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  Chute counterUSPTO Application #: 20060135293Title: Chute counter Abstract: An object counting and collecting device having a number of chutes mounted in an array on a frame that can be hung on a fence. Each individual chute is identifiable by a unique color and/or number and includes a counter for counting objects dropped therein. A basket can be optionally attached to the frame below the chutes to catch the counted objects as they exit the chutes by gravitational force. A game can be played using the counting chutes wherein one or more players are assigned to a specific chute and the number of objects, e.g., balls, collected by the player are counted as the player deposit the objects into the chute. A winner of this game may be determined by the most number of objects collected. (end of abstract) Agent: Nixon Peabody, LLP - Washington, DC, US Inventors: Andy Lake, Kristen Lake USPTO Applicaton #: 20060135293 - Class: 473460000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Playing Field Or Court Game; Game Element Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Practice Or Training Device, For Game Using Field Or Court Having Dividing Means Thereon For Separating Opponents (e.g., For Tennis, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Etc.), Projectile Collector For Field Or Court (e.g., Trough, Ball Sweeper, Etc.) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060135293. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is directed to a system and method for collecting and counting the number of items. In particular, the present invention is directed to such a system and method that provides means for tracking the count of the number of balls collected by one or more individuals. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,179 to Rubin discloses a ball retriever having a counter and an upstanding collection tube. The ball retriever allows a golf ball to enter through its bottom end having a checking assembly to allow balls to travel only in one direction. The balls are finally collected in a flexible fabric cover positioned at an upper end of the collection tube. The counter may be a mechanical counter actuated by a user or an electrical counter automatically actuated as a ball enters the collection tube. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,769 to Zimmer and U.S. Pat. No. 3,558,170 to Stanworth disclose golf ball retrievers that operate in similar manner to that of Rubin but without a counter. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,410 to Summers discloses a deformable ball retrieving, retaining and dispensing device including an elongated tubular member. Summers does not disclose a ball counter. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,834,701 to Hashimoto relates to a basketball game amusement device. This device includes a mechanism for keeping track of the number of balls passing through the opposing baskets. The device is fully enclosed and is of a small scale to allow for its tabletop application and fingertip play. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,225 to Matherne et al. discloses an arcade game apparatus including a plurality of baskets or apertures for receiving balls and means for counting the number of balls passing through each basket or aperture. The balls are returned to the player after passing through the basket to be re-shot as often as possible within a predetermined time period. [0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,081 to Cavanagh discloses a tennis ball recovery system which utilizes an elastic screen extending the width of the back fence of the court and suspended from a back fence and is joined to a trough that lies on the ground. A feed screw is provided at the bottom of the screen which feeds the balls retrieved by the screen to a central point where they are discharged into a bucket. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] One advantage of the present invention is to provide at least one counting means for counting the number of objects (e.g., balls) being collected by one or more individuals and automatically placing the objects in a container by gravity. [0011] Another advantage of the present invention is provide color coding for a counting means to facilitate the identification thereof. [0012] Another advantage of the present invention is provide number coding for a counting means to facilitate the identification of each counting means. [0013] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a game in involving collecting balls by one or more individuals, wherein the number of balls collected by each individual is counted by one or more chute counters. [0014] A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a game to motivate ball players, such as golf, tennis, baseball, etc., to pick up balls used during their game or practice. [0015] Still another advantage of the present invention is to provide an accounting means for keep track of the number of balls available. [0016] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a simple and easy method to collect, count and store items such as balls, hockey pucks, toys, etc. [0017] These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] The patent application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. [0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of the chute counter of the present invention in an operative position; [0020] FIG. 2A is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; [0021] FIG. 2B is a side view of the chute counter of FIG. 2A; Continue reading... Full patent description for Chute counter Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Chute counter patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Chute counter or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Baseball swing trainer Next Patent Application: Four point field goal Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Chute counter patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 5.8685 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
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