US4831956A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tennis scoring apparatus
Assignee: HELLER FREDERIC NEAL 156 GREAT OAK LANE PLEASANTILLE NY 10570
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Filing: 1988-07-01
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Granted: 1989-05-23
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Expires: 2008-07-01
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a portable, yet full size tennis scoring apparatus. This scoring device is constructed of a durable fabric and is designed so as to be foldable about itself into a small and portable configuration and yet be unfoldable to a full size with adequate room for indicating players' names, set, game and point scoring tallies and promotional, organizational or sponsorship information. This tennis scoring apparatus is also designed so as to be large enough so that when it is unfolded it would be clearly visible to the players and spectators. Further, the apparatus is designed so it is capable of being affixed during use to either fence netting or netting post. This device also enables a player to accurately measure the height of the net at the center. Paddle-shaped markers are removably held in pockets formed on the fabric and register with scoring indicia placed on scoring placards which are also detachably held on the fabric.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard D. Thater
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:13
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B71/00; A63B71/06; A63B71/0619; A63B71/0669; A63B71/0672; A63B71/0036; A63B71/0045; A63B2210/00; A63B2210/50; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S273/00; Y10S273/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
211 words
A tennis scoring apparatus comprising (a) a flexible material being formed with means for detachably attaching at least two scoring placards to one side of said material and being formed with at least one set of eight pockets in line with and adjacent to the length of each of said scoring placards; (b) said at least two scoring placards bearing scoring indicia for a tennis match said scoring indicia being disposed on said placard so that each individual scoring indicia is adjacent to one of said pockets formed, on said flexible material and an area for a player's name to be affixed to each of said placards; (c) a set indicator marker removably insertable into the pockets formed on said flexible material for visual registration with one of said scoring indicia; (d) a game indicator marker of a different shape than said set indicator marker removably insertable into the pockets of said flexible material for visual registration with one of said scoring indicia, and (e) means for attaching said tennis scoring apparatus to a support structure whereby said set and game indicator markers may be inserted into said pockets formed on said tennis scoring apparatus so as to correspond to and record the set and game score of said tennis match.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
211 words
A tennis scoring apparatus comprising (a) a flexible material being formed with means for detachably attaching at least two scoring placards to one side of said material and being formed with at least one set of eight pockets in line with and adjacent to the length of each of said scoring placards; (b) said at least two scoring placards bearing scoring indicia for a tennis match said scoring indicia being disposed on said placard so that each individual scoring indicia is adjacent to one of said pockets formed, on said flexible material and an area for a player's name to be affixed to each of said placards; (c) a set indicator marker removably insertable into the pockets formed on said flexible material for visual registration with one of said scoring indicia; (d) a game indicator marker of a different shape than said set indicator marker removably insertable into the pockets of said flexible material for visual registration with one of said scoring indicia, and (e) means for attaching said tennis scoring apparatus to a support structure whereby said set and game indicator markers may be inserted into said pockets formed on said tennis scoring apparatus so as to correspond to and record the set and game score of said tennis match.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein the game indicator marker is paddle shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said set indicator marker is paddle shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claims 2 and 3 wherein said set indicator marker is larger than said game scoring marker.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said set and game indicator markers are different colors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 5 wherein the color said game indicator markers is selected from the colors yellow and red.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said set indicator marker is white.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a clear placard said placard including space for indicating non-scoring information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one end of said game and set indicator markers is disposably inserted into pockets formed on said tennis scoring apparatus.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said tennis scoring apparatus may be affixed by lashing it to said support structure.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said indicia and name including placards are affixed to said flexible material by hook and loop type fasteners.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus may be foldable about itself into a portable configuration.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible material is selected from the group consisting of natural and synthetic woven material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 13 wherein said material is nylon fabric.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
49 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pockets are formed on said material by affixing a second strip of flexible material across a surface of said tennis scoring apparatus in a manner which forms said pockets between means provided for affixing said second strip of flexible material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said scoring placards are formed of plastic.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 8 wherein said placard is formed of plastic.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is substantially rectangular in shape.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus is substantially square in shape.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 18 and 19 wherein said means for attaching said tennis scoring apparatus to a support structure comprises rings attached to at least two corners of said apparatus and lashings for affixing said rings to a support structure.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tennis scoring apparatus of claim 1 wherein said placards are 18 inches in length.
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) | 1992-05-22 | 1992-11-21 | 1993-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-22 | 1996-11-21 | 1997-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-22 | 2000-11-21 | 2001-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |