Caddy apparatus for sweeping and collecting balls and the like

Abstract

An apparatus for sweeping and collecting ball-like objects from a horizontal surface. The surface bears much if not all of the weight of the collected objects. An essential feature of this invention is a flexible strap connected across the opening of an object-collection space. The strap serves to facilitate collection and retention of the ball-like objects. The object-collection space is defined by a sweeping frame in a concave shape with an opening in the direction of the sweeping motion. The flexible strap is connected in tension across the opening in order to facilitate the collection and retention of the objects.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Apparatus for sweeping and collecting ball-like objects on a substantially horizontal surface, comprising, in combination: 
 frame means substantially perpendicular to said surface and having a generally concave shape for sweeping and collecting said objects, and    flexible means partially enclosing said concave shape for allowing entry and impeding exit of said objects.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , where said flexible means comprises a strap connected with said frame means and disposed at an acute angle with respect to said surface.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , where said ball-like objects have a substantially uniform nominal diameter and said frame means is spaced from said substantially horizontal surface by an amount greater than zero and less than one-half said nominal diameter.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , where said frame means contacts said rolling objects at a height above said substantially horizontal surface less than one-half said nominal diameter.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , where said flexible means comprises a strap connected with said frame means.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , where said strap has a width substantially equal to said nominal diameter.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , where said acute angle is between about 25 degrees and about 65 degrees.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , further including roller means attached to said frame means for spacing said frame means from said horizontal surface.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , further including handle means detachably connected with said frame means for propelling said apparatus.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , where said flexible means is held in tension by said frame means.