A match is, of course, played with a single ball. However, it is conventional to use several balls for practice purposes, even in the extreme for a striker to use several balls shooting at the goal mouth. In other cases team members may be provided with one or more balls each to practice"dribbling"or passing Consequently the practice session starts with a relatively large supply of balls. If one is kicked out of the playing area, it may be left for collection later. This is also true in relation to cricket bat for example, and other sports equipment.

It is often found that when equipment is put out for a further practice session, the number of balls is less than at the start of the previous session, suggesting that ones kicked off the pitch may not have been collected. The financial consequences of this can be serious at least for schools and amateur teams with limited finances.

It is known to provide sacks for carrying sports equipment and netted bags. The only benefit of these types of carriers are that they are lightweight and enable portage of multiple numbers of articles. In the case of a netted bag of course the number of articles can be counted but it is not apparent how many articles are contained within the bag. Moreover, even if the top of the net is drawn together with string and tied in a complex knot to deter access, the bags are relatively simple to tear manually or with a pair of scissors for example.

An object of the present invention is to provide improvements in storing, carrying, viewing and counting sports equipment. The invention is not to be limited to football since the ideas involved in the present invention will be found to be applicable to other sports where similar problems may arise.

According to a first aspect of the invention a secure container, for sporting articles such as footballs and the like, is made of appropriate size and dimensions to contain a predetermined number of the articles in question and is provided with a transparent area or areas or a window or windows enabling the quantity contained to be seen at a glance.

A secure container is hereby defined as one capable of preventing ready or unauthorised access and is preferably therefore made of a strong material such as relatively thick plastics or metal. As such when locked such a secure container cannot be entered into simply by use of manual effort, and preferably not by use of manual effort and single hand tools such as a lever or knife for example.

Thus for example, a container may be dimensioned so as to be capable of receiving, say, three balls in a single vertical column, the container having a base and a lid, and with a window adjacent the lid. Hence if three balls are contained the uppermost one will be seen through the window and if that window does not disclose a ball then at least one ball is missing. Transport portions, such as holes can be provided for each article or down the height or along the length of the container.

In a modification, the container has a lid and an alarm device is provided so that the alarm sounds or indicates when the lid is opened. This modification may be suitable in cases where members of the team may return for further supplies from time to time and this may alert a trainer or for example a school teacher, to the fact that the supply has been accessed.

In a further modification, a lid is provided with a lock device to prevent unauthorised access.

In a more elaborate version intended to carry a supply of kit for example for a training session a pair of such containers are provided connected by a frame device which may afford a carrying handle and can if required be modified to carry associated equipment such as a pump for inflating balls, cleaning material etc.

It will be appreciated that any of the containers of the present invention may be finished in team colours or provided with representations of team badges and the like.

Where the equipment consists of bats and rackets a generally parallelepiped container may be provided with a hinged lid and the same principle of providing window or apertures to enable the contents to assessed at a glance may be followed.

In yet another modification, a container is provided with a series of separated chambers each for holding one or possibly more of the articles in question and each having separate access and separate window or like means.

Preferably in this case the access means such as hinged doors permitting removal of the contents are individually lockable so that for example the school teacher may allow access to the first compartment freely, but requires supervision and hence the possibility of the enquiry before replacements are available.

An alternative version allowing players. to draw replacements but giving for example an audible indication that this has been done may comprise a common base with a series of containers seated upon the base each container holding a supply of the articles in question, and with individual alarm means operated when each container is detached to release its contents.

In all versions and modifications it is considered desirable to provide separate locking means so that after release and use of the equipment and then relocation, the containers can be locked against theft until the time when the equipment is again required for use.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a device is provided for removing sporting articles from the container. Preferably the device comprises one or more bars which extend from an access aperture in the container to a region of the aperture for the article furthest from the access aperture, wherein the bar comprises a foot or base for engaging an article in said region in use thereby to enable removal of all of the articles from the container by withdrawing the removal device.

Preferably the device comprises a pair of side bars which extend to a common base whereby the side bars are adapted to fit proximal the inside walls of the container. Preferably supports can be provided for individual articles to restrict the movement of the individual articles away from the removal device.

In a preferred form the closure for the container is provided by a bar which extends between two apertures in the side walls of the container. The bar can comprise a hook in one end and an aperture in the other so that when a padlock is passed through the aperture in the rod, it is securely located to prevent removal of articles from the container. Preferably, guides are provided adjacent the apertures in the side walls of the container to ease location of the rod in passing it through the container.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:- FIGURE 1 shows a container for three balls for example footballs; FIGURE 2 shows a container with for sports equipment of a different kind; FIGURE 3 shows a container designed for rackets or bats; FIGURE 4 is another ball or football container; FIGURE 5 is a schematic prospective view of a container according to a further embodiment of the invention; FIGURES 6 and 7 are schematic views of a container for cricket equipment according to the invention.

FIGURE 8 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a container according to the invention; FIGURE 9 is a schematic view from below of the container shown in Figure8; FIGURE 10 is a schematic side elevation view of a ball lifter for use in the container shown in Figure 8; FIGURE 11 is a schematic plan view from above of the base of the ball lifter shown in Figure 10; FIGURE 12 is a schematic side elevation view of a further container according to the invention; and FIGURE 13 is a plan elevation from above of the container shown in Figure 12. Moreover, the carriers can be adapted for different sports including all ball sports such as football, rugby, netball, basketball, hockey, cricket, golf and the like.

Referring to the drawings and first to Figure 1, the container is generally cylindrical and made of an opaque material with a flat base 10 and a hinged lid 12, which could also be a bar extending across the top of the container. Lock means 14 are provided to prevent access to the interior of the container by unauthorised persons.

As generally indicated by the dotted lines, the container is intended to accommodate three balls, for example footballs. A ring of apertures 16 near the upper end of the container enable a supervisor to tell at a glance whether the container is full. The container can also comprise one or more handles H as indicated.

It will of course be appreciated that further apertures could be provided in relation to the lowermost balls but if the container was full to begin with, then it would be sufficient to be able to see a ball through the apertures 16 at the completion of the training session in order to know that no balls have been left behind.

Base 10 can be relatively heavy to provide stability. For example the container can generally be made of relatively thin walled plastics or metal and base 10 can be made of thicker and or denser material.

Figure 2 shows a more complex container system provided with generally cylindrical chambers 20,22 at each end and each of these has a window 24,26 extending generally along its entire height to enable the contents to be scanned.

Between the two cylindrical containers is a storage space accessible for example through hinged door 28 with a lock indicated at 30 so that other material can be stored within, possibly in individual compartments. In general however it is likely that the further material is less expensive and less important than the footballs which may be stored in the compartments 20 and 22 and visual checking of the contents without opening the door 28 may be unnecessary.

However, were it to be required, a window in one of the walls of the further compartment could be provided within the invention. Again, chambers 20 and 22 preferably have a locking device and or an alarm for security.

Figure 3 shows a simple container for cricket bats or rackets having a lid 30 hinged along the line 32 and in this case provided with a simple hasp and staple 34 to enable a padlock to be employed. At least one end wall such as 36 includes a transparent area enabling the interior contents to be viewed.

Figure 4 shows another arrangement for footballs or the like. In this case a base 40 of any desired shape and size is adapted to support the required number of balls indicated by the dotted lines 42 and each ball has an associated and separate retaining cover. These covers 44 may be made of a wire in a somewhat grid pattern so that the presence or absence of the ball within the cover can be seen at a glance. Each cover is individually connected to the base 40 through sample by the lower end of each wire having a headed formation to snap engage with a corresponding spring loaded recess. Hence a cover may be pulled off or pushed to re-connect to the base. The spring tips may be arrange to be noisy in operation or alternatively the engagement may complete an electric circuit for example having a series connection of all of the ends of the wires and arranged so that when the circuit is broken by removal of the cover an alarm sounds.

The balls may be made captive with the base against release of the cover by the use of an encircling strap or possibly a hinged lid indicated in chain-dot line by the reference 46 and with an appropriate fastening or lock to prevent the lid 46 being removed when not authorised for removal.

The containers according to the invention can be provided with an alarm station to which they are attached for security. The alarm station can comprise a member which engages or abuts the container in use, and an alarm such as an audible or visual alarm which is actuated by a control device if the container is moved.

Beneficially a container shaped for rugby balls can be provided for example having a chamber with an oval section adapted to receive two or more rugby balls.

In Figure 5 there is shown a container 50 for example for rugby balls or kit. The container 50 comprises five moveable flaps 52 which allow access to individual compartments 54. Each flap comprises a tab with an aperture for securing rod or locking bar 58 which passes between a base unit 60 and coded lock 62. The outside walls of container 50 can be opaque and therefore preferably comprise apertures 66 to allow viewing of the inside of each of the compartments 54.

The flaps 52 are moveable about a hinge to allow access to compartments 54 when bar 58 is removed. Preferably also, an upper part of container 50 is removable from base unit 60 which acts as a further security device as discussed earlier. Rod 58 engages coded lock 62 at its upper end where it will grip until the correct code is punched into 62 thereby to release bar 58 and allow removable thereof to enable access to compartments 54.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a further container 7 according to the invention comprising an outer wall 72 having apertures 74. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the container can simply be hollow and open at its upper end for example for receiving balls which are secured in place using a locking bar 76 hinged to one side of the upper end of container 70 and secured to a locking device 78 such as a coded locking device having punch buttons for example. Also provided is a handle 80 and a base 82. Base 82 can be detachable and alarmed for example. In addition, container 70 can comprise a loop 83 for hooking the container 70 to a hook on a wall for example thereby to store the container after use.

Referring to Figure 7, container 70 is shown without outer wall 72 in order to view internal chamber 84 which is seen in this embodiment to hold a number of cricket bats CB. The position of the cricket bats is defined by a plate 86 positioned a distance LI below the top of the container and L2 from the bottom. Plate 86 comprises apertures for receiving the cricket bats and also a number of containers 88 for receiving cricket balls B. In order to restrict access to the balls, bar 76 is used to clamp across the top of cylindrical ball containers 88. However, bar 76 can be extended into a lid in order to prevent access to cricket bats CB.

Referring to Figures 8,8A, 9,10, l0A and 11, there is shown a further embodiment of a container 100 according to the invention which is somewhat similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Here, container 100 comprises a body 102 of rigid material such as sheet metal or plastics, having a series of apertures 104 which in this case are elongate slots, for or which can be disposed at the same horizontal position around the container. Preferably the slots 104 are disposed in a vertical series to enable viewing of individual articles such as footballs B which are contained within the container 100.

Container 100 further comprises a bar which acts as a lid or closure of a container. Bar 106 comprises a hook 108 at one end and an aperture 110 in the other end. Bar 106 is passed through to apertures 111 in the top of container 100 in order to close the container whereby a padlock can be used to engage aperture 110 in bar 106 thereby to prevent removal of the bar. Preferably, a guide 112 is provided adjacent one or both of apertures 111 in order to ease insertion of bar 106 through the apertures 111. The guide 112 can be provided on both the inside and outside of the container adjacent each of the apertures 111. Preferably, the guide is not too wide thereby not to inhibit entry or removal of balls B into the container.

Container 100 further comprises a base 114 which as shown in Figure 9 can comprise a simple configuration of crossed struts thereby providing apertures in the base which provide drainage.

Beneficially, container 100 is adapted to receive a device 116 for removing the sporting articles from the container, which articles are of course in this case spherical balls such as footballs. The ball removal device or ball lifter 116 comprises a pair of handles 118 at the top of two vertical side bars 120 which extend from handles 118 down to a base 122. Base 122 preferably carries a ball support 124 which can be in the form of a curved plate or cup arrangement thereby to contour the base of the ball in contact with base 122 in order better to retain the ball within the ball lifter during use thereof. Preferably, further side supports for the balls are provided in the form of rings 126 which can be positioned proximal the midline or maximum diameter of the ball in the vertical plane in order to prevent the balls falling from side to side which would otherwise restrict removal of the balls from container 100. Preferably of course, supports 126 are not so positioned with respect to apertures 104 so as to obscure the balls in use.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, there is shown a further example of a container 130 according to the invention. Container 130 comprises a sporting article or ball container 132 and a sporting equipment or kit carrier 134.

Container 132 comprises apertures 136 to indicate the number of balls therein.

Additionally, container 132 comprises a scallop or recess upper rim 138 enabling access to bar 140 to enable such use as a handle for example. Bar 140 comprises a hook 142 at one end and an aperture 144 at the other. Bar 140 passes through apertures in opposite sides of both the kit carrier 134 and ball carrier 132. The bar is lockable in the usual manner and the apertures can comprise guides as described earlier. Preferably, the kit carrier comprises a lid 146 which can comprise a shaped plate which can be dropped into the top of kit carrier 134 to sit on appropriate located ledges. The kit carrier lid 146 can comprise a pair of apertures 148 to enable removal and insertion of the lid.

It would be appreciated that whilst specific embodiments have been described, the features therein are adaptable to other embodiments.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be unduly limited by the particular choice of terminology and that a specific term may be replaced by any equivalent or generic term. For example, the term "secure"could be replaced by"locked"or"tamper proof'or"rigid". Further it is to be understood that individual features, method or functions related to the container or ball lifter might be individually patentably inventive. In particular, any disclosure in this specification of a range for a variable or parameter shall be takento include a disclosure of any selectable or derivable sub-range within that range and shall be taken to include a disclosure of any value for the variable or parameter lying within or at an end of the range. The singular may include the plural and vice versa.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a container having any feature or features derivable from this description and/or drawings or any combination of said features.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a container preferably for sporting articles or the like, said container having one or more of the following features: a) security or tamper proof means b) a rigid outer wall, preferably with a hinged top c) visual indication means allowing the number of items in the container to be readily ascertained, or at least ascertainment of when the container is full (without opening the container) d) a hinged and/or removable and/or slidable lid e) a safety or security alarm f) means for enabling removal of items from the container g) portability h) means for locating the items in a fixed order. i) a ball lifter j) a series of separated chambers k) wire covers 1) covers in k connected to a base with spring loading m) movable flaps with compartments n) being adapted for cricket balls or rugby balls o) being adapted for carrying a complete set of sports equipment such as a cricket kit p) having any feature of the sub claims of this specification q) being connected or connectable to a second container by a frame device possibly having a carrying handle possibly carrying equipment in the frame device which is associated but different from the equipment to be housed in said containers. r) a series of separated containers having separate access and/or separate window or like means s) a carrying handle t) any combination of features a to s.

Further according to the present invention there is provided the combination of a container as claimed in any of the statements of invention together with sporting equipment.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a container adapted to contain a number of specified items of sports equipment in a pre-determined manner, order or configuration such that the number of items remaining in the container is readily ascertainable without opening the container, and/or the container being compartmentalised to store single or pre-determined numbers of said specified items in associated compartments.