Apparatus for retrieving and storing tennis balls

Abstract

A ball hopper which allows for the easy retrieval and transportation of tennis balls. The ball hopper includes a basket includes a base and a side wall defining a cavity for storing the tennis ball. Balls are retrieved through ball retrieval channels provided in the base of the basket. The hopper is tipped to position the base of the hopper over the tennis bail. When the hopper is tipped upright the base of the hopper engages the tennis ball and slightly deforms the tennis ball allowing the tennis ball to bass through the retrieval channel. A side wall of the basket includes a door which provides a passageway through which the balls can be dispensed without requiring inversion of the basket. A latch member is provided to secure the door in a closed position. Wheels allow for easy transportation of the basket between locations.

1 . A ball hopper comprising:
 a basket including a base defining a ball retrieval channel therethrough and a sidewall extending upwardly from said base, said sidewall defining a passageway and including a door for opening and closing said passageway, said base and said sidewall defining a ball cavity;   a handle extending upwardly from said basket; and   wherein when said door of said sidewall is moved to an open position, a passageway is provided through said sidewall.   
     
     
         2 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said door is pivotally attached to said remainder of said sidewall. 
     
     
         3 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said side wall includes an upper edge and said door pivots about a portion of said upper edge of said side wall. 
     
     
         4 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said side wall is outwardly angled and a perimeter of said basket proximate said base is smaller than a perimeter of said basket proximate said upper edge. 
     
     
         5 . The hopper as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of wheels mounted to said basket. 
     
     
         6 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said basket is supported by said wheels when the ball hopper is transported and wherein said basket is not supported by said wheels when the ball hopper is in a storage position. 
     
     
         7 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , wherein a height of said handle can be adjusted. 
     
     
         8 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said basket is formed from wire. 
     
     
         9 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a latch for securing said door in a closed position. 
     
     
         10 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said latch includes a catch member and a spring for biasing said catch member over said door. 
     
     
         11 . The ball hopper as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said latch member is position proximate an upper end of said basket.