U.S. patent application number 13/907656 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-04 for ball retriever and holder.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Budacsek. Invention is credited to Robert Budacsek.
Application Number | 20140356114 13/907656 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51985289 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140356114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Budacsek; Robert |
December 4, 2014 |
Ball Retriever and Holder
Abstract
A ball holder and retriever includes a frame forming a
receptacle for holding objects. A plurality of enclosures are
disposed on an interior portion of the frame. A plurality of
corresponding wheels are designed to retract substantially entirely
into the enclosures.
Inventors: |
Budacsek; Robert; (Wilmette,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Budacsek; Robert |
Wilmette |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51985289 |
Appl. No.: |
13/907656 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
414/495 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2102/02 20151001;
A63B 47/02 20130101; A63B 2209/00 20130101; A63B 2071/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
414/495 |
International
Class: |
A63B 47/02 20060101
A63B047/02 |
Claims
1. A retriever, comprising: a frame forming a receptacle for
holding objects; a plurality of enclosures disposed on an interior
portion of the frame; and a plurality of wheels associated with the
plurality of enclosures that are designed to retract substantially
entirely into the plurality of enclosures.
2. The retriever of claim 1, wherein the objects comprise tennis
balls.
3. The retriever of claim 1, wherein the plurality of enclosures
have a height dimension of about half of the height dimension of
the frame.
4. The retriever of claim 1, wherein the frame is formed by rods
disposed in parallel on a bottom surface thereof.
5. The retriever of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels are
mechanically connected to a spring assembly system.
6. The retriever of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality
of wheels includes a break mechanism.
7. The retriever of claim 1, wherein the frame further includes at
least one handle.
8. The retriever of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheels are
characterized by a hardness of between about 75 A to about 95
A.
9. A retriever, comprising: a frame having an interior surface in
communication with an enclosure for concealing a spring assembly; a
wheel in mechanical communication with the spring assembly; and a
mechanism for positioning the wheel within the enclosure, wherein
the frame is directly adjacent a surface when the wheel is
positioned within the enclosure.
10. The retriever of claim 9, wherein the enclosure is defined by a
plurality of walls forming a square.
11. The retriever of claim 9, wherein the wheel is made at least
partially from urethane.
12. The retriever of claim 9, wherein the mechanism for positioning
the wheel within the enclosure moves in a path substantially
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the frame.
13. The retriever of claim 9, wherein the wheel is characterized by
a hardness of between about 80 A to about 85 A.
14. A ball retriever, comprising: a frame having a bottom wall
formed by a plurality of rods that extend in parallel with respect
to each other; four sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom
wall to define a receptacle; a plurality of enclosures positioned
on one or more internal surfaces of the sidewalls; a plurality of
spring assemblies mechanically coupled to the enclosures; and a
plurality of wheels extending from the spring assemblies.
15. The ball retriever of claim 14, wherein the plurality of the
enclosures have a height dimension that is approximately half of
the total height of the frame.
16. The ball retriever of claim 14, wherein the plurality of the
enclosures are positioned in corners of the frame.
17. The ball retriever of claim 14, wherein the plurality of the
wheels comprise a urethane material.
18. The ball retriever of claim 14, wherein the retriever further
includes at least one handle extending therefrom.
19. The ball retriever of claim 18, wherein the at least one handle
further includes a grip.
20. The ball retriever of claim 14 further including a cover on at
least a portion thereof.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable
REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
SEQUENTIAL LISTING
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Background
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a ball holder and
retriever, and more specifically to a ball holder and retriever
having enclosures on an internal surface thereof designed to
receive wheel assemblies.
[0006] 2. Description of the Background
[0007] Ball holders and retrievers of the prior art typically have
a body comprising a wire cross-hatched frame that is spaced to be
smaller than the balls that the device is designed to retrieve. The
cross-hatched frame defines a receptacle that is adapted to store
the retrieved balls. In use, a user places the retriever above a
ball(s) and applies downward pressure thereto. As the retriever
contacts the ball(s), the cross-hatched frame is forced apart to
allow the ball(s) to slide through the frame into the receptacle.
After entry, the wire frame flexes into the original position such
that the balls are unable to escape from the receptacle.
[0008] Some ball holders and retrievers have utilized wheel
assemblies to assist in pushing the ball holder and retriever.
Typically, the wheel assemblies that have been utilized in prior
art ball holders are attached to an outside portion of the frame.
In some prior art systems, the wheel assemblies are attached to a
spring system that allows the retriever to be pushed downwardly
while the wheel assembly retracts such that the frame of the
retriever is able to contact and retrieve the balls.
[0009] However, there are significant drawbacks with the ball
holders that utilize a wheel assembly disposed on an outside
portion of the frame. In particular, the wheel assembly, which is
typically metal, is exposed to harsh conditions that quickly
degrades the wheel assembly and causes it to break down and/or
rust, which causes the assembly to stop working. Wheel assemblies
disposed outside of the retriever also take up additional space and
create a larger footprint for the retriever such that the retriever
is blocked from abutting a wall or other surfaces and is more
difficult to store because of its larger size and bulky nature.
[0010] Other prior art retrievers include permanent wheel
assemblies that do not include a spring system. Such wheel
assemblies do not allow the retriever to flex upwardly and
downwardly in response to force applied by a user.
[0011] These prior art devices fail to provide a retrieval system
that is designed to withstand weather and other environmental
elements. It is an object of the present invention to address these
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to one embodiment, a retriever includes a frame
forming a receptacle for holding objects. A plurality of enclosures
are disposed on an interior portion of the frame. A plurality of
corresponding wheels are designed to retract substantially entirely
into the enclosures.
[0013] According to another embodiment, a ball retriever includes a
frame having an interior surface in communication with an enclosure
disposed thereon for concealing a spring assembly. A wheel is in
mechanical communication with the spring assembly. A mechanism for
positioning the wheel is disposed within the enclosure, wherein the
frame is directly adjacent a surface when the wheel is positioned
within the enclosure.
[0014] According to a different embodiment, a ball retriever
includes a frame having a bottom wall formed by a plurality of rods
that extend in parallel with respect to each other. Four sidewalls
extend upwardly from the bottom wall to define a receptacle. A
plurality of enclosures are positioned on one or more internal
surfaces of the sidewalls. A plurality of spring assemblies are
mechanically coupled to the enclosures and a plurality of wheels
extend from the spring assemblies.
[0015] Other aspects and advantages will become apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and the
attached drawings, in which like elements are assigned like
reference numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a ball
retriever and holder in a first position;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the ball retriever and holder
of FIG. 1 in a second position;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a bottom elevational view of the ball retriever
and holder of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom elevational view of a different
embodiment of a ball retriever and holder similar to the ball
retriever and holder of FIG. 1, wherein the ball retriever and
holder has a bottom surface with parallel rods extending
therealong;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic of an enclosure having a spring
assembly system and wheel extending therefrom;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevational view of the enclosure
of FIG. 5 with portions removed for clarity;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a ball retriever and
holder similar to FIG. 1 in a first position;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the ball retriever and
holder of FIG. 7 in a second position; and
[0024] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a different embodiment of a
ball retriever and holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIGS. 1-9 generally depict a ball holder and retriever 100
that includes a body defined by a frame 102. The frame 102 forms a
receptacle for holding objects that are to be retrieved and
maintained at least temporarily therein. In one embodiment, the
objects are balls and, more specifically, tennis balls. It is
envisioned that the ball holder and retriever 100 could be used in
conjunction with other objects or balls including golf balls,
baseballs, softballs, and the like. The ball holder and retriever
100 may be used as a stand-alone ball holder and/or as a
retriever.
[0026] As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 8, the frame 102 is
defined by four substantially vertical sidewalls 106 with a first
end 108 closed by a bottom wall 110 and a second end 112 forming an
opening 114 therein. The sidewalls 108 and bottom wall 110 include
a plurality of individual rods 116 that, in one embodiment,
criss-cross to form a cross-hatched pattern. In a different
embodiment, the rods 116 are disposed in parallel with respect to
each other. The rods 116 are preferably made of aluminum. The rods
116 may also be constructed of other materials suitable for use in
the frame 102 that provides strength to hold the objects, while at
the same time being flexible enough to bend to allow the objects to
pass therethrough. The rods 116 also include a circumference
dimension of about 0.1 in to about 1 in, or between about 0.25 in
to about 0.5. Although the sidewalls 108 are depicted with the
plurality of individual rods 116, the sidewalls 108 may be solid
walls (not shown) or some combination thereof. The sidewalls 108
may also include a cover (not shown) over portions thereof designed
to shield the rods 116 from external elements such as weather.
[0027] The bottom wall 110 is preferably sized to receive objects
that it is designed to retrieve. The spacing between the rods 118
is designed to be slightly smaller than that of a tennis ball 120
or object that the ball holder and retriever 100 is designed to
store. In one embodiment, the bottom wall 110 is designed in a
cross-hatch pattern as depicted in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the
rods 116 are preferably spaced apart from one another a smaller
distance than the balls (or objects) that are to be retrieved by
the device.
[0028] In another embodiment, the bottom wall 110 is optionally
made of elongate rods 118 disposed in parallel (see FIG. 4). In
particular, the bottom wall 110 includes a width dimension W
between each of the rods 118. In one embodiment, the width
dimension W is preferably less than a width dimension of the object
to be retrieved. For example, if the ball to be retrieved is a
tennis ball, the width dimension W is preferably between about 0.1
in. to about 1 in. less than the width of the tennis ball.
