles. Although such receptacles or single use devices are designed for outdoor use, they are not conducive for replicating the full eighteen hole golfing experience with continuous game play. In addition, conventional single use devices and receptacles do not readily permit a user who seeks to replicate a nine-hole or eighteen-hole golfing experience to easily store, stack, pack and travel with an entire assembly of devices for the replication of such golfing experiences. Lastly, even if such an assembly of single use devices or equipment could be amassed, the combination of devices can not readily be combined into a compact stackable arrangement providing ease of collection, storage and transportation.
Hence, there is a growing need for a solution in the form of a compact, stackable set of game ball receiving devices or equipment that can be easily combined, stored, packed and transported to any of a variety of spontaneous outdoor locations for use in replicating full game play experiences for sports such as golf and croquet free from predefined commercial practice locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a tapered receptacle for receiving game balls having internal guide channels in an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a receptacle for receiving game balls having external mounts for stabilization in an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a receptacle for receiving game balls having external mounts for stabilization in an embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having semi-circular openings in an embodiment.
FIG. 5A is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having a semi-circular opening and an insertable receiving tray in an embodiment.
FIG. 5B is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having a band-secured exit door in an embodiment.
FIG. 5C is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having an insertable tray in an embodiment.
FIG. 5D is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having a movable exit door with fixed extensions in an embodiment.
FIG. 5E is a top view of an exit door of a semi-circular cylindrical container for receiving game balls in an embodiment.
FIG. 5F is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having a movable exit door with fixed extensions in an embodiment.
FIG. 5G is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having an exit door with flexible extensions in an embodiment.
FIG. 5H is a top view of an exit door of a semi-circular cylindrical container for receiving game balls in an embodiment.
FIG. 5I is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container having an exit door with flexible extensions in an embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of a receptacle for receiving game balls having external mounts for stabilization in an embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container for receiving game balls having external mounts in an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container for receiving game balls in an embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of a semi-circular cylindrical container for receiving game balls in an embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a stacked array of receptacles in an embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an illustration of a stacked set of receptacles within a shoulder harness in an embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an illustration of a stacked set of semi-circular cylindrical containers stored within a shoulder harness in an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the description to follow, various aspects of embodiments of a tapered receptacle for game play will be described, and specific configurations will be set forth. Numerous and specific details are given to provide an understanding of these embodiments. The aspects disclosed herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, systems, services, etc. In other instances, structures or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring relevant inventive aspects.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of a tapered receptacle 100 for receiving a game ball. In this embodiment, the tapered receptacle 100 includes an extended and protruding body 102 and a rear wall 112. The rear wall 112 includes a circular opening having an approximate size of a human finger. The tapered receptacle 100 also includes at least two guide channels 104a, 104b. Each guide channel 104a, 104b is provided on the inner surface of the tapered receptacle 100 and are integrally molded into the inner surface. On the upper surface of the tapered receptacle 100, an entry hole is provided for each guide channel 104a, 104b. Each entry hole is provided as an entrance to a guide channel for a tethering pin 108a, 108b that, in one embodiment, is manually pressed into and extended through each guide channel 104a, 104b to an exit hole on a lower surface of the tapered receptacle 100. A third guide channel 110 of substantially different length than the guide channels 104a, 104b is provided proximate to the rear wall 112. This third guide channel 110 is aligned with a hole on the upper surface of the tapered receptacle 100 and is positioned to receive a third tethering pin 106 inserted into the hole on the upper surface of the tapered receptacle 100. This third tethering pin 106 is extended through the third guide channel 110 to an opening on a lower surface of the tapered receptacle 100. The tethering pin 106 in alternative embodiments may include a symbolic flag or other insignia as a decorative item. In an alternative embodiment, each tethering pin is screwably inserted a guide channel, each tethering pin having a plurality of raised spiral grooves located on an outer surface of each tethering pin, each of the plurality of guide channels having a plurality of recesses for receiving the plurality of raised spiral grooves to ensure a secured, non-movable coupling of each pin to the receptacle.
As depicted, the entrance to the tapered receptacle 100 is shown having an extended entryway or lip to ensure a smooth and clear entryway for a game ball, such as a golf ball or a croquet ball, into the tapered receptacle during gameplay. In one embodiment the tapered receptacle 100 is comprised of a plastic material, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polystyrene, Acrylic, Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), Polycarbonate, Polypropylene (PP), or Polyethelene (HDPE), while in alternative embodiments, the tapered receptacle 100 is comprised of a composite material or other similar materials that are sufficiently durable to be used on a variety of outdoor surfaces suitable for conventional game play, including grass surfaces, sandy surfaces, hilly surfaces of moderate slope, muddy surfaces or other surfaces suitable for the insertion of securing pins to secure the position of the receptable 100.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a receptacle 200 for receiving small game balls. In this embodiment, the body 202 of the receptacle 200 includes a circular opening and an extended body leading to a rear wall 212. Rear wall 212 includes a circular opening for receiving a human finger in an embodiment. This embodiment of the receptacle 200 also includes at least two external mounts 208a, 208b and a third interior guide channel 210. An opening is provided on each external mount 208a, 208b for receiving a tethering pin that is to be inserted and then extended through each external mount 208a, 208b into an outdoor surface. Each tethering pin 204a, 204b includes in an embodiment a pointed surface for enhanced penetration into an outdoor surface. In alternative embodiments, however, each tethering pin 204a, 204b may have a blunt end. A third tethering pin 206 is provided that extends through an opening in an upper surface of the receptacle 200, into an entry opening on the guide channel 210, through the guide channel to an exterior opening on a lower surface of the receptacle 200 for the insertion of the third tethering pin 206 into an outdoor surface. In combination, the tethering pins 204a, 204b, 206 are used to stabilize the position of the receptacle 200 when used for game play on a variety of outdoor playing surfaces.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of a third embodiment of a tapered receptacle 300. In this embodiment of the tapered receptacle 300, the circular entrance includes an extended lip for receiving small sport game balls and at least two external mounts 308a, 308b mounted on opposite sides of the tapered receptacle 300. An interior guide channel 310 is also provided for receiving and securing a tethering pin 306 that is extended into the tapered receptacle 300 through an opening on an upper surface and then through an opening in the upper surface of the guide channel 310. Once inserted, the tethering pin 306 is guiding through the guide channel 310 to enable the insertion of the tethering pin 306 into an outdoor surface through an opening on the lower surface of the tethered receptacle 300. Rear wall 312 of a tapered receptacle 300 includes an opening of approximately the size of a human finger that is used to adjust the position of the tapered receptacle 300 as desired by a player. Each of the external mounts 308a, 308b includes an opening for receiving a tethering pin 304a, 304b, each of which are extended through the respective opening on each mount 308a 308b and into an outdoor surface on which the tapered receptacle 300 has been placed.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a game ball receiving device 400. In this embodiment, the device 400 is comprised of an extended body 402 and at least two extended sections 406a, 406b for stabilizing the position of the structure on an outdoor surface. Each extended section includes an opening for receiving tethering pins 404a, 404b for securing the position of the receiving device 400 to an outdoor surface.
FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a semicircular ball receiving device 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 502 is formed into a semicircular structure with a rear wall 518 on which an opening is provided that is used for insertion of a human finger or an object of comparable size having similar diameter. The semicircular body 502 is formed in one embodiment from plastic and in alternative embodiments from composite materials or other similar durable materials suitable for forming into the illustrated semicircular shape. In this embodiment, an insertable ball receiving tray 510 with a raised guide border 512 is provided that is to be inserted onto guide channels on each of two extended portions 504, 506 of the body 502 for receiving the insertable tray 510. The inner portion of each extended portion 504, 506 includes in one embodiment a flat surface for receiving an extended portion of a raised guide border 512 when the insertable tray 510 is inserted. In alternative embodiments, each inner portion of the extended portions 504, 506 include a guide channel for the slidable insertion of the raised guide border 512. In yet an alternative embodiment, the inner portion of each extended portion 504, 506 includes micro-ball bearings to slidably receive the insertable receiving tray 510. Each extended section 504, 506 includes an opening for receiving a tethering pin 514a, 514b each of which are used to set and secure the position of the ball receiving device 500 on an outdoor surface. Each tethering pin 514a, 514b is extended through the opening on each respective extended portion 504, 506 and then into an outdoor surface on which the ball receiving device 500 is placed. A third opening is provided on the upper portion of the device for receiving a third tethering pin 516 when the receiving tray 510 is not placed within the body 502 of the ball receiving device 500. In this manner, at least two different game play configurations can be enabled.
FIG. 5B is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a game ball receiving device 500. In the current embodiment, a movable rear wall 518 is attached to a semicircular cylindrical body 502 using, in one embodiment, a formed plastic connection between the movable rear wall 518 and a rear edge of the body 502. In an alternative embodiment, the connection between the movable rear wall 518 and the body 502 forms a micro-hinge comprised of plastic, a composite or metal. The movable rear wall 518 enables the use of the body 502 for alternative forms of game play. The rear wall 518 includes an opening of approximately the size of a human finger to enable the rear wall 518 to be easily grasped, moved and rotated to open or close an end of the body 502 for different forms of game play using various types of small sport balls. The rear wall 518 is secured to an upper portion of the body 502, in one embodiment, using a rubber band or other flexible elastic that extends across the diameter of the body 502. This securing band is coupled to the body 502, in an embodiment, using a securing connector on each end of the band. The band or flexible elastic is securely bound to the body 502 by inserting each securing connector into a small receiving hole on each side of the body 502 to form a mechanical coupling between each securing connector and the body 502.
In FIG. 5C, an alternative embodiment of the receiving device is shown that includes an insertable receiving tray 510 having a raised ridge 512 that is to be slid into the ball receiving device in grooves included on inner portions of extended sections of the ball receiving device 504, 506 to ensure ease of insertion into the semicircular body 502. Each extended section 504, 506 includes an opening for receiving a tethering pin 514a, 514b, each of which are extended through an opening on each extended section 504, 506 to secure the body 502 of the ball receiving device onto an outdoor surface. In addition, a third opening is provided on an upper surface of the body 502 for receiving a third tethering pin 516 that is to be inserted into the opening and into the outdoor surface on which the ball receiving device has been played when the insertion tray 510 is not used.
In this embodiment, a rubber or flexible elastic connector is shown extending over the semicircular body 502 with each end mechanically coupled to the body 502 using mechanical connectors that extend through a small receiving hole on each side of the body 502. Although only one hole is shown on each side of the body 502 for securing a rubber band or other flexible elastic, it is to be understand by those skilled in this art that more than one hole may be used to secure such a band or elastic depending upon the shape, structure and material of the securing band.
FIG. 5D is an illustration of a ball receiving device in an embodiment. In this illustrated embodiment, the device is comprised of a semicircular body 502 having extended flat portions 504, 506 for placement of the device on an outdoor surface. Each extended portion includes an opening for receiving a tethering pin (not shown) for securing each end of the body to an outer surface. The body 502 has a tapered shape and a semicircular entry way and an exit having a semicircular shape. A movable rear wall 518 is coupled to an edge 522 of the semicircular shaped exit of the body 502 with a flexible plastic hinge to enable the rear wall 518 to be moved from a closed position sealing the exit to an open position above the semicircular exit. In an embodiment, the plastic hinge enables the rear wall 518 to be rotated over one-hundred and eighty degrees and fixed in a vertical open position above the semicircular exit. The movable rear wall 518 includes arm extensions 524a, 524b that are coupled to and extend from an outer surface of the movable rear wall 518. On the distal end of each arm extension 524a, 524b is a secondary arm 528a, 528b for insertion into a receiving hole on each end of the body 502. When the movable rear wall 518 is moved into a closed position to seal the exit of the body 502, each secondary arm 528a, 528b on each arm extension 524a, 524b is slidably inserted into a receiving hole on opposite sides of the body which are proximate to the edge 522 of the semicircular exit. In an alternative embodiment, the moveable rear wall 518 is closed and secured to the body 502 by having each arm extension 524a, 524b grasp onto a raised notched edge (not shown) in place of the receiving hole on each opposite side of the body 502.
FIG. 5E is a top view of a moveable rear wall 518 on the embodiments of the ball receiving device shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E showing each arm extension 524a, 524b. As illustrated, each arm extension is connected to a first side of the movable rear wall 518 and extends transverse to the movable rear wall 518 to form a secondary extension arm 528a, 528b for connecting to a body of a ball receiving device. In this embodiment, each extension arm 524a, 524b is comprised of a solid material such as a firm plastic or other similar durable material. Each secondary extension arm is slidably inserted into a receiving hole on each side of a body of a ball receiving device to provide a secure and tight connection to the body to prevent a game ball that is in motion from escaping the cavity formed by the body of the ball receiving device regardless of impact force.
FIG. 5F is an alternative embodiment of a bowl receiving device having a semicircular shape. In this illustrated embodiment, the ball receiving device is shown with a movable rear wall 518 in a closed position and secured to the body 502 by use of arm extensions 524a, 524b. Each arm extension 524a, 524b is insertably connected to the body 502 using secondary extensions 528a, 528b through a receiving hole on each end of the body 502. In one embodiment, the secondary extensions 528a, 528b comprise of a latch means for connecting the moveable rear wall 518 to the body 502. A circular hole having a diameter that is approximately equal to the width of a human finger is shown on the movable rear wall 518 to provide a means for ball retrieval or for adjusting the position of the body 502 of the ball receiving device. The movable rear wall 518 is coupled to the body 502 using each of the arm extensions 524a, 524b which are comprised of firm plastic material or other similar durable material. This embodiment of the ball receiving device also includes extended portions 504, 506, which are provided for stable positioning of the body 502 on an outdoor surface. Each of the extended portions 504, 506 includes an opening for receiving a tethering pin which is inserted and manually pressed into position to secure the ball receiving device to an outdoor surface. In addition, a third hole is provided on an upper surface of the body 502 for receiving a third tethering pin to further secure the position of the body 502 on an outdoor surface.
FIGS. 5G, 5H and 5I illustrate the embodiment of the ball receiving device shown in FIGS. 5D, 5E and 5F with an alternative pair of secondary extensions 538a, 538b on each extension arm 524a, 524b. FIG. 5G illustrates a movable rear wall 518 coupled to the body 502 in an open position. In this embodiment, each extension arm 524a, 524b is comprised of a flexible material enabling each arm to be easily bent, twisted or inserted into a receiving hole on each side of the body 502 by a human user. Each extension arm 524a, 524b is shown extending from an outer surface of the rear wall 518 to a position extending transverse across the rear wall 518. FIG. 5H is a top view of the movable rear wall 518 showing each extension arm 524a, 524b in which each secondary extension arm 538a, 538b is positioned on an opposite and opposing side and each extends perpendicularly from the transverse portion of each corresponding extension arm 524a, 524b. Each secondary extension arm 538a, 538b is comprised of a flexible plastic material enabling the slidable insertion of each secondary extension arm 538a, 538b into a receiving hole on each side of the body of the ball receiving device. FIG. 5I is an illustration of an embodiment of the ball receiving device with a movable rear wall 518 in a closed position and securely connected to the body 502 using each extension arm 524a, 524b. Each extension arm 524a, 524b is comprised of a flexible material, such as low density polyethylene, that can be readily positioned by a human hand and slidably inserted or pressed into a receiving hole on each side of the body 502.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of a ball receiving device 600 which includes a tapered receptacle body 602 with an extended entryway for receiving small game balls such as golf balls or croquet balls. However, in this embodiment at least three different external mounts 608a, 608b, 610 are provided for receiving tethering pins 604a, 604b, 606 to stabilize the position of the ball receiving device 600 on an outdoor surface. A first pair of external mounts 608a, 608b are placed on opposing sides of the body of the receiving device 600 to secure the position of the receiving device 600 and a third securing mount 610 is placed on a lower portion of a rear wall 612. The third tethering pin 606 is inserted into the third securing mount 610 to stabilize the position of the ball receiving receptacle 600 on a variety of outdoor surfaces including muddy, hilly, rocky or sandy surfaces.
FIG. 7 is an illustrated embodiment of ball receiving device 700 having a semicircular body structure. This ball receiving device 700 is comprised of a body 702 formed into a structure having a semicircular entrance and a semicircular exit and external securing mounts 706a, 706b on each opposing side of the body 700. Each external securing mount 706A, 706B includes an opening for receiving a tethering pin 704a, 704b to stabilize the position of the device 700 on an outdoor surface for game play.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of a ball receiving device 800 having a body 802 that is formed into the shape of a semicircular and cylindrically tapered structure. In an embodiment, the exterior surface of the body 802 is comprised of a flexible plastic material enabling compression and the stacking of the ball receiving device 800. In this embodiment, the body 802 includes a guideway on its interior for receiving a ball receiving tray 810 that can be inserted into the body 802 in a first of two game play configurations. The ball receiving tray 810 includes a raised guide border 812 that is inserted into a guide channel on each opposing interior side of the cylindrical body 802 of the ball receiving device 800. In this embodiment, external mounts 804, 806 are provided on opposing sides of the body 802, each of which include an opening for receiving a tethering pin 814a, 814b for use in stabilizing the position of the body 802 of the ball receiving device 800 on an outdoor surface. A first tethering pin 814a is inserted into the opening of a first external mount 804 on a first side of the body 802 and an alternative tethering pin 814b is extended into an opening on a second external mount 806 on a second side of the body 802 opposite the position of the first securing mount 804.
A third securing mount 808 is formed as part of the raised guide border 812 and positioned on a first side of the insertable tray 810. Once fully inserted, the securing mount 808 on the insertable tray 810 provides an opening for receipt of a third tethering pin (not shown). This third tethering pin is provided in the second of the two alternative configurations to stabilize the position of the device 800 on an outdoor surface. In this embodiment the insertable tray 810 can be included as desired or removed depending upon user preference for game play directly on an outdoor surface.
FIG. 9 illustrates the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 with the inclusion of an extended lip or entryway 908 on an outer surface of the raised guide border 906 of the ball receiving tray 904. The raised section 906 is slidably inserted into guide channels along the internal sides of the body 902 of the ball receiving device 900. The extended lip or entryway 908 is provided to enhance the ease of entry of a small game ball onto the ball receiving tray 904 while inserted the body 902 of the ball receiving device 900. A third securing mount 914 is provided on the raised guide border 906 of the insertable tray 904 that includes an opening for receiving a third tethering pin (not shown) to stabilize the position of the body 902 of the ball receiving device 900.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a stacked array of tapered receptacles shown in FIG. 1. The stacked arrangement 1000 illustrates how each of the interior guide channels in each receptacle can be used not only to enable the securing and stabilization of the receptables during game play, but also as a means for stabilizing the positioning of each tapered receptacle in the stacked arrangement 1000.
FIG. 11 illustrates how a secured stacked arrangement 1100 of tapered receptables 1103 can be included in a portable user worn sleeve 1101. This sleeve 1101 can be formed from leather, plastic or other durable materials to be worn over the shoulder of a user or in a variety of positions such as across the waist as desired by wearer. The illustrated arrangement 1100 depicts how the stacked array of tapered receptacles can be conveniently worn by players or users in a variety of locations to enhance ease of collectability of receptacles and ease of access to the tapered receptacles in different game play situations.
FIG. 12 is an illustration of a shoulder-mounted carrying harness in an embodiment. As illustrated, the harness 120 includes three storage pouches 1202a, 1202b 1202c. In each pouch a stack of up to three semi-circular game play devices can be stored. Each gameplay device stacked upon one another to provide for compact storage within each compartment 1202a, 1202b, 1202c for ease of transport of the game play devices by a user. An illustration of each semicircular game play device 1202 is shown in this figure. The harness 1200 is comprised of a thin leather and plastic combination in one embodiment while in alternative embodiments it may be comprised of nylon or other similar durable materials. Each stacked combination of game play devices 1208, 1210, 1212 can be securely stored in each of the three respective storage compartments 1202a, 1202b, 1202c. each compartment 1208, 1210, 1212 in one embodiment is at least three to five inches long, each including a soft felt material upon which each stack of gameplay devices can be placed. In alternative embodiments of the stacked game play devices, a semicircular game play device 1206 having lateral extended sections may also be placed within each storage compartment 1202a, 1202b, 1202c in a stacked combination including three stacked semicircular devices with elongated sections. In an alternative embodiment, the opening of each storage compartment 1202a, 1202b, 1202c may include a zipper or a Velcro® strap for securely opening and closing the entrance to each storage compartment 1202a, 1202b, 1202c. In operation, the harness 1200 is shoulder mounted for convenient wear by a user when walking or running between different game play locations. The harness 1200 can be easily placed over the shoulder and mounted across the chest and back to securely hold the stored gameplay devices.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.
Patent Application
20240189682
