Patent ID: 6505848
Filing Date: 2003-01-14
Classification: B60D

Abstract:
An apparatus for receiving and securing a ball, comprising:a frame, the frame having an interior, the frame interior having a front section, the frame front interior section being shaped and sized for closely receiving portions of a generally round ball, the frame further having an opening, the frame opening being shaped and positioned to allow ball passage into the frame front interior section; a pivoting ball support, the pivoting ball support having a pivot point, the pivoting ball support being attached to the frame at the pivoting ball support pivot point, the pivoting ball support being movable from a first position to a second position, the pivoting ball support further having: a first face, the pivoting ball support first face having a recess, the pivoting ball support first face being at least partially beneath a portion of the ball when the pivoting ball support is in the first position, the frame front interior section being sized and shaped such that the pivoting ball support first face prevents the ball from passing through the frame opening when the pivoting ball support is in the first position, the pivoting ball support first face recess being positioned for encounter with the ball when the pivoting ball support is in the first position; a second face, the pivoting ball support second face having a recess, the second face recess being positioned for encounter with the ball as the ball is inserted into the frame opening; a spring, the spring having a first and second end, the spring's first end being positioned against the pivoting ball support, the spring's second end being positioned against the frame, such that movement of the pivoting ball support from the first position to the second position is resisted; and a rotation member, the rotation member being attached to the pivoting ball support such that movement of the rotation member causes rotation of the pivoting ball support.