Patent US4861027A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4861027A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Tennis practice and game apparatus
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1987-12-04
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Granted: 1989-08-29
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Expires: 2007-12-04
Abstract
Abstract A tennis playing game apparatus of the type with a simulated net has a narrow hole cut through the net and a ball-throwing machine to throw balls through the hole. A thick layer of foam polymer and a layer of sheeting are provided to damp the rebound of tennis balls.
Inventors
- 👤 George K. Thaxton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 20:56
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B47/00; A63B47/02; A63B47/025; A63B63/00; A63B69/00; A63B69/0097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
135 words
An apparatus for practicing tennis whereby balls are hit by a player over a simulated net comprising: (A) a bin for collecting spent tennis balls, (B) a plurality of flexible sheets and a frame for supporting said sheets whereby said sheets deflect said spent balls into said bin, said sheet comprising: (1) a central back sheet, (2) left and right wing sheets extending therefrom and (3) triangular sheet members connecting said bin to said wing sheets whereby balls striking said wing sheets will enter said bin, (C) a substantially vertical surface of said simulated net defining a narrow opening, (D) a ball-throwing machine, said machine being positioned to throw said spent balls through said opening toward said player, and (E) funnel means for paying said spent balls from said sheets into said said ball-throwing machine.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
135 words
An apparatus for practicing tennis whereby balls are hit by a player over a simulated net comprising: (A) a bin for collecting spent tennis balls, (B) a plurality of flexible sheets and a frame for supporting said sheets whereby said sheets deflect said spent balls into said bin, said sheet comprising: (1) a central back sheet, (2) left and right wing sheets extending therefrom and (3) triangular sheet members connecting said bin to said wing sheets whereby balls striking said wing sheets will enter said bin, (C) a substantially vertical surface of said simulated net defining a narrow opening, (D) a ball-throwing machine, said machine being positioned to throw said spent balls through said opening toward said player, and (E) funnel means for paying said spent balls from said sheets into said said ball-throwing machine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said back sheet defines a target hole for said balls.
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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) | 1992-08-28 | 1993-02-27 | 1993-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-08-28 | 1997-02-27 | 1997-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-08-28 | 2001-02-27 | 2001-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |