CA2173652A1 - Apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface - Google Patents
Apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surfaceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2173652A1 CA2173652A1 CA002173652A CA2173652A CA2173652A1 CA 2173652 A1 CA2173652 A1 CA 2173652A1 CA 002173652 A CA002173652 A CA 002173652A CA 2173652 A CA2173652 A CA 2173652A CA 2173652 A1 CA2173652 A1 CA 2173652A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- accordance
- frame
- receptacle
- attached
- handle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
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- 235000004443 Ricinus communis Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 240000000528 Ricinus communis Species 0.000 claims 1
- 240000008821 Menyanthes trifoliata Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 101100379080 Emericella variicolor andB gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
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- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003116 impacting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010985 leather Substances 0.000 description 1
- 108010052322 limitin Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B47/00—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls
- A63B47/02—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls for picking-up or collecting
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
- A63B63/004—Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Road Paving Structures (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus for collecting objects of play such as balls and pucks from a surface. The apparatus comprises: (i) a frame having an open front face and an open back face, the frame defining a passage through the faces, at least a portion of the frame comprising a surface engagingmeans; (ii) a handle movably attached to the frame operable to control movement of the frame across the surface; and (iii) a receptacle attached to theframe in communication with the open back face. An object of play is collected by movement of the object of play through the passage into the receptacle.
Description
- 21 ~3652 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of sports equipment, more 5 specifically, the present invention relates to the field of apparatus for collecting objects of play.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "objects of play" is 10 meant to encompass hockey pucks, field, street and ball-hockey balls, golf balls, lacrosse balls, cricket balls, tennis balls, ringettes, softballs, baseballs and the like.
At the end of a sports event, particularly at the end of practice sessions, there are generally a large number of objects of play scattered around the 15 practice facility. These objects of play must be collected together after use for drying, cleaning and storage.
Conventionally, collection of objects of play is done by hand, the objects of play being picked up individually and placed in a suitable receptacle. This 20 hand collection is a time consuming and laborious task. Arenas and many playing fields are scheduled. Oflelllillles, teams are waiting on the sidelines for the previous team to finish. Time is expensive. The leaving team must pick up the objects of play before departing, in many cases delaying the waiting team. In hockey arenas the ice must be flooded by the Zamboni. The 25 insurance, and thus the arena policy, is not to have the Zamboni on the ice until everyone is off. Picking up objects of play by hand is frustratingly slow.
Mechanical labour-saving ball collection devices are known. For example, golf driving ranges frequently employ an elongate roller which has 30 an outer surface adapted for picking up golf balls the roller passes over. The - 21 736~2 - golf balls are removed from the roller mechanically and deposited into a receptacle. A roller of this type is generally pulled by a vehicle. Although such rollers are effective in collecting a large number of golf balls over a large area, they are cumbersome, heavy, expensive and prone to mechanical 5 breakdown. Furthermore, they are unsuitable for use in small arenas such as tennis courts or on ice surfaces.
Some tennis courts utilize a ball hopper. The ball hopper is a steel wire frame device that picks up one tennis ball at a time. The device is lowered 10 onto a tennis ball, compressing the ball. The ball squeezes through the frame and pops into the wire basket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There has been a long-st~n(ling need in the art for an alternative apparatus for collecting objects of play which overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.
Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides an apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface, comprising:
(i) a frame having an open front face and an open back face, the frame defining a passage through the faces, at least a portion of the frame comprising a surface eng~ging means;
(ii) a handle movably attached to the frame operable to control movement of the frame across the surface; and - (iii) a receptacle attached to the frame in co~ ication with the open back face;
whereby an object of play is collected by movement of the object of play 5 through the passage into the receptacle.
In a preferred embodiment, the handle is moveable in at least two planes.
10In a further prerell~d embodiment, the handle is pivotally attached to the frame by means of a ball and socket joint.
An apparatus in accordance with a pl~r~ d embodiment of the present invention is formed substantially from polypropylene. Polypropylene is impact 15 resistant and m~in~in~ its structural integrity over a wide temperature range.
Furthermore, it will not freeze to skin at the low temperatures associated with the play of ice hockey or burn skin after prolonged exposure to the sun.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
25Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting objects of play in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1, along line 2-2;
- Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1, along line 3-3;
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the ball and socket joint of the 5 apparatus of Figure 2;
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is provided with a pair of wheels;
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 5, along line 2-2; and Figure 7 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 suspended by a hook.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An apparatus for collecting objects of play in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 10 in Figure 1. The 20 embodiment in Figure 1 is specifically designed for use in collecting ice-hockey pucks and will be described with reference to this particular use. However, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, this embodiment (and minor variations therein) would be equally suited for use in collecting objects of play from other sports including, but not limited to, field/street/ball hockey, golf,25 lacrosse, cricket, termis, ringette, softball and baseball.
As shown in Figure 1, apparatus 10 generally comprises a handle 15, a frame 20 and a receptacle 22. At least a portion of frame 20 comprises a surface eng~ging means, such as base plate 25.
- Handle 15 comprises a glippillg means 30 having a plurality of nodules 35 thereon. Nodules 35 aid in preventing the users hand from slipping on gripping means 30. Gripping means 30 preferably has a hook 38 at a first end thereof. Hook 38 facilitates storage of apparatus 10, as apparatus 10 may be 5 hung on any convenient fixture, for example a hanger on a wall or the glass wall surrounding the hockey rink or players box. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, gripping means 30 may or may not be provided with a means to aid in the prevention of slippage of the users hands, such as nodules35 described above. As would be further apparent, alternative aids are 10 available such as conventional rubber or leather grips. The selection of a suitable aid, if one is desired, is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art. In the presently described embodiment, gripping means 30 and nodules 35 are adapted to facilitate manipulation of the apparatus by a userwearing a hockey glove.
Handle 15 further comprises a shaft 40 which links glippillg means 30 to frame 20 (via moveable joint 70 - see below). Shaft 40 may be integral with gripping means 30 and frame 20, or may be detachable from one or both of gripping means 30 and frame 20. In the presently described embodiment, shaft 20 40 is removably connected to gripping means 30 by a conventional male/female connection. Shaft 40 is retained within a socket 45 at a second end of gripping means 30, by a fastening means 50, exemplified by a screw. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, other means to connect shaft 40 to gripping means 30 are available, for example, shaft 40 and gripping means 30 25 may be provided with complementary screw threads. Furthermore, alternative fastening means 50 are available, such as bolts, rivets, adhesive and temperature fit. The selection of a connections means and a fastening means are believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
- Shaft 40 is most preferably formed from wood. It is envisioned that a shaft from a conventional hockey stick may be lltili7e~1. This type of shaft is easily replaced if damaged and may be readily modified in length to suit the user.
Shaft 40 is movably attached to frame 20 by means of a movable joint (indicated generally at 70) (see Figures 2 and 4). In the presently preferred embodiment, joint 70 is a ball-and-socket type joint, comprising a socket section 75 into which ball section 80 is movably located. Ball section 80 is 10 generally spherical and is formed integral with a top, front portion of frame 20.
Ball section 80 need not be completely spherical and may have at least one flattened face. A flattened face which is parallel to the top surface of frame 20 facilitates formation of the apparatus if frame 20 is injection molded as a single plece.
Socket section 75 may be formed integral with shaft 40, or separate thelerlolll. In the presently prer~lled embodiment, socket section 80 comprises an attachment means 100 by which to attach shaft 40. Attachment means 100 is preferably a conventional male/female connection as described above with 20 respect to the shaft/grip attachment. Attachment means 100 may be made more secure by the use of a fastening means 50'. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, fastening means 50' is not limite~l to the screw depicted inFigure 1. The reader is directed to the discussion of fastening means 50, above. Furthermore, as also discussed above, other attachment means would 25 be suitable and the choice of a suitable attachment means is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
As shown in Figure 2, socket section 75 further comprises a pair of parallel, spaced, opposed arms 110 and 110', each of arms 110 and 110' 30 having a recess (115 and 115') on an inside surface thereof. Arms 110 and 110' and recesses 115 and 115' define the socket in which ball section 80 is located and are sized to accommodate free movement of the joint.
When ball section 80 is located within the socket defined by arms 110 5 and 110' and indentations 115 and 115', socket section 75 is pivotal with respect to frame section 20 in at least one plane, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 4. In a more preferred embodiment, socket section 75 is pivotal with respect to frame section 20 in at least two planes, as indicated by arrows A andB where plane B is perpendicular to the plane of the page. In the presently 10 ~l~r~ d embodiment, socket section 75 is pivotal with respect to frame section 20 in a plurality of planes, the outer bounds of which define an inverted pyramidal zone having the apex of the pyramid located at the centre of the ball and socket joint. However, it is envisioned that the use of an alternative moveable joint will permit other degrees of movement, for example 15 circumduction, in the joint.
Frame 20 has an open front face and an open rear face and defines a passage through the open faces. Frame 20 comprises a generally inverted U-shaped member 23 having ball section 80 located along a longitudinal centre 20 line passing therethrough, subst~nti~lly centrally along the top inverted U-shaped member 23 proximal front edge 120. Frame 20 is subst~nti~lly symmetrical along the longitudinal centre line. The ends of the inverted U-shaped member 23 are joined to opposite ends of a surface eng~ging means, such as base plate 25.
A cross-section of inverted U-shaped member 23 is shown in Figure 3.
Front edge 120 of inverted U-shaped member 23 is curved inwardly, having the general appearance of a half-round. The curvature not only gives inverted U-shaped member 23 an aesthetic appeal but also facilitates puck collection. A
30 puck which impacts curved front edge 120 is more prone to be deflected into - ' the apparatus than a puck which impacts, for example, a straight, flat front edge. Furthermore, curved front edge 120 is less prone to chipping and cracking upon impact by a puck than if inverted U-shaped member 23 had a straight, flat front edge with right-angle corners. Furthermore, the curved surface aids in the minimi7~tion of stress concentration and propagation of cracks when front edge 120 is impacted by a puck.
Inverted U-shaped member 23 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 150. The spacing between ribs 150 is variable and it is preferred that the spacing is such that it aids in preventing a puck from directly impacting the main body of inverted U-shaped member 23, thereby m~king the apparatus more impact resistant. It is envisioned that the apparatus of the present invention will not only be used for collecting objects of play, but will also beused for "target practice". Accordingly, in the ple~rled embodiment, the baseplate, frame and handle sections are fabricated so that they will withstand the impact of, for example, a hockey puck travelling at around 100 mph, without cracking, breaking or chipping. To that end, in the most pl~r~ d embodiment, reinforcing ribs 150 are spaced apart less than 3/4 inch, i.e., lessthan the thickness of a standard hockey puck. Furthermore, reinforcing ribs 150 add structural integrity to the side walls of inverted U-shaped member 23, thereby reducing potential deformation of frame 20 when the apparatus is loaded with collected pucks.
Rear portion 130 of inverted U-shaped member 23 provides a means to removably attach a receptacle 22 (shown as a net) which is in commllnication with the open back face of frame 20, into which the pucks may be collected.
Receptacle 22 is preferably removably attached by an attachment means such as a Velcro~ type fastener, with either the hook strip or the loop strip being attached to rear portion 130 and the alternate strip being attached to the main opening in receptacle 22. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art - other removable attachment means are available. For example, rear portion 130 may be provided with a series of hooks onto which a receptacle may be attached or it may have a channelled profile, the channel allowing for the attachment of a receptacle having a dl~w~ ing. The selection of a suitable 5 attachment means is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art. It is contemplated that receptacle 22 may itself be provided with at least one handle (shown as 165 in Figure 7) to facilitate emptying of the pucks collected therein. A second handle 166 may also be employed toward the main opening in the receptacle. Second handle 166 may be utilized to hang the 10 receptacle when it is not attached to the apparatus.
As previously mentioned, base plate 25 comprises a sheet which is attached between either end of inverted U-shaped member 23. It is envisioned that base plate 25 may be formed integral with, or separate from, inverted U-15 shaped member 23. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, base plate 25 is slightlycurved proximal to a leading edge 170 thereof and forms an acute angle with respect to the plane formed by front face 120 of frame section 20. Base plate 25 is inclined toward the rear face of inverted U-shaped member 23. Le~(ling edge 170 of base plate 25 has a low profile, preferably being pointed, so as to 20 provide minimum resistance to a puck being collected. Rear section 180 of base plate 25 is angled downward proximal rear face of frame 20 to facilitate transfer of a puck from base plate 25 into receptacle 22. The downward angle of rear section 180 also aids in preventing unwanted movement of collected pucks out of receptacle 22.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5 and 6, base plate 25 is provided with a pair of wheels 200 (only one of which is shown) which facilitates movement of the apparatus across surfaces other than ice, for example, cement, clay, grass, carpet and artificial turf. The 30 embodiment shown in Figure 5 demonstrates an alternative design for the - ~ handle than that shown in Figures 1 and 7. The alternative design is provided by way of example only. The functional aspects of both handle designs are similar and a reader should not infer any limitations on the invention based on the embodiments disclosed.
The addition of wheels, castors, rollers or other surface eng~ging means to frame section 20, suited to the particular application of the apparatus, is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art. As will be apparent, wheels, castors or rollers should be attached in a manner such that 10 when handle 30 is gripped by a user, a slight downward pressure on the apparatus will result in front edge 170 of base plate 25 eng~in~ the surface on which the apparatus is located.
In use, apparatus 10 is gripped by handle 30 such that at least front edge 170 of base plate 25 is in contact with the ice surface. Pucks on the ice surface may then be swept through the passage defined by the frame and into receptacle 22 using, for example, a hockey stick. Alternatively, the apparatus may be slid toward the pucks and used as a scoop. A plurality of pucks may be collected at any one time.
As stated above, ball section 80 is located proximal the open front face of inverted U-shaped member 23. This arrangement is pl~r~lled as it facilitates the tipping of a puck into the receptacle 22 when the puck is on base plate 25 and the apparatus is lifted upward.
Preferably, after use, when receptacle 22 has a plurality of pucks 210 of sufficient weight therein, movement in joint 70 allows the open front face of inverted U-shaped member 23 to lie at a 90~-160~ angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of shaft 40, when apparatus 10 is suspended by hook 38 from, 30 for example, a glass wall 220 (shown in Figure 7). The specific angle is not ~ ~ - particularly limited and will be dependent on the weight of pucks in the receptacle and the degree of movement in joint 70. This orientation of the apparatus will aid in retention of the collected pucks within the receptacle andwill be useful for storage and drying. Ice, snow, and water from pucks will 5 drip out of the receptacle and dirt, dust and gravel from balls may be shaken out.
The material from which the base plate, frame and handle section of apparatus are formed is not particularly limited, and may, for example, be a 10 durable polymer or metal. In the present embodiment, the body and handle are preferably formed from a rigid, durable polymer such as polypropylene.
Polypropylene is particularly suited for use on ice, as it will not rust and does not freeze to the skin at low temperatures. Furthermore, the structural integrity of polypropylene remains constantly high over the normal temperature ranges 15 (i.e., -20~C to +25~C) found at outdoor and indoor ice-hockey rinks and otherarenas. Polypropylene is also sun resistant and will not burn human skin even after extended exposure on an open tennis court, for example.
Although receptacle 22 is shown in the Figures in the form of a net, 20 other receptacles are suitable. For example, a bag or box may be ~ltili7e~1. The materials from which the receptacle may be formed are not particularly limited and include, by way of example only, canvas, cotton, nylon, PVC, string, and wire. The choice of a suitable receptacle is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
- ~ - While the present invention has been described with reference to an illustrative embodiment, this description is not intended to be construed in a limitin~ sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to a person skilled in 5 the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of sports equipment, more 5 specifically, the present invention relates to the field of apparatus for collecting objects of play.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "objects of play" is 10 meant to encompass hockey pucks, field, street and ball-hockey balls, golf balls, lacrosse balls, cricket balls, tennis balls, ringettes, softballs, baseballs and the like.
At the end of a sports event, particularly at the end of practice sessions, there are generally a large number of objects of play scattered around the 15 practice facility. These objects of play must be collected together after use for drying, cleaning and storage.
Conventionally, collection of objects of play is done by hand, the objects of play being picked up individually and placed in a suitable receptacle. This 20 hand collection is a time consuming and laborious task. Arenas and many playing fields are scheduled. Oflelllillles, teams are waiting on the sidelines for the previous team to finish. Time is expensive. The leaving team must pick up the objects of play before departing, in many cases delaying the waiting team. In hockey arenas the ice must be flooded by the Zamboni. The 25 insurance, and thus the arena policy, is not to have the Zamboni on the ice until everyone is off. Picking up objects of play by hand is frustratingly slow.
Mechanical labour-saving ball collection devices are known. For example, golf driving ranges frequently employ an elongate roller which has 30 an outer surface adapted for picking up golf balls the roller passes over. The - 21 736~2 - golf balls are removed from the roller mechanically and deposited into a receptacle. A roller of this type is generally pulled by a vehicle. Although such rollers are effective in collecting a large number of golf balls over a large area, they are cumbersome, heavy, expensive and prone to mechanical 5 breakdown. Furthermore, they are unsuitable for use in small arenas such as tennis courts or on ice surfaces.
Some tennis courts utilize a ball hopper. The ball hopper is a steel wire frame device that picks up one tennis ball at a time. The device is lowered 10 onto a tennis ball, compressing the ball. The ball squeezes through the frame and pops into the wire basket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There has been a long-st~n(ling need in the art for an alternative apparatus for collecting objects of play which overcomes at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.
Accordingly, in one of its aspects, the present invention provides an apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface, comprising:
(i) a frame having an open front face and an open back face, the frame defining a passage through the faces, at least a portion of the frame comprising a surface eng~ging means;
(ii) a handle movably attached to the frame operable to control movement of the frame across the surface; and - (iii) a receptacle attached to the frame in co~ ication with the open back face;
whereby an object of play is collected by movement of the object of play 5 through the passage into the receptacle.
In a preferred embodiment, the handle is moveable in at least two planes.
10In a further prerell~d embodiment, the handle is pivotally attached to the frame by means of a ball and socket joint.
An apparatus in accordance with a pl~r~ d embodiment of the present invention is formed substantially from polypropylene. Polypropylene is impact 15 resistant and m~in~in~ its structural integrity over a wide temperature range.
Furthermore, it will not freeze to skin at the low temperatures associated with the play of ice hockey or burn skin after prolonged exposure to the sun.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
25Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting objects of play in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1, along line 2-2;
- Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1, along line 3-3;
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the ball and socket joint of the 5 apparatus of Figure 2;
Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the apparatus is provided with a pair of wheels;
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 5, along line 2-2; and Figure 7 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 suspended by a hook.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
An apparatus for collecting objects of play in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 10 in Figure 1. The 20 embodiment in Figure 1 is specifically designed for use in collecting ice-hockey pucks and will be described with reference to this particular use. However, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, this embodiment (and minor variations therein) would be equally suited for use in collecting objects of play from other sports including, but not limited to, field/street/ball hockey, golf,25 lacrosse, cricket, termis, ringette, softball and baseball.
As shown in Figure 1, apparatus 10 generally comprises a handle 15, a frame 20 and a receptacle 22. At least a portion of frame 20 comprises a surface eng~ging means, such as base plate 25.
- Handle 15 comprises a glippillg means 30 having a plurality of nodules 35 thereon. Nodules 35 aid in preventing the users hand from slipping on gripping means 30. Gripping means 30 preferably has a hook 38 at a first end thereof. Hook 38 facilitates storage of apparatus 10, as apparatus 10 may be 5 hung on any convenient fixture, for example a hanger on a wall or the glass wall surrounding the hockey rink or players box. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, gripping means 30 may or may not be provided with a means to aid in the prevention of slippage of the users hands, such as nodules35 described above. As would be further apparent, alternative aids are 10 available such as conventional rubber or leather grips. The selection of a suitable aid, if one is desired, is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art. In the presently described embodiment, gripping means 30 and nodules 35 are adapted to facilitate manipulation of the apparatus by a userwearing a hockey glove.
Handle 15 further comprises a shaft 40 which links glippillg means 30 to frame 20 (via moveable joint 70 - see below). Shaft 40 may be integral with gripping means 30 and frame 20, or may be detachable from one or both of gripping means 30 and frame 20. In the presently described embodiment, shaft 20 40 is removably connected to gripping means 30 by a conventional male/female connection. Shaft 40 is retained within a socket 45 at a second end of gripping means 30, by a fastening means 50, exemplified by a screw. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, other means to connect shaft 40 to gripping means 30 are available, for example, shaft 40 and gripping means 30 25 may be provided with complementary screw threads. Furthermore, alternative fastening means 50 are available, such as bolts, rivets, adhesive and temperature fit. The selection of a connections means and a fastening means are believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
- Shaft 40 is most preferably formed from wood. It is envisioned that a shaft from a conventional hockey stick may be lltili7e~1. This type of shaft is easily replaced if damaged and may be readily modified in length to suit the user.
Shaft 40 is movably attached to frame 20 by means of a movable joint (indicated generally at 70) (see Figures 2 and 4). In the presently preferred embodiment, joint 70 is a ball-and-socket type joint, comprising a socket section 75 into which ball section 80 is movably located. Ball section 80 is 10 generally spherical and is formed integral with a top, front portion of frame 20.
Ball section 80 need not be completely spherical and may have at least one flattened face. A flattened face which is parallel to the top surface of frame 20 facilitates formation of the apparatus if frame 20 is injection molded as a single plece.
Socket section 75 may be formed integral with shaft 40, or separate thelerlolll. In the presently prer~lled embodiment, socket section 80 comprises an attachment means 100 by which to attach shaft 40. Attachment means 100 is preferably a conventional male/female connection as described above with 20 respect to the shaft/grip attachment. Attachment means 100 may be made more secure by the use of a fastening means 50'. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art, fastening means 50' is not limite~l to the screw depicted inFigure 1. The reader is directed to the discussion of fastening means 50, above. Furthermore, as also discussed above, other attachment means would 25 be suitable and the choice of a suitable attachment means is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
As shown in Figure 2, socket section 75 further comprises a pair of parallel, spaced, opposed arms 110 and 110', each of arms 110 and 110' 30 having a recess (115 and 115') on an inside surface thereof. Arms 110 and 110' and recesses 115 and 115' define the socket in which ball section 80 is located and are sized to accommodate free movement of the joint.
When ball section 80 is located within the socket defined by arms 110 5 and 110' and indentations 115 and 115', socket section 75 is pivotal with respect to frame section 20 in at least one plane, as indicated by arrow A in Figure 4. In a more preferred embodiment, socket section 75 is pivotal with respect to frame section 20 in at least two planes, as indicated by arrows A andB where plane B is perpendicular to the plane of the page. In the presently 10 ~l~r~ d embodiment, socket section 75 is pivotal with respect to frame section 20 in a plurality of planes, the outer bounds of which define an inverted pyramidal zone having the apex of the pyramid located at the centre of the ball and socket joint. However, it is envisioned that the use of an alternative moveable joint will permit other degrees of movement, for example 15 circumduction, in the joint.
Frame 20 has an open front face and an open rear face and defines a passage through the open faces. Frame 20 comprises a generally inverted U-shaped member 23 having ball section 80 located along a longitudinal centre 20 line passing therethrough, subst~nti~lly centrally along the top inverted U-shaped member 23 proximal front edge 120. Frame 20 is subst~nti~lly symmetrical along the longitudinal centre line. The ends of the inverted U-shaped member 23 are joined to opposite ends of a surface eng~ging means, such as base plate 25.
A cross-section of inverted U-shaped member 23 is shown in Figure 3.
Front edge 120 of inverted U-shaped member 23 is curved inwardly, having the general appearance of a half-round. The curvature not only gives inverted U-shaped member 23 an aesthetic appeal but also facilitates puck collection. A
30 puck which impacts curved front edge 120 is more prone to be deflected into - ' the apparatus than a puck which impacts, for example, a straight, flat front edge. Furthermore, curved front edge 120 is less prone to chipping and cracking upon impact by a puck than if inverted U-shaped member 23 had a straight, flat front edge with right-angle corners. Furthermore, the curved surface aids in the minimi7~tion of stress concentration and propagation of cracks when front edge 120 is impacted by a puck.
Inverted U-shaped member 23 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 150. The spacing between ribs 150 is variable and it is preferred that the spacing is such that it aids in preventing a puck from directly impacting the main body of inverted U-shaped member 23, thereby m~king the apparatus more impact resistant. It is envisioned that the apparatus of the present invention will not only be used for collecting objects of play, but will also beused for "target practice". Accordingly, in the ple~rled embodiment, the baseplate, frame and handle sections are fabricated so that they will withstand the impact of, for example, a hockey puck travelling at around 100 mph, without cracking, breaking or chipping. To that end, in the most pl~r~ d embodiment, reinforcing ribs 150 are spaced apart less than 3/4 inch, i.e., lessthan the thickness of a standard hockey puck. Furthermore, reinforcing ribs 150 add structural integrity to the side walls of inverted U-shaped member 23, thereby reducing potential deformation of frame 20 when the apparatus is loaded with collected pucks.
Rear portion 130 of inverted U-shaped member 23 provides a means to removably attach a receptacle 22 (shown as a net) which is in commllnication with the open back face of frame 20, into which the pucks may be collected.
Receptacle 22 is preferably removably attached by an attachment means such as a Velcro~ type fastener, with either the hook strip or the loop strip being attached to rear portion 130 and the alternate strip being attached to the main opening in receptacle 22. As will be apparent to a person skilled in the art - other removable attachment means are available. For example, rear portion 130 may be provided with a series of hooks onto which a receptacle may be attached or it may have a channelled profile, the channel allowing for the attachment of a receptacle having a dl~w~ ing. The selection of a suitable 5 attachment means is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art. It is contemplated that receptacle 22 may itself be provided with at least one handle (shown as 165 in Figure 7) to facilitate emptying of the pucks collected therein. A second handle 166 may also be employed toward the main opening in the receptacle. Second handle 166 may be utilized to hang the 10 receptacle when it is not attached to the apparatus.
As previously mentioned, base plate 25 comprises a sheet which is attached between either end of inverted U-shaped member 23. It is envisioned that base plate 25 may be formed integral with, or separate from, inverted U-15 shaped member 23. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, base plate 25 is slightlycurved proximal to a leading edge 170 thereof and forms an acute angle with respect to the plane formed by front face 120 of frame section 20. Base plate 25 is inclined toward the rear face of inverted U-shaped member 23. Le~(ling edge 170 of base plate 25 has a low profile, preferably being pointed, so as to 20 provide minimum resistance to a puck being collected. Rear section 180 of base plate 25 is angled downward proximal rear face of frame 20 to facilitate transfer of a puck from base plate 25 into receptacle 22. The downward angle of rear section 180 also aids in preventing unwanted movement of collected pucks out of receptacle 22.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 5 and 6, base plate 25 is provided with a pair of wheels 200 (only one of which is shown) which facilitates movement of the apparatus across surfaces other than ice, for example, cement, clay, grass, carpet and artificial turf. The 30 embodiment shown in Figure 5 demonstrates an alternative design for the - ~ handle than that shown in Figures 1 and 7. The alternative design is provided by way of example only. The functional aspects of both handle designs are similar and a reader should not infer any limitations on the invention based on the embodiments disclosed.
The addition of wheels, castors, rollers or other surface eng~ging means to frame section 20, suited to the particular application of the apparatus, is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art. As will be apparent, wheels, castors or rollers should be attached in a manner such that 10 when handle 30 is gripped by a user, a slight downward pressure on the apparatus will result in front edge 170 of base plate 25 eng~in~ the surface on which the apparatus is located.
In use, apparatus 10 is gripped by handle 30 such that at least front edge 170 of base plate 25 is in contact with the ice surface. Pucks on the ice surface may then be swept through the passage defined by the frame and into receptacle 22 using, for example, a hockey stick. Alternatively, the apparatus may be slid toward the pucks and used as a scoop. A plurality of pucks may be collected at any one time.
As stated above, ball section 80 is located proximal the open front face of inverted U-shaped member 23. This arrangement is pl~r~lled as it facilitates the tipping of a puck into the receptacle 22 when the puck is on base plate 25 and the apparatus is lifted upward.
Preferably, after use, when receptacle 22 has a plurality of pucks 210 of sufficient weight therein, movement in joint 70 allows the open front face of inverted U-shaped member 23 to lie at a 90~-160~ angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of shaft 40, when apparatus 10 is suspended by hook 38 from, 30 for example, a glass wall 220 (shown in Figure 7). The specific angle is not ~ ~ - particularly limited and will be dependent on the weight of pucks in the receptacle and the degree of movement in joint 70. This orientation of the apparatus will aid in retention of the collected pucks within the receptacle andwill be useful for storage and drying. Ice, snow, and water from pucks will 5 drip out of the receptacle and dirt, dust and gravel from balls may be shaken out.
The material from which the base plate, frame and handle section of apparatus are formed is not particularly limited, and may, for example, be a 10 durable polymer or metal. In the present embodiment, the body and handle are preferably formed from a rigid, durable polymer such as polypropylene.
Polypropylene is particularly suited for use on ice, as it will not rust and does not freeze to the skin at low temperatures. Furthermore, the structural integrity of polypropylene remains constantly high over the normal temperature ranges 15 (i.e., -20~C to +25~C) found at outdoor and indoor ice-hockey rinks and otherarenas. Polypropylene is also sun resistant and will not burn human skin even after extended exposure on an open tennis court, for example.
Although receptacle 22 is shown in the Figures in the form of a net, 20 other receptacles are suitable. For example, a bag or box may be ~ltili7e~1. The materials from which the receptacle may be formed are not particularly limited and include, by way of example only, canvas, cotton, nylon, PVC, string, and wire. The choice of a suitable receptacle is believed to be within the purview of a person skilled in the art.
- ~ - While the present invention has been described with reference to an illustrative embodiment, this description is not intended to be construed in a limitin~ sense. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to a person skilled in 5 the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments.
Claims (23)
1. An apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface, comprising:
(i) a frame having an open front face and an open back face, the frame defining a passage through the faces, at least a portion of the frame comprising a surface engaging means;
(ii) a handle movably attached to the frame operable to control movement of the frame across the surface; and (iii) a receptacle attached to the frame in communication with the open back face;
whereby an object of play is collected by movement of the object of play through the passage into the receptacle.
(i) a frame having an open front face and an open back face, the frame defining a passage through the faces, at least a portion of the frame comprising a surface engaging means;
(ii) a handle movably attached to the frame operable to control movement of the frame across the surface; and (iii) a receptacle attached to the frame in communication with the open back face;
whereby an object of play is collected by movement of the object of play through the passage into the receptacle.
2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the handle is moveable in at least two planes.
3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the handle is pivotally attached to the frame.
4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3 wherein the handle is pivotally attached to the frame by means of a ball and socket joint.
5. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein the ball and socket joint is located proximal the open front face of the frame.
6. An apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein a ball portion of the ball and socket joint is formed integral with a top front edge of the frame.
7. An apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein the handle comprises a shaft having a socket section at a first end thereof and a gripping means at asecond end thereof.
8. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein the gripping means comprises a plurality of nodules.
9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein the gripping means is removably attached to the shaft.
10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein the gripping means is removably attached to the shaft by means of a male/female connector.
11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein the socket section is removably attached to the shaft.
12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 11 wherein the socket section is removably attached to the shaft by means of a male/female connector.
13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the receptacle is removably attached to the frame by means of a Velcro R type fastening.
14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the receptacle comprises a bag.
15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the receptacle comprises a net.
16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the receptacle has at least one handle attached thereto to facilitate emptying of the receptacle.
17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the receptacle has at least one handle attached thereto to facilitate storage of the receptacle.
18. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the surface engaging means comprises a baseplate.
19. An apparatus in accordance with claim 18 wherein the baseplate is curved proximal a front edge thereof and inclines toward the rear face of the frame.
20. An apparatus in accordance with claim 19 wherein a rear portion of the baseplate proximal the rear face of the frame is angled downward.
21. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising at least one member selected from the group comprising wheels, castors and rollers, attached to the frame proximal the surface engaging means.
22. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the frame is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs.
23. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein the frame is substantially formed from polypropylene.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002173652A CA2173652A1 (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1996-04-09 | Apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface |
| PCT/CA1997/000220 WO1997037729A1 (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1997-04-04 | Apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface |
| AU21477/97A AU2147797A (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1997-04-04 | Apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002173652A CA2173652A1 (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1996-04-09 | Apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2173652A1 true CA2173652A1 (en) | 1997-10-10 |
Family
ID=4157927
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002173652A Abandoned CA2173652A1 (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1996-04-09 | Apparatus for collecting objects of play from a surface |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2147797A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2173652A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997037729A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112999622A (en) * | 2021-04-15 | 2021-06-22 | 无锡职业技术学院 | Automatic table tennis ball picking machine |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA2936542C (en) | 2016-07-19 | 2023-09-26 | Daniel George Joseph Brady | Device for collecting and storing playing objects |
| US11969640B2 (en) * | 2021-05-18 | 2024-04-30 | Daniel Joseph WAGNER | Golf ball putting practice target, collection, and storage apparatus |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE152771C (en) * | ||||
| US3663049A (en) * | 1970-08-25 | 1972-05-16 | Clifford Neil James | Golf ball retrieval and storage device |
| US4509751A (en) * | 1983-03-23 | 1985-04-09 | Tabet Michael A | Golfer's wind indicator and ball retriever |
| US4799725A (en) * | 1987-10-16 | 1989-01-24 | Surelab Superior Research Laboratories, Inc. | Golf ball retriever |
| SE467391B (en) * | 1990-11-09 | 1992-07-13 | Leif Wiklander | Puck box for collecting and storing ice hockey pucks |
| US5513884A (en) * | 1995-06-08 | 1996-05-07 | Bucher; Betty A. | Golf ball retrieving device |
-
1996
- 1996-04-09 CA CA002173652A patent/CA2173652A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1997
- 1997-04-04 WO PCT/CA1997/000220 patent/WO1997037729A1/en active Application Filing
- 1997-04-04 AU AU21477/97A patent/AU2147797A/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112999622A (en) * | 2021-04-15 | 2021-06-22 | 无锡职业技术学院 | Automatic table tennis ball picking machine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1997037729A1 (en) | 1997-10-16 |
| AU2147797A (en) | 1997-10-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20061211 |