Ball Scooping Barrel With Pocket for Clean Continuous Re-Hitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The retrieval of a ball after hitting or throwing it typically requires manual handling, which transfers particulates from the ground surface to the user's hand, necessitating a more efficient and hygienic method for collecting and re-hitting the ball.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongated barrel, a pocket at one end, and a fastener at the other, allowing the ball to be scooped into the pocket and then flicked or hit into the air using a swinging motion, eliminating the need for manual retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual retrieval of the ball is used, then the user can retrieve the ball from the ground surface, but particulates are transferred to the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary tool (the barrel with pocket) between the user's hand and the ball on the ground. The user holds the barrel handle and uses the pocket to scoop and flick the ball, preventing direct contact between the hand and ground-level particulates while maintaining effective ball retrieval capability
2Productivity
If manual handling of the ball is required, then the user can control the ball retrieval, but the process is interrupted and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous motion from scooping the ball off the ground to flicking it back into play. The barrel's pocket captures the ball during a sweeping motion, and the same barrel is then used to flick the ball upward, eliminating the need to set the ball down and pick it up again, thus maintaining continuous useful action and improving productivity
3Productivity
If the ball is scooped into the pocket and flicked, then continuous motion is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel serves multiple functions: it acts as a scoop to pick up the ball, a container to hold the ball in its pocket, and a flicking tool to launch the ball back into play. This multi-functionality allows continuous motion capability without requiring multiple separate tools, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose apparatuses and a method for hitting a ball. According to an embodiment, the apparatus includes an elongated barrel having a longitudinal axis and opposite ends, as well as a pocket formed within a side of the elongated barrel at a first end of the opposite ends. According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a fastener attached to a second end of the opposite ends. According to yet another embodiment, the method includes scooping a ball into the pocket while holding a second end of the elongated barrel and sufficiently swinging in an upward, circular path, thereby causing the ball to be released from the pocket and lobbed into the air. The method may further include swinging the elongated barrel in a horizontal, circular path while holding the second end, thereby causing the elongated barrel to hit the lobbed ball out of the air.