Enhanced disc golf basket for catching and retaining discs

Abstract

A disc golf basket may include a pole member. The disc golf basket may include a chain rack with an outer annular member coupled to a centrally disposed receptacle via a plurality of supports. The disc golf basket may include a first plurality of chains that are coupled to the chain rack and to a first ring disposed around the pole member. The disc golf basket may include a plurality of chain groups extending radially from the pole member, each chain group including 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. The second plurality of chains may be coupled to the chain rack each chain of the third plurality of chains may be coupled to two chains of the second plurality of chains.

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to disc golf, and more specifically to an enhanced disc golf basket for catching and retaining discs.BACKGROUND

[0002] 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.SUMMARY

[0003] 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.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basket for catching and retaining discs.

[0005] FIG. 2 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.

[0008] FIG. 5 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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).

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basket 100 for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket 100 may include a pole member 110, to which a chain rack 115, basket 125, and base 135 are attached or coupled. The chain rack 115 may support a set of chains 120 that are used to catch and retain the disc 130 that is thrown by a player. The chain rack 115 may include various supports extending outwards from a central portion that couples to the pole member 110. The set of chains 120 may be coupled with any portion or portions of the chain rack 115, including the supports. For example, one or more portions of the set of chains 120 may be coupled to the chain rack 115 at 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 chains 120 may be coupled to the chain rack 115 at a radial distance from the pole member 110 or at a distance from the outer edge of the chain rack 115. The chain rack 115 may also include an outer annular portion coupled with the supports. The base 135 may support the disc golf basket 100 and the basket 125 may catch thrown discs (e.g., either directly or after the disc impacts or is caught or retained by the set of chains 120). Optionally, the pole member 110 may be inserted into the ground, and base 135 may 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 chains 120 to couple to the chain rack 115, are considered by this disclosure.

[0018] As will be described in more detail herein, the set of chains 120 may include different elements (e.g., chains or groups of chains), including chain groups extending radially from the pole member 110, outer chains that are coupled with points around the circumference of the chain rack 115, intermediate chains that are coupled at points between the pole member 110 and points along the circumference of the chain rack 115. In some examples, the chains of the set of chains 120 may 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 chains 120 are 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.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basket 200 for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket 200 is depicted with a top-down view.

[0020] The disc golf basket 200 may include a chain rack 205, which may include multiple supports 215. The supports 215 may include supports 215 that extend radially outward away from the pole member 210. Additionally, or alternatively, the supports 215 may include supports that are circular or annular and may be disposed centrally around the pole member 210 or around an axis of the pole member 210. The chain rack 205 (including the supports 215), may provide or include one or more points for coupling chains. In some examples, chains may be coupled directly to the chain rack 205 (or supports 215 thereof), or dedicated mounting or coupling points may be coupled with the chain rack 205 (or supports 215 thereof). In some examples, the chain rack 205 may include a central portion that may clamp to the pole member 210 to couple (e.g., removably) the chain rack 205 to the pole member 210. In this way, the entire chain rack 205 may be removable from the pole member 210 for portability and ease of setup or takedown.

[0021] Various chains may be coupled with the chain rack 205. Such chains may include radial chain groups 220, outer chains 225, and intermediate chains 230. First ends of at least some of the chains may be coupled with the chain rack 205 and second ends of such chains may be coupled with the pole member 210 (e.g., via one or more rings or other methods of coupling, including dedicated coupling points along the pole member 210).

[0022] In some examples, the radial chain groups 220 may include first chains oriented substantially parallel to the pole member 210 that may be coupled with the chain rack 205 at points (e.g., on supports 215) extending radially away from the pole member 210. 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 220, two, three, four, six, eight, or any other quantity of radial chain groups 220 may 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.

[0023] In some examples, the disc golf basket 200 may include outer chains 225. The outer chains 225 may be coupled with the chain rack 205 at respective points (e.g., on supports 215 or other elements of the chain rack 205) along the circumference of the chain rack 205. Such respective points may be located at regular or irregular angles or positions along the circumference of the chain rack 205. However, in other examples, the outer chains 225 may be attached at any other points of the chain rack 205, including at any points along one or more supports 215 (e.g., be they radially-extending, circular, or otherwise). For example, the outer chains 225 may be located at respective points along respective supports 215, the respective points at consistent distances from the outer edge of the chain rack.

[0024] In some examples, the disc golf basket 200 may include intermediate chains 230. The intermediate chains 230 may be coupled with the chain rack 205 at points (e.g., on supports 215) falling between the edge or circumference of the chain rack 205 and the pole member 210. In some examples, the intermediate chains 230 may be oriented substantially parallel to the pole member 210.

[0025] In some examples, the chains of the disc golf basket 200, wherever they are coupled (e.g., to the chain rack 205, one or more supports 215, an annular member or ring at the circumference of the chain rack 205, the pole member 210, 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 basket 200 as desired.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement 300 that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangement 300 depicts radial chain groups 305. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangement 300 to supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing the radial chain groups 305. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined or modified in a disc golf basket.

[0027] The radial chain groups 305 may each include first chains 325 and second chains 330. The first chains 325 may be oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the pole member 310. For example, the first chains 325 may 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 305, the first chains 325 may be coupled, at first ends, to the chain rack 315. For example, a series of first chains 325 may be coupled with the chain rack 315 at points along a radial line extending outwards from the pole member 310. Although illustrated in FIG. 3 as coupled with the chain rack 315 at an outer edge of the chain rack, in some examples the outer-most chain of the first chains 325 may be coupled to the chain rack 315 at a location offset from the outer edge of the chain rack. In a radial chain group 305, the first chains 325 may also be coupled, at second ends (e.g., ends opposite to the first ends that are coupled with the chain rack 315) to the pole member 310 (e.g., via one or more rings 335). In some examples, the first chains 325 may be strung tightly, whereas in other examples, the first chains 325 may hang with an amount of slack.

[0028] The radial chain groups 305 may include second chains 330. The second chains 330 may be oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the pole member 310. Such second chains 330 may be coupled with multiple first chains 325. For example, a first end of a second chain 330 may be coupled with one first chain 325, and a second end (e.g., opposite that of the first end of the second chain 330) may be coupled with another first chain 325. In some examples, second chains 330 may be coupled with one another, extending radially away from the pole member 310. In some examples, multiple segments of second chains 330 may be used between multiple first chains 325. For example, a chain group 305 may include a second chain 330 between each neighboring pair of first chains 325. Further, multiple sets of such second chains 330 may be included at different points along the first chains 325 to which the second chains 330 are coupled. Such points may correspond to points lying along the pole member 310. For example, multiple second chains 330 may be disposed between a given pair of first chains 325 at points along the first chains 325. In some examples, the spacing of coupling points of the second chains 330 along the first chains 325 may be smaller than a diameter of a disc 340 (e.g., smaller than a minimum diameter of a disc 340), such that a thrown disc may not pass through the radial chain groups 305, even if the disc is in a vertical orientation. In some examples, a diagonal of an opening formed between pairs of first chains 225 and second chains 330 (e.g., an opening bordered by a pair of first chains 225 and a pair of second chains 330) may be smaller than the diameter of the disc 340.

[0029] At one or more points along a first chain 325 that is proximate to the pole member 310, the first chains may be coupled with the pole member 310 with a ring 335. In some examples, a quantity of such rings corresponds to a quantity of sets of second chains 330 or a quantity of individual second chains 330. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, there are three second chains 330 between neighboring first chains 325. As such, three rings 335 may be used to couple an innermost first chain 325 of a radial chain groups 305 to the pole member 310. The rings 335 may be disposed at points corresponding to (e.g., falling within a threshold distance from) second chains 330 of a radial chain groups 305. Further, in some examples, a circumference or size of the rings 335 may be configured to hold the first chains 325 against the pole member 310 (e.g., with an amount of space between the first chains 325 and the pole member 310 that is less than a thickness of a disc 340 or that would otherwise not allow a disc to pass between the first chain 325 and the pole member 310 in any orientation of the disc). For example, the size of the rings 335 may based on the diameter of the pole member 310 and the diameter of one or more links of the first chains 325 through which the rings 335 may pass to hold the rings 335 against the pole member 310.

