EP3865193A1 - Golf ball catching device, flag pole with catching device attached to same and method for catching a golf ball - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a catching device (1) for a golf ball, a flagstick (2) with such a catching device (1) attached to it, and a method for catching a golf ball. The catching device comprises a, preferably ring-shaped, fastening body (10) for fastening to a flagpole (2) and at least one catching element (20) which is movably attached to the fastening body (10) in such a way that the catching element (20) moves from a catching position ( P1) for a golf ball can be moved into a protective position (P2) and vice versa, with the catching element (20) in the catching position (P1) extending away from a longitudinal axis (B) of the fastening body (10), and the catching element (20) in the protective position (P2) is tilted relative to the catching position (P1) to the longitudinal axis (B) of the fastening body (10). This is intended to simplify the retrieval of a golf ball from a golf hole. The movable attachment of the collecting elements is intended to prevent damage to the green, in particular to the edge of the golf hole or the surface of the green.

Description

The invention relates to a catching device for a golf ball, a flagstick for a golf flag with a catching device attached to it, and a method for catching a golf ball.

Due to a rule change for the game of golf, the flag (golf flag) can now get stuck in the hole (golf hole) when putting and no longer needs to be removed. The golf ball is therefore allowed to hit the unattended flagstick with no penalty. Golfers therefore leave the flag stick or the golf flag in the golf hole, for example to save time, or because they hope that the flag stick will help them to put the hole in the hole.

This results in the disadvantage that when the flagstick is inserted, the player can often not, or only with difficulty, take the golf ball out of the golf hole or the cup inserted into the golf hole. For players with large hands in particular, it can be difficult to remove the golf ball lying deep between a side wall of the golf hole and the flagstick stuck in the cup.

The flagstick is often pulled out by players in order to get the ball out of the golf hole with the help of the flag base. to pry out. However, this often leads to the hole edge (golf hole edge) formed from soil or turf being damaged. Subsequent players or the groundskeeper or greenkeeper then have to repair the edge of the hole or even poke a new hole and fill the old hole with a suitable piece of lawn. Reworking the green is time-consuming and can lead to a deterioration of the green surface.

Based on this known problem, the present invention has the task of simplifying the retrieval of a golf ball from a golf hole, in particular when the flagstick is stuck in the golf hole. Damage to the green, in particular the edge of the golf hole or the surface of the green, should be avoided as far as possible.

This object is achieved by a collecting device for a golf ball according to claim 1, a flagstick for a golf flag according to claim 13, a method for collecting a golf ball according to claim 14 and the use of such a collecting device for collecting a golf ball according to claim 15.

In particular, the object is achieved by a catching device for a golf ball for fastening to a flagpole of a golf flag, comprising a, preferably ring-shaped, fastening body for fastening to a flagpole and at least one catching element which is movably attached to the fastening body in such a way that the catching element is supported by a The catching position for a golf ball can be moved into a protective position and vice versa, wherein the catching element extends away from a longitudinal axis of the fastening body in the catching position, and the catching element in the protective position is tilted relative to the catching position towards the longitudinal axis of the fastening body.

One idea of the invention is to attach a catching device for a golf ball to a flagstick of a golf flag in order to make it easier to get a golf ball out of a golf hole, especially when the flagstick is inserted into the golf hole. In particular, a golf ball caught by the catching device can be lifted out of the golf hole together with the catching device on the flagstick. The collecting device is in particular as a (retrofittable) attachment for a Formed flagpole and is preferably attached above a flag base of the flagpole.

A further idea of the invention is a catching device which has a (single) catching element or several catching elements that can be moved back and forth between a catching position and a protective position. In a catching position, the catching elements are in particular positioned in such a way that they are suitable for catching a golf ball that has fallen into a golf hole or a cup of a golf hole and preferably preventing it from sinking to the bottom of the golf hole or cup. In a protective position, the collecting elements are positioned in particular such that the green, in particular a golf hole edge and / or a green surface, is protected from damage by the collecting device, in particular by the at least one collecting element. The protective position can be understood as a position of a catch element that is tilted (rotated) relative to the longitudinal axis of the flagpole. In particular, a movable attachment of the at least one catching element to the fastening body of the catching device prevents damage to the green (golf hole edge) when inserting a flagpole with a catching device attached to it into a golf hole or when placing the flagpole with a catching device attached to it on the green (green surface) or at least reduced. A collecting element can in particular be moved back and forth between a collecting position and a protective position. A movement of the catching element from the catching position in the direction of the protective position or (completely) into the protective position can be generated by the catching element touching the green. For example, a collecting element can be moved by touching the edge of the golf hole when inserting the flagpole or by touching the green surface when putting down the flagpole. Provision can be made for the at least one catching element to move (by itself) from the protective position to the catching position (back), for example due to the weight of the catching element and / or a spring force caused by elastic deformation and / by an (additional) Spring element can be applied.

In particular, the longitudinal axis of the fastening body coincides with the longitudinal axis of the flagpole (in the fastened state of the catching device). A collecting element can, in particular, be perpendicular to one in a plane to the longitudinal axis of the fastening body or flagpole lying axis be tiltable (rotatable). In the catching position, the at least one catching element extends in particular radially to a longitudinal axis of the fastening body or the flagpole. A collecting element can be designed or connected to the fastening body in one piece, in particular via an elastically deformable connection. Alternatively, the collecting element can be connected to the fastening body as a separate part, in particular via a movable, preferably articulated, connecting element. Catching elements and the fastening body can be made of the same or different materials. A (single) collecting element can in particular be designed as a collecting plate or collecting tray, which preferably (completely) surrounds the fastening body and is preferably mounted on the fastening body such that it can be tilted (in the middle). At least two collecting elements can form a collecting area (holding area) for a golf ball with one another. A collecting element can be made in one piece or in several pieces. A collecting element can be designed as a tilting or folding element, in particular as a tilting or folding lamella.

A collecting device according to the invention has the advantage that the retrieval of a golf ball from a golf hole or a cup inserted into the golf hole is simplified. With the aid of a catching device attached to the flagpole, a golf ball can be easily and conveniently lifted out of the golf hole by pulling the flagpole, the golf ball being held by the catching device. Catching elements that can be moved from a catching position to a protective position can prevent or reduce damage to the green, in particular the edge of the golf hole and / or a green surface, when the flagpole is (re) inserted or put down.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one catching element is movably attached to the fastening body in such a way that the catching element moves from the protective position to the catching position due to its own weight when a longitudinal axis of the fastening body is aligned in the direction of gravity. The force of gravity usually acts in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fastening body or the flagpole when the flagpole with the catching device attached is inserted into a golf hole in the ground (ie vertically downwards towards the ground). In particular, the collecting elements are dimensioned or made of such (sufficient dense) material is made that the weight acting on a catching element (without a held golf ball) is sufficiently large to move the catching element (by itself) into the catching position or to let it fall (sink). This ensures that the catching device can only be brought into the catching position by inserting the flagpole (ie without the need to manually move the catching elements) in order to catch a golf ball (at any time).

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one catching element is resiliently connected to the fastening body, in particular such that the catching element is acted upon by a spring restoring force which acts in the direction of a movement of the catching element from the protective position into the catching position. A resilient connection can be implemented by an elastically deformable material section between the collecting element and the fastening body and / or by an (additional) spring element, which is arranged in particular between the collecting element and the fastening body. For example, a (tapering) flexurally elastic material web (made of plastic or sheet metal) can be formed between the fastening body and the collecting element, which can in particular be formed in one piece with the collecting element and the fastening body. A tension spring, which is preferably arranged below the catching element, in particular fastened to the fastening body, or a compression spring, which is preferably arranged above the catching element, in particular fastened to the fastening body, can be provided as the spring element. As an alternative or in addition to an (automatic) return of a catching element to the catching position by its own weight, an (automatic) movement or return to the catching position can be achieved through a resilient connection just by inserting the flagpole.

In one embodiment of the invention, several, preferably three, collecting elements are provided, which are arranged distributed over the circumference of the fastening body, preferably evenly spaced from one another. A catch element extends in particular along a longitudinal axis in the radial direction to the longitudinal axis of the fastening body or the flagpole. Two, three, four, five, six or more collecting elements can be provided. By means of several collecting elements, these can be designed and formed relatively narrow in terms of construction, in particular as elongated collecting lamellae with each other nevertheless a sufficiently large, in particular spanned over the entire circumference of the fastening body, collecting space for a golf ball. Three collecting elements have the advantage that they can be offset from the three bottom openings that are usually provided in cups for golf holes (for example to drain off rainwater). Each of the three collecting elements can span a 120 ° sector of a collecting space for a golf ball.

In one embodiment of the invention, a longitudinal axis of the catching element in the protective position of the catching element is (at least) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening body and / or there is an angle (angle α) between a longitudinal axis of the catching element and the longitudinal axis of the fastening body in the catching position of the Catching element 45 ° to 90 °, preferably 60 ° to 90 °, more preferably 60 ° to 80 °, particularly preferably about 70 °.

If a catching element in the protective position (essentially or precisely) runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening body or the flagpole, the catching elements can be prevented from protruding laterally (radially) from the flagpole and the green, especially when the flagpole is moved vertically, from the edge of a golf hole or the green surface was damaged when a flagstick was placed (flat) on the green. This achieves a protective effect for the green (the lawn), in particular for the edge of the golf hole. Such an advantageous effect can also be achieved (to a correspondingly lesser extent) if a longitudinal axis of the collecting element in the (maximum) protective position is at an angle (angle β) of a maximum of 25 °, preferably a maximum of 20 °, more preferably a maximum of 15 ° , more preferably by a maximum of 10 °, more preferably by a maximum of 5 °, is tilted (twisted) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastening body or the flagpole. In particular, the collecting elements can also be tilted inwards beyond the longitudinal axis, in particular up to a contact stop on the flagpole.

The specified ranges for an angle (angle α) between the longitudinal axis of the fastening body or the flagpole and a longitudinal axis of a collecting element enable, on the one hand, a sufficiently large collecting space for a golf ball to be set up by the collecting elements and on the other hand, prevent a held golf ball from rolling down (to the side) (outwards) from the catching elements.

A preferred (maximum) tilt angle between the catching position and the protective position of the catching element can be between and 30 ° and 90 °, preferably between 40 ° and 90 °, more preferably between 50 ° and 80 °, more preferably between 60 ° and 80 °, particularly preferably about 70 °. For example, in a catching position in which a catching element is oriented obliquely upwards by 20 ° with respect to the horizontal (i.e. angle α is 70 °), and in a protective position in which the catching element is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastening body or flagpole (i.e. perpendicular) is aligned (ie angle β is 0 °), the (maximum) tilt angle is 70 °.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one catching element has a connecting section facing the fastening body and a catching section, in particular arranged radially further outwards, for catching a golf ball, the catching section being wider than the connecting section in the circumferential direction of the fastening body. In particular, the collecting element widens from the connecting section to the collecting section (i.e. in the radial direction outwards), in particular continuously or abruptly. A catching section forms in particular a (straight or curved) catching surface for catching or holding a golf ball. The collecting elements or the collecting sections can have (upward or inward) curved (outer) edge sections in order to increase a holding effect for a golf ball. The connecting section can be connected to a swivel joint or form part of a swivel joint or hinge, for example an axis of rotation or a receptacle for an axis of rotation. The connecting section could be connected in one piece to the fastening body, wherein the connecting section can be a (tapered) material web.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one collecting element is attached to the fastening body within an outer circumference of the fastening body, preferably axially above an annular section of the fastening body, preferably on an axially extending connecting section of the fastening body. This can result in a lateral (Radial) protrusion of the catching elements beyond the fastening body can be prevented or reduced in the protective position. This improves the protective effect and reduces the risk of possible damage to the green.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening body has a recess in a circumferential surface in which a connecting section of the catching element facing the fastening body is arranged, a swivel joint for connecting the catching element to the fastening body preferably being arranged in the recess. As a result, a lateral (radial) protrusion of the catching elements, in particular the swivel joints, beyond the fastening body in the protective position can be prevented or reduced. As a result, the protective effect in the protective position can be further improved and possible damage to the green can be avoided.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening body, in particular along the longitudinal axis of the fastening body, has a, preferably central, through opening for receiving a flagpole. The fastening body can be designed as an open or closed ring and, in particular, can be designed to be pushed or pushed axially onto a flagpole. The fastening body can be designed as a clip, in particular as an open ring that can be clipped radially onto the flagpole, for example made of (elastically deformable) sheet metal or plastic.

In one embodiment of the invention, the fastening body has clamping and / or latching means, preferably at least one radially adjustable clamping element, for (axial) fastening of the catching device to a flagpole. Clamping means in particular generate a clamping force between the fastening body and a peripheral surface of the flagpole. Latching means can interact with corresponding recesses in the flagpole. Clamping means can comprise one or more clamping elements, which are preferably provided (evenly) distributed over the circumference of the fastening body. Clamping means can be designed in the form of a (radially oriented) internal thread provided in the fastening body and a screw as a clamping element, preferably a grub screw.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one collecting element is connected to the fastening body in an articulated manner, preferably via a swivel joint. A swivel joint or hinge is preferably arranged within an (outer) circumferential surface of the fastening body.

In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one collecting element is made in one piece with the fastening body. The collecting element is preferably designed as a spring element. The collecting element is preferably connected to the fastening body via an elastically deformable spring section. A spring section can be designed as a (thin) material web, which is designed in particular towards the fastening body as a cross-sectional taper of the collecting element, in particular made of plastic or metal (sheet metal).

The stated object is also achieved in particular by a flagpole for a golf flag, with a catching device according to the invention being attached to the flagpole. The collecting device can preferably be fastened to conventional flagpoles, in particular retrofitted. The catching device is preferably attached to the flagpole above a flag base.

The stated object is also achieved in particular by a golf flag which comprises a flagpole according to the invention or a collecting device according to the invention. In addition to the flagpole (with a flag base), a golf flag can include a (textile) flag attached to an upper end of the flagpole.

• Befestigen einer Auffangvorrichtung an einem Fahnenstock einer Golffahne, vorzugsweise oberhalb eines Fahnenfußes, wobei die Auffangvorrichtung einen Befestigungskörper zur Befestigung am Fahnenstock und mindestens ein beweglich am Befestigungskörper angebrachtes Auffangelement aufweist;
• Einstecken des Fahnenstocks in eine Tasse für ein Golfloch, die in einem Golfloch angeordnet ist, wobei sich die Auffangvorrichtung im eingesteckten Zustand des Fahnenstocks innerhalb des Golflochs, vorzugsweise innerhalb der Tasse, befindet, wobei ein Auffangelement bei Berührung eines Golflochrandes des Golflochs während des Einsteckens des Fahnenstocks relativ zu einer Auffangposition zur Längsachse des Fahnenstocks hin verkippt wird;
• Bewegen, vorzugsweise Fallen und/oder Zurückfedern, des mindestens einen Auffangelements in eine Auffangposition, in der sich das Auffangelement von einer Längsachse des Fahnenstocks weg erstreckt;
• Auffangen eines in das Golfloch gefallenen, vorzugsweise geputteten, Golfballs durch die Auffangvorrichtung im eingesteckten Zustand des Fahnenstocks, wobei sich das mindestens eine Auffangelement in der Auffangposition befindet.

The stated object is also achieved in particular by a method for catching a golf ball by means of a catching device, in particular a catching device according to the invention, comprising the following steps:

• Fastening a catching device to a flagpole of a golf flag, preferably above a flag base, the catching device having a fastening body for fastening to the flagpole and at least one catching element movably attached to the fastening body;
• Inserting the flagpole in a cup for a golf hole, which is arranged in a golf hole, wherein the catching device is in the inserted state of the flagpole inside the golf hole, preferably inside the cup, with a collecting element when touching a golf hole edge of the golf hole during the insertion of the The flagpole is tilted relative to a catching position towards the longitudinal axis of the flagpole;
• Moving, preferably falling and / or springing back, the at least one catching element into a catching position in which the catching element extends away from a longitudinal axis of the flagpole;
• Catching a golf ball that has fallen, preferably putted, into the golf hole by the catching device in the inserted state of the flagpole, the at least one catching element being in the catching position.

The method according to the invention can implement some or all of the procedural features that are described in connection with the collecting device according to the invention. In particular, the method has advantages similar to those that can be achieved by the collecting device.

The movement of the at least one catching element into the catching position is achieved in particular (by itself) by the own weight of the catching element and / or a resilient connection between the fastening body and the catching element. The collecting element preferably moves on contact with the green and springs back as soon as the green is no longer touched. Moving a catch element into a catch position can (alternatively or additionally) be carried out before inserting the flagpole, for example when the flagpole is brought into a vertical position. The method can include further steps, such as placing the flagpole on the green, the at least one collecting element moving from a collecting position to a protective position, in particular when it comes into contact with the green (green surface). In addition, the method can include lifting the flagpole out of the cup or from the golf hole together with the catching device, in particular while the catching device is holding a caught golf ball.

The stated object is also achieved in particular by the use of a catching device according to the invention for catching a golf ball in a golf hole, the catching device being attached in particular to a flagpole of a golf flag.

Figur 1

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit einem einzigen Auffangelement;

Figur 2

eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit mehreren Auffangelementen;

Figur 3a

eine schematische Darstellung einer an einem Fahnenstock befestigten erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung in einer Auffangposition;

Figur 3b

eine schematische Darstellung der an einem Fahnenstock befestigten erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung nach Figur 3a in einer Schutzposition;

Figur 4a

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung in einer Auffangposition;

Figur 4b

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung nach Figur 4a in einer Schutzposition;

Figur 5a

eine schematische Darstellung eines Befestigungsköpers einer erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht;

Figur 5b

eine schematische Darstellung des Befestigungsköpers nach Figur 5a in einer Draufsicht;

Figur 6a

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung in einer Auffangposition;

Figur 6b

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung nach Figur 6a in einer Schutzposition;

Figur 7

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung in einer Tasse eines Golflochs;

Figur 8

eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung in einer Tasse eines Golflochs;

Figur 9

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Auffangvorrichtung in einer Auffangposition in einem Golfloch.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Here show:

Figure 1

a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention with a single collecting element;

Figure 2

a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention with several collecting elements;

Figure 3a

a schematic representation of a catching device according to the invention attached to a flagpole in a catching position;

Figure 3b

a schematic representation of the collecting device according to the invention attached to a flagpole Figure 3a in a protective position;

Figure 4a

a schematic representation of a collecting device according to the invention in a collecting position;

Figure 4b

a schematic representation of the collecting device according to the invention Figure 4a in a protective position;

Figure 5a

a schematic representation of a fastening body of a collecting device according to the invention in a side view;

Figure 5b

a schematic representation of the fastening body according to Figure 5a in a plan view;

Figure 6a

a schematic representation of a collecting device according to the invention in a collecting position;

Figure 6b

a schematic representation of the collecting device according to the invention Figure 6a in a protective position;

Figure 7

a schematic representation of an embodiment of the collecting device according to the invention in a cup of a golf hole;

Figure 8

a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the collecting device according to the invention in a cup of a golf hole;

Figure 9

a schematic representation of an embodiment of the collecting device according to the invention in a collecting position in a golf hole.

In the following description of the invention, the same reference symbols are used for identical and identically acting elements.

the Figures 1 and 2 each show basic representations of various catching devices 1 according to the invention, which are attached to a flagpole 2 of a golf flag 3. The collecting device 1 each has a fastening body 10 on which (precisely) a collecting element 20 (see Figure 1 ) or several collecting elements 20 (see Figure 2 ) is or are movably attached. The catching element (s) 20 are movably, in particular tiltable or foldable, fastened to the fastening body 10 so that they move from a catching position P1 for a golf ball 9 (shown in FIG Figure 3a ) is movable into a protection position P2 for protecting the green, and vice versa. In the catching position P1, a catching element 20 extends away from the longitudinal axis B of the fastening body 10, which coincides with the longitudinal axis F of the flagpole 2. In the protective position P2, a catch element 20 is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis B or F. The collecting device 1 can be understood as an annular attachment for a flagpole 2 of a golf flag 3, which is attached to a lower end of the flagpole 2. This collecting device 1 has at least one In the catching position P1 laterally extending catching element 20, which can, at least partially, be applied to the flagpole 2 or applied by itself when a force is applied. The collecting element 20 is preferably designed as a folding element 20 which, in the unfolded state, is suitable for catching a golf ball falling into a golf hole 5. The golf ball can easily be lifted out of the golf hole by lifting the flagpole 2 with the catching device 1 attached to it by a golfer. By being tiltable, the catching elements 2 prevent damage to both the edge of the golf hole and the green when the golf flag is placed on the green.

In Figure 1 a single catching element 20 can be tilted or folded back and forth between a catching position P1 and a protective position P2 relative to the longitudinal axis B of the fastening body 10. The collecting element 20 can be designed to be round, in particular rotatable, plate-shaped or key-shaped, and are mounted on the fastening element 10 so as to be rotatable about an axis. What is achieved thereby is that a longitudinal axis A of the collecting element 20 tilts towards the longitudinal axis F or B in the protective position P2 or rests against the flagpole 2. The catch element 20 can have two opposing pivot pins which engage in receptacles in the fastening body.

In Figure 2 a plurality of catching elements 20 can each be tilted or folded back and forth between a catching position P1 and a protective position P2 relative to the longitudinal axis B of the fastening body 10. The collecting elements 20 can each be designed as hinged, for example elongated lamellar or flat-spreading wings, and are each pivotably mounted on the fastening element 10 so as to be rotatable about an axis. The collecting elements 20 can thus be directed towards the flagpole 2 (in Figure 2 up) are tilted or folded towards each other so that they are less far away from the flagpole 2 in the protective position P2 than in the catching position P1. The respective longitudinal axes A of the interception elements 20 move towards one another during the movement from the interception position P1 into the protective position P2 and align themselves more in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the flagpole 2 or the fastening body 10.

In the Figures 3a and 3b a collecting device 1 is shown, which is attached to a flagpole 2. In Figure 3a the collecting device 1 takes one Catch position P1 and sticks in a cup of a golf hole and is held in a vertical position. In Figure 3b the collecting device 1 is shown in a protective position P2. The collecting device 1 is attached above a conically widening flag base 4 of the flagpole 2. The collecting device 1 can rest with the underside of the fastening body 10 on the flag base 4 or be fastened axially to the flagpole 2 by fastening means, in particular clamping and / or latching means 14. In the in Figure 3a The catching position P1 shown here extend radially away from the longitudinal axis B or F, but are positioned slightly upwards in order to be able to catch a golf ball 9 (shown in dashed lines) or to be able to hold it in a stable manner. The catching elements 20 have a radially inner connecting section 21 for connection to the fastening body 10 and a catching section 22 lying radially further out for catching a golf ball. The catching section 22 can be made wider than the connecting section 21 in order to form or span a support surface or a catching space for the golf ball 9. The fastening body 10 is made ring-shaped and encloses the flagpole 2, but can also be designed as an open clip. In the in Figure 3b Protective position P2 shown, the collecting elements 20 are shown aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis B and F, respectively. The collecting elements 20 can assume such a protective position P2, for example, when the flagpole 2 is placed (horizontally) on the green of a golf course or when they touch the golf hole edge 6 when the flagpole 2 is inserted into a golf hole 5. In a vertical position of the flagpole 2, the catching elements 20 preferably move automatically from the protective position P2 to the catching position P1, for example due to gravity by their own weight or alternatively or additionally by a spring force. From the in Figure 3b shown state of the flagpole 2, for example after lifting from the stored horizontal position on the green to a vertical position for insertion into the cup 7 of a golf hole 5, the collecting elements 20 would therefore automatically move into the collecting position P1 (see Figure 3a ) move. The catching elements 20 are each attached to the fastening body 10 such that they can be tilted about a swivel joint 30. The catching elements 20 can be resiliently connected to the fastening body 10 so that they are acted upon by a spring return force which acts in the direction of a movement of the catching element 20 from the protective position P2 into the catching position P1. Such a spring restoring force can be achieved by an elastic, preferably one-piece, material connection, for example in the form of an elastic plastic or Metal connection, are generated between the collecting element 20 and the fastening body 10. Alternatively, separate spring elements, for example tension springs, can be provided on the underside of the collecting elements 20, which reset the collecting elements 20 into the collecting position B1. The collecting elements 20 are preferably longer than the standard diameter of a golf ball, but can also be made shorter as long as they form a sufficient support surface for the golf ball to prevent it from falling through to the bottom of the cup 7 in the collecting position P1.

In the Figures 4a and 4b an embodiment of a collecting device 1 according to the invention without a flagpole 2 is shown. The fastening body 10 has a central through opening 13 in a ring section 16 for receiving the flagpole 2. The collecting elements 20 are attached to an axially extending connecting section 17 of the fastening body 10 via swivel joints 30. In Figure 4a the collecting position P1 of the collecting device 1 is shown, in which the collecting elements 20 extend away in the radial direction at an angle α of approximately 70 ° between the respective longitudinal axes A of the collecting elements 20 and the longitudinal axis B of the fastening body 10. The swivel joints 30 are preferably designed such that the angle α is between 45 and 90 ° in order to be able to hold a golf ball securely. In Figure 4b the collecting device 1 is shown in the protective position P2, in which the collecting elements 20 are tilted towards the longitudinal axis B, so that their longitudinal axes A are aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis B. An angle β between the longitudinal axis A and the longitudinal axis B is 0 ° here, but could also be an acute angle of preferably up to 25 °. The swivel joints 30 are arranged within an outer contour of the fastening body 10, namely on the inside of the connecting sections 17, in order to make the collecting device 1 as slim as possible, ie with as few radially outwardly protruding parts as possible. The catching device 1 assumes a protective position P2 when a catching device 1 attached to the flagpole 2 is placed on a green of a golf course, so that a catching element 20 on contact with the green surface, ie the sensitive lawn, to the longitudinal axis B of the flagpole 2 or to the longitudinal axis B of the fastening body 10 is tilted. A protective position P2, or an intermediate position between the catching position B1 and the maximum protective position P2, is also assumed by a catching element 20 of the catching device 1 if a catching element 20 is attached to the flagpole 2 when the one is inserted Catching device 1 in a golf hole 5 touches the sensitive edge of the golf hole 6. The collecting element 20 is then tilted or folded inwards, ie towards the flagpole 2. The catching device 1 has clamping and / or latching means 14 in order to fasten the fastening body 10 to a peripheral surface of the flagpole 2.

In the Figures 5a and 5b is a fastening body 10 of a collection device 1 according to the invention in a side view (see Figure 5a ) or in a top view (see Figure 5b ) shown. The ring section 16 has three radial through openings evenly distributed over the circumference, in particular bores with an internal thread, in which a clamping element 15 is received in a radially adjustable manner. The clamping element 15 can be designed as a grub screw with an external thread. A clamping force can be exerted on the fastening body 10 by the clamping element 15, for example by screwing a grub screw into the through opening 13 in order to clamp the fastening body 10 firmly on the flagpole 2 in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis B.

In the Figures 6a and 6b an embodiment of the collecting device 1 according to the invention with three collecting elements 20 evenly distributed over the circumference is shown in a top view. The collecting elements 20 are connected to swivel joints 30 via connecting sections 21. The swivel joints 30 are partially, optionally also completely, arranged in recesses 12 of the circumferential surface 11 of the fastening body 10. In this way, a slimmer outer contour of the collecting device 1, in particular in the protective position P2, is achieved. Alternatively, only two, for example semicircular or half-shell-shaped collecting elements 20, or more than three collecting elements 20, for example four, six or eight collecting elements 20, could be provided.

In the Figures 7 and 8 collecting devices 1 are shown with three collecting elements 20, which are in the Figures 7 and 8 but are shaped differently. The catch elements 20 in Figure 7 widening collecting sections 22 and tapering connecting sections 21 form. The collecting elements 20 can form bowl-shaped depressions in order to be able to hold a golf ball better. The catch elements 20 in Figure 8 are shaped with a constant width, in particular lamellar, and, for example, as sheet metal strips executed. The collecting elements 20 can be bent outwards upwards.

In Figure 9 For example, a collecting device 1 according to the present invention is arranged in a cup 7 of a golf hole 5, the three equally spaced collecting elements 20 each being arranged between bottom openings 70 of the cup 7. The collecting device 1 is in the collecting position P1, in which a golf ball 9 rolling over the golf hole edge 6 into the golf hole 5 can be caught by the collecting elements 20 at any time. One according to Figure 9 Catching device 1 positioned in a golf hole 5 can catch a golf ball if it falls or is putted into the golf hole 5. The golf ball is then held between the flagstick 2 and the inner surface of the cup 7 or the edge of the golf hole 5. In Figure 9 the flagstick 2 and the golf ball 9 are not shown.

In a method according to the invention for catching a golf ball by means of the catching device 1, the catching device 1 is first attached to a flagpole 2 of a golf flag 3, preferably above the flag base 4 (see FIG Figures 3a and 3b ). For this purpose, the catching device 1 has a fastening body 10 on which at least one, in the present case three, catching elements 20 attached movably to the fastening body 10 are provided. The flagpole 2 with the catching device 1 attached to it is inserted with the flag base 4 into the cup 7, which is inserted into a golf hole 5 in the green surface 8. In the inserted state of the flagpole 2, the collecting device 1 is located inside the golf hole 5 or the cup 7. If, when the flagpole 2 is inserted, a collecting element 20 touches the golf hole edge 6, this collecting element 20 tilts relative to its in Figure 9 shown catching position P1 towards the longitudinal axis F of the flagpole 2. Damage to the golf hole edge 6 can thereby be prevented. As soon as the collecting element 20 is no longer in contact with the golf hole edge 6, the collecting element 20 moves (back) into the collecting position P1. The catching element 20 can fall into the catching position P1 due to gravity and / or spring back to it.

A golfer can easily lift the golf ball 9 out of the golf hole 5 by pulling out the flagstick 2. The golf ball is held by the catching device 1. Getting the golf ball out of the hole is done thereby facilitated. When the golf flag 3 is inserted into the golf hole 5, the collecting device 1 according to the invention and the method described prevent damage to the golf hole edge 6, since the collecting elements 20 tilt inward, preferably elastically, when they come into contact with the green surface or the sensitive golf hole edge 6 formed in the lawn or fold away. Damage to the edge of the golf hole when inserting the golf flag 3 is thus prevented. A similar advantageous effect is achieved if the flagstick 2 with the catching device 1 attached is placed on the green by the player. By tilting the collecting elements 20 inwards towards the flagpole 2, damage to the green by the laterally protruding collecting elements 20 can be prevented or at least reduced.

Reference list:

1

Catching device

2

Flagpole

3

Golf flag

4th

Flag base

5

Golf hole

6th

Golf hole edge

7th

Cup

8th

Green surface

9

Golf ball

10

Fastening body

11

Circumferential surface

12th

Recess

13th

Through opening

14th

Clamping and / or locking means

15th

Clamping element

16

Ring section

17th

Connection section

20th

Catch element

21

Connection section

22nd

Catchment section

30th

Swivel joint

70

Bottom opening

α

angle

β

angle

P1

Catch position

P2

Protective position

B.

Longitudinal axis of the fastening body

U

Circumferential direction of the fastening body

A.

Longitudinal axis of the collecting element

F.

Longitudinal axis of the flagpole

Claims (15)

A collecting device (1) for a golf ball for attachment to a flagpole (2) of a golf flag (3), comprising
a, preferably ring-shaped, fastening body (10) for fastening to a flagpole (2) and
at least one catching element (20) which is movably attached to the fastening body (10) in such a way that the catching element (20) can be moved from a catching position (P1) for a golf ball into a protective position (P2) and vice versa, wherein - the collecting element (20) in the collecting position (P1) extends away from a longitudinal axis (B) of the fastening body (10), and - The catching element (20) in the protective position (P2) is tilted relative to the catching position (P1) towards the longitudinal axis (B) of the fastening body (10). Collection device (1) according to claim 1,
characterized in that the at least one catching element (20) is movably attached to the fastening body (10) in such a way that the catching element (20) moves from the protective position (P2) to the catching position (P1) due to its own weight when a longitudinal axis (B ) of the fastening body (10) is aligned in the direction of gravity. Collection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the at least one catching element (20) is resiliently connected to the fastening body (10), in particular in such a way that the catching element (20) is acted upon by a spring restoring force that moves in the direction of movement of the catching element (20) from the protective position ( P2) acts in the catching position (P1). Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that several, preferably three, collecting elements (20) are provided, which over the circumference of the Fastening body (10) are arranged distributed, preferably evenly spaced from one another. Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
a longitudinal axis (A) of the collecting element (20) in the protective position (P2) of the collecting element (20) is oriented essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis (B) of the fastening body (10) and / or
an angle (α) between a longitudinal axis (A) of the collecting element (20) and the longitudinal axis (B) of the fastening body (10) in the collecting position (P1) of the collecting element (20) 45 ° to 90 °, preferably 60 ° to 90 ° , more preferably 60 ° to 80 °, particularly preferably about 70 °. Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the at least one catching element (20) has a connecting section (21) facing the fastening body (10) and a catching section (22), in particular arranged radially further outwards, for catching a golf ball, the catching section (20) in the circumferential direction ( U) of the fastening body (10) is wider than the connecting portion (21). Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the at least one collecting element (20) is attached to the fastening body (10) within an outer circumference of the fastening body (10), preferably axially above an annular section (16) of the fastening body (10), preferably on an axially extending connecting section ( 17) of the fastening body (10). Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the fastening body (10) has a recess (12) in a circumferential surface (11) in which a connecting section (21) of the collecting element (20) facing the fastening body (10) is arranged, preferably in the recess (12 ) a swivel joint (30) for connecting the collecting element (20) to the fastening body (10) is arranged. Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the fastening body (10), in particular along the longitudinal axis (B) of the fastening body (10), has a, preferably central, through opening (13) for receiving a flagpole (2). Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the fastening body (10) has clamping and / or latching means (14), preferably at least one radially adjustable clamping element (15), for fastening the catching device (1) to a flagpole (2). Collection device (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the at least one collecting element (20) is connected to the fastening body (10) in an articulated manner, preferably via a swivel joint (30). Collection device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11,
characterized in that the at least one catching element (20) is designed in one piece with the fastening body (10), the catching element (20) preferably being designed as a spring element, further preferably the catching element (20) being connected to the fastening body (20) via an elastically deformable spring section ( 10) is connected. Flag stick (2) for a golf flag (3),
characterized in that a collecting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 is attached to the flagpole (2). A method for catching a golf ball by means of a catching device (1), in particular a catching device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: - Attaching a catching device (1) to a flagpole (2) of a golf flag (3), preferably above a flag base (4), wherein the catching device (1) has a fastening body (10) for fastening to the flagpole (2) and at least one catching element (20) movably attached to the fastening body (10); - Insertion of the flagpole (2) into a cup (7) for a golf hole (5), which is arranged in a golf hole (5), the collecting device (1) being located within the golf hole (5) when the flagpole (2) is inserted ), preferably inside the cup (7), wherein a collecting element (20) when touching a golf hole edge (6) of the golf hole (5) while inserting the flagpole (2) relative to a collecting position (P1) to the longitudinal axis (F) the flagpole (2) is tilted towards; - Moving, preferably falling and / or springing back, the at least one catching element (20) into a catching position (P1) in which the catching element (20) extends away from a longitudinal axis (F) of the flagpole (2); - Catching a golf ball that has fallen, preferably putted, into the golf hole (5) by the catching device (1) in the inserted state of the flagpole (2), the at least one catching element (20) being in the catching position (P1). Use of a catching device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 12 for catching a golf ball in a golf hole (5), the catching device (1) being attached in particular to a flagpole (2) of a golf flag (3).

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