Abstract:
The present invention provides a ball container utilized in conjunction with existing standard storage bins for storing and dispensing sporting balls to the upper opening of the storage bins. The present invention further provides a ball container utilized by hanging from a stand for storing and dispensing sporting balls to the upper opening of the ball container.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of ball sport accessories, and more specifically, to ball dispensers for dispensing sporting balls as are used in various sports. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    All ball sports involve the inherent use of balls of some sort as part of the play. Moreover, many professional and recreational ball players have specific ways to practice the handling of the specific game balls. For example, many tennis players exercise their return shot (forehand, backhand, volley, and etc) techniques with a familiar that serves balls in a consecutive manner while the player trains his abilities to successfully shot the ball in return. 
         [0003]    This type of training methods, usually involve large containers for storing and dispensing balls, specific to the sport at matter. Most often than not, these containers are simple and standard bins adapted for storing and dispensing many kinds of movable objects. Other times, there are stands that were designed to serve as a placement for such standard bins that lack the standard bin itself and therefore, miss their purpose. 
         [0004]    While serving balls to the trainee the amount of balls in the bin dwindles, and the trainee&#39;s familiar is required to bend his back while reaching for the next ball. Furthermore, where there is a small amount of balls in the bin, the balls scatter sporadically within the bottom of the bin. This requires the user to blindly search for a ball before reaching said ball. 
         [0005]    It is to be mentioned that even when both bin and stand are available in the courtyard, one must bend his back and lift heavy weights in order to pour said balls into the bin placed upon the stand, or otherwise, place heavy full bins upon the stand. 
         [0006]    Followed are several publications in the field that have disclosed devices that try to tackle the abovementioned problem: 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,541 A describe a wheeled container for retrieving and storing balls with a pair of handles. However, devices by these inventions are bulky to carry around; quite difficult to maneuver once the basket is full; need to be manually elevated to the proper height to obviate the need for back bending; and may not be used with existing standard bins. 
         [0008]    US 2006/0228928 A1 describes a container with a platform automatically moving downwards as the receptacle is filled with balls, and automatically moving upwards as the receptacle is emptied of balls in response to the weight of the balls and the biasing of the spring assembly. However, a device by this invention is very large in size and feels like strolling around with a shopping cart on a tennis court. One can imagine that the size will also affect its cost. Furthermore, the device may not be used with existing standard bins, nor can it dispense balls automatically. 
         [0009]    US 2004/0004097 A1 is a ball carrying portable container and dispenser directed for small diameter balls. It is designed as an elongated, cylindrical container. Plurality of balls stacked upon at each other are contained in the unit. The bottom of the unit is closed while the top has a flexible cap. In operation, a ball one at a time may be removed or extracted from under the flexible cap. A coil spring is disposed between the bottom of the container and a pusher below the stacked balls to apply a force to the balls to be moved upwardly against the flexible cap until a ball is dispensed from there, one ball at a time. However, a device by this invention may store only a limited number of balls; is adapted to use in ball games that involve small diameter balls and long distances (e.g., Golf) and may not be used in short distanced gamed (e.g., tennis), and with existing standard bins; balls are placed in the device, and dispensed therefrom on a one by one basis requiring wasting time placing balls inside the device and retrieving balls therefrom. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,271 B2 is an increased capacity portable retriever for collecting and dispensing tennis balls. However, it is very big in size; difficult to operate and will also give the player the above-mentioned “shopping cart” feeling on the court; needs to be manually elevated to the proper height to obviate the need for back bending; and may not be used with existing standard bins; 
         [0011]    As can be seen, there are no devices in the prior art that (a) automatically lift the bottom of the container as it empties from balls in order to eliminate the need for bending one&#39;s back to retrieve balls; (b) utilize existing common bins or stands as structure support thus efficiently conserving material for building the device claimed herein; (c) utilize existing stands located in the area of training for hanging the container where there are no standard bins; and (d) enable the player to pick up the balls blindly from a single constant position in the basket. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The present invention provides a removable ball dispenser for storing and dispensing sporting balls to the upper opening of the storage bins. The ball dispenser of the present invention is capable to be mounted upon any existing unadapted storage bin irrespective of the storage bin&#39;s shape. The ball dispenser is comprised of a holding platform, a plurality of hooks, elastic connector means, a plurality of hooks, and an upper horizontal frame. 
         [0013]    Unlike various prior art devices where the mounting thereof shall on unadapted bins shall result in uncontrolled dispersal of the balls due to its need to rely on all the bin&#39;s walls for balls support, mounting a device of the present invention on such unadapted bins will contain the balls inside the device and prevent them from scattering. 
         [0014]    For example when mounting a round shaped embodiment of the present invention on a rectangle shaped bin, at least some of the hooks of the device would cling to the bin and the elastic means would serve as “cage bars” preventing the dispersal of the balls. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, unlike other various known devices with fully rigid designs, the device of the present invention is mountable even on storage bins that have non-cylindrical shape such as storage bin with inclined walls. This is achieved due to the elastic nature of the elastic means. 
         [0016]    As such, the features of the invention of having, the upper horizontal frame and the holding platform, of similar surface area to each other in combination with the elastic means is a unique and inventive combination of simple components that allows to contain the balls when mounted upon irregular shaped storage bins that do not perfectly envelop the ball dispenser. 
         [0017]    The holding platform is constructed in a way that allows holding and supporting the sporting balls utilizing the platform and said elastic connector. 
         [0018]    The elastic connector means (e.g., springs, elastic cords, or elastic fiber cloth) are connected to the holding platform to the plurality of hooks; where said connectors elongate or shorten when filled or emptied with balls thereby lowering or raising said holding platform. The number and distribution manner of the elastic connector means, allow holding and supporting said sporting balls between them; 
         [0019]    The plurality of hooks are connected to elastic connector means, shaped and extended such to be compatible with a variety of storage bin upper opening types and cling into the edges of the storage bin regardless to the shape of the bin&#39;s edges, and enabling the removal of the ball dispenser after usage; and 
         [0020]    The upper horizontal frame is connected to the hooks and said elastic connector means, having a similar surface area to that of the said holding platform. 
         [0021]    It is within the provision of the invention that the hooks that connect the device to the storage bin have a lower clamping member and together with the hook, clamp the edges of the storage bin allowing more secure grip with said bin. 
         [0022]    It is further within the provision of the invention that the device having variable length connectors (e.g., length adjustable straps) connected between the hooks and the upper horizontal frame allowing said hooks to cling to all walls of storage bins having a shape other than a circular shape (e.g., Rectangle shaped bin), where there often varied distances between the storage bin walls. 
         [0023]    It is further within the provision of the invention that said holding platform is constructed with an incline allowing balls to roll in a specific location within the device wherever there is a small amount of balls in the device. Thus, the user is able to retrieve a ball from the same specific place within the device. 
         [0024]    The above function has another advantage over known art. The invention obviates the user&#39;s need to blindly search for a ball before reaching said ball, where there is a small amount of balls in the device, because the balls will not scatter sporadically within the bottom of the device. 
         [0025]    As can be seen, the invention claimed herein has many advantages over the known art, and among them: (a) the invention automatically (elastically) lifts the bottom of the container as it empties from balls and eliminates the need for bending one&#39;s back to retrieve balls; (b) utilize any existing unadapted storage bin irrespective of its shape as structure support thus, efficiently conserving material for building the device claimed herein; (c) the device of the present invention is mountable even on storage bins that have non-cylindrical shape such as a storage bin with inclined walls; and (d) enable the player to pick up the balls blindly from a single constant position in the basket. 
         [0026]    Other features and many attendant advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description together with the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Embodiments and features of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a rigid dispenser. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1   bis  illustrates a perspective view of a rigid dispenser. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  perspective view of the emptied and an unmounted ball dispenser. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the ball dispenser installed on a standard storage bin depicting the motion of the a holding platform as the springs are elastically elongated, causing a downward movement of the platform as it is filled with balls, and further as the springs return to normal state as the platform is being emptied of balls. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the ball container installed on a round shaped standard storage bin. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the ball container installed on a square shaped standard storage bin. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the ball container installed on a rectangle shaped storage bin. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6   bis  illustrates a side cross-section of the ball container installed on a storage bin of non-cylindrical shape with inclined walls. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention involving an incline to the holding platform. 
           [0037]    As can be seen, the holding platform is constructed with an incline allowing balls to roll in a specific location within the device wherever there is a small amount of balls in the device. Thus, the user is able to retrieve a ball from the same specific place within the device. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view an embodiment of the invention installed on a standard storage bin. 
           [0039]    A can be seen, the elastic connectors here are in the form of elastic fiber cloth. 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view an embodiment of the invention involving variable length connectors. 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the ball container installed on a rectangular shaped standard storage bin. 
       
    
    
       [0042]    the device having variable length connectors, in the form of length adjustable straps connected between the hooks and the upper horizontal frame allowing said hooks to cling to all walls of storage bins having a shape other than a circular shape (e.g., Rectangle shaped bin), where there often varied distances between the storage bin walls. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0043]    Before the present invention is described in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0044]    For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on of the container are not described in detail. It should be apparent however, that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The device, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. 
         [0045]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , as can be seen, the illustrated rigid device utilizes vertical walls ( 19   b ) for holding the content. It is needless to say that such a configuration results in material wastage. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, the built-in vertical walls solution is ineffective, as said walls are of limited height. Therefore, if such a device shall be mounted on any bin other than the intended bin, the contents will start spilling from the sides. For illustration purposes, see  FIG. 1   bis:    
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the container  10  is empty and unmounted. The ball container  10  comprising: horizontal rods  11  forming the holding platform in a way that allows holding and supporting the balls; springs  12  that are attached to the platform in the bottom; rounded hooks  13  at the top; and a circular upper horizontal frame  14 . 
         [0048]    Generally the ball container intended to contain a quantity of balls, such as tennis balls, baseballs, or any other kind of athletic balls. The container  10  includes a plurality of vertical springs  12  spaced apart, circled horizontal metal rods  11  generally constituting the holding platform. The spring assembly  12  may be connected to the platform  15  by a connector means, such as clamps screws, or other fasteners. The spring assembly  12  is operatively connected to the platform  15  for lowering or raising the platform  15 . The spring assembly is designed to raise the platform  15  as it is emptied of balls and allow the platform  15  to lower as it is filled with balls. 
         [0049]    The hooks  13  are extended from the ball dispenser itself and are of a shape such to be compatible with a variety of storage bin upper opening types having different shapes. 
         [0050]    One of average skill in the field may choose the elastic connectors composition in the following way. Whereas the elastic connector means are springs or strings, their type is chosen for their material&#39;s elasticity modulus which may be deducted in the following method:
       (a) Weighing the intended holding platform.   (b) Weighing the sporting balls that fit in the standard storage bin.   (c) Measuring the height of the standard storage bin deducting around 6 cm (eg.) from the figure.   (d) Choosing and counting the preferable number of elastic connectors to be incorporated in the embodiment.   (e) Whereas:
           F=sporting balls weight+holding platform weight; K=modulus of elasticity for each incorporated elastic connector; X=height of the standard bin minus around 6 centimeters (eg.); N=number of intended elastic connectors;   
               
 
         [0057]    Calculating the preferable modulus of elasticity with the following formula: 
         [0000]    
       
      
       F/X/N=K  
      
     
         [0058]    It is to be mentioned that one must choose material that may elongate to achieve the height of the standard bin from its initial length of 6 Centimeters (eg.). 
         [0059]    It is to be mentioned that the initial length of 6 Centimeters is derived from the diameter of Tennis balls. For the storage of other types of balls, a figure similar to the diameter of the intended ball should be used. 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  illustrates the ball container installed on a standard storage bin depicting the motion of the a holding platform as the springs are elastically elongated  21 , causing a downward movement of the platform as it is filled with balls, and further as the springs return to normal  22  state as the platform is being emptied of balls. 
         [0061]    It is indicated the ball container  10  is placed within the edges of the standard bin, while the springs  12  and the platform  15  are perfectly fitted within the standard bin. It is contemplated that the springs  12  need not be directly connected to the hooks  13 , so long as the spring assembly serves to bias the platform  11  automatically moving downwards as the platform  15  is filled with balls and automatically moving upwards as the platform  15  is emptied of balls in response to the weight of the balls and the biasing of the springs  12 . 
         [0062]    Turning now to  FIG. 4  where the ball container  10  is connected to circular shaped standard bin  30  indicating the container as it enables the user to access a ball without having to bend over each time to reach down for a ball as the bin empties. Using the container, the user is able to access the balls with less delay caused by the emptying bucket. It is contemplated that the hooks can alternatively be square, with clamps, or otherwise shaped. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of the ball container installed on a square shaped standard storage bin  40 . 
         [0064]    Now referring to  FIG. 6 . Mounting a device of the present invention on unadapted bins will keep the balls inside the device. 
         [0065]    As can be easily seen, the holding platform and the upper horizontal frame with the elastic means form a ‘cage’, such that said elastic means serving as bars, would contain the sporting balls and prevent them from scattering even though not all the hooks are mounted on the walls. 
         [0066]    Now referring to  FIG. 6   bis.  As can be seen, this embodiment is mountable even on storage bins that have non-cylindrical shape such as the illustrated storage bin with inclined walls. This purpose is achieved due to the rigid nature of the upper horizontal frame and the holding platform, and the elastic nature of the elastic means that serve as a “cage” and prevent the scattering of the balls. 
         [0067]    Thus, other known devices, embodiments of the present inventions are able to adapt to many different kinds of bin design. 
         [0068]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the invention involving an incline to the holding platform. 
         [0069]    As can be seen, the holding platform is constructed with an incline  50  allowing balls to roll in a specific location within the device wherever there is a small amount of balls in the device. Thus, the user is able to retrieve a ball from the same specific place within the device. 
         [0070]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view an embodiment of the invention installed on a standard storage bin. 
         [0071]    As can be seen, the elastic connectors are formed from elastic fiber cloth  60 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view an embodiment of the invention involving variable length connectors  70 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the ball container installed on a rectangular shaped standard storage bin  80 . 
         [0074]    As can be seen, variable length connectors  70  (e.g., length adjustable straps) allow the hooks to cling to all walls of storage bins having a shape other than a circular shape (e.g., Rectangle shaped bin  80 ), where there are varied distances between the storage bin walls. 
         [0075]    The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above descriptions in any form.