[0029] The frame 102 of the retriever 100 may comprise different
sizes and shapes consistent with the description herein. For
example, in one embodiment, the frame 102 is substantially
rectangular. In other embodiments, the frame 102 may be other
shapes including square, circular, triangular, and the like.
[0030] As best seen in FIGS. 1-6, the frame 102 includes
substantially rectangular enclosures 130 that extend along an
interior surface 132 thereof. The enclosures 130 are formed by a
plurality of walls 134 that define channels 136 adapted to receive
a wheel assembly 138, as will be described in more detail
hereinbelow. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-6, four
enclosures 130 are disposed in opposing corners of the frame 102.
In a different embodiment, the enclosures 130 may be designed to
conform to the specific shape of the frame 102. For example, in one
embodiment, there may be three enclosures 130 positioned in corners
of a triangular frame 102. In a different embodiment, the
enclosures 130 may not be positioned in the corners of the frame
102, but rather are positioned along other sections of the interior
surface 132 thereof.
[0031] The enclosures 130 may be attached to the frame 102 in
numerous ways. For example, in one embodiment, the enclosures 130
are integral with the frame 102. In a different embodiment, the
enclosures 130 are separate from and attached to the frame 102 via
methods known in the art (i.e., injection molding, welding, and the
like). The enclosures 130 are preferably made of a polymer.
However, in other embodiments, the enclosures 130 may be made of
other natural or synthetic materials, metal, plastic, combinations
thereof, and/or the like.
[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 8, the enclosures 130 extend
downwardly from about a midpoint 150 of the frame 102 and terminate
at the bottom wall 110. In another embodiment, the enclosures 130
extend along the entire height of the frame 102 from the first end
108 to the second end 112. In another embodiment, the enclosures
130 extend upwardly from the first end 108 beyond the midpoint 150
and terminate prior to the second end 112. The enclosures 130
preferably have a width dimension, height dimension, and length
dimension such that the channels 136 are large enough to fully
accommodate the wheel assemblies 138.
[0033] In particular, in one embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6,
each enclosure 130 has a width dimension W.sub.1 of between about 1
in. to about 6 in., or about 2 in. to about 5 in., and most
preferably about 4 in. Similarly, the enclosures 130 each have a
height dimension H.sub.1 of between about 4 in. to about 14 in., or
about 6 in. to about 10 in., and most preferably about 8 in. The
enclosures 130 each have a length dimension L.sub.1 of between
about 2 in. to about 10 in., or about 4 in. to about 8 in., and
most preferably about 6 in. In one embodiment, the length dimension
L.sub.1 is substantially the same as the width dimension W.sub.1 to
form a square. It should be appreciated that the enclosures 130 may
be characterized by other dimensions according to various factors
including the size of the wheel assemblies 138.
[0034] Now turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, the wheel assemblies 138 each
include a wheel 160 connected to a spring assembly system 162. The
wheels 160 may include various optional components as known in the
art including, for example, a swivel and/or bearing assembly that
allows the wheel to swivel. One or more wheels 160 also optionally
include a break mechanism 163 attached thereto. The break mechanism
163 is adapted to retain the wheel 160 in a substantially locked
position when activated.
[0035] The wheels 160 may be made from materials as known in the
art consistent with the disclosure herein. In one embodiment, each
wheel 160 is preferably made of a polymer such as polyvinyl
chloride, polyethylene, and/or polypropylene. In a different
embodiment, the wheels 160 are made of urethane, and more
particularly high rebound urethane. In one particular embodiment,
the wheels 160 are made from the same materials used for in-line
skate wheels. In other embodiments, the wheels 160 are made of
other materials known in the art. However, it should be appreciated
that the wheels 160 and/or wheel assemblies 138 are preferably not
made out of metal or similar materials that easily rust when
exposed to various weather and environmental conditions (e.g.,
rain, snow, clay court surface, etc.).
[0036] The wheels 160 of the present invention may be characterized
by hardness. For example, in one embodiment, wheels 160 suitable
for use with the ball retriever and holder 100 are defined by a
hardness of between about 70 A to about 100 A (as determined using
the durometer A scale). In one embodiment, the wheels 160 are
defined by a hardness of between about 75 A to about 95 A. In a
different embodiment, the wheels 160 are defined by a hardness of
between about 80 A to about 85 A. In still a further embodiment,
the wheels 160 are characterized by a hardness of between about 82
A to about 84 A. It should be appreciated that other wheels 160
defined by other hardness characteristics may be used as known in
the art consistent with the disclosure herein.
[0037] The wheels 160 are coupled to the spring assembly system 162
as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In one embodiment, the spring assembly
system 162 is preferably disposed within a protective conduit 166.
The conduit 166 includes an upper portion 168 that is fixed to
interior portions of the frame 102. In one specific embodiment, the
upper portion 168 is omitted and one or more walls 134 of the
enclosures 130 serve the same function as the upper portion 168.
The spring assembly system 162 also includes a lower portion 170
that is connected to and extends from the upper portion 168. The
lower portion 170 is preferably sized to telescopically slide
substantially entirely into the upper portion 168.
[0038] Still referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the spring assembly system
162 further includes a compression mechanism. In one embodiment,
the compression mechanism is provided in the form of a spring 180.
The spring 180 may be attached in various ways within the spring
assembly system 162 as known in the art. In one embodiment, the
spring 180 is attached within the upper portion 168 of the
enclosure 130 and extends downwardly into the lower portion 170 and
terminates at a rod 182. The spring 180 is preferably coupled to
the rod 182 and the rod 182 is coupled to the wheel 160 in manners
known in the art. In use, when downward pressure is applied to the
ball retriever and holder 100, the spring 180 engages the rod 182,
which compresses the spring 180 and urges the rod 182 and/or
conduit 166, and/or other associated portions of the spring
assembly system 162 downwardly into the upper portion 168 (e.g.,
the enclosures 130).
[0039] In other embodiments, the spring assembly system 162
comprises other compression mechanisms known in the art. For
example, the spring assembly system 162 may simply comprise a
compression spring (not shown) and the requisite parts needed to
attach an end of the spring to the frame 102 (inside of the
enclosures 130) and a second end to the wheels 160. Indeed, the
spring assembly 164 system may comprise any system that is designed
to allow for the entire wheel 160, rod 182, and/or other portions
of the spring assembly system 162 to be compressed (e.g., disposed)
substantially entirely within the enclosures 130.
[0040] The ball holder and retriever 100 optionally includes one of
more handles 190. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two
handles 190 are depicted on opposing sides of the frame 102 and are
disposed adjacent the second end 112. The handles 190 are rotatable
from a first, inactive position to a second, active position, as
known in the art. In the active position, a user may grasp the
handles 190 to carry the ball holder and retriever 100. The handles
190 optionally include one or more grips 192 to assist a user in
grasping the handles and for comfort. The grip(s) 192 may be
defined by a softer material that is designed to supply padding to
the user's hand to lessen hand fatigue and strain while carrying
the ball holder and retriever 100. In one embodiment, the grips(s)
192 are made from an elastomer. In a different embodiment, the
grip(s) are made of a polymer. In a further embodiment, the grip(s)
192 are made of other materials as known in the art. It should also
be apparent that the grip(s) 192 may optionally include releasable
locking elements (not shown) that interact with each other to
maintain the handles 190 in the upright (locked) position shown in
FIG. 1.
[0041] In a different embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a ball retriever
and holder 200 is substantially similar to the ball retriever and
holder 100 described previously herein, except for the differences
noted hereinbelow. In particular, the ball retriever and holder 200
includes a single handle 290 that extends from a frame 202 and is
designed such that the ball holder and retriever may be pushed or
pulled.
[0042] The ball holder and retriever 100, 200 may be utilized in a
variety of ways. In particular, the ball holder and retriever 100,
200 may be positioned in an inactive state (see e.g., FIGS. 1 and
7) whereby the one or more wheels 160 are locked via the break 163.
In this position, the bottom wall 110 of the frame 102 is disposed
away from a surface 300 that the ball holder and retriever 100 is
supported by. It should be noted that the ball holder and retriever
100, 200 may be in the inactive position without any of the wheels
160 in the locked position.
[0043] In use, the ball holder and retriever 100 may be grasped by
the user utilizing the one or more handles 190 and moved to a
position above the balls 120 to be picked up. Once in position,
downward force is applied to a portion of the ball holder and
retriever 100 (e.g., the handles 192 or a portion of the frame 102)
to force the frame 102 downwardly (see FIG. 8). As the frame 102
contacts the balls 120, the rods 116 (or 118) optionally bend to
allow the balls 120 therebetween. At the same time, the wheel(s)
160, rod 182, and/or other portions of the spring assembly system
162 are compressed such that they are disposed substantially
entirely within the enclosures 130 of the frame 102. When downward
pressure is removed therefrom, the spring (or compression
mechanism) forces the spring assembly system 162 and wheels 160
into the initial position depicted by FIGS. 1 and 7.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0044] Numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in
the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this
description is to be construed as illustrative only and is
presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to
make and use what is herein disclosed and to teach the best mode of
carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which
come within the scope of this disclosure are reserved.
* * * * *