WO2002049480A1

WO2002049480A1 - Dispenser of golf clubs or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2002049480A1
Application number: PCT/FR2001/004185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno Esteve
Original assignee: Triagolf
Priority date: 2000-12-21
Filing date: 2001-12-21
Publication date: 2002-06-27
Also published as: AU2002226502A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a dispenser (1) of at least an article comprising a handle (4a) or a like elongated part, in particular a golf club (4) or a billiard cue. The invention is characterised in that the dispenser comprises a support (9) for receiving said at least one article, and at least a locking member (10) mobile relative to the support, in response to an opening control, between a locking position preventing the article(s) from being removed and an unlocked position allowing the article(s) to be removed, the support and the locking member being configured so that the article (4) tilts when the locking member shifts from the locking position (10) to the unlocked position.

Description

The present invention relates to a distributor of at least one article comprising a handle or a similar elongated part, in particular a golf club or a billiard cue. The invention relates more particularly to a dispenser capable of preventing the withdrawal of articles in the absence of an opening control action.

German patent application DE 34 04 971 discloses a distributor of billiard cues in which the latter are held captive by the distributor by means of electromagnets comprising movable locking elements capable of engaging in grooves produced on the sleeves.

Such a dispenser requires to provide specific grooves on the articles, which makes it difficult to use standard equipment. "

There is a need to benefit from a device capable of both preventing the withdrawal of the item (s) reliably in the absence of an opening command and of allowing easy removal of the item (s) in response to an order while being relatively simple and inexpensive to construct.

The object of the invention is therefore, according to one of its aspects, among others, a dispenser of at least one article comprising a handle or a similar elongated part, in particular a golf club or a pool cue, dispenser being characterized by the fact that it comprises a support for receiving said at least one article, and at least one locking member movable relative to the support, in response to an opening command, between a locking position preventing removal of the item (s) and an unlocked position allowing the removal of the item (s), the support and the locking member being configured so that the item rocks when the locking member moves from the locking position to the position unlocked.

Thanks to the invention, there is an apparatus which is of relatively simple and inexpensive construction and which makes it possible to present the article to a user in a tilted forward position, in particular in order to facilitate its gripping and symbolize the provision. Advantageously, in the locking position, the article is already tilted forward and tilts further forward when the locking member passes into the unlocked position. Thus, when the article is a golf club stored head up on the support, the head can spontaneously pivot forward when the article is placed on the support, due to the inclination of the club . An aesthetic presentation is thus obtained, the golf clubs being arranged with their heads inclined in a common direction. In a particular implementation of the invention, the locking member comprises a pusher capable of holding the article against a bearing surface of the support, in said locking position.

The pusher is advantageously arranged so that, when it passes from the locked position to the unlocked position, it causes the article to tilt forwards.

The pusher may comprise, on a face opposite the article, a flexible lining. The support may comprise, on the abovementioned bearing surface, a flexible lining. Thus, the article can be clamped between two flexible linings when the locking member is in the locking position. In another example of implementation of the invention, the locking member comprises a fork capable of engaging on the handle or the elongated part of the article, so as to hold the article against a surface of support support, in said locking position.

In an exemplary implementation, the locking member is controlled by an actuator.

The latter may include one of the following elements: a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder, an electric motor with rack, a gas or spiral spring.

Preferably, the support comprises a housing inclined relative to a vertical axis, this housing being provided with an opening making it possible to receive at least the handle or the elongated part of the article, the dimensions of the housing being chosen so that the article can tilt back and forth when the locking member moves from the locking position to the unlocked position.

The housing may have, at least at its upper part, a circular cross section.

Alternatively, the housing has, at least at its upper part, an oblong cross section. In a particular implementation, the distributor comprises a plurality of housings each intended to receive an article.

These housings may each have an upper opening, said openings being able to be arranged substantially in an arc, for example a semicircle.

The dispenser may include a plurality of locking members, each associated with a housing, and which can be controlled individually. Thus it is possible to authorize only the withdrawal of certain articles only.

Each locking member can be controlled by a control member such as a button, allowing a user to control the unlocking of the locking member.

In a particular implementation, the dispenser comprises at least one detector making it possible to detect the return of an article on the support, after use.

The article or articles may each include a coding element which can be chosen from one of the following elements: an inductive or resistive electronic component, capable of resonating for a particular frequency or having a predetermined electrical resistivity, a transponder, a bar code or an optical or electronic device.

In an exemplary implementation, the article is a golf club and the support is arranged so as to receive the golf club head up. The golf club may include a coding element housed in a cavity located at the end of the handle opposite the head of the club.

The distributor may include a device or terminal arranged so as to allow a user to provide data relating to an account to be debited, for example a bank account, and to send data authorizing, after verification of the data supplied by the user, unlocking said at least one locking member.

The user can then remove the article or articles which he wishes to use after pressing the command key or keys corresponding to this or these articles, for example. The aforementioned device may include a card reader and possibly at least one of the following elements: a keyboard, a screen, in particular a TFT LCD screen, means of connection to a server, an electronic card of PC type, at least one button control.

The device can also include a bale dispenser.

The dispenser may include at least one console arranged so as to receive said item or items, said console being able to be attached or not to the aforementioned device.

When the dispenser comprises a plurality of consoles, each of them may or may not be attached to said device and / or to an adjacent console.

The device can be used to control a simulator or other device.

Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, a dispenser of at least one article comprising a handle or a similar elongated part, in particular a golf club or a billiard cue, this dispenser being characterized by the fact that it comprises a support for receiving said at least one article, and at least one locking member movable relative to the support, in response to an opening command, between a locking position preventing the withdrawal of the article or articles and a unlocked position allowing the removal of the item (s), said locking member and said support having facing faces capable of clamping said handle or said elongated part together, in said locking position. These facing faces may include elastic linings, in particular made of elastomer. Such a dispenser makes it possible to use standard articles. Another subject of the invention is, according to another of its aspects, a dispenser of a plurality of articles comprising a handle or a similar elongated part, in particular golf clubs or billiard cues, this dispenser being characterized by fact that it comprises a plurality of housings each opening to the outside through an individual opening, each housing being intended to receive an article introduced by said opening, the dispenser further comprising means capable of locking the articles inside the corresponding housings, in the absence of an opening command, and to release at least one of the articles in response to an opening command.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of nonlimiting examples, and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 shows schematically and partially, in perspective, a dispenser according to a first example of implementation of the invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 schematically and partially in perspective, two variants of the dispenser of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 4 and 5 very schematically represent the dispenser of FIG. 1, in cross section along IN-IN, the dispenser being in two different operating positions,

FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic and partial view of a locking member of the dispenser of FIG. 1,

- Figures 7 and 8 show very schematically and partially a locking member according to another example of implementation of the invention, - Figure 9 shows schematically and partially, in following section

IX-IX, the locking member of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 schematically represents, in perspective, a dispenser according to a second example of implementation of the invention,

FIGS. 11A to 11D show schematically and partially, in section along XI-XI, the dispenser of FIG. 10 in four different operating positions, and

- Figures 12A and 12B show partially and schematically, in section along XII-XII, the dispenser of Figure 10 in two different operating positions. There is shown in Figure 1 a distributor 1 according to a first example of implementation of the invention.

The dispenser 1 comprises a console 2 provided with a plurality of housings each receiving a golf club 4.

Each of the housings 3 is defined by a support 9 fixed within the console 2. The housings 3 each have an opening 5 making it possible to receive the handle 4a of a golf club 4.

In the example described, the openings 5 are circular with a diameter greater than the diameter of the handle 4a. The openings 5 are arranged substantially in a semicircle, open towards the front of the console 2. It is not going beyond the ambit of the invention when the openings are arranged otherwise.

Alternatively, as illustrated in Figure 3, the openings 5 may have an oblong shape. In general, the housings 3 have a cross section of dimensions chosen so that a golf club stored in a housing 3 can tilt from back to front, as will be explained below.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the housings 3 are inclined towards the front of the console 2 so that, when a golf club 4 is placed in a housing 3 head up, the club 4 tends to pivot spontaneously in a position in which the head 4b of the club is tilted forward and downward.

Each housing 3 is associated with a locking member 10, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 6. The locking member 10 comprises a pusher 11 having a front face covered by a flexible lining 12.

The pusher 11 is movable between a locking position and an unlocked position, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively.

In its locked position, the pusher 11 pushes the handle 4a of the golf club against a flexible lining 15 fixed on a rear wall 16 of the corresponding housing 3.

To pass into the unlocked position, the pusher 11 is moved apart from the rear wall 16 so as to release the handle 4a from the club.

The pusher 11 is disposed relative to the corresponding housing 3 so that, when it passes into its unlocked position, it allows the club 4 to tilt forwards, which then takes a greater inclination than in the position of locking.

Each locking member 10 is controlled by an actuator 18 constituted for example by a pneumatic cylinder. The console 2 may include a compressor, not shown, in particular a compressor of reduced size, making it possible to actuate the actuators 18. This compressor could be housed elsewhere than in the console 2.

It is not going beyond the scope of the present invention to replace the pusher 11 previously described by a fork 20. There has been shown with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 such a fork 20, capable of engaging on the handle 4a of the club so to push the latter against an edge of the opening 5, as can be seen in FIG. 8. The club is then retained in the console 2.

We pass from the locking position to the unlocked position by moving the fork 20 so as to disengage it from the handle 4a. The club 4 can then tilt forward, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The console 2 includes a plurality of keys 30 each associated with a locking member 10 allowing a user, by pressing one of them, to command the unlocking of the associated locking member and to remove the golf club by moving it upwards.

The dispenser 1 comprises, in addition to the console 2, a device or terminal 35 comprising a card reader 36, a screen 37, a keyboard 38 and control buttons 45 arranged around the screen 37.

The card reader 36 makes it possible to receive a payment card from a user and to debit the associated account with an amount corresponding to the use of golf clubs. The keyboard 38 allows in particular the user to enter the secret code linked to the card.

The device 35 can also include a bale dispenser provided with a dispensing opening 39.

The device 35 is arranged contiguously to the console 2, in the example illustrated.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the console 2 is distant from terminal 35.

In the example of FIG. 1, the distributor 1 comprises a single console 2.

As a variant, as shown in FIG. 2, the distributor 1 may include a plurality of consoles 2.

The latter can for example be arranged on each side of the device 35.

Thus a large number of types of golf clubs can be made available to users. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the console 2 may include, for each housing 3, a presence detector 40, making it possible to detect the presence of a golf club in the corresponding housing 3. The detector 40 can, for example, be arranged so as to interact with a transponder housed in a cavity of the handle 4a of the golf club.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a console 201 in accordance with another example of implementation of the invention, comprising a frame 202 and a support 203 intended for the storage, in the example described, of twelve golf clubs 4 .

The support 203 comprises a lower part 204, a rear panel 207 extending upwards the lower part 204 and a front panel 208 connecting to the rear panel 207 by means of two lateral returns 210.

The frame 202 has a return 219 in the upper part, at the front. As can be seen in FIGS. 11 A to 11D, the front 208 and rear 207 panels define, with the lower part 204, a housing 212 into which the sleeves 4a of the golf clubs 4 can be introduced.

The front panel 208 defines with the lower part 204 an opening 214 facilitating the cleaning of the bottom of the housing 212 and the evacuation of dust. The lower part 204 of the support 203, houses presence detectors 220 near the bottom 211 of the housing 212, arranged to determine whether the golf clubs 4 are properly replaced in the housing 212, after use.

In the example described, each detector 220 includes a magnetic sensor, for example a magnetic coil, allowing the detection at a short distance of a coding element, for example a chip, fixed on the club.

The support 203 can pivot around a horizontal axis X extending parallel to the lower edge of the support 203 between an initial locking position corresponding to FIG. 11A prohibiting the removal of the clubs, and an unlocked final position corresponding to FIG. 11C allowing withdrawal from clubs. When the support 203 is in its final position, the upper edge of the rear panel 207 remains set back from the return 219, as can be seen in FIG. 11C in particular.

The device 201 comprises, above the front panel 208, a locking member 221 comprising a strip 221a which can be moved apart or closer to the rear panel 207.

The strip 221a is supported by rods 221b, two in number in the example described, which can slide through the rear panel 207. These rods 221b are connected to a pusher 230, itself connected in an articulated fashion about a horizontal axis X ′ to two rods 225 of actuators 226.

The actuators 226 can be of any type, and be constituted in particular by hydraulic, pneumatic, electric jacks, by electric motors with racks or by gas springs or spirals.

The actuators 226 are integral with the frame 202 and are connected to control means, not shown, mechanical or electronic.

These control means are capable of triggering the operation of the actuators 226 in response to a control action. The facing surfaces of the strip 221 a and of the rear panel 207 each support a flexible lining 232, these two linings 232 being shaped to clamp between them the golf clubs 4 when the locking member 221 is in its locking position shown on Figures 11 A and 12 A.

In the example described, as can be seen in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the flexible linings 232 have recesses 218 for the passage of the sleeves 215.

The operation of the device 201 is as follows.

It is assumed that the support 203 supports twelve golf clubs 4 arranged vertically in the housing 212.

The golf clubs 4 are enclosed by the flexible linings 232 when the support 203 is in the locked position, as can be seen in FIGS. HA and 12A.

In response to an opening control action, the rods 225 of the actuators 226 are moved in the direction of the support 203, initially causing the spacing of the trim 232, as a result of the displacement of the strip 221a relative to the rear wall 207 , as shown in Figure 11B.

In a second step, the support 203 rocks forwards under the action of the pusher 230 bearing against the rear face of the rear panel 207, as illustrated in FIG. 11C.

The golf clubs 4 can then be removed by the user. Given the inclination of the support 203 and the play existing between the sleeves 215 and the housing 212, the golf clubs 4 are clearly inclined towards the user, which facilitates their gripping and symbolizes the provision. At the end of the game, the user puts the golf clubs 4 back on the support 203, the detectors 220 can detect whether all the golf clubs 4 have been delivered.

In response to a closing command, the rods 225 of the actuators are moved rearward, so as to cause the tightening of the golf clubs between the linings 232 and then the tilting of the support 203 towards the vertical storage position.

Claims

1. Distributor (1) of at least one article comprising a handle (4a) or a similar elongated part, in particular a golf club (4) or a billiard cue, characterized in that the distributor comprises a support (9 ) to receive said at least one article, and at least one locking member (10) movable relative to the support, in response to an opening command, between a locking position preventing the withdrawal of the article or articles and an unlocked position allowing the removal of the article or articles, the support and the locking member being configured so that the article (4) switches when the locking member passes from the locking position (10) to the unlocked position.

2. Dispenser according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, in said locking position, the article (4) is already tilted forward and by the fact that the article tilts more forward when the locking member (10) passes into the unlocked position.

3. Dispenser according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (10) comprises a pusher (11), capable of holding the article (4) against a bearing surface (16) of the support, in said locking position.

4. Dispenser according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pusher (11) is arranged so that, when it passes from the locking position to the unlocked position, it causes the article to tilt towards the 'before.

5. Distributor according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the pusher (11) comprises, on a face opposite the article, a flexible lining (12).

6. Dispenser according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the support comprises, on said bearing surface (16), a flexible lining (15).

7. Distributor according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the locking member comprises a fork (20) capable of engaging on said handle

(4a) or said elongated part of the article, so as to hold the article against a bearing surface of the support, in said locking position.

8. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking member (10) is controlled by an actuator (18).

9. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuator (18) comprises one of the following elements: a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electric cylinder, an electric motor with rack, a gas spring or spiral.

10. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support comprises a housing (3) inclined relative to a vertical axis, this housing (3) being and provided with an opening (5) allowing receive at least the handle or the elongated part of the article, the dimensions of the housing (3) being chosen so that the article can tilt back and forth when the locking member (10) passes from the locking position in the unlocked position.

11. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said housing (3) has, at least at its upper part, a circular cross section.

12. Distributor according to claim 10, characterized in that the housing (3) has, at least at its upper part, an oblong cross section.

13. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of housings (3) each intended to receive an article (4).

14. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said housings each have an upper opening.

15. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said openings (5) are arranged substantially in a semicircle.

16. Distributor according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of locking members (10) each associated with a housing (3).

17. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each locking member (10) is controlled by a control member such as a button (30), allowing a user to control the unlocking of this locking member.

18. Dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one detector (40) making it possible to detect the return of an article on the support, after use.

19. Dispenser according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the item or items (4) each include a coding element.

20. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the coding element is chosen from one of the following elements: an inductive or resistive electronic component, capable of resonating for a particular frequency or having a predetermined electrical resistivity, a transponder, barcode or optical or electronic device.

21. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article is a golf club (4) and in that the support is arranged so as to receive the golf club head up.

22. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the golf club comprises a coding element housed in a cavity situated at the end of the handle opposite the head of the club.

23. Distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device or terminal (35) arranged so as to allow a user to provide data relating to an account to be debited, for example an account bank, and to send data authorizing, after verification of the data supplied by the user, the unlocking of said at least one locking member.

24. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said device comprises a card reader (36).

25. Distributor according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the said device comprises at least one of the following elements: a keyboard (38), a screen (37), for example a TFT LCD screen, means for connection to a server, a PC-type electronic card, control buttons (45).

26. Distributor according to any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that said device comprises a bale distributor.

27. Distributor according to any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that it comprises at least one console (2) arranged so as to receive said or said articles.

28. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one console (2) is attached to said device (35).

29. Distributor according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of consoles.

30. Distributor according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of the consoles (2) is attached to said device and / or to an adjacent console.

31. Distributor of at least one article, comprising a handle or similar elongated part, in particular a golf club or a billiard cue, characterized in that it comprises a support for receiving said at least one article, and at less a locking member movable relative to the support, in response to an opening command, between a locking position preventing the removal of the item (s) and an unlocked position allowing the removal of the item (s), said locking member and said support comprising facing faces capable of clamping said handle or said elongated part together, in said locking position.

32. Distributor of a plurality of articles, comprising a handle or a similar elongated part, in particular golf clubs or billiard cues, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of housings each opening onto the outside by an individual opening, each housing being intended to receive an article introduced through said opening, the dispenser further comprising means capable of locking the articles inside the corresponding housing, in the absence of an opening command, and to release at least one of the articles in response to an opening command.