US4509362A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for testing game balls
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1983-07-15
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Granted: 1985-04-09
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Expires: 2003-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A device is disclosed for testing the resilience of a game ball. The device comprises a tubular member having an opening at one end for receiving a game gall to be tested. A striking surface on the other end of the tubular member and calibrated markings along the length of the tubular member indicate the degree of resiliency of the game ball by virtue of the distance the game ball rebounds from the striking surface when the ball is dropped from the opening.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert V. Lyons
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:07
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N3/00; G01N3/40; G01N3/52; G01N33/00; G01N33/0078; G01N33/008; G01N2203/00; G01N2203/02; G01N2203/0202; G01N2203/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
A device for testing a game ball comprising in combination: a substantially tubular member having a top opening for receiving the game ball inserted therein when said tubular member is in a vertical position; said opening enabling the operator to drop the game ball from a predetermined position on said tubular member; said tubular member further including; a plurality of vertically spaced cylindrical bands; at least three vertically extending guides interconnecting said bands; said guides being equidistantly spaced about said cylindrical bands; a striking surface secured to said tubular member in proximity to a bottom portion of said tubular member when said tubular member is in the vertical position; calibrated markings disposed along the length of said tubular member for indicating the degree of resiliency of the game ball in accordance with the rebound of the same from said striking surface, said calibrated markings comprising markings to indicate a dead ball, old ball and live ball, respectively; and each of said guides projecting inwardly of said tubular member along the longitudinal length thereof for guiding the game ball to be tested from said opening toward said striking surface and for guiding the game ball during the rebound from said striking surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
201 words
A device for testing a game ball comprising in combination: a substantially tubular member having a top opening for receiving the game ball inserted therein when said tubular member is in a vertical position; said opening enabling the operator to drop the game ball from a predetermined position on said tubular member; said tubular member further including; a plurality of vertically spaced cylindrical bands; at least three vertically extending guides interconnecting said bands; said guides being equidistantly spaced about said cylindrical bands; a striking surface secured to said tubular member in proximity to a bottom portion of said tubular member when said tubular member is in the vertical position; calibrated markings disposed along the length of said tubular member for indicating the degree of resiliency of the game ball in accordance with the rebound of the same from said striking surface, said calibrated markings comprising markings to indicate a dead ball, old ball and live ball, respectively; and each of said guides projecting inwardly of said tubular member along the longitudinal length thereof for guiding the game ball to be tested from said opening toward said striking surface and for guiding the game ball during the rebound from said striking surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 1 wherein said striking surface is located on one face of an insert fixedly secured within said tubular member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 2 wherein said striking surface is substantially planar.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 2 wherein said insert is cylindrical.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 2 wherein said insert is made of steel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 2 wherein said insert has an annular groove therein, said annular groove locking said insert to the tubular member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device for testing a golf ball as set forth in claim 1 wherein said calibrated markings are located on all three of said guides.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
A device for testing a golf ball as set forth in claim 7 wherein said calibrated marking to indicate dead ball is nearest to said striking surface and said marking to indicate live ball is nearest to said top opening.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device for testing a golf ball as set forth in claim 7 wherein said calibrated marking to indicate an old ball is located between indications for a dead and live ball.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
53 words
A device for testing a golf ball as set forth in claim 7 wherein said calibrated markings are located on each of said guides, said markings on one guide corresponding with an 80 compressions type golf ball while the markings on the other guides correspond respectively with 90 and 100 compressions-type golf balls.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 10 wherein said tubular member is of a plastics material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 11 wherein said tubular member is a one-piece molding of plastics material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device for testing a game ball as set forth in claim 12 wherein said tubular member is molded about a metal insert.
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) | 1988-04-08 | 1988-10-08 | 1989-04-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-04-08 | 1992-10-08 | 1993-04-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-04-08 | 1996-10-08 | 1997-04-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |