DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0026]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.
[0027]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.
[0028]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.
[0029]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 ⅛th 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.
[0030]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.
[0031]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.
[0032]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.
[0033]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.
[0034]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 ⅓rd of a diameter of aperture 35. In other embodiments, other lengths may be utilized.
[0035]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.
[0036]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.
[0037]In one or more embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 2, three spring members 40, each positioned approximately ⅓rd, 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 ¼th 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.
[0038]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.
[0039]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.
[0040]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).
[0041]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.
[0042]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.
[0043]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.
[0044]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.
[0045]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.
[0046]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.
[0047]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 ⅓rd of a diameter of aperture 1120. In other embodiments, other lengths may be utilized.
[0048]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.
[0049]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.
[0050]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.
[0051]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.
[0052]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.
[0053]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.
[0054]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.
[0055]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.
[0056]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.
[0057]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.
[0058]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.
[0059]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.
[0060]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.
[0061]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'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.
[0062]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.
[0063]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.
