Tennis ball retrieval and storage assembly

Abstract

A tennis ball retrieval and storage device comprised of a rigid tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a flexibly resilient first cap member slidably removably positioned on the tubular member, the first cap member having a unitary inner segmented flexibly resilient flange defining an aperture slightly less than the diameter of a tennis ball, the tubular member having an inner diameter slightly greater than the diameter of a tennis ball, the second end of the tubular member having a second cap member secured thereto, the second cap member having a pivotal closure which is frictionally engageable in a closed secure position, there being positioned on the tubular member about its outer circumference at a predisposed point from the first end, a ring member having an integral hook member secured thereto for hanging the ball retrieval and storage device from a structure, the ring member being positioned at a distance from the first end so as to define the proper height of a tennis net when the first end of the tubular member is placed perpendicular to the ground adjacent the tennis net.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Applicant claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 500,327, filed Sep. 5, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a ball retrieval system, and in particular to a tennis ball retrieval and dispensing system in which the device is capable of retrieving tennis balls from the tennis court and storing the tennis balls, and subsequently disbursing the tennis balls for use. Additionally, the ball retrieval system incorporates a means for hanging the retrieval system upon a typical fence surrounding a tennis court and incorporates a measurement element for assuring and measuring net height. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] During a typical tennis practice session it is not unusual to have a plurality of tennis balls positioned on locations about the tennis court as a result of the practice of serving of volleying or both. There is a need for a means for easily retrievi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which enables a player to pick up tennis balls without the necessity of squatting or bending down.

[0010] A still further object of the present invention is to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which allows for the player to dispense the desired number of balls during the practice or playing session.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which allows for the storage of the tennis balls when not in use.

[0012] Still further Applicant's apparatus allows the user to replace selected elements thereof which may become worn through use without having to replace the entire apparatus

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a novel ball retrieval and storage system which can be hung from a fence or other suitable structure so as to avoid tripping on the device during the practice session.

Problems solved by technology

However, this puts undue stress on the limbs and back of the individual and is quite time consuming.

Complicated retrieval systems have been devised, however, because of a large number of tennis courts both inside and outside, these complex mechanisms are not practical from an installation or cost analysis.

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.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,632 to Eddy discloses a ball retrieval storage and dispensing apparatus for tennis, however, the apparatus of Eddy is of unitary construction requiring replacement of the entire apparatus with wear over time, whereas Applicant's apparatus offers dissimilar features.

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