GB2495538A

GB2495538A - Portable target apparatus comprising telescopic or retractable poles

Info

Publication number: GB2495538A
Application number: GB1117747.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Fullerton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-14
Filing date: 2011-10-14
Publication date: 2013-04-17
Also published as: GB201117747D0

Abstract

An apparatus for use as a target, in particular for use as a target in golf practice, comprises a first elongate element having an end capable of penetrating the terrain (e.g. a spike); and a second elongate element defining a channel for receiving the first elongate element, said first element moveable between being fully stored within the second elongate element channel and being extended from the elongate element channel, such that the apparatus in the extended position provides a target. The apparatus may comprise an attachment such as a flag, a ball retriever, a net for chipping, a grip handle, a golf ball collection tube or a basketball hoop. The apparatus may further include a locking mechanism. The elongate elements may be made from aluminium. The elongate elements may extend coaxially, or the channel may be a throughbore, a blind bore or an open slot.

Description

I

Portable Target Apparatus

HELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a target and particularly, but not exclusively, for use as a golf target.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Golf is a worldwide sport that has seen a rapid growth in popularity in recent years. Golf courses and driving ranges are now busier than ever and it becoming more difficult for the average golfer to practice. Consequently, many golfers are turning to practice on suitable green spaces.

In order to prachce effectiv&y, many golfers prefer to use targets and/or distance gauges. IdeaHy these devices should be IighNeight and portable. However, such devces also need to be sturdy to withstand strong winds and poor ground condtions and so they often tend to cumbersome and unwieldy. In addition, these devices often require hea weights or large spikes to secure the device into position which can be a safety hazard.

These and other probiems may also be encountered in the pursuit of other sports which also rely on target practice such as basketbafl or Frisbee, Another problem that a golfer may encounter is the difficufty of retrieving bafls from hard to reach locations, e.g. from water or from rough areas of ground.

ConventionaI devices that attempt to addrsss these problems tend to be cumbersome and unwieldy.

It is an object of at east one embodiment of the present invention to provide an apparatus that mUgates at east one problem associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus adapted to be configured to provide a target., said apparatus comprising: a first elongate eiement having a first end capable of penetrating the terrain on which the apparatus is to be located; and a second elongate element defining a chann& for receiving the first elongate element, said first element being moveable between a stored position in which the first element is fuHy stored within the second ebngate element channel and a fully extended position where the first element extends from the elongate element channel, the arrangement being such that the combination of the first and second elements n the extended position provides a target when said first end is inserted in said terrain.

ln at east one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is for use in golf practice as a target.

In one embodiment, when in the stored position, the apparatus is substantiaily the same size or smaer than a goft club. In such an arrangement, the apparatus is suitably &zed for storage in a golf bag.

In at east one embodiment of the invention, in the stored position, the second elongate element is entirely and safely stored within the first elongate element and so presents no safety hazard to the user or any bystanders.

in an embodiment, the apparatus weighs less than 2 kg. In further embodiments, the apparatus weighs between 100 g and 1 kg. In thS and other embodiments, the first elongate element is between 50 cm and 1.5 m in length. In at east one embodiment, the apparatus weighs aDproximately 0.5 kg and is approximately 95cm in length when in the stored configuration.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to receive at least one attachment or a piuraUty of attachments.

In an embodiment. the attachment is a flag. In such an embodiment, the apparatus is easily visible from a distance.

In an alternative embodiment, the attachment is a bail retriever. The bafl retriever may be in the form of a basket, grabber, cup, helcal coil, net or the ike.

In a stiU further embodiment, the attachment is a net for chipping.

In a further embodiment. the attachment is a grip handle. The provision of a grip handle allows the user to exercise a greater degree of control when using the apparatus, particularly in wet conditions on a golf course, In further embodiments, the attachment is a golf ball collection tube. In an alternative embodiment, the elongate element defines a golf ball collection tube.

In an alternative embodiment, the attachment is basketball hoop.

