WO2006024053A1

WO2006024053A1 - A kicking tee

Info

Publication number: WO2006024053A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2005/000131
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pieter Conley Annandale
Original assignee: Pieter Conley Annandale
Priority date: 2004-08-27
Filing date: 2005-08-26
Publication date: 2006-03-02

Abstract

The invention provides a kicking tee [10] for use with a rugby ball [12] which has a ground engaging base [14] and a cradle [16] whereon the ball is received and which is movably attached to the base to allow relative movement, in at least a first plane, between the cradle and the base in order to vary the orientation of the ball on the cradle relatively to the base.

Description

A KICKING TEE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a kicking tee for use with a rugby ball or any similar ball in a ball game.

[0002] A rugby ball has an oval shape and is used in various ball sports. Players often position the ball on a playing surface for place kicks such as for penalty kicks or for the conversion of tries. Previously, for the execution of place kicks, players placed the ball on a mound of soil or the like. In recent years the use of moulded kicking tees has been preferred. Such tees are invariably substantially cylindrically shaped and the ball is placed on the tee in the desired orientation to suit the preference of the player executing the kick.

[0003] Tees of this kind require the player to manually position the ball in the correct orientation before each kick and the player has to find the correct position of the ball on the tee before each kick. There is limited time allowed for a player to place the ball and complete the kick and any delay in placing the ball on the tee adds additional pressure on the player who often has to execute the kick under stressful conditions.

[0004] Known tees have a fixed shape and the applicant has observed that players often adapt the tees for their specific preferences by removing or adding material to their personal kicking tees. An individual player often uses different kicking tees with different orientations for use on different positions on the field which depend on the type of kick executed such as for example a short distance conversion or penalty kick, a medium distance conversion or penalty kick, a long distance conversion or penalty kick or a high kick to start the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention aims to provide an alternative kicking tee which might alleviate some of the aforementioned problems.

[0006] The invention provides a kicking tee for use with a bal which includes a base member and a cradle formation whereon the ball is received and which is movably attached to the base member to allow relative movement in at least a first plane between the cradle formation and the base member in order to vary the orientation of the ball on the cradle formation relatively to the base member.

[0007] The base member may include a ground engaging formation. The ground engaging formation may include a plurality of radially extending feet formations. Alternatively the ground engaging formation includes an enlarged circular foot formation.

[0008] The base member may include first and second upstanding and opposing attachment shoulders with which the cradle formation is engaged. The base member may include a hollow between the opposing shoulders.

[0009] The cradle formation may include a plurality of support members on which the ball is supported. The cradle formation may be movable relatively to the base member by moving vertically up and down, by rotating at least partially in a horizontal plane or by pivoting at least partially in a vertical plane.

[0010] The kicking tee may include a pivot means between the base member and the cradle formation. The pivot means may include a passage in the base member and a spigot which extends from the cradle formation and which extends into the passage.

The passage may be tapered and may have a first set of rib formations. The spigot may be tapered and may have a second set of rib formations. Preferably the passage and the spigot have complimentary shapes and the spigot is lockingly engageable with the passage.

[0011] The pivot means may include a hole in the base member and a shaft which extends from the cradle formation and which extends through the hole. The shaft may include an enlarged head which traps the shaft in the hole.

[0012] The kicking tee may include an orientation indicator means on the base member or on the cradle formation. The indicator means may include indicia on the base member or on the cradle formation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a rugby ball positioned on a kicking tee of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the ball and tee of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 is a side view of the ball and tee of Figure 1 in use;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example of another kicking tee according to the invention;

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tee of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is an exploded side view of the tee of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a side view of a further example of a kicking tee according to the invention; and

Figure 8 is a different example of a kicking tee according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a kicking tee 10 for use with a ball 12 such as an oval shaped rugby ball.

[0015] The tee 10 has a ground engaging base 14 and a holder or cradle 16 on which the ball 12 is supported. The base 14 sits on a playing surface or ground 18 and has a ground engaging formation 20. In this example the ground engaging formation 20 is in the form of a plurality of radially extending feet formations 22 which ensures stability of the base 14 on the ground 18.

[0016] The cradle 16 has a general cup shape and has a plurality of support members 24 which support the ball 12. In this example each of the support members 24 is in the form of a finger formation 26. [0017] The cradle 16 is movably attached to the base 14 by way of a pivot means or a hinge point 28 between the base 14 and the cradle 16.

[0018] The base 14 has two upwardly extending and opposing shoulders 30 and the cradle 16 has an insert 32 which extends between the shoulders 30. The insert 32 is located in a hollow 33 in the base 14 between the shoulders 30. A shaft 34 extends between the shoulders 30 and through the insert 32.

[0019] The hinge point 28 allows the cradle 16 to pivot in a vertical plane relatively to the base 14 and allows the variation of the orientation of the ball 12 on the cradle 16 relatively to the base 14 as is shown in dotted outlines in Figure 1.

[0020] The tees 10 are injection moulded from an appropriate, soft and flexible plastics material.

[0021] In use the cradle 16 is moved about the hinge point 28 to a desired orientation of the cradle 16 relatively to the base 14 and places the ball 12 on the cradle 16 in its desired orientation. The cradle 16 can be locked in the desired position by forcing the shoulders 30 towards one another in order to trap the insert 32 between them by way of the shaft 34.

[0022] As is shown in Figure 3 the tee 10 keeps the ball 12 in the set orientation and allows a player 36 to kick the ball.

[0023] Depending on the type of kick which the player 36 intends the orientation of the ball 12 relatively to the base 14 can be varied by pivoting the cradle 16 about the hinge point 28 relatively to the base 14 and also by placing the ball 12 in a different position on the cradle 16. The supports 24 hold the ball 12 firmly and prevents unintended movement of the ball 12 on the tee 10.

[0024] Figures 4, 5 and 6 show another example of a kicking tee 1OA according to the invention. Similar reference numerals used for similar components in the description of the kicking tee 10 are used in respect of the tee 1OA and only the differences between the tee 10 and the tee 1OA are described.

[0025] The base 14A of the tee 10A has an enlarged circular ground engaging formation 2OA. The ground engaging formation 2OA is in the form of a foot 40 which stands on the ground 18. The large circumference of the foot 40 provides stability for the base 14A on the ground 18.

[0026] The base 14A has an annular shape in plan view and a central opening 42 is defined by the base 14A.

[0027] Opposing recesses 44A.B are formed on the base 14A between the opposing shoulders 30.

[0028] The cradle 16A is circular in plan view and is at least partially located in the opening 42. The cradle 16A has a central cavity 46 and the supports 24 are in the form of upstanding pillars 48 which surround the cavity 46.

[0029] The cradle 16A is movable relatively to the base 14A and pivots in a vertical plane relatively to the base 14A and about a pivot means or hinge point 28A.

[0030] The hinge point 28A has a passage 50 which extends through the shoulder 3OA, a spigot 52 which extends from the cradle 16A, a hole 54 in the shoulder 3OB and a shaft 56 which extends from the cradle 16A. The passage 50 and hole 54 are in vertical alignment and the spigot 52 and shaft 56 are in vertical alignment.

[0031] The passage 50 and the spigot 52 are complementally shaped and the spigot 52 extends into and through the passage 50. The passage 50 is tapered and has a first set of ribs 58 which extend parallel with the direction in which the spigot 52 extends. The spigot 52 has a complimentary tapered shape to that of the passage 50 and has a second set of ribs 60 which lockingly engage with the first set of ribs 58.

[0032] The shaft 56 extends through the hole 54 and is freely rotatable inside the hole 54. The shaft 56 has an enlarged head 62 which is press fitted through the hole 54 and which at least partially traps the shaft 56 in the hole 54.

[0033] In order to fit the shaft 56 through the hole 54, the base 14A is flexed open and once the shaft 56 is pressed into the hole 54 the spigot 52 is inserted into the passage 58 by compressing the cradle 16A and stretching the base 14A open. Once the spigot 52 is inserted into the passage 50 the first and second sets of ribs 58, 60 interengage and lock the cradle 16A to the base 14A to prevent movement of the cradle 16A relatively to the base 14A.

[0034] In order to adjust the position of the cradle 16A relatively to the base 14A the cradle 16A is compressed and the base 14A is stretched to withdraw the spigot 52 partially from the passage 58. The tapered profiles of the spigot 52 and the passage 50 allow the first and second sets of ribs 58, 60 to disengage and for the cradle 16A to be rotatable on the shaft 56 relatively to the base 14A. [0035] In this manner the player 36 can move the cradle 16A to the desired orientation thereof relatively to the base 14A and lock the cradle 16A in this position relatively to the base 14A.

[0036] The tee 10A has an orientation indicator means 64 which is in the form of indicia 66A, 66B on the base 14A and cradle 16A. The indicia 66A on the base 14A is in the form of a calibration ruler which extends at least partially around the passage 50. The indicia 66B on the cradle 16A is in the form of an arrow on the leading end of the spigot 52. The indicator 64 provides a reference point for the player of the relative orientation of the cradle 16A relatively to the base 14A.

[0037] By using the indicator 64 the player 36 can mark specific orientations of the cradle 16A relatively to the base 14A for use during different types of kicks.

[0038] The tee 10A is used in the same manner as the tee 10 and the base 14A is placed on the ground 18 and the ball 12 is positioned on and supported by the pillars 48 of the cradle 16A.

[0039] The cradle 16 pivots inside the opening 42 and the cavity 46 can receive an end of the ball 12 if the ball is positioned in a vertical orientation.

[0040] The recess 44 allows the ball 12 to extend downwardly from the cradle 16A and avoids contact between the ball 12 and the base 14. The recess 44 also provides a clean path of travel for a boot 67 of the player 36 to approach the ball 12 on the cradle 16A without contacting the base 14A.

[0041] Figure 7 shows a different kicking tee 10B. Similar reference numerals used for similar components identified in respect of the kicking tees 10 and 10A are used in respect of the tee 1OB and only the differences between the tees 10, 1OA and the tee 1OB are described.

[0042] In the tee 10B the hinge point 28B is vertically movable up and down. A first set of opposing rail formations 68 are formed in the base 14B at the opposing shoulders 30. Movable brackets 70 are fitted to the rails 68 and the passage 50 and hole 54 are formed in the respective brackets 70.

[0043] The tee 1OB is used in the same manner as the tees 10, 1 OA with the additional advantage that the height of the ball 12 on the cradle 16B can also be adjusted relatively to the base 14B by moving the cradle 16B up or down on the base 14B. In other words the cradle 16B of the tee 1 OB can move vertically up and down relatively to the base 14B and can pivot in a vertical plane relatively to the base 14B.

[0044] Figure 8 shows another kicking tee 1OC. Similar reference numerals used for similar components identified in respect of the tees 10, 1OA and 10B are used in respect of the tee 10C and only the differences between the tee 10C and the tees 10, 10A and 10B are described.

[0045] In the tee 10C a second set of opposing rails 72 are vertically positioned on the base 14C to allow, at least partial rotation of the cradle 16C relatively to the base 14C. The cradle 16C of the tee 10C can therefore be moved by rotating the cradle 16C relatively to the base 14C and by pivoting the cradle 16C on a vertical plane relatively to the base 14C.

[0046] By combining the first set of rails 68 on the base which is shown in Figure 7 and the second set of rails 72 on the cradle a kicking tee which allows vertical up and down movement of the cradle relatively to the base, limited rotational movement of the cradle relatively to the base and pivotal movement in a vertical plane between the cradle and the base can be made.

[0047] The tees 10, 10A, 10B and 10C allow a player to orientate the ball 12 and the cradle 16A,B,C relatively to the base 14A₁B₁C according to the player 36's kicking preferences and allows the ball 12 to be kicked according to various techniques. By orientating the ball 12 correctly relatively to the base 14A₁B₁C the player 36's ability to kick the ball 12 sweetly regardless of the kicking technique employed by the player 36 could be improved. Additionally the time required for placing and orientating the ball 12 is reduced which allows more time for the player 36 to complete the kick. By varying the orientation of the cradle 16 relatively to the base 14 a single tee 10A,B,C can be used for a variety of different types of kicks.

Claims

1. A kicking tee for use with a bal which includes a base member and a cradle formation whereon the ball is received and which is movably attached to the base member to allow relative movement in at least a first plane between the cradle formation and the base member in order to vary the orientation of the ball on the cradle formation relatively to the base member.

2. A kicking tee according to claim 1 wherein the base member includes a ground engaging formation.

3. A kicking tee according to claim 2 wherein the ground engaging formation includes a plurality of radially extending feet formations.

4. A kicking tee according to claim 2 wherein the ground engaging formation includes an enlarged circular foot formation.

5. A kicking tee according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the base member includes first and second upstanding and opposing attachment shoulders with which the cradle formation is engaged.

6. A kicking tee according to claim 5 wherein the base member includes a hollow between the opposing shoulders.

7. A kicking tee according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the cradle formation includes a plurality of support members on which the ball is supported.

8. A kicking tee according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the cradle formation is movable relatively to the base member by moving vertically up and down, by rotating at least partially in a horizontal plane or by pivoting at least partially in a vertical plane.

9. A kicking tee according to any one of claims 1 to 8 which includes a pivot means between the base member and the cradle formation.

10. A kicking tee according to claim 9 wherein the pivot means includes a passage in the base member and a spigot which extends from the cradle formation and which extends into the passage.

11. A kicking tee according to claim 10 wherein the passage is tapered and has a first set of rib formations.

12. A kicking tee according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the spigot is tapered and has a second set of rib formations.

13. A kicking tee according to claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the passage and spigot have complimentary shapes and wherein the spigot is lockingly engageable with the passage.

14. A kicking tee according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the pivot means includes a hole in the base member and a shaft which extends from the cradle formation and which extends through the hole.

15. A kicking tee according to claim 14 wherein the shaft includes an enlarged head which traps the shaft in the hole.

16. A kicking tee according to any one of claims 1 to 15 which includes an orientation indicator means on the base member or on the cradle formation.

17. A kicking tee according to claim 16 wherein the indicator means includes indicia on the base member or on the cradle formation.