WO1994007218A1

WO1994007218A1 - Apparatus for dispensing golf balls

Info

Publication number: WO1994007218A1
Application number: PCT/GB1993/001960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carsten Eigil Hallas
Original assignee: Hagen International (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 1992-09-16
Filing date: 1993-09-16
Publication date: 1994-03-31
Also published as: GB9219621D0

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing a number of substantially spherical objects, in particular golf balls and which is adapted to be able to release portions of balls, the sizes of which are variable and easily controlled. The apparatus comprises a storage chamber (2), an outlet from a storage chamber (2) to a release shelf (5), in use, the release shelf (5) retaining a plurality of balls (8) in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means (7); at least two independently operable release means are provided and an activation means for the release means. In use, balls from the storage chamber (2) pass to the release shelf (5) and to the support means (7) under gravity and at least two release means are activated by the activation means so that each releases at least one ball to exit the apparatus from a port (16) in a single portion. The activation means for the apparatus may be a card reader (13) and computer programmed to effect activation.

Description

Apparatus for Dispensing Golf Balls

This invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a number of substantially spherical objects, for example golf balls.

This type of apparatus is often employed on golf courses or on driving ranges so that golfers wishing to practice may obtain a number of balls automatically. The advantage of using such golf ball dispensers is that they can be positioned close to the practice area and do not require the golfer to return to the club house or golf shop which may be some distance away, to obtain more balls, when required. The apparatus usually comprises a chamber for storage of a large number of balls to be dispensed and an outlet port from the machine where the balls can be collected. The balls for release in a delivery are arranged, generally in a row, in an internal compartment. When a user orders a portion of balls, for example by insertion of tokens or money an internal release mechanism is, activated. The portion of balls is collected by the user from the outlet port and the internal compartment then fills up to be ready for the next release.

One such apparatus is described in EP-A-0328855 where the release means comprises a channel-shaped beam which is turned towards the golf balls which roll down a series of parallel paths to the beam due to gravity to form a row of balls for release. The beam is pivotal so that the row of balls roll into the curved beam and when pivoted, this row is released as a portion of the balls which exit the apparatus.

A similar device is illustrated in for example, US-A-4588108.

As explained above, the dispensing action is usually triggered by receipt of a coin or counter. It is also known to trigger the ball release mechanism by the use of a magnetic card. The presently used machines are extremely inflexible and generally deliver a portion of balls comprising a single delivery of a pre-set number of balls. Alternatively a portion of balls collected from a dispensing apparatus may comprise a number of deliveries of balls. Most machines can however only release one pre-set portion, using the operating principle described above.

Although most machines can vary the compartment size and hence the pre-set number of balls per portion which will be delivered, the apparatus will require mechanical adjustment. For some machines, this must be prearranged when purchasing the machine from the supplier whilst for others, the adjustment may be made in situ and manually by the golfing facility staff. Adjusting the size of the portion is usually effected for example by blocking a portion of the internal compartment so that fewer balls can form the row for release and the portion size of balls exiting the machine in one delivery is reduced.

It is also known to operate a dispensing mechanism by individual ball release so that the balls are agitated to pass in single file through an optical counter to deliver a number of balls in a portion. Whilst this is advantageous because the change of portion size is much easier, the balls are agitated to pass by the optical reader due to gravity as in the machines described above, but due to the singular release, a large portion of balls will take considerably longer to be released. This is disadvantageous because during busy times, the dispensers may be used to maximum capacity and a reduction in the rate of delivery of a portion of balls may lead to queuing.

The only presently known way of having several various portion sizes continuously available to all customers on such golfing ranges, is to sell the portions directly to the customer, for example in the golf clubhouse. Obviously this is labour intensive and inefficient. Furthermore, as the business is a cash business, it is difficult for an owner to ensure that all proceeds are handed over by staff operating the establishment. Since such ranges may be open each day for up to 24 hours a day, an owner cannot be there constantly to monitor the sales.

The present invention aims to provide a flexible system which will overcome the problems of the known systems and automatically dispense several portion sizes or alternatively, any required number of balls in a portion of golf balls to the user. The apparatus can be operated by a computer and this gives substantial security benefits. In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided for dispensing a plurality of golf balls comprising: a chamber for storage of balls prior to being dispensed; an outlet from the chamber to a release shelf, in use, the release shelf retaining a plurality of balls in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means; at least two independently operable release means; and an activation means for the release means and, in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity and at least two release means are activated by the activation means to release at least one ball by each of at least two release means to exit the apparatus from a port.

The chamber for storage of balls is provided with an opening so that it can be refilled and should preferably be lockable. Generally, the chamber should be able to hold up to 20,000 balls, more usually up to 30,000 balls or preferably up to 50,000. Generally the storage chamber should hold at least 5,000 balls, preferably at least 9,000 and most preferably at least 12,000. The outlet from the storage chamber leads to the release shelf and is generally an opening in the bottom of the chamber leading directly over the top of the release shelf. In use, the release shelf slopes downwardly so that balls leaving the storage chamber will roll downwards under gravity until they contact the support means.

It has been found that balls leaving the storage chamber and passing through the outlet to the release shelf may have a tendency to form a double layer, or more of balls. This is disadvantageous because if the double layer of balls travels to the level of abutment with the support means, an incorrect number of balls may be delivered from the apparatus. In order to avoid this problem the apparatus preferably also comprises a regulator. This may be a simple spacing device positioned over at least a portion of the release shelf to enable only a single layer of balls to pass along the release shelf. Preferably however the regulator is positioned in the storage chamber or at the outlet of the storage chamber to enable only a single layer of balls to form on the release shelf. Most preferably the regulator comprises a rotating means, which the balls pass beneath, preferably rotating against the direction of movement of the balls under gravity. This type of regulator is preferred because it has the additional advantage of agitating the balls slightly which ensures that any blockage of the balls in the storage chamber or at the outlet of the storage chamber will be freed.

Where the regulator comprises a rotating means it may be powered in any conventional way, generally by the provision of a small electric motor.

The release shelf may be formed either by a substantially planar shelf or a shelf which forms paths for the balls to roll down to the support means. For example, such paths which are preferably substantially parallel may be formed by grooves or slots in the surface of the shelf or, the shelf may be formed from a plurality of substantially parallel members sloping downwardly to the support means. In this case, the members should be positioned at a distance from one another less than the diameter of the ball so that a path is provided. Conveniently, the release shelf may be formed from a shelf having a series cf substantially parallel slots cut away to provide channels along which the balls can roll. Preferably the shelf comprises apertures which are either cut out of a solid shelf or formed by substantially parallel members as this ensures that any dirt from the balls will fall out of the travel path of the balls. Thus, at the lower most point of the release shelf, the first 5 ball from each path of the release shelf abuts the support means. Behind the first ball of each path the second ball abuts the first ball and so on.

The support means may be any embodiment which stops further forward movement of the ball due to gravity. For

10 example, it may be formed by indentations or apertures at the bottom of the release shelf which may be positioned in a non-sloping portion of the shelf. Alternatively, the support means may be provided by a horizontal bar, or a shelf, beam or series of pins extending either upwardly

15 from the plane of the release shelf, or downwardly from above the plane of the release shelf.

The use of a support means extending downwardly from above may be advantageous. If balls which have not been properly cleaned are loaded into the dispenser there is a

20 risk that debris such as twigs and leaves will be loaded and released into the dispenser and congestion of the balls in the lower parts of the release shelf may occur, or that the release means, if arranged beneath the shelf, may be impeded by debris. Thus, where there is a risk that debris

25 will be loaded into the dispenser, it may be advantageous to use a support means which extends downwardly from above so that balls can be released for example, by raising the support means.

The support means may be stationary so that the

30 release means must push the balls past the support means, or the support means may be part of the release means. Thus, the support means may be moveable and either allows the balls to fall from the release shelf or actively aids or effects removal of the balls from the release shelf. In

35 this instance, the support means must be sub-divided to form a portion of support means for each release means. When the support means forms part of the release means, the release means may comprise a plurality of pivotal release shelves such as are described in US 4588108 or EP-A-328855. In one preferred embodiment of the invention in which the support means forms part of the release means and is moveable, the support means may be provided by a surface of a beam or a pin or a series of pins extending downwardly from above. On activation of the release means, the beam or pin(s) may be raised so that at least one ball is released from the release shelf under gravity. Alternatively, the support means may comprise a projection such as a pin or pins, arranged on a rotatable shaft, so that on rotation of the shaft, the support means moves and enables a ball to exit from the release shelf. The pins may be arranged at different radial orientations on the shaft.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the support means is stationary and the release means ejects the balls from the release shelf, past the support means. Generally the support means is provided over a substantially horizontal length inside the apparatus to contact a number of balls, for example at least 5, preferably at least 10 and most preferably from 15 to 30 or even up to around 40 or 50 balls, usually arranged in a straight row.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the paths of balls on the release shelf may be arranged, instead of substantially parallel rows, in a radiating arrangement. The paths may radiate about any portion of a circle, for example about approximately from 90° to 180°, or even 360°. This embodiment can be advantageous because the exit from the apparatus may be provided substantially at the axis of rotation and therefore the average travel path for released balls from the release shelf to the exit port is reduced. Thus, the average time taken for the balls to exit the dispenser from the port is correspondingly reduced. In addition, where a portion of balls to be released does not require a full delivery of each of the first balls of each of the paths, the balls can be released from the central paths so that the average travel path and corresponding time taken for release are reduced. Generally the apparatus will comprise sufficient release means to release up to 50 balls in a single delivery. However, since the balls are generally stored abutting the support means in a single line, due to the desired width for the apparatus, preferably' the plurality of release means will enable release of up to a total of 40 balls or more usually a total of up to 30 balls in a single delivery. When a user orders a portion of balls, each release means may be activated more than once within a short time so that a portion delivered from the exit port of the apparatus may contain a plurality of deliveries.

Preferably the plurality of release means will each deliver a different number of balls so that a larger variety of individual portion sizes can be offered. We have found that a particularly preferred arrangement comprises for instance one release means to deliver each of 10, 5, 3 and 1 balls. Thus, the activating means may activate any combination of release means to deliver varying numbers of balls in one delivery.

Generally each activation of the release means will release only the first ball from each of the activated paths which slope downwardly ending at the support means, the first ball in each path being that which abuts the support means. However, the release means may be activated for a pre-determined period of time to allow not only the first ball from each path on the release shelf to exit from the release shelf, but in addition one or more balls from the sequence behind the first ball of the path.

For example, in the embodiment of the invention where the support means is provided be a moveable beam or pin(ε) extending downwardly from above the plane of the release shelf, on activation of the release means, the beam or pin(s) is raised to allow a ball to exit from the release shelf under gravity. The support means may be either immediately lowered so that only one ball (the first ball) from each path on the release shelf is allowed to exit from the release shelf or, the beam or pins may be retained in the waste position to allow a plurality of balls to exit from a path on the release shelf.

Where the support means is adapted to release not only the first ball, but in addition, one or more balls from the sequence behind the first ball of a path, the release means may comprise a photocell so that the number of balls released from a path can be monitored. Alternatively, the number of balls released may be monitored by activating the release means for a pre-determined length of time corresponding to a pre-determined number of balls to be released from a path of the release shelf.

This invention also includes dispensing apparatus for balls comprising: a chamber for storage of balls prior to being dispensed; an outlet from the chamber to a release shelf, in use, the release shelf retaining a plurality of balls in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means, the release shelf additionally comprising an aperture beneath the retention position of each of the balls abutting the support means; a release means comprising at least one projecting surface; and an activation means for the release means and wherein in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity and the release means is activated by the activation means so that the at least one projecting surface extends through the aperture beneath each ball to contact the balls retained by the support means and push them past the support means to exit the apparatus.

The aperture may be a single slot along the release shelf in which case the projecting surface may comprise a single continuous projection which contacts all of the balls for the release means, or a plurality of projections, one to contact each ball. In the latter case, there may be a plurality of apertures to enable contact of the projections with each ball. Preferably the apparatus comprises at least two release means.

Especially where the release means comprises a projecting surface, there is a dividing wall between each release means to ensure that when the release means are activated, the ball at the outer edge of a release means will exit the apparatus for example, by ejection over the support means and will not simply pass sideways along the release shelf. Preferably, the release shelf also comprises dividing walls between the travel path of each ball. These dividing walls may extend partially or, preferably along substantially the whole length of the release shelf and ensure even delivery of the balls to their retention position abutting the support means. Where the balls are released by ejection from the support means, the height of the dividing wall is preferably greater at the retention position of the balls at least between the individual release means, but most preferably between each ball position. In addition, as described above, a regulator may also be placed over the release shelf as the balls approach the support means to prevent a double layer of balls from forming where the final row of balls abut the support means. Following activation of the release means and consequent release of the balls from the support means, they fall under gravity into a trough and balls run by gravity via an exit chute to the exit port from the apparatus and into a bucket placed under the release port by the user.

The activating means may trigger one or more, preferably at least two of the release means to deliver the desired number of balls. Preferably the delivery of balls will be substantially simultaneous for each delivery. Each release means may be operated for example by a solenoid, electric motor or pneumatically, preferably by a solenoid.

The activating means is coupled to the solenoid or electric motor control equipment so that following a signal from the activation means, one or more of the release means are operated.

The activation means may comprise a cash or token operated controller such that on insertion of cash or a token, one or more of the release means is triggered via for example, a solenoid or motor to release balls. However preferably, the activation means comprises a card reader so that when for example a magnetic or smart card is placed through the card reader, a credit on the card can be monitored and the release means activated and the necessary credit deleted from the card. This type of stand alone system will generally be adapted to offer a limited number of portion sizes. Most preferably, the activating means comprises a computer and a card reader such that the computer is a computer programmed to respond to a signal from the card reader. When the card is read, for example an account number on the card is transmitted to a computer. The computer is programmed to check the credit on the account and to dispense the portion size requested by the user for example on a key pad on the apparatus if sufficient credit remains.

The invention also comprises an apparatus for dispensing a plurality of balls comprising: a chamber for storage of balls prior to being dispensed; an outlet from the chamber to a release shelf, in use, the release shelf retaining a plurality of balls in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means; a release means; and an activation means for the release means and, in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity and the release means is activated by the activation means to release a plurality of balls to exit the apparatus from a port and wherein the activation means comprises a card reader and a remote computer.

The invention also relates to an apparatus for dispensing a plurality of golf balls comprising: a chamber for storage of balls prior to being dispensed; an outlet from the chamber to a release shelfco prising a plurality of sloping paths, in use the release shelf retaining a plurality of balls in a position for release by abutment of the balls with the support means; a release means; and an activation means for the release means and, in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity along the plurality of paths, a first ball from each path being in abutment with the support means prior to release of the balls, and the release means comprises a rotatable shaft and a projection means and on activation by the activation means, the shaft rotates and the projection means effects release of at least one ball from each of at least two paths on the release shelf to exit the apparatus from a port, release from each of the two paths being effected at differing angles of rotation of the shaft, and the deceleration of the rotation of the shaft being substantially independent of the length of time for which the shaft is rotated. The projection means may be a substantially continuous projection, to correspond with two or more paths on the release shelf. However, preferably, the projection means comprises a plurality of projections, arranged on the shaft at varying radial positions on the shaft, each of which corresponds with a path on the release shelf so that for a pre-determined full or partial rotation of the shaft, the number of balls released is known. '

Thus, for a pre-determined rotation of the shaft, a pre-determined number of balls will be released so for rotation of the shaft at a pre-determined rate and for a pre-determined time, a known number of balls will be released. Thus, the activation means can effect release of any desired number of balls in a portion by setting the activation means to trigger the motor for variable periods, which correspond to the desired number of balls for release. Preferably, the release means comprises a motor to rotate the shaft, and the deceleration of the rotating shaft is substantially independent of the length of time for which the motor rotates the shaft. Preferably the apparatus comprises at least two release means as described above.

Most preferably, the activating means comprises a card reader and a microchip controller for activating the release means. The card reader may be for example a scanner or transmitter and the microchip may be a printed circuit chip. Either of these types of activating means could be pre-programmed to offer a number of pre-set sized portions which can be requested by insertion of a card and selection of the desired portion for example using a key pad.

When the activating means is a remote computer, the computer will generally be positioned for example in the club shop or office. This is the most preferred system as a continuous record of sales from the dispensing apparatus can be made. Furthermore, when the activating means comprises a computer responding to a card reader on the apparatus, more information can be collected, for example as to the periods of greatest use of the dispensing apparatus and even the particular customer operating the dispenser at any particular time. This enables detailed market research to be obtained which could prove very valuable in running the golfing facility.

When the credit on a magnetic card or smart card has been used up, the card reader on the apparatus may retain the card which can be reprogrammed/reloaded and re-used. This is beneficial because no items of value remain in a dispensing apparatus and there will be no incentive for theft or vandalism of a machine if it remains unemptied, for example overnight. This type of apparatus is also beneficial because the computer controlled activation means can enable price differentiation depending upon the time of day or for example, for special promotions to specific account numbers.

The dispensing apparatus according to the present invention optionally may be used in conjunction with a ball washer. Any of the conventionally known and suitable balls washers may be provided in the body of the apparatus, in the chamber, or the balls may be fed to the chamber via a ball washer.

Examples of the apparatus according to the present invention are described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying diagrams.

Figure 1 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view through an apparatus according to the invention. Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged portion of the diagram in Figure 1 showing the ejection means for the row of balls. Figure 3 illustrates a partial cross-section along line A-A of Figure 1, illustrating a view from above of the release shelf and the release trough and chute. Figure 4 illustrates one elevation view of one sub-division of a novable support means corresponding to a release means which can be used to effect release of balls.

In Figure 1, the box-shaped automatic golf ball dispenser is illustrated. Balls are placed in storage chamber 2 through lid 3 which can be locked whilst the machine is in use. Balls leave storage chamber 2 past regulator 19, through outlet 4 due to gravity and roll down the sloping release shelf 5 to contact support means 7. In this position, balls, 8 are retained for release. Guide walls 9 are positioned at intervals along the release shelf 5 between balls which will be ejected by different release means. This is to prevent a ball from entering the next compartment when ejected and to ensure that it will leave the release shelf over support means 7. Release means 11 comprises projection 12 which at rest extends partially through aperture 10 in the release shelf, below golf ball 8. Housing 13 contains a controller and magnetic card reader, such that when the card reader is inserted, the controller acts as an activating means for solenoid 14 which acts on the release means to push projection 12 upwardly through aperture 10 to contact golf ball 8 and eject the ball over the support means. Once ejected, projection 12 returns to its relaxed position so that a further row of balls can roll into position abutting the support means 7. Balls which have been ejected over the support means enter trough 15 and exit the apparatus through port 16 where they are collected for example in a basket 17.

Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged version of the release means illustrating more clearly the aperture and projection.

In Figure 3, a partial cross-section through the apparatus along line A in Figure 1 is illustrated. This shows the upper view of the release mechanism illustrating one full release beam and a portion of a second release beam. Each release means comprises a beam with a projecting surface which, when activated projects through a single slot aperture in the release shelf to contact each ball for that release means and eject it over the support means 7. The complete loeam shown is adapted to release five balls. The release shelf illustrated comprises a shelf 18 having a series of parallel slots which form parallel paths for the balls to roll along until they contact the support means 7.

Figure 4 illustrates an elevation view of one release means comprising beam 19. On activation, the beam 19 is raised upwardly by solenoid 20 so that balls 8 roll off the release shelf 5. They then pass to an exit port for the apparatus. Guidewalls 9 are also shown. In an apparatus comprising such release means, the support means is provided by the surfaces of the beam which contacts the first ball of each path.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of golf balls comprising a chamber (2) for storage of balls prior to being dispensed, an outlet (4) from the chamber to a release shelf (5) , in use, the release shelf (5) retaining a plurality of balls (8) in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means (7) ; at least two independently operable release means; and an activation means for the release means and, in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity and at least two release means are activated by the activation means to release at least one ball by each of at least two release means to exit the apparatus from a port (16) .

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support means (7) is fixed.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the release shelf (5) is formed by a series of members being substantially parallel with one another and sloping downwardly to the support means (7) , forming there between a plurality of paths for the balls from the outlet.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the release means comprises a boom having a projection (12) which can project through an aperture (10) in the release shelf to contact a ball (8) and eject it from the release shelf (5) to exit the apparatus on activation of the release means.

5. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein each release means comprises an electric motor or solenoid valve, preferably a solenoid valve.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim additionally comprising a regulator in the storage chamber (2).

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein there are up to six release means which on simultaneous delivery, can deliver up to 25 balls, preferably comprising at least one release means for delivery of 1, 3, 5 and 10 balls respectively.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the release means comprise a beam (19) extending downwardly from above the plane of the release shelf (5) , the support means comprising a surface of the beam contacting a ball, and on activation by the activation means, the beam (19) moves upwardly to release at least one ball from each of the release means (11) .

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the beam is provided with projections which contact the ball for delivery and form the support means (7) .

10. An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of balls comprising: a chamber (2) for storage of balls prior to being dispensed; an outlet from the chamber (2) to a release shelf (5) , in use, the release shelf (5) retaining a plurality of balls in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means (7) , the release shelf (5) additionally comprising an aperture (10) beneath the retention position of each of the balls abutting the support means; a release means (11) comprising at least one projecting surface (12) positioned beneath the plurality of balls retained by the support means and an activation means for the release means (11) and wherein in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity and the release means is activated by the activation means so that the projecting surface (12) extends through the aperture to contact the balls retained by the support means and push them past the support means to exit the port (16) of the apparatus.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the apertures are provided by a single slot (10) along the width of the release shelf (5) .

12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the activation means comprises a card reader (13) and a computer programmed to activate the release means (11) in response to the introduction of a magnetic or smart card into the card reader (13) .

13. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12 wherein the activation means comprises a card reader (13) and a microchip controller to activate the release means (11) in response to the introduction of a magnetic or smart card into the card reader.

14. An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of balls comprising: a chamber for storage of balls prior to being dispensed; an outlet from the chamber (2)to a release shelf (5) in use, the release shelf (5) retaining a plurality of balls in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means (7) ; a release means; and an activation means for the release means and, in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity and the release means is activated by the activation means to release a plurality of balls to exit the apparatus from a port (16) and wherein the activation means comprises a card reader (13) and a remote computer.

15. An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of balls comprising a chamber (2) for storage of balls prior to being dispensed; an outlet from the chamber (2) to a release shelf (5) comprising a plurality of sloping paths, in use, the release shelf (5) retaining a plurality of balls in a position for release by abutment of the balls with a support means (7) ; a release means; and an activation means for the release means, and in use, balls from the storage chamber pass to the support means under gravity along the plurality of paths, a first ball on each path being in abutment with the support means prior to release of the balls; and the release means comprises a rotatable shaft and a projection means and on activation by the activation means, the shaft rotates and the projection means effects release of at least one ball from each of at least two paths on the release shelf to exit the apparatus from a port (16) release from each of the two paths being effected at differing angles of rotation of the shaft, and the deceleration of the rotatoi of the shaft being substantially independent of the length of time for which the shaft is rotated.

16. Apparatus according to any of claims 14 or claim 13 wherein the apparatus comprises at least two release means.

17. An apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16 in which the projection means comprises a plurality of projections.