US3863922A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Golf practice range and method of retrieving balls hit thereon
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1973-04-02
•
Granted: 1975-02-04
•
Expires: 1993-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A golf practice range construction including a gravity operated ball return system is disclosed and a method for recovering balls from the driving range for transfer to the aforementioned system.
Inventors
- 👤 Maurice E Peeples
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 06:43
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B69/00; A63B69/36; A63B69/3691; A63B69/3694; A63B47/00; A63B47/02; A63B47/024
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of retrieving golf balls from random locations on a golf practice range having a shallow V cross-section surface, the range having a ball collection station near one end thereof, the method comprising propelling a flexible drag assembly over the surface of the range longitudinally in one direction and toward the ball collection station and with the flexible drag assembly spanning substantially the full width of the range during its movement, restraining and guiding the opposite ends and the center of the flexible drag assembly during its movement over the range so that the assembly will be held in contact for its full length with the shallow V cross-section surface, thereby assuring engagement of the golf balls by the flexible drag assembly and the sweeping of the golf balls toward the collection station, and then delivering the golf balls by gravity near said one end of the range to the ball collection station.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
154 words
A method of retrieving golf balls from random locations on a golf practice range having a shallow V cross-section surface, the range having a ball collection station near one end thereof, the method comprising propelling a flexible drag assembly over the surface of the range longitudinally in one direction and toward the ball collection station and with the flexible drag assembly spanning substantially the full width of the range during its movement, restraining and guiding the opposite ends and the center of the flexible drag assembly during its movement over the range so that the assembly will be held in contact for its full length with the shallow V cross-section surface, thereby assuring engagement of the golf balls by the flexible drag assembly and the sweeping of the golf balls toward the collection station, and then delivering the golf balls by gravity near said one end of the range to the ball collection station.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as defined by claim 1, and providing sufficient slack in the flexible drag assembly to cause the restrained and guided center part thereof to lag behind the ends of the assembly during the movement thereof longitudinally over said range.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined by claim 2, wherein said flexiBle drag assembly embodies a cable and a series of roller elements strung thereon independently.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |