Ball retrieval device

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a ball retrieval device, and specifically, a ball retrieval device capable of connecting to, or being incorporated as part of, a bat. The retrieval device is incorporated as part of a hitting device, such as a baseball bat, during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the retrieval device is removably mounted on the hitting device or is more or less permanently joined with the hitting device by mounting the ball retrieval device in an opening created by the hitting device.

1 . A ball retrieval device, said device comprising: 
 a. a first end, said first end including a plurality of retrieval fangs capable of expanding and encirculating an object;    b. a second end, said second end including an opening;    c. a collar located between said first end and said second end.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , further including a bat, said bat connecting to said opening of said second end to form a one-piece ball retrieval device.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , further including a ball, said ball encirculated by said retrieval fangs.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus for retrieving balls, said apparatus comprising: 
 a. a ball retrieval device, said device comprising: 
 a first end, said first end including a plurality of retrieval fangs capable of expanding and encirculating an object;  
 a second end, said second end incorporated as part of a bat; and  
 a collar located between said first end and said second end;  
   b. a bat.    
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said ball retrieval device is incorporated as part of the bat using a plug mechanism, whereby said bat includes an interior opening, and said second end of said ball retrieval device is incorporated into said interior opening of said bat, thereby incorporating said ball retrieval device to said bat.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said ball retrieval device is incorporated as part of the bat using a screw mechanism, wherein said second end includes a plurality of grooves, and said bat includes an interior opening having a plurality of interior notches, and wherein said plurality of grooves are screwed into said plurality of interior notches, thereby incorporating said ball retrieval device to said bat.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said ball retrieval device is incorporated as part of the bat using a fastening mechanism, said fastening mechanism including a fastener that incorporates said ball retrieval device to said bat.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , whereby said fastener is chosen from a group consisting of: 
 a. a screw;    b. a screw and washer; and    c. a rivet.    
   
   
       9 . A method for retrieving a ball, said method comprising: 
 a. placing a ball retrieval device on a bat, said ball retrieval device comprising: 
 a first end, said first end including a plurality of retrieval fangs capable of expanding and encirculating an object;  
 a second end, said second end incorporated as part of a bat; and  
 a collar located between said first end and said second end;  
   b. locating a ball;    c. locating said plurality of fangs on said ball; and    d. pushing down on said bat such that said pressure of said plurality of fangs operates to expand said retrieval fangs, thereby opening said fangs and encirculating said ball.