WO2024130345A1

WO2024130345A1 - Marker cone tool and system

Info

Publication number: WO2024130345A1
Application number: PCT/AU2023/051374
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adam Littlefield
Original assignee: Original Coney Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Original Coney Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-12-23
Filing date: 2023-12-23
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2025-06-23

Abstract

A marker cone tool and system provides a fast, simple and safe way to place marker cones on the ground. The marker cone tool comprises: an elongate body, on which a plurality of marker cones may be received; a retaining assembly adjacent to an end of the elongate body, and configured to releasably retain the plurality of marker cones to the elongate body; and an actuator, configured to actuate the retaining assembly from a retaining state to a release state. In the retaining state, the retaining assembly is configured to retain the plurality of marker cones to the elongate body, and in the release state, the retaining assembly is configured to release a lowermost marker cone of the plurality of marker cones while retaining the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

Description

MARKER CONE TOOL AND SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a marker cone tool and system. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a device and system for collecting and deploying sporting cones for use in sports training.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Sporting cones are often used to facilitate activities such as soccer, football, basketball, and track and field by demarcating boundaries, creating obstacles, and setting up drills. The use of sporting cones is especially prevalent in various athletic training and coaching settings.

[0003] When training and coaching, it is necessary to lay the sporting cones in a particular arrangement for the desired activity. This is generally done manually by either placing the cones on the ground at their desired location, or by throwing the cones onto the ground and kicking them into position. At the end of an activity, the cones are generally collected manually, e.g. by bending down or kneeling and lifting the cones from the ground individually.

[0004] Often a large number of cones are laid over a relatively large area. Furthermore, in many cases, various activities are performed during a single session using different cone arrangements. In such case, the cones must be collected and re-laid, or otherwise arranged, between each activity.

[0005] A problem with such use of sporting cones is that this repeated laying and collection of sporting cones is time consuming, strenuous, and requires repeated kneeling or bending over. This not only interrupts the flow of a training session as the cones are slowly collected and re- laid, but can be uncomfortable, or in extreme cases, lead to damage or injury, particularly of the knees and back.

[0006] In some instances, coaches will request their athletes to collect the sporting cones on their behalf, to avoid bending or kneeling. This can be disruptive to training for the athletes and may lead to misplaced or lost sporting cones which can be expensive to replace.

[0007] Furthermore, it can be difficult for a coach to articulate to their athletes, or other persons, a desired layout of the sporting cones to enable the athletes or other persons to correctly place the sporting cones for the desired activity. [0008] Certain cone collection and placement devices exist, e.g. for collecting and placing traffic cones on roads. Such devices are, however, very complex and expensive, and are not suited for use in smaller scale sporting, teaching, and similar contexts.

[0009] Furthermore, certain relatively simple sporting cone collection devices exist, which enable users to relatively easily collect a large number of cones. A problem, however, with such devices is that they only assist with collection of the sporting cones, and placement of sporting cones must still be performed manually.

[0010] Similar problems exist for placement of cones in other contexts, e.g. when marking boundaries indoors or outdoors.

[0011 ] As such, there is clearly a need for improved marker cone tool and system.

[0012] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a marker cone tool and system which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0014] With the foregoing in view, according to a first aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a marker cone tool, comprising: an elongate body, on which a plurality of marker cones may be received; a retaining assembly adjacent to an end of the elongate body, and configured to releasably retain the plurality of marker cones to the elongate body; and an actuator, configured to actuate the retaining assembly from a retaining state to a release state, wherein in the retaining state, the retaining assembly is configured to retain the plurality of marker cones to the elongate body, and in the release state, the retaining assembly is configured to release a lowermost marker cone of the plurality of marker cones while retaining the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

[0015] Advantageously, the marker cone tool provides a fast, simple, and safe way to place marker cones on the ground. In particular, as the retaining assembly includes a release state that is configured to release a single (lowermost) marker cone, and the tool comprises an elongate body, the tool is able to dispatch cones individually at desired locations, quickly, simply and without needing to bend or kneel down.

[0016] Preferably, the elongate body comprises a shaft. The marker cones may be substantially frustoconical in shape, with a centrally located aperture. The shaft may be configured to extend through the centrally located aperture.

[0017] Preferably, the elongate body is hollow.

[0018] In some embodiments, a length of the elongate body is adjustable. The length may be adjustable by telescoping.

[0019] Preferably, the elongate body is tapered at the end associated with the retaining assembly.

[0020] Preferably, the marker cone tool comprises a hand tool. The marker cone tool may be configured to be operated in a single-handed configuration.

[0021] Preferably, the tool includes a handle at an end thereof. The handle may be provided on an opposing end of the elongate body to the retaining assembly.

[0022] The actuator may include a trigger assembly associated with the handle. The trigger assembly may comprise a lever or button.

[0023] The handle may extend from an upper end of the elongate body. The handle may extend outwardly from an upper end of the elongate body.

[0024] The handle may be integrally formed with the elongate body. Alternatively, the handle may be coupled to the elongate body.

[0025] A number of trigger assembly variations may be interchangeably coupled to the elongate body.

[0026] In other embodiments, the marker cone tool may be coupled to a trolley or the like. In such case, the actuator may be driven by the trolley, electrically driven, or driven in any other manner.

[0027] The marker cone tool and/or the trolley may be configured with GPS. The GPS may be used to determine a location of the marker cone tool. The actuator may be automatically driven based on the location of the tool, enabling the marker cones to be released at defined locations.

[0028] At least a portion of the actuator may extend along a length of the elongate body. At least a portion of the actuator may comprise a rod extending the length of the elongate body. The actuator may extend down an inside of the elongate body.

[0029] The rod may be configured to move in a direction along a length of the elongate body. The rod may be configured to cause one or more members of the retaining assembly move.

[0030] The retaining assembly may include one or more retaining members, configured to releasably engage with the marker cones.

[0031 ] The retaining assembly may be releasably coupled to the elongate body. Preferably, the releasable coupling of the retaining assembly and the elongate body enables continued dispensing of stacked marker cones. A button or lever on the trigger assembly may cause the release of the retaining assembly from the elongate body. In such instances, a locking means may secure any marker cones to the elongate body.

[0032] Preferably, the one or more retaining members retract into or extend out of the elongate body when they are actuated. In one embodiment, each of the one or more retaining members includes a configuration where they extend out of the elongate body and engage with one or more cones, and a configuration where they do not extend out of the elongate body and do not engage with any cones.

[0033] Preferably, the one or more retaining members pivot outwardly from the elongate body when actuated. The one or more retaining members may be retained to the elongate body using a pin.

[0034] The one or more retaining members may be directly connected to the elongate body. In such instances the elongate body may have a slot, enabling the one or more retaining members move along the length of the slot.

[0035] Preferably, link arms connect the one or more retaining members to the elongate body.

[0036] The link arms may be any suitable shape for directing movement such as a gear or cog.

[0037] Preferably, the retaining assembly comprises one or more first retaining members, and one or more second retaining members.

[0038] Preferably, the one or more first retaining members are configured to releasably retain the lowermost marker cone of the plurality of marker cones.

[0039] In some embodiments, the one or more first retaining members operate in a unidirectional manner similar to a door latch.

[0040] Preferably, the one or more second retaining members are configured to releasably retain the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

[0041 ] Preferably, in the release state the one or more first retaining members do not extend out of the elongate body and do not engage with any cones, and the one or more second retaining members extend out of the elongate body and engage with the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones. Such configuration allows the lowermost cone to be released while retaining the remaining marker cones.

[0042] Preferably, in the retaining state the one or more first retaining members extend out of the elongate body and engage with a lowermost cone of the plurality of marker cones, and the one or more second retaining members do not extend out of the elongate body and do not engage with any marker cones. Such configuration allows the remaining cones to fall down onto the one or more first retaining members after a cone has been released.

[0043] Preferably, the one or more first retaining members include arms biased into an out position by a spring. The arms may be angled such that force from below causes the arms to deflect inwardly, but force from above does not. Such configuration enables the end of the tool to be pressed down onto a cone, the arms deflect inwardly as the aperture of the cone passes the arm, until the arms snap back into position by the spring, thereby locking the cone in place.

[0044] According to a second aspect, the invention resides broadly in a sporting cone system comprising a cone tool according to the first aspect and a plurality of cones.

[0045] Advantageously, the marker cone tool provides a fast, simple and safe way to place marker cones on the ground. In particular, as the retaining assembly includes a release state that is configured to release a single (lowermost) marker cone, and the tool comprises an elongate body, the tool is able to dispatch cones individually at desired locations, quickly, simply and without needing to bend or kneel down.

[0046] Preferably the marker cones are substantially frustoconical in shape, with a centrally located aperture. The cones may be similar to the type commonly referred to as field markers or witches hats.

[0047] Preferably, the marker cones are made from resilient plastic and have a round aperture.

[0048] Preferably, the cones are configured to nest on the cone tool.

[0049] Preferably, the cones include a spacer element, configured to space the cones from each other when in a nested arrangement. Such configuration enables the one or more second retaining members to engage with a lower portion of a cone that is spaced from the lowermost cone.

[0050] Preferably the spacer element comprises one or more ribs.

[0051 ] Preferably, the spacer element is located inside the cone. In some embodiments, the space element may be demarcated on the outer surface of the cone to ensure that the marker cone tool is operated in the correct orientation.

[0052] Preferably, the ribs extend a continuous length of the internal cone wall. In some embodiments, the ribs extend part of the length of the internal cone wall.

[0053] Preferably, the upper surface of the cones is substantially flat. Preferably, the lower surface of the cones (in contact with the ground) includes a lip that extends outwardly to give the cones additional support.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cones may include RFID tags, or other identifiers.

[0055] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0056] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0057] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a marker cone tool, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged view of an end of the marker cone tool of Figure 1 , illustrating a retaining assembly thereof in the retaining state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0060] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of an end of the marker cone tool of Figure 1 , illustrating the retaining assembly thereof in the release state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061 ] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool of Figure 1 , illustrating the retaining assembly thereof in the retaining state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates an enlarged upper perspective cross-sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool of Figure 1 , illustrating the retaining assembly thereof in the retaining state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool of Figure 1 , illustrating the retaining assembly thereof in the retaining state, and partially loading a cone, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool of Figure 1 , illustrating the retaining assembly thereof in the release state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 8 illustrates a simplified view of a training system 800, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0067] Embodiments of marker cone tools and systems are described below that provide a fast, simple, and safe way to place marker cones on the ground.

[0068] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a marker cone tool 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The marker cone tool 100 includes an elongate body in the form of a shaft 105, on which a plurality of marker cones (not illustrated) may be received. The shaft 105 includes a retaining assembly 1 10 adjacent to a distal end of the shaft 105, which is configured to releasably retain the plurality of marker cones to shaft 105. [0070] In particular, the marker cones are generally substantially frustoconical in shape, with a centrally located aperture. The shaft 105 is configured to extend through the centrally located aperture, and the retaining assembly 110 is configured to releasable retain the marker cones to the shaft 105, by preventing the cones from sliding off from the end of the shaft.

[0071 ] The marker cone tool 100 includes an actuator assembly comprising a lever 120, which is configured to actuate the retaining assembly 1 10 to enable the cones to be selectively released from the tool. The lever 120 is positioned in association with a handle 125, to enable single handled operation of the tool 100.

[0072] The lever 120 is coupled to the retaining assembly 1 10 by an internal rod (not illustrated). When the lever 120 is pulled (released), the rod moves in the shaft 105, causing the retaining assembly 110 to move between a retaining state and a release state.

[0073] In the retaining state, the retaining assembly 1 10 is configured to retain the plurality of marker cones to the elongate body. In the retaining state, the retaining assembly 110 is further configured to receive and retain additional marker cones to the elongate body.

[0074] Similarly, in the release state, the retaining assembly 1 10 is configured to release a lowermost marker cone of the plurality of marker cones while retaining the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

[0075] As such, the lever 120 enables marker cones to be selectively and individually placed on desired areas of the ground by the user positioning the tool 100 at a desired location and engaging the lever 120.

[0076] Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged view of an end of the marker cone tool 100, illustrating the retaining assembly 110 in the retaining state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of an end of the marker cone tool 100, illustrating the retaining assembly 1 10 in the release state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] As best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the retaining assembly 1 10 comprises a pair of lower (first) retaining members 205 that are configured to releasably retain the lowermost marker cone of the plurality of marker cones and a pair of upper (second) retaining members 210 that are configured to releasably retain the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

[0078] The lower retaining members 205 extend out from the shaft 105 in the retaining state, and in such state an upper edge thereof function as a shoulder on which a portion of a lowermost cone on the shaft 105 rests.

[0079] The upper retaining members 210 are retracted into the shaft 105 in the retaining state. As such, in this state only the lower retaining members 205 function to retain the cones, and from above.

[0080] As outlined in further detail below, the lower retaining members are angled and spring loaded, such that force from a cone from below (e.g. when the tool is pressed onto a cone) causes the arms to deflect inwardly.

[0081 ] Such configuration enables the end of the tool to be pressed down onto a cone, the arms deflect inwardly as the aperture of the cone passes the arm, pushing any remaining cones upward along the shaft 105 until the arms snap back into position by the spring, thereby locking the cone in place.

[0082] In the release state, the lower retaining members 205 are retracted into the shaft 105, and the upper retaining members 210 extend out from the shaft 105. Such configuration enables the lowermost cone to be released, as the shoulders of the lower retaining members 205 no longer support the lowermost cone, while the upper retaining members 210 retain the remaining cones.

[0083] While the lower retaining members 205 and the upper retaining members 210 are illustrated as pairs of members extending from opposing sides of the shaft 1005, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any other suitable configuration may be used, including single lower and/or upper retaining members 205, 210, or more than two lower and/or upper retaining members.

[0084] Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool 100, illustrating the retaining assembly 110 in the retaining state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates an enlarged upper perspective cross- sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool 100, illustrating the retaining assembly 110 in the retaining state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figures 4 and 5 illustrates the first and second cones 405 on the assembly, but the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any suitable number of cones 405 may be placed on the tool 100. In Figure 5, the first and second cones are slightly lifted, and certain components removed, for the sake of clarity.

[0086] As best illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the cones 405 are substantially frustoconical in shape, with a centrally located aperture. The shaft 105 extends through the centrally located aperture and fits snugly in the aperture, thereby preventing lateral movement of the cones 405 on the shaft.

[0087] The cones 405 are configured to nest on the cone tool 100, and include spacer elements in the form of ribs 410, to space the cones from each other when in a nested arrangement. Such configuration enables the one or more second retaining members to easily engage with a lower portion (underside) of a cone that is spaced from the lowermost cone.

[0088] The lower retaining members 205 are elongate and extend outwardly from channels on respective sides of the shaft. The lower retaining members 205 are pivotally attached to an inside of the shaft 105 at a lower end thereof, and extend out from the channels at an upward angle. The lower retaining members 205 are biased outwardly using a spring 415.

[0089] Such configuration provides a unidirectional loading mechanism that enables cones 405 to be easily pushed on to the tool 100, while retaining cones on the tool from above.

[0090] The lower retaining members 205 are coupled to an internal rod 420, which in turn is coupled to the lever 120. In particular, the lower retaining members 205 are coupled to the rod 420 by link arms 425 and a coupling block 430 such that upward movement of the rod 420 causes the lower retaining members 205 to retract into the shaft 105.

[0091] The link arms 425 include an elongate aperture, coupling the lower retaining members 205 to the coupling block 430 by a pin. This elongate aperture enables the link arms 425, and thus the lower retaining members 205, to move inwardly when loading cones 405, without causing movement of the rod 420.

[0092] Similarly, the upper retaining members 210 are coupled to the coupling block 430 by link arms 435 such that upward movement of the rod 420 causes the upper retaining members 210 to extend outwardly from the shaft 105.

[0093] As outlined above, the tool 100 may be pressed down onto cones 405 to enable quick and easy loading of cones 405.

[0094] Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool 100, illustrating the retaining assembly 110 in the retaining state, and partially loading a cone 405, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] In particular, the end of the cone tool 100 has been pressed into an aperture of a cone 405. As the shaft 105 enters the aperture of the cone 405, the lower retaining members 205 are pushed inwardly, causing the link arms 425 to slide relative to the coupling block 430. As the link arms 425 include an elongate aperture coupling to a pin of the coupling block 430, the link arms are able to slide inwardly without impacting the coupling block 430 or the rod 420. This ensures that the upper retaining members 210 are not inadvertently engaged, which could prevent the loading of cones 405 onto the tool 100.

[0096] Once the aperture passes over the lower retaining members 205, the spring 415 causes the lower retaining members 205 to spring outwardly, thereby locking the cone 405 from below.

[0097] As outlined above, the lever 120 may be pulled to cause the retaining assembly 110 to move between the retaining state and a release state.

[0098] Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the end of the marker cone tool 100, illustrating the retaining assembly 110 in the release state, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] The pulling of the lever 120 causes the rod 420 to move upwardly in the shaft 105. This in turn causes the coupling block 430 to lift, and thereby the link arms 425 to lift and pull the lower retaining members inwardly 205 (and thus retract).

[00100] The link arms 435 are pivotally attached to the upper retaining members 210 at one end, and the coupling block at another end. The upper retaining members 210 are received in a channel that restricts their movement laterally. As such, when the coupling block 430 lifts, the link arms 435 push the upper retaining members 210 outwardly from the shaft 105.

[00101] As such, the upper retaining members 210 function as a shoulder to a cone 405 that is directly above the lowermost cone 405, and which in turn supports any cones 405 there above.

[00102] Such configuration enables the lowermost cone 405 to be released, while retaining the other cones 405 onto the shaft 105.

[00103] The tool 100 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the shaft 105 is formed of steel, aluminium or plastic.

[00104] The tool is preferably lightweight.

[00105] In some embodiments, software is provided for use with the sporting cone tool, that assists a user in placing the cones on the ground.

[00106] The software may be configured to be used on a smartphone or similar portable computing device, and be configured to display an augmented reality representation on a display thereof. The augmented reality representation may include virtual markers indicating to a user where he or she should place cones.

[00107] In some embodiments, the cones may include RFID tags, or other identifiers, enabling the system to identify the cones. In such case, the display may be configured to verify a location of one or more cones, and prompt the user to move cones that are incorrectly positioned.

[00108] Figure 8 illustrates a simplified view of a training system 800, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00109] The training system 800 is application (software) based, and run on a portable computing device 805, such as a tablet or smartphone including a camera and a display.

[00110] The system 800 assists users in placing cones on the ground to perform an exercise or similar, and provides instruction regarding particular exercises. The system 800 may also include a social platform, where users are able to create and share content and interact with each other regarding the content. Users may select exercises (or similar) from the system, upon which instructions are provided.

[0011 1] Initially, the system 800 utilises augmented reality to show the user where to place cones 810 onto the ground. In particular, a camera of the portable computing device captures images of an area, and displays the captured images together with virtual cone images, or other images (e.g. the head of a famous soccer player, actor, singer or a small spot-fire) to show how and where the cones 810 are to be laid.

[00112] A goal 815 or any other identifiable marker, or areas selected by the user, may be used by the system 800 as a reference point.

[00113] The system 800 may then determine whether the cones 810 have been correctly laid through image analysis and comparison with a layout associated with the selected exercise. Once a cone is correctly laid, the associated image may be removed. If a cone 810 is not properly positioned, it may be highlighted, together with instructions regarding how/where to move the cone.

[00114] Once the cones 810 have been properly laid, an exercise may be simulated on the portable computing device 805, as outlined in Figure 8.

[00115] In particular, augmented reality may be used to illustrate movement of a virtual character 820 with reference to the cones. The virtual character 820 may comprise a generic image, an image of a famous player or person, or any suitable image.

[00116] The virtual character 820 may loop through the exercise.

[00117] In some embodiments, one or more videos may be shown in association with the exercise. The video may comprise an actual video of a person performing the exercise, and may be provided as an alternative or addition to augmented reality.

[00118] The user may also create content by filming themselves performing exercises, e.g. with reference to the cones 810. In particular, the user may use the camera of the portable computing device 805 to record the exercise. The system 800 may detect the user’s movement, and replace imagery of the user with a model, imagery of another person (e.g. a famous player or actor), or any other imagery.

[00119] In some training drills, it may be required to place the cones 810 in a particular colour order. The system 800 may then prompt the user to not only place the cones in a particular arrangement, but also in a correct colour order.

[00120] In some embodiments, the software may be provided on a device including laser scanning or the like to provide accurate measurement of cone location and distances.

[00121] While the above embodiments illustrate a handheld tool, on other embodiments, the tool may be incorporated onto a trolley or the like.

[00122] In such case, the elongate body may be coupled to wheels, enabling the tool and cones thereon to be moved by rolling rather than lifting.

[00123] In some embodiments, the tool may include motorised wheels, and thus may resemble a motorised golf buggy.

[00124] In some embodiments, the tool may be separable from a buggy, and thereby function as both a hand tool and a wheeled device.

[00125] In some embodiments, the tool may include straps or other elements for further securing the cones to the tool. Such configuration may be convenient when the tool is transported together with cones, e.g. to and from a venue.

[00126] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [00127] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00128] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A marker cone tool, comprising: an elongate body, on which a plurality of marker cones may be received; a retaining assembly adjacent to an end of the elongate body, and configured to releasably retain the plurality of marker cones to the elongate body; and an actuator, configured to actuate the retaining assembly from a retaining state to a release state, wherein in the retaining state, the retaining assembly is configured to retain the plurality of marker cones to the elongate body, and in the release state, the retaining assembly is configured to release a lowermost marker cone of the plurality of marker cones while retaining the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

2. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the elongate body comprises a shaft, wherein the shaft is configured to extend through a centrally located aperture of the marker cones.

3. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the elongate body is hollow.

4. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein a length of the elongate body is adjustable.

5. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the elongate body is tapered at the end associated with the retaining assembly.

6. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the marker cone tool comprises a hand tool configured to be operated in a single-handed configuration.

7. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the tool includes a handle at an end thereof, the handle provided on an opposing end of the elongate body to the retaining assembly.

8. The marker cone tool of claim 7, wherein the actuator includes a trigger assembly associated with the handle.

9. The marker cone tool of claim 7, wherein the handle extends outwardly from an upper end of the elongate body.

10. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the marker cone tool is coupled to a trolley.

11. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , including a GPS sensor configured to determine a location of the marker cone tool, wherein the actuator is automatically driven based on the location of the tool, enabling the marker cones to be released at defined locations.

12. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the retaining assembly includes one or more retaining members, configured to releasably engage with the marker cones.

13. The marker cone tool of claim 12, wherein the one or more retaining members retract into or extend out of the elongate body when they are actuated.

14. The marker cone tool of claim 12, wherein the one or more retaining members pivot outwardly from the elongate body when actuated.

15. The marker cone tool of claim 12, wherein link arms connect the one or more retaining members to the elongate body.

16. The marker cone tool of claim 1 , wherein the retaining assembly comprises one or more first retaining members, and one or more second retaining members, the one or more first retaining members are configured to releasably retain the lowermost marker cone of the plurality of marker cones, and the one or more second retaining members are configured to releasably retain the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

17. The marker cone tool of claim 16, wherein in the release state the one or more first retaining members do not extend out of the elongate body and do not engage with any cones, and the one or more second retaining members extend out of the elongate body and engage with the remaining marker cones of the plurality of marker cones.

18. The marker cone tool of claim 16, wherein in the retaining state the one or more first retaining members extend out of the elongate body and engage with a lowermost cone of the plurality of marker cones, and the one or more second retaining members do not extend out of the elongate body and do not engage with any marker cones.

19. The marker cone tool of claim 16, wherein the one or more first retaining members include arms biased into an out position by a spring, the arms angled such that force from below causes the arms to deflect inwardly, but force from above does not.

20. A sporting cone system comprising a cone tool according to claim 1 and a plurality of cones.