Collecting Apparatus with Seat

Abstract

A collecting apparatus having a seat, and method of use thereof, wherein the collecting apparatus comprises a plurality of selectively positionable elastic members secured to a plurality of securing points on a lower portion of a frame or a removable base section connected to the frame. The elastic members are secured to user-selected securing points so that the distance between the elastic members can accommodate objects of different sizes. The collecting apparatus is pressed on top of a ball or similar object, causing the elastic members to separate and allow the ball or similar object to enter and be retained within the frame. Upon entering of the object within the frame, the elastic members retract to their original position, therein preventing the object from falling back out. Objects can be retrieved by lifting the seat or reaching through an aperture formed by a seat opening and a frame front opening.

1 . A collecting apparatus comprising:
 a containment frame;   elastic members disposed at a bottom portion of said containment frame, wherein objects collected by said collecting apparatus pass through said elastic members into an interior portion of said containment frame; and   a seat.   
     
     
         2 . The collecting apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said seat is hingedly secured to said containment frame. 
     
     
         3 . The collecting apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said seat comprises an opening in a front portion thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The collecting apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said containment frame comprises an opening in a front portion thereof, and wherein said seat opening and said containment frame opening cooperatively form an aperture for access to said interior portion of said containment frame. 
     
     
         5 . The collecting apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said elastic members are selectively secured to points disposed on said bottom portion of said containment frame. 
     
     
         6 . The collecting apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein said points disposed on said bottom portion of said containment frame are identified by markings which correspond to a particular size object. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said elastic members are adjustable in length. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said elastic members comprise first ends and second ends with fasteners at said first ends and said second ends, and wherein said bottom portion of said containment frame comprises fasteners, and wherein said frame fasteners cooperatively engage said elastic member fasteners. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two supporting legs. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said at least two legs hinge downward to form a stand for said collecting apparatus. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said at least two legs hinge upward to form a handle to transport said collecting apparatus. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said at least two legs are telescopic. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said seat comprises notches dimensioned to receive said at least two legs. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said containment frame comprises clips dimensioned to receive and secure said at least two legs. 
     
     
         15 . A method of collecting objects, wherein said method comprises the steps of:
 obtaining a collecting apparatus having a seat and a containment frame;   securing at least one elastic member to a lower portion of said containment frame in an original position, wherein said original position creates a space between each of said at least one elastic member and said containment frame, and wherein said space is smaller than a diameter of an object to be picked up;   pressing said containment frame over one of the objects, wherein said pressing causes forces to be exerted on said at least one elastic member, and wherein said at least one elastic member moves said space open to a width which allows the object to enter said containment frame; and   said at least one elastic member returning substantially back to said original position.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said collecting apparatus further comprises legs, said method further comprising the steps of:
 hinging said legs to a generally horizontal disposition;   placing said containment frame on a surface; and   sitting on said seat.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said seat comprises a seat opening at the front thereof and wherein said containment frame comprises a front opening, and wherein said seat opening and said front opening cooperatively form an aperture into an interior portion of said containment frame, said method further comprising the steps of:
 reaching through said aperture; and   retrieving collected objects from said containment frame.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said collecting apparatus further comprises legs, said method further comprising the steps of:
 hinging said legs downward to support said collecting apparatus;   standing said collecting apparatus on a surface; and   retrieving collected objects from said containment frame.   
     
     
         19 . A collecting apparatus comprising:
 a containment frame and a seat, wherein said containment frame further comprises a lower portion, an upper portion and at least one connector joining said lower portion and said upper portion;   a base removably secured to said lower portion of said containment frame; and   a plurality of elastic members disposed on said base, wherein each of said plurality of elastic members further comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein said first end and said second end are selectively secured to points of said base.   
     
     
         20 . The collecting apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein said lower portion comprises markings defining said points, and wherein said markings identify a selected size object for retrieval when said plurality of elastic members are secured to said points.