US3623732A

US3623732A - Golf putting cup with random-direction ball ejection means

Info

Publication number: US3623732A
Application number: US885216A
Authority: US
Inventors: Maurice E Peeples
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-12-15
Filing date: 1969-12-15
Publication date: 1971-11-30
Anticipated expiration: 1988-11-30

Abstract

A golf ball putting hole which automatically ejects golf balls putted thereinto includes the following features: (1) an electromagnet powered by an annular arrangement of rechargeable batteries surrounding the golf ball ejecting armature and resting on the lower end wall of the hole (2) a coil spring secured to the lower end of the armature and supporting same above the lower end wall of the hole and (3) a detachable closure member secured to the upper end of the hole and supporting a flag pin.

Description

United States Patent Maurice E. Peeples P.0. Box 235, Kingsl and, Ga. 31548 885.216

Dec. 15, 1969 Nov. 30, 1971 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 699,229, Jan. 19, 1968, now abandoned. This application Dec. 15, 1969, Ser. No. 885.216

inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented GOLF PUTTING CUP WITH RANDOM-DIRECTION BALL EJECTION MEANS 25 Claims, 14 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 273/179 A Int. Cl A63b 57/00 Field of Search 273/34.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,310.3l2 3/1967 Peeples 273/l79A 3,467,378 9/1969 English et al. 273/34 A Primary Examiner-George 1. Mario Almrney-Kimmd. Crowell & Weaver ABSTRACT: A golf ball putting hole which automatically ejects golf balls putted thereinto includes the following features: (I) an electromagnet powered by an annular arrangement of rechargeable batteries surrounding the golf ball ejecting armature and resting on the lower end wall of the hole (2) a coil spring secured to the lower end of the armature and supporting same above the lower end wall of the hole and (3) a detachable closure member secured to the upper end of the hole and supporting a flag pin.

PATENTEDNUVBOIHH v 3.623.732

SHEET 2 OF 4 Illl/I/lIl/llIl/Il/Il IN VEN TOR. MfiUE/CE E. PE 5, 1.55,

BY Madam/W.

' l GOLF PUTTING cur WITII moon-museum mu. amcnou MEANS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an amusement device and/or a game and, in particular, to a putting hole for golfers and wherein the putting hole simulates a normal receiver and in which is included ball return means.

2. Description of the Prior Art It is believed that thebasic concept of this invention has found expression in my two earlier U.S. Pats. namely, Pat. No. 3,310,3l l, entitled GOLF PUTTING CUP WITH RAN- DOM-DIRECTION BALL EJECI ION MEANS," and Pat. No. 3,310,312,, entitled DEVICE FOR RANDOMLY EJECTING ARTICLES, both of which issued on Mar. 21, 1967, as well as in my now abandoned application referred to supra. Of the patents, perhaps 'my Pat. No. 3,310,312 is the most pertinent inasmuch as it does disclose related ejection means including an electromagnet having a movable armature which comprises the ejector component. As the specification of this application and the drawings thereof are read and considered, the differences in construction will become manifest.

There has come to applicant's attention a recently granted United States patent to English et al., Pat. No. 3,467,378, but it is not believed that the disclosure of these patentees is germane to the instant application inasmuch as, inter alia, the patentees rely upon turntable means to change the position of the ejection means and thereby to obtain the random type" ejection of golf balls.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aspires to achieve substantially the same objects as has been recited in my earlier patents, but to accomplish the same with improved apparatus. But, and in addition to those objects, the present application discloses certain safeguards, means for facilitating the use of the device here under consideration, and in the provision of means by which one or more games may be played.

As before, it is a primary object of this invention to provide an improved golf putting practice device which will automatically eject successively received putted golf balls in random directions from a golf cup. It is a further object of this invention to provide a golf practice putting device of the type to which reference has been made above, the device comprising a self-contained unit requiring no connection with an external source of energy or power to effect its normal operation. Thus, being self-contained, the device may be simply and easily installed by digging a cavity of sufiicient depth to receive the device in any plot of ground such as, for example, in a yard, garden, playground, in the practice greens of conventional golf courses, or in other areas which lend themselves to the use of golf practice putting devices.

In accordance with the object recited in the paragraph immediately above, this invention contemplates as a further object the provision of electrical apparatus including a battery source to effect ball ejection, and means for facilitating the recharge of the batteries.

Another object of this invention is to provide a golf putting cup device having self-contained golf ball ejecting means therein, the cup being so constructed as to lend itself, at the option of the user, to permanent or temporary installation in a practice green.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a golf cup of the type described supra with removable cover means for the open end thereof and with means for releasably connecting the cover on the cup.

In line with the preceding object, it is a further object of this invention to provide, in combination with the removable cover means, hole identification means.

As another object of this invention it is proposed to provide positively operable means for preventing the inadvertent and accidental casting of the ejector means from the cup.

The invention has, as still another object thereof, the provision of a golf practice putting cup with wholly self-contained golf ball ejection means therein, and wherein the means involves but a minimum of moving parts.

This invention contemplates, as a still further object thereof, the provision of a device of the type generally described supra, the device being noncomplex in construction and assembly, inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, and

one which is rugged and durable in use.

Other and further objects and advantages of the instant invention will become more manifest from a consideration of the following specification when read in the light of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a golf putting cup with randomdirection ball ejection means disposed therein and with the cover therefor having been removed therefrom;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing the cup of FIG. 1 as installed in a green and illustrating one random flight of a golf ball ejected therefrom;

FIG. 3 is a vertical medial transverse cross-sectional view of the golf cup with the cover means therefor shown in its locked position across the normally open end of the golf cup, the key means for effecting the release of the cover from the cup, and further showing in elevation the golf ball ejection means constructed according to this invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical medial cross-sectional view, FIG. 4 being taken substantially on the vertical plane of line 4-4 of FIG. I, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the golf ball ejection means, per se;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of this invention, FIG. 6 showing a golf putting cup with random direction ball ejection means disposed therein, the cover therefor having been removed therefrom, and the means being illustrated as installed in a golf green;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the means as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail medial cross-sectional view, FIG. 8 being taken substantially on the vertical plane of line 8-8 of FIG. 6, and showing the component elements of the means in their respective inoperative positions;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the means, FIG. 9 being partially broken away to illustrate the operative positions of the components;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side elevational view, similar to FIG. 8, FIG. 10 showing the means with a closure member therefor installed thereon;

FIG. 11 is a detail cross-sectional view taken substantially on the horizontal plane of line -11 of FIG. 8, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary detail cross-sectional view, FIG. 12 being taken substantially on the line 12-12 of FIG. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a green marker connected with the closure means; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic wiring diagram of the battery charging means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 designates, in general, a golf putting cup with random-directional ball ejection means constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention. The means 10 is seen to include an elongated substantially hollow, cylindrical casing 12 which may be formed of any suitable substantially rigid material, a plastic being preferred. The casing 12 includes a normally horizontal solid cylindrical end closure wall 14 from the circumferential marginal edge of which upwardly projects an integrally connected substantially hollow cylindrical side wall 16. The opposed upper end 18 is open (see FIG. 4), and at this end the side wall 16 terminates in a laterally and outwardly extending circumferential flange 20. Adjacent to but spaced inwardly from the open end 18, the side wall 16 is formed with an inwardly opening arcuately shaped circumferential groove 22 to serve a purpose to be described below.

The open end of the casing 12 is adapted to releasably receive releasable cover means here designated by the general reference numeral 24. The cover means 24 is seen to include (see FIG. 3) a discoidal cover plate 26 of such diameter as to provide a circumferential marginal edge 28, which, when the cover means 24 is installed in place, becomes superimposed on and is substantially coextensive with the circumferential flange 20. The cover means 24 further includes means for releasably locking the same against the open end I8 of the casing 12, these means comprising an annular lock plate 30 having a centrally located substantially smooth bore 32 extending transversely therethrough. As is seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the diameter of the lock plate 30 is such as to pennit the same to be smoothly telescoped within the open upper end 18 of the casing 12. Superimposed against the underside of the lock plate 30 is a substantially cylindrical back plate 34 of lesser diameter than the lock plate 30, the back plate 34 being fixedly connected to the lock plate 30 in concentric relationship relative thereto by any conventional means such as, for example, the screws 36. The back plate 34 is formed with a tapped opening 38 which extends transversely therethrough substantially centrally thereof. Again referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, it is seen that the bore 32 and the opening 38 are coaxially aligned and are of substantially the same diameter, one with respect to the other. The cover plate 26 is formed with a substantially centrally located transversely extending opening which includes the smooth bore 40 which opens into a cylindrical counterbore 42, the latter being adapted to journal an enlarged head 46 of a bolt 48 having a threaded shank portion 50 which extends through the

bores

40 and 32 for threaded reception in the tapped opening 38. In the usual construction of these means, rotation of the bolt 48 in a clockwise direction will cause the lock plate 30 and its connected back plate 34 to move in the direction of the cover plate 26, and rotation of the bolt 48 in a counterclockwise direction will pennit the lock plate 30 and its connected back plate 34 to move in a direction away from the cover plate 26.

The annular lock plate 30 at that side and circumferential marginal edge thereof which is disposed immediately adjacent the cover plate 26 is formed with an outwardly facing continuous arcuate groove 52 (see FIG. 3) which is adapted for juxtaposition relative to the groove 22 when the cover means 24 is installed in the open end 18. The groove 52 is adapted to tightly receive therein an annular O-ring seal 54 which has a diameter greater than the radius of curvature of the groove 52 so that a portion of the seal 54 projects beyond the outer circumferential edge of the lock plate 30 and a second portion which projects beyond the adjacent side 58 of the lock plate 30 for engagement with the adjacent confronting side 60 of the cover plate 26.

In the construction described immediately above, the cover plate 26 and the lock plate 30 cooperate with the bolt 48 to form clamping members securing the O-ring seal 54 therebetween whereby, upon rotation of the bolt 48 in a clockwise direction the lock plate 30 is caused to move towards the cover plate 26 causing the O-ring seal 54 to expand outwardly from its groove 52 for releasable connection within the groove 22. In so moving, the cover means 24 becomes releasably secured in the open end 18 of the casing 12.

Upon rotation of the bolt 48 in the reverse or counterclockwise direction, the resiliency of the O-ring seal 54 forces the lock plate 30 in a direction away from the cover plate 26 whereby the O-ring seal ntracts to pennit the removal of the cover means 24 from the casing 12.

The enlarged head 46 is provided with an inwardly extending centrally located polygonal recess 62 which is adapted to releasably receive a complementing polygonal key 64 which, in FIG. 3 of the drawings, is seen to comprise a component of a conventional finger ring 66. The key 64 may be inserted within the recess 62 to effect a turning of the bolt 48, all without removing the ring 66 from the finger of the user.

The golf ball ejector means is here designated, in general, by reference numeral 70. The means 70 includes a base unit 72 which comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical shell 74 (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) normally disposed in an upright position. The lower end of the shell 74 is closed by means of a pair of superimposed substantially annular

battery support plates

76, 78, these plates being apertured as at 80, 82, respectively, to serve a function to be described below.

The cylindrical shell 74 may be formed of a plastic material, and the

plates

76, 78 may be fabricated of any suitable dielectric material such as, for example, a relatively stiff cardboard and the like.

Inserted from the exterior side of the plate 78 and extending through the

apertures

80, 82 is an elongated substantially hollow tubular guide member 84 having a laterally and outwardly extending circumferential flange 86 integrally formed therewith at the lower end thereof. As is seen in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the hollow tubular guide member 84 is telescopically received within the aperture 80, and the circumferential flange 86 seats flush within the aperture 82 and bears against a confronting portion of the end wall 76 which acts as abutment or stop means to prevent the tubular guide member 84 from axial movement in the direction of the open end of the shell 74. As is seen in FIG. 4 of the drawings, the cylindrical shell 74, the

superimposed plates

76, 78, and the hollow tubular guide member 84 cooperate to define an annular chamber indicated in general by reference numeral 88. In the latter are disposed a plurality of substantially cylindrical C batteries 90 arranged in vertical pairs for series connection with one another. To that end, the positive center pole 92 of one battery of each pair of batteries 90 engages the negative bottom end 94 of the other battery of each pair of batteries, and these terminals of the lowermost ones of the batteries 90 are connected in series with one another by electrical contact ends 96 formed at each end of a plurality of electrical connector bars 98 connected to the upper side of the plate 76 by any conventional means 100.

The series connections are continued at the upper ends of the uppermost ones of the batteries 90 by connector bars 102 which connect the adjacent positive and negative sides of the uppermost tier of batteries 90 with the exception of the adjacent pair designated by

reference numerals

90A and 908 in FIG. 5 of the drawings. In this case, the positive terminal pole 92 of the battery 90A has one end of a lead 104 soldered or otherwise connected thereto, and a similar lead 106 is likewise connected to the negative end 94 of the battery 908. To these leads further reference will be made infra.

Superimposed over the upper ends of the batteries 90 is a second set of upper cylindrical end walls 108, formed of any suitable dielectric material which may be deformed such as, for example, cardboard and the like, the

end walls

108, 110 spanning the upper end of the chamber 88 and substantially sealing the same. As is seen in FIG. 4, each of the

end walls

108, 110 is formed with a central opening 112, 114, respectively (see FIGS. 4 and 5), through which is telescopically received the upper end portion of the tubular guide 84.

The end wall 108 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposed transversely extending

passages

116, 118, and the end wall 110 is similarly provided with the

passages

120, 122 aligned, respectively, with the

passages

116, 118. The end wall 110 is also provided with openings 124, 126 to serve a function to be described.

Interposed between the

end walls

108, 110 are Z-shaped resilient metallic connectors 128, 130 (see FIG. 5), the con nector 128 being adjacent the aligned openings 116, and connector 130 being proximate the aligned

openings

118, 122. The connectors 128 are formed of a thin strip of material and the

dielectric end walls

108, 110 are deformable, if desired, to permit the connectors to become embedded therein in order that the adjacent surfaces of the

end walls

108, 110 substantially contact one another over their entire confronting areas upon superimposition, that is, the facing areas thereof become substantially coplanar.

The lead 106 extends through the passage 116 for connection with one end of the connector 128, and one end of the lead 104 extends through the passage 1 18 for connection with one end of the connector 130.

At 132 is designated a conventional electromagnet which includes a vertically elongated spoollike mounting having an elongated substantially hollow cylindrical core 134, the opposed ends of which terminate in outwardly turned laterally projecting

circumferential flanges

136, 138. The usual wire coil or winding 140 is wound on the core 134 between the

flanges

136, 138, and as seen in FIG. 5, the coil or winding 140 terminates in

leads

142, 144. Referring now to FIG. 4, it is seen that the electromagnet 132 is telescoped over the upper end of the tubular guide member 84, the flange 138 becoming seated on the end wall 110. The terminal leads 142, 144 are, of course, insulated from one another and are passed downwardly through the passage 122 whereupon the terminal lead 144 is fixedly connected to the other end of the connector 130 while the terminal lead 142 is extended across the adjoining faces of the

end walls

108, 110 and, together with the other end of the lead 106, the same are threaded through the opening 120 for connection to apparatus to be described infra.

At 146 is denoted a vertically elongated substantially hollow cylindrical housing formed of any suitable material, the housing 146 including a hollow cylindrical side wall 148 having an end closure wall 150 integrally connected with the upper end thereof. The opposed end of the side wall 148 is open and is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed radially extending lugs 152 each having a centrally located transversely extending tapped opening 154 formed therein. The end closure plate 150 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced sockets 156 which serve a function to be described, and the side wall 148, adjacent the closure plate 150 is integrally connected with a radially and outwardly extending lug 158 in which is formed a substantially U-shaped slot 160 to serve a function to which further reference will be made below.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 3 and 5 of the drawings, reference numeral 162 indicates a substantially U shaped connector bracket preferably formed of metal or of other suitable material having some degree of resiliency. As is seen in FIG. 5, the bight portion 164 of the bracket 162 in cludes a substantially cylindrical disk 166 from diametrically opposed sides of which radially and outwardly project a pair of elongated substantially

rectangular arms

168, 170. The outer terminal ends of the

arms

168, 170 are integrally connected to, respectively, a pair of laterally spaced substantially parallel side members 172, 174 which terminate, at their free ends, in inwardly turned, spaced and confronting

flanges

176, 178, and each of the latter are centrally apertured as at 180, 182, respectively.

Projecting laterally away from the disk 166, and in the same direction as the side members 172, 174, is an elongated substantially cylindrical rod 184. The rod 184, at its upper free end, is reduced in diameter as at 186 to serve a function to be described.

The rod 184 is inserted through the lower end of the hollow tubular guide member 84 to the extent that the disk 166 and

arms

168, 170 become superimposed against the adjacent sides of the

plates

78, 14. As the insertion is being completed, the side members 172, 174 may be flexed away from one another as they are brought into juxtaposition relative to the shell 74 until such time as the

flanges

176, 178 slide over the lugs 152 in such a manner as to cause the

apertures

180, 182 to become aligned with the tapped openings 154 formed in the lugs 152. Thereafter, bolts 186 are inserted through the

flanges

176, 178 for threaded engagement within the tapped openings 154 whereby the housing 146 and the base unit 72 are releasably connected one with the other and they, together with the above described components, become a unit.

At 188 is generally designated a hanger bracket which includes asubstantially rectangular mounting plate 190 through which extend a pair of openings 192 positioned adjacent one edge thereof, and a third opening 194 located adjacent the opposed edge thereof. A pair of standards 196 are integrally connected at one of their ends with the mounting plate 190 adjacent the aforesaid opposed edge thereof, and project laterally therefrom. The free ends of the standards 196 terminate in journals 198 which are centrally apertured as at 200. The apertures 200 are disposed in confronting coaxial relationship relative to one another.

Reference numeral 204 denotes a normally open elongated and substantially rectangular microswitch having a pair of passages 206 extending transversely therethrough. As is seen in FIG. 4 of the drawing, the microswitch 204 is superimposed on the mounting plate 190 with the openings 192 and passages 206 being aligned with tapped openings 207 which are formed in the lug 158, these openings receiving therethrough conventional fastening means such as bolts (not shown).

The microswitch 204 is formed with a third opening 208 to which further reference will be made, and switch

contact elements

210, 212 which are adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected upon movement of the switch actuator button 214 inwardly of the switch 204. Switch actuator means is generally designated at 216 (see FIG. 5), these means comprising an endless cylindrical ring 218 which is integrally connected to one end of a radially and outwardly extending arm 220, the outer end of the latter tenninating in a normally upright tongue 222. The free end of the tongue 222 terminates in a pair of diverging coaxially aligned shafts 224 which are adapted to be journaled within the apertures 200 formed in the journals 198. With the cylindrical ring 218 pivotally supported on the hanger bracket 188 in the manner described, the tongue 222 normally abuts against the protruding switch actuator button 214, and it will be understood, of course, that the latter is biased for movement outwardly of the switch 204.

As is seen in FIG. 4, the diameter of the ring 218 is greater than the diameter of the opening 226 which extends transversely through the closure plate 150 in vertically spaced relationship relative thereto. It will also be noticed from FIG. 4 of the drawing that the diameter of the opening 226 is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the hollow tubular guide member 84, and the upper end of the latter makes abutting engagement with the circumferential marginal edge of the opening 226 at the underside of the closure plate 150.

Again referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, reference numeral 228 designates, generally, a substantially hollow rectangular shield having a curvilinear side wall 230 from the longitudinal extending marginal edges of which laterally project, and in the same direction, a pair of

edge walls

230, 232. The shield 228 is also formed with an upper end wall 234 having an opening 236 extending transversely therethrough, the end wall 234 spanning and being connected to the adjacent ends of the

edge walls

230, 232. The opposed lower end of the shield 238 is open, and as is seen in FIG. 5, each

edge wall

230, 232, is provided with a depending tab 238 (only one being shown) to serve a function to be described.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the shield 228 is adapted to be mounted on the upper side of the end wall with the tabs 238 engaging within the openings 124, 126. In this position, the end wall 234 is engaged over the microswitch 204 with the opening 236 being disposed in coaxially aligned relationship relative to the passage 208. A bolt or screw 240 is extended through the opening 236, the passage 208, and is threadedly engaged within the opening 194.

Reference numeral 242 denotes, in general, golf ball guide means which includes a ring member 244 preferably cylindrical in transverse cross section. A plurality of leg members 246 have one of their respective ends fixedly connected to the ring member at regularly spaced intervals, the other ends thereof projecting therefrom in parallel relationship relative to one another. The free ends of the legs 246 are adapted to be fixedly received within the sockets 156 exteriorly of and in spaced relationship with respect to the cylindrical ring 218. As is clearly shown in FIG. 4, the inside diameter of the ring 244 is larger than the external diameter of the ring 218, and the ring member 244 is normally disposed in vertically spaced relationship relative to its adjacent ring 218.

Reference numeral 248 indicates a conventional golf ball here shown in FIG. 4 in dotted lines. From this FIGURE it may be ascertained that the inner diameter of the ring member 244 is less than the external diameter of the golf ball 248 whereby the golf ball 248 when seated on the ring 244 is refused passage therethrough with the exception of a lower protruding portion which is adapted to engage the ring 218 to cause the same to pivot downwardly about the shafts 224. This closes the switch 204 to serve a function to be described. The other end of the lead 106 extends through the shield 228 and is connected to the contact 210 while a wire 250 has one of its ends fixedly connected to the contact 212 and its other end extended through the shield 228 and the passage 120 for extension between the

end walls

108, 110 and eventual connection with the other end of the contact member 130. Thus, with the ring 218 depressed under the weight of the golf ball 248, the switch 204 is closed, causing energization of the winding 140. Removal of the golf ball 248 from the ring 218 causes the latter to return to its raised position under the spring biased action of the button 214.

Reference numeral 252 denotes an elongated substantially hollow tubular ejector element having a pair of opposed open ends. As is seen in FIG. 4, the ejector element 252 is mounted for reciprocal movement within the hollow tubular guide member 84 with the lower open end of the ejector element 252 normally abutting against the enlarged cylindrical disk 166. The ejector element 252 includes a substantially hollow cylindrical side wall 254 in which is formed a transversely extending S-shaped slot 256. As is seen in FIG. 5, the slot 256 opens into the plane of the lower open end of the side wall 254, and the upper end of the slot 256 terminates adjacent to but spaced from the upper end of the side wall 254, and in connection with the latter it should be observed that its outer terminal end 258 is formed on a plane which extends at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the side wall 254. Preferably, though not essential, the upper end of the slot 256 terminates below the lowest point of the upper end 258 of the side wall 252.

Again referring to FIG. 4 of the drawings, it is seen that the length of the side wall 254 is such that in its nonnal full line lowermost position shown in this FIGURE, the lower end of the side wall 254 abuts against the disk 166 while the apex of the upper end 258 is positioned substantially centrally of the ends of the core 134.

The side wall 254 surrounds the rod 184 in circumferential spaced relationship relative thereto, and the side wall 254, intermediate its upper and lower ends, is provided with an internal substantially cylindrical abutment wall 260 integrally formed therewith. The abutment wall 260 extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow tubular ejector element 252 and is centrally apertured as at 262 to slidably receive the rod 184 therethrough. Superimposed on the abutment wall 260 is an apertured washer 264 which also slidably receives the rod 184, and a helicoidal spring 266 circumscribes the rod 184, loosely with respect thereto, and has one of its ends normally in abutting relationship with respect to the washer 264.

The rod 184, reference still being made to FIG. 4 of the drawings, is of such axial length as to position its upper terminal end 186 above the apex of the end 258 of the ejector element 252. It should be observed that this axial length is such as to position the end 186 in downwardly spaced relationship relative to the upper end of the core 134, and this reduced end receives thereover a stop washer 268 after which the end 186 is peened over as at 168' to effectively lock the stop washer 268 to the upper end of the rod 184.

Having described in detail the component elements of this first preferred embodiment of the invention, it is believed that the operation thereof is self evident, however, and for the purpose of clarity, the following brief description of the operation of the device 10 is offered.

Referring first to FIG. 3 of the drawings, to utilize the device 10 it is only necessary for the user to excavate a substantially cylindrical hole 270 in a plot of ground here bearing the reference letter G. Thereafter, the device 10 in its completely assembled form as illustrated in this FIGURE may be inserted therein. The depth of the hole 270 is such as to permit the easing 12 to be fully inserted therein with the circumferential flange 20 thereof being substantially flush with the putting surface here indicated by the reference letter S. This installation may be temporary or permanent, as desired.

With the device 10 so installed, the user will now insert the key 64 within the recess 62 to turn the bolt 48 in a counterclockwise direction to effect the release of the cover means 24 which is then removed from the upper end of the casing 12. A golf ball 248 is then putted across the surface S towards the open end of the casing 12 which is, of course, the target area. If the ball 248 is accurately putted, the ball will pass through the open end of the casing 12 and will fall downwardly therethrough to engage and depress the ring 218 causing the same to pivot about its shafts 224. This action causes the tongue 222 to press the switch actuator button 214 inwardly to close the electrical circuit to the coil or winding effecting the energization of the same, all as has been described above.

With the winding or coil 140 energized, the ejector element 252, which is formed of a magnetizable material and thus comprises an armature, is forced to move under the influence of the electromagnetic field so created, in an upward direction as is illustrated in dotted lines in F IG. 4.

The force exerted on the ejector element 252 and its acceleration during its movement is sufficiently great as to cause the end 258 to strike the underside of the golf ball 248 which such an impact as to arrest the downward movement thereof within the casing 12 and to reverse its movement through the casing 12 forcing the ball outwardly through the open end thereof in an are shown by the dotted arrow line in FIG. 2.

By virtue of certain unknown phenomena, the golf ball 248 so ejected from the casing 12 will fall in random directions relative to the casing 12, and will in some instances come to stop only a few inches from the device 10 and on other occasions, the ball will be ejected a number of feet. The inclined end 258, the slot 256 and the precise time the switch 204 closes, all constitute variable factors which render into this random ejection. It will be further recognized, that the configuration of the ejector element 252 is such as to cause the same to turn at random within the hollow tubular guide member 84, and the position of the ball 248 on the ring 244 at the exact instant the inclined end 258 strikes the underside thereof constitute still further factors which govern, among these referred to above, the direction and distance the ejected ball will travel.

The ejector element 252 also spins or rotates in its upward movement and this rotation or spin is imparted to the golf ball 248 as the offcenter apex of the inclined surface 258 impacts the ball, and this contributes still another variable which will affect the final lie of the golf ball 248 on the green after ejection.

Immediately following the ejection of the ball, the ring 218 returns to its normal position under the influence of the bias applied to the switch actuator button 214, and in so moving, causes the switch 204 to open thereby effecting the deenergization of the winding 140. Upon deenergization of the winding 140, the hollow tubular ejector element 252 will reverse its direction and fall downwardly, under force of gravity, to its lowermost position within the tubular guide member 84. The device 10 is, thus, readied for the next ball ejection operation.

Attention is here directed to the fact that the ring 244 is concentrically disposed with respect to the casing 12 and is spaced inwardly therefrom a distance less than one-half the radius of the golf ball 248. Thus, the golf ball 248 after entering the casing 212 will engage the ring 244 in an unbalanced condition, and will be guided for downward movement therethrough to engage and depress the ring 218, all in the manner heretofore described. It should also be remarked that this invention provides safety means for preventing the ejector element from being axially thrown upwardly and through the opening 226. This is accomplished by means of the helicoidal spring 266 which engages the underside of the stop washer 266 to arrest and stop the upward movement of the ejector element 252 before the same can be hurled from within the hollow tubular guide member 84.

When the putting practice is over, the cover means 24 may be reinserted in the open upper end of the casing 12 and the bolt 48 turned in a clockwise direction by the key means 64 to lock the cover means thereon. This will deter the unauthorized use of the device 10 if it is left installed, and also serves to prevent a person from stepping into the open end of the casing 12 to cause his fall and possible personal injury.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 6 to 14, inclusive, illustrate the second embodiment of this invention. In these FIGURES, reference numeral 300 generally indicates the golf ball ejecting device. As in the preceding embodiment, the device 300 may be installed in a suitable plot of ground G by first digging a suitable hole, inserting the device 300 therein, back filling the hole and repairing the damage to the playing surface S. In this connection, see FIG. 6 of the drawings.

n the other hand, if a more permanent or professional type of installation is to be made, the hole may be dug to receive an elongated substantially hollow cylindrical housing sleeve 302 having opposed open upper and lower ends. The open upper end 304 is generally positioned substantially flush or slightly below the playing surface S. Thereafter, the device 300 is telescopically received within the housing sleeve 302 in the manner shown in FIG. 8.

The device 300 includes an elongated substantially hollow cylindrical side wall 306 having an integrally connected transversely extending bottom wall 308. The opposed upper end 310 is open as is illustrated in the several FIGURES of the drawings.

Superimposed on the bottom end closure wall is a substantially flat cylindrical battery support plate 312, and projecting laterally and upwardly therefrom is a centrally positioned normally upright internally threaded boss 314. The boss 314 may be fixedly connected to the battery support plate 312 by conventional means as is indicated by reference numeral 316.

Superimposed on the battery support plate 312 is an annular end wall 318 formed of a dielectric material. At 320 is designated an elongated substantially hollow tubular guide member preferably formed of brass, the guide member having its lower end extending through the opening formed in the end wall 318 to engage the support plate 312. The tubular guide member 320 is supported on the plate 312 and its open upper end 324 terminates, reference being had to FIG. 8, below the upper end 310 of the side wall 306. The tubular member 320 is preferably disposed in coaxial relationship relative to the side wall 306.

The lower end portion of the tubular guide member 320 telescopically receives a first substantially cylindrical fibrous collar 326. In a like manner, the lower end portion of the wall 306 telescopically receives against its inner side, a second fibrous collar 328. The upper ends of the

collars

326, 328 terminate in a common plane. From the foregoing description, it now becomes clear that the confronting portions of the

collars

326, 328 and that portion of the end wall 318 spanning therebetween cooperate to form an annular compartment 330 to which further reference will be made below.

As before, the source of electrical energy is derived from an annular unit 332 which is adapted to be inserted in the chamber 330. The annular unit 332 comprises a plurality of substantially

cylindrical C batteries

334, 336 arranged in vertical pairs 338 with each pair making tangential engagement with an adjacent pair disposed on opposite sides thereof. The batteries are series connected, and to that end the positive center pole 340 of one battery of each pair engages the negative bottom end 342 of the other battery of each pair of batteries, and the lowermost terminals of the lower tier of batteries 334 are connected in series with one another by electrical connector bars 344. Similar connector bars 346 connect adjacent terminals of the upper tier of batteries 336. This series connections is continuous with the exception of the adjacent pair of batteries designated by the reference numerals 336A, 3368 (see FIG. 11). In this case, the positive pole of the battery 336A has one end of the connector bar 344A connected thereto in the usual manner, while its other end is connected to one end of a lead 348. The connector bar 3448 has one of its ends connected to the negative or bottom terminal of the battery 3368, and the other end of the bar 334 connects with a lead 350. Further reference will be made below to the

leads

348, 350.

As is seen in FIG. 8 of the drawings, the batteries substantially fill the compartment 330 and are restrained against lateral shifting by the

collars

326, 328 against which the batteries compressingly engage. The upper end of the compartment 330 is closed by means of an annular flat cylindrical end wall 352 formed of a dielectric material. Asis seen in FIG. 8, the end wall 352 telescopes over the tubular guide member 320 and is supported on the upper ends of the

collars

326, 328 with the peripheral edge thereof making continuous contact with the adjacent inner side of the side wall 306. To serve a purpose to be defined below, the end wall 352 is formed with a transversely extending opening 353 adjacent to but spaced inwardly from its peripheral edge, the opening 353 being preferably located adjacent the free ends of the connector bars 344A, 344B and their

respective leads

348, 350.

Reference numeral 354 denotes an annular base plate formed of magnetic iron. As is seen in FIG. 8, the tubular member 320 is telescoped through the opening 356 formed in the base plate 354 and is superimposed on the end wall 352 with its peripheral edge making continuous contact with the adjacent portions of the cylindrical side wall 306. The plate 354 is provided with a notch 358 out inwardly from its upper peripheral edge and which is aligned with the opening 353.

Reference numeral 360 designates a conventional electromagnet which includes a winding or coil 362 wound on a conventional hollow cylindrical core 364, and the core 364 together with its coil 362 are telescoped over the upper end of the tubular guide member 320. The coil 362 is encased in a sheathing 366 which includes the annular top and bottom walls 368, 370, respectively, and the cylindrical side wall 372. The last named walls may be integral with one another, if desired. The coil 362 terminates in the two leads 374, 376, respectively.

Telescoped within the side wall 306 is a vertically elongated spacer shell 378 having opposed open upper and lower ends. As is seen in FIG. 8, the lower end of the spacer shell (formed of magnetic iron) is superimposed on the annular base plate 354 and the shell circumscribes the electromagnet 360 in spaced concentric relationship relative thereto to provide an annular chamber 380 therebetween. The chamber 380 is, at its lower end, in open communication with the opening 353 and the notch 358. The upper end of the spacer shell 378 terminates substantially coplanar with the upper side of the top wall 368, and telescopically mounted on the tubular guide member 320 at its upper end is an annular head plate 382 which is superimposed on the upper side of the wall 368 and the upper end of the spacer shell 378. A notch 384 extends inwardly from the outer periphery of the head plate 382 and is open communication with the upper end of the annular chamber 380.

Fixedly connected on the head plate 382 is a conventional normally open push-button single pole, single throw electrical switch 386. The switch 386 includes an actuating button 388 spring biased to its outermost position, and the

leads

390 and 392 taken from opposed sides thereof.

Also mounted on the head plate 382 by conventional means (not shown) and in close juxtaposition relative to the actuating button 388, is a substantially U-shaped bracket 394 having

arms

396, 398 projecting upwardly from its bight portion 400 at each end thereof. The arms 3 96, 398 support the opposed ends of a shaft on which is pivotally mounted a cylindrical barrel 404 forming a part of the switch actuating means.

The switch actuating means further includes a pair of crimped together downwardly depending

tongues

406, 408, of which the tongue 408 is in constant engagement with the actuator button 388, while the tongue 406 continues laterally and upwardly in a flange 410 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) for integral connection with an endless hollow cylindrical ring 412. The ring 412, in its inoperative position, is normally coaxial with the tubular guide member 320. It should also be noted that the internal diameter of the ring 412 is less than the outside diameter of a conventional golf ball. 3

An annular golf ball guide element 414 having an opening 416 greater than the external diameter of a conventional golf ball is fixedly secured to the head plate 382 in spaced relationship relative thereto as by screws 418 and spacers 420.

In this embodiment of the invention, the ejector element bears the general reference numeral 422. As before, the ejector element 422 is formed with a pair of opposed open ends and is mounted for reciprocable movement within the hollow tubular guide member 320. The ejector element 422 includes a cylindrical side wall 424 which, at its upper end 426 terminates in a plane extending at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. Disposed intermediate the upper and lower ends 426, 428, respectively, of the side wall 424 is a transversely extending abutment wall 430 having an opening 432 formed therein and extending transversely therethrough. Intermediate the lower end 428 and the abutment wall 430, the side wall 424 is formed with an opening 434 in which is fixedly secured the foot portion 436 of an L-shaped spring retainer having a depending leg portion 440. The top convolution 442 of a helicoidal spring is wound tightly about the leg portion 440 adjacent its junction with the foot portion 436 or is otherwise fixedly connected thereon, with the remainder of the spring 444 circumscribing the leg portion 440 and depending below the lower end 428 of the ejector 422 to tenninate in an offset curvilinear end section 446 having a terminus 448, the latter normally engaging the base plate 312 when the device is inoperative.

One end of an elongated substantially cylindrical rod 450 passes freely through the opening 432 for threaded connection with the boss 314. Fixedly connected to the upper end of the rod 450 is a stop washer 452 formed of any suitable resilient material, and the upper end of the rod 450 terminates in an enlarged head 454 having a transversely extending tool receiving slot 456 formed therein.

As is seen in the several FIGURES of the drawings, the side wall 306, immediately above the head plate 382 is inwardly crimped as at 457 to prevent axial shifting of the apparatus described above relative thereto. Positioned above the crimp 457 and fixedly connected to the inner side of the, side wall 306 at diametrically opposed sides is a pair of bail retainer blocks 458, 460 in which are pivotally secured the opposed and diverging ends 462, 464 of an arcuately shaped wire bail 466. As is seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, the bail 466 is adapted for pivotal movement from its inoperative position shown in full lines in FIG. 8 to its dotted line position shown therein, and to lie in superimposition over the upper side of the annular guide 414 in its inoperative position. It should also be here noted that the bail 466, in its inoperative position, in no way interferes with the opening 416, and that the diameter of the opening 416 is such that should a golf ball trickle into the open end of the side wall 306 and drop on the guide 414, the golf ball will be ofi'center whereby the force of gravity will cause the same to pass through the opening 416 for engagement with the ring 412.

The electrical phase of this invention involves but a simple series circuit. For example, the lead 350 may be extended through the opening 353 and the notch 358 for connection with the lead 374. The lead 376 may be extended through the notch 384 for connection with the lead 392, and the lead 390 may be extended through the notch 384, the annular chamber 380, the notch 358 and the opening 353 for connection with the lead 348. This is a simple nonnally open electrical series circuit which becomes energized upon the impaction of a golf ball against the ring 412.

Both embodiments of this invention contemplate the use of rechargeable batteries. In the first embodiment, the recharging can only be achieved with substantial disassembly. To preclude and to overcome this disadvantage, it is contemplated to provide means for facilitating the recharging operation. To this end, a conventional electrical jack 468 (see FIGS. 7 and 12) is mounted in the annular guide 414, and the wiping

tongues

470, 472 are connected by

wires

474, 476 with the

wires

348, 350. In this case, the

wires

474, 476 extend through the notch 384, the annular chamber 380, the notch 358, and the opening 353. The complementing plug 478 connects via the

wires

480, 482 with a conventional household rectifier 484 (see FIG. 14) which may be connected to the usual volt AC line. The device here shown is a conventional half wave rectifier.

Thus, after a period of use, the device 300 may be withdrawn from the sleeve 302 as by lifting on the bail 466,

"and the device carried into a room in a residence provided with the rectifier 484 and is easily connected with the rectifier by means of the plug 478.

Closure means is also provided for this embodiment of the invention and such means comprise a discoidal cover plate 486 having a peripheral groove 488 formed therein which is adapted to receive the upper end portion of the side wall 306 therein. The lower end of the cover plate 486 is also formed with an outwardly opening arcuate groove 490 which receives an annular ring 492 formed of resilient material. A clamp plate 494 engages an exposed side of the ring 492 and is provided with a centrally located internally threaded boss 494.

A standard 496 is fixedly secured to the enlarged head 498 having a depending externally threaded shank 500, and the shank and head are received through, respectively, a bore 502 and counterbore 504. The shank 500 is, of course, threadedly engaged with the boss 494.

The upper end of the shank 496 is bent laterally to form an arm 506, and a hole marking numbered plate 508 is fixedly secured in the comer formed in the junction of the standard with the arm. With the closure member 486 mounted within the open upper end of the side wall 306, the user will turn the arm 506 in a clockwise direction, reference being made to FIG. 13, to cause the clamping plate 494 to move against the ring 492 and to thereby cause the same to expand in its groove 490 to frictionally engage the inner side of the side wall 306. Rotation in the opposite direction will permit the ring 492 to contract whereby the closure member may be easily lifted from its seat.

The salient features of this invention having been described and illustrated in detail, the operation of the device is believed to be self evident.

It will be understood that the device 300 is adapted for purposes of amusement and to provide the serious amateur and professional golfer with means for practicing his putting shots. The devices 300 when installed in multiples, may be used in competition between two or more players if desired. The random ejection of the golf balls provides the player or players with new ball positions each time the device is actuated, and where a plurality of holes are installed with devices according to this invention, and the turf surrounding the hole is contoured, sodded and/or covered with a suitable material, conditions approximating those on a conventional golf course may be basically duplicated. Within the confines of each green, a hole may be rated as to its putting par. For example, if the flag 508 shown in FIG. 13 represented the eighteenth hole and was assigned a par four, if one player should drop his ball in three, he would have the usual birdie, et cetera, while if a second player required five puts or more to drop his ball, he would then be one over or two over et cetera, par.

The operation of this second embodiment of the invention is identical to the first embodiment in that the user will first remove the closure member 486 in the manner described above. A golf ball will be dropped on the surface S and putted in the direction of the device 300. If the putt is successful it will fall through the open end 310 of the side wall 306 and will either fall directly through the opening 416 or will be guided to pass therethrough by means of the annular guide member 414. It will be recalled that the width of the annular guide member 414 is such that with respect to the diameter of the golf ball, the golf ball can never come to rest on the guide member 414 because of its ofi'center relationship should it tend to so do. Thus, the ball passes through the opening 416 and engages against the ring 412, causing the latter to pivot downwardly or in a counterclockwise direction, reference being made to FIG. 8. When this movement takes place, the tongue 408 engages against the button 388 to close the switch 386 thereby energizing the winding 362. With the winding 362 being energized, the ejector element 422 instantly moves upwardly in the tubular guide member 320 moving from its position shown in FIG. 8 to that shown in FIG. 9 to effect the impaction of the angularly inclined upper end 426 to engage against the golf ball 600. This causes the ball 600 to be ejected from the device 300 to fall at some point on the surface S. As the golf ball is ejected, the bias on the button 388 causes the ring 412 to move upwardly breaking the series circuit to the winding 362 and effecting its deenergization. Upon deenergization, the ejector element 422 slides downwardly in the tubular guide member 320 causing the offset terminus 448 of the spring 444 to engage the plate 312. As the spring 444 reaches the end of its compression, the same will expand causing the ejector element 422 to rebound upwardly, and the twisting motion of the spring as the same expands and retracts will cause the ejector element 422 to turn about its longitudinal axis. Thus, the planar face 426 is positioned randomly as the same turns about its axis.

When play is completed, the closure member may be again returned to the upper end of the side wall 306 and locked therein to prevent moisture and other residue from entering the mechanism.

It will be understood, of course, that the ejector element 422 could also be provided with the curvilinear slot described in the first embodiment of this invention. To this end, the side wall 422 in FIG. 8 is shown to be provided with such a slot in dotted lines, the slot here bearing the reference numeral 424A. The slot 424A and the helicoidal spring 444 cooperate to ensure that the ejector element 422 will turn about its longitudinal axis, all in the manner described above.

Having described and illustrated two embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the same are offered merely by way of example, and that this invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for randomly ejecting an article comprising:

a casing having opposed open upper and closed lower ends;

power operated article ejection means within said casing and including an elongated element having an upright axis, means connected on the lower end of said element and engaging said lower end to support said element thereabove, said element being movable in one direction towards said open end and in a second direction towards said closed end;

actuating means connected to said power operated article ejection means and operable to effect an actuation of said power operated article ejection means and consequently, the movement of said element in its said one direction disengaging said support means from said closed end and causing said element to operatively engage an article entering said casing through said open end, thereby forcibly ejecting said article from said casing through said open end, said power operated article ejection means being rendered inoperable following the ejection of said article and causing said article ejection means to move in its said second direction to reengage said support means on said closed end and causing said article ejection means to move a lesser distance in said one direction and to turn about its said longitudinal axis; and

a power source connected with said power operated article ejection means and with said actuating means to supply power to said article ejection means upon operation of said actuating means.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said element comprises a cylindrical member having opposed upper and lower ends with its said lower end disposed in juxtaposition relative to said closed end of said casing and its upper end facing in the direction of said open upper end of said casing; and

means connecting said supporting means on said cylindrical member to depend below its said lower end.

3. A device as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said upper end of said cylindrical member is contained in a plane disposed at an acute angle relative to its said longitudinal axis.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 wherein:

said supporting means includes a resilient element.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 wherein:

said resilient element comprises a helicoidal spring having an end connected on said cylindrical member and its opposed end depending below said lower end of said cylindn'cal member to terminate in a partial offset convolution having its terminus engageable with said closed end of said casing.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said closed end of said casing includes a base plate against which said spring terminus engages; and

said power source is disposed within said casing and is supported on said base plate.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein:

said power operated ejection means comprises an electromagnet and said cylindrical member comprises the armature therefor; and

said power source comprises a source of e.m.f. electrically connected with said electromagnet and said actuating means.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7 and:

a normally upright tubular guide member disposed in said casing and having its lower end supported and secured on said base plate, the opposed upper end thereof extending in the direction of said open end of said casing, said tubular guide member slidably receiving said cylindrical member therein for movement in its said one and second directions;

said source of e.m.f. comprising a substantially annular unit disposed in said casing and circumscribing the lower end of said tubular member;

said electromagnet including a wire coil mounted on said tubular guide member adjacent its upper end; and

said cylindrical member comprises the armature for said electromagnet.

9. A device as defined in claim 8 and:

means connected on said base plate cooperating with means on said cylindrical member for limiting its movement in said one direction.

10. A device as defined in claim 9 and:

bail means pivotally connected on said casing adjacent its said open end to provide for the manual transport of said device from one site to another.

11. A device as defined in claim 9 and:

an annular article guiding member disposed in said casing and supported on said electromagnet with its opening disposed above said actuating means and in the path of travel of an article passing therethrough.

12. A device as defined in claim 11 wherein:

said annular unit comprises a plurality of electrically connected rechargeable batteries; and

means in said casing afiording detachable electrical connection with battery recharging means.

13. A device as defined in claim 12 and:

compressible means disposed in said casing and interposed between said batteries and said lower end of said tubular guide member, and the compressible means interposed between said batteries and said casing, said compressible means acting to prevent battery displacement and to ab-' sorb physical shock.

14. A device as defined in claim 13 wherein:

each of said compressible means comprises a hollow collar formed of a fibrous material. I

15. A device as defined in claim 1 and:

a removable closure member insertable in said upper end of said casing.

16. A device as defined in claim 15 wherein:

said removable closure member includes a standard having one end connected with said closure member; and

golf ball identifying means supported on the other end thereof.

17. A device as defined in claim 16 and:

means on said closure member cooperating with means connected with said standard to releasably clamp said closure member on said casing.

18. A device as defined in claim 4 and:

said element is of hollow cylindrical construction and is provided with a curvilinear slot extending transversely therethrough and axially thereof to comprise second means for effecting the turning of said element about its said longitudinal axis.

19. A device for randomly ejecting an article, said device comprising:

an elongated cylindrical casing having an open upper end and a closure wall extending across its opposed lower end;

an elongated substantially hollow tubular guide member centrally disposed within said casing and extending longitudinally thereof, said guide member having a lower end supported on said closure wall and its upper end extending towards but terminating inwardly of said upper end of said casing;

a first wall connected on said lower end of said guide member and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom, and a second wall mounted on said guide member and projecting laterally and outwardly therefrom intermediate its upper and lower ends;

said first and second walls and that portion of said guide member extending therebetween cooperating to form a continuous laterally opening chamber;

an annular unit comprising a source of electrical energy,

said unit being disposed in said chamber;

means in said chamber and engaging said unit to prevent its movement in said chamber; A

an electromagnet winding surrounding said upper end of said guide member and supported on said second end wall;

an elongated upright hollow tubular article ejector element mounted for reciprocation in said guide member and comprising the armature for said electromagnet, said ejector having its upper end tenninating in a plane disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said ejector element and disposed below the upper end of said guide member, said ejector element having a curvilinear slot extending transversely therethrough and axially thereof;

a normally open article actuated switch disposed within said casing;

an electrical circuit connecting said electrical source, said winding and said switch;

said switch being actuated in response to an article entering said open end of said casing to close said circuit, thereby energizing said winding causing said article ejection means to move in one direction towards said open end of said casing to efi'ect impaction of said planar end against said article to forcibly eject said article from said casing while simultaneously opening said switch and deenergizing said winding; and

said slot coacting with said ejector element to cause the latter to turn about its longitudinal axis to randomly position the planar end as said ejector moves in its other direction.

20. A device as defined in claim 19 wherein:

said annular unit comprises a plurality of electrically connected batteries.

21. A device as defined in claim 20 and:

means supported on said closure wall cooperating with means on said ejector element to limit the movement of said ejector element in its said one direction.

22. A device as defined in claim 21 wherein:

said limit means comprises an abutment wall fixedly connected to said article ejector element and internally spanning said element intermediate its ends, said abutment wall having a centrally located aperture extending transversely therethrough;

an elongated upright rod having its lower end fixedly mounted on said closure wall and its upper end extending through said aperture and above said abutment wall, a stop washer fixedly connected to the upper end of said rod; and

a helicoidal spring surrounding said rod and supported on said abutment wall below said washer for engagement therewith as the ejector element moves in its said one direction.

23. A device as defined in claim 22 wherein:

said means for securing said source in said chamber comprises a substantially hollow shell circumscribing said source and having opposed open lower and upper ends closed by said first and second end walls, respectively.

24. A device as defined in claim 23 and:

a removable closure means for said open upper end of said casing.

25. A device as defined in claim 19 and:

resilient means fixedly connected on said ejector element and depending therefrom for engagement with said closure wall and cooperating with said slot to eifect said turning movement of said ejector element.

Claims

1. A device for randomly ejecting an article comprising: a casing having opposed open upper and closed lower ends; power operated article ejection means within said casing and including an elongated element having an upright axis, means connected on the lower end of said element and engaging said lower end to support said element thereabove, said element being movable in one direction towards said open end and in a second direction towards said closed end; actuating means connected to said power operated article ejection means and operable to effect an actuation of said power operated article ejection means and consequently, the movement of said element in its said one direction disengaging said support means from said closed end and causing said element to operatively engage an article entering said casing through said open end, thereby forcibly ejecting said article from said casing through said open end, said power operated article ejection means being rendered inoperable following the ejection of said article and causing said article ejection means to move in its said second direction to reengagE said support means on said closed end and causing said article ejection means to move a lesser distance in said one direction and to turn about its said longitudinal axis; and a power source connected with said power operated article ejection means and with said actuating means to supply power to said article ejection means upon operation of said actuating means.

2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein: said element comprises a cylindrical member having opposed upper and lower ends with its said lower end disposed in juxtaposition relative to said closed end of said casing and its upper end facing in the direction of said open upper end of said casing; and means connecting said supporting means on said cylindrical member to depend below its said lower end.

3. A device as defined in claim 2 wherein: said upper end of said cylindrical member is contained in a plane disposed at an acute angle relative to its said longitudinal axis.

4. A device as defined in claim 3 wherein: said supporting means includes a resilient element.

5. A device as defined in claim 4 wherein: said resilient element comprises a helicoidal spring having an end connected on said cylindrical member and its opposed end depending below said lower end of said cylindrical member to terminate in a partial offset convolution having its terminus engageable with said closed end of said casing.

6. A device as defined in claim 5 wherein: said closed end of said casing includes a base plate against which said spring terminus engages; and said power source is disposed within said casing and is supported on said base plate.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6 wherein: said power operated ejection means comprises an electromagnet and said cylindrical member comprises the armature therefor; and said power source comprises a source of e.m.f. electrically connected with said electromagnet and said actuating means.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7 and: a normally upright tubular guide member disposed in said casing and having its lower end supported and secured on said base plate, the opposed upper end thereof extending in the direction of said open end of said casing, said tubular guide member slidably receiving said cylindrical member therein for movement in its said one and second directions; said source of e.m.f. comprising a substantially annular unit disposed in said casing and circumscribing the lower end of said tubular member; said electromagnet including a wire coil mounted on said tubular guide member adjacent its upper end; and said cylindrical member comprises the armature for said electromagnet.

9. A device as defined in claim 8 and: means connected on said base plate cooperating with means on said cylindrical member for limiting its movement in said one direction.

10. A device as defined in claim 9 and: bail means pivotally connected on said casing adjacent its said open end to provide for the manual transport of said device from one site to another.

11. A device as defined in claim 9 and: an annular article guiding member disposed in said casing and supported on said electromagnet with its opening disposed above said actuating means and in the path of travel of an article passing therethrough.

12. A device as defined in claim 11 wherein: said annular unit comprises a plurality of electrically connected rechargeable batteries; and means in said casing affording detachable electrical connection with battery recharging means.

13. A device as defined in claim 12 and: compressible means disposed in said casing and interposed between said batteries and said lower end of said tubular guide member, and the compressible means interposed between said batteries and said casing, said compressible means acting to prevent battery displacement and to absorb physical shock.

14. A device as defined in claim 13 wherein: each of said compressible means comprises a hollow collaR formed of a fibrous material.

15. A device as defined in claim 1 and: a removable closure member insertable in said upper end of said casing.

16. A device as defined in claim 15 wherein: said removable closure member includes a standard having one end connected with said closure member; and golf ball identifying means supported on the other end thereof.

17. A device as defined in claim 16 and: means on said closure member cooperating with means connected with said standard to releasably clamp said closure member on said casing.

18. A device as defined in claim 4 and: said element is of hollow cylindrical construction and is provided with a curvilinear slot extending transversely therethrough and axially thereof to comprise second means for effecting the turning of said element about its said longitudinal axis.

19. A device for randomly ejecting an article, said device comprising: an elongated cylindrical casing having an open upper end and a closure wall extending across its opposed lower end; an elongated substantially hollow tubular guide member centrally disposed within said casing and extending longitudinally thereof, said guide member having a lower end supported on said closure wall and its upper end extending towards but terminating inwardly of said upper end of said casing; a first wall connected on said lower end of said guide member and projecting laterally outwardly therefrom, and a second wall mounted on said guide member and projecting laterally and outwardly therefrom intermediate its upper and lower ends; said first and second walls and that portion of said guide member extending therebetween cooperating to form a continuous laterally opening chamber; an annular unit comprising a source of electrical energy, said unit being disposed in said chamber; means in said chamber and engaging said unit to prevent its movement in said chamber; an electromagnet winding surrounding said upper end of said guide member and supported on said second end wall; an elongated upright hollow tubular article ejector element mounted for reciprocation in said guide member and comprising the armature for said electromagnet, said ejector having its upper end terminating in a plane disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said ejector element and disposed below the upper end of said guide member, said ejector element having a curvilinear slot extending transversely therethrough and axially thereof; a normally open article actuated switch disposed within said casing; an electrical circuit connecting said electrical source, said winding and said switch; said switch being actuated in response to an article entering said open end of said casing to close said circuit, thereby energizing said winding causing said article ejection means to move in one direction towards said open end of said casing to effect impaction of said planar end against said article to forcibly eject said article from said casing while simultaneously opening said switch and deenergizing said winding; and said slot coacting with said ejector element to cause the latter to turn about its longitudinal axis to randomly position the planar end as said ejector moves in its other direction.

20. A device as defined in claim 19 wherein: said annular unit comprises a plurality of electrically connected batteries.

21. A device as defined in claim 20 and: means supported on said closure wall cooperating with means on said ejector element to limit the movement of said ejector element in its said one direction.

22. A device as defined in claim 21 wherein: said limit means comprises an abutment wall fixedly connected to said article ejector element and internally spanning said element intermediate its ends, said abutment wall having a centrally located aperture extending transversely therethrough; an elongated upright rod having its lower end fixedly mounted on said closure wall and Its upper end extending through said aperture and above said abutment wall, a stop washer fixedly connected to the upper end of said rod; and a helicoidal spring surrounding said rod and supported on said abutment wall below said washer for engagement therewith as the ejector element moves in its said one direction.

23. A device as defined in claim 22 wherein: said means for securing said source in said chamber comprises a substantially hollow shell circumscribing said source and having opposed open lower and upper ends closed by said first and second end walls, respectively.

24. A device as defined in claim 23 and: a removable closure means for said open upper end of said casing.

25. A device as defined in claim 19 and: resilient means fixedly connected on said ejector element and depending therefrom for engagement with said closure wall and cooperating with said slot to effect said turning movement of said ejector element.