Patent US5217222A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5217222A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Toy racket with sound resonating membrane
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-07-16
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Granted: 1993-06-08
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Expires: 2012-07-16
Abstract
Abstract There is disclosed a racket having a perimeter frame with a tympanum stretched across the frame and formed of a flexible film tautly stretched within the frame, thereby forming a sound-reverberating and resonating ball impact surface, and a handle which extends outwardly from the frame. Preferably the film is transparent and bears graphics or printed matter. The racket is used in a game utilizing a soft plastic foam ball of an elastomer which is struck by the racket using one or more players who participate by striking the ball repeatedly during the game.
Inventors
- 👤 Elliot Rudell
- 👤 George Foster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:35
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B59/00; A63B59/80; A63B51/00; A63B51/02; A63B51/04; A63B60/00; A63B60/06; A63B60/08; A63B49/00; A63B49/02; A63B2049/0205; A63B71/00; A63B71/06; A63B71/0619; A63B71/0622; A63B2071/0625; A63B2208/00; A63B2208/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
A toy racket comprising: a paddle having an outer perimeter frame formed by first and second frame members, the first and second frame members joined together along a longitudinal seam; a hoop member for insertion between the first and second frame members; a tympanum formed of a plastic film stretched across and tautly secured to the hoop member, the tympanum and hoop member forming a separate subassembly from the outer perimeter frame; and a handle defined by a rigid longitudinal member attached to the outer perimeter frame, the handle having its longitudinal axis extending outwardly from the frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
A toy racket comprising: a paddle having an outer perimeter frame formed by first and second frame members, the first and second frame members joined together along a longitudinal seam; a hoop member for insertion between the first and second frame members; a tympanum formed of a plastic film stretched across and tautly secured to the hoop member, the tympanum and hoop member forming a separate subassembly from the outer perimeter frame; and a handle defined by a rigid longitudinal member attached to the outer perimeter frame, the handle having its longitudinal axis extending outwardly from the frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the tympanum defines an impact surface, the impact surface being capable of imparting a reverberating and resonating sound upon impact with a projectile.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the tympanum subassembly defines an acoustical cavity within the outer perimeter frame.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the paddle is formed of molded plastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the paddle is hollowform.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the handle is formed of molded plastic.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the handle is hollowform.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the tympanum comprises a transparent plastic film having a thickness from about 0.002 inch to about 0.1 inch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the plastic film comprises a polyester film.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the plastic film comprises polyethylene.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The toy racket of claim 1 including hinge means between said first and second frame members.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
48 words
The toy racket of claim 1 wherein said hoop member is a circular channel having an annular groove, and wherein the peripheral edges of said tympanum are wedged into said annular groove and secured therein with a ring member which is inserted over said tympanum into said groove.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, further comprising a solvent, wherein the first and second frame members are joined by said solvent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The toy racket defined in claim 13, wherein the solvent comprises a cement bond.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, further comprising a thermal weld, wherein the first and second frame members are joined by said thermal weld.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, further comprising an ultrasonic weld, wherein the first and second frame members are joined by said ultrasonic weld.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members each further comprise an inwardly depending inner ridge, the inwardly depending inner ridges defining an annular interior of the outer perimeter frame.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The toy racket defined in claim 17, wherein the inwardly depending inner ridges retain the hoop member within the annular interior of the outer perimeter frame.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter frame is substantially circular.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The toy racket defined in claim 8, wherein the tympanum bears graphic material.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the tympanum subassembly is secured between the first and second frame members upon assembly.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The toy racket defined in claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members comprise opposing, mirror-image halves forming the outer perimeter frame.
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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) | 1996-06-07 | 1996-12-07 | 1997-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-06-07 | 2000-12-07 | 2001-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-06-07 | 2004-12-07 | 2005-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |