Amusement devices: games – Aerial projectile game; game element or accessory therefor... – Target
Patent
1986-12-01
1988-04-05
Pinkham, Richard C.
Amusement devices: games
Aerial projectile game; game element or accessory therefor...
Target
124 50, 124 51A, A63B 3900
Patent
active
047354054
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
This U.S. application stems from PCT International Application No. PCT/AU85/00069 filed Apr. 4, 1985.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a training device especially for use with table tennis tables.
BACKGROUND ART
Practice aids are required by tennis players of all levels. Experienced players need regular practice to maintain and develop keen hand-eye coordination and to maintain a competitive level of play. Recreational players need practice and exercise on their own schedules when partners may not be available. Beginners need concentrated practice on the fundamentals of table tennis, to develop strokes and a game style suitable for more serious play.
One practice aid or training device for self practicing table tennis, ping pong or like games is to hit the ball against a resilient back surface, such as one half of a foldable table which has been folded such that one half thereof is substantially perpendicular. This has a disadvantage in that, firstly not all tables can be folded in this manner and, secondly, it does not aid practice on the full length of the table in its normal horizontal position.
Practice aids or training devices for table tennis and the