ADJUSTABLE GOLF BALL STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract

An adjustable golf ball storage device, comprising a cylindrical body 101 accessed by a user for storing golf balls, a lid 102 arranged at top portion of the body 101 accessed by the user for inserting a golf ball inside the body 101, an imaging unit 103 embedded on the body 101 to determine inserted ball’s dimensions, a spiral shaped curved rail 201 arranged on inner periphery of the body 101 for accommodating the inserted ball, multiple motorized hinges 202 integrated on the rail 201 to tilt portions of the rail 201 for forming a curved structure of the rail 201 for engaging the ball on the rail 201, multiple suction units 203 integrated along the rail 201 at varying lengths to grip and hold the translated ball at an optimum distance from balls stored in the body 101 to prevent rubbing of the ball against each other.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable golf ball storage device which is capable of providing a mean to a user to store golf balls in an organized way in order to allow the user to access the ball at any instant easily and also helps in removing any dust deposited on the balls in automatic manner, thereby saves time and resource of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Golfing is a sport enjoyed and played by many people around the world. Golfing provides unique experiences and challenges with each game to the golfer. It is commonplace for a golfer to use a considerable number of balls both during practice sessions and during a typical 18-hole round of golf. Thus, a golfer is required to carry a substantial number of golf balls. However, this poses the problem of storage and easy access of the balls during the game. Many golfers will simply buy a new sleeve of balls simply to avoid picking through scuffed or cut balls.

[0003] Traditionally, most golfers store their golf balls in the tray of the golf cart which typically contains paper cups, dirt and cigarette wrappers and damage the golf balls. Also, golf bags are used to store their golf balls. These golf ball bags and cases etcetera lacks in efficient organization and accessibility, often resulting in frustration for golfers who struggle to quickly access the next ball during a game. Additionally, conventional cases may take up excessive space in golf bags or require cumbersome handling. There is a need for a more innovative and user-friendly solution that provides convenient storage, easy access, and efficient organization of golf balls and which will also maintain the proper distance between the balls to prevent from friction damaging the ball.

[0004] US6439424B1 discloses a portable golf ball storage, dispensing and display apparatus is provided having a linearly elongated tubular housing, a mounting bracket, and a housing alignment support. The tubular housing is constructed of a rigid, transparent plastic material and has a uniform diameter which is slightly larger than a diameter of a golf ball. The tubular housing is designed and configured for storing approximately twelve golf balls in a vertically aligned series. The tubular housing further includes a removable securable top cap designed so as to be securely maintained within an anterior end of the tubular housing. Although, US'4B1 discloses about a portable golf ball storage device used for storing golf balls. However, the above mentioned invention lacks in holding and storing the ball at an optimum distance from the other stored balls to prevent rubbing of surface the ball against each other which leads to damage of the ball. The above mentioned invention also lacks in dispensing pressurized air on the stored balls to remove the dust deposited on the balls.

[0005] US5839607A discloses a golf ball dispensing device for use in storing and dispensing of golf balls is constructed of a tube which has an upper portion and a base at the bottom. A stack of golfs balls are maintained in the tube under spring bias between a piston which urges the balls upwardly and a ball trap member which retains the top golf ball from dispensing through a nozzle. A cap is attached to the upper portion of the tube and houses a ball ejector assembly which is pivotally connected to the ball trap member below. To disperse a golf ball, a push button is depressed activating the ball ejector assembly which pivots the ball trap member to release the top golf. Simultaneously as the ball trap member releases the top golf ball, a lever pivotally connected to the ball trap member, urges the top golf ball through the nozzle. Upon release of the push button, the spring biased piston urges the next golf ball upwardly into the ball trap member. Though, US'07A discloses about a golf ball dispensing device for using in storing and dispensing of golf balls. However, the above mentioned invention lacks in removing the dust deposited on the balls in automatic manner. The above mentioned invention also lacks in holding and storing the ball at an optimum distance from the other stored balls to prevent rubbing of surface the ball against each other which leads to damage of the ball.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices available which are capable of assisting a user in storing many golf, but there are no features available by means of which the golf balls are stored in an organized way at an optimum distance from the other stored balls to prevent rubbing of surface the ball against each other which leads to damage of the ball. Additionally, no devices available which is capable of removing dust present on the balls.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device which is capable of providing a mean to a user to store golf balls in an organized way to allow the user to access the ball at any instant easily. Also, there exists a need in the art to develop a device which is capable to provide a cushioning effect to the stored balls to safeguard the balls in case the balls fall accidently and accordingly prevents the ball from any scratch or damage.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of providing a mean to a user to store many golf balls in an organized way at one place and accordingly allows the user to access the ball at any instant easily.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of determining dimensions of the inserted ball and accordingly holds the ball at an optimum distance from the other stored balls to prevent rubbing of surface the ball against each other which leads to damage of the ball.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of providing a cushioning effect to the stored balls to safeguard the balls in case the balls falls accidently and accordingly prevents the ball from any scratch or damage.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device which is capable of dispensing pressurized air on the stored balls and accordingly removes any dust deposited on the balls in automatic manner.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to an adjustable golf ball storage device that is capable of storing multiple golf balls in an organized way at an optimum distance from the other stored balls to prevent rubbing of surface the ball against each other. The proposed device also capable of removing any dust deposited on the balls in automatic manner.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable golf ball storage device comprises of a cylindrical body associated with the device and accessed by a user for storing golf balls, a lid arranged at top portion of the body that is accessed by the user for inserting a golf ball inside the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit embedded on the body and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple surrounding images in vicinity of the body to determine dimensions of the inserted ball, a spiral shaped curved rail is arranged on inner periphery of the body for accommodating the inserted ball; multiple motorized hinges integrated on the rail that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to tilt portions of the rail in view of forming a curved structure of the rail for engaging the ball on the rail, multiple suction units integrated along the rail at varying lengths to acquire a grip on the translated ball for holding the ball along the rail at an optimum distance from balls stored in the body in view of preventing rubbing of surface the ball against each other, a cushioned padding integrated at base of the body and underneath the lid in view of providing cushioning effect to the stored balls in case the balls get dispensed from grip of the suction units and multiple electronically controlled nozzles integrated on peripheral portion of the body to dispense pressurized air on the stored balls in view of removing any dust deposited on the balls.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an adjustable golf ball storage device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of inner part of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adjustable golf ball storage device which is capable of providing a mean to a user to store golf balls at an optimum distance in an organized way. Additionally, the proposed device removes of any dust deposited on the balls in automatic manner, thereby saves time and resource of the user.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a front view of an adjustable golf ball storage device and an isometric view of spiral shaped curved rail associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively comprising a cylindrical body 101 associated with the device, a lid 102 arranged at top portion of the body 101, an imaging unit 103 embedded on the body 101, a spiral shaped curved rail 201 arranged on inner periphery of the body 101, multiple motorized hinges 202 integrated on the rail 201, multiple suction units 203 integrated along the rail 201 at varying lengths, a bowl-shaped cup 204 alike entity and a pump 205 configured in the suction unit 203, cushioned padding 206 is integrated at base of the body 101 and multiple electronically controlled nozzles 207 integrated on peripheral portion of the body 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a cylindrical body 101 associated with the device and accessed by a user for storing golf balls. The body 101 is made up of material not restricted to wood, metal etc. that provides durability to the components and comfortably accommodate the components required to perform the specified operation. Herein, a lid 102 is arranged at top portion of the body 101 that is accessed by the user for inserting a golf ball inside the body 101. The user opens and closes the lid 102, which is preferably a slidable lid 102, manually by his hands for inserting the golf ball inside the body 101.

[0024] The slidable lid 102 is connected with a sliding arrangement which consists a slider and a pair of sliding rail fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of the slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The movement of the lid 102 by the user for opening purpose, aids in rotation of shaft, wherein the shaft allows the movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. This movement of the slider results in translation of the lid 102 and hence results in exposing the inner portion of the body 101 and opening the body 101 for inserting the golf ball inside the body 101.

[0025] Upon inserting the golf balls, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 embedded on the body 101 and integrated with a processor activates for capturing and processing multiple surrounding images in vicinity of the body 101 to determine dimensions of the inserted ball. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 used herein incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities to enables immediate responses and faster decision-making.

[0026] The imaging unit 103 captures images or records videos in vicinity of the body 101 by the help of specialized lenses. The captured data is pre-processed and is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data. Then, the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images This acquired data is further processed by the processor and then an inbuilt microcontroller analysed the processed data to detect dimensions of the inserted ball.

[0027] Herein, a spiral shaped curved rail 201 is arranged on inner periphery of the body 101 for accommodating the inserted ball. The rail 201 is integrated with multiple motorized hinges 202 ranges between four to six in number that are actuated by the microcontroller to tilt portions of the rail 201 in view of forming a curved structure of the rail 201 for engaging the ball on the rail 201. The motorized hinge 202 joint comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed within the surface of the rail 201. The leafs are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge 202.

[0028] The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in opening and closing of the hinge 202 respectively. Hence, the microcontroller actuates the hinge 202 that in turn provides movement to the rail 201 to tilt for forming the curved structure of the rail 201 for engaging the ball on the rail 201. This results in translation of the engaged ball along the rail 201 towards base of the body 101.

[0029] The rail 201 is further integrated with multiple suction units 203 ranges between four to six in number, at varying lengths in the rail 201 that are actuated by the microcontroller to acquire a grip on the translated ball in view of holding the ball along the rail 201 at an optimum distance from balls stored in the body 101. The suction units 203 comprise a bowl-shaped cup 204 alike entity having two openings in which one side of the opening has a larger diameter and another side has a smaller diameter wherein the smaller diameter of the cup is attached with a vacuum pump 205 via conduit that is interlinked with the microcontroller as well as the larger diameter of the cup is attached with a mesh arrangement for preventing passage of particles.

[0030] On actuation, the pump 205 creates a negative pressure which in turn creates a vacuum inside the cup for gripping and holding the ball at the optimum distance from the other balls ensuring the proper distance between the two consecutive balls stored inside the body 101 and along the rail 201. The balls are stored along the rail 201 at the optimum distance for each other in view of preventing rubbing of surface the ball against each other that leads to damage of the balls.

[0031] Additionally, a cushioned padding 206 is integrated at base of the body 101 and underneath the lid 102 in view of providing cushioning effect to the stored balls in case the balls get dispensed from grip of the suction units 203. The cushioned padding 206 is made up by material which includes but not limited to foam, feather etcetera. This cushioned padding 206 absorbs the shock and prevents the balls dispensed from grip of the suction units 203 accidently from any damage. The cushioned padding 206 provides a soft space to the balls which deforms according to the fallen balls shape and absorbs the impact in order to safeguard the ball from any scratch or deformation.

[0032] Moreover, multiple electronically controlled nozzles 207 ranges between four to six in number, are integrated on peripheral portion of the body 101 that are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense pressurized air on the stored balls in view of removing any dust deposited on the balls. The electronic nozzle 207 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize an air flow in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of the air into kinetic energy, which increases the air's velocity to high velocity. Upon actuation of nozzle 207 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump 205 pressurizes the incoming air, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the air to be sprayed out with a high force, thus cleaning the dirt/dust deposited on the balls.

[0033] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0034] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cylindrical body 101 as disclosed in the invention is associated with the device and accessed by the user for storing golf balls. Herein, the lid 102 is arranged at top portion of the body 101 that is accessed by the user for inserting the golf ball inside the body 101. Upon inserting the balls inside the body 101, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures and processes multiple surrounding images in vicinity of the body 101 to determine dimensions of the inserted ball. Then, multiple motorized hinges 202 are actuated by the microcontroller to tilt portions of the rail 201 in view of forming a curved structure of the rail 201 for engaging the ball on the rail 201, followed by translation of the engaged ball along the rail 201 towards base of the body 101. The rail 201 is further integrated with multiple suction units 203 at varying lengths that are actuated by the microcontroller to acquire the grip on the translated ball in view of holding the ball along the rail 201 at an optimum distance from balls stored in the body 101. The balls are stored along the rail 201 at the optimum distance for each other in view of preventing rubbing of surface the ball against each other. Additionally, in case the balls get dispensed from grip of the suction units 203, the cushioned padding 206 provides the cushioning effect to the stored balls and prevent the balls from any damage. Then, multiple electronically controlled nozzles 207 are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense pressurized air on the stored balls and removes any dust deposited on the balls and makes the ball clean and useable properly.

[0035] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adjustable golf ball storage device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical body 101 associated with said device and accessed by a user for storing golf balls, wherein a lid 102 is arranged at top portion of said body 101 that is accessed by said user for inserting a golf ball inside said body 101;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 embedded on said body 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple surrounding images in vicinity of said body 101, respectively to determine dimensions of said inserted ball, wherein a spiral shaped curved rail 201 is arranged on inner periphery of said body 101 for accommodating said inserted ball;
iii) plurality of motorized hinges 202 integrated on said rail 201 that are actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to tilt portions of said rail 201 in view of forming a curved structure of said rail 201 for engaging said ball on said rail 201, followed by translation of said engaged ball along said rail 201 towards base of said body 101; and
iv) plurality of suction units 203 integrated along said rail 201 at varying lengths that are actuated by said microcontroller to acquire a grip on said translated ball in view of holding said ball along said rail 201 at an optimum distance from balls stored in said body 101, wherein said balls are stored along said rail 201 at said optimum distance for each other in view of preventing rubbing of surface said ball against each other.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cushioned padding 206 is integrated at base of said body 101 and underneath said lid 102 in view of providing cushioning effect to said stored balls in case said balls get dispensed from grip of said suction units 203.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of electronically controlled nozzles 207 are integrated on peripheral portion of said body 101 that are actuated by said microcontroller to dispense pressurized air on said stored balls in view of removing any dust deposited on said balls.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said body 101 for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

Documents