GB2609601A

GB2609601A - A bunker rake for the game of golf

Info

Publication number: GB2609601A
Application number: GB2109933.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Mardell Kevin
Original assignee: Flatlie Golf Ltd
Current assignee: Flatlie Golf Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-01
Filing date: 2021-07-09
Publication date: 2023-02-15
Also published as: GB202109933D0; GB202107819D0

Abstract

A bunker rake for use in the game of golf comprises an elongate head (9, figure 1) and an elongate handle (1,2), the head being adapted to be detachably attached to the handle in each of a travel condition and an operational condition, wherein in the travel condition the extends substantially colinear with the handle and in the operational condition the head extends perpendicular to the handle. The head may be provided with an operational socket 12 located medially of the rake head and a travel socket 13 located at one end of the rake head. The operational and travel mounts may be provided by a socket to receive a spigot 5 formed on a distal end of the handle. The rake may have a magnet 7 located at the distal end of the spigot and a magnet located in the distal end of at least one of the sockets.

Description

A BUNKER RAKE FOR THE GAME OF GOLF

Technical Field

r000fi Golf courses commonly feature bunkers. A bunker is a pit deliberately located on a golf course, usually between a tee and a green to present a hazard challenge to the skill of the golfer. The bunker is usually lined with sand. A golfer who has had the misfortune to drop his or her golf ball into a bunker during play is expected to rake the sand level after disturbing the sand while taking a stroke to escape the bunker. Ordinarily the golf course management provide a rake for this purpose located adjacent the bunker. As a consequence of the Covid 19 pandemic, rakes have been viewed by managers as a potential contamination vector and have been taken off site. This leaves the golfer with a problem in improvising some means to level the sand or leaving it in a disturbed state for the next player.

(0002] One obvious solution is to carry a conventional garden rake in a golf bag, however this is regarded as onerous as it is not well designed for transport in a golf bag with a handle which is overlong or if shortened the rake head obstructs access to the clubs, it is also regarded as aesthetically displeasing.

[00031 The rake head is an elongate substantially straight beam which attaches to the head end of a rake handle by way of a mounting so that the head extends perpendicular to the handle with each end of the rake head equidistant from the handle. The rake head supports a plurality of spaced tines which extend perpendicular to the head and the handle. Commonly the mounting is a socket which closely receives the head end of the handle. The socket is conventionally integrated with the head by casting, welding or riveting. A conventional garden rake handle end is secured into the socket by means of a fastening such as rivets, screws or nails which are not separable without the use of tools. In the case of some gardening rakes the socket to handle coupling is designed to be readily separable so that a single handle can be used with a range of tool heads. In this case the tubular handle is usually retained in the socket by push button spring tube clip. This allows the head to be removed and replaced with a different tool head while the rake head is kept in store. This sort of mounting is somewhat awkward to use.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag portable bunker rake which addresses the aforementioned technical problems.

Statement of Invention

r000si Accordingly the present invention provides a bunker rake comprising a head and a handle, said head being adapted to detachably attach to the handle in each of a travel position and an operational position.

[0006] Preferably in the travel position the head is attached to the handle end via a mounting at one end of the elongate rake head so that the rake head is substantially colinear with the handle. In the operational position the head attaches to the handle end so that the head extends perpendicular to the handle with the tines perpendicular to the handle and the head. Preferably the head ends are equidistant from the handle when in the operational position. To facilitate transposition between the travel position and the operational position the head can be provided with an operational mount located medially of the head, and a travel mount located at one end of the head.

mon The mountings are adapted to facilitate tool free separation and attachment of the head to the handle.

[0008] The operational mount is preferably provided by a socket having an axis disposed perpendicular to the elongate axis of the head. The travel mount is preferably a socket disposed at one end of the head and arranged with the socket axis colinear with the head. Conveniently the socket in each case is similar other than its location and alignment. Each socket is preferably provided with one or more tracks to receive a corresponding number of pins projecting radially from a spigot end part of the rake handle. The spigot end part is closely received into either socket with a sliding fit. A spring force component of the mount preferably provides a spring force so that the cooperating pins and track form a secure bayonet fitting. The spring force component may conveniently be provided by a resiliently deformable collar which acts between the handle end and the head to urge the bayonet mounting into an engaged condition by urging the end and the head apart.

mow A detent or snap engaging feature may be provided in the track to resist movement of the pin in the track when the head is fully engaged in the track.

tom] Preferably a permanent magnet is mounted into the base of the socket and into the tip of the handle. The permanent magnets are preferably arranged with opposing dissimilar poles so that the head is attracted into the socket by the magnetic force. However, in an embodiment of the bunker rake the magnets may be arranged with like opposing poles to urge the handle end out of the socket. In this arrangement the magnets can provide the spring force component or supplement the spring force component.

room Preferably a plug is provided to locate in the unused one of the sockets. The plug is preferably provided with a magnet arranged to be attracted into the socket whereby the plug is readily retained.

(0012] Preferably the head is formed as a hollow tube which may be moulded from plastics, with integral tines to form a strong, stiff lightweight structure.

f0013i Preferably the handle is formed from tubular steel or composite and may be tapered to resemble a golf club shaft. Preferably a grip is provided at the end of the handle which may also resemble the form of grip to be found on a golf club.

(00141 A cover may be provided to cover the rake head and tines when the bunker rake is in the travel configuration. The head cover may be shaped so that the bunker rake resembles a covered golf club when the head is covered in the travel condition.

Brief Description of Figures

(0015j A bunker rake constructed in accordance with the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is in isometric south east view of the bunker rake assembled into an operational condition; Figure 2 is a front elevation of the bunker rake in figure 1; Figure 3 is a sectional plan view of the bunker rake of figure 2 on the line I-I; Figure 4 is a plan view of the bunker rake in figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line in figure 4; Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmental view on II in figure 3; Figure 7 is a an enlarged south east isometric view of the head; Figure 8 is a further enlarged fragmental view on IV in figure 7; Figure 9 is a plan view of bottom part of the head showing interior details; Figure 10 is a bottom view of a top part of the head showing interior details; Figure 11 is a south east isometric view of the bunker rake assembled into a travel condition; Figure 12 is a front elevation of the bunker rake of figure 11; Figure 13 is a sectional view on the line V-V of figure 12; Figure 14 is an enlarged fragmental view on VI in figure 13; Figure 15 is a south east isometric view of a coupling member shown in figure 8; and Figure 16 is a south east isometric view of the bunker rake in a travel condition having a head cover.

Detailed Description of Figures

(0016] A bunker rake has a handle formed from a proximal grip 1, from which extends a shaft 2. The grip and shaft are designed to resemble a conventional golf club handle in shape and size in order to fit conveniently into a conventional golf bag.

(0017] The shaft 2 extends to a distal end coupling member 3. The coupling member 3 may be a unitary injection moulded or cast component formed from plastics or metals and is provided by a sleeve part 4 which sleeves tightly over the distal end of the shaft and is secured by conventional means such as a rivet so as not to be linearly or rotatably displaceable with respect to the shaft 2. The coupling member presents a reduced diameter, cylindrical spigot part 5 at the distal end having two diametrically opposed radially extending pins 6. Between the sleeve 4 and the spigot 5 is formed a first shoulder 4.1 and a frusto conical shoulder 4.2. A resiliently deformable conical collar 4.3 is mounted onto the shoulder 4.2 and bears against the shoulder 4.1 to prevent axial movement towards the proximal end.

room The spigot part 5 is tubular where it extends from the shaft 2 and receives a magnet 7 into a cup formation 8 in the tip of the spigot. The magnet is press fitted into the cup formation which incorporates ribs extending axially to grip the magnet 7.

room A rake head 9 has an elongate tubular body 10. The body 10 is formed from the joining of a bottom part 10.1 and a top part 10.2. The bottom part has a plurality of laterally spaced tines 11 projecting radially at a common angle. Reinforcing, stiffening rebates 10.3 extend circumferentially at corresponding axial spacings along each of the top and bottom parts. Each of the head parts are further reinforced by internal circumferentially extending, axially spaced annular ribs 10.4. Pin formations 10.5 are spaced around the bottom part 10.1 to engage in corresponding socket formations 10.6 formed in the top part 10.2. A groove 10.7 is formed around the periphery of the bottom part to receive a corresponding rib 10.8 extending around the periphery of the top part and facilitate joining the top and bottom parts together. The top and bottom parts may be joined by snap engaging features or barbs co-acting between the top and bottom parts as is well known in the art.

(0020] An operational use socket 12 is formed from a socket formation 12.1 moulded medially into the bottom part and a corresponding socket formation 12.2 formed into the top part so that when the parts are joined together the operational socket 12 forms a substantially cylindrical tube extending radially into the tubular body 10. Each socket formation includes a track, having an axially extending part 12.3, and a circumferentially (clockwise) extending part 12.4. A detent formation 12.5 is provided in each circumferentially extending part of the track. When the spigot 5 is inserted into the socket the pins 6 engage in the axial part of the track and the spring force generated by the conical collar 4.3 bearing against the rake head must be overcome in order for the pins 6 to be rotated across the detent and locate into the circumferential parts of the track. Similarly the spring force generated by the conical collar 4.3 must be overcome by pushing the spigot into the socket in order to enable separation of the spigot and socket.

(0021] In order to enhance the security of the socket a boss formation 12.6 is formed around the socket to support a bearing surface 12.7.

(0022] In the distal end of the socket a cup formation 14.1 provides a chamber to receive and secure a cylindrical permanent magnet 14 during assembly.

(00231 The magnets 7 and 14 are arranged so that their opposing polarities attract the spigot into the socket.

(00241 A travel socket 13 is formed from structures integrally moulded with precisely the same features as the operational socket 12 except that the travel socket is formed into one end face of each of the top and bottom parts 10.1 and 10.2 with its axis substantially colinear with the axis of the head. Each socket is dimensioned to receive the spigot with a close sliding fit.

(00251 A magnet 14 is secured into a chamber in the bottom of the socket 12, and a similar magnet 15 is secured into a chamber 15.1 in the bottom of the socket 13. The magnets 14 and 15 are each arranged to attract the magnet 7.

[0026] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate the bunker rake in its use condition with the handle secured into the operational position socket 12. A plug 16 having a spigot formation similar to the coupling member 3 may be secured into the unused travel socket in this mode of use to prevent the travel socket being fouled and enhance the appearance of the bunker rake. The plug 16 has a handle formation 17 in place of the sleeve part 4. The conical ring 4.3 is replaced by an annular conical ring 18 integral with the plug 16.

(00271 When the bunker rake is not in use the handle is disconnected from the operational socket 12 and connected instead to the travel socket 13. This aligns the axis of the head with the axis of the handle and facilitates storage of the bunker rake in a golf bag. The plug 16 is inserted into the operational socket 12. In this condition the bunker rake minimally hinders access to the user's other golf clubs which are present in the bag.

(0028] Preferably the bunker rake head will be covered with a tubular fabric cover 19, which will preferably be fabricated from a padding material such as neoprene and secured in place via a readily separable fastening, such as a zip 20, popper fastening or hook and loop fabric fastening. This further enhances the aesthetic appearance of the bunker rake to make it more closely resemble a golf club, it also helps to prevent any debris from the rake escaping into the bag or onto adjacent clubs.

rows] In a variant of the bunker rake the magnets 7 and 14 can be arranged so that similar polarities are proximate whereby the magnets repel each other, effectively providing a spring force to supplement the resilient ring 4.3. In a further variant of the bunker rake the repelling magnet arrangement can render the resilient ring 4.3 unnecessary thereby reducing the number of components required and obviating the need for annular shoulder 4.2.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bunker rake comprising an elongate head and an elongate handle, said head being adapted to detachably attach to the handle in each of a travel condition and an operational condition, wherein in the travel condition the head extends substantially colinear with the handle and in the operational position the head extends perpendicular to the handle with the tines perpendicular to each of the handle and the head.
2. A bunker rake according to claim 1 wherein the head is provided with an operational mount located medially of the head, and a travel mount located at one end of the head.
3. A bunker rake according to claim 2 wherein the operational mount is provided by a socket having an axis disposed perpendicular to the elongate axis of the head and the travel mount is provided by a socket formed in one end of the head and colinear with the elongate axis of the head to receive a spigot formed on a distal end of the handle.
4. A bunker rake according to claim 3 wherein each socket incorporates a groove providing a track to receive a pin projecting radially from the spigot part of the handle, said groove having a linear portion parallel to the axis of the socket and communicating with a circumferentially extending portion so that the socket forms a bayonet fitting.
5. A bunker rake according to claim 5 wherein a detent is formed in the circumferentially extending portion of the track to resist rotation out of the circumferentially extending portion.
6. A bunker rake according to claim 5 wherein the spigot supports an axially immobile resiliently deformable collar arranged to bear against the head around the socket when the spigot is located in the socket and provide a spring force which urges the spigot out of the socket, whereby the spring force must be overcome to rotate the pin passed the detent when disengaging the spigot from the socket.
7. A bunker rake according to any one of claims 2 to 6 having a magnet located at the distal end of the spigot and a magnet located in the distal end of at least one socket.
8. A bunker rake according to claim 7 wherein the magnets are arranged to produce an attractive magnetic force.
9. A bunker rake according to claim 7 wherein the magnets are arranged to produce a repellent magnetic force.
10. A bunker rake according to any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein a boss projects from the head to support a flat bearing surface, and the spigot provides a flat bearing surface disposed to engage with the flat bearing surface of the boss.
11. A bunker rake according to claim 10 wherein the spigot flat bearing surface is provided by the resilient collar.
12. A bunker rake according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rake head is formed from a tubular plastics moulding.
13. A bunker rake according to claims 12 wherein the rake head is formed from a semi cylindrical top part and a semi cylindrical bottom part, said tines being integrally formed to extend radially from the bottom part, said parts being provided with complementary pins, grooves and ribs which mutually engage to secure the top and bottom parts together.
14. A bunker rake according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle is formed from a grip and shaft designed to resemble a conventional golf club handle.
15. A bunker rake according to any one of the preceding claims including a cover adapted to secure over the rake head when the rake head is attached in the travel condition.
16. A bunker rake according to any one of claims 3 to 15 wherein a plug is provided to locate in the socket from which the handle is separated.