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.

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

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.