Method and Apparatus for Throwing and Catching

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for throwing and catching a ball. The apparatus includes a shaft ( 11 ) which can be held by a user and at least one scoop element ( 14 ) arranged at an end of the shaft. The scoop element includes at least one flexing member ( 16 ) for absorbing energy from a ball impacting with the scoop element during a catching mode of operation.

1 . Apparatus for throwing and catching a ball, comprising:
 an elongate shaft member for being held by at least one hand of a user; and   at least one scoop element arranged at a respective end of the shaft member; wherein   said scoop element includes at least one flexing member for absorbing energy from a ball impacting with said scoop element during a catching mode of operation.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said at least one flexing member comprises:
 a plurality of flexible ribs extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis associated with said scoop element and disposed along side regions of said scoop element.   
   
   
       3 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein each flexible rib includes a convex central region arranged to deform when a ball impacts with the rib. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein each flexing rib has a substantially S-shaped cross-section. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein each flexing rib has a substantially W-shaped cross-section. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein a slot is disposed on each side of each rib thereby separating adjacent ribs. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the width of each slot is substantially less than the radius of a ball to be caught by the apparatus. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said scoop element comprises a dual-purpose throwing and/or catching device. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said scoop element comprises a body portion comprising:
 a central channel region having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and extending longitudinally from an end region of the scoop element proximate to said shaft to a tip region of said scoop element.   
   
   
       10 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said channel region is non-straight along its length. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said channel region is arcuate along its length. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 9  wherein the depth of said channel region decreases towards the tip region of the scoop element. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said body portion of said scoop element further comprises: concave wings extending longitudinally on each side of the channel region from an upper edge of the channel region. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein an edge region of the concave wings defines an open mouth of the scoop element and said mouth is wider than said channel region. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein a lower region of the concave wings provides a plateau region on either side of the central channel region. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said scoop element includes a cut-out tip region for preventing snagging of the scoop element as it is pushed over a surface. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a nest member located at an end region of said scoop element proximate to said shaft member. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 17  wherein said nest member comprises a cup-like member having a quarter ball inner surface having an internal diameter matching a diameter of a ball. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said shaft member is arranged for two-handed use. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said apparatus is double-ended having a scoop element arranged at each end. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said channel region provides a curved channel for throwing a ball in a controlled manner. 
   
   
       22 - 23 . (canceled)