Basketball retrieval and return device

Claim 1

A portable and automatic basketball retrieval and return device for use in the practice of the sport of basketball with a conventional basketball goal and conventional basketballs which comprises, in combination: a. a ball retrieval system comprising a base portion having a plurality of tubular members to form an upstanding frame attached to and extending therefrom, an outer covering attached to said frame whereby an enlarged upward opening is provided for the capture of a basketball and whereby said covering converges downwardly to guide the ball toward an opening in the lowest portion thereof; b. a ball return system; c. means for transferring a basketball from said ball retrieval system to said ball return system wherein said ball return system comprises: d. a housing, e. a reduction gear motor associated with said housing, f. a drive shaft driven by said motor, g. a basketball projectile arm, h. means for imparting rotational movement from said drive shaft to said basketball projectile arm, i. means for transferring a basketball to said projectile arm, j. tension means for momentarily halting rotational movement of said projectile arm, k. means for overcoming tension applied to said projectile arm wherein said means for overcoming tension comprises: l. at least one projectile spring mounted in said projectile arm wherein said reduction gear motor continues to drive said drive shaft, wherein rotational movement is thereby imparted from said drive shaft to said basketball projectile arm after said projectile arm has been retained momentarily by said tension means whereby said tension means is overcome by force of said reduction gear motor thereby providing the force required to activate said projectile arm.