US3692307A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Live action backboard
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-11-20
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Granted: 1972-09-19
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Expires: 1990-11-20
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates broadly to a new type of backboard or practice board which is used for returning tennis balls or other balls played against its surface. The backboard is constructed of materials and is so designed as to give to the practicing player the impression that he is actually facing a competitor who appears on the surface of the backboard. The backboard is in part constructed of pictorial parallax panoramagram units which depict in depth one or more tennis players in various positions. The units are designed so that the depicted players appear to move when the practicing player changes position with respect to the backboard.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis B Henry
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:51
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B69/00; A63B69/0097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A practice device for improving a player''s performance and skills by creating for said player simulated game conditions whereby said practicing player visualizes he is actually facing an opponent player comprising, substantially vertically disposed surface means against which a practicing player may repetitively direct an object, said surface means including an optical display unit comprising a pictorial parallax panoramagram which pictorially depicts at least one illusory opponent player in a plurality of changing positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A practice device for improving a player''s performance and skills by creating for said player simulated game conditions whereby said practicing player visualizes he is actually facing an opponent player comprising, substantially vertically disposed surface means against which a practicing player may repetitively direct an object, said surface means including an optical display unit comprising a pictorial parallax panoramagram which pictorially depicts at least one illusory opponent player in a plurality of changing positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The practice device of claim 1 in which the panoramagram depicts at least one illusory opponent player in a plurality of opponent player positions depending upon the relative position of the practicing player with respect to the panoramagram whereby when said practicing player moves with respect to the device it will appear to him as if his illusory opponent is making counter moves.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The practice device of claim 1 in which the surface means of the practice device comprises a tennis backboard, said backboard having a substantially planar surface against which a practicing player can pound a tennis ball and including said optical display mounted so as to be in the view of the practiCing player.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The practice device of claim 3 in which said optical display unit depicts in depth at least a portion of a tennis court.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
43 words
The practice device of claim 4 in which the depiction of the tennis court illustrates side lines, service lines and the base line in proper perspective whereby a practicing player envisions that he is pounding his tennis ball into a real tennis court.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The practice device of claim 4 in which said optical display unit depicts a pair of illusory opponent players in appropriate tennis attire and in characteristic doubles positions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The practice device of claim 6 in which said optical display unit depicts illusory opponent players who move to and from a net tape representation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
64 words
A tennis backboard comprising a substantially planar surface having thereon a representation of a net tape and against which tennis balls may be repetitively stroked, an optical display unit forming at least part of said surface, said optical display unit comprising a lenticular screen and a lineated image layer pictorially depicting at least one illusory opponent tennis player in a number of changeable positions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
64 words
A tennis backboard comprising a substantially planar surface having thereon a representation of a net tape and against which tennis balls may be repetitively stroked, an optical display unit forming at least part of said surface, said optical display unit comprising a lenticular screen and a lineated image layer pictorially depicting at least one illusory opponent tennis player in a number of changeable positions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A backboard as defined in claim 8 in which said optical display unit depicts at least one famous tennis player.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
A backboard as defined in claim 8 in which said optical display unit depicts an illusory opponent tennis player who appears to move from side to side in response to side to side movement of a practicing player.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
34 words
A backboard as defined in claim 8 in which said optical display unit depicts a pair of illusory opponent tennis players who appear to change position in response to movement of a practicing player.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
A tennis training device comprising a backboard disposed substantially vertically such that tennis balls may be repetitively served and stroked thereagainst, said backboard including a parallax panoramagram pictorially representing at least one illusory tennis player in a plurality of positions on said backboard corresponding to positions which might occur in a tennis match.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
A tennis training device comprising a backboard disposed substantially vertically such that tennis balls may be repetitively served and stroked thereagainst, said backboard including a parallax panoramagram pictorially representing at least one illusory tennis player in a plurality of positions on said backboard corresponding to positions which might occur in a tennis match.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-19 | 1976-03-20 | 1976-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-19 | 1980-03-20 | 1980-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-19 | 1984-03-20 | 1984-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |