Mechanical guns and projectors – Centrifugal – Mechanical
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-22
2001-02-06
Ricci, John A. (Department: 3712)
Mechanical guns and projectors
Centrifugal
Mechanical
C124S017000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182648
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Scope of Invention
This invention relates generally to devices for hurling or throwing an object, and more particularly to a portable tennis ball throwing device attachable to an upright post of a tennis net.
2. Prior Art
The following U.S. patents disclose a number of devices for hurling or throwing a sports-related object such as a tennis ball, baseball or football as follows:
U.S. Pat. No. 1,777,976 Lacoste
U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,227 Scott
U.S. Pat. No. 3,802,409 Mike et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,261,319 Dixon
U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,643 Heilhecker et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,657 Rathmell
U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,527 Winchester
The '643 patent to Heilhecker teaches an apparatus for accurately and adjustably throwing the ball to a specific location with variable speed. The Heilhecker device is attachable by ground anchors to a horizontal surface and utilizes a flexible pouch and elastic straps in somewhat slingshot fashion to propel the ball along an elevated planar deck.
Mike, in U.S. patent '409 teaches an elastic-type surface supported portable indoor/outdoor ball-projecting device which is again anchorable to a horizontal surface and utilizes a slingshot arrangement to propel the ball.
A unique “twist” is found in the elastic powered curve-ball throwing device taught by Rathmell in U.S. '657. A pouch system holds the ball as it accelerates and subsequently releases the ball when the momentum of the ball carries it out of the decelerating pouch. A strap wrapped around the ball introduces spin necessary to effect a curved ball flight.
The present invention teaches a portable tennis ball-throwing device which is attachable to an upright post of a tennis net. The simplicity of the device and the versatility associated with ball velocity and vertical and horizontal angles of tennis ball flight at departure are also features of this present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a portable tennis net post-supported tennis ball throwing device including an elongated support member with a clamp arrangement for attaching the support member in an upright orientation to an upright tennis net support post. An elongated rigid throwing rod is pivotally connected at a lower end thereof to the support member by a pivotal connection therebetween. An elongated elastic actuator member, preferably formed of surgical tubing, is connected to and extends between the support member and the throwing rod at respective positions on the support member and the throwing rod spaced from the pivotal connection. A tennis ball holding member is connected adjacent a distal end of the throwing rod and opens toward the support member to receive a tennis ball placed therein. A resilient stop member is connected to the support member to make contact with the throwing rod as it accelerates toward a final position thereof by the stretched actuator member. The free length of the actuator member establishes an at-rest position of the throwing rod from which the throwing rod may be forcibly displaced by pivotal movement thereof away from said support member which elastically extends and tensions the actuator member into a ready position to hurl a tennis ball from the holding member when the throwing rod impacts against the stop member after being released from the ready position.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a portable tennis ball throwing device which is economical to manufacture and easy to deploy by attachment to an upright tennis net post.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a portable tennis ball throwing device utilized for practice which is capable of varying the height of the arch of the tennis ball in flight, as well as the horizontal angle of flight of the tennis ball with respect to the tennis net post.
In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1777976 (1930-10-01), Lacoste
patent: 2080958 (1937-05-01), Beasley et al.
patent: 3777733 (1973-12-01), Mitchell
patent: 3779227 (1973-12-01), Scott
patent: 3802409 (1974-04-01), Mike et al.
patent: 4111179 (1978-09-01), Hashimoto
patent: 4261319 (1981-04-01), Dixon
patent: 5123643 (1992-06-01), Heilhecker et al.
patent: 5383657 (1995-01-01), Rathmell
patent: 5975527 (1999-11-01), Winchester
patent: 816821 (1951-01-01), None
patent: 494211 (1919-09-01), None
Prescott Charles J.
Ricci John A.
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