Patent Publication Number: US-2011062731-A1

Title: Retrieval and storage apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/275,965, filed Sep. 4, 2009, and entitled “RETRIEVAL AND STORAGE APPARATUS,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to a retrieval and storage system and, amongst other things, to a retrieval and dispensing system in which the device is capable of retrieving objects of different types, storing the objects, and subsequently removing the objects for use. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     During a typical tennis, golf, baseball and other sport practice session it is not unusual to have a plurality of balls positioned on locations about the court or field as a result of practice. There is a need for a means for easily retrieving these balls for reuse or for storage or for re-dispensing during the practice session or when the practice session is complete. There is a still further need for a means for retrieving and storing the balls and dispensing the balls when there use is again required. The simplest means of retrieval is for the player to merely squat or bend over and pick up the tennis balls one at a time. However, this puts undue stress on the limbs and back of the individual and is quite time consuming. Still further it requires the tennis player to carry some form of storage device. 
     Complicated retrieval systems have been devised, however, because of a large number of courts or fields both inside and outside, these complex mechanisms are not practical from an installation or cost analysis. Hand held retrieval systems are available in the forms of mesh baskets which contain a mesh bottom which slightly compress the ball forcing it into the mesh basket. However, these mesh baskets are manufactured from steel or other suitable material and are often bulky and cumbersome, and take up significant storage space when not in use. 
     Tennis ball pick-up devices have been disclosed which enable the player to retrieve balls without having to bend over, and which store a multitude of balls in an easily dispensable manner. One such device, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,632 to Eddy comprises an elongated straight cylindrical tube capable of storing the balls in a stacked array. The interior lower extremity of Eddy&#39;s tube is equipped with a sphincter member having a resilient flange which permits upward passage of a tennis ball into the storage tube when said lower extremity is pressed downwardly onto a tennis ball. The stored balls can be poured from the upper extremity of the tube which is closeable by a rubber band stretched diametrically across the otherwise open upper extremity. The storage tube of the Eddy device is of fixed length. 
     Although known devices address some needs of, improvement is desired in several features. These include improving versatility and ease of use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one or more embodiments, a transportable retrieval and storage apparatus capable of storing objects of different dimensions is provided. The apparatus in one or more aspects may include storage compartment having a first end and a second end and an aperture disposed at the first end of the storage compartment. A plane of said aperture is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the storage compartment. A first wall of the aperture including a plurality of spring members being disposed on and extending from said wall along the plane of the aperture. The plurality of spring members is capable of being compressed toward the first wall. 
     In other aspect, a transportable retrieval and storage apparatus capable of storing objects of different dimensions comprises a storage compartment including an aperture disposed at a first end of with a plane being substantially perpendicular to a plane of said storage compartment and an external surface including at least three slots each having a length of a distance substantially between the first end and a second end. The apparatus further comprises a slidable assembly disposed along the external surface of the storage compartment and including at least three pivot members each coupled to an internal surface of the slidable assembly and disposed within a different one of the slots. Each the three pivot members being further coupled to the internal surface of the slidable assembly by a spring member positioned to allow retraction of each pivot members from a position substantially perpendicular with the internal surface to a position less than 45 degrees from a plane perpendicular to the internal surface. 
     In additional embodiments, a transportable retrieval and storage apparatus capable of storing objects of different dimensions is provided. The apparatus in one or more aspects may include storage compartment having a first end and a second end and an aperture disposed at the first end of the storage compartment. A plane of said aperture is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the storage compartment. The apparatus further comprises means disposed in said aperture for allowing of passage of objects into the aperture and maintaining objects in the aperture after the objects have entered the aperture 
     In further embodiments, a transportable retrieval and storage apparatus capable of storing objects of different dimensions is provided that may include a coupling apparatus for coupling multiple storage compartments to increase a storage capacity of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be adapted to input and store objects including, but not limited to, a baseball, a tennis ball, a lacrosse ball, and a hockey puck. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other objects of the present disclosure will become apparent, particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a storage and retrieval device; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus in the direction of arrows A-A in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cut-away cross-sectional view of an aperture along plane C-C of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cutaway view along plane B-B of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded top view of another embodiment of a storage and retrieval device; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus in the direction of arrows A-A in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus in the direction of arrows C-C in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cut-away cross-sectional view of an aperture along plane B-B of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a coupling element; 
         FIG. 10A and 10B  are enlarged side views of a tubular member; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of a cap for the storage and retrieval device; and 
         FIG. 12  is an additional embodiment of the storage and retrieval device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a retrieval and storage apparatus  10 . The retrieval and storage system  10  comprises a tubular member  15  having an inner diameter slightly greater than the diameter of different sized objects to be stored in retrieval and storage apparatus  10 . The objects can be of different diameters and sizes, and thus, the diameter may be adapted to be selected to accommodate objects of multiple objects of different sizes. In some embodiments, the objects may be golf balls, tennis balls, hockey pucks, lacrosse balls, or one or more combinations of these or other objects. 
     As discussed above, one advantage of one or more embodiments of the retrieval and storage apparatus  10  is the ability to pick-up and store objects having different sizes. For example, a standard tennis ball has a diameter of approximately between 2.57 in. and 2.7 in., and a mass of approximately 56.7 g to 58.5 g, while a baseball has a diameter of approximately between 2.863 in. and 2.938 in. and may have a mass of approximately 5 ounces and a hockey puck has a diameter of approximately 4 inches and a mass of approximately between 5½ oz. and 6 oz. In addition, it should be noted that while a tennis ball and baseball are generally spherical in shape, a hockey puck is cylindrical in shape. Thus, not only do these objects have different diameters but also different shapes. Thus, apparatus  10  can accommodate objects of different shapes and dimensions. 
     Tubular member  15  has a first end  20  defining a first portion of tubular member  15  and a second end  25  defining a second portion of tubular member  15 . There is removably secured at first end  20  a cap member  30  which may be removably coupled with first end  20 . Cap member  30  includes an aperture  35 ,  FIG. 2 , which may include one or more spring members  40  to allow entry of objects into tubular member  15  and to maintain objects when in the tubular member  15 , after entry of the objects. In some embodiments, cap member  30  may be integral portion of tubular member  15 , as opposed to being removably coupled. 
     Spring members  40  may be positioned a distance from a lip  45  to allow objects to be easily entered into tubular member  15  via spring members  40 . In some embodiments the distance may be ⅛ th  of an inch, while in other embodiments the distance may be ¼ of an inch. However, other distances may be possible and within the scope of one or more embodiments. The length of spring members  40  can be set to determine the size of objects that are stored within the tubular member  15 , i.e. the longer the spring members  50 , the smaller objects may be maintained and stored within tubular member  15 . Alternatively, spring members  40  may be of the form of pivot members, as described and depicted with respect to  FIGS. 5-8 . 
     Tubular member  15  may also be fitted with a coupling element  50  secured to tubular member  15  at second end  25 . Coupling element  50  has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of tubular member  15 . The coupling element  50  couples tubular member  15  to another tubular member  55 . In one or more embodiments, coupling element  50  may be used to couple tubular members  15  and  55  to each other thus extending the carrying capacity of apparatus  10 . Tubular members may be added to apparatus  10 , increasing the storage capacity and the modularity of apparatus  10 . This modularity allows multiple numbers of tubular members, and thus can allow a user to balance their needs for storage capacity and ease of transportation. Coupling element  50  may have a threaded interior to allow easier coupling of tubular members  15  and  55 . In certain aspects, the coupling element may be omitted and a single tubular member may comprise apparatus  10 . It should be noted that coupling element  50  may be integral to each tubular member  15  and  55 . In such embodiments, the tubular members  15  and  55  would be coupled to each other via their integral coupling elements. 
     In one aspect, the tubular member  55  includes a cap  60  which maintains objects within, preventing entry and exit a storage compartment of tubular member  30 . Cap  60  may be removably coupled to tubular member  30 . The cap  60  may be removable and replaceable with coupling element  50 . 
     Tubular member  15  may also fitted with one or more handles  65 , which allow a user to more easily carry apparatus  10  and to press spring members  40  onto objects to allow the entry of objects into tubular member  15 . An alternative to handles  65  may be one or more grip members, not shown, that allow substantially similar functions to that of handles. In further embodiments, one or both of handles  65  or grip members may be present on tubular member  15 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows A-A in  FIG. 1  of retrieval and storage apparatus  10 .  FIG. 2  illustrates one or more embodiments of the manner in which spring members  40  can be utilized to allow entry of objects and prevent such objects, after entry, which have passed into tubular member  15  from exiting. Each spring member  40  may be housed in recesses  105  of wall  100  of the tubular member  15 . The spring members  40  may be substantially planar with respect to an axis, axis A-A of  FIG. 1 , of aperture  35 . 
     The spring members may, in one embodiment, be retractable into a recess  105  of wall  100  of aperture  35 . In such embodiments, the recess  105  may be of a size to allow for full or partial retraction of spring member  40  into wall  100 . In other embodiments, spring members  40  may be retracted to a position which is less than a full depth of recess  105  of wall  100 . In further embodiments, the spring members may retract fully into recess  105 . In certain embodiments, the spring members  40  may extend a length of approximately ⅓ rd  of a diameter of aperture  35 . In other embodiments, other lengths may be utilized. 
     The spring members  40  may be encapsulated in plastic, rubber or other material, or may be springs without encapsulation. In addition they may be of a tubular, rectangular, wedge or other shape, which may be used to improve the ability to allow objects to enter into aperture  35 . In addition, in some embodiments, the spring members  40  may be replaceable to have different shapes and sizes, e.g. for different types of objects. In such embodiments, cap member  30  may removably coupled to tubular member  15 , and thus be replaced with cap members  30  having different spring numbers, types, and configurations. 
     One advantage of spring members  40  is that objects having different hardness may be able to be entered into aperture  35 , while at the same time maintaining those objects within the tubular member  10  after entering. The above may also apply to objects of different densities, as well. 
     In one or more embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , three spring members  40 , each positioned approximately ⅓ rd , i.e. approximately 120 degrees, of an interior circumference of wall  100  from each other spring member  40  along of aperture  35 . The spring members  40  are positioned to improve the entry of objects via aperture  35 , while at the same time maintaining objects within the tubular member after entry. As previously discussed there may be more or less spring members, which may or may not be equidistant from each other along an interior circumference of aperture  35 . For example, there may be four spring members  40  each being spaced apart at approximately ¼ th  of an interior circumference of wall  100  of aperture  35 . In some embodiments, the spring members  40  may positioned with respect to each other along the perpendicular of aperture  35 , so as to improve the balance of an object residing inside of tubular member  15 , when it rests upon spring members  40 . 
     In an embodiment, an object when engaging spring members  40  causes the spring members  40  to retract, either partially or completely, into recess  105 , thus allowing the object to enter into tubular member  15 . The object passes through the area of aperture  35  that houses the spring members  40  and the spring members  40  then return to their initial position within the opening  40 . This relationship, allows the spring members  40  to both allow the entry of objects but to also securely retaining the objects after they have entered in tubular member  15  via aperture  35 . The objects may input into tubular member  15 , by a user pressing aperture  35  onto the object. The user may grip apparatus  10  at any position along the surface to force the object into aperture  35 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cut-away cross-sectional view of an aperture along plane C-C of  FIG. 2  of retrieval and storage apparatus  10 , illustrating one or more additional embodiments of the orientation and location of spring members  40  that can be utilized to allow entry of objects and prevent such objects which have entered into tubular member  15  from exiting. Each spring member  40  may be housed in a recess within a wall that defines an aperture  35  of the tubular member  15 . The spring members  40  are angled at approximately 10-15 degrees from an axis  150  of aperture  35 . The angular orientation of spring members  40  may improve the ability of the spring members to allow the entry of objects into aperture  35 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cutaway view along plane B-B of  FIG. 1  of retrieval and storage apparatus  10  illustrating the interior  200  of a portion  210  of tubular member  15 . The interior  200  includes a compartment  220  in which objects are stored that input via aperture  35 ,  FIG. 1 . Compartment  220  may consist of different configuration, e.g. round, square, octagonal, or other configurations. In one or more embodiments, compartment  220  may consist of a set, or sets, slots ( FIGS. 10A and 10B ) to allow the objects to be easily removed from the compartment  220 . The cross-sectional area of compartment  220  is designed to be able to store objects of different sizes, including, but not limited to, baseballs, lacrosse balls, tennis balls, golf balls, hockey pucks and/or other objects. In addition, as discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 , multiple portions  210  may be combined to form a longer or shorter apparatus  10 . Each such portion  210  may be attached to another portion by a coupling element  50  ( FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of a retrieval and storage apparatus  1000 . The retrieval and storage apparatus  1000  comprises a tubular member  1040  having an inner diameter slightly greater than the diameter of different sized objects to be stored in retrieval and storage apparatus  1000 . The objects can be of different diameters and sizes, and thus, the diameter may be adapted to be selected to accommodate objects of multiple objects of different sizes. In one embodiment, the objects may be golf balls, tennis balls, hockey pucks, lacrosse balls, or one or more combinations of these or other objects. 
     As discussed with respect to  FIGS. 1-4 , one advantage of one or more embodiments of the retrieval and storage apparatus  1000  is the ability to pick-up and store objects having different sizes. For example, a standard tennis ball has a diameter of approximately between 2.57 in. and 2.7 in., and a mass of approximately 56.7 g to 58.5 g, while a baseball has a diameter of approximately between 2.863 in. and 2.938 in. and may have a mass of approximately 5 ounces and a hockey puck has a diameter of approximately 4 inches and a mass of approximately between 5½ oz. and 6 oz. In addition, it should be noted that while a tennis ball and baseball are generally spherical in shape, a hockey puck is cylindrical in shape. Thus, not only do these objects have different diameters but also different shapes. Thus, apparatus  1000  can accommodate objects of different shapes and dimensions. This again, is a function of the length of pivot members  1030 . 
     Tubular member  1040  has a first end  1080  defining a first portion of tubular member  1040  and a second end  1090  defining a second portion of tubular member  1040 . A slidable assembly  1010  is slidably coupled to an external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040 . Slidable assembly  1010  includes a plurality of pivot members  1030  coupled to an internal surface of slidable assembly  1010  via spring members, as discussed and described with respect to  FIG. 7 . Pivot members  1030  to move from a first position that is substantially perpendicular to an internal surface of slidable assembly  1010  to substantially flush with an internal surface of slidable assembly  1010 , thus allowing objects to enter the tubular member  1040 , via opening  1060 , and to prevent objects from exiting the tubular member  1040 , via opening  1060 , after entry. 
     Pivot members  1030  are positioned to extend into slots  1055 , and thus into the interior of tubular member  1040 , such that an object moving via direction  1065  toward pivot members  1040  forces pivot members  1030  toward a position substantially flush with an interior surface of slidable assembly  1010 , thus allowing objects into the tubular member  1040 . It should be noted, that pivot members  1030  can move to a position less than flush with the interior surface, and generally move to a position at or greater than 45 degrees with respect to the interior surface, depending on the size of the objects. However, objects housed within an interior of tubular member  1040  are maintained within tubular member  1040 , even if they push against pivot members  1030 , due to the location and positioning of the pivot members  1030 . 
     In some embodiments, slots  1055 , and thus pivot members  1030 , are positioned such an angle between any two slots is 120 degrees along the periphery of the external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040 , with respect to each other. However, the number of slots and their distance from each other may vary and may be more or less than 3 and more or less than 120 degrees. For example, 4 slots may be utilized and they may be 90 degrees apart along the periphery of the external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040 , with respect to each other. In the embodiments depicted with respect to  FIG. 5 , the slots  1055  may run almost the entirety of the length of the external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040 . In such cases, the size of the storage area in tubular member  1040  can vary to any amount that is less than the total length of tubular member  1040 . In other embodiments, the length of slots  1055  may be any distance that is less than the length of the external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040 . 
     Slidable assembly  1010  can move along the external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040  to a plurality of positions. The slidable assembly  1010  may be positioned at any location of the external surface  1045  via plunger members  1060 , which may be a spring loaded plunger member that may be retracted or extended via a number of different triggers, including a handle  1095 , or other systems. Such systems may include pulley systems or any other triggers, as are known. In an embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , plunger members  1060  can be retractable into or against an internal surface of slidable assembly  1010  to allow for the movement of the slidable assembly  1010  along the external surface of tubular member  1040 . In alternative embodiments, the plunger members  1060  maybe fixed and constructed of a rubber material, such that they compress against the external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040 . It should be noted, in both the embodiments, discussed above an axis of plunger members  1060  is offset from an axis of pivot members  1030 . This allows for slot  1055  to run along an external surface of tubular member  1040 , where pivot members  1030  can be extend into the interior of tubular member  1040 , at any time, while plunger members  1060  can be selectively coupled with external surface  1045 . 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view in the direction of arrows A-A in  FIG. 5  of retrieval and storage apparatus  1000 .  FIG. 6  illustrates one or more embodiments of the manner in which the pivot members  1030 , extend into slots  1055 , are couple to the internal surface  1100  of slidable assembly  1010  and the spring members  1110  ( FIG. 7 ). This combination can be utilized to allow entry of objects and prevent such objects, after entry, which have passed into tubular member  1040  from exiting. As can be seen, each pivot member  1030  may be housed such that it pivots at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from a position perpendicular to line A-A in  FIG. 5  to substantially flush against internal surface  1100 . However, the pivot angle may be less than 90 degrees, so long as objects may enter the interior of tubular member  1040 , e.g. in some embodiments this may be 45 degrees or more. In certain embodiments, the pivot members  1030  may extend a length of approximately ⅓ rd  of a diameter of aperture  1120 . In other embodiments, other lengths may be utilized. 
     The pivot members  1030  may be encapsulated in plastic, rubber or other material, or may be without encapsulation. In addition they may be of a tubular, rectangular, wedge or other shape, which may be used. In addition, in some embodiments, the pivot members  1030  may be replaceable to have different shapes and sizes, e.g. for different types of objects. The number of pivot members  1030  may vary and can be three, four, or any number greater than four. 
     One advantage of pivot members  1030  is that objects having different hardness may be able to be entered into aperture  1120 , while at the same time maintaining those objects within the tubular member  1040  after entering. The above may also apply to objects of different densities, as well. 
       FIG. 7  is a cut-away cross-sectional view of an aperture along plane C-C of  FIG. 6 , illustrating one or more additional embodiments of the orientation and location of pivot members  1030  and spring members  1110  that can be utilized to allow entry of objects and prevent such objects which have entered into the tubular member, from exiting. The spring members  1110  are coupled to the interior surface  1100  of a wall  1150  of slidable assembly  1010 . In some embodiments, the spring members  1110  may be angled at approximately 45 degrees from an axis  1180  of tubular member  1040 . The angular orientation of spring members  1110  may improve the rigidity and flexibility of the pivot members  1030  to allow the entry of objects into the tubular member  1040 . 
     In the embodiments depicted and discussed with respect to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 , the pivot members  1030  are integral or otherwise coupled with slidable assembly  1010 . However, in other embodiments it is possible that the pivot members  1030  are coupled with an interior surface of tubular member  1040  and maintained in a fixed position, thus not moving but allowing a user of the apparatus  1000  to change the number of objects stored within tubular member  1040  by using slidable assembly  1010 . It also should be noted that the pivot members  1030 , maybe integral with the spring members  1110  or may have other structures, e.g. similar to those described with regard to the spring members of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 8  is a cut-away cross-sectional view of an aperture along plane B-B of  FIG. 5 . The plunger members  1060  are coupled to the interior surface  1100  of a wall  1150  of slidable assembly  1010  and are maintained in slots  1190  formed in a wall  1085  that is part of external surface  1045  of tubular member  1040 . The plunger members  1060  are positioned so that they do not intersect slots  1055 , and thus can be prevented from interfering with pivot members  1030 . 
     Plunger members  1060  may, in certain embodiments, comprise a rigid portion  1160  and a flexible, spring or otherwise retractable, portion  1170 . This allows the plunger member  1060  to be fixedly positioned within or against the external surface  1045  of the tubular member  1040 . The plunger members  1060  can be moved out slots  1190  by rotating the portion  1195  of the slidable assembly  1010  along the direction identified by arrows  1200 . This rotation forces the flexible portions  1170 , of the plunger members  1060 , up and out of slots  1190 . Without the action of such rotation of the portion  1195 , the flexible portion  1170  of the plunger members  1060  is fixedly maintained within slot  1190 . In addition, walls  1210  may be utilized to prevent rotation of plunger members  1060  from entering into slots  1055 . 
     In some embodiments, flexible portion  1170  may be a spring that is coupled to portion  1095  and retracts via rotation along direction  1200 , via a mechanical coupling or other mechanism. It also should be noted that portion  1195  of slidable assembly  1010  maybe integral, coupled via one or more linking members or not coupled to, but abutting or not abutting, the slidable assembly  1010 . 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a coupling element  50 . In some embodiments, coupling element  50  may include threads  300  that mate with corresponding threading of another tubular member, thus allowing secured coupling of tubular members. In addition, the cross-sectional area of coupling element  50  is selected to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of tubular member  15 . In addition, the length of coupling element  50  is maintained to be sufficient to fixedly maintain two tubular members in communication with each other. 
     In several embodiments, the coupling elements may replace the threads  300  with pins or holes that may mate with complimentary pins or holes on the exterior surface of tubular member  15  or  1000 . Alternative configurations to threads, pins, or holes may also be utilized. 
       FIG. 10A  is an enlarged exploded side view of a tubular member  15 . In some embodiments, tubular member  15  may include multiple slots  350  that are uniformly spaced along a surface  360  of tubular member  15 . The slots  350  may also be non-uniformly or irregularly, e.g. any orientation or orientations where a line that bisects one slot  350  would not bisect another slot  350 , spaced. The slots  350  may be utilized for a person to be able to push or otherwise move objects stored within tubular member  15 . The configuration of slots  350  may be of an appropriate cross-sectional area to allow the use of fingers or other objects to move the objects that are stored within tubular member  15 . The length of slots  350  may be of any appropriate size to allow the motion of objects in either direction within tubular member  15 . In certain embodiments, the slots  350  may comprise a single slot that runs substantially all, or all, of the length between cap member  370  and coupling element  380 . In some embodiments, the slots  350  may be included on along multiple surfaces of tubular member  15  or along a single surface, as depicted in  FIG. 10A . 
       FIG. 10B  is an enlarged exploded side view of a tubular member  15 . Similar to  FIG. 10A , tubular member  15  may include multiple slots  350  that are uniformly spaced along a surface  360  of tubular member  15 . The slots  350  may also be non-uniformly or irregularly, e.g. any orientation or orientations where a line that bisects one slot  350  would not bisect another slot  350 , spaced. The configuration of slots  350 , include transverse channels  400  located uniformly across each slot. In addition, the transverse channels  400  need not be uniformly spaced in each slot  350  and may include a different number for each slot  350 . The transverse channels  400  may be such that an object may inserted into transverse channel  400  to move objects within tubular member  15  or to prevent objects from past transverse channel  400 , by insertion of a stop  410 . Stop  410  may extend through most or the entire cross sectional area  420  of an interior of tubular member  15 . In certain embodiments, the slots  350  may comprise a single slot that runs substantially all, or all, of the length between cap member  370  and coupling element  380 . In some embodiments, the slots  350  may be included on along multiple surfaces of tubular member  15  or along a single surface, as depicted in  FIG. 10B . 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of a cap  500  for the storage and retrieval device  10  or  1000 . The cap  500  may be used to maintain objects with tubular member  15  or  1040  and thus allow easy transportation and storage of apparatus  10  or  1000 . Cap  500  may be of any size, configuration and shape, that it may efficiently close one end of tubular member  15  or  1000 . 
       FIG. 12  is an additional embodiment of the storage and retrieval apparatus  10  or  1000 . A swing arm  550  is attached to an exterior of tubular member  560  of apparatus  10  or  1000 . The swing arm  550  is removably coupled with a housing  580  located on tubular member  560 . The swing arm  550  has dimensions such that it allow apparatus  10  or  1000  to stand vertically, with or without the use of stand  580 , on uneven or even surfaces. 
     In additional embodiments, a strap may be attached to the housing  580  of tubular member  560  to allow carrying of the apparatus  10  or  1000  and thus improve it&#39;s ability to be transported. In some embodiments, two or more different housings may exist on a tubular member  560 , to allow a strap to be used or locate swing arm  550  at different locations along the tubular member  560 . 
     It should be noted that while the above description of  FIGS. 1-12  is generally in the context of balls and pucks, the objects referred to herein may objects of any type. For example, this may include toys of different sizes, shapes, and hardness. In addition, these may be household items or tools, such as bolts, wrenches or the like. The apparatus  10  or  1000  may the same configurations and embodiments, as described above. There may be a need to have different dimensions for the aperture and spring members to accommodate objects having different size, shape, and hardness. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications or changes can be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore it is manifestly intended that the disclosure be limited only by the scope of the claims and the equivalence thereof.