EP0158833B1 - Device for retrieving balls or other round articles - Google Patents

Device for retrieving balls or other round articles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0158833B1
EP0158833B1 EP85102953A EP85102953A EP0158833B1 EP 0158833 B1 EP0158833 B1 EP 0158833B1 EP 85102953 A EP85102953 A EP 85102953A EP 85102953 A EP85102953 A EP 85102953A EP 0158833 B1 EP0158833 B1 EP 0158833B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shells
grip
handle
movement
hinges
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.)
Expired
Application number
EP85102953A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0158833A1 (en
Inventor
Willy Mottet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT85102953T priority Critical patent/ATE32030T1/en
Publication of EP0158833A1 publication Critical patent/EP0158833A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0158833B1 publication Critical patent/EP0158833B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B47/021—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls for picking-up or collecting for picking-up automatically, e.g. by apparatus moving over the playing surface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for picking up, on a surface, objects liable to roll.
  • objects of spherical, spheroidal shape or more generally of at least approximately rounded shape so that they are capable of rolling can be for example, balls or fruits of relatively firm consistency.
  • the invention aims to eliminate these drawbacks by proposing a pick-up device as defined in claim 1. Such a device allows rapid pick-up avoiding excessive back strain.
  • the bale catcher shown comprises a box with a flat bottom, side walls at least approximately vertical and open upward, consisting of two distinct shells 1 advantageously symmetrical joining in the closed state of the device (Figure 1) by their edge internal to form the box.
  • Each shell 1 is provided with an articulation with a vertical axis 2 near the median plane of the device and connected to a handle 3.
  • a handle 4 On the handle 3 slides a handle 4 connected on either side to an arm 5 articulated at one end on this handle 4 and at the other end near the lateral edge of the rear vertical wall of the corresponding shell 1 by articulations 7.
  • a displacement of the handle 4 from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 to that illustrated in Figure 2 rotates the shells 1 around the vertical axes 2 and open the box.
  • the shells 1 are also externally fitted with rollers 6, which are preferably orientable in a conventional manner and making it possible, by action of the handle 3, to move the open or closed box in any direction over the surface considered, while maintaining the bottom of this box very close to this surface.
  • the articulations 7 of the arms 5 will be of the known omnidirectional type, and the handle 3 will be connected to the part integral with the vertical axes 2 by means of an articulation device with a horizontal pin 8 which can be locked and, in the unlocked state movable in longitudinal slots 9 formed in the handle 3 (Figure 3).
  • the handle 3 can take various positions between an operating position in the fully deployed state, the handle 3 being inclined (right part of Figure 3) and a fully folded position limiting the size for example for transport or storage, as it appears in FIG. 3.
  • a vertical position also sketched in FIG. 3 also makes it possible to use the handle 3 of the device at rest as a support for a video camera, the use of which is generalized for teaching tennis, or as a basket support for balls.
  • the ball collecting operation is very simple.
  • the handle 3 being placed in the unfolded position, the handle 4 is pulled along the handle 3 and the two shells 1 move apart by opening the box.
  • the apparatus is pushed towards the balls which roll and penetrate on the bottom of the shells 1 where they collect.
  • the box is then closed by pushing the handle 4 until the shells 1 are completely closed.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Friction Gearing (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
  • Accessories Of Cameras (AREA)

Abstract

The device comprises two shells equipped with casters allowing it to move. The shells can pivot on vertical hinges as a result of the movement of a grip sliding along a handle connected to the hinges. The grip is connected to the shells by arms attached through omnidirectional joints to the grip and to each arm. Movement of the grip in one direction causes the shells to open, and movement in the other direction causes them to close to form a box. The device can be used to collect tennis balls without excessive fatigue.

Description

La présente invention est relative à un appareil pour ramasser, sur une surface, des objets susceptibles de rouler. De tels objets de forme sphérique, sphéroïdale ou plus généralement de forme au moins approximativement arrondie pour qu'ils soient susceptibles de rouler peuvent être par exemple, des balles ou des fruits de consistance relativement ferme.The present invention relates to an apparatus for picking up, on a surface, objects liable to roll. Such objects of spherical, spheroidal shape or more generally of at least approximately rounded shape so that they are capable of rolling can be for example, balls or fruits of relatively firm consistency.

L'invention va être exposée en faisant référence particulière au ramassage de balles de tennis, utilisation pour laquelle elle semble particulièrement indiquée, étant entendu que cet exemple n'est pas limitatif et que l'invention peut s'appliquer aussi bien au ramassage d'objets divers pour autant que leur forme arrondie et la configuration de la surface sur laquelle ils se trouvent s'y prêtent.The invention will be explained with particular reference to the collection of tennis balls, use for which it seems particularly indicated, it being understood that this example is not limiting and that the invention can be applied to the collection of miscellaneous objects provided that their rounded shape and the configuration of the surface on which they are found are suitable.

Il est bien connu que les professeurs de tennis ont l'habitude de travailler avec leurs élèves en utilisant un ou plusieurs paniers contenant un nombre important de balles pour éviter les pertes de temps et la fatigue dues au ramassage de chaque balle individuellement après utilisation pour la remettre aussitôt en service. Le ou les paniers épuisés, la place de jeu se trouve jonchée de balles qu'il faut alors ramasser pour les remettre dans les paniers. Ce ramassage représente non seulement une perte de temps importante pour l'élève et/ou le maître, mais devient vite pénible pour le dos.It is well known that tennis teachers are used to working with their students using one or more baskets containing a large number of balls to avoid loss of time and fatigue due to the collection of each ball individually after use for the return to service immediately. The basket or baskets exhausted, the place of play is strewn with balls which it is then necessary to collect to put them back in the baskets. This pickup not only represents a significant loss of time for the student and / or the teacher, but quickly becomes painful for the back.

L'invention vise'à supprimer ces inconvénients en proposant un appareil de ramassage tel qu'il est défini dans la revendication 1. Un tel appareil permet un ramassage rapide évitant toute fatigue excessive du dos.The invention aims to eliminate these drawbacks by proposing a pick-up device as defined in claim 1. Such a device allows rapid pick-up avoiding excessive back strain.

Les caractères techniques de l'invention qui font l'objet des revendications et certains avantages, sont exposés dans la description qui suit et pour l'intelligence de laquelle on se référera aux dessins dont :

  • - la figure 1 représente schématiquement un appareil selon l'invention en vue de dessus à l'état fermé,
  • - la figure 2 représente le même appareil en vue de dessus mais à l'état ouvert,
  • - la figure 3 montre le même appareil en vue de côté en illustrant diverses positions de son manche de manœuvre.
The technical characteristics of the invention which are the subject of the claims and certain advantages are set out in the description which follows and for the understanding of which reference will be made to the drawings, of which:
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents an apparatus according to the invention in top view in the closed state,
  • FIG. 2 represents the same device in top view but in the open state,
  • - Figure 3 shows the same device in side view illustrating various positions of its operating handle.

Le ramasse-balles représenté comporte un caisson à fond plat, parois latérales au moins approximativement verticales et ouvert vers le haut, constitué de deux coquilles distinctes 1 avantageusement symétriques se rejoignant à l'état fermé de l'appareil (figure 1) par leur bord interne pour former le caisson. Chaque coquille 1 est munie d'une articulation à axe vertical 2 à proximité du plan médian de l'appareil et reliée à un manche 3. Sur le manche 3 coulisse une poignée 4 reliée de part et d'autre à un bras 5 articulé à une extrémité sur cette poignée 4 et à l'autre extrémité à proximité du bord latéral de la paroi verticale postérieure de la coquille 1 correspondante par des articulations 7. Ainsi un déplacement de la poignée 4 de la position illustrée à la figure 1 vers celle illustrée à la figure 2 fait pivoter les coquilles 1 autour des axes verticaux 2 et ouvrir le caisson.The bale catcher shown comprises a box with a flat bottom, side walls at least approximately vertical and open upward, consisting of two distinct shells 1 advantageously symmetrical joining in the closed state of the device (Figure 1) by their edge internal to form the box. Each shell 1 is provided with an articulation with a vertical axis 2 near the median plane of the device and connected to a handle 3. On the handle 3 slides a handle 4 connected on either side to an arm 5 articulated at one end on this handle 4 and at the other end near the lateral edge of the rear vertical wall of the corresponding shell 1 by articulations 7. Thus a displacement of the handle 4 from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 to that illustrated in Figure 2 rotates the shells 1 around the vertical axes 2 and open the box.

Les coquilles 1 sont par ailleurs extérieurement équipées de roulettes 6 de préférence orientables de façon classique et permettant, par action du manche 3, de déplacer le caisson ouvert ou fermé dans toute direction sur la surface considérée, tout en maintenant le fond de ce caisson très proche de cette surface.The shells 1 are also externally fitted with rollers 6, which are preferably orientable in a conventional manner and making it possible, by action of the handle 3, to move the open or closed box in any direction over the surface considered, while maintaining the bottom of this box very close to this surface.

De préférence, les articulations 7 des bras 5 seront du type connu omnidirectionnel, et le manche 3 sera relié à la partie solidaire des axes verticaux 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif d'articulation à goupille horizontale 8 verrouillable et, en état déverrouillé déplaçable dans des lumières longitudinales 9 ménagées dans le manche 3 (figure 3). Ainsi, le manche 3 pourra prendre diverses positions entre une position de fonctionnement à l'état entièrement déployé, le manche 3 étant incliné (partie droite de la figure 3) et une position entièrement repliée en limitant l'encombrement par exemple pour le transport ou le rangement, comme il apparaît à la figure 3. Une position verticale esquissée également à la figure 3 permet en outre d'utiliser le manche 3 de l'appareil au repos comme support d'une caméra vidéo dont l'utilisation se généralise pour l'enseignement du tennis, ou encore comme support d'un panier pour les balles.Preferably, the articulations 7 of the arms 5 will be of the known omnidirectional type, and the handle 3 will be connected to the part integral with the vertical axes 2 by means of an articulation device with a horizontal pin 8 which can be locked and, in the unlocked state movable in longitudinal slots 9 formed in the handle 3 (Figure 3). Thus, the handle 3 can take various positions between an operating position in the fully deployed state, the handle 3 being inclined (right part of Figure 3) and a fully folded position limiting the size for example for transport or storage, as it appears in FIG. 3. A vertical position also sketched in FIG. 3 also makes it possible to use the handle 3 of the device at rest as a support for a video camera, the use of which is generalized for teaching tennis, or as a basket support for balls.

L'opération de ramassage des balles est des plus simples. Le manche 3 étant placé en position dépliée, la poignée 4 est tirée le long du manche 3 et les deux coquilles 1 s'écartent en ouvrant le caisson. L'appareil est poussé vers les balles qui roulent et pénètrent sur le fond des coquilles 1 où elles s'amassent. Le caisson est ensuite refermé en repoussant la poignée 4 jusqu'à fermeture complète des coquilles 1.The ball collecting operation is very simple. The handle 3 being placed in the unfolded position, the handle 4 is pulled along the handle 3 and the two shells 1 move apart by opening the box. The apparatus is pushed towards the balls which roll and penetrate on the bottom of the shells 1 where they collect. The box is then closed by pushing the handle 4 until the shells 1 are completely closed.

Claims (5)

1. An apparatus for collecting objects capable of rolling on a surface, characterized in that it comprises two shells (1) equipped with casters (6) which allow it to move over said surface, these shells (1) being capable of pivoting on vertical hinges (2) as a result of the movement of a grip (4) which slides on a handle connected to the hinges (2), saif grip (4) being connected to the shells (3) through arms (5) which are themselves articulated (7) to the grip (4) and to each shell (1), such that movement of the grip (4) in one direction causes the shells (1) to open, and movement in the other direction causes them to close forming a box.
2. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the joints (7) between the arms (5) and the grip (4) and between the arms (5) and the shells (1) are omnidirectional.
3. An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the handle (3) is connected to the hinges (2) by means of a horizontal pin joint (8).
4. An apparatus in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the horizontal pin joint (8) can be locked in a position between its two extreme positions.
5. Utilization of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for collecting tennis balls. characterized in that the handle (3) can be locked (8) in a vertical position to serve as a support for a video camera and/or for a ball basket.
EP85102953A 1984-03-23 1985-03-14 Device for retrieving balls or other round articles Expired EP0158833B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85102953T ATE32030T1 (en) 1984-03-23 1985-03-14 DEVICE FOR TAKING BALLS OR OTHER ROUND OBJECTS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8404963A FR2561529B1 (en) 1984-03-23 1984-03-23 APPARATUS FOR PICKING UP BULLETS OR OTHER ROLLABLE OBJECTS
FR8404963 1984-03-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0158833A1 EP0158833A1 (en) 1985-10-23
EP0158833B1 true EP0158833B1 (en) 1988-01-20

Family

ID=9302616

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85102953A Expired EP0158833B1 (en) 1984-03-23 1985-03-14 Device for retrieving balls or other round articles

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US4596414A (en)
EP (1) EP0158833B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE32030T1 (en)
DE (1) DE3561440D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2561529B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2700965B1 (en) * 1993-02-03 1995-07-21 Malattia Paul MANUAL APPARATUS FOR PICKING UP BALLS OF PETANQUE, PIGS AND THE LIKE.
US5860658A (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-01-19 Callahan; Peter Storage receptacle with integral handle/stand
US8075030B2 (en) * 2009-06-10 2011-12-13 Pearson Robert E Ball retrieving apparatus
KR101020064B1 (en) * 2010-09-01 2011-03-09 김명옥 The device for collecting badminton shuttlecock
US10589152B2 (en) 2016-03-18 2020-03-17 Sure Win, Llc Apparatus for collecting and storing tennis balls

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US559384A (en) * 1896-05-05 Coaling-tub
US1187316A (en) * 1915-08-19 1916-06-13 Clifford Higby Post-hole digger.
FR551157A (en) * 1922-05-09 1923-03-29 Ball catcher and ball catcher-ball launchers
US2120326A (en) * 1937-07-19 1938-06-14 Doerschlen Edward Digger
US2215592A (en) * 1938-09-28 1940-09-24 William D Nelson Rake
GB539348A (en) * 1940-07-26 1941-09-05 William Clive Atcherley A new or improved device for use in the game of bowls
GB549348A (en) * 1942-06-17 1942-11-17 Harold Edgar Yarrow Improvements relating to superheated steam installations
US2409778A (en) * 1945-07-13 1946-10-22 Arthur J Kirby Yard refuse collector
US2817405A (en) * 1956-08-20 1957-12-24 Walter C Pearson Bowl retriever
US3593868A (en) * 1969-01-08 1971-07-20 George W Folz Tennis ball retriever
US4252490A (en) * 1978-07-24 1981-02-24 Ernst Keller Ball retrieving and storage device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4596414A (en) 1986-06-24
DE3561440D1 (en) 1988-02-25
EP0158833A1 (en) 1985-10-23
ATE32030T1 (en) 1988-02-15
FR2561529B1 (en) 1986-08-22
FR2561529A1 (en) 1985-09-27

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