Projectile catching and throwing toy

Abstract

A game apparatus for catching and throwing a projectile. The apparatus includes a handle, and a basket attached to the handle for catching and throwing the projectile. The basket includes spaced apart retaining members configured to yield sufficiently to allow the projectile to pass between them when the projectile is received during a catch, and further configured to retain the projectile after the catch. The basket portion also includes a support structure configured to support the projectile after the projectile passes between the retaining members. A primary aperture is disposed at an end of the basket portion substantially opposite the handle, and is dimensioned to allow the projectile to pass through and exit the basket during a throw.

1 . A game apparatus for catching and throwing a projectile, the apparatus comprising: 
 a handle defining a handgrip portion; and    a basket portion attached to the handle, the basket portion including:    a plurality of spaced apart retaining members configured to yield sufficiently to allow the projectile to pass therebetween when the projectile is received during a catch, the retaining members having sufficient tension to retain the projectile after the catch;    a support structure configured to support the projectile after the projectile passes between the retaining members, and further configured to inhibit passage of the projectile therethrough; and    a primary aperture disposed at an end of the basket portion substantially opposite the handle, dimensioned to allow the projectile to pass therethrough during a throw.    
   
   
       2 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining members are constructed from elastic shock cord material.  
   
   
       3 . The game apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining members are substantially parallel, and are approximately aligned with a longitudinal axis of the handle.  
   
   
       4 . The game apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining members are spaced apart by a distance greater than approximately 1 inch and less than approximately 2.6 inches.  
   
   
       5 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes a plurality of support members defining a plurality of apertures smaller than the projectile.  
   
   
       6 . The game apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to prevent passage of a spherical ball having a diameter of approximately 2.6 inches.  
   
   
       7 . The game apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the support members are arranged in a criss-cross pattern.  
   
   
       8 . The game apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the support members are configured to flex in order to absorb at least a portion of the kinetic energy of the projectile.  
   
   
       9 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes a substantially solid backing member.  
   
   
       10 . The game apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the backing member is configured to flex in order to absorb kinetic energy of the projectile.  
   
   
       11 . The game apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the primary aperture is configured to allow passage of a standard tennis ball.  
   
   
       12 . The game apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the primary aperture is substantially elliptical, with a minor axis greater than 2.6 inches.  
   
   
       13 . The game apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the primary aperture is substantially circular, with a diameter greater than 2.6 inches.