[0030] In some examples, a first chain 325 of a radial chain groups 305 that is farthest away from the pole member 310 may be coupled with an annular member or ring of the chain rack 315 or a portion of a support of the chain rack 315 near (e.g., within a threshold distance) the annular member or ring. Further, in some examples, one or more such first chains 325 of one or more radial chain groups 305 that are farthest away from the pole member 310 may be coupled to one or more outer chains 420 that 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.

[0031] In some examples, different quantities of radial chain groups 305 may be used in a disc golf target. For example, greater quantities of radial chain groups 305 may be employed if greater resistance is to be applied to a thrown disc 340, whereas lesser quantities of radial chain groups 305 may be employed if lesser resistance or more “give” is to be applied to a thrown disc 340. In some examples, a disc golf basket may include at least three radial chain groups 305, although any quantity of radial chain groups 305 may be employed.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement 400 that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangement 400 depicts outer chains 420. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangement 400 to supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing outer chains 420. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined and / or modified in a disc golf basket.

[0033] The outer chains 420 may be coupled with the chain rack 415 at points along the circumference of the chain rack 415. The chain rack 415 may include a plurality of supports and may further include an annular or circular member coupled with one or more supports. The outer chains 420 may be coupled with the supports (e.g., at points at or near the circumference of the chain rack 415), the annular member, or both. For example, a support may pass through a link of an outer chain 420 or a link of an outer chain 420 may attach or couple to a dedicated mounting point on a support or the annular member.

[0034] The outer chains 420 may be coupled with the chain rack 415 at regular or irregular intervals. For example, the outer chains 420 may be evenly spaced around the circumference. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer chains 420 may be more densely arranged around one or more first portions of the circumference of the chain rack 415 and less densely arranged around one or more second portions of the circumference of the chain rack 415. 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).

[0035] The outer chains 420 may be coupled, at ends opposite the ends coupled with the chain rack 415, to the pole member 410, and may be coupled using one or more rings 425. For example, one or more rings 425 may pass through a link or links of one or more outer chains 420 to couple the outer chains 420 to the pole member 410. In some examples, the rings 425 may themselves be coupled with the 410. In other examples, the one or more rings 425 may not be coupled with the pole member 410, allowing additional motion of the outer chains 420, if desired (e.g., for one or more catching or retention characteristics). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more outer chains 420 may be coupled to one or more chains of radial chain groups, such as the radial chain groups 305 described herein. For example, one or more outer chains 420 may be coupled to one or more first chains 325 of the radial chain groups 305.

[0036] In some examples, a disc golf basket may include a clamp 430 (or other fastening mechanism, including thumbscrews, bolts, screws, or other fastening mechanisms) as part of the chain rack 415. The clamp 430 may be coupled with a central portion of the chain rack 415 and may provide a clamping force or other securing force for coupling the chain rack 415 to the pole member 410. The clamp 430 may removably couple the chain rack 415 to the pole member 410, so that a user may quickly attach or remove the chain rack 415 to the pole member 410 for easy setup and takedown. In such cases, the rings 425 may not be coupled with the pole member 410, so that the chain rack 415 may be removed from the pole member 410 without removing the chains (e.g., the outer chains 420, other chains described herein, or any combination thereof). Thus, an entire assembly of the chain rack 415 and chains coupled thereto may be attached or removed easily.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement 500 that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangement 500 depicts intermediate chains 520. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangement 500 to supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing intermediate chains 520. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined or modified in a disc golf basket.

[0038] The chain rack 515 may include a plurality of supports and may further include an annular or circular member coupled with one or more supports. The intermediate chains 520 may be coupled with the chain rack 515 at points on the chain rack 515, such as points falling between the pole member 510 and the circumference of the chain rack 515. Such points may be at a radial distance from the pole member 510 that is less than a radial distance at which outer chains 420 are attached (e.g., along the circumference of the chain rack 515). For example, a support may pass through a link of an intermediate chain 520 or a link of an intermediate chain 520 may attach or couple to a dedicated mounting point on a support.

[0039] The intermediate chains 520 may be coupled with the chain rack 515 at regular or irregular intervals. For example, the intermediate chains 520 may be arranged at points around a circle defined by a radial distance from the pole member 510. Additionally, or alternatively, the intermediate chains 520 may 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).

[0040] The intermediate chains 520 may be coupled, at ends opposite the ends coupled with the chain rack 515, to the pole member 510, and may be coupled using one or more rings 525. For example, one or more rings 525 may pass through a link or links of one or more intermediate chains 520 to couple the intermediate chains 520 to the pole member 510. In some examples, the rings 525 may themselves be coupled with the 510. In other examples, the one or more rings 525 may not be coupled with the pole member 510, allowing additional motion of the intermediate chains 520, if desired (e.g., for one or more catching or retention characteristics).

[0041] In some examples, the intermediate chains 520 may be located in “gaps” between radial chain groups (e.g., radial chain groups 305). For example, if four radial chain groups extend outwards from the pole member 510, the positions of the intermediate chains 520 may 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.

[0042] In some examples, various combinations of the intermediate chains 520, the outer chains 420, the radial chain groups 305, 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 305 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or another quantity) with intermediate chains 520 (e.g., a quantity corresponding to the quantity of the radial chain groups 305 such that each gap between individual radial chain groups 305 may include at least one intermediate chain 520) falling in between the gaps of the radial chain groups 305, all disposed within a set of the outer chains 420 (e.g., a quantity of outer chains that may correspond to the quantity of the radial chain groups 305 such that each gap between individual radial chain groups 305 may include at least one outer chain 420, such that an outward end of a radial chain group 305 may correspond with an outer chain 420, or any combination thereof). In some examples, a quantity of the intermediate chains 520 may correspond with a quantity of the outer chains 420. In some examples, positions of the intermediate chains 520 may correspond with positions of the outer chains 420 (e.g., at similar radial positions or locations about the central pole). Additionally, or alternatively, positions of the intermediate chains 520 may be offset with positions of the outer chains 420 (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 305, intermediate chains 520, and outer chains 420 may correspond (e.g., be the same or closely related, such as within a threshold difference) or such quantities may differ from one another.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In some examples of the apparatus, the plurality of chain groups comprises three chain groups, four chain groups, or seven chain groups.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In some examples of the apparatus, the plurality of chain groups may be distributed substantially evenly around the pole member.

[0057] Some examples of the apparatus may further include a basket comprising a centrally-located hole through which the pole member may be disposed.

[0058] It should be noted that these are examples of implementations, and that the elements may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible. In some examples, aspects from two or more of the examples may be combined. For example, aspects of each of the examples may include elements of the other examples, or other techniques described herein. Thus, aspects of the disclosure may provide for improved disc golf baskets. The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0059] As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

[0060] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0061] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]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.

[0010]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 targ...

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to disc golf, and more specifically to an enhanced disc golf basket for catching and retaining discs.BACKGROUND

[0002] 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.SUMMARY

[0003] 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.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basket for catching and retaining discs.

[0005] FIG. 2 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.

[0008] FIG. 5 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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).

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basket 100 for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket 100 may include a pole member 110, to which a chain rack 115, basket 125, and base 135 are attached or coupled. The chain rack 115 may support a set of chains 120 that are used to catch and retain the disc 130 that is thrown by a player. The chain rack 115 may include various supports extending outwards from a central portion that couples to the pole member 110. The set of chains 120 may be coupled with any portion or portions of the chain rack 115, including the supports. For example, one or more portions of the set of chains 120 may be coupled to the chain rack 115 at 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 chains 120 may be coupled to the chain rack 115 at a radial distance from the pole member 110 or at a distance from the outer edge of the chain rack 115. The chain rack 115 may also include an outer annular portion coupled with the supports. The base 135 may support the disc golf basket 100 and the basket 125 may catch thrown discs (e.g., either directly or after the disc impacts or is caught or retained by the set of chains 120). Optionally, the pole member 110 may be inserted into the ground, and base 135 may 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 chains 120 to couple to the chain rack 115, are considered by this disclosure.

[0018] As will be described in more detail herein, the set of chains 120 may include different elements (e.g., chains or groups of chains), including chain groups extending radially from the pole member 110, outer chains that are coupled with points around the circumference of the chain rack 115, intermediate chains that are coupled at points between the pole member 110 and points along the circumference of the chain rack 115. In some examples, the chains of the set of chains 120 may 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 chains 120 are 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.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an example of an enhanced disc golf basket 200 for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket 200 is depicted with a top-down view.

[0020] The disc golf basket 200 may include a chain rack 205, which may include multiple supports 215. The supports 215 may include supports 215 that extend radially outward away from the pole member 210. Additionally, or alternatively, the supports 215 may include supports that are circular or annular and may be disposed centrally around the pole member 210 or around an axis of the pole member 210. The chain rack 205 (including the supports 215), may provide or include one or more points for coupling chains. In some examples, chains may be coupled directly to the chain rack 205 (or supports 215 thereof), or dedicated mounting or coupling points may be coupled with the chain rack 205 (or supports 215 thereof). In some examples, the chain rack 205 may include a central portion that may clamp to the pole member 210 to couple (e.g., removably) the chain rack 205 to the pole member 210. In this way, the entire chain rack 205 may be removable from the pole member 210 for portability and ease of setup or takedown.

[0021] Various chains may be coupled with the chain rack 205. Such chains may include radial chain groups 220, outer chains 225, and intermediate chains 230. First ends of at least some of the chains may be coupled with the chain rack 205 and second ends of such chains may be coupled with the pole member 210 (e.g., via one or more rings or other methods of coupling, including dedicated coupling points along the pole member 210).

[0022] In some examples, the radial chain groups 220 may include first chains oriented substantially parallel to the pole member 210 that may be coupled with the chain rack 205 at points (e.g., on supports 215) extending radially away from the pole member 210. 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 220, two, three, four, six, eight, or any other quantity of radial chain groups 220 may 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.

[0023] In some examples, the disc golf basket 200 may include outer chains 225. The outer chains 225 may be coupled with the chain rack 205 at respective points (e.g., on supports 215 or other elements of the chain rack 205) along the circumference of the chain rack 205. Such respective points may be located at regular or irregular angles or positions along the circumference of the chain rack 205. However, in other examples, the outer chains 225 may be attached at any other points of the chain rack 205, including at any points along one or more supports 215 (e.g., be they radially-extending, circular, or otherwise). For example, the outer chains 225 may be located at respective points along respective supports 215, the respective points at consistent distances from the outer edge of the chain rack.

[0024] In some examples, the disc golf basket 200 may include intermediate chains 230. The intermediate chains 230 may be coupled with the chain rack 205 at points (e.g., on supports 215) falling between the edge or circumference of the chain rack 205 and the pole member 210. In some examples, the intermediate chains 230 may be oriented substantially parallel to the pole member 210.

[0025] In some examples, the chains of the disc golf basket 200, wherever they are coupled (e.g., to the chain rack 205, one or more supports 215, an annular member or ring at the circumference of the chain rack 205, the pole member 210, 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 basket 200 as desired.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement 300 that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangement 300 depicts radial chain groups 305. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangement 300 to supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing the radial chain groups 305. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined or modified in a disc golf basket.

[0027] The radial chain groups 305 may each include first chains 325 and second chains 330. The first chains 325 may be oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the pole member 310. For example, the first chains 325 may 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 305, the first chains 325 may be coupled, at first ends, to the chain rack 315. For example, a series of first chains 325 may be coupled with the chain rack 315 at points along a radial line extending outwards from the pole member 310. Although illustrated in FIG. 3 as coupled with the chain rack 315 at an outer edge of the chain rack, in some examples the outer-most chain of the first chains 325 may be coupled to the chain rack 315 at a location offset from the outer edge of the chain rack. In a radial chain group 305, the first chains 325 may also be coupled, at second ends (e.g., ends opposite to the first ends that are coupled with the chain rack 315) to the pole member 310 (e.g., via one or more rings 335). In some examples, the first chains 325 may be strung tightly, whereas in other examples, the first chains 325 may hang with an amount of slack.

[0028] The radial chain groups 305 may include second chains 330. The second chains 330 may be oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the pole member 310. Such second chains 330 may be coupled with multiple first chains 325. For example, a first end of a second chain 330 may be coupled with one first chain 325, and a second end (e.g., opposite that of the first end of the second chain 330) may be coupled with another first chain 325. In some examples, second chains 330 may be coupled with one another, extending radially away from the pole member 310. In some examples, multiple segments of second chains 330 may be used between multiple first chains 325. For example, a chain group 305 may include a second chain 330 between each neighboring pair of first chains 325. Further, multiple sets of such second chains 330 may be included at different points along the first chains 325 to which the second chains 330 are coupled. Such points may correspond to points lying along the pole member 310. For example, multiple second chains 330 may be disposed between a given pair of first chains 325 at points along the first chains 325. In some examples, the spacing of coupling points of the second chains 330 along the first chains 325 may be smaller than a diameter of a disc 340 (e.g., smaller than a minimum diameter of a disc 340), such that a thrown disc may not pass through the radial chain groups 305, even if the disc is in a vertical orientation. In some examples, a diagonal of an opening formed between pairs of first chains 225 and second chains 330 (e.g., an opening bordered by a pair of first chains 225 and a pair of second chains 330) may be smaller than the diameter of the disc 340.

[0029] At one or more points along a first chain 325 that is proximate to the pole member 310, the first chains may be coupled with the pole member 310 with a ring 335. In some examples, a quantity of such rings corresponds to a quantity of sets of second chains 330 or a quantity of individual second chains 330. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, there are three second chains 330 between neighboring first chains 325. As such, three rings 335 may be used to couple an innermost first chain 325 of a radial chain groups 305 to the pole member 310. The rings 335 may be disposed at points corresponding to (e.g., falling within a threshold distance from) second chains 330 of a radial chain groups 305. Further, in some examples, a circumference or size of the rings 335 may be configured to hold the first chains 325 against the pole member 310 (e.g., with an amount of space between the first chains 325 and the pole member 310 that is less than a thickness of a disc 340 or that would otherwise not allow a disc to pass between the first chain 325 and the pole member 310 in any orientation of the disc). For example, the size of the rings 335 may based on the diameter of the pole member 310 and the diameter of one or more links of the first chains 325 through which the rings 335 may pass to hold the rings 335 against the pole member 310.

[0030] In some examples, a first chain 325 of a radial chain groups 305 that is farthest away from the pole member 310 may be coupled with an annular member or ring of the chain rack 315 or a portion of a support of the chain rack 315 near (e.g., within a threshold distance) the annular member or ring. Further, in some examples, one or more such first chains 325 of one or more radial chain groups 305 that are farthest away from the pole member 310 may be coupled to one or more outer chains 420 that 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.

[0031] In some examples, different quantities of radial chain groups 305 may be used in a disc golf target. For example, greater quantities of radial chain groups 305 may be employed if greater resistance is to be applied to a thrown disc 340, whereas lesser quantities of radial chain groups 305 may be employed if lesser resistance or more “give” is to be applied to a thrown disc 340. In some examples, a disc golf basket may include at least three radial chain groups 305, although any quantity of radial chain groups 305 may be employed.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement 400 that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangement 400 depicts outer chains 420. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangement 400 to supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing outer chains 420. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined and / or modified in a disc golf basket.

[0033] The outer chains 420 may be coupled with the chain rack 415 at points along the circumference of the chain rack 415. The chain rack 415 may include a plurality of supports and may further include an annular or circular member coupled with one or more supports. The outer chains 420 may be coupled with the supports (e.g., at points at or near the circumference of the chain rack 415), the annular member, or both. For example, a support may pass through a link of an outer chain 420 or a link of an outer chain 420 may attach or couple to a dedicated mounting point on a support or the annular member.

[0034] The outer chains 420 may be coupled with the chain rack 415 at regular or irregular intervals. For example, the outer chains 420 may be evenly spaced around the circumference. Additionally, or alternatively, the outer chains 420 may be more densely arranged around one or more first portions of the circumference of the chain rack 415 and less densely arranged around one or more second portions of the circumference of the chain rack 415. 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).

[0035] The outer chains 420 may be coupled, at ends opposite the ends coupled with the chain rack 415, to the pole member 410, and may be coupled using one or more rings 425. For example, one or more rings 425 may pass through a link or links of one or more outer chains 420 to couple the outer chains 420 to the pole member 410. In some examples, the rings 425 may themselves be coupled with the 410. In other examples, the one or more rings 425 may not be coupled with the pole member 410, allowing additional motion of the outer chains 420, if desired (e.g., for one or more catching or retention characteristics). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more outer chains 420 may be coupled to one or more chains of radial chain groups, such as the radial chain groups 305 described herein. For example, one or more outer chains 420 may be coupled to one or more first chains 325 of the radial chain groups 305.

[0036] In some examples, a disc golf basket may include a clamp 430 (or other fastening mechanism, including thumbscrews, bolts, screws, or other fastening mechanisms) as part of the chain rack 415. The clamp 430 may be coupled with a central portion of the chain rack 415 and may provide a clamping force or other securing force for coupling the chain rack 415 to the pole member 410. The clamp 430 may removably couple the chain rack 415 to the pole member 410, so that a user may quickly attach or remove the chain rack 415 to the pole member 410 for easy setup and takedown. In such cases, the rings 425 may not be coupled with the pole member 410, so that the chain rack 415 may be removed from the pole member 410 without removing the chains (e.g., the outer chains 420, other chains described herein, or any combination thereof). Thus, an entire assembly of the chain rack 415 and chains coupled thereto may be attached or removed easily.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows an example of a disc golf basket chain arrangement 500 that supports enhanced disc golf baskets for catching and retaining discs. The disc golf basket chain arrangement 500 depicts intermediate chains 520. Though other chains are not depicted in this particular figure for clarity, they may be included in a disc golf basket chain arrangement 500 to supplement the functioning of a disc golf basket employing intermediate chains 520. Any combination of any elements described herein (including the chain arrangements described herein) may be combined or modified in a disc golf basket.

[0038] The chain rack 515 may include a plurality of supports and may further include an annular or circular member coupled with one or more supports. The intermediate chains 520 may be coupled with the chain rack 515 at points on the chain rack 515, such as points falling between the pole member 510 and the circumference of the chain rack 515. Such points may be at a radial distance from the pole member 510 that is less than a radial distance at which outer chains 420 are attached (e.g., along the circumference of the chain rack 515). For example, a support may pass through a link of an intermediate chain 520 or a link of an intermediate chain 520 may attach or couple to a dedicated mounting point on a support.

[0039] The intermediate chains 520 may be coupled with the chain rack 515 at regular or irregular intervals. For example, the intermediate chains 520 may be arranged at points around a circle defined by a radial distance from the pole member 510. Additionally, or alternatively, the intermediate chains 520 may 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).

[0040] The intermediate chains 520 may be coupled, at ends opposite the ends coupled with the chain rack 515, to the pole member 510, and may be coupled using one or more rings 525. For example, one or more rings 525 may pass through a link or links of one or more intermediate chains 520 to couple the intermediate chains 520 to the pole member 510. In some examples, the rings 525 may themselves be coupled with the 510. In other examples, the one or more rings 525 may not be coupled with the pole member 510, allowing additional motion of the intermediate chains 520, if desired (e.g., for one or more catching or retention characteristics).

[0041] In some examples, the intermediate chains 520 may be located in “gaps” between radial chain groups (e.g., radial chain groups 305). For example, if four radial chain groups extend outwards from the pole member 510, the positions of the intermediate chains 520 may 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.

[0042] In some examples, various combinations of the intermediate chains 520, the outer chains 420, the radial chain groups 305, 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 305 (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or another quantity) with intermediate chains 520 (e.g., a quantity corresponding to the quantity of the radial chain groups 305 such that each gap between individual radial chain groups 305 may include at least one intermediate chain 520) falling in between the gaps of the radial chain groups 305, all disposed within a set of the outer chains 420 (e.g., a quantity of outer chains that may correspond to the quantity of the radial chain groups 305 such that each gap between individual radial chain groups 305 may include at least one outer chain 420, such that an outward end of a radial chain group 305 may correspond with an outer chain 420, or any combination thereof). In some examples, a quantity of the intermediate chains 520 may correspond with a quantity of the outer chains 420. In some examples, positions of the intermediate chains 520 may correspond with positions of the outer chains 420 (e.g., at similar radial positions or locations about the central pole). Additionally, or alternatively, positions of the intermediate chains 520 may be offset with positions of the outer chains 420 (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 305, intermediate chains 520, and outer chains 420 may correspond (e.g., be the same or closely related, such as within a threshold difference) or such quantities may differ from one another.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In some examples of the apparatus, the plurality of chain groups comprises three chain groups, four chain groups, or seven chain groups.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In some examples of the apparatus, the plurality of chain groups may be distributed substantially evenly around the pole member.

[0057] Some examples of the apparatus may further include a basket comprising a centrally-located hole through which the pole member may be disposed.

[0058] It should be noted that these are examples of implementations, and that the elements may be rearranged or otherwise modified such that other implementations are possible. In some examples, aspects from two or more of the examples may be combined. For example, aspects of each of the examples may include elements of the other examples, or other techniques described herein. Thus, aspects of the disclosure may provide for improved disc golf baskets. The description set forth herein, in connection with the appended drawings, describes example configurations and does not represent all the examples that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The term “exemplary” used herein means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.” The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing an understanding of the described techniques. These techniques, however, may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the described examples.

[0059] As used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates an inclusive list such that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Also, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall not be construed as a reference to a closed set of conditions. For example, an exemplary step that is described as “based on condition A” may be based on both a condition A and a condition B without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, as used herein, the phrase “based on” shall be construed in the same manner as the phrase “based at least in part on.”

[0060] In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0061] The description herein is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]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.

[0010]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 targ...

Claims

1. A disc golf basket, comprising: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; anda 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.

2. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein:at least one chain of the second plurality of chains of each chain group is held proximate to the pole member via one or more second rings disposed around the pole member.

3. The disc golf basket of claim 2, wherein:a quantity of the one or more second rings corresponds to a quantity of the third plurality of chains of each chain group.

4. The disc golf basket of claim 2, wherein:each of the one or more second rings are disposed within a respective link of the at least one chain of the second plurality of chains of each chain group is disposed within the one or more second rings.

5. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein:a distance between neighboring chains of the third plurality of chains of each chain group is smaller than a diameter of a disc golf disc.

6. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein:one or more chains of the second plurality of chains of one or more of the plurality of chain groups are coupled, at respective second ends, to the first ring.

7. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein:one or more chains of the second plurality of chains of one or more of the plurality of chain groups is coupled to one or more of the first plurality of chains.

8. The disc golf basket of claim 1, further comprising:a plurality of intermediate chains oriented substantially vertically, 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 is less than a second radial distance at which the respective first ends of each chain of the first plurality of chains are coupled, wherein each intermediate chain is disposed in a horizontal plane within the first plurality of chains.

9. The disc golf basket of claim 8, wherein:individual intermediate chains of the plurality of intermediate chains are 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 are disposed.

10. The disc golf basket of claim 8, wherein:individual intermediate chains of the plurality of intermediate chains are 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 are located.

11. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein:the plurality of chain groups comprises three chain groups, four chain groups, or seven chain groups.

12. The disc golf basket of claim 11, wherein:the first plurality of chains, one or more of the plurality of chain groups, or any combination thereof, are removably coupled to one or more supports of the plurality of supports of the chain rack.

13. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein:the chain rack is removably coupled to the pole member via a clamp that removably secures the first end of the pole member in the receptacle.

14. The disc golf basket of claim 1, wherein:the plurality of chain groups are distributed substantially evenly around the pole member.

15. The disc golf basket of claim 1, further comprising:a basket comprising a centrally-located hole through which the pole member is disposed.

Images