Enhanced Disc Golf Basket for Catching and Retaining Discs

The present disclosure relates generally to disc golf, and more specifically to an enhanced disc golf basket for catching and retaining discs.

In disc golf, baskets with chains for catching discs are used as targets at which players attempt to throw the disc and score points. However, such baskets or targets may be improved.

The described techniques relate to improved methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that support enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. Generally, the described techniques provide for a disc golf basket that includes a plurality of chain groups that extend radially from a center support or pole member, each chain group including multiple vertically oriented chains and multiple horizontally oriented chains coupled between two or more of the vertically oriented chains. One or more rings may be used to retain a vertically oriented chain of each chain group against the center support or pole member.

While playing disc golf, players make successive attempts at throwing a disc at a disc golf target or basket. Such a disc golf target or basket may include a basket for catching the disc and a central pole member to which the basket may be coupled. A chain rack or support may also be coupled with the central pole member that may provide mounting points for chains to be suspended. Such chains may offer a method of absorbing an amount of energy from a thrown disc, such that, as a result of hitting the chains, the disc falls into the basket below. Typically such chains are oriented vertically from the chain rack or support, and may be coupled with the central pole member at a vertical location at or below the top of the basket.

However, in some cases, thrown discs may have tendency to turn to a vertical orientation (e.g., as opposed to a horizontal orientation in which the disc was initially thrown), slipping in between vertically oriented chains and passing through the target (even though the player's throw was accurate and hit the target). Such a change in orientation may be due to the flight of the disc, contact with other obstacles, or contact with a portion of the disc golf target (e.g., one or more of the chains). In other cases, a player's throw may be accurate and may hit the target, but the chain arrangement may be inadequate and may allow the disc to bounce off of the chains or central pole member and not fall into the basket. Such undesirable operation of disc golf targets lead to reduced points, and player frustration. Indeed, such operation may even change strategies or play styles, as otherwise good plays or throws may lead to the disc slipping through between chains or bouncing out of the basket.

To reduce or eliminate such undesired operation, disc golf baskets as described herein may include multiple chain groups that extend outwards from the central pole member. The chain groups may include a second set of chains that are substantially perpendicular to a first set of chains. The first set of chains may be coupled with the chain rack and the central pole member, and each chain of the second set of chains may be coupled with two chains of the first set of chains. In each chain group, at least one chain of the first set of chains may be coupled with the central pole member with rings, where the rings pass through a link of the at least one chain of the first set of chains.

In this way, catching and retaining of a thrown disc in the disc golf basket is improved. For example, if a thrown disc is in a substantially horizontal orientation, the disc may be retained at least by the vertically oriented chains. Similarly, if a thrown disc is in a substantially vertical orientation (e.g., that would otherwise slip between the chains of the first chains of the chain groups), the second set of chains of the chain group may retain the vertically oriented disc. Further, a vertically oriented disc may not be permitted to pass between the first set of chains and the central pole member due to the chain groups being coupled with the central pole member with one or more rings.

In some examples, the quantity of rings used to couple a chain of the chain groups to the central pole corresponds to a quantity of chains in the second set of chains of each chain group. In some examples, the rings run through a link in the chain of the chain groups that is coupled with the central pole. In some examples, the distances between chains within the first set of chains (e.g., the vertically-oriented chains), chains within the second set of chains (e.g., the horizontally-oriented chains), or both, are less than a diameter of a disc golf disc (e.g., less than or equal to a minimum outside disc diameter).

Aspects of the disclosure are initially described in the context of a disc golf basket. Aspects of the disclosure are then described with reference to example disc golf baskets and example disc golf basket chain arrangements. Aspects of the disclosure are further illustrated by and described with reference to apparatus diagrams, system diagrams, and flowcharts that relate to disc golf basket.

This description provides examples, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the principles described herein. Rather, the description herein provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing various aspects of the principles described herein. As can be understood by one skilled in the art, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the application.

It should be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented to additionally or alternatively solve other problems than those described herein. Furthermore, aspects of the disclosure may provide technical improvements to “conventional” systems, processes, or apparatuses as described herein. However, the description and appended drawings only include example technical improvements resulting from implementing aspects of the disclosure, and accordingly do not represent all of the technical improvements provided within the scope of the claims.

shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basketfor catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basketmay include a pole member, to which a chain rack, basket, and baseare attached or coupled. The chain rackmay support a set of chainsthat are used to catch and retain the discthat is thrown by a player. The chain rackmay include various supports extending outwards from a central portion that couples to the pole member. The set of chainsmay be coupled with any portion or portions of the chain rack, including the supports. For example, one or more portions of the set of chainsmay be coupled to the chain rackat the edges of the chain rack or at any point along the chain rack. For example, one or more outer portions (or any other portions) of the set of chainsmay be coupled to the chain rackat a radial distance from the pole memberor at a distance from the outer edge of the chain rack. The chain rackmay also include an outer annular portion coupled with the supports. The basemay support the disc golf basketand the basketmay catch thrown discs (e.g., either directly or after the disc impacts or is caught or retained by the set of chains). Optionally, the pole membermay be inserted into the ground, and basemay not be present. Though example configurations are depicted in the figures and described herein, other configurations, such as those involving various mounting locations for the set of chainsto couple to the chain rack, are considered by this disclosure.

As will be described in more detail herein, the set of chainsmay include different elements (e.g., chains or groups of chains), including chain groups extending radially from the pole member, outer chains that are coupled with points around the circumference of the chain rack, intermediate chains that are coupled at points between the pole memberand points along the circumference of the chain rack. In some examples, the chains of the set of chainsmay be strung tightly (e.g., offering more resistance) or may be coupled with some slack (e.g., to offer less resistance or more “give” to aid in dispersing energy in a thrown disc, thereby aiding in retention of a disc within the basket). Various chain configurations of the set of chainsare possible and are contemplated by this disclosure. Though some examples may be discussed or depicted, other arrangements consistent with the techniques and arrangements described herein are possible and contemplated by this disclosure.

shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basketfor catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basketis depicted with a top-down view.

The disc golf basketmay include a chain rack, which may include multiple supports. The supportsmay include supportsthat extend radially outward away from the pole member. Additionally, or alternatively, the supportsmay include supports that are circular or annular and may be disposed centrally around the pole memberor around an axis of the pole member. The chain rack(including the supports), may provide or include one or more points for coupling chains. In some examples, chains may be coupled directly to the chain rack(or supportsthereof), or dedicated mounting or coupling points may be coupled with the chain rack(or supportsthereof). In some examples, the chain rackmay include a central portion that may clamp to the pole memberto couple (e.g., removably) the chain rackto the pole member. In this way, the entire chain rackmay be removable from the pole memberfor portability and ease of setup or takedown.

Various chains may be coupled with the chain rack. Such chains may include radial chain groups, outer chains, and intermediate chains. First ends of at least some of the chains may be coupled with the chain rackand second ends of such chains may be coupled with the pole member(e.g., via one or more rings or other methods of coupling, including dedicated coupling points along the pole member).

In some examples, the radial chain groupsmay include first chains oriented substantially parallel to the pole memberthat may be coupled with the chain rackat points (e.g., on supports) extending radially away from the pole member. Additional chains may couple multiple first chains together at various points along the first chains (e.g., to provide additional resistance to vertically-oriented discs impacting the chains of the disc golf basket). Though the figure depicts four such radial chain groups, two, three, four, six, eight, or any other quantity of radial chain groupsmay be included, depending on desired characteristics. For example, greater quantities of radial chain groups may offer increased resistance to thrown discs (e.g., to reduce the probability that a disc may slip through) while lesser quantities may reduce “bounce-out” occurrences where the disc impacts the chains and bounces out of the disc golf basket.

In some examples, the disc golf basketmay include outer chains. The outer chainsmay be coupled with the chain rackat respective points (e.g., on supportsor other elements of the chain rack) along the circumference of the chain rack. Such respective points may be located at regular or irregular angles or positions along the circumference of the chain rack. However, in other examples, the outer chainsmay be attached at any other points of the chain rack, including at any points along one or more supports(e.g., be they radially-extending, circular, or otherwise). For example, the outer chainsmay be located at respective points along respective supports, the respective points at consistent distances from the outer edge of the chain rack.

In some examples, the disc golf basketmay include intermediate chains. The intermediate chainsmay be coupled with the chain rackat points (e.g., on supports) falling between the edge or circumference of the chain rackand the pole member. In some examples, the intermediate chainsmay be oriented substantially parallel to the pole member.

In some examples, the chains of the disc golf basket, wherever they are coupled (e.g., to the chain rack, one or more supports, an annular member or ring at the circumference of the chain rack, the pole member, or any combination thereof) may be coupled in a removable manner, such that the chains may be removed and optionally recoupled at other locations. Thus a user may quickly reconfigure the disc golf basketas desired.

shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangementthat supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangementdepicts radial chain groups. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangementto supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing the radial chain groups. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined or modified in a disc golf basket.

The radial chain groupsmay each include first chainsand second chains. The first chainsmay be oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the pole member. For example, the first chainsmay be oriented in a substantially vertical orientation. In some examples, a vertical orientation or a substantially vertical orientation may refer to an orientation that is more vertical than it is horizontal. In a radial chain group, the first chainsmay be coupled, at first ends, to the chain rack. For example, a series of first chainsmay be coupled with the chain rackat points along a radial line extending outwards from the pole member. Although illustrated inas coupled with the chain rackat an outer edge of the chain rack, in some examples the outer-most chain of the first chainsmay be coupled to the chain rackat a location offset from the outer edge of the chain rack. In a radial chain group, the first chainsmay also be coupled, at second ends (e.g., ends opposite to the first ends that are coupled with the chain rack) to the pole member(e.g., via one or more rings). In some examples, the first chainsmay be strung tightly, whereas in other examples, the first chainsmay hang with an amount of slack.

The radial chain groupsmay include second chains. The second chainsmay be oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the pole member. Such second chainsmay be coupled with multiple first chains. For example, a first end of a second chainmay be coupled with one first chain, and a second end (e.g., opposite that of the first end of the second chain) may be coupled with another first chain. In some examples, second chainsmay be coupled with one another, extending radially away from the pole member. In some examples, multiple segments of second chainsmay be used between multiple first chains. For example, a chain groupmay include a second chainbetween each neighboring pair of first chains. Further, multiple sets of such second chainsmay be included at different points along the first chainsto which the second chainsare coupled. Such points may correspond to points lying along the pole member. For example, multiple second chainsmay be disposed between a given pair of first chainsat points along the first chains. In some examples, the spacing of coupling points of the second chainsalong the first chainsmay be smaller than a diameter of a disc(e.g., smaller than a minimum diameter of a disc), such that a thrown disc may not pass through the radial chain groups, even if the disc is in a vertical orientation. In some examples, a diagonal of an opening formed between pairs of first chainsand second chains(e.g., an opening bordered by a pair of first chainsand a pair of second chains) may be smaller than the diameter of the disc.

At one or more points along a first chainthat is proximate to the pole member, the first chains may be coupled with the pole memberwith a ring. In some examples, a quantity of such rings corresponds to a quantity of sets of second chainsor a quantity of individual second chains. For example, as shown in, there are three second chainsbetween neighboring first chains. As such, three ringsmay be used to couple an innermost first chainof a radial chain groupsto the pole member. The ringsmay be disposed at points corresponding to (e.g., falling within a threshold distance from) second chainsof a radial chain groups. Further, in some examples, a circumference or size of the ringsmay be configured to hold the first chainsagainst the pole member(e.g., with an amount of space between the first chainsand the pole memberthat is less than a thickness of a discor that would otherwise not allow a disc to pass between the first chainand the pole memberin any orientation of the disc). For example, the size of the ringsmay based on the diameter of the pole memberand the diameter of one or more links of the first chainsthrough which the ringsmay pass to hold the ringsagainst the pole member.

In some examples, a first chainof a radial chain groupsthat is farthest away from the pole membermay be coupled with an annular member or ring of the chain rackor a portion of a support of the chain racknear (e.g., within a threshold distance) the annular member or ring. Further, in some examples, one or more such first chainsof one or more radial chain groupsthat are farthest away from the pole membermay be coupled to one or more outer chainsthat are described in more detail herein. Providing such an arrangement may increase resistance to thrown discs and may close up gaps between chains that may be present in other approaches.

In some examples, different quantities of radial chain groupsmay be used in a disc golf target. For example, greater quantities of radial chain groupsmay be employed if greater resistance is to be applied to a thrown disc, whereas lesser quantities of radial chain groupsmay be employed if lesser resistance or more “give” is to be applied to a thrown disc. In some examples, a disc golf basket may include at least three radial chain groups, although any quantity of radial chain groupsmay be employed.

shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangementthat supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangementdepicts outer chains. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangementto supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing outer chains. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined and/or modified in a disc golf basket.

The outer chainsmay be coupled with the chain rackat points along the circumference of the chain rack. The chain rackmay include a plurality of supports and may further include an annular or circular member coupled with one or more supports. The outer chainsmay be coupled with the supports (e.g., at points at or near the circumference of the chain rack), the annular member, or both. For example, a support may pass through a link of an outer chainor a link of an outer chainmay attach or couple to a dedicated mounting point on a support or the annular member.

The outer chainsmay be coupled with the chain rackat regular or irregular intervals. For example, the outer chainsmay be evenly spaced around the circumference. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer chainsmay be more densely arranged around one or more first portions of the circumference of the chain rackand less densely arranged around one or more second portions of the circumference of the chain rack. Such an arrangement may provide different catching or retention characteristics of thrown discs (e.g., greater retention, lesser retention, more resistance, less resistance, or other characteristics).

The outer chainsmay be coupled, at ends opposite the ends coupled with the chain rack, to the pole member, and may be coupled using one or more rings. For example, one or more ringsmay pass through a link or links of one or more outer chainsto couple the outer chainsto the pole member. In some examples, the ringsmay themselves be coupled with the. In other examples, the one or more ringsmay not be coupled with the pole member, allowing additional motion of the outer chains, if desired (e.g., for one or more catching or retention characteristics). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more outer chainsmay be coupled to one or more chains of radial chain groups, such as the radial chain groupsdescribed herein. For example, one or more outer chainsmay be coupled to one or more first chainsof the radial chain groups.

In some examples, a disc golf basket may include a clamp(or other fastening mechanism, including thumbscrews, bolts, screws, or other fastening mechanisms) as part of the chain rack. The clampmay be coupled with a central portion of the chain rackand may provide a clamping force or other securing force for coupling the chain rackto the pole member. The clampmay removably couple the chain rackto the pole member, so that a user may quickly attach or remove the chain rackto the pole memberfor easy setup and takedown. In such cases, the ringsmay not be coupled with the pole member, so that the chain rackmay be removed from the pole memberwithout removing the chains (e.g., the outer chains, other chains described herein, or any combination thereof). Thus, an entire assembly of the chain rackand chains coupled thereto may be attached or removed easily.

shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangementthat supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangementdepicts intermediate chains. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangementto supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing intermediate chains. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined or modified in a disc golf basket.

The chain rackmay include a plurality of supports and may further include an annular or circular member coupled with one or more supports. The intermediate chainsmay be coupled with the chain rackat points on the chain rack, such as points falling between the pole memberand the circumference of the chain rack. Such points may be at a radial distance from the pole memberthat is less than a radial distance at which outer chainsare attached (e.g., along the circumference of the chain rack). For example, a support may pass through a link of an intermediate chainor a link of an intermediate chainmay attach or couple to a dedicated mounting point on a support.

The intermediate chainsmay be coupled with the chain rackat regular or irregular intervals. For example, the intermediate chainsmay be arranged at points around a circle defined by a radial distance from the pole member. Additionally, or alternatively, the intermediate chainsmay be more densely arranged in some areas and less densely arranged in other areas. Such an arrangement may provide different catching or retention characteristics of thrown discs (e.g., greater retention, lesser retention, more resistance, less resistance, or other characteristics).

The intermediate chainsmay be coupled, at ends opposite the ends coupled with the chain rack, to the pole member, and may be coupled using one or more rings. For example, one or more ringsmay pass through a link or links of one or more intermediate chainsto couple the intermediate chainsto the pole member. In some examples, the ringsmay themselves be coupled with the. In other examples, the one or more ringsmay not be coupled with the pole member, allowing additional motion of the intermediate chains, if desired (e.g., for one or more catching or retention characteristics).

In some examples, the intermediate chainsmay be located in “gaps” between radial chain groups (e.g., radial chain groups). For example, if four radial chain groups extend outwards from the pole member, the positions of the intermediate chainsmay be offset relative to one or more of the radial chain groups to provide additional catching or retention characteristics at those areas of the disc golf basket.

In some examples, various combinations of the intermediate chains, the outer chains, the radial chain groups, one or more other chains, or any combination thereof may be employed. For example, a disc golf basket may include a quantity of radial chain groups(e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or another quantity) with intermediate chains(e.g., a quantity corresponding to the quantity of the radial chain groupssuch that each gap between individual radial chain groupsmay include at least one intermediate chain) falling in between the gaps of the radial chain groups, all disposed within a set of the outer chains(e.g., a quantity of outer chains that may correspond to the quantity of the radial chain groupssuch that each gap between individual radial chain groupsmay include at least one outer chain, such that an outward end of a radial chain groupmay correspond with an outer chain, or any combination thereof). In some examples, a quantity of the intermediate chainsmay correspond with a quantity of the outer chains. In some examples, positions of the intermediate chainsmay correspond with positions of the outer chains(e.g., at similar radial positions or locations about the central pole). Additionally, or alternatively, positions of the intermediate chainsmay be offset with positions of the outer chains(e.g., at differing radial positions or locations about the central pole) to provide resistance to thrown discs at different posisions around the disc golf basket). In some examples, quantities of radial chain groups, intermediate chains, and outer chainsmay correspond (e.g., be the same or closely related, such as within a threshold difference) or such quantities may differ from one another.

An apparatus disc golf basket is described. The apparatus may include a pole member, a chain rack, comprising an outer annular member coupled to a centrally disposed receptacle via a plurality of supports, wherein the receptacle receives a first end of the pole member, a first plurality of chains, wherein respective first ends of each chain of the first plurality of chains are coupled to the chain rack, and wherein respective second ends of each chain of the first plurality of chains are coupled to a first ring disposed around a second portion of the pole member, and a plurality of chain groups extending radially from the pole member, each chain group comprising a second plurality of chains extending substantially parallel to the pole member and a third plurality of chains oriented substantially perpendicular to the second plurality of chains, wherein the second plurality of chains is coupled, at respective first ends, to the chain rack, and wherein each chain of the third plurality of chains is coupled, at opposite ends, to two chains of the second plurality of chains at first points different than points at which other chains of the third plurality of chains are coupled.

In some examples of the apparatus, at least one chain of the second plurality of chains of each chain group may be held proximate to the pole member via one or more second rings disposed around the pole member.

In some examples of the apparatus, a quantity of the one or more second rings corresponds to a quantity of the third plurality of chains of each chain group.

In some examples of the apparatus, each of the one or more second rings may be disposed within a respective link of the at least one chain of the second plurality of chains of each chain group may be disposed within the one or more second rings.

In some examples of the apparatus, a distance between neighboring chains of the third plurality of chains of each chain group may be smaller than a diameter of a disc golf disc.

In some examples of the apparatus, one or more chains of the second plurality of chains of one or more of the plurality of chain groups may be coupled, at respective second ends, to the first ring.

In some examples of the apparatus, one or more chains of the second plurality of chains of one or more of the plurality of chain groups may be coupled to one or more of the first plurality of chains.

In some examples of the apparatus, individual intermediate chains of the plurality of intermediate chains may be disposed at locations corresponding to angles around the pole member falling in between angles around the pole member at which neighboring chains of the first plurality of chains may be disposed.

In some examples of the apparatus, individual intermediate chains of the plurality of intermediate chains may be disposed at locations corresponding to angles around the pole member falling in between angles around the pole member at which individual chain groups of the plurality of chain groups may be located.

In some examples of the apparatus, a plurality of intermediate chains oriented substantially parallel to the pole member, each intermediate chain coupled, at respective first ends, to respective points on the chain rack at a first radial distance from the pole member that may be less than a second radial distance at which the respective first ends of each chain of the first plurality of chains may be coupled, wherein each intermediate chain may be disposed in a horizontal plane within the first plurality of chains.

In some examples of the apparatus, the plurality of chain groups comprises three chain groups, four chain groups, or seven chain groups.

In some examples of the apparatus, the first plurality of chains, one or more of the plurality of chain groups, or any combination thereof, may be removably coupled to one or more supports of the plurality of supports of the chain rack.

In some examples of the apparatus, the chain rack may be removably coupled to the pole member via a clamp that removably secures the first end of the pole member in the receptacle.