Athletic ball carrier

Abstract

An athletic ball carrier comprising a retaining portion for retaining a ball and a carrying portion. The retaining portion includes a shell having a substantially hemispherical shape and defining a concave cavity. The shell has an outer edge defining an opening for receiving the ball into the cavity. The retaining portion includes a main strap connected to the edge of the shell and extending around the opening. The retaining portion also includes a flap extending across the opening to selectively secure the ball within the shell. The flap may be substantially triangularly shaped, and includes a base connected to the main strap and a point opposite the base. The retaining portion has a connection device connected to the point and the main strap which releaseably connects the flap to the shell. The carrying portion includes a carrying strap having opposite ends connected to the main strap.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of prior-filed co-pending provisional patent application Serial No. 60/375,181, filed Apr. 24, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to carrying devices, more particularly carrying devices for athletic balls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A wide variety of activities, athletics, or sports utilize some type of ball. Transporting the ball to a location to participate in the sport or activity may be difficult due to a variety of circumstances, such as the size of the ball, the size of conventional bags, the distance to a location, the mode of transportation used to get to the desired location, and the size of the person transporting the ball. For example, it may be difficult, especially for children, to carry a basketball and safely ride a bike. A basketball may be relatively large and require the dedicated use of at least one hand to carry the ball. Additionally, basketballs may be too large to fit in some conventional bags, such as backpacks, and bags large enough to carry a basketball, such as a large duffel bag, may be cumbersome and inconvenient while riding a bike or walking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A carrier embodying the invention provides an apparatus that may retain a ball and may be conveniently carried by a person. The carrier comprises a retaining portion and a carrying portion. The retaining portion may retain an athletic ball, and the carrying portion may assist a person to carry the carrier by hand or over a shoulder. The retaining portion may include a shell or straps that form a main cavity, and a flap interconnected to the main cavity. The carrying portion may include a shoulder strap having an adjustable length.

[0005] Independent features and independent advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodying aspects of the invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodying aspects of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodying aspects of the invention.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 5.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 5.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an athletic ball carrier embodying aspects of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 8.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 8.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a side view of an athletic ball carrier embodying aspects of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a side view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a top view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the carrier of FIG. 11.

[0021] Before the constructions and aspects of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other constructions and aspects and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022] Although references may be made below to directions, such as left, right, up, down, top, bottom, front, rear, back, etc., in describing the drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an athletic ball carrier 10 that may be used to transport or retain an athletic ball B, such as a basketball, soccer ball, volleyball, football, playground ball, bowling ball, or other similar athletic ball. In the illustrated construction, the athletic ball B retained by the ball carrier 10 includes a basketball. The carrier 10 includes a retaining portion 14 that may retain the athletic ball B, and a carrying portion 18 that may help a person carry the carrier 10 and ball B. The retaining portion 14 includes a shell 20 having a substantially hemispherical bowl shape that defines a cavity 22. The shell 20 includes an outer edge 24 that defines an opening 26 for the cavity 22. The carrier 10 may receive the athletic ball B into the main cavity 22 through the opening 26.

[0024] The carrier 10 may include several straps that provide structure for the carrier 10. In the illustrated construction, the retaining portion 14 includes a main strap 30 extending around the outer edge 24 of the shell 20. In FIGS. 1-3, the main strap 30 is a closed loop that substantially defines the opening 26 of the cavity 22. When the ball B is positioned within the shell 20, the main strap 30 substantially extends around the circumference of the ball B. The main strap 30 may form a loop slightly larger than the circumference of the ball B to accommodate the other supporting members while also allowing the ball to be inserted into the carrier 10. However, the loop of the main strap 30 should not be so large that the ball B cannot be securely retained within the carrier 10.

[0025] In the illustrated construction, the retaining portion 14 includes two retaining straps 34, 38 interconnected to the main strap 30 and at least partially forming the shell 20. The retaining straps 34, 38 and the shell 20 may support the ball B within in the carrier 10. The ends of each retaining strap 34, 38 may be interconnected to opposite sides of the main strap 30. The retaining straps 34, 38 may intersect near an end portion 42 of the retaining portion 14, and may be fastened to one another at the end portion 42. The retaining straps 34, 38 may be fastened to one another or the main strap 30 using mechanical means, such as sewn or riveted, or chemical means, such as glue or adhesive, or other similar fastening means.

[0026] The shell 20 has a generally round, circular, or partially spherical shape. In FIG. 3, the main strap 30 has a substantially full circle or loop shape, and the retaining straps 34, 38 have a substantially half circle shape. The retaining straps 34, 38 may be substantially transverse to one another. Alternatively, the cavity 22 could include other configurations and numbers of retaining straps. For example, the cavity 22 could include three substantially quarter-circular retaining straps extending from the end portion 42 to the main strap 30, three half-circular retaining straps, or other combinations of straps to form the bowl shaped cavity 22. It is not necessary that the retaining straps be spaced equidistantly around the main strap 30.

[0027] The main cavity 22 may include apertures 46 defined by the main strap 30 and the retaining straps 34, 38. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the shell 20 may include panels 48 positioned adjacent the apertures 46 and attached to the main strap 30 and retaining straps 34, 38. The carrier 10 may include panels 48 positioned in all, none, or any combination of the apertures 46. The carrier 10 may include separate panels 48 in each aperture 46, or one or more panels 48 covering multiple apertures 46. The panels 48 may also form the hemisphere-shaped shell 20 that covers all of the apertures 46, and the retaining straps 34, 38 may reinforce the shell 20. The panels 48 may provide additional stability for the shell 20, and may help retain the ball B within the cavity 22. Additionally, the panels 48 may help prevent the straps 30, 34, 38 from becoming entangled or caught on objects when the ball B is not retained within the carrier 10, and the panels 48 may make it easier to insert the ball B into the carrier 10. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the shell 20 including panels 48 and the retaining straps 34, 38.

[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a construction of the carrier 10 including the shell 20 having the retaining straps 34, 38, but not having panels covering the apertures 46 between the retaining straps 34, 38. In this construction, the main strap 30 and retaining straps 34, 38 define the cavity 22.

[0029] The retaining portion 14 also includes a flap 50 for retaining the ball B within the carrier 10. In FIGS. 2-3, the flap 50 has a substantially triangular shape or V-shape, and includes a flap strap 54 interconnected to the main strap 30. The flap 50 may also include a flap panel 58 interconnected to the flap strap 54 and main strap 30. The flap 50 may include a base end 62 interconnected to the main strap 30, and a connection end 66, or point, opposite the base end 62. The connection end 66 is releasably interconnected to the main strap 30. In FIG. 3, a connection strap 70 extends from the main strap 30. The connection strap 70 and the base end 62 may be connected to the main strap 30 on opposite sides of the opening 26.

[0030] The carrier 10 may include a connection device 74 that releasably connects the connection end 66 to the connection strap 70 and main strap 30. The length of the connection strap 70 between the main strap 30 and the connection device 74 may be adjusted. As shown in FIG. 1, when the ball B is positioned within the cavity 22, the flap 50 may be placed over the ball B, and the connection end 66 may be attached to the connection strap 70 with the connection device 74 to secure the ball B within the retaining portion 14. The connection device 74 may be disconnected to release the connection end 66 from the connection strap 70 and permit the ball B to be removed from the carrier 10.

[0031] In the illustrated construction, the connection device 74 includes a side release clasp having a male end 82 and a female end 86. In FIG. 3 the male end 82 is interconnected to the connection strap 70, and the female end 86 is interconnected to the connection end 66. The male end 82 may be releasably connected to the female end 86. In other aspects and in other constructions, the male end 82 and female end 86 of the connection device 74 may be reversed between the connection strap 70 and connection end 66. The connection device 74 may also include other releasable connection apparatus, such as velcro, snaps, buckles, or other similar apparatus.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates the ball B positioned in the carrier 10 with the connection device 74 connecting the connection end 66 to the main strap 30, and the flap 50 securing the ball B within the retaining portion 14. FIGS. 2-3 illustrate the carrier 10 with the connection device 74 disconnected and the connection end 66 separated from the main strap 30.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the flap panel 58 includes a pocket 90 for conveniently storing a wallet, money, keys, ID card, or other small items. The pocket 90 may include an opening closed with a hook, loop, zipper, velcro, clasp, tie, binding, snap, button or other similar closure device. Alternatively, the pocket 90 may include overlapping portions and have no closure device. The flap panel 58 may include multiple sections to provide a nonplanar surface that may take a semi-spherical shape when the clasp 78 is closed.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the carrying portion 18 may include a shoulder strap 94 interconnected to the main strap 30. The shoulder strap 94 extends from the main strap 30 in a direction opposite the main cavity 22 and retaining straps 34, 38. The shoulder strap 94 may facilitate carrying or transporting the carrier 10. For example, a person may grip the shoulder strap 94 with his/her hands, or the shoulder strap 94 may be slung over a person's shoulder for hands-free carrying of the carrier 10. The shoulder strap 94 is preferably long enough to provide adequate room for a person to grip the carrier 10 or carry the carrier 10 over his/her shoulder.

[0035] The length of the shoulder strap 94 may be adjustable. In the illustrated construction, one end of the shoulder strap 94 passes through a loop 98 and is reconnected to the shoulder strap 94 at a tri-glide clasp 102. The loop 98 may be positioned adjacent the intersection of the shoulder strap 94 and the main strap 30. Slack in the shoulder strap 94 may be taken in or let out by moving the tri-glide 102 along the shoulder strap 94 to adjust the length of the shoulder strap 94. To decrease the relative length of the shoulder strap 94, the tri-glide 102 may be moved along the shoulder strap 94 away from the loop 98. Conversely, to increase the relative length of the shoulder strap 94, the tri-glide 46 may be moved along the shoulder strap 94 toward the loop 98. The loop 98 and tri-glide 102 may be made from a rigid material, such as plastic, metal, or other similar materials. Additionally, the shoulder strap 94 may include a releasable clasp, similar to clasp 78, or the shoulder strap 94 may be interconnected to the main strap 30 with releasable hooks.

[0036] In the illustrated construction, the ends of the shoulder strap 94 are fastened to the main strap 30 adjacent the ends of the retaining strap 34. The retaining strap 34 and shoulder strap 94 may include separate interconnected straps, or may be a single integral strap fastened to the main strap 30. Similarly, the retaining strap 38 and the connection strap 70 may be separate straps or a single integral strap that extends beyond the main strap 30. The orientation of the retaining straps 34, 38, connection strap 70, flap 50, and shoulder strap 94 in relation to one another and the main strap 30 may vary.

[0037] The main strap 30, retaining straps 34, 38, flap strap 54, connection strap 70, and shoulder strap 94 are preferable made from a durable flexible material, such nylon, polypropylene webbing, or a similar material. Alternatively, the straps 30, 34, 38, 54, 70, 94 may be made from an elastic material that may stretch to adjust or conform to the size of the ball, and help retain the ball within the carrier 10. The flap panel 58 is preferably made of a durable material such as nylon or some other similar material. In the illustrated construction, the panels 48 are made from a mesh material. In other constructions, the panels 48 may be made from a solid material, such as nylon, similar to the flap panel 58.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a construction of the carrier 10 in which the apertures 46 are open and do not include panels 48 (FIG. 3). The retaining straps 34, 38 may retain the ball without panels 48 (FIG. 2). As described above, the opening 26 defined by the main strap 30 is large enough to permit a ball to be placed in the main cavity 22. In the construction illustrated in FIG. 4, the apertures 46 should be small enough to prevent the ball from passing through the apertures 46 and retain the ball within the main cavity 22.

[0039] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate other aspects and other constructions of a carrier 110. In FIGS. 5-7, the retaining portion 14 includes a hemispherically shaped shell 120 defining a cavity 122. The carrier 110 shown in FIGS. 5-7 is substantially similar to the carrier 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, the carrier 110 shown in FIGS. 5-7 does not include retaining straps, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In FIGS. 5-7, the shell 120 comprises a mesh material, and may include a single portion or panel, or multiple portions or panels fastened to one another. The shell 120 may be flexible to permit easy storage of the carrier when not in use, and may be lightweight to minimize the overall weight of the carrier 110 when carrying the ball.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates the ball B positioned in the carrier 110 with the connection device 74 connected and the flap 50 securing the ball B within the retaining portion 14. FIGS. 6-7 illustrate the carrier 110 with the connection device 74 disconnected and the connection end 66 separated from the main strap 30. Other aspects and elements of the carrier 110 are substantially the same as the carrier 10 described above, and include the same reference numerals.

[0041] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate other aspects and other constructions of a carrier 210. In FIGS. 8-10, the retaining portion 14 includes a hemispherically shaped shell 220 defining a cavity 222. In the illustrated construction, the shell 220 comprises a solid material or fabric. The shell 220 may be an opaque material, and may permit printing of graphics or wording on the shell 220.

[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates the ball B positioned in the carrier 210 with the connection device 74 connected and the flap 50 securing the ball within the retaining portion 14. FIGS. 9-10 illustrate the carrier 210 with the connection device 74 disconnected and the connection end 66 separated from the main strap 30. Other aspects and elements of the carrier 210 are substantially the same as the carriers 10, 110 described above, and include the same reference numerals.

[0043] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate additional views of the carrier 110 similar to the carrier 110 shown in FIGS. 5-7. FIGS. 11-13 illustrate various side views of the carrier retaining a ball B, FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the carrier 110, and FIG. 15 illustrates a bottom view of the carrier 110. In FIGS. 11-15, the carrier generally conforms to the shape of the ball B.

[0044] The foregoing detailed description describes only a few of the many forms that the present invention can take, and should therefore be taken as illustrative rather than limiting. It is only the claims, including all equivalents that are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An athletic ball carrier comprising:

a shell having a substantially hemispherical shape and defining a cavity, the shell having an outer edge extending around the shell and defining an opening for the cavity;

a flap extending across the opening, the flap having a first end connected to the outer edge, and a second end releasably connected to the outer edge opposite the first end; and

a carrying strap having opposite ends of the carrying strap connected to the outer edge.

2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the carrying strap has a length that is adjustable.

3. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the shell includes a main strap extending around the outer edge, the main strap being a closed loop and defining the opening.

4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein the shell includes two retaining straps, each retaining strap having both ends connected to opposite sides of the main strap, the retaining straps intersecting one another.

5. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the flap has a substantially triangular shape, the first end including a base connected to the outer edge and the second end including a point opposite the base, the flap having a connection device connected to the point and releaseably connecting the point and the outer edge.

6. The carrier of claim 5, wherein the connection device includes a clasp having a first portion connected to the point, and a second portion connected to the main strap.

7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the clasp includes a side release clasp, the first portion including one of a male portion and a female portion, and the second portion including the other of the male portion and the female portion.

8. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the flap includes a pocket.

9. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the shell includes a mesh material.

10. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the shell includes a solid material.

11. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the shell includes multiple interconnected panels.

12. An athletic ball carrier comprising:

a retaining portion for retaining a ball, the retaining portion including:

a shell having a substantially hemispherical shape and defining a concave cavity at least partially enclosing the ball and having an opening for receiving the ball, the retaining portion having a main strap connected to an edge of the shell and extending around the opening, the main strap being a closed loop and having a circumference greater than the circumference of the ball;

a flap extending across the opening to selectively secure the ball within the shell, the flap being substantially triangularly shaped and having a base connected to the main strap and a point opposite the base, the retaining portion having a connection device connected to the point and the main strap and releaseably connecting the flap to the shell; and

a carrying strap having opposite ends connected to the main strap, the carrying strap having a length that is adjustable.

13. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the connection device includes a clasp having one of a male portion and a female portion connected to the point, and the other of the male portion and the female portion connected to the main strap, the male portion and the female portion being engageable with one another.

14. The carrier of claim 12, further comprising an adjustable connection strap extending between the main strap and the clasp.

15. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the shell includes a mesh material.

16. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the shell includes a solid material.

17. The carrier of claim 12, wherein the shell includes multiple interconnected panels.

18. An athletic ball carrier comprising:

a retaining means for retaining a ball, the retaining means including:

an enclosing means for at least partially enclosing the ball, the enclosing means having a substantially hemispherical shape and defining a cavity having an opening for receiving the ball;

a securing means for selectively securing the ball within the enclosing means, the securing means extending across the opening and having a first end connected to the enclosing means and a second end releaseably connected to the enclosing means opposite the first end;

a connecting means for realeasably connecting the second end of the securing means to the enclosing means; and

a carrying means for carrying the retaining means and the ball, the carrying means including a carrying strap connected to the enclosing means.

19. The carrier of claim 17, further comprising an adjustment means for adjusting the length of the carrying strap.

20. The carrier of claim 17, wherein the connection means includes a clasp having one of a male portion and a female portion connected to the second end, and the other of the male portion and the female portion connected to the enclosing means, the male portion and the female portion being engageable with one another.