In at least one embodiment, attachments are releasably attachable to the elongate element via attaching means. The attaching means may be temporary or permanent.

The attaching means may include, but are not imited to, press-fit fastenings.

snap-fit fastenings, Velcro fastenings, clip-on fastenings, bolts, screws or the like.

In certain embodiments, the first elongate element is configured to receive an attachment at the opposing end of the first element to that end within which the second &ement a storabe. Li further embodments, the first Songate &ement defines a bore configured to receive an attachment.

hi at Sat one embodthient, the first ebngate &ement end/or the second Songate Sement a made from aumnum. ri such an embodiment, the apparatus s hghtw&ght for portabHty n a gofti bag.

Li at east one embodment, attachments are attachabe to the outer body of the first Songate &ernent at any posftbn aong the ength of the first Songate Sement.

Thus, Li use, different attachments havhig dfferent uthtes can be attached at dftierent h&ghts accordLig to the deMred funcfion of the attachment, Li at east one embothment, the thann& defined by the first &ongate &ement s a throughbore, a bHnd bore or an open &ot, hi at east one ernbodment, the first &ongete &ement channe s an open sot and the second Songate &ement may further hic!ude a sma projection which projects outwardy through the St. hi such an embodiment, the user may use the proJectLin to more ea&y move the second &ongate eement to extend the apparatus.

Li ths and other embodhients, the second ebngate &ement extends coaxay from the channe defined by the first &ongate eement.

hi at Sat one embodment, the apparatus further ncEudes a ockng rnechansm, n such embothments, the ockng methansm permtts the second &ongate &ement to be ockabe ri at east one extended posfton. The second eongate &ernent may be ockabe in any poslUon between the stored po&fion and the fuUy extended posflon.

Represeritafive exarnpes of ockng mechanism nohide. but are not irnifed to, press4t mechansms, bots or screws or the Uke.

hi certahi embothments, the height ci the apparatus may be vaded according to the desfred use. For exampe, in the fuVy extended posion, the apparatus may be used as a cear and visibhi target. As a further exainpe, in the fuy extended posfion, the apparatus may be used for shooting practice in basketbalL In an alternative position, the second Songate element is locked in a partiaUy extended position. In such a posWon, the apparatus may be used to hold a basket for gal chipping practice.

In this and other embodiments, the apparatus increases in length by up to 50% of ta length in the stored position upon extension of the second elongate element. For example, in the fully extended position, the apparatus may be approximately 2 m in length.

In at least one embodiment, the second elongate element a formed of a rod which tapers into a spike at one end, In this and other embodiments, the second elongate element fuher includes a restricting means at the opposing end to the spike.

The restricting means prevent the second elongate element from being fufly removable from the first elongate element. In such an embodiment, the user would more easy be able to configure the apparatus in the fuy extended position because the second elongate element would not fuy separate from the first elongate &ement. The restricting means may be formed of a Hp, stopper, or the Hke.

En at east one embodiment, the second elongate element is separable from the first elongate element. In such an embodiment, the apparatus may be used as a plurality of markers. In at east one embodiment, the second elongate element may include a groove at the oppo&ng end to the spike. In such an embodiment, the groove may provide an indication of the fully extended position.

In certain embodiments, the second elongate element is made from steel. In such an embodiment, the second elongate element is durable and strong for repeated implantabon into hard terrain.

this and other embodiments. the apparatus further includes a receptacle configured to receive the second elongate element. In at least one embodiment, the receptacle has a flat base. In such an embodiment, the user can use the apparatus on flat surfaces, for example, on a gymnasium floor or on a road.

In at least one embodiment, the second elongate element is a retractable spike.

The word "retrectable' as used herein means that the second elongate element may return to the stored position within the first elongate element channel when the apparatus is not in use, In this and other embodiments, the provision of a spring loading or an elastic cord mechanism or the like allows the automatic retraction of the second elongate element via a switch or pushbutton or the like.

in a further embodiment, the first elongate element is formed of a plurSity of telescoping elements for further extension of the apparatus. The height of the apparatus may then be varied via extension of the second elongate element and/or extension 0? the first elongate element, A doubly extended apparatus may be used, for example, [the target spot is in a dip on the golf course, or for use in basketball shooting practice.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus is formed of a single matehal or a plurality of materials, Materials may be any material commonly used in the manufacture of golf dubs. The apparatus may be relatively Ughtweight for portabity, The apparatus may be robust to withstand strong winds on a golf course, In at least one embodiment, the apparatus is coloured substantiaUy red or white. The whole or a substantial part of the apparatus may be coloured red or white.

For example, in use, a golF apparatus cobured substantUy red or white is highly visible from a distance in poor conditions on a goff course.

In at east one embodiment, the apparatus is substantiafly coated with a luminous paint or formed from a luminous material In such an embodiment, the apparatus would be visible when practicing in poor light or at night.

In at east one embodiment, colour graphics, letters or symbols are marked upon the surface of the apparatus and/or the elongate elements. In such an embodiment, the colour graphics, etters or symbols may convey information to the user.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a t&escopic golf apparatus comprising! a retractable spike; and an elongate element defining a channel configured to receive the retractable spike; wher&n the retractable spike is moveable between a stored configuration in which the spike is fully stored within the elongate element channel and a fully extended configuration wherein the spike extends from the elongate element channel.

In at least one embodiment of the invention, in the stored configuration, the retractable spike is entirely and safely stored within the elongate element and so presents no safety hazard to the user or any bystanders.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a telescopic golf tiag compri&ng:

a retractable spike;

an elongate element defining a channel configured to receive the retractable spike; and a flag wherein the retractable spike is moveable between a stored configuration n which the spike is fuHy stored within the elongate element channel and a fully extended conflguration in which the spike extends from [he elongate element channel.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a telescopic golf apparatus comprising: a retractable spike; and an elongate &ement defining a channel configured to receive the retractable spike wherein the retractable spike is te!escopicaUy moveable between a collapsed configuration in which the spike is at least parliaUy stored within the elongate element S channel and an extended configuration in which the spike extends from the elongate element channel and wherein, in the coapsed configuration, the apparatus is adapted to be portable in a golf bag.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus is substantiay the same size and weight as a golf club. In at east one embodiment, in the coapsed configuraton, approximately 90% of the apparatus may be stored in a golf bag. In further embodiments, in the coflapsed configuration, the apparatus is no more than I 2 rn in length and weighs less than 2 kg. For example, the apparatus may w&gh between 200 g and 2 kg, in parficular between 300 g and 800 g. In this and other embodiments, the elongate element is between 80cm and 1.1 m in length.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of manufacture of an apparatus comprising the steps of: inserting a second elongate element into a channel defined by a first elongate element; and attachably engaging the first and second elongate elements such that the second elongate element is moveable between a stored configuration in which the second element is fuHy stored within the first elongate element channel and an extended configuration in which the second element extends from the first elongate element channel.

In at east one embodiment, the method further includes the step of attaching a locking mechanism to the apparatus such that the locking mechanism permit.s the second elongate element to be lockable in at least ore extended position.

It is to be appreciated that the various embodiments may be applied to each of the aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. However, for the sake of brevity, these embodiments have not been repeated in relation to each aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an apparatus in a fully extended configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the second elongate element inside the first elongate element is shown in broken lines; Figure is is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 along A-A; Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure I in a parflally extended configuration, the portion of the second &ongate element inside the flrst elongate element is shown in broken lines; Figure 3 is a side view of the apparatus of Hgure i in a stored configuration, the second elongate element being stored within the firM elongate element and is shown in broken lines: Figure 4 is an enrged perspective view of the first elongate element of the apparatus of Figure 1, with a channel shown in broken nes; Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the second elongate element of the apoaratus of Figure 1; Figure 6 is an enlarged side view of a stopper of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 7 is an enlarged side sectional view of a locking mechanism of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a perspective side view of a part of the locking mechanism of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus oF Figure 1; Figure 10 is a side view of an apparatus in a partiaHy extended configuration according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the second elongate element inside the first elongate element is shown in broken lines; Agure I la is perspective exploded view of hasketba hoop attachment that may be attached to the apparatus of Figure 10; Figure 1 lb is a perspective view of an alternative basketbafl hoop attachment that may be attached to the apparatus of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a side view of an apparatus in a fully extended configuration according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 is a perspective exploded view of the apparatus of Figure 12; Figure 14 is an enlarged perspective view ct the second elongate element of the apparatus of Figure 12; Figure 15 is an enlarged side view of a snap-fit attaching means for a flag insert of the apparatus of Figure 12, with a throughbore shown in broken lines.; and Figure 16 illustrates a spike retainer for supporting the apparatus, in use, on a solid surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

During golf practice, a telescopic golf apparatus 10, such as that depicted in Figures ito 3 and 9 may be implanted in the ground to act as a target.

The telescopic goti apparatus 10 includes a steel retractable spike 12 and an aluminium elongate &ernent 14 defining a channel 22 configured to receive the retractable spike I Z The retractable spike 12 is moveable between a stored position (Figure 3) in whEch the spike is fuy stored within the elongate element channel 22 and a fully extended position wherein the spice extends coaxially from the elongate element chann& 22 (see Figures 1 and 2).

In the stored posifion, the retractable spike 12 is entirely and safely stored within the elongate element 14 and so presents no saFely hazard to the user or any bystanders.

In the stored position (as shown in Figure 3) the apparatus 10 is approximately the same size and weight as a standard golf club. in such an arrangement, the golf apparatus is suitably sized for storage in a golf bag. In the stored configuration the apparatus is approximately 95 cm in length and weighs approximately 0.5 kg.

In the fully extended posiflon (as shown in Figure 1), the apparatus 10 is approximately 1.8 m in length. In such an arrangement, the apparatus is a dear and visible target.

In the parbally extended configuration (as shown in Figure 2), the apparatus 10 is between approximately I m and 1.8 m in length.

The aluminium elongate element 14, as shown in Figure 4. is a tubular member which aefines the channel 22. The outer diameter of the elongate element is approximately 1.6 cm. The dameter of the channel is approximately 1.4 cm. The outer surface of the elongate element is coloured substantially white and so the apparatus 10 is highly visible from a distance during gaff practice.

The retractable spike 12 is formed of a steel rod 24 which tapers into a point 26, as shown in Figure 5. The diameter of the rod 24 is approximately 1.3 cm. In the present embodiment, the retractable spike 12 further includes a groove 26 which runs along the outer diameter of the rod. The groove 28 indicates to the user when the apparatus is in the fully extended position.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the retractable spike 12 and elongate element 14 are fully separable from one another. In case of damage to the retractable spike or the elongate element, either part is easily replaceable. In addition.

the golfer is able to choose different elongate elements 14 which carry different surface patterns to use with the retractable spike 12. For example, in poor light, the user may choose a luminous elongate element and: in poor weather conditions, the user may choose a substantiay red elongate element.

The point 26 of the retractable spike 12 has a cone angle of substantially 150.

The point 26 permits the apparatus 10 to be firmly implanted in the ground during golf practice.

A plastic stopper 18 is placed in the channel 22 defined by the e!ongate element 14. The stopper 18 prevents the retractable spike from extending from the elongate element channel in the other direcfion.

A flag 16 is attached to the elongate &ement 14. The flag 16 includes a dosed sleeve which permits the flag to be sUpped over the elongate element 16. Alternatively, the flag 18 is attached to the elongate element 14 via a Velcrofastening.

A plastic locking mechanism 20 permits the retractabe spike 12 to be lockable in an extended position as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The locking mechanism 20 also permits the retractable spke 12 to be lockable in any position between the stored position (see Figure 3) and the fuUy extended position (Figure 1). An enlarged view of the locking mechanism 20 is shown in Figures 7 and 8, The locking mechanism 20 is attached to the lower end of the elongate element 14, as is best ifiustrated in Figures Ito Sand 9. In an extended position, the retractable spike 12 extends through the locking mechanism 20 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The locking mechanism 20 is formed of a first locking member 30 and a second locking member 32 which are threadably enagable.

The &st locking member 30 defines a staged channel 34. The upper section of the channel 36 is configured to receive the elongate element 14. The upper section 36 of the first locking member 30 is secured to the elongate element 14 by press fitting.

The lower section of channc 38 is narrower than the outer diameter of the elongate element and extends beyond the elongate element 14, The lower section 38 of the first locking member 30 carries a threaded arrangement 40 on its outer surFace.

The lower section 38 of the first locking member 30 is formed of two legs 44 and 46 as is best illustrated in Figure 8. The legs 44 and 48 may be compressed together upon tightening of the threaded arrangement.

The second locking member 32 defines a threaded channel 42 which may be threadably engaged with the threaded portion 40 of the First locking member 30.

In an open configuration, the second locking member 32 is loosely engaged with the first locking member 30 such that the lower section 38 is not constricted and the retractah spike 12 is able to extend and retract freely through the locking mechanism 20.

In a locked configuration, the second locking member 32 is threadably engaged tightly to the first locking member 30 such that the two legs 44 and 46 are compressed together, In such a configuration, the diameter of the lower section 38 is reduced and the inner surface of the first locking member 30 1rictionay engages with the retractable spike 12, locking the spike into position.

Figure 10 shows an afternative apparatus 110 according to a second embedment of the present inventbn. The apparatus 110 is for use in goft chipping practice and inckides a retractable spike 112, an dongate element 114 and a locking mechanism 120. The features and operation of the golf apparatus 110 are milar to those as discussed in the first embodiment and will not be repeated here for reasons of brevity.

A chipping net 116 is attached to the elongate element 11$ via attaching means 118. The attaching means 118 is a dip which is configured to cp onto the outer body of the elongate element 114. The chipping net 116 can be positioned at various heiahts along the body of the elongate element to allow the golfer to vary his target during practice.

Figures lie and lib show basketball hoop attachments 150 and 160 that may also be attached to the apparatus 110. in Figure lIe, the basketball hoop 150 is formed of a loop which includes wo pins 152. The attaching means 154 is a fitting conflgured to snap-fit into the elongate element channel at the opposing end of the elongate element 114 to that which the retractable spike 112 extends from. The attaching means 154 deflne two blind bores 155 configured to receive the pins 152 of the hoop 150. In Figure lIb, the attaching means 164 are configured to snap-fit into the elongate element channel and are formed integrally with the hoop 160.

It is to be appreciated that) whilst the chipping net 116 and the basketba hoops 150 and 160 are shown as being comprised in the second embodiment of the present invention, they are equally as applicable to the first and other embodiments of the present invention.

Figures 12 to 15 show an alternative telescopic golf apparatus 210 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 210 is for use in target practice and includes a retractable spike 212, an elongate element 214, a locking mechanism 220 and a flag 216. ii

The flag 216 is attached to the apparatus 210 via attaching means 218 which is a nlon fitting configured to snap4it into the &ongate element channel at the opposing end of the elongate element 21410 that which the elongate element extends from. The fitting 218 defines a bUnd bore 219 configured to receive the pole of the flag 216. This configuration aflows the flag 216 to be attached to the elongate &ement 214 to render the apparatus more visible during target practice.

The retractable spike 212 is formed of a rod 224 which tapers into a point 226.

The retractable spike further includes a Up 228 which, when assembled, prevents the retractable spike 212 from being fuUy removable from the elongate element 214.

The further features and operation of the golf apparatus 210 are similar to those as discussed in the first and second embodiment and wi not be repeated here for reasons of brevity.

In the above embodiments, the retractable spike may be implanted into the ground or, alternafively, the spike may be used with a receptade 260 such as shown in Figure 16 with a flat base 262 to cHow the target, when extended in the in-use O5fflOflc to be used on a solid surface such as a road or a gymnasium floor or indoor floor.

Various modifications and improvements may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the elongate eiement is described as being made from aluminium and the retractable spike is described as being made from steel, both the elongate &ernent and the retractable spike could be made from the same materiaL Materials that are suitable for the manufacture of the elongate element and/or the retractable spike include aluminium, steel, other metals or metal alloys (e.g. titanium alloys), or composite materials, (e.g. composite materials comprising carbon andlor glass fibres), polymeric materials, extruded plastics or any material having suitable properties. Furthermore, whiist as shown herein the elongate element is shown as tubular member with a cross-section that is substantiaHy circular, the cross-section could also be triangular, quadrangular or other polygonal shape.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus adapted to be configured to prode a target, said apparatus comprising: a first elongate element having a first end capable of penetrating the terrain on which the apparatus is to be located; and a second ebngate element defining a channel for receiving the first elongate element, said first element being moveable between a stored position in which the First element is fuy stored within the second elongate element channel and a fuy extended position where the first element extends from the elongate element channeL the arrangement being such that the combination of the first and second elements in the extended position provides a target when said first end is inserted in said terrain.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An apparatus according La claim 1, wherein the apparatus is for use in golf practice as a target.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the stored position, the second &ongate eiernent is entirely and safely stored within the first elongate element, 4. An appamtus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to receive at least one attachment or a plurahty of attachments.5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the attachment a a flag, a haH retriever a net for chipping, a grip handle, a goff ball collection tube attachment or a basketball hoop.6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first elongate element is configured to receive an attachment at the opposing end of the first element to that end within whch the second element is storable, or alternatively, wherein an attachment is attachable to the outer body of the first elongate element at any position along the length of the first elongate element.7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further includes a locking mechanism which is configured to permit the second elongate element to he lockable in at least one extended position.8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim. wherein the second elongate eement is formed of a rod which tapers into a spike at one end.9, An apparatus accorthng to claim 8, wher&n the second elongate element further includes a restricung means at the opposing end to the spike which are conflgured to prevent the second elongate element from being fufly removable from the first elongate element.10. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second elongate element is separable from the first elongate element.Ii. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further includes a receptacle configured t.o receive the second elongate element.12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus weighs less than approximatey 2 kg.13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first elongate element is between 50 cm and 1.5 m in length.14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first elongate element andlor the second elongate element is made from aluminium.15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second elongate element extends coaxially from the channel defined by the first elongate element.16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel defined by the first elongate element is a througnbore, a Mnd bore or an open slot.17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus increases in length by up to 50% of its length in the stored position upon extension of the second elongate element.18. A telescopic golF apparatus comprising: a retractable spike: and an elongate element defnThg a chann& configured to receive the retractable spike; wherein the retractable spike is moveable between a stored contiguration in which the spike is fuHy stored within the elongate element channel and a fully extended configuration wherein the spike extends from the elongate element channeL 19. A telescopic golf flag apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the apparatus further comprises a flag.20. At&escopic golf apparatus comprising: a retractable spike; and an elongate element defining a chann& configured to receive the retractable spike wherein the retractab spike is telescopically moveable between a collapsed configuration in which the spike is at least parUally stored within the elongate element channel and an extended configuration in which the spike extends from the elongate element channel and wherein, in the collapsed configuration, the apparatus is adapted to be portable in a goff bag.21. A method of manufacture of an apparatus comprising the steps of: inserting a second elongate element into a channel defined by a first elongate element; and attachably engaging the first and second elongate elements such that the second elongate element is moveable between a stored configuration in which the second element is fully stored within the first elongate element channel and an extended configuration in which the second element extends from the first elongate element channel.22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the method further includes the step of attaching a locking mechanism to the apparatus such that the locking mechanism permits the second elongate element to be lockable in at least one extended position.23. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>