Ball Dispenser for Sports and Athletic Equipment Storage

Abstract

A ball dispenser having a plurality of connecting members and a plurality of basic sections, each connecting member dimensioned for a particular ball size, and each basic section having a triangular portion, vertical portion, and rectangular portion. When two or more basic sections are integrally connected together by means of varying sized connecting members, a funnel section, column section, and bin section are formed. This allows a number of balls to be placed into the funnel section at the top of the ball dispenser, and to fall one at a time through the column section, and into the bin section. Ball dispenser is designed to be affixed to a wall and to rest on a floor so that the wall and floor provide the back and bottom of the ball dispenser. Additional equipment storage may be affixed to the ball dispenser.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to storing sports and athletic equipment, and specifically to a ball dispenser for easy storage and access to varying sized athletic ballsBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]School gyms, recreation centers, and other facilities require numerous types and quantities of equipment to support multiple athletic activities that go on at the same time. Balls, such as basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and kick balls, are often required in great numbers, and these numbers create storage difficulties. Other types of balls such as bocce balls, softballs, croquet balls, and field hockey balls pose the same storage problem. In addition to balls, other types of equipment, such as hoops and jump ropes, used to support various athletic programs require storage. Usually, such equipment is stored in a closet of a school gym or recreation center. When stored in a closet, balls and other types of equipment, are often strewn about or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The invention that meets the needs described above is a ball dispenser having a plurality of basic sections and a plurality of connecting members dimensioned for a particular ball size. Each basic section has three portions, a triangular portion at the top, a vertical portion at the middle, and a rectangular portion at the base. When two or more basic sections are integrally connected together by a plurality of connecting members, a funnel section, column section and bin section are formed, such that a number of balls may be placed into the funnel section, at the top of the ball dispenser, and then fall one at a time through the column section and into the bin section. Ball dispenser may be

Problems solved by technology

Balls, such as basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, and kick balls, are often required in great numbers, and these numbers create storage difficulties.

Other types of balls such as bocce balls, softballs, croquet balls, and field hockey balls pose the same storage problem.

When stored in a closet, balls and other types of equipment, are often strewn about or stacked haphazardly.

Not only does a disorganized storage space cause delay in the start of activities as equipment is retrieved, but a disorganized storage space presents a safety hazard for students, players, or coaches seeking to hurriedly retrieve equipment.

Even when neatly stored, access to a particular type of ball, racket, or training device may be difficult, as some items are more easily accessed than others.

The placement of various sized balls into one large container or storage bin is also problematic when one desires the use of only one type or size ball.

Quick access to a specific ball type or size is difficult when balls of different sizes and types are mixed together.

Images