Ball feeder and method
OwnerJames C. Phillips, Ronald Hermansinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ball feeder and method is presented for loading a tee for use at golf driving ranges or the like. The feeder includes a pivotal hopper which has been filled with golf balls with a hinged chute connected thereto. By manually pivoting the hopper rearwardly, the chute is raised from a base into alignment with the tee as a ball is delivered into the chute for direction to the tee. Upon release, the hopper then pivots forwardly towards the tee and allows the chute to return to its dormant position. An agitator which is connected to the base prevents ball jams within the hopper by turning during the pivoting motion of the hopper.
Claims19
A ball feeder comprising:
- a base, a hopper, an enclosed chute, said chute joined to said hopper for receiving balls therefrom, said chute comprising proximal and distal sections, said proximal section pivotally joined to said base, said proximal section in communication with said hopper, a tee, said tee positioned proximate said base whereby pivoting said hopper will cause a ball contained therein to be directed through said proximal and distal sections of said chute for deposit on said tee.
A ball feeder comprising:
- a base, a pivotal hopper, a chute, said chute pivotally joined to said base, said chute comprising a proximal and a distal section, said proximal section joined to said hopper for receiving balls therefrom, said proximal section hingedly joined to said distal section whereby pivoting said hopper will cause said distal section to raise into axial alignment with said proximal section for receiving balls therefrom.
A method of placing a ball on a tee with a ball feeder having a pivotal hopper and a chute with proximal and distal sections hingedly connected, comprising the steps of:
- a) placing a ball in the hopper;
- b) pivoting the hopper to allow the ball to pass through said proximal and distal chute sections;
- and
- c) delivering the ball to the tee by said distal section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.