Ball throwing device with interchangeable accessories
A ball throwing device includes an arm, a ball holder at a first end thereof, a handle at a second end of the arm, and a mounting member configured for releasably mounting of interchangeable accessories. The mounting member has a first flange protruding away from the arm to a distal end, and a second flange protruding away from the first flange, in proximity to the distal end. The first flange has at least one recess. The interchangeable accessory has a mounting flange with an opening configured for the accessory to releasably couple to the mounting member. A first portion of the opening is shaped to be slidably received upon the first and second flanges; and a second portion of the opening is shaped to engage the at least one recess. The accessory may be: a spare ball holder, a pet waste bag dispenser, a pet treat container, etc.
1. A combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory,
said ball throwing device comprising:
an elongate arm;
means for releasably holding a ball at a first end of said elongated arm;
a handle positioned proximate to a second end of said elongated arm; and
a mounting member positioned on said elongated arm and comprising:
a first flange configured to protrude away from said elongated arm to a distal end, and having a first portion and a second portion, said first portion of said first flange comprising at least one recess positioned between said distal end and said elongated arm;
a second flange configured to protrude away from at least a portion of said first flange, in proximity to said distal end;
said interchangeable accessory comprising:
a mounting flange comprising an opening configured for said interchangeable accessory to releasably couple to said mounting member; a first portion of said opening shaped to be slidably received upon said first and second flanges; and a second portion of said opening shaped to engage said at least one recess.
2. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 ,
wherein said first flange comprises a length configured to extend substantially parallel to an axial direction of said elongated arm; and
wherein said at least one recess comprises a plurality of said recesses positioned successively along said length of said first flange.
3. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 , wherein said second flange is configured to protrude away from said first flange to form a T-shaped cross-section.
4. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 , wherein said first portion of said opening is shaped to be slidably received upon said mounting member in a clearance fit.
5. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 , wherein said first portion of said opening is shaped to be slidably received upon said mounting member in a slight friction fit.
6. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 , wherein said mounting member is positioned on said elongated arm between said handle and said means for releasably holding a ball.
7. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 ,
wherein said elongated arm, said means for releasably holding a ball, and said handle are made of a plastic material; and
wherein said combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory further comprises a rubber material over-molded over at least a portion of said handle.
8. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 , wherein said interchangeable accessory comprises means for releasably holding a spare ball.
9. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 , wherein said interchangeable accessory comprises a pet waste bag dispenser.
10. The combination ball throwing device and interchangeable accessory according to claim 1 , wherein said interchangeable accessory comprises a pet treat container.
11. A combination ball throwing device and accessory,
said ball throwing device comprising:
an elongate arm;
means for releasably holding a ball at a first end of said elongated arm;
a handle positioned proximate to a second end of said elongated arm; and
a mounting member positioned on said elongated arm and comprising:
a first flange configured to protrude away from said elongated arm to a distal end;
a second flange configured to protrude away from at least a portion of said first flange, in proximity to said distal end;
said accessory comprising:
attachment means for releasably coupling said accessory to said mounting member of said ball throwing device.