Patent ID: 6883844
Filing Date: 2005-04-26
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A sports ball retrieval and dispensing device, comprising: (a) a ball retrieving and dispensing receptacle constructed of a plurality of separate parts being convertible between an assembled condition in which said receptacle parts are mounted to one another so as to enable use of said device in carrying out ball retrieving and dispensing modes of operation and a disassembled condition in which at least some of said receptacle parts are taken apart from one another such that said device occupies a smaller volume of space with said receptacle in said disassembled condition than in said assembled condition so as to enable shipping of said device, said separate parts of said receptacle including (i) a pair of opposite end support members having respective peripheral portions, (ii) a plurality of longitudinal elements extending between and coupled at opposite ends to said opposite end support members so as to form an enclosure structure therewith defining a holding chamber for receiving and collecting a multiplicity of sports balls, said longitudinal elements being spaced apart from one another about said peripheral portions of said opposite end support members through distances less than a diameter of one of the sports ball to permit insertion of the sport balls between adjacent ones of said longitudinal elements for entry into said holding chamber, and (iii) a gate structure pivotally mounted to and extending between said opposite end support members, said gate structure including a pair of arcuate-shaped end elements each mounted to said peripheral portion of one of said opposite end support members for undergoing pivotal movement between opened and closed positions relative to said opposite end support members and at least one of said longitudinal elements extending between and attached at said opposite ends thereof to said arcuate-shaped end elements; and (b) a handle coupled to said receptacle in said assembled condition so as to support said receptacle and thereby enable use of said device in carrying out said ball retrieving and dispensing modes of operation.