Patent ID: 12194347

In accordance with common practice the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given system, method or device. Finally, like reference numerals may be used to denote like features throughout the specification and figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes a ball collection apparatus that collects balls used in a sports cage during sport training activities such as baseball, softball, golf, etc. The ball collection apparatus described herein achieves the goals of providing a user (e.g., a ball player, an instructor, etc.) to quickly gather balls after a sports cage activity session (e.g., baseball, softball, golf, etc.). The ability to quickly gather the balls can improve a user's performance of these tasks (e.g., more hitting per session with less time to gather balls at the end). The ability to quickly gather the balls also allows an instructor more time to spend with clients rather than waiting on the client to gather the balls at the end of a teaching session, and/or the instructor to have to help gather balls as well. The apparatus can be connected to any existing sports cage without the need to redesign the cage because of the latching elements that attaches the apparatus to the cage. Thus, the ball collection apparatus discussed herein provides advantages over prior ball collection devices, as described in more detail below.

Numerous details are described in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example implementations shown in the drawings. However, the drawings merely show some example aspects of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other effective aspects and/or variants do not include all of the specific details described herein. Moreover, well-known systems, methods, components, devices and circuits have not been described in exhaustive detail so as not to obscure more pertinent aspects of the example implementations described herein.

FIGS.1and2illustrate an example environment100of a sports cage102. In particular,FIG.1represents an aerial perspective view of the sports cage102(e.g., a bird's eye view), andFIG.2represents a front perspective view of the sports cage102(e.g., looking through the entrance of the cage behind a user202during a hitting session).

The sports cage102can be used for any type of sport that can be trained using a ball and that may require multiple repetitions in a cage for training. For example, the sports cage102as shown represents a batting cage for baseball or softball. However, the sports cage102could also be used for hitting golf balls, tennis balls, cricket balls, etc. Thus, although the drawings and the embodiments described herein are described for a batting cage for baseball and/or softball, the sports cage102is not intended to represent any particular sport, but instead, the embodiments are intended to represent a sport that may require a cage for multiple repetitions.

The sports cage102includes a ball collection apparatus110at an end of the sports cage102. In some embodiments, the ball collection apparatus110may include a netting body that includes netting, edges around a perimeter of the netting, and corners along the perimeter of the netting at intersections of the edges. The edges can include a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. In some implementations, the netting can include a fiber net mesh. Alternatively, the netting can include any type of netting that is space sufficiently that standard sport ball would not fall through the openings of the netting. For example, a golf ball sports cage may require smaller holes in the netting than a hitting cage for a baseball and/or softball (e.g., a golf ball is approximately 42 mm in diameter, and a baseball is approximately 75 mm in diameter). Thus the holes in the netting need to be smaller than the size of the sports ball being used.

In some embodiments, the ball collection apparatus110may further include a plurality of connectors attached to the netting body at the corners of the netting body, and a plurality of fasteners attached to the netting body. In the exemplary implementation as shown, the fasteners are positioned between the corners along the back edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the netting body. In some embodiments, the fasteners are configured to be attachable to the sports cage to reduce gaps between the netting body and the sports cage. For example, the fasteners allow a user to adjust and move the fasteners accordingly to reduce gaps so a ball cannot fit between the sports cage102and the ball collection apparatus110. In some embodiments, additional fasteners and/or connectors can be added by the user to reduce gaps or provide additional connection points with the sports cage102. In some embodiments, the fasteners are equally-spaced along the back edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the netting body. The connectors and fasteners are further described herein with reference toFIGS.3and4.

As shown inFIGS.1and2, the ball collection apparatus110is placed at approximately half of the height of the inside of the sports cage102and is connected to three sides of the sports cage102. Alternatively, the ball collection apparatus110may be adjusted to different heights depending on the sport or by the preference of the user. For example, for a taller sports cage, the ball collection apparatus110may be adjusted lower to collect more balls, as the ball collection apparatus110will only collect balls that land into and above the netting body.

In some embodiments, the sports cage102includes a ground ball apparatus112that is connected to two sides of the sports102and to the ball collection apparatus110. For example, the ground ball apparatus112includes a plurality of fasteners at an edge of the ground ball apparatus that can connect a top edge of the ground ball apparatus with the front edge of the netting body of the ball collection apparatus110. The ground ball apparatus112is further described herein with reference toFIG.5.

During installation of the ball collection apparatus110in the sports cage102, a user can make adjustments to remove any possible gaps between the ball collection apparatus110and the walls (e.g., mesh netting) of the sports cage102. For example, he or she could tighten a fastener to bring the ball collection apparatus110closer to the wall of the sports cage102. Additionally, or alternatively, he or she could release a fastener from one fence ring and attach to a laterally adjacent ring or a ring above. Additionally, or alternatively, he or she could pull a fastener through a ring and the attach to a lower ring to pull the netting tighter.

The ball collection apparatus110may further include a guiding device114that is operably coupled to the netting proximate an aperture defined by the netting. In the exemplary implementation, the guiding device can include a weight to produce a slope in the netting sufficient to guide a sport ball to exit the netting body via the aperture. The guiding device114is further described herein with reference toFIG.6.

During use of the ball collection apparatus110in the sports cage102, as shown inFIG.2, a sports player202hits a ball204that travels with a projection towards the back end of the sports cage102and above the placement of the ball collection apparatus110(e.g., a baseball hit to the back of the batting cage). As the ball hits the netting in the back of the sports cage102, the ball204falls into the netting body of the ball collection apparatus110. Due to gravity and the weight of the guiding device114creating a downward slope in the netting body towards the aperture of the guiding device114in the middle of the netting body, the ball will roll towards and into the aperture of guiding device114and into a sports compartment208(e.g., a bucket) for collecting the sports balls (e.g., ball204). The ground ball apparatus112, an optional component, can be used to help prevent balls hit below the ball collection apparatus110which would be more difficult to gather for a user reaching below the netting of the ball collection apparatus110.

FIG.3is a drawing of a top view of the ball collection apparatus110, andFIG.4is a drawing of a side view of the ball collection apparatus110. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3and4, the ball collection apparatus110includes a netting body302that includes netting (e.g., a fiber net mesh or the like), edges around a perimeter of the netting, and corners along the perimeter of the netting at intersections of the edges. The edges include a front edge (e.g., the bottom of the drawing), a back edge (e.g., the top of the drawing), a first side edge (e.g., the left side of the drawing), and a second side edge (e.g., the right side of the drawing). In some embodiments, the netting body302is made of a 1″ fiber mesh netting. Alternatively, other netting materials may be used.

In the exemplary embodiment as shown inFIGS.3and4, the ball collection apparatus110further includes a plurality of connectors304attached to the netting body302at each of the four corners of the netting body302. In some embodiments, each of the connectors304are configured to removably connect the main netting body302to wire portions of chain-link fencing of a sports cage (e.g., sports cage100ofFIGS.1and2).

In some embodiments, the connectors304are D-ring clips. For example, the connectors304may include stainless steel spring snap links (e.g., 7/16″ to 1½″ size). In the exemplary embodiment, the connectors are ¾″ heavy duty D-ring clips. The spring snap link for the D-ring clips allows for easy install and uninstall. The stainless steel can be used to fight off rusting, especially for outdoor sports cages. Additionally, steel allows for more pressure and tension to be placed on the corners of the ball collection apparatus110when initially installing to help eliminate slack between corners as well as assist with making the sides with the fasteners306(e.g., hook and loop fasteners) easier to fasten. This can also help make the netting of the ball collection apparatus110flush with the netting of the sports cage.

In some embodiments, the connectors304are magnets that connect to a metal portion of the sports cage100. In some embodiments, the connectors304are hook-and-loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the connectors304include for at least a portion of the connecting point, a snapping mechanism, such as a snap. In some embodiments, the connectors304include for at least a portion of the connecting point with the sports cage100, an adhesive connection (e.g., an adhesive strip). Alternatively, other connecting devices may be used for the connectors304and the examples provided are not meant to be limiting to any particular type of connection device or mechanism.

In the exemplary embodiment as shown inFIGS.3and4, the ball collection apparatus110further includes a plurality of fasteners306attached to the netting body302. In some embodiments, the fasteners306are positioned between the corners along the back edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the netting body302. In some embodiments, the fasteners306are configured to be adjustable. For example, the fasteners306may be hook-and-loop fasteners that can be quickly attached, unattached, and reattached, to provide a user installing the ball collection apparatus110to adjust the netting body302such that there are less gaps along the edges of the netting body302. This ability for the fasteners306to be quickly attached and reattached allows the ball collection apparatus110to be quickly and efficiently installed so that sports balls are less likely to fall along those edges beneath the ball collection apparatus110. In the exemplary embodiment, the fasteners306are 1″ hook-and-loop fasteners, however, the specific size of the fasteners306can vary depending on the overall weight of the ball collection apparatus110.

In the exemplary embodiment as shown inFIGS.3and4, the ball collection apparatus110further includes a guiding device114operably coupled to the netting of the netting body302proximate an aperture defined by the netting. As shown in the side view of the ball collection apparatus110inFIG.4, the guiding device114includes a weight (e.g., two pounds or greater) that is heavy enough to produce a slope in the netting302sufficient to guide a sport ball to exit the netting body302via the aperture. The guiding device114is further described herein with reference toFIG.6.

FIG.5is a drawing of an example attachment for an example ball collection apparatus, a ground ball apparatus112(e.g., ground ball apparatus112ofFIGS.1and2). In some implementations, ground ball apparatus112includes a plurality of fasteners506at an edge of the ground ball apparatus112. The fasteners506are constructed to connect a top edge of the ground ball apparatus112with the front edge of the netting body302. In some embodiments, the fasteners306are configured to be adjustable. For example, the fasteners506may be hook-and-loop fasteners that can be quickly attached, unattached, and reattached, to provide a user installing the ground ball apparatus112with the ball collection apparatus110to adjust the netting the ground ball apparatus112such that there are less gaps along the edges of the netting body302so that sports balls are less likely to fall along those edges beneath the ball collection apparatus110. In some embodiments, the ground ball apparatus112further includes connectors (e.g., similar to connectors304of ball collection apparatus110) located at top corners of the ground ball apparatus112. The connectors for the ground ball apparatus may include the similar connecting mechanism and/or material as the connectors304as described herein. In some embodiments, the netting of the ground ball apparatus112include materials that is similar to the netting body302of the ball collection apparatus110(e.g., a fiber net mesh).

FIG.6is drawing of an example guiding device114for an example ball collection apparatus (e.g., ball collection apparatus110as described herein). The guiding device114may be operably coupled to the netting body302proximate an aperture defined by the netting302. The guiding device114may have a weight that produces a slope in the netting sufficient to guide a sports ball to exit the netting body302via the aperture. As shown in the side view of the ball collection apparatus110inFIG.4, the guiding device114includes a weight (e.g., two pounds or greater) that is heavy enough to produce a slope in the netting302sufficient to guide a sport ball to exit the netting body302via the aperture. In some implementations, the guiding device114includes body602with a base604. The body602is a cylindrical in shape, with an aperture large enough to allow a sports ball to passthrough (e.g., large enough for a softball to pass through, the largest typical ball to used in a sports cage as described). The guiding device114further includes a plurality of fasteners to attach to the netting body302of the ball collection apparatus110. For example, fasteners608(e.g., zip ties or the like) can be used to secure the guiding device114to the netting body302. The fastener606can be used to secure the fasteners608to the body602of the guiding device114.

The guiding device114can be formed from a continuous piece of flexible material. For example, the guiding device114can be made of rubber material, such as latex, neoprene, nitrile, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the like, or other strong and flexible material allowing appropriate durability for the use of the ball collection apparatus110.

FIG.7is a flow chart of an example process700for making a ball collection apparatus (e.g., ball collection apparatus110as described herein). In some implementations, at block702, the process700includes forming a main netting body that includes a middle portion, a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The main netting body can be formed, for example, from a continuous piece of flexible netting material. For example, as latex, neoprene, nitrile, vinyl, PVC, leather, and the like, can be used to form the main netting body.

The main netting body can be formed, for example, to have netting, edges around a perimeter of the netting, and corners along the perimeter of the netting at intersections of the edges. The edges can include a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. In some implementations, the netting can include a fiber net mesh. Alternatively, the netting can include any type of netting that is space sufficiently that standard sport ball would not fall through the openings of the netting. For example, a golf ball sports cage may require smaller holes in the netting than a hitting cage for a baseball and/or softball (e.g., a golf ball is approximately 42 mm in diameter, and a baseball is approximately 75 mm in diameter). Thus, the holes in the netting need to be smaller than the size of the sports ball intended to be used in the sports cage.

At block704, the process700includes connecting a plurality of main connectors to corners of the main netting body, wherein the main connectors are configured to allow a user to connect the main netting body to a batting cage apparatus. For example, the connectors are configured to removably connect the main netting body to wire portions of chain-link fencing of a sports cage (e.g., sports cage100ofFIGS.1and2). In some embodiments, the connectors are D-ring clips. In the exemplary embodiment, the connectors are ¾″ heavy duty D-ring clips. In some embodiments, the connectors are magnets that connect to a metal portion of a sports cage. In some embodiments, the connectors are hook-and-loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the connectors include for at least a portion of the connecting point, a snapping mechanism, such as a snap. In some embodiments, the connectors include for at least a portion of the connecting point with a sports cage, an adhesive connection (e.g., an adhesive strip). Alternatively, other connecting devices may be used for the connectors and the examples provided are not meant to be limiting to any particular type of connection device or mechanism.

At block706, the process700includes connecting a plurality of fasteners to the back edge, to the first side edge, and to the second side edge of the main netting body, wherein the fasteners are adjustable and configured to allow a user to adjust the main netting body about a batting cage apparatus to reduce gaps between the main netting body and the batting cage when connected. In some embodiments, the fasteners are configured to be positioned between the corners along the back edge, the first side edge, and the second side edge of the netting body. In some embodiments, the fasteners are configured to be adjustable. For example, the fasteners may be hook-and-loop fasteners that can be quickly attached, unattached, and reattached, to provide a user installing the ball collection apparatus to adjust the netting body such that there are less gaps along the edges of the netting body so that sports balls are less likely to fall along those edges beneath the ball collection apparatus.

At block708, the process700includes connecting a guiding device to the middle portion of the main netting body, the guiding device configured to allow a sports ball to exit at the middle portion of the main netting body. In some implementations, the guiding device can be formed from a continuous piece of flexible material. For example, the guiding device can be made of rubber material, such as latex, neoprene, nitrile, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the like, or other strong and flexible material allowing appropriate durability for the use of the ball collection apparatus.

In some implementations, the process700further includes connecting a ground ball apparatus to a first side of the main body of the ball collection apparatus using a plurality of connectors. In some implementations, the ground ball apparatus can be formed from a mesh netting, similar to the mesh netting used with the main netting body of the ball collection apparatus in block702(e.g., 1″ fiber net mesh).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, “comprised of”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any features or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

While all of the invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the Applicant's general inventive concept.