US4042156A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tennis ball holder
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-01-30
•
Granted: 1977-08-16
•
Expires: 1996-01-30
Abstract
Abstract An improved tennis ball carrier adapted to be carried on the person of a player comprises an axial structure divided into two axially aligned compartments and provided with a retaining lip at the mouth of each opposed open end, at least one side opening or means permitting fingers to access the mouth-opposing back side of an enclosed tennis ball and means for maintaining a snug hold on enclosed tennis balls under game playing conditions, but which still permits ready access to the back side of the ball. A belt or other clothing attachment may be provided permitting a player to harness the device to the body. A tennis ball held by the device may be released by applying finger pressure to the back side of the enclosed tennis ball compressing the ball sufficiently while urging it past the lip retaining it in the enclosure.
Inventors
- 👤 Lynn E. Knight
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 21:41
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B47/00; A63B47/001; A63B2208/00; A63B2208/12; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S224/00; Y10S224/919
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
217 words
A carrier adapted to be attached to the person of a tennis player for temporarily enclosing at least one tennis ball, comprising: a generally rigid cylinder terminating in at least one open end, said open end having a pair of diametrically generally rigid protrusions each extending inwardly about a portion of the circumference of said cylinder to define a chamber with a circular opening therefrom less than the diameter of a tennis ball; a pair of diametrically opposed slots formed between said protrusions, said slots being of less width than the diameter of a tennis ball and extending along said cylinder to a location spaced from said opening by a distance sufficient to permit digital access to the back side of an enclosed ball; means for biasing said ball against said protrusions; and means for attaching said device to the person of said player, whereby a tennis ball temporarily enclosed by said can be removed therefrom such as by said player inserting a finger and thumb through said slots against the back side of said enclosed ball with sufficient force to the surface of said ball to cause said ball to be temporarily deformed without appreciable deformation of said protrusions so as to pass in an axial direction beyond said protrusions and be free of said chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
217 words
A carrier adapted to be attached to the person of a tennis player for temporarily enclosing at least one tennis ball, comprising: a generally rigid cylinder terminating in at least one open end, said open end having a pair of diametrically generally rigid protrusions each extending inwardly about a portion of the circumference of said cylinder to define a chamber with a circular opening therefrom less than the diameter of a tennis ball; a pair of diametrically opposed slots formed between said protrusions, said slots being of less width than the diameter of a tennis ball and extending along said cylinder to a location spaced from said opening by a distance sufficient to permit digital access to the back side of an enclosed ball; means for biasing said ball against said protrusions; and means for attaching said device to the person of said player, whereby a tennis ball temporarily enclosed by said can be removed therefrom such as by said player inserting a finger and thumb through said slots against the back side of said enclosed ball with sufficient force to the surface of said ball to cause said ball to be temporarily deformed without appreciable deformation of said protrusions so as to pass in an axial direction beyond said protrusions and be free of said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A carrier in accordance with claim 1 and further characterized by said generally rigid protrusions being formed at about a right angle to said cylinder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
A ball carrier according to claim 1, wherein said biasing means comprises a laterally and axially compressible resilient foam pad disposed in said chamber adapted to confront the back side of the enclosed ball, said pad being operative to substantially conform to the confronting surface of the enclosed ball, and being sufficiently pliant to permit ready finger access to the pad-confronting side of the enclosed ball.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A ball carrier according to claim 3, wherein said biasing means further comprises a compressible spring disposed between said ball-confronting foam pad and the inner wall of said chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A ball carrier according to claim 3, wherein said foam pad is disposed confronting the inner wall of said chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A tennis ball carrier according to claim 1, wherein said attaching means includes a belt permitting a player to fasten the structure to the player's torso.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A tennis ball carrier according to claim 1, wherein said rigid protrusions comprise an inwardly directed rigid lip defining the minimum diameter of said mouth.
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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) | 1980-08-15 | 1981-02-14 | 1981-08-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-08-15 | 1985-02-14 | 1985-08-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-08-15 | 1989-02-14 | 1989-08-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |