GB2454515A

GB2454515A - Sports ball retention apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2454515A
Application number: GB0722072A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Antonio Eduardo Ferrari; Alcira Raquel Ferrari
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2009-05-13
Also published as: GB0722072D0

Abstract

Sports ball retention apparatus comprising a sports ball, a line 2 and reel means 3, in which a first end of the line is attached to the sports ball, in which a second end of the line is attached to the reel means, in which the line is adapted to be coiled on the reel means, in which in a first state the reel means is adapted to allow the line to uncoil therefrom, and in which in a second state the reel means is adapted to facilitate the coiling of the line thereon. Preferably the apparatus includes pulley means applied to the line such that the line extends from the reel at an angle from the reel axis. The reel may be rotated either by a manual winding lever or by a motor. Optionally, the apparatus may be provided with a spike or suction cups to secure the apparatus in position on turf or a flat surface.

Description

Sports Ball Retention Apparatus The present invention relates to sports ball retention apparatus for use particularly, but not exclusively, to retain a golf ball for re-use.

Many sports involve the striking of a stationary ball, or the throwing of a ball from the hand, including football, rugby, golf, cricket, baseball and American Football.

In each case a very particular technique is required to strike or throw the ball efficiently to ensure it travels a good distance in the desired direction. A great deal of practice is required, involving repetition of the striking or throwing action.

However one problem with this type of practice is that the ball is struck or thrown some distance away, and it takes time and effort to fetch it in order to repeat the action. It is of course possible to have a large supply of balls at the user's location, but this is quite costly when it comes to rugby balls or footballs. However, golf driving ranges are arranged around this principle as golf balls are small and cheap. Although, once the supply of balls has expired they do all need to be collected up which takes time and effort.

The distance that a sports ball travels when it is kicked, hit or thrown can be an important factor, and can indicate to the user how effective their technique is. It is common on golf driving ranges to have large signs which indicate the ball's distance from the player's position, however these are very general in nature, and it is not really possible to determine from them the exact distance the ball has travelled.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.

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Therefore, according to the present invention sports ball retention apparatus comprises a sports ball, a line and reel means, in which a first end of the line is attached to the sports ball, in which a second end of the line is attached to the reel means, in which the line is adapted to be coiled on the reel means, in which in a first state the reel means is adapted to allow the line to uncoil therefrom, and in which in a second state the reel means is adapted to facilitate the coiling of the line thereon.

Thus, the invention provides a means by which a sports ball can be retained once it has been kicked, hit or thrown, and brought back to the user for another attemPt.

One issue with this arrangement is that the line and the reel means must not significantjy effect the travel of the sports ball in flight. In order to allow the line to uncoil with as little resistance as possible the reel means can comprise a drum with an axis and a free end, and in at least the first state the drum can be arranged with said axis normal, or at an oblique angle, to a plane and with the free end meeting a first side of said plane, so the line can uncoil from the free end when the ball is moved away from a second side of said plane. Therefore, the apparatus can be arranged with the free end of the drum pointing in the direction the sports ball is to be kicked, hit or thrown, and the line can uncoil straight off the free end of the drum.

However, with the drum arranged in this manner, the issue arises as to how the line is to be coiled back onto the drum. In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus can comprise pulley means, and in the second state the pulley means can be applied to the line such that it extends from the pulley means to the drum at an angle to said axis. Such an arrangement is widely known in the field of fishing rods, in which a bar with a pulley body on it can be passed over the free end of a drum to engage a line extending therefrom. Once the pulley body has engaged the line the bar is arranged alongside the drum so the line extends towards the drum at 90 degrees. To disengage the pulley body the bar is moved back over the free end of the drum and positioned out of the way on the other side of the drum. Such a construction can be used with apparatus of the present invention.

As an alternative to the above, the drum can be mounted on a pivot means, such that it is rotatable about a pivot axis which is normal to the axis of the drum. In the second state the drum can be arranged with its axis substantially parallel with said plane. As such, the drum is positioned so rotation about its own axis will coil the line thereon.

The apparatus can comprise a manual winding lever, and in at least the second state the manual winding lever can be applied to the drum, so rotation of the lever rotates the drum about its axis for the purpose of coiling the line thereon. The manual winding lever can be any construction, but in a preferred arrangement the manual winding lever can be adapted to be foot driven.

Preferably the apparatus can comprise counter means adapted to determine the length of line coiled onto the drum when the drum is rotated in the second state.

As such, the apparatus can indicate how far the sports ball travelled after it was kicked, hit or thrown, once the line is fully coiled back on the drum. The counter means can be driven by rotation of the manual winding lever.

As an alternative to the above the apparatus can comprise a motor means, and in at least the second state the motor means can be applied to the drum, so operation of the motor means rotates the drum about its axis for the purpose of coiling the line thereon. e

It is important to secure the apparatus in position so it cannot move in use. In one version of the invention the apparatus can comprise a spike adapted to secure it in position in turf. Alternatively the apparatus can comprise suction cups adapted to secure it on a flat surface.

As referred to above, the invention finds particular application in the sport of golf, so preferably the sports ball is a golf ball.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but three embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front view of a first sports ball retention apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the first sports ball retention apparatus as shown in Figure 1 in a first configuration; Figure is a cross-sectional side view of the first sports ball retention apparatus as shown in Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 4 is a plan view of a second sports ball retention apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a front view of the second sports ball retention apparatus as shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the second sports ball retention apparatus as shown in Figure 4 in a first configuration; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the second sports ban retention apparatus as shown in Figure 4 in a second configuration; Figure 8 is a front view of a third sports ball retention apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the third sports ball apparatus as shown in Figure 8 in a first configuration; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the third sports ball apparatus as shown in Figure 8 in a second configuration; and, Figurell is a cross-sectional side view of the third sports ball apparatus as shown in Figure 8 in a third configuration.

As shown in Figure 1 golf ball retention apparatus 1 comprises a golf ball (not Shown), a line 2 and reel means 3. As described further below, a first end of the line (not visible) is attached to the sports ball, and a second end of the line (also not visible) is attached to the reel means 3. The line 2 is adapted to be coiled on the reel means 3, and in a first state as shown in Figure 2 the reel means 3 is adapted to allow the line 2 to uncoil therefrom, and in a second state as shown in Figure 3 the reel means 3 is adapted to facilitate the coiling of the line 2 thereon.

The apparatus 1 comprises a base platform 4, which has a spike 5 for securing it in turf. On the base platform 4 is mounted a foot pedal 6, which is supported for rotation between a first structure 7 and a second structure 8.

The first structure 7, which is shown in Figures 2 and 3, comprises an axle joint 9 which rotationally supports the first end 10 of the pedal 6. First structure 7 also supports the reel means 3, which comprises a drum 11 with an axis 12, and a free end 13. As shown in Figure 2, the axis 12 is normal to a plane A-A, and the free end 13 meets a first side 14 of said plane A-A. As such, the line 2 can uncoil from the free end 13 when the ball is moved away from a second side 15 of the plane A-A.

The drum 11 is adapted to rotate on said axis 12 when the pedal 6 is turned in use, and various linkages are provided inside the first structure 7 to facilitate this.

In addition, as the drum 11 rotates it moves laterally back and forth along said axis 12, and again the mechanism which facilitates this feature is housed within the first structure 7. This construction is well known in the field of fishing tackle and will not be further described here.

The first structure 7 also supports a frame 16, which does not rotate.

Mounted on the frame 16 is U-shaped support bar 17, which is mounted such that it can rotate on axis B-B, shown in Figure 1. As such, the support bar 17 can be passed back and forth over the free end 13, to assume the positions shown in Figures 2 and 3. The support bar 17 is two-way spring loaded, and is urged into the position shown in Figures 2 whenever it is beyond half way from the position shown in Figure 3, and visa versa. Rotationally mounted on the support bar 17 is pulley wheel 18.

As the line 2 extends from the free end 13 of the drum 11, when the support bar 17 is arranged below the drum 11, as shown in Figure 2, it does not effect the line 2. However, when the support bar 17 is passed over the free end 13 of the drum 11 it engages the line 2 extending therefrom. When the support bar 17 is arranged above the drum 11, as shown in Figure 3, the line 2 extends down to the drum 11 at right angles. As such, when the support bar 17 is arranged as shown in Figure 2, the line 2 can freely uncoil from the drum 11, and when the support bar 17 is arranged as shown in Figure 3, the line 2 can be coiled onto the drum 11 when it is rotated. As the drum 11 moves back and forth when it is rotated, the line 2 is arranged on the drum 11 in a neat criss-cross pattern, which facilitates its easy uncoiling.

The support bar 17 can be rotated by hand, but a number of parts are provided to prevent the need for this. In particular pedal 19 is mounted on the first structure 7 in a hinged manner, and arm 20 extends from said pedal 19. The arm 20 has slot 21 at its end, adapted to engage the support bar 17. A return spring 22 is provided to urge the pedal 19 into a disengaged position. Depression of the pedal 19 when the support bar 17 is above the drum 11, pushes the support bar 17 over the front of the free end 13 of the drum 11, and it moves to the position shown in Figure 2. When the pedal 19 is released it is pushed back up and out of the way by the spring 22. Therefore, a user need only depress the pedal 19 once to allow the line 2 to uncoil freely from the drum 11.

Tab 23 is provided on support bar 17, and an arm 24 is provided at the first end 10 of the pedal 6. Rotation of the pedal 6, in an'anti-clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2, brings the arm 24 into engagement with the tab 23, and further rotation of the peal 6 pushes the tab 23 around, until the support bar 17 is beyond half way into the position shown in Figure 3, and it snaps into place. The pedal 6 is rotated in this manner to turn the drum 11 to coil the line 2 thereon. Therefore, the user need only begin turning the pedal 6 with their foot, and the line 2 will automatically start to be coiled back onto the drum 11.

The second structure 8 comprises counter apparatus 25, which produces a count reading based on the rotation of wheel 26, which is mounted on a second end 27 of the pedal 6. The count reading is set such that it equates to the length of line 2 The line 2 is constructed from very light weight twine, like that which is used with fishing tackle, so when the ball travels through the air in use it has a minimal effect on its flying characteristics.

Therefore, in use a user places the apparatus 1 in the ground, and places the golf ball a short distance away. They then depress the pedal 19 if necessary to move the support bar 17 to the position shown in Figure 2. They then strike the ball, and it travels away from the apparatus, and in particular away from the second side 15 of the plane A-A. As this occurs, the line 2 uncoils freely from the free end 13 of the drum 11, as is actually shown in Figure 2.

When the ball has come to rest the user places their foot on the pedal 6 and begins to turn it in an anti-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 2 and 3. At first this forces the support bar 17 over the free end 13 of the drum 11, and the pulley wheel 18 engages the line 2. The support bar 17 then assumes the position shown in Figure 3, and the continued rotation of the pedal 6 rotates the drum 11 on the axis 12, and moves it back and forth. As such the line 2 is coiled neatly back onto the drum 11.

As this occurs the counter apparatus 25 takes a reading, and once the ball is back to its starting place, the user can check the reading to see how far the ball had travelled. To use the apparatus once more the pedal 19 is depressed and the ball is struck once again.

Figures 4 to 7 show a second golf ball retention apparatus 30, which comprises the same essential features of the invention as golf ball retention apparatus 1 described above, but is constructed in a different way. As shown in Figure 4 the apparatus 30 comprises a golf ball (not shown), a line 31 and reel means 32. As described further below, a first end of the line (not visible) is attached to the golf ball, and a second end of the line (also not visible) is attached to the reel means 32. The line 31 is adapted to be coiled on the reel means 32, and in a first state as shown in Figure 6 the reel means 32 is adapted to allow the line 31 to uncoil therefrom, and in a second state as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7 the reel means 32 is adapted to facilitate the coiling of the line 31 thereon.

The apparatus 30 comprises a base platform 33, which has a spike 34 for securing it in turf. On the base platform 33 is mounted a foot pedal 35, which is supported for rotation by a first pair of support structures 36 and a second pair of support structures 37. Between the first pair of support structures 36 is mounted a first cog wheel 38.

The reel means 32 is supported on either side by rods 40 and 40a, which extend from a third support structure 39 and the outer of the first pair of support structures 36, respectively. The rods 40 and 40a are not connected to the foot pedal 35, and the reel means 32 is free to rotate thereon about pivot axis C-C. The reel means 32 comprises a housing 41, which rotationally supports a structure comprising second cog wheel 42 and drum 43, which has the line 31 coiled thereon.

(Figures 6 and 7 show the housing 41 in cross-section so the drum 43 is fully visible.) The second cog wheel 42 is engaged with the first cog wheel 38.

The drum 43 has an axis D-D, which is normal to the pivot axis C-C, and it has a free end 44. A weight 45 is provided on the housing 41 on one side thereof, and above the pivot axis C-C. Mounted in front of the reel means 32 is stopper arm 46.

The reel means can be arranged in two different positions, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In a first position, as shown in Figure 6, the reel means 32 has rotated forwards due to the position of the weight 45. To assume this position the second cog wheel 42 rotates about axis C-C, and either turns the first cog wheel 38 in an anti-clockwise direction due to its engagement therewith, or travels round the outer edge of the first cog wheel 38. In this position the drum 43 is arranged at an oblique angle to plane E-E, and the free end 44 meets a first side 47 of plane E-E. As such, the line 31 can uncoil from the free end 44 when the ball is moved away from a second side 48 of the plane E-E. In fact in this position the drum 43 is aimed generally in the direction of the initial travel of the golf ball after it is struck.

In the second position, as shown in Figure 7 the reel means 32 has been rotated in a clockwise direction until it is upright it is prevented from rotating any further due to the stopper arm 46. To arrange the reel means 32 in this position the pedal 35 is turned in a clockwise direction, which turns the first cog wheel 38, which rotates the reel means 32 about axis C-C by virtue of the first cog wheel's 38 connection with the second cog wheel 42. Once in this upright state, further rotation of the pedal 35 rotates the second cog wheel 42 about axis D-D, which turns the drum 43. As the drum 43 is parallel to plane E-E, its rotation coils the line 31 thereon.

The second pair of support structures 37 comprise counter apparatus 49, which produces a count reading based on the rotation of wheel 50, which is mounted on a second end 51 of the pedal 35. The count reading is set such that it equates to the length of line 31 wound back onto the drum 43 in use.

The line 2 is constructed from very light weight twine, like that which is used with fishing tackle, so when the ball travels through the air in use it has a minimal effect on its flying characteristics.

Therefore, in use a user places the apparatus 30 in the ground, and places the golf ball a short distance away. They then allow the reel means 32 to rotate forward on the pivot axis C-C, so the free end 44 meets the plane E-E at an oblique angle. They then strike the ball, and it travels away from the apparatus 30, and in particular away from the second side 48 of the plane E-E. As this occurs, the line 31 uncoils freely from the free end 44 of the drum 43.

When the ball has come to rest the user rotates the pedal 35, which rotates the reel means 32 on the pivot axis C-C until it is upright, as shown in Figure 7.

Further rotation of the pedal 35 results in the rotation of the drum 43 on its axis D-D and the coiling of the line 31 thereon.

As this occurs the counter apparatus 49 takes a reading, and once the ball is back to its starting place, the user can check the reading to see how far the ball had travelled. To use the apparatus once more the arm46 is disengaged from the reel means 32, and the ball is struck once again.

Figures 8 to 11 show a third sports ball retention apparatus 60 which comprises the same essential features of the invention as golf ball retention apparatus 1 and 30 described above, but is constructed in a different way. As shown in Figure 8 the apparatus 60 comprises a golf ball (not shown), a line 61 and reel means 62. As described further below, a first end of the line (not visible) is attached to the golf ball, and a second end of the line (also not visible) is attached to the reel means 62. The line 61 is adapted to be coiled on the reel means 62, and in a first state as shown in Figures 8 and 9 the reel means 62 is adapted to allow the line 61 to uncoil therefrom, and in a second state as shown in Figure 11 the reel means 62 is adapted to facilitate the coiling of the line 61 thereon.

The apparatus 60 comprises a base platform 63, which has a spike 64 for securing it in turf. On the base platform 63 is mounted a foot pedal 65, which is supported for rotation by a first structure 66 and a second structure 67. The first structure 66 and the second structure 67 both comprise an inverted L-shaped member, from which depends a spring 68 and 69 respectively. Spring 68 carries gear block 70, which axially supports a first end 71 of the pedal 65, which first end 71 carries a first cog wheel 72. The gear block 70 also rotationally supports a structure comprising second cog wheel 73 and socket 74. The first cog wheel 72 and the second cog wheel 73 are permanently engaged, so rotation of the pedal 65 turns the socket 74. The gear block 70 further comprises downwardly depending activation arm 75.

Mounted below the gear block 70 is the reel means 62, which comprises a drum 76, which has a free end 77. The free end 77 has a pyramid shape such that it can engage the socket 74 in a non-rotational manner, as described below. The drum 76 is mounted on a lever arm 78 such that it can rotate on its own axis. The lever arm 78 is mounted to block 79 by a pivot 80, such that the drum 76 can rotate on a pivot axis normal to its own axis. At one end of the lever arm 78 a spring loaded socket 81 is provided.

The position of the pivot 80 means that the lever arm 78 falls into the position shown in Figure 9. In this position the drum 76 is arranged at an oblique angle to plane F-F, and the free end 77 meets a first side 81 of plane F-F. As such, the line 61 can uncoil from the free end 77 when the ball is moved away from a second side 82 of the plane F-F. In fact, in this position the drum 76 is aimed generally in the direction of the initial travel of the golf ball after it is struck.

As described further below, the drum 76 can also be arranged upright, as shown in Figure 11, and in this position the drum 76 is parallel to plane F-F, so its rotation coils the line 61 thereon.

Spring 69 carries a sleeve 84, which axially supports a second end 85 of the pedal 65. The second end 85 of the pedal 65 passes through the sleeve 84 and carries a third cog wheel 86. Mounted below the sleeve 84 is counter apparatus 87, which produces a count reading based on the rotation of fourth cog wheel 88. The count reading is set such that it equates to the length of line 61 wound back onto the drum 76 in use, as described further below.

The line 61 is constructed from very light weight twine, like that which is used with fishing tackle, so when the ball travels through the air in use it has a minimal effect on its flying characteristics.

Therefore, in use a user places the apparatus 60 in the ground, and places the golf ball a short distance away. They then strike the ball, and it travels away from the apparatus 60, and in particular away from the second side 82 of the plane F-F. As this occurs, the line 61 uncoils freely from the free end 77 of the drum 76.

When the ball has come to rest the user places their foot on the pedal 65 and forces it downwards, forcing springs 68 and 69 to extend. As this occurs, the activation arm 75 comes into contact with the socket 81, and rotates the lever arm 78 about the pivot axis, until it is horizontal and the drum 76 is parallel to the plane F-F, as shown in Figure 10. Further downward movement of the pedal 65 against the force of the spring loading in the socket 81, brings the free end 77 of the drum 76 into non-rotational engagement with the socket 74, as shown in Figure 11. Once in this position the user begins to turn the pedal 65 which results in the rotation of the drum 76 on its own axis, by virtue of its fixed engagement with the socket 74. As ttus occurs the line 61 is coiled back onto the drum 76.

When the pedal 65 is brought down as described above, the third cog wheel 86 comes into contact with the fourth cog wheel 88, and as such rotation of the pedal 65 results in the driving of the counter apparatus 87. As this occurs the counter apparatus 87 takes a reading, and once the ball is back to its starting place, the user can check the reading to see how far the ball had travelled. To use the apparatus 60 once more the user simply releases their foot from the pedal 65, which releases the drum 76 from the socket 74 and the activation arm 75 from the socket 81, and as such the lever arm 78 rotates forwards into the position shown in Figure 9, and the ball can be struck once more.

The above described embodiments can be altered without departing from the scope of Claim 1. For example, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) sports ball retention apparatus is as described above, but instead of a manually operated pedal, motor means are provided to turn the drum and coil the line thereon.

In addition, in other alternative embodiments (not shown) apparatus are provided as described above, but they are used with other sports balls, including footballs, rugby balls, American footballs and so on.

Thus, the invention provides a means by which a sports ball can be retained once it has been kicked, hit or thrown, and brought back to the user for another attempt. In addition, apparatus is provided which indicates how far the sports ball had travelled.

Claims

Claims 1. Sports ball retention apparatus comprising a sports ball, a line and reel means, in which a first end of the line is attached to the sports ball, in which a second end of the line is attached to the reel means, in which the line is adapted to be coiled on the reel means, in which in a first state the reel means is adapted to allow the line to uncoil therefrom, and in which in a second state the reel means is adapted to facilitate the coiling of the line thereon.
2. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the reel means comprises a drum with an axis and a free end, in which in at least the first state the drum is arranged with said axis normal, or at an oblique angle to a plane and with the free end meeting a first side of said plane, and in which the line uncoils from the free end when the ball is moved away from a second side of said plane.
3. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 in which the apparatus comprises pulley means, and in which in the second state the pulley means is applied to the line such that the line extends from the pulley means to the drum at an angle to said axis.
4. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 in which the drum is mounted on a pivot means, such that it is rotatable about a pivot axis which is normal to the axis of the drum, and in which in the second state the drum is arranged with its axis substantially parallel with said plane.
5. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 or 4 in which the apparatus comprises a manual winding lever, and in which in at least the second state the manual winding lever is applied to the drum, and rotation of the manual winding lever rotates the drum about its axis for the purpose of coiling the line thereon.
6. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 in which the apparatus comprises counter means adapted to determine the length of line coiled onto the drum when the drum is rotated in the second state.
7. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 in which the counter means is driven by rotation of the manual winding lever.
8. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 or 4 in which the apparatus comprises a motor means, and in which in at least the second state the motor means is applied to the drum, and operation of the motor means rotates the drum about its axis for the purpose of coiling the line thereon.
9. Sports ball retention apparatus substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings. * ** ** * **.* * *

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9. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the apparatus is provided with a spike adapted to secure the apparatus in position in turf.

10. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8 in which the apparatus is provided with suction cups adapted to secure the apparatus on a flat surface.

11. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the sports ball is a golf ball.

12. Sports ball retention apparatus substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. Sports ball retention apparatus comprising a sports ball, a line and a drum with an axis and a free end, in which a first end of the line is attached to the sports ball, in which a second end of the line is attached to the drum, in which the line is adapted to be coiled on the drum, in which the drum is mounted on a pivot means, such that it is rotatable between a first state and a second state about a pivot axis which is normal to the axis of the drum, in which in the first state the drum is arranged with said axis normal, or at an oblique angle to, a plane and with the free end meeting a first side of said plane, in which in said first state the drum is adapted to allow the line to uncoil from the free end thereof when the ball is moved away from a second side of said plane, in which in the second state the drum is arranged with its axis substantially parallel with said plane, and in which in said second state the drum is adapted to facilitate the coiling of the line thereon.

2. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim I in which the apparatus comprises a manual winding lever, and in which in at least the second state the manual winding lever is applied to the drum, and rotation of the manual winding lever rotates the drum about its axis for the purpose of coiling the line thereon.

3. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 2 in which the apparatus comprises counter means adapted to determine the length of line coiled onto the drum when the drum is rotated in the second state.

4. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 in which the counter means is driven by rotation of the manual winding lever.

5. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the apparatus comprises a motor means, and in which in at least the second state the motor means is applied to the drum, and operation of the motor means rotates the drum about its axis for the purpose of coiling the line thereon. S...

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6. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the apparatus is provided with a spike adapted to secure the apparatus in position in turf.

7. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in any of Claims I to 5 in which the apparatus is provided with suction cups adapted to secure the apparatus on a flat surface.

8. Sports ball retention apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the sports ball is a golf ball.