US3904202A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Racket
Assignee: JOHN A DELOREAN CORP
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Filing: 1974-06-14
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Granted: 1975-09-09
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Expires: 1994-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A racket including a string tensioning system symmetrically disposed about the racket frame so as to impose substantially equal string tension forces throughout the length of the frame.
Inventors
- 👤 John Z Delorean
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 06:55
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B51/00; A63B51/12; A63B51/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A racket of the type including a shaft, an enlarged closed frame extending from one end of said shaft, a plurality of string elements stretched about the frame to form open-weave ball engaging surfaces, said frame member including at least one substantially continuous surface extending throughout the length of the frame, and means for mechanically adjusting the tension of said string elements, said tension adjusting means including: a. an integral, non-stretchable member of constant cross-section supported upon and extending substantially entirely about the length of said frame surface and including a pair of end portions; b. each string element including a pair of longitudinally spaced end portions each operatively connected to said member; and c. adjustable mechanical means mounted upon said frame and coacting with the pair of end portions of said member for moving said end portions to thereby uniformly adjust the tension of each string element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A racket of the type including a shaft, an enlarged closed frame extending from one end of said shaft, a plurality of string elements stretched about the frame to form open-weave ball engaging surfaces, said frame member including at least one substantially continuous surface extending throughout the length of the frame, and means for mechanically adjusting the tension of said string elements, said tension adjusting means including: a. an integral, non-stretchable member of constant cross-section supported upon and extending substantially entirely about the length of said frame surface and including a pair of end portions; b. each string element including a pair of longitudinally spaced end portions each operatively connected to said member; and c. adjustable mechanical means mounted upon said frame and coacting with the pair of end portions of said member for moving said end portions to thereby uniformly adjust the tension of each string element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A racket as set forth in claim 1 in which the adjustable means comprises a cam element rotatably supported upon said frame and in operative engagement with the end portions of said member, rotation of said cam element changing the effective length of said member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
113 words
A racket of the type including a shaft, an enlarged closed frame extending from one end of said shaft, a plurality of string elements stretched about the frame to form open-weave ball engaging surfaces, each string element including a pair of longitudinally spaced end portions proximate said frame, and means for mechanically adjusting the tension of said string elements, said tension adjusting means including: a. a circular ring member supported upon and extending about the length of said frame; b. the end portions of each string element operatively connected to said ring member; and c. means for rotating said ring member relative to said frame to vary the tension of each string element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
113 words
A racket of the type including a shaft, an enlarged closed frame extending from one end of said shaft, a plurality of string elements stretched about the frame to form open-weave ball engaging surfaces, each string element including a pair of longitudinally spaced end portions proximate said frame, and means for mechanically adjusting the tension of said string elements, said tension adjusting means including: a. a circular ring member supported upon and extending about the length of said frame; b. the end portions of each string element operatively connected to said ring member; and c. means for rotating said ring member relative to said frame to vary the tension of each string element.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
A racket as set forth in claim 3 in which said frame includes a first set of openings through which the end portions of each string element extend, a second set of openings formed in said ring said second set of openings being radially spaced from and initially aligned with said first set of openings, the end portions of each string element extending through said second set of openings and being fixed relative to the ring.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
138 words
A racket of the type including a shaft, an enlarged closed frame extending from one end of said shaft, a plurality of string elements stretched about the frame to form open-weave ball engaging surfaces, and means for mechanically adjusting the tension of said string elements, said tension adjusting means including: a. a recess formed in said frame and extending substantially throughout the length thereof; b. said recess including a cam surface; c. an integral member of constant cross-section at least partially disposed within said recess and extending substantially throughout the length thereof; d. each string element including a pair of longitudinally spaced end portions retaining said member against said cam surface; e. adjustable mechanical means Mounted upon said frame and adapted to move said member relative to said cam surface to adjust the tension of each string element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
138 words
A racket of the type including a shaft, an enlarged closed frame extending from one end of said shaft, a plurality of string elements stretched about the frame to form open-weave ball engaging surfaces, and means for mechanically adjusting the tension of said string elements, said tension adjusting means including: a. a recess formed in said frame and extending substantially throughout the length thereof; b. said recess including a cam surface; c. an integral member of constant cross-section at least partially disposed within said recess and extending substantially throughout the length thereof; d. each string element including a pair of longitudinally spaced end portions retaining said member against said cam surface; e. adjustable mechanical means Mounted upon said frame and adapted to move said member relative to said cam surface to adjust the tension of each string element.
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) | 1978-09-08 | 1979-03-10 | 1979-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-08 | 1983-03-10 | 1983-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-08 | 1987-03-10 | 1987-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |