IMPROVED BALL PICK UP, STORAGE AND DISPENSING DEVICE

Abstract: A ball pick-up and storage device (1) comprising a tubular receptacle (2) having at least one orifice (6) across which orifice or orifices (6) spans a displaceable member (10). The displaceable member (10) which spans the orifice (6) can be displaced from its position spanning the orifice (6) against biasing means (15) by a ball or in another embodiment it can be displaced by rotation of a sleeve which urges the displaceable member (10) outside the orifice (6). Depending upon the positions of the displaceable member (10) a ball can either enter, leave or be retained within the receptacle (2).

Description: IMPROVED BALL PICK UP STORAGE " AND DISPENSING:DEVICE The present invention relates to an improved ball pick up storage and dispensing device for use, among other things, in retrieving balls without the user having to bend down. In circumstances where large numbers of balls need to be picked up, as in golf or tennis practice, for instance, the task of picking up the balls is tedious and laborious and requires constant bending down with the attendant risk of back strain. The present invention ameliorates this problem. Ball pick up devices are already known but the known devices have a number of shortcomings. For example, Australian Patent 270206 discloses a device for retrieving golf balls. This device has an elasticised integral ring member which is placed at one end of a cage like structure. The diameter of the elasticised ring is less than that of the ball to be retrieved. This ring is adapted to expand when pressed down upon a ball allowing the ball to pass through the resultant orifice. The ring member then contracts to its original position thus preventing the ball from falling out. One problem with this device, is that when it is shaken up and down, the balls can fall out when that is not wanted. A further problem is that when the required minimum elasticity of the ring member deteriorates, the efficacy of the device diminishes such that it will be less able to hold the balls. Furthermore, there is no adequate control over the release of the balls through the inlet end. The present invention prevents any possibility of the balls retained escaping unintentionally from the inlet orifice. Another device for retrieving balls is disclosed in PCT Au83/00040. This device is adapted for use in picking up tennis balls by means of a number of ball engaging stop means arranged around the perimeter of the inlet orifice. When the device is pressed onto the ball the ball engaging stop means deform the ball so the ball can pass through into the device. This method has the disadvantage that a risk of damage to the ball is created. Furthermore, as this device relies on deformation of the balls entering, the device is restricted for use with balls which deform easily such as tennis balls. It could not, for instance, be used as effectively with golf balls due to the greater resistance to deformation. USA Patent No. 4,058,336 discloses a device for picking up balls such as golf balls in the form of a tube having at one end a device for retrieving balls utilising a two position pawl which pivots against its loading and deflects as the device is pushed down on the ball to be picked up and as the ball enters the tube. The disadvantage of this device is that it utilises a multiplicity of parts to effect the ball retrieval. This device is difficult to manufacture and relies on the structural integrity of the pawl as well as a number of other components. The present invention improves the pre-existing ball retrieval devices by use of a simplified device without compromise to the ability to pick up and retain balls. The invention also improves the method of releasing the balls and facilitates removal of balls from either end of the device. It is an object of the invention to provide a more simplified yet versatile and efficient device for picking up, storing (holding) and releasing balls from either of the two ends of the device. The present invention is economic and easy to manufacture in all its embodiments, is durable, can perform the function of picking up balls without the need for a multiplicity of parts to comprise a mechanism to perform the functions of picking up and holding balls. Its performance is not susceptible to a reduction in elasticity of an elasticised member causing a loss of effectiveness such as occurs with those which are used in the cited inventions. Furthermore, the present invention does not rely on an elasticised member which must be set at a critical diameter relative to the diameter of the ball to be picked up. There are no parameters in the present invention which are specified as critical. On the contrary, the performance of the ball pick up arrangement of the present invention can in some cases be improved, if a reduction in elasticity were to take place. The use of the off centre entry principle, in the present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages found with the previously known devices. The present invention is easy to maintain due to its simplicity and it has the added advantage that it is adapted to perform a plurality of functions thus making it more versatile than the prior art inventions. Furthermore, the concept utilised to pick up the balls enables a variety of different embodiments with the common feature of simplicity. The various embodiments can be manufactured in the form of detachable parts which can be adapted to the device. The particular method of use of the displaceable resilient member spaning the inlet orifice, enables a greater resistance to ball load generated when the apparatus is filled with balls. The greater ability to withstand these loads without compromise to the efficiency of the operation of picking up the balls, overcomes the problems which are inherent in the device of Patent No. 270206. Thus the device of the present invention can be shaken violently without releasing the stored balls. In its broadest form the present invention comprises a ball pick up and storage device comprising: a receptacle having at least one orifice across which spans a displaceable member adapted to prevent egress of balls held in said receptacle through said orifice. In the preferred embodiment the receptacle is an elongated tubular member, however the receptacle can be any one of a multiplicity of shapes. In the preferred embodiment the device further comprises: a means biasing the displaceable member, whereby when a ball enters said orifice, said displaceable member is displaced against said biasing means, said biasing means restoring said member to its original position when said ball is within said receptacle to prevent egress of the ball through said orifice. Preferably the orifice is adapted with a flared portion at the orifice improving the ability of the ball to enter the receptacle. Also, in one embodiment, the displaceable resilient member is a rubber ring such as an 'o* ring, detachably fixed to the end of the receptacle at the orifice. In another form the invention comprises a ball receptacle having an end with a first peripheral notch and an orifice, said end having a rotatable member; said rotatable member comprising a second peripheral notch adapted to receive an elastic member disposed around said rotatable member. wherein said first and second peripheral notches are aligned in such a way that on rotation of said rotatable member the elastic member is allowed to pass into said receptable providing a barrier across said orifice. In a preferred embodiment the orifice is circular with the rotatable member concentrically disposed around the outer periphery of the said end of the receptacle, said end being preferably circular. Preferably the elasticised member is an 'o* ring. In a further embodiment of the invention the rotatable member is adapted to receive a putting attachment suitable for use when said end is utilised. In an alternative embodiment the invention further comprises a receptacle having a second orifice located at a second end of the elongated receptacle said second end comprising: an inner sleeve member; an outer sleeve member each having a passage extending therethrough; a notch in said inner sleeve member; a resilient member adapted for entry into and exit from said notch; and wherein, when said outer sleeve member is moved relative to said inner sleeve member, a nib on said outer sleeve member causes said resilient member to exit or enter the passage in said inner sleeve via said notch thereby respectively allowing or preventing the passage of a ball within said passage of said inner sleeve. The invention will now be described according to a preferred but non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein: Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of one end of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a ball entering the device of Fig. 1 in three stages of the pick up process from an end view and a side view; Fig. 3 shows the resilient displaceable member adapted with a rotatable cylinder according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 shows a side elevational view and an isometric view of the end described in Fig. 1 showing the displaceable member according to alternative embodiment; Fig. 5 shows the receptacle with a rotatable member adapted for allowing the free entry and exit of balls according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the device according to one embodiment wherein the receptacle is adapted with a pick up end and a rotatable member allowing entry and exit of balls; Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of one end shown in Fig. 6 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 8 shows an end view of the figure shown in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 shows a side elevational view of the ball pick up and storage device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 10 shows the ball receptacle according to an alternative embodiment; Fig. 11 shows the ball receptacle according to a further embodiment wherein the rotatable member is adapted with a putting attachment and bunker rake; Fig. 12 shows an alternative form of the invention wherein the displaceable member is a ball; and Fig. 13 shows the alternative form of the invention as in Fig. 8 wherein the displaceable member is a pin. As shown in Fig. 1, the present invention comprises a ball pick up device 1 comprising a receptacle 2 which is preferably elongated and tubular. Fig. 10 shows one embodiment of an elongated member adapted with an expanded ball storage section 2. Fig. 1 shows the device member 1 adapted with a first end 3 and a second end 4 connected by a passage 5. Said first end 3 of elongated member 1 comprises an orifice 6 which is substantially egg shaped due to a flared portion 7. First end 2 also comprises notches 8 and 9. The notches 8 and 9 with the assistance of the flared portion are adapted to receive a displaceable member 10 which is an 'o' ring according to one embodiment disposed in such a way that, when in position, a portion 15 of the displaceable member 10 spans the orifice 6. The remaining portion 12 of the displaceable member 10 passes around the outer surface 13 of flared portion 7. Fig. 2 a, b and c shows in three stages the manner in which ball 11 enters the device 1 through orifice 6. In use, ball 11 is normally located on a substantially horizontal surface before pick up. The device 1 is then held in the hand and in a substantially vertical attitude placed over the ball 11 such that the upper portion of the ball presents at orifice 6 between portion 15 of the displaceable resilient member 10 and inner surface 16 of flared portion 7 of first end 3 in such a way that the centre of the ball is eccentric to the central axis of the device 1. Once the ball is located in the position shown in Fig. 2A a downward force is exerted on the device. This force causes the inner surface 16 of flared portion 7 to transfer a force to the outer surface 14 of the ball 11. As the ball 11 is restrained from downward movement by the ground surface 40, the result is that the ball 11 is moved laterally relative to the central axis of the receptacle 2. This ball 11 in turn, generates a lateral force on the portion 15 of displaceable member 10 such that portion 15 is deflected away from the central axis by the ball as shown in Fig. 2b. When the downward force exerted on the device 1 is sufficient to overcome the elastic force in portion 15 of elasticised ring 10 with the assistance of the ball 11, the ball moves upwards such that the elastic force in portion 15 of displaceable member 10 is relieved once the upper hemisphere 17 of the ball 11 has passed above the portion 15 of displaceable member 10. As the elastic force is relieved, this causes a pressure on the lower hemisphere 18 of the ball 11 forcing the ball upwards. Once the diameter of the ball has passed above the portion 15 the downward pressure on the device 1 can be released as the elastic force will now force the ball into the receptacle 2. Once the ball is inside the receptacle 2, the ball cannot fall out due to the resilience of the portion 15 of displaceable member 10. In a further embodiment, the displaceable member 10 need not be an 'o' ring, it can be comprised of a displaceable member spanning the orifice 6 connected to the walls of the receptacle 2. In another embodiment not shown, the orifice does not have the flared portion 7. In this instance ball 11 can enter the receptacle from either side of the displaceable member 10. In a further embodiment, the displaceable member 10 is adapted with a rotatable member 19 as shown in Fig. 3. This facilitates a more easy entry for the ball because member 19 overcomes the friction forces between the ball 11 and displaceable member 10 which need to be overcome before entry of the ball is effected. As shown in Fig. 1 the ball receptacle 2 can be adapted with a cu.t-out section 22 or a transparent section to allow monitoring of the number of balls held in the receptacle. An alternative end means for ball retrieval is shown in Fig. 4. Fig 4A shows a side elevational view and Fig. 4B shows an isometric view. In this embodiment, the receptacle 2 is adapted at end 3 with a resilient displaceable member 39. Member 39 is comprised of a bridging bar 55 which is connected at its ends to the legs 41 and 42. These legs are pivotally connected to receptacle 2 by means of feet 43 and 44 which penetrate the material of receptable 2. Enveloping the legs 41 and 42 is an elastomeric member 45 such as a rubberised ring which provide a bias for the bridging bar 55 when it deflects upon entry of a ball into the orifice 6. When a ball is to be picked up, the receptacle is positioned in a substantially vertical attitude so as to present orifice 6 to a ball. The ball is picked up in a similar manner to that depicted in Fig. 2, however, in the embodiment of Fig. 4, the bridging bar 55 displaces on entry of a ball against the bias provided by the elastomeric member 45. To facilitate the entry of a ball, the bridging bar 55, which can be made from wire or other suitable pliable material is adapted with a curvilinear portion 46 as shown in Fig. 4B which accommodates the curvature of a ball. Once the ball has passed into the receptacle 2, the bridging bar 55 is restored to its original spanning position. In an alternative embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 5 A, B and C the device 1 has receptacle 2, preferably elongated, comprising at one end 4 an orifice 20 and a circumferential notch 21. Adapted to end 4 of receptacle 2 is a rotatable member 23 concentrically disposed around the outside of wall 24 of receptacle 2. Rotatable member 23 has a circumferential notch 25 adapted to receive a portion 27 of displaceable resilient member 26. Fig. 5A shows an exploded view of the receptacle 2 with rotatable member 23. Fig. 5B shows the rotatable member 23 adpated to the receptacle 2. Fig. 5C shows an end view of the receptacle 2 with rotatable member 23 and displaceable resilient member 26 adapted. In use, the rotatable member 23 can be rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise. As shown in Fig. 5C, when the rotatable member 23 is in position, the circumferential notches 21 and 25 are aligned to allow portion 27 of displaceable resilient member 26 to enter the passage 5. This portion 27 acts in retaining the balls in receptacle 2. Once the notches are circu ferentially separated from each other when the rotatable member 23 is rotated, the portion 27 can no longer enter passage 5. This allows balls which may be already in receptacle 2 to be released. Alternatively, it allows balls to be placed in the receptacle 2 from end 4. The degree of obstruction provided in the passage 5 by portion 27 can be varied by rotation of member 23. The rotatable member 23 is prevented from free rotation due to the friction between itself and displaceable resilient member 26 and the receptacle 2. When the device of the present invention is used in the sport of golf, rotatable member 23 can also be adpated with a putting attachment 28 as shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 11 also shows an attachment 29 enabling the device to be used as a bunker rake. When attachment 29 is detached, the device of the present invention can be used as a putting practise device. In use, the elongated receptacle 2 is placed in a prostrate position on the ground (or floor if used indoors) . The attachment 28 is comprised of two legs 30 and 31 interconnected by a connecting bar 32. Connecting bar 32 can be adapted with a bunker rake (see Fig. 11). Legs 30 and 31 of the attachment 28 are fitted into notches (not shown) in rotatable member 23 they can also be welded to member .23. These legs are restrained with the assistance of the elasticised ring member 26 as shown in Fig. 11. Legs 30 and 31 are ramped in such a way that when a ball is putted towards the orifice 20 the legs guide and raise the ball (not shown) into the orifice. When the device is used for putting, the rotatable member 23 is circumferentially positioned so that the portion 27 of the elasticised ring member 26 is clear of passage 5 to allow the balls to enter receptacle 2. As shown in Fig. 5B the balls are prevented from existing the opposite end to the rotatable member by a stop 33. When the receptacle 2 is filled with balls which have been pulled into it, these balls can be released by rotation of member 23 even while putting attachment 28 is still attached to it. The attachment 28 can be attached to member 23 in such a way that when the attachment 28 is in the position to receive balls, the circumferential position of rotatable member 23 will be such that the portion 27 of elasticised ring 26 does not block passage 5. Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the ball pick up and dispensing device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the first end 3 of the receptacle 2 used as a ball pick up means and the second end 4 of receptacle 2 adapted with the rotatable member 23 and the putting attachment 28. The portion 15 of displaceable resilient member 10 of the ball pick up means can act as a stopper for balls which are putted in from the opposite end 4. Fig. 7 shows the receptacle 2 adapted at end 4 with means 47 for allowing the passage of a ball. The said means operates along the same lines as the embodiment shown inn Fig. 5, however, in the Fig. 7 embodiment some configurational changes have been made. End 4 is comprised in this embodiment of an inner sleeve 48 and an outer sleeve 49. Outer sleeve 49 is adapted to fit telescopically over and rotate about inner sleeve 48. Inner sleeve 48 is adapted with a circumferential abbreviation 50 having a nib 51 at one of its edges. Inner sleeve 48 has a circumferential notch 52 which is adapted to receive the nib 51. When outer sleeve is fitted over the inner sleeve the nib 51 travels in notch 52. An elastomeric number 53 such as a rubber ring fits around the outside of the outer sleeve 49. As the outer sleeve is rotated in a first direction the nib forces the member 53 out of the notch 52. When the outer sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction the elastomeric member 53 is allowed to penetrate into and span the passage 54 in inner sleeve 48, thereby preventing the passage of balls from passing from the outside to the inside or from inside to the outside. In another embodiment inner sleeve 48 is also adapted with at least one longitudinal groove 22 to facilitate the fitting of outer sleeve 49 onto the inner sleeve. A hanging tab 56 can also be affixed to sleeve 49. Inner sleeve 48 can, if necessary, be fitted with a tab 57 to limit rotation of the outer sleeve. A means (not shown) is also provided on outer sleeve to prevent outer sleeve separating from the inner sleeve. Fig. 8 shows an end view of the means shown in Fig. 8. Outer sleeve 49 is also adapted with an attachment 28 similar to that shown in Fig. 6. Attachment 28 is this time welded to outer sleeve 49 and performs along the lines described earlier. The bar 32 approximates the diameter of a golfing hole and assists in enabling the user to aim the ball to be putted into passae 54. Fig. 12 shows an alternative form of the ball pick up means, using as the displaceable member a ball 34 held within a housing 35 fixedly attached to the receptacle 2. Fig. 12a, b and c shows the action of displaceable ball 34 in three positions as a ball 11 enters the passage 5 of receptacle 2. Ball 36 is shown already inside receptable 2. The arrows show the respective directions of the pick up apparatus and the balls entering. Fig. 13 shows another embodiment of the displaceable member wherein the ball 34 is substituted with a moveable pin 37. Fig. 13a, b and c shows the action of the pin in three positions as a ball enters the passage 5 of receptacle 2. The moveable ball or the pin can be assisted by the use of a rubberised material located in the housing 35. Fig. 12d shows the housing 35 for ball 34 adapted with at least two notches adapted to receive the elasticised ring 38 in one notch at a time. The purpose of the ring 38 disposed in such a way as to lock or hold the ball 34 in a particular position either clear of the passage 5 or within passage 5 is so that the balls already in the receptacle cannot escape when the receptacle is placed on its side. When the ball pick up device is placed on its side the ball 34 left unsecured would be more likely to undergo random movement such as when travelling in a car. Such random movement of the ball 34 could allow the balls 11 and 36 for instance to be unintentionally released from the receptacle 2. Ring 38 is designed to prevent this or allow this intentionally. Fig. 9 shows the ball pick up device in similar fashion to that shown in Fig. 6 however, this time the ends of receptable 2 are adapted with the embodiments shown in Figs. 4 and 7. It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as hereinbefore described such as, adapting the device to pick up and release many different shaped balls such as tennis balls or adapting the device for use as a child's toy without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims: THE CLAIMS : 1. A ball pick up and storage device comprising: a receptacle having at least one orifice across which spans a displaceable member adapted to prevent egress of balls held in said receptacle through said orifice. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the said receptacle is an elongated tubular member with the said orifice being located at one end. 3. A device according to claim 2 further comprising a means biasing said displaceable member, whereby when a ball enters said orifice, said displaceable member is displaced against said biasing means, said biasing means restoring said member to its original position when said ball is within said receptacle to prevent egree of the ball through said orifice. 4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the said orifice has a flared portion. 5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the displaceable member is an elastomeric ring, a portion of which encircles the flared portion to retain the ring in position, and which is deformed by the passage of a ball passing into the receptacle and which returns to its spanning position across the said orifice following entry of said ball into said receptacles. 6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the said displaceable member spanning the orifice comprises a bridging member having a leg or legs connected thereto, said leg or legs being also pivotally connected to the said receptacle and being adapted to pivot against a bias 7. A device acccording to claim 6 wherein the said bridging member is biased by means of an elastomeric member peripherally disposed around said receptacle and enveloping said leg or legs. 8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the said bridging member has a curvilinear portion to accommodate the curvature of a ball passing through said orifice. 9. A device according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 7 when appended to claim 3 wherein the said tubular member comprises: a second orifice located at the other end, said second end comprising: an inner sleeve member; an outer sleeve member each having a passage extending therethrough; a notch in said inner sleeve member; a resilient member adapted for entry into and exit from said notch; and wherein, when said outer sleeve member is moved relative to said inner sleeve member, a nib on said outer sleeve member causes said resilient member to exit or enter the passage in said inner sleeve via said notch thereby respectively allowing or preventing the passage of a ball within said passage of said inner sleeve. 10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the said inner and outer sleeve members are concentrically disposed tubelike members with the said outer tube being adapted to rotate about said inner tube. 11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the resilient member is an elastomeric ring enveloping said inner and outer sleeves. 12. A device according to claim 11 wherein said notch in said inner sleeve extends part of the distance arond the circumference of said inner sleeve. 13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the said outer sleeve has a circumferential abbreviation in alignment with the notch and at least the same length as that of the said circumferential notch in said inner sleeve member, said abbreviation having a nib at one end being adapted to travel within said notch. 14. A device according to claim 13 wherein the elastomeric ring is disposed in circumferential alignment with said notch, said nib, and said abbreviation of said outer sleeve member. 15. A device according to claim 14 wherein when said outer sleeve is rotated in one direction said nib causes said elastomeric ring to exit said passage of said inner sleeve via said notch and when siad outer sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction said nib causes said elastomeric ring to enter said passage of said inner sleeve via said notch. 16. A device according to claim 14 wherein said outer sleeve member is adapted with means for restricting the degree of rotation of said outer sleeve. 17. A device according to claim 16 wherein said outer sleeve member has attached to it guide rails to facilitate the entry of a ball into the said passage of said inner sleeve when said device is disposed in a horozontal attitude. 18. A device according to claim 1 wherein said receptacle is a tubular member and said orifice is located at one end said end comprising: an inner sleeve member and an outer sleeve member each having a passage extending therethrough; a notch in said inner sleeve member; a resilient member adapted for entry into and exit from said notch; and wherein when said outer sleeve member is moved relative to said inner sleeve member, a nib on the said outer sleeve member causes said resilient member to exit or enter the passage in said inner sleeve via said notch thereby respectively allowing or preventing the passage of a ball within said passage of said inner sleeve. 19. A device according to claim 18 wherein the said inner and outer sleeve members are concentrically disposed tubelike members with the said outer tube being adapted to rotate about said inner tube. 20. A device according to claim 19 wherein the resilient member is an elastomeric ring enveloping said inner and outer sleeves. 21. A device according to claim 20 wherein said notch in said inner sleeve extends part of the distance arond the circumference of said inner sleeve. 22. A device according to claim 21 wherein the said outer sleeve has a circumferential abbreviation in alignment with the notch and at least the same length as that of the said circumferential notch in said inner sleeve member, said abbreviation having a nib at one end being adapted to travel within said notch. 23. A device according to claim 22 wherein the elastomeric ring is disposed in circumferential alignment with said notch, said nib, and said abbreviation of said outer sleeve member. 24. A device according to claim 23 wherein when said outer sleeve is rotated in one direction said nib causes said elastomeric ring to exit said passage of said inner sleeve via said notch and when siad outer sleeve is rotated in the opposite direction said nib causes said elastomeric ring to enter said passage of said inner sleeve via said notch. 25. A device according to claim 24 wherein said outer sleeve member is adapted with means for restricting the degree of rotation of said outer sleeve. 26. A device according to claim 25 wherein said outer sleeve member has attached to it guide rails to facilitate the entry of a ball into the said passage of said inner sleeve when said device is disposed in a horozontal attitude. 27. A device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accommpanying illustrations.

Inventors: STEWART RONALD, STEWART, RONALD
Applicants: STEWART RONALD, STEWART, RONALD
Application year: 1986
Main classification: A63B47
IPC codes: A63B47