U.S. patent application number 11/778689 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for ball collecting apparatus and method of use thereof.
Invention is credited to Jeff Beavin.
Application Number | 20080122233 11/778689 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39426804 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080122233 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beavin; Jeff |
May 29, 2008 |
BALL COLLECTING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
Abstract
A ball collecting apparatus and method of use thereof, wherein
the ball collecting apparatus comprises a plurality of selectively
positionable elastic members secured to a plurality of securing
points on a lower portion of a frame or a removable base section
connected to the frame. The plurality of elastic members are
secured to user-selected securing points so that the distance
between the elastic members can accommodate substantially spherical
objects of different sizes. In use, the ball collecting apparatus
is pressed on top of a ball or similar object, causing the elastic
members to separate and allow the ball to enter and be retained
within the frame. Upon entering of the ball within the frame, the
elastic members retract to their original position, therein
preventing the ball from falling back out.
Inventors: |
Beavin; Jeff; (Norcross,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAMSON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, LLC
1870 THE EXCHANGE, SUITE 100
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
39426804 |
Appl. No.: |
11/778689 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
294/19.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 47/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
294/19.2 |
International
Class: |
A63B 47/02 20060101
A63B047/02 |
Claims
1. A ball collecting apparatus comprising: a frame, wherein said
frame further comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and at
least one rigid connector joining said lower portion and said upper
portion; and a plurality of elastic members disposed on said lower
portion of said frame, wherein each of said plurality of elastic
members further comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein
said first end and said second end are selectively secured to
points disposed on said lower portion of said frame, and wherein
said lower portion of said frame further comprises a plurality of
pegs for securing said first end of said plurality of elastic
members and for securing said second end of said plurality of
elastic members, and wherein said plurality of pegs have an
aperture for securing said plurality of elastic members.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of elastic
members are adjustable in length.
3. (canceled)
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lower portion of said
frame and said first end of said plurality of elastic members
comprise cooperative fasteners, and wherein said lower portion of
said frame and said second end of plurality of elastic members
comprises cooperative fasteners.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lower portion of said
frame further comprises a plurality of apertures for securing said
first end of said plurality of elastic members and for securing
said second end of said plurality of elastic members.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising ar least one handle
portion disposed on said frame.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said handle is folded down to
form a stand for said ball collecting apparatus.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first end of said
plurality of elastic members further comprises a mechanism for
securing said first end of said plurality of elastic members to
said frame.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said mechanism comprises a
hook.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said mechanism comprises a
loop.
11. (canceled)
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of pegs are
removably secured to said lower portion of said frame.
13. (canceled)
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of pegs have a
lower portion secured to said lower portion of said frame and an
upper portion, wherein said upper portion has a securing
flange.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. A ball collecting apparatus comprising: a frame, wherein said
frame further comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and at
least one rigid connector joining said lower portion and said upper
portion; and a plurality of elastic members disposed on said lower
portion of said frame, wherein each of said plurality of elastic
members further comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein
said first end and said second end are selectively secured to
points disposed on said lower portion of said frame, wherein said
lower portion of said frame further comprises a plurality of rings
for securing said first end of said plurality of elastic members
and for securing said second end of said plurality of elastic
members.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. A ball collecting apparatus comprising: a frame, wherein said
frame further comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and at
least one rigid connector joining said lower portion and said upper
portion; and a plurality of elastic members disposed on said lower
portion of said frame, wherein each of said plurality of elastic
members further comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein
said first end and said second end are selectively secured to
points disposed on said lower portion of said frame, wherein said
points disposed on said lower portion of said frame are identified
by markings which correspond to at least two different sized
objects.
22. The bail collecting apparatus of claim 21, wherein said
plurality of elastic members are adjustable in length.
23. The ball collecting apparatus of claim 21, wherein said lower
portion of said frame further comprises a plurality of apertures
for securing said first end of said plurality of elastic members
and for securing said second end of said plurality of elastic
members.
24. The ball collecting apparatus of claim 21, further comprising
at least one handle portion disposed on said frame.
25. The ball collecting apparatus of claim 24, wherein said handle
is folded down to form a stand for said ball collecting
apparatus.
26. The ball collecting apparatus of claim 21, wherein said first
end of said plurality of elastic members further comprises a
mechanism for securing said first end of said plurality of elastic
members to said frame, and wherein said mechanism is selected from
the group consisting of hooks, loops and combinations thereof.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to ball collecting apparatuses
and a method of use thereof, more particularly to an apparatus with
elastic members which may be secured in user selected positions to
accommodate different size balls.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There are various types of ball collectors or ball hoppers
in existence. One discloses a device for picking up spherical
material utilizing several elastic bodies stretched on a frame body
part to form an opening part a little smaller than the outline of
the spherical material, such as a ball, so that the spherical
material expands the elastic bodies to loosely insert the spherical
material from the opening part into the frame body. However, this
device is limited in the size spherical objects it would be able to
retrieve by the natural expansion of the elastic bodies and lacking
of readily adjustable elastic members. Accordingly, it would not be
suitable for picking up both ping pong balls and basketballs.
[0003] Another device discloses a system to gather table tennis
balls which has a tube acting as a sleeve, with a large cylinder at
its lower end having a mesh base. The mesh cords pass through holes
at the lower end of the large cylinder with a gap of preferably 35
mm between the mesh cords, which are at a low tension.
[0004] Another device discloses a frame for picking up table tennis
balls with a grid of parallel elastic cords stretched across it and
fitted with a handle; however, the elastic cords are not readily
adjustable and thus the device cannot truly accommodate
substantially different size balls.
[0005] Yet another device discloses an apparatus to assist in
retrieving balls and in storing balls, such as tennis balls. The
apparatus comprises a bottom frame through which a ball may pass
upwardly when the bottom frame is positioned over the ball and
pressed firmly to the ground wherein the frame prevents the ball
passing downwardly and out of the frame. The ball is retained by a
member, wherein the member moves through springs attached to the
frame; however, the device lacks a readily adjustable member to
accommodate substantially different size balls.
[0006] Still another device discloses an apparatus for picking up
balls, especially tennis balls, with a ball collection basket which
has a ball inlet device in its base. The ball inlet device
possesses longitudinal parts extending between two opposing lateral
walls of the ball collection basket and arranged at least
approximately parallel to each other and at a distance from each
other and/or from the lateral walls lying at least approximately
parallel thereto, this distance being slightly less than the
diameter of a ball to be received. Collection or release frames,
which are pivotable about a horizontal axis, are attached to the
ball collection basket. The longitudinal parts are resilient;
however, the device lacks readily adjustable longitudinal parts to
accommodate substantially different size balls.
[0007] Another device discloses a device for retrieving table
tennis or golf balls which comprises a frame with rectangular,
polygonal or circular ends, between which are stretched elastic
cords; however, the device lacks readily adjustable elastic cords
to accommodate substantially different size balls.
[0008] Yet another device discloses a ball collector for picking up
balls of different diameters. Springs or some other elastic
material are stretched between two discs, as near as possible to
the outside edge, in such a fashion that they run parallel to each
other but are not horizontal to the ground, instead running from
one disc to the other at a given angle. Additionally, a bracket
with a long handle is fixed above the whole assembly to the
outsides of the discs, which also function as wheels, so that the
whole thing can be pushed along. When the device rolls over a ball,
the springs or similar will move apart somewhat as they are pushed
up and will cause the ball to end up in the reservoir on the
inside. However, the device lacks readily adjustable springs or
some other elastic material to accommodate substantially different
size balls.
[0009] Still another device discloses an apparatus for picking up,
transporting and storing balls which comprises two opposing planes
separated by tension elements which when forced over a solid,
hollow or pressurized sphere simultaneously stretches the tension
elements and/or compresses the sphere sufficiently to permit the
sphere entry between the planes. Once the sphere is between the
planes it is kept in place by the forces created by the stretched
tension trying to regain their original unstretched configuration
and the pinched sphere trying to regain its original configuration
by trying to expand out.
[0010] Another device discloses a ball retrieval and storage device
for retrieving balls of at least two different sizes comprising a
wheeled container with rotatably attached handled. The container is
rollingly supported by two wheels on an axle, and includes a
removable rack which, when in place, covers the container to ensure
the contents remain within the container. When the removable rack
is placed beneath the container, the entire device is elevated to
prevent needless bending and stooping by the user. The device
further comprises a retrieval opening which includes a fixed member
and a movable member to provide variable spacing between them
depending on the size ball to be retrieved. The device is placed
near a ball to be retrieved, tilted backward onto its wheels,
rolled forward such that the ball is beneath the opening, then
returned to its upright position in order to capture a ball. The
angular movement of the movable member in a direction generally
upwardly and away from the fixed member allows for differing sized
balls to be retrieved and stored. A resilient member retracts the
movable member back to its original position following capturing of
a ball.
[0011] Yet another device discloses a container for the delivery,
transportation, dispensing and collection of plastic tennis balls,
which container is substantially characterized by the removal of
the base, except for an inward-facing flanged edge and the
arrangement of longitudinally-orientated, spaced, calibrated sprung
steel bars. The tennis balls are pushed in through the free gaps
between the bars and their emergence at the bottom is blocked.
Moreover, folding handle strands are provided which are effective
either upwards as a carrying facility or collection position or
downwards in the folded-down position as supporting feet.
[0012] Still another device discloses a ball retrieving and storage
device which includes a container having an elongated handle
extending above it, and one or more movable gate members in the
bottom of the container. Balls are retrieved from the ground by
placing the bottom of the container over the balls and exerting a
downward force on the handle to force the balls up against the
bottom of the movable gate member which opens the gate and provides
an enlarged opening in the bottom of the container for allowing
each ball to pass into the container. Continued downward movement
causes the moving gate member to engage stop bars on opposite sides
of the container for limiting further vertical movement of the gate
sufficiently to allow the equator of each ball to pass through the
enlarged opening and then allow the gate to automatically drop to a
closed position to retain balls in the container. A
cylindrical-shaped cage also is disclosed which provides a rotary
type ball retriever adapted to be rolled on the ground to engage
balls which automatically open gate members spaced around the outer
circumference of the cage.
[0013] Another device discloses a ball retrieving and storage cart
which generally comprises a wheeled carriage that rollingly
supports a basket in a ball retrieving position. In an exemplary
embodiment, the basket has a front end and a rear end and includes
a bottom wall having two side members oriented front to rear and
having a normal position spaced apart less than the ball diameter
and defining a slotted aperture for entrance of a ball into the
basket. In the ball retrieval position, at least one of the side
members is a slanted member having a front end higher from the
ground than a ball radius and a rear end lower to the ground than
the ball radius. At least one of the side members is a deflectable
member and is biased to the normal position but is sideways
deflectable such that a ball on the ground entering the aperture
sideways deflects the deflectable member sufficiently for the ball
to pass into the basket. The wheels may define a rolling plane. The
carriage includes a vertical frame member terminating in a push
handle and the vertical frame member includes brackets for
attaching a moveable basket at a serving position that is higher
than the ball retrieving position.
[0014] Yet another device discloses a ball retrieval and storage
device which includes a container having a hollow interior for
storing a substantial number of tennis balls. At least a portion of
the container bottom is formed by one or more movable rod members
which are movable to allow the balls to enter through the bottom of
the container. A user can retrieve a ball lying on the ground by
forcing the bottom of the container down over the top of the ball.
The ball engages the movable rod member and moves it slightly
upwardly which allows the ball to enter the container as the
container is progressively forced down over the top of the ball
compressing the ball. The movable rod members are formed of a
material having an elastic memory such that for use over time, the
movable rod members will not permanently deform so as to decrease
the efficacy of the ball retrieval and storage device.
[0015] Still another device discloses a ball retrieving and storage
device including a storage container having a pair of handles
hingedly fixed thereto which may be folded to a downwardly
extending position supporting the container on a playing surface.
The retrieving device includes a plurality of parallel rods
extending across the bottom of the container. The rods are spaced
apart from one another a distance greater than the diameter of the
balls to be retrieved and being slightly resilient in a direction
perpendicular thereto. Each of the rods has journaled thereon a
hollow, cylindrical tubular roller to provide for a rotating
movement, wherein the distance between inside surfaces of adjacent
parallel rollers is slightly less than the diameter of a used
tennis ball. The transverse resilience of the rods and the rotating
motion of the rollers permit a ball to be retrieved by forcing the
bottom of the container down over the ball. When folded upwardly
the handles of the container enable an operator to both carry and
retrieve balls from a playing surface without bending or stooping.
When a substantial number of balls are held within the container,
the handles may be folded into a downwardly extending position to
support the container at a convenient height for the removal of
balls.
[0016] Another device discloses a ball-picking device which is
utilized to pick up a ball on a ground surface, and includes a
basket frame unit which confines a ball receiving space and which
has a ground contacting side formed with a plurality of
ball-extension gaps that are in spatial communication with the ball
receiving space. Each of the ball-extension gaps is confined by a
pair of deformable, yet not elastic, rod units, and is slightly
narrower than a diameter of the ball such that when the ground
contacting side of the basket frame unit is moved toward the ground
surface to register the ball with one of the ball-extension gaps,
the deformable rod units that define a respective one of the
ball-extension gaps will be pushed apart and will be deformed by
the ball so as to enlarge the respective ball-extension gap and
permit extension of the ball into the ball receiving space.
However, the device lacks readily adjustable deformable rod units
to accommodate substantially different size balls.
[0017] Yet another device discloses a sports ball retrieval and
storage device which includes a receptacle, a pair of support
members and a lid. The receptacle is in the form of a molded
one-piece body made of substantially rigid material and having a
plurality of side walls and a bottom grate integrally connected
together so as to define an open top and an interior chamber of the
receptacle. The side walls and bottom grate are formed of
respective upper and lower annular perimeter members and laterally
spaced-apart elongated members extending between and integrally
connected at opposite ends with opposite portions of the upper and
lower annular perimeter members. The side walls converge toward one
another from the open top to the bottom grate of the receptacle and
thereby provide the molded one-piece body of the receptacle with a
tapered configuration permitting receptacles of multiple devices to
nest with one another. The elongated members of the bottom grate
are spaced apart at a distance slightly less than the diameter of a
tennis ball so as to define at least one opening therebetween
through which a compressed tennis ball can be forced into the
interior chamber. The support members are pivotally mounted to the
receptacle and convertible relative thereto between stand and
handle positions. The lid is mounted to the receptacle for opening
and closing the open top thereof.
[0018] Still another device discloses a tennis ball collector with
drum cage, wherein the drum's peripheral surface has axially
parallel bars between its end flanges which are in the form of
discs or tires. The U-shaped handle has sides each of which has an
angled part which, together with the middle of the U-shaped handle,
forms a U-shaped stand. Wheels are attached to the angled parts
which have a profiled grip surface.
[0019] Another device discloses a collapsible ball retriever and
storage unit which is in the form of a receptacle composed of a
plurality of side grills pivotally hinged one to the next, and a
top gate and a bottom grate being pivotally hinged to respective
ones of the side grills. The side grills are pivotable relative to
one another to convert them between erected and collapsed
positions, whereas the top gate and bottom grate are pivotable
relative to the side grills to convert the top gate and bottom
grate between closed and retracted opened positions. The gate and
grate are latchable to others of the side grills disposed opposite
to the ones thereof to which the gate and grate are respectively
hinged. The bottom grate is adapted to rigidly retain the side
grills in their erected position when the bottom grate is disposed
in the closed position. Further, the bottom grate has members
defining ball passages therethrough which adapts the receptacle for
retrieving and storing balls when the side grills are in the
erected position and the bottom grate is in the closed
position.
[0020] Yet another device discloses a tennis ball retriever
includes a cylindrical collection drum having circular cylinder
bases spaced from one another. The cylindrical collection drum has
openings formed in a peripheral cylinder region such that balls can
be pushed therethrough. The circular cylinder bases have sleeves
extending along the cylinder axis. A removable handle includes two
arms extending away from the cylinder axis. The arms have stub
axles at their ends such that the stub axles extend along the
cylinder axis and are rotatably journaled in the sleeves. The
removable handle is resiliently deformable for moving the stub
axles away from the sleeves so that the cylindrical collection drum
can be removed from the handle. A ball retrieving and storing
system is also provided. The ball retrieving and storing system
includes at least two cylindrical collection drums and a removable
handle.
[0021] Still another device discloses a tennis ball retriever and
storage unit includes a ball retrieving receptacle supported by
spring biased pivoting wheel assemblies for rolling movement
between locations for retrieving used tennis balls and downwardly
movement from a normal upper transport position overlying a tennis
ball to a lower position for retrieving the tennis ball between
spaced rigid bars in the base of the receptacle.
[0022] Due to the constraints of current devices for picking up
balls, one typically must buy a different type of ball collector
for each type of ball. Although some devices claim to pick up
different types and shapes of spherical objects, upon closer
evaluation it can be seen that the devices are designed to pick up
an object of one size, but the devices themselves may be
manufactured to different sizes, enabling a plurality of devices to
pick up different size objects. Thus, currently existing devices
fail to adjust to accommodate different size spherical objects and
multiple devices must be purchased to pick up and store different
size balls.
[0023] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
ball collecting apparatus and method of use thereof which minimizes
and/or overcomes these deficiencies by providing a ball collector
which is adjustable to user selected points to pick up, retrieve,
and store spherical objects of different diameters. This would
serve the functions of reducing cost, time, inefficiencies and
multiplicity of machines while providing maximum customer
satisfaction through a single ball collector. In particular, there
is a need for a device that obviates repetitive bending over,
thereby preventing stresses, discomfort and/or damage to the user's
back. Further, there is a need for a device that is portable for
moving collected objects to another location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing a ball collector
apparatus and method of use thereof which is capable of being
adjusted to accommodate different size spherical objects.
[0025] The invention is an apparatus for picking up multiple
spherical objects off of the ground or similar surface and storing
them in a container. The ball collector apparatus comprises a frame
and a plurality of elastic members which are removably secured to a
lower portion of the frame. Thus, the plurality of elastic members
can be secured to the lower portion of the frame at different
points, creating different size spacing between the elastic members
and/or the frame. When the apparatus is pressed on top of a
spherical object, particularly a non-deformable spherical object,
the elastic members expand to slightly wider than the width of the
spherical object, allowing it to enter the framed collection area.
Once the equator of the spherical object is passed, the tension in
the plurality of elastic members returns the members to their
original shape and prevents the object from falling out of the
collection area defined by the frame. Thus, the ball collecting
apparatus as disclosed is capable of adjusting to selectively pick
up different size spherical objects. Having such an apparatus
eliminates the need to purchase multiple ball collectors to pick up
different size balls.
[0026] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in a preferred form is a ball collecting
apparatus and method of use thereof, wherein the apparatus
comprises a frame, and wherein the frame further comprises a lower
portion, an upper portion and at least one rigid connector joining
the lower portion and the upper portion, and a plurality of elastic
members disposed on the lower portion of the frame, wherein the
plurality of elastic members further comprise a first end and a
second end, and wherein the first end and the second end are
securable to selectable points of the lower portion of the frame.
Thus a user can adjust the spacing between the plurality of elastic
members and/or the frame via selection of the points where the
plurality of elastic members are secured to the lower portion of
the frame. This allows a single apparatus to be utilized to pick up
different size spherical objects.
[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the plurality of elastic
members are adjustable in length. Elastic objects have a tendency
to lose tension as time progresses, particularly if they are left
in a tensioned state. Allowing the plurality of elastic members to
be adjustable in length ensures adequate tension is always
maintained and that the ball collecting apparatus will continue to
function as intended.
[0028] In still a further preferred embodiment, the ball collecting
apparatus further comprises a pocket for storing the plurality of
elastic members. Due to the nature of the apparatus, not all of the
elastic members must be utilized at the same time. Thus, it is
beneficial to a user to provide a pocket or storage pouch secured
to the apparatus for storing the plurality of elastic members. This
prevents loss of the plurality of elastic members and further and
allows them to be stored when not in use, thereby reducing the
stretching and subsequent deterioration of the plurality of elastic
members.
[0029] In yet a further preferred embodiment, the lower portion of
the frame and the first end of the plurality of elastic members
comprise cooperative fasteners, such as, for exemplary purposes
only, mating snaps, and wherein the lower portion of the frame and
the second end of plurality of elastic members comprises similar
cooperative fasteners. In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of
elastic members comprise both mating portions of the snaps and the
elastic member is wrapped around the lower portion of the frame and
one end backtracks across the lower portion of the frame to secure
the elastic member to itself and around the lower portion of the
frame. This allows the plurality of elastic members to be secured
to the lower portion of the frame at any position and further
ensures the plurality of elastic members will remain in a constant
state of tension when in use.
[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the lower portion of the
frame further comprises a plurality of apertures for securing the
first end of the plurality of elastic members and for securing the
second end of the plurality of elastic members. With a plurality of
apertures on the lower portion of the frame, the plurality of
elastic members are secured to the frame by inserting hooks and/or
another securing device into the plurality of apertures. Thus the
elastic members are secured in any position where there is an
aperture on the lower portion of the frame, differentiating the
space between the elastic members to accommodate different size
spherical objects.
[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the ball collecting
apparatus further comprises at least one handle portion disposed on
the frame. The handle is preferably rigid and of sufficient length
to allow a user to press down on the handle thereby pressing down
on the frame of the ball collecting apparatus so that the spherical
object is forced into the container without requiring the user to
bend over. In a further embodiment, the handle is of sufficient
length and shape to be folded down to form a stand for the ball
collecting apparatus. The handle thus eases the use of the ball
collecting apparatus and minimizes the amount of bending down
required by the user. Further, having the handle fold down for use
as a stand allows a user to set up the ball collector apparatus at
a height off of the ground suitable for easy access to the balls
without the user bending over.
[0032] In yet another preferred embodiment, the first end of the
plurality of elastic members further comprises a mechanism for
securing the first end of the plurality of elastic members to the
frame. Additionally, the second ends of the plurality of elastic
members comprise a securing mechanism, thereby allowing for the
complete removal of the plurality of elastic members and selectable
and/or adjustable placement of the plurality of elastic members. In
one preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism disposed on the
plurality of elastic members is a hook, while in an alternate
embodiment, the securing mechanism is a loop. The hook is typically
secured to an aperture or peg disposed on the lower portion of the
frame of the ball collecting apparatus. A loop-type securing
mechanism is secured to a peg or hook on the lower portion of the
frame or alternatively may be secured to the lower portion of the
frame directly.
[0033] In still another preferred embodiment, the lower portion of
the frame further comprises a plurality of pegs for securing the
first end of the plurality of elastic members and for securing the
second end of the plurality of elastic members. Thus the plurality
of elastic members are secured to the lower portion of the frame in
any position where a peg exists. In a further embodiment, the
plurality of pegs are removably secured to the lower portion of the
frame. Removal of the pegs from the lower frame allows the pegs to
be replaced in case of accidental breakage. Additionally, it allow
for unused pegs to be removed from the ball collecting apparatus
when they are not in use. In a further embodiment, the plurality of
pegs have an aperture for securing the plurality of elastic
members. If the plurality of elastic members selectively have hooks
for securing to the pegs disposed on the lower portion of the
frame, it is advantageous to have apertures within the pegs to
prevent slippage and/or accidental removal of the plurality of
elastic members. In an additional embodiment, the plurality of pegs
have a lower portion secured to the lower portion of the frame and
an upper portion, wherein the upper portion has a securing flange,
for exemplary purposes only, and not intended to be limiting, pegs
with a securing flange in the shape of an arrow facing up in
relation to the lower portion of the frame, a T-shape, mushroom
shape, similar shape and/or any combination of the like. One
skilled in the art would recognize the securing flange can be any
shape or size suitable to prevent slippage and/or accidental
removal of the plurality of elastic member; however, pegs with a
wider upper portion which preferably extends toward the lower
portion of the plurality of pegs is preferred and specifically
contemplated without limitation.
[0034] In another preferred embodiment, lower portion of the frame
further comprises a track and a plurality of adjustable members
disposed on the track for securing the first end of the plurality
of elastic members and for securing the second end of the plurality
of elastic members. In a preferred embodiment in which the track
and adjustable members are used, the plurality of adjustable
members are lockable to prevent movement of the plurality of
adjustable members. Thus the adjustable members are locked into
place to prevent movement of the elastic members while still being
adjustable to allow for different placement of the plurality of
elastic members so that the ball collecting apparatus accepts
different size balls.
[0035] In yet another preferred embodiment, the lower portion of
the frame further comprises a plurality of rings for securing the
first end of the plurality of elastic members and for securing the
second end of the plurality of elastic members. Additionally, the
plurality of rings are preferably fixably, yet adjustably, secured
to the lower portion of the frame. The plurality of rings, for
exemplary purposes only, may be restricted from movement by grooves
in the lower portion of the frame. Thus the plurality of elastic
members are secured to the rings and the rings are restricted from
movement. This allows the ball collecting apparatus to accept
different size balls within the framed collecting area while still
providing a quick and easy means to adjust the distance between the
plurality of straps and/or the frame.
[0036] In use, a method of collecting objects is provided, wherein
the method comprises the steps of securing at least one elastic
member to a lower portion of a frame in an original position,
wherein the original position creates a space between each of the
at least one elastic member and the frame that is smaller than a
diameter of an object to be picked up, pressing the frame over an
object, wherein pressing causes forces to be exerted on the at
least one elastic member, and wherein the at least one elastic
member moves to a width which allows an object to enter the frame,
and subsequently the at least one elastic member returns
substantially back to its original position. In this manner, the
ball collecting apparatus can easily and quickly be adjusted to
accommodate different size substantially spherical objects which
are taken into the framed collection and storage area.
[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the ball collecting apparatus
comprises a frame, wherein the frame further comprises a lower
portion, an upper portion and at least one connector joining the
lower portion and the upper portion, a base removably or releasably
secured to the lower portion of the frame, and a plurality of
elastic members disposed on the base, wherein the plurality of
elastic members further each comprise a first end and a second end,
and wherein the first end and the second end are securable to
selectable points of the base. In practice, it is often difficult
to reach to the bottom of the ball collecting apparatus,
particularly if the height of the frame is substantially large.
This increases the difficulty in securing the plurality of elastic
members to the lower portion of the frame itself. To ease use and
efficiency, it is preferable to allow the removal of a base portion
so that the base can be accessed easily. Once the base is removed
from the frame, the plurality of elastic members are secured to the
base by any of the means disclosed herein, without limitation,
and/or any other means one skilled in the art would consider
appropriate for temporarily securing an elastic member to a rigid
frame. Subsequently, the base, which is preferably substantially
the same shape and width as the lower portion of the frame, is
secured to the frame by any means known to one skilled in the art
and the ball collecting apparatus functions as intended to pick up
spherical objects of a size suitable to the distance between the
plurality of elastic members and/or the base. In a further
embodiment, the plurality of elastic members are secured directly
between the base and the lower portion of the frame which reduced
the number of necessary parts for the ball collecting apparatus.
For instance, either the base or the lower portion of the frame
where the base connects may comprise a plurality mating pegs, and
the plurality of elastic members are secured on the pegs. The base
and the lower portion of the frame are then secured together by
inserting the male portions of the pegs, which secure the elastic
members, into the female receiving portion on the opposing side of
the base or the frame.
[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the lower portion of the
frame or the base comprises markings which identify for a user the
preferred locations for different types of balls. Thus a user does
not have to experiment and continuously adjust the plurality of
elastic members to find the appropriate size for a specific type of
ball. One skilled in the art would recognize the ball collecting
apparatus could be used to pick up any type of spherical object
including, without limitation, golf balls, tennis balls, baseball
balls, croquet balls, pachinko balls, softballs, ping pong balls
and/or any combination thereof, but is particularly suited to
non-deformable objects.
[0039] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to provide a ball collecting apparatus
which can be adjusted to accommodate different size spherical
objects.
[0040] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to allow for the quick and easy adjustment of elastic
members to accommodate different size spherical objects.
[0041] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention
is its ability to allow the removal of a base portion of the ball
collecting apparatus to ease in securing of the plurality of
elastic members.
[0042] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention
is its ability to ease the burdens and physical stresses of a user
by minimizing the amount of bending over to pick up balls.
[0043] Yet still another feature and advantage of the present
invention is the ability to completely remove the elastic members
to minimize and/or prevent over-stretching, loss of tension and
deterioration of the plurality of elastic members.
[0044] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to provide a storage area for the plurality of elastic
members when they are not in use.
[0045] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from
the following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate
Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in
which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to
the elements throughout, and in which:
[0047] FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of a preferred
embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 1B shows a bottom perspective view an alternately
shaped embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 2A shows a top sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of the lower portion of the frame;
[0050] FIG. 2B shows a top sectional view of an alternate
embodiment of the lower portion of the frame;
[0051] FIG. 3A shows a partial perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the lower portion of the frame showing apertures;
[0052] FIG. 3B shows a partial perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the lower portion of the frame showing pegs;
[0053] FIG. 3C shows a partial perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the lower portion of the frame showing rings;
[0054] FIG. 3D shows a partial perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of the lower portion of the frame showing track and
sliding members; and
[0055] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the ball collector apparatus in use on a softball field.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATE
EMBODIMENTS
[0056] In describing the preferred and selected alternate
embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4,
specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The
invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific
terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the present invention in a
preferred embodiment is ball collecting apparatus 1, wherein ball
collecting apparatus 1 preferably comprises frame 4, wherein frame
4 preferably further comprises lower portion 7, upper portion 10
and plurality of connectors 13 preferably joining lower portion 7
preferably to upper portion 10 of frame 4 of ball collecting
apparatus 1. Ball collecting apparatus 1 preferably further
comprises plurality of elastic members 16, wherein plurality of
elastic 16 preferably further comprise first end 19 and second end
22, wherein first end 19 and second end 22 are preferably securable
to selectable points 26 on lower portion 7 of frame 4. Ball
collecting apparatus 1 preferably also comprises at least one
handle 30 which is preferably secured to upper portion 10 of frame
4, although one skilled in the art would recognized handle 30 may
be secured to any portion of ball collecting apparatus 1.
Additionally, ball collecting apparatus 1 preferably comprises
pocket 15 for storing elastic members 16 when not in use. FIG. 1A
shows frame 4 of ball collecting apparatus 1 as substantially
square, while FIG. 1B shows frame 4 of ball collecting apparatus 1
as substantially circular. It would be obvious to one skilled in
the art to utilize other shapes to form lower portion 7 of frame 4
including, without limitation, ovals, rectangles, triangles,
trapezoids, other shapes and/or any combination thereof.
[0058] Referring now more specifically to FIG. 1A, ball collecting
apparatus 1 preferably further comprises base portion 33, wherein
base portion 33 preferably comprises selectable point 26 for
securing plurality of elastic member 16. Base portion 33 is
preferably removably secured to lower portion 7 of frame 4 via any
known fastener, but preferably by plurality of pegs 44. First end
19 and second end 22 of plurality of elastic members 16 are
preferably secured to plurality of pegs 44 disposed on base portion
33. Lower portion 7 of frame 4 has plurality of apertures (not
shown) of sufficient size to securely receive plurality of pegs 44
disposed on base portion 33. Thus plurality of elastic members 16
are preferably disposed and secured between base portion 33 and
lower portion 7 of frame 4. It would be obvious to one skilled in
the art to utilize other shapes to form base portion 33, without
limitation, ovals, rectangles, triangles, trapezoids, other shapes
and/or any combination thereof.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, base portion 33 and/or
lower portion 7 of frame 4 of ball collecting apparatus 1, are
shown in a preferred embodiment, wherein plurality of elastic
members 16 are shown secured to selected securing mechanisms 36.
Ball collecting apparatus 1 also preferably comprises indicia 36,
37 to indicate preferred positioning of elastic members 16 on
securing mechanisms 36 for spherical objects of a certain size.
Whereas elastic member distance 40 between plurality of elastic
members 16 is appropriate for softballs 99 in FIG. 2A, as indicated
by SB indicia 37, the arrangement of plurality of elastic members
16 in FIG. 2A, would be more appropriate to accommodate a smaller
ball, such as ping pong balls, as indicated by PP indicia 38. Frame
distance 41 may also be adjusted to accommodate different size
spherical objects. One skilled in the art would recognize different
placement of securing mechanisms 36 and thus different placement of
plurality of elastic members 16 is possible, although preferably,
securing mechanisms 36 are spaced to most efficiently accommodate
more common types of spherical objects of set shape. Additionally,
plurality of elastic member 16 may run horizontally, vertically,
diagonally and/or any combination thereof.
[0060] Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 3A-3D, alternate
embodiments of base portion 33 and/or lower portion 7, are shown.
In the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, securing mechanism 36
comprises plurality of apertures 42. Plurality of elastic members
16 (best shown in FIGS. 1A-2B) preferably utilizes hooks (not
shown) or other means to secure plurality of elastic members 16 to
plurality of apertures 42 disposed on base portion 33 and/or lower
portion 7.
[0061] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, securing
mechanism 36 is preferably plurality of pegs 44. Plurality of
elastic members 16 (best shown in FIGS. 1A-2B) preferably utilizes
hooks, loops (not shown) and/or other means to secure plurality of
elastic members 16 to plurality of pegs 44 disposed on base portion
33 and/or lower portion 7.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 3C, illustrated therein is an
alternate embodiment, wherein the alternate embodiment is
substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the
preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIG. 3B except as
hereinafter specifically referenced, wherein securing mechanism 36
is plurality of rings 46 movably secured to base 33 and/or lower
portion 7. Plurality of elastic members 16 preferably utilizes
hooks, loops (not shown) and/or other means to secure plurality of
elastic members 16 to plurality of rings 46 on base portion 33
and/or lower portion 7.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 3D, illustrated therein is an
alternate embodiment, wherein the alternate embodiment is
substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the
preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIG. 3B except as
hereinafter specifically referenced, wherein securing mechanism 36
comprises track 48 and adjustable members 50, and wherein
adjustable members 50 are movably secured to track 48, and wherein
track 48 is secured to base 33 and/or lower portion 7. Plurality of
elastic members 16 preferably utilizes hooks, loops (not shown)
and/or other means to secure plurality of elastic members 16 to
adjustable members 50 on track 48, wherein track 48 is disposed on
base portion 33 and/or lower portion 7.
[0064] Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, user 60 is shown on
playing field 55 utilizing ball collecting apparatus 1 to remove
softballs 99 from playing field 55, wherein user 60 places ball
collecting apparatus 1 over balls 99 and presses down, and wherein
ball 99 moves through plurality of elastic members 16 within ball
collecting apparatus 1, whereby balls 99 are contained for
transport and/or storage.
[0065] In use, as best shown in FIG. 2A, at least one elastic
member 16 is secured to lower portion 7 of frame 4 or base portion
33. At least one elastic member 16 is secured to lower portion 7 of
frame 4 or base portion 33 via securing mechanism 36. Elastic
member distance 40 between plurality of elastic members 16, and
frame distance 41 between plurality of elastic members 16 and base
portion 33 or lower portion 7 of frame 4 is adjustable to
selectively create elastic member distance 40 and/or frame distance
41, wherein elastic member distance 40 and/or frame distance 41 is
slightly smaller than the diameter of softball 99. Once downward
force is applied to ball collecting apparatus 1 while over softball
99, plurality of elastic members 16 expand to slightly larger than
the diameter of softball 99, thus allowing softball to enter frame
4 where softball 99 is stored until use. Softball 99 is prevented
from falling out of frame 4 via plurality of elastic members 16,
wherein plurality of elastic members 16 contract to their original
position.
[0066] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative
embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described
exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted
by those skilled in the art that the embodiments within disclosures
are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives,
adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the
present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a
method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the
order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other
embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in
the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed
herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and
not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *