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.

1 . An apparatus for counting and collecting a number of objects, comprising: 
 a frame;    a plurality of gravity-fed chutes attached to the frame;    a counter associated with each of the chute for counting a number of object passing therethrough;    identification means for distinguishing each of the plurality of chutes from one another; and    a receptacle removably attached to the frame for collecting and storing counted objects.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of chutes includes a top orifice located at a top end portion for receiving the object and a bottom orifice located at a bottom end portion for the object to egress.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of chutes is of a cylindrical shape having a substantially constant diameter throughout the entire chute.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the identification means is colorized.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the identification means is numbered.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the top orifice of each of the plurality of chutes is flared like a funnel so as to facilitate the reception and guidance of objects into the chute.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each chute is a curvilinear tube having a bent portion at a lower end portion such that all the bottom orifices of the plurality of chutes converge to allow all counted objects to fall into approximately the same area such that a compact receptacle may be used to catch and store the counted objects; and the plurality of the chutes are in a linear array and are substantially equally spaced apart at the top portion end portion.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein each of the chute is a linear tube; and the plurality of the chutes are in a linear array.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the frame is foldable for facilitating transport and storage.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the counter includes a reset for resetting the counter to zero.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising hook means attached to the frame for suspending the apparatus.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle being height-adjustable relative to the plurality of chutes.  
   
   
       13 . A game using an apparatus for counting and collecting objects, the apparatus having a frame, a plurality of gravity-fed chutes attached to the frame, a counter associated with each of the chute for counting a number of object passing therethrough, identification means for distinguishing each of the plurality of chutes from one another, and a receptacle removably attached to the frame for collecting and storing counted objects, said game comprising: 
 assigning each of a number of players to one of the plurality of chutes; signaling the commence of gathering objects and placing gathered objects in the assigned chute; and    recording the number of counted object collected by each player after all the objects are collected or after a predetermined period of time has lapsed.