MULTIFUNCTIONAL ATHLETIC PLAYING SURFACE TOOL

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to a tool for washing, drying, and maintaining a floor or athletic playing surface, such as a tennis court.

BACKGROUND

Athletic playing surfaces, such as tennis courts, often require regular cleaning and maintenance. Often times, such as after being washed or after a rainstorm (if the athletic playing surface is outdoors), it is desirable for such surfaces to be dried quickly. For example, tennis clubs often wash their tennis courts as part of their regular maintenance. Washing tennis courts is time consuming and play is usually prohibited for at least several hours while the courts dry. This downtime can be an annoyance to club members and guests. As another example, tennis clubs often host tennis tournaments or other special events outdoors. A single rain shower can interrupt a tournament schedule and cause hours of delay or even cause the tournament to be cancelled if the tennis courts cannot be dried in sufficient time to complete the tournament.

For washing tennis courts, tennis clubs often use pressure washers or a garden hose. When washing is complete (or after a rainstorm), the entire tennis court is soaked with water and often has large puddles of water that may take the entire day to dry if left standing. Several tools exist for drying tennis courts. For example, one tool is a roller, which includes a long handle attached to a roller made of foam or polymer that can absorb water and also roll away and displace standing water. Another tool for drying tennis courts is a squeegee that consists of a foam or rubber blade attached to a long handle that can be used to scrape the surface to displace standing water. Yet other tools include a fan or blower (e.g., a leaf blower or a floor dryer) to create airflow to increase evaporation and also displace water or debris. Each of these tools are separate, meaning that a tennis club may need multiple different tools to wash and dry a tennis court. Often, tennis clubs and other tennis court facilities have none of these tools. Thus, tennis patrons might own and transport their own tools to wash or dry a tennis court, which can be expensive and burdensome.

A multifunctional surface tool for washing, drying, or maintaining an athletic playing surface, such as a tennis court, without requiring the operator to switch between completely separate tools would be desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of various exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure are set forth or apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, the following detailed description is exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific embodiments are discussed, this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” and so forth may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components.

The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached,” “connected,” and the like, refer to both direct coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attaching, or connecting through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified.

Athletic playing surfaces require regular washing in order to provide a clean and safe surface for users. After washing (or after a rainstorm if the athletic playing surface is outdoors), it is desirable for such athletic playing surfaces to be dried quickly. In the case of tennis courts, different tools and methods exist for washing and drying, but the means are time consuming and may require switching between completely different tools and processes.

The disclosure describes a multifunctional surface tool for washing and/or drying athletic playing surfaces without requiring switching between completely separate tools. Through the use of the multifunctional surface tool, various processes can be executed in a reduced time by eliminating the need for an operator to switch from a tool designated for a first process, such as washing, to a completely separate tool for a second process, such rolling. The multifunctional surface tool, according to the disclosure, can enable the execution of multiple processes, such as two, three, or four processes using the same tool. For example, an operator can wash, blow, roll, and/or squeegee an athletic playing surface using the same tool.

The multifunctional surface tool described herein allows certain processes to be executed together to reduce time and burden. While the disclosure is described in the context of an athletic playing surface such as a tennis court, the tool can be used on any floor or surface requiring or benefiting from the advantages of a multifunctional surface tool. Such examples include, but are not limited to, an outdoor patio or a warehouse floor. Moreover, the surface to be worked is not limited to hard surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or hardwood. The multifunctional surface tool of the disclosure can be used on other kinds of surfaces, including but not limited to, turf, carpet, clay, or synthetic rubber.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multifunctional surface tool 100. The multifunctional surface tool 100 includes a working end 102 and an operator end 104. A shaft section 106, disposed between the working end 102 and the operator end 104, is arranged about a shaft axis 108. The shaft section 106 serves to connect the working end 102 to the operator end 104 at a distance that allows for comfortable use of the multifunctional surface tool 100. For example, an operator may use the multifunctional surface tool 100 while standing or slightly bent over. The overall length of the multifunctional surface tool 100 permits a handle 110 to be at a comfortable handling elevation above the working end 102, when the working end is applied to the surface to be worked. The working end 102 and operator end 104 can each be decoupled from shaft section 106 to allow easier transport of the multifunctional surface tool 100.

The shaft section 106 may include an inner shaft 112 and an outer shaft 114. The inner shaft 112 may have an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer shaft 114, such that the inner shaft 112 and the outer shaft 114 are joined at a telescopic extension 116. The telescopic extension 116 may include a mechanically depressible button fixed to the outer shaft 114 that engages with a plurality of holes, arranged longitudinally in the inner shaft 112, to configure the multifunctional surface tool 100 to an overall length that is comfortable for human operators of various heights. Other mechanisms may be used to configure telescopic extension 116 to a desired overall length such as twist locks or flip locks. The inner shaft 112 and outer shaft 114 may also be decoupled from each other at telescopic extension 116 to allow for easier transport of the multifunctional surface tool 100.

The inner shaft 112 and the outer shaft 114 are longitudinally aligned with the shaft axis 108 in order to allow for longitudinal translation of the inner shaft 112 within the outer shaft 114, when reconfiguring the telescopic extension 116. In various aspects, the handle 110 may not be longitudinally aligned with the inner shaft 112 and the outer shaft 114. The handle 110 may have a handle axis 118 aligned at an angle relative to the shaft axis 108. The angle of the handle axis 118 relative to the shaft axis 108 allows for a more comfortable position of a hand of the human operator when operating the multifunctional surface tool 100. A bearing or some other mechanism disposed in the shaft section 106 at or near handle 110 permits rotation of the handle 110 about the shaft axis 108. As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 110 is angled relative to the shaft section 106, such that the handle 110 is in a natural orientation for an operator to use the roller 136 (described below) of the multifunctional surface tool 100. When an operator desires to use the squeegee 120 (described below) of the multifunctional surface tool 100, the handle 110 may be rotated such that the handle 110 is in a natural orientation for the operator to use the squeegee.

The working end 102 is arranged along a working end axis 122, which is generally orthogonal to the shaft axis 108. The multifunctional surface tool 100 may include a blower 124 in fluid communication with a blower tube 126 with a plurality of blower orifices 128 arranged longitudinally along the working end axis 122. The blower orifices 128 are directed toward the surface to apply a pressurized flow of air onto the surface to promote evaporation or to displace water or debris, such as dirt, dust, or sand. Alternatively, in various aspects of the disclosure, instead of a plurality of blower orifices, a single blower orifice may be used that is generally slit-shaped and may extend the length of the blower tube 126 along the working end axis 122. Blower 124 may be any blower known in the art including but not limited to a centrifugal blower, axial blower, or the like.

Electric power to the blower 124 may be provided by an electrical cord 130. The electrical cord 130 includes a plug 132 at one end for coupling with an electrical outlet or an extension cord. The blower 124 is assembled at, or proximate to, the working end 102 but may also be assembled at or near the operator end 104. The electrical cord 130 may be housed within the shaft section 106 and exit the shaft section 106 through the handle 110. Alternatively, the electrical cord 130 may be external to the shaft if desirable.

A switch 134, shown in the form of a push button, may be assembled in the handle 110 or anywhere else along the multifunctional surface tool 100, such that the operator can engage or disengage the switch 134 while operating the multifunctional surface tool 100. The blower 124, the electrical cord 130, the plug 132, and the switch 134 form an electrical circuit, such that when the switch 134 is activated by the operator, the blower 124 is powered to generate pressurized air to exit the one or more blower orifices 128.

The blower 124 may utilize one or more integrated or removable rechargeable batteries (not shown), enabling the blower to function without requiring the electrical cord 130 to be connected, at the plug 132, to a power supply. Facilities, such as tennis clubs, may be large, such that the electrical cord 130 may be prohibitively long and unwieldy. The rechargeable batteries may be charged by the electrical cord 130 and the plug 132, or by a separate at-home or portable charger, or the batteries may be charged by solar power. The multifunctional surface tool 100 may include one or more photovoltaic solar panels for recharging the one or more rechargeable batteries by solar energy, as may be readily available at an outdoor facility.

A roller 136 may be attached to the working end 102 of the multifunctional surface tool 100. The roller is cylindrical and arranged about the working end axis 122. The roller 136 rotates on a roller shaft 138, and the roller may be connected to the roller shaft by one or more bearings (not shown) that allow for the relative rotation between the roller 136 and the roller shaft 138. The roller 136 may absorb water and push forward water as the multifunctional surface tool is rolled forward by the operator. The material of the roller 136 may compress under its own weight, as water is absorbed into the roller 136.

Wheels 140 may be attached to the roller shaft 138 or to the roller 136, at each end of the roller 136, or to frame legs 142. The wheels 140 may have a diameter slightly less than that of the roller 136, such that when the roller 136 compresses to a tolerable threshold diameter, the wheels then support the working end 102 of the multifunctional surface tool 100. The support of the working end 102 by the wheels 140 enable the multifunctional surface tool 100 to be operated without excessive compression of the roller 136, that may otherwise inhibit rolling, and may also facilitate pushing the multifunctional surface tool 100 forward or backward when used for other processes, such as washing or blowing. Wheels 140 may also be motorized and powered by the electrical cord 130 or rechargeable batteries to provide assistance with pushing the multifunctional surface tool 100 forward or backward. Wheels 140 may be removable or interchangeable. For example, wheels of a diameter larger than that of the roller 136 may be installed such that the roller 136 is disengaged from the surface and an operator can blow the surface without using the roller 136.

The working end 102 further includes a frame 144. The frame 144 is substantially parallel to the working end axis 122 and includes a frame center section 146. The frame 144 additionally includes a frame leg 142 at each end of the frame 144. The width of the working end 102 is generally defined as the distance between the frame legs 142. The frame legs 142 each support an end of the roller shaft 138 and can also support other components, such as the blower tube 126 or squeegee 120. The frame center section 146 may support the blower 124 where the frame center section 146 meets the shaft section 106. Alternatively, shaft section 106 alone may support the blower 124.

The multifunctional surface tool 100 allows for an operator to use the blower 124 and the roller 136 simultaneously. For example, the roller may be rolled on an athletic playing surface to absorb or displace water, while pressurized air coming out of the blower orifices 128 is blown in front of the roller 136 to promote evaporation and displace water or debris.

The working end 102 of the multifunctional surface tool 100 may include a squeegee 120. The multifunctional surface tool 100 may be used in an upside-down configuration relative to the perspective as shown in FIG. 1, such that the squeegee 120 is engaged with and in contact with the surface to be worked. The squeegee 120 is a substantially smooth, flat, and/or flexible blade constructed from a hydrophobic material such as foam or rubber. When applied to a surface, the squeegee 120 conforms to the surface under the weight of the multifunctional surface tool 100 and any additional force applied by the operator. The conformance of the squeegee 120 provides a substantially watertight interface between the squeegee 120 and the surface, flexing or deforming to compensate for any irregularities in or inconsistent flatness of the surface, allowing the operator to push water forward.

The multifunctional surface tool 100 allows for an operator to use the blower 124 and the squeegee 120 simultaneously. For example, pressurized air from the blower orifices 128 may displace water and debris in front of the squeegee 120, reducing the amount of forward and backward strokes by the operator as may be required using equivalent squeegee 120 without the simultaneous use of the blower 124.

The multifunctional surface tool 100 allows for an operator to use the blower 124, the roller 136, or the squeegee 120, without requiring a completely separate tool. These multiple functions within a single tool allow for a lesser storage space requirement and easier transport, compared with individual tools, for blowing, rolling, or squeegeeing.

The multifunctional surface tool 100 may optionally include only the roller 136 and blower 124 (and related blower components) without the squeegee 120, or the roller 136 and squeegee 120 without the blower 124 (and related blower components).

FIG. 2 illustrates a multifunctional surface tool 200. The multifunctional surface tool 200 is substantially similar to the multifunctional surface tool 100. The multifunctional surface tool 200 includes features for spraying water, and in this embodiment does not include the blower 124, blower tube 126, or blower orifices 128 of the multifunctional surface tool 100. The same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface tool 200 that are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface tool 100 as discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 200 is substantially the same as the multifunctional surface tool 100 as described, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface tool 200 includes a water pump 224 for pressurizing and flowing water to a water tube 226 in fluid communication with water pump 224. The pressurized water is discharged from the water tube 226 through one or more water orifices 228 onto the surface. The water tube 226 and water orifices 228 may be arranged longitudinally along the working end axis 222 and oriented such that they spray water toward the surface to be worked. The water pump 224 can be adjusted to control the velocity of water discharged out of the water orifices 228. The water orifices 228 may also include adjustable nozzles to control the velocity of water discharged out of the water orifices 228. The water pump 224 can be any water pump known in the art including but not limited to water pumps used in commercial or household pressure washers, industrial water pumps, and the like.

Electric power to the water pump 224 may be provided by an electrical cord 230. The electrical cord 230 includes a plug 232 at one end for coupling with an electrical outlet or an extension cord. The water pump 224 is assembled at, or proximate to, the working end 202 but may also be assembled at or near the operator end. The electrical cord 230 may be housed within the shaft section 106 and exit the shaft section 106 through the handle 110. Alternatively, the electrical cord 230 may be housed external to the shaft if desirable.

The water pump 224 may include an integrated or removable rechargeable battery (not shown), enabling the water pump to function without requiring the electrical cord 230 to be connected, at the plug 232, to a power supply. The rechargeable batteries may be charged by the electrical cord 230 and the plug 232, or by a separate at-home or portable charger, or the batteries may be charged by solar power. The multifunctional surface tool 200 may include one or more photovoltaic solar panels for recharging the one or more rechargeable batteries by solar energy, as may be readily available at an outdoor facility.

A switch 234, shown in the form of a push button, may be assembled in the handle 110 or anywhere else along the multifunctional surface tool 200, such that the operator can engage or disengage the switch 234 while operating the multifunctional surface tool 200. The water pump 224, the electrical cord 230, the plug 232, and the switch 234 form an electrical circuit, such that when the switch 234 is activated by the operator, the water pump 224 is powered to generate a velocity of water to be discharged from the water orifices 228.

The multifunctional surface tool 200 allows the operator to apply water to the surface to be worked, and also displace the water with the roller or squeegee 120 without requiring a completely separate tool. The processes of washing and rolling or washing and squeegeeing can be performed simultaneously. For example, water can be sprayed toward the surface from water orifices 228 while the roller rolls the surface behind the water orifices 228.

Water is received by the water pump 224 through a water supply line 248 before discharge through the water orifices 228. The water supply line 248 includes a coupling 250, which may be a standard hose coupling, for attaching the water supply line 248 to a water supply (not shown). The water supply line 248 may be external to the shaft section 106, as shown in FIG. 2, or may be internal to the shaft section 106, similar to the electrical cord 230. A water shut-off valve can be placed anywhere along water supply line 248 to allow an operator to prevent water flow through the multifunctional surface tool 200. A tank capable of holding one or more of soap, detergent, chemicals, or other cleaning additives can be connected in line with water supply line 248 or at water pump 224 such that the additives are mixed with water flowing from water supply line 248 prior to exiting water orifices 228.

The multifunctional surface tool 200 may optionally include only the roller 136 and water pump 224 (and related water pump components) and not include squeegee 120.

FIG. 3 illustrates a multifunctional surface tool 300. The multifunctional surface tool 300 is substantially similar to the multifunctional surface tool 100 as described with respect to FIG. 1, and the multifunctional surface tool 200 as described with respect to FIG. 2. The multifunctional surface tool 300 includes features both for blowing air, as described with respect to the multifunctional surface tool 100, and for discharging water, as described with respect to the multifunctional surface tool 200. The components for blowing air, including the blower 124, blower tube 126, and the blower orifices 128, and the components for spraying water, including the water pump 224, the water tube 226, and the water orifices 228, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface tool 300 that are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface tool 100 and the multifunctional surface tool 200 as discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 300 is substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 100 and the multifunctional surface tool 200 as described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface tool 300 includes a working end 302 with a blower tube 126 and blower orifices 128, a water tube 226 and water orifices 228, a squeegee 120, and a roller 136, allowing an operator to blow air, discharge water, squeegee, or roll a surface as desired, without requiring the operator to switch between completely different tools.

An operator end 304 of the multifunctional surface tool 300 includes a switch 134 for activating the blower 124 and a switch 234 for activating the water pump 224. The switch 134 and switch 234 can be completely separate switches or a single switch, such as a button where a long press or a double press activates either the blower 124 or the water pump 224 and a similar action deactivates either the blower 124 or the water pump 224.

Blower 124 and water pump 224 can be contained in the same housing or in separate housings supported by frame center section 146 or shaft section 106. An electrical cord 330 provides electrical power to both the blower 124 and the water pump 224. The electrical cord 330 includes a plug 332 for coupling with an electrical outlet or an extension cord. The electrical cord 330 and the plug 332 may variously power the blower 124 and the water pump 224, as activated by the operator via the switch 134 or the switch 234, respectively.

Alternatively, the electrical cord 330 and the plug 332 may provide electrical power to charge one or more integrated or removable rechargeable batteries (not shown) for powering the blower 124 and the water pump 224 when not connected to an electrical outlet. The rechargeable batteries may be charged by the electrical cord 330 and the plug 332, or by a separate at-home or portable charger, or the batteries may be charged by solar power. The multifunctional surface tool 300 may include one or more photovoltaic solar panels for recharging the one or more rechargeable batteries by solar energy, as may be readily available at an outdoor facility.

The multifunctional surface tool 300 may optionally include only the roller 136, blower 124 (and related blower components) and water pump 224 (and related water pump components) and not include squeegee 120.

FIG. 4 illustrates a multifunctional surface tool 400. The multifunctional surface tool 400 is substantially similar to the multifunctional surface tool 100 as described with respect to FIG. 1. The multifunctional surface tool 400 is shown in an upside-down configuration relative to the perspective as shown in FIG. 1 and includes features for gathering water toward the center of the multifunctional surface tool 400 or for gathering objects such as tennis balls when multifunctional surface tool 400 is in operation. The handle 110 has also been rotated as described with respect to FIG. 1 so to be in a natural orientation for the operator to use the squeegee.

The components for blowing air, including the blower 124, blower tube 126, and the blower orifices 128, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface tool 400 that are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface tool 100 as discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 400 is substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 100 as described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface tool 400 includes a winged squeegee 420. The winged squeegee 420 is attached to the multifunctional surface tool 400 at a working end 402 and includes a center section 452 and a wing section 454 at each end of the center section 452. The center section 452 is arranged generally parallel with a working end axis 422. The wing sections 454 may extend beyond the axial limits of the center section and beyond the limits of other components of the working end 402, such as the blower tube 126. The wing sections 454 are angled, relative to the working end axis 422, such that when the multifunctional surface tool 400 is operated in a forward direction by an operator to displace water, water is gathered toward the center of the multifunctional surface tool 400. Gathered water is then pushed forward by the center section 452 in a similar manner as the squeegee 120 of FIG. 1. In this way, pushed water is inhibited from flowing around the sides of the multifunctional surface tool 400 during operation, and is pushed forward, aiding in the removal of water from the surface. The blower orifices 128 may be positioned or arranged such that they blow air in front of or immediately behind the winged squeegee 420.

FIG. 5 illustrates a multifunctional surface tool 500. The multifunctional surface tool 500 is substantially similar to the multifunctional surface tool 400 as described with respect to FIG. 4. The multifunctional surface tool 500 includes features for collecting objects, such as tennis balls, from a surface, such as a tennis court. The components for blowing air, including the blower 124, blower tube 126, and the blower orifices 128, and the components for gathering objects, including the winged squeegee 420, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface tool 500 that are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface tool 400 as discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 500 is substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 400 as described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface tool 500 includes a ball collector 556 for collecting objects, such as tennis balls, from a playing surface, such as a tennis court. The ball collector 556 is substantially cylindrical in shape, aligned parallel to a working end axis 522 and positioned between the winged sections 454 of winged squeegee 420. The ball collector 556 includes frame members 558 for mounting the ball collector 556 to the multifunctional surface tool 500, end sections 560 that function as wheels to roll across the surface, and rods 562 that extend between the end sections 560. The rods are circumferentially spaced such that a cylindrical space, approximately the same diameter as the end sections 560, is defined axially between the end sections 560 and circumferentially between the rods 562. The rods 562 are spaced such that as the ball collector engages with an object, such as a tennis ball, of a defined size and deformability, downward force, due to gravity and any additional force applied by the operator, the object will deform and pass between adjacent rods 562. After passing through adjacent rods 562, the object returns to its free state, and remains within the cylindrical space defined by the end sections 560 and the rods 562. Additionally, the rods 562 may be flexible, to further promote the gathering of objects through deformation of the rods 562 under downward force when engaging with an object to be collected. Following collection of objects within the ball collector 556, one or both end sections 560 are removable, allowing the collected objects to be retrieved. Winged squeegee 420 assists in collecting objects, such as tennis balls, by pushing them forward and diverting them toward ball collector 560.

FIG. 6 illustrates a multifunctional surface tool 600. The multifunctional surface tool 600 is substantially similar to the multifunctional surface tool 200 as described with respect to FIG. 2. The multifunctional surface tool 600 includes a hard roller for rolling a surface, such as a clay tennis court. The components for displacing water, including the roller 136 and squeegee 120, and the components for spraying water, including the water pump 224, the water tube 226, and the water orifices 228, are the same as or similar to those described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for components of the multifunctional surface tool 600 that are the same as or similar to the components of the multifunctional surface tool 200 as discussed above. The description of these components also applies to this embodiment, and a detailed description of these components is omitted here. Likewise, the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 600 is substantially the same as the operation of the multifunctional surface tool 200 as described above, with respect to these components.

The multifunctional surface tool 600 includes a hard roller 664, mounted to the multifunctional surface tool 600 similarly to the mounting configuration of the ball collector 556, described with respect to FIG. 5. The hard roller 664 includes a solid outer circumference 666 and has sufficient mass to apply a compressive force, due to gravity, on the surface, to recompress loosened material, such as clay, that may have been abraded or worn during use, or due to weather events. Moreover, the weight of the hard roller 664 serves to flatten out relative high spots on the surface, thus providing an overall flatter surface. The inclusion of the hard roller in front of the water orifices 228 allows the operator to water the surface simultaneous to using the hard roller.

The multifunctional surface tools 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 of the disclosure may include various accessories, such as a cell phone holder, a cupholder, a flashlight, audio speakers, an umbrella, or the like. For example, in reference to FIG. 1, a Bluetooth speaker can be attached via clips or by one or more fasteners to the shaft section 106 allowing an operator to play her favorite music while washing or drying an athletic playing surface. As another example, an umbrella can be attached via clips or by one or more fasteners at or near the operator end 104 to provide shade to the operator while washing or drying an athletic playing surface. The multifunctional surface tools of the disclosure may also include hooks or hangers for hanging onto a structure, such as a fence.

Although the foregoing description is directed to the various embodiments of the disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the disclosure. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the disclosure may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.