TENNIS BALL COLLECTOR MACHINE

Abstract

ABSTRACT “TENNIS BALL COLLECTOR MACHINE” The present invention provides tennis ball collector machine. The tennis ball collector machine addresses the challenge of manually collecting tennis balls scattered across the court, which is time consuming and labour-intensive. This machine automates the process, allowing players and coaches to focus on their training instead of wasting energy on retrieving balls. By using a step-conveyor mechanism, the machine efficiently gathers balls from the court surface and stores them in a collection bin. This not only improves productivity during practice sessions but also reduces the physical strain on players, especially ensures easy operation and transportation, making it a practical solution for both amateur and professional tennis facilities. Figure 1

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automated sports systems, and more particularly, the present invention relates to the tennis ball collector machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the application's priority date. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[0003] The tennis ball collector machine addresses the inefficiencies and physical strain involved in manually collecting tennis balls during practice sessions or matches. In current process players, coaches, or staff must repeatedly bend down to pick up scattered balls, which is time-consuming, interrupts the flow of training, and can lead to back or knee-strain. This manual collection also wastes valuable court time, particularly in high-volume training environments, where transitioning between drills is delayed. Additionally, scattered balls on the court can pose safety risks, such as tripping or accidents. The ball collector machine solves these problems by automating the collection process, improving efficiency, reducing physical strain, and enhancing safety, allowing for more productive use of training time.
[0004] Several solutions are already available for the problem of tennis ball collection, offering different levels of automation, ease of use, and affordability. These solutions range from manual tools to fully automated machines, such as:
- 1. Tennis Ball Hopper: This is a simple, manual solution widely used in tennis courts. It consists of a basket mounted on legs with a handle, allowing the user to push down on the hopper to pick up balls through openings at the bottom. It's a low-cost option, ideal for the players or coaches who prefer a hands-on approach, through it still requires some physical effort.
- 2. Roller-Type Ball Collectors: These are semi-manual devices that utilize a cylindrical roller with flexible wires or rubber strips to gather tennis balls as they roll over the court surface. The balls are collected in an attached basket or cage. Devices like the Kollectaball or Tennis Ball Mower fall into this category. These are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, offering a faster and less strenuous alternative to hoppers.
- 3. Electric Tennis Ball Collectors: Fully automated machines such as Tennibot or Tennis Ball Picker robot use sensors, wheels, and motors to autonomously navigate the court and collect balls. They typically feature large storage capacities and can be controlled via smartphone apps. These devices are designed for efficiency and minimal user intervention but tend to be more expensive and better for larger facilities.
- 4. Ball Sweepers: Some tennis clubs also use motorized court sweepers that include a tennis ball collecting feature. The sweepers can be driven over the court, automatically collecting balls along with debris, making them ideal for large-scale operations or professional clubs.
[0005] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for Tennis ball collector machine that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art associated with the traditionally available method or system, of the above-mentioned inventions that can be used with the presented disclosed technique with or without modification.
[0006] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies, and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing tennis ball collector machine.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide tennis ball collector machine that efficiently collects tennis balls. This mechanism provides the efficiency of automated systems while keeping the machine affordable and easy to use, without the complexity of fully robotic solutions.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide tennis ball collector machine that is designed to work on all types of tennis courts (hard, clay, grass) by having proper ground clearance.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide tennis ball collector machine that is compact and lightweight for easy transportation and storage. Despite being portable, it maintains a large collection capacity, making it convenient for users who need mobility without sacrificing efficiency.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide tennis ball collector machine that has a large ball collection capacity, reducing the need for frequent emptying. This feature improves the efficiency of the machine, especially during practices or tournaments with many balls in play.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide tennis ball collector machine that provides a cost-effective solution for ball collection compared to fully robotic systems, making it accessible to a broader market, from individual players to tennis clubs and facilities.
[0013] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to tennis ball collector machine.
[0015] The tennis ball collector machine is typically compact and lightweight, it features a step-conveyor mechanism, which gently scoop up tennis balls as the machine is pushed or driven across the court surface. The collected balls are directed into a built-in storage bin or basket, which can hold a substantial number of balls, reducing the need for frequent emptying. Powered by manual pushing, the machine is designed for ease of use, with adjustable settings to cater to different court surfaces. Overall, the tennis ball collector machine streamlines the ball retrieval process, making it quicker and less physically demanding.
[0016] The tennis ball collector machine addresses the challenge of manually collecting tennis balls scattered across the court, which is time consuming and labour-intensive. This machine automates the process, allowing players and coaches to focus on their training instead of wasting energy on retrieving balls. By using a step-conveyor mechanism, the machine efficiently gathers balls from the court surface and stores them in a collection bin. This not only improves productivity during practice sessions but also reduces the physical strain on players, especially ensures easy operation and transportation, making it a practical solution for both amateur and professional tennis facilities.
[0017] The proposed tennis ball collector is unique and different from existing solutions in several ways, offering enhancements in efficiency, user convenience, and functionality:
- 1. Unlike traditional ball hoopers or roller-type collectors, our machine uses a step-conveyor mechanism, which allows for faster and more accurate collection of balls, reducing user fatigue and improving efficiency.
- 2. While most available collectors are designed for specific court surfaces (like clay, grass, or hard courts), our machine is adaptable to all surfaces.
- 3. Compared to other solutions that require frequent emptying or are bulky to move, our machine features a larger storage bin with an easy-emptying mechanism. Additionally, its design is compact and light-weight, making it easy to transport and store when not in use.
- 4. Our machine is more durable as it has fewer breakable parts compared to other collectors.
- 5. As compared to robotic tennis ball collectors, our tennis ball collector offers more cost-effective solution without compromising on key functionality.
[0018] While the invention has been described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0020] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:
[0021] Figure 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, show a schematic drawing of model in Front View, back view, left view, right view, top view, bottom view, and isometric view, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0023] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0024] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0025] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0026] The present invention relates to tennis ball collector machine.
[0027] The tennis ball collector machine is typically compact and lightweight, it features a step-conveyor mechanism, which gently scoop up tennis balls as the machine is pushed or driven across the court surface. The collected balls are directed into a built-in storage bin or basket, which can hold a substantial number of balls, reducing the need for frequent emptying. Powered by manual pushing, the machine is designed for ease of use, with adjustable settings to cater to different court surfaces. Overall, the tennis ball collector machine streamlines the ball retrieval process, making it quicker and less physically demanding.
[0028] The tennis ball collector machine addresses the challenge of manually collecting tennis balls scattered across the court, which is time consuming and labour-intensive. This machine automates the process, allowing players and coaches to focus on their training instead of wasting energy on retrieving balls. By using a step-conveyor mechanism, the machine efficiently gathers balls from the court surface and stores them in a collection bin. This not only improves productivity during practice sessions but also reduces the physical strain on players, especially ensures easy operation and transportation, making it a practical solution for both amateur and professional tennis facilities.
[0029] The proposed tennis ball collector is unique and different from existing solutions in several ways, offering enhancements in efficiency, user convenience, and functionality:
- 1. Unlike traditional ball hoopers or roller-type collectors, our machine uses a step-conveyor mechanism, which allows for faster and more accurate collection of balls, reducing user fatigue and improving efficiency.
- 2. While most available collectors are designed for specific court surfaces (like clay, grass, or hard courts), our machine is adaptable to all surfaces.
- 3. Compared to other solutions that require frequent emptying or are bulky to move, our machine features a larger storage bin with an easy-emptying mechanism. Additionally, its design is compact and light-weight, making it easy to transport and store when not in use.
- 4. Our machine is more durable as it has fewer breakable parts compared to other collectors.
- 5. As compared to robotic tennis ball collectors, our tennis ball collector offers more cost-effective solution without compromising on key functionality.
Feature/Aspect Our Tennis Ball Collector Traditional Solutions (Hoppers, Rollers) Robotic Collectors
Cost Affordable, with a lower price point compared to robotic system. Very low cost, but requires manual effort. High cost due to advanced technologies and AI.
Ease of Use Simple operation, semi-automated collection reduces manual work. Manual operation, requiring significant effort. Fully autonomous, but with complex initial setup.
Surface Compatibility Compatible with all surfaces using adjustable settings. Limited surface compatibility; may struggle on certain surfaces. Works on most surfaces but requires specific models for each.
Maintenance Low maintenance with fewer mechanical parts. Low maintenance but manual efforts add wear on parts. High maintenance due to complex sensors and motors.
Capacity Large ball collection capacity with fewer stops to empty. Small capacity; frequent emptying needed. Large capacity, typically comparable to our design.
[0030] 1. Semi-Automated Ball Collection Mechanism: Our solution uses a step-conveyor mechanism to efficiently collect balls. This mechanism is both efficient and gentle on the tennis balls, allowing for faster collection without causing wear and tear. The specific design and operation of the step-conveyor mechanism could be patented, ensuring that competitors cannot replicate this specific mechanism.
[0031] 2. Enhanced Portability with Compact Design: Our design is both compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store. While some traditional collectors are portable, the combination of larger collection capacity with a collapsible design is novel and allows users to cover more ground while remaining convenient. The compact design of the machine, which does not compromise on the machine's capacity or functionality, should be protected to prevent replication by competitors.
Technical Differences between Conventional Products and Our Solution:
Feature/Aspect Conventional Products Our Tennis Ball Collector Technical Difference
Ball Collection Mechanism Manual (hopper, rollers), robotic (complex AI systems). Semi-automated with step-conveyor mechanism. More efficient ball collection, reducing manual effort without full automation.
Surface Compatibility Often limited to specific surfaces. Adaptable to all surfaces Multi-surface compatibility due to enough ground clearance.
Portability Simple portable designs, but low capacity or bulky robotic models. Compact lightweight design with large collection capacity. Compact design doesn't sacrifice capacity, providing a unique balance of portability and efficiency.
[0032] 1. Semi-Automated Collection Mechanism: The step-conveyor mechanism efficiently collects tennis balls. This mechanism provides the efficiency of automated systems while keeping the machine affordable and easy to use, without the complexity of fully robotic solutions.
[0033] 2. Multi-Surface Compatibility: The machine is designed to work on all types of tennis courts (hard, clay, grass) by having proper ground clearance.
[0034] 3. Compact and Portable Design: The machine is compact and lightweight for easy transportation and storage. Despite being portable, it maintains a large collection capacity, making it convenient for users who need mobility without sacrificing efficiency.
[0035] 4. Large Collection Capacity: Despite its compact and portable design, the machine has a large ball collection capacity, reducing the need for frequent emptying. This feature improves the efficiency of the machine, especially during practices or tournaments with many balls in play.
[0036] 5. Cost-Effective Solution: By combining semi-automation with affordable components, the machine provides a cost-effective solution for ball collection compared to fully robotic systems, making it accessible to a broader market, from individual players to tennis clubs and facilities.
[0037] The tennis ball collector machine has a wide range of utilities and applications across different settings. Here's a list of its key utilities and applications:
[0038] 1. Tennis Courts (Professional and Recreational)
- Utility: Efficient ball collection on tennis courts during training sessions, matches, or practice drills.
- Application: Tennis academies, professional clubs, and recreational facilities can use the machine to streamline ball collection, reducing downtime and allowing players and coaches to focus on gameplay.
[0039] 2. Tennis Schools and Coaching Centers
- Utility: Assists coaches and instructors by quickly clearing the court of balls, enabling more time for practice and instruction.
- Application: Used in tennis training centers where multiple students are practicing simultaneously, allowing continuous play without interruptions for manual ball collection.
[0040] 3. Tennis Tournaments and Competitions
- Utility: Helps in efficiently collecting large numbers of balls during tournaments, ensuring the court is quickly cleared between games or matches.
- Application: National and international tennis tournaments can use the machine to maintain smooth transitions between matches, ensuring efficiency and minimizing delays.
[0041] 4. Home Tennis Courts
- Utility: Provides convenience for individuals with private home courts, eliminating the need for manual ball collection after casual games or practice.
- Application: Homeowners with personal courts can use the machine to simplify ball collection, making the post-game process quicker and easier.
[0042] 5. Tennis Equipment Rental Services
- Utility: Can be offered as an additional service by tennis equipment rental companies to clubs and facilities, enhancing their service portfolio.
- Application: Rental businesses can provide the machine as part of their rental options to customers who want to enhance their practice experience.
[0043] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the 5 embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing the broadest scope consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1) A tennis ball collector machine, the machine comprising:
- a step-conveyor mechanism configured to scoop up tennis balls from a court surface as the machine is moved across the surface;
- a storage bin or basket integrated into the machine to receive and store collected tennis balls, thereby reducing the need for frequent emptying.
2) The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step-conveyor mechanism is manually powered by pushing, allowing for ease of use without requiring an external power source.
3) The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the machine further comprising adjustable settings configured to adapt the machine to various court surfaces, including clay, grass, and hard courts.
4) The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage bin or basket has a high-capacity design, reducing the frequency of emptying during use.
5) The machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the machine is compact and lightweight for ease of transport and storage, enabling convenient use across different locations.

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