Patent US3601407A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3601407A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable playing surface game device
Assignee: PROCESSING OFFICE FURNITURE
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Filing: 1968-12-09
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Granted: 1971-08-24
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Expires: 1988-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A game device in which the elevation contour of the playing field can be selectively varied by shifting one or more pivotable levers connected to associated discrete regions of a flexible panel defining the playing field. At each lever connection region, the panel can be bent into a localized doubly curved surface configuration, the elevation of which depends upon the angular displacement of the corresponding lever from a neutral position. The flexible panel is supported by a layer of resilient cushioning material which is supported on an underlying rigid panel. The pivotable levers extend from positions below the rigid panel to a position outwardly of a supporting frame which includes latching elements for holding the levers in various adjusted positions. The levers are secured to the flexible panel by link members extending upward from the levers through the rigid panel and cushioning layer. The flexible panel may be covered by a grass simulating material to adapt the device for use by golfers in putting a golf ball into a recessed cup.
Inventors
- 👤 Arthur Lorrance
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:54
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63F; A63F7/00; A63F7/06; A63F7/0604; A63F7/0628; A63F7/22; A63F7/36; A63F7/3622; A63B; A63B67/00; A63B67/02; A63B2067/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A game device comprising a frame adapted to rest upon a reference surface, a flexible panel defining a playing field and supported along its lateral margins by said frame in elevated relation above said reference surface, a layer of resilient cushioning material disposed in underlying relation to said flexible panel to resiliently support same, a generally rigid panel supported by said frame and disposed in underlying relation to said layer of resilient cushioning material to support same above said reference surface, a plurality of lever means each disposed in underlying relation to said rigid panel and having a link extending through both said rigid panel and resilient cushioning layer for connection to said flexible panel at a predetermined region thereof, each lever means being pivotably moveable relative to said frame to adjust the elevation of the corresponding flexible panel connection region with respect to the reference surface and bend the flexible panel at said connection region along lines of curvature defining a doubly curved surface thereat to correspondingly vary the contour of the playing field.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A game device comprising a frame adapted to rest upon a reference surface, a flexible panel defining a playing field and supported along its lateral margins by said frame in elevated relation above said reference surface, a layer of resilient cushioning material disposed in underlying relation to said flexible panel to resiliently support same, a generally rigid panel supported by said frame and disposed in underlying relation to said layer of resilient cushioning material to support same above said reference surface, a plurality of lever means each disposed in underlying relation to said rigid panel and having a link extending through both said rigid panel and resilient cushioning layer for connection to said flexible panel at a predetermined region thereof, each lever means being pivotably moveable relative to said frame to adjust the elevation of the corresponding flexible panel connection region with respect to the reference surface and bend the flexible panel at said connection region along lines of curvature defining a doubly curved surface thereat to correspondingly vary the contour of the playing field.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
92 words
A game device according to claim 1 wherein each of said lever means includes a first bar disposed for limited rotary movement relative to said frame and defining the pivot axis of the lever means, and a second bar connected to said link and connected at one end to said first bar and extending transversely therefrom to a terminus beyond said frame, said second bar being pivotably moveable about said pivot axis to shift the position of said link to adjust the elevation of the corresponding connection region of the flexible panel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A game device according to claim 2 wherein said first bar is disposed for limited rotary movement about its longitudinal axis and in parallel contact with the underside of said rigid panel,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A game device according to claim 2 including latching means supported by said frame and disposed for engagement with a portion of said second bar extending beyond the frame to selectively lock said second bar in a given pivot position to establish the elevation of the related connection region of the flexible panel.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-23 | 1975-02-22 | 1975-08-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-23 | 1979-02-22 | 1979-08-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-23 | 1983-02-22 | 1983-08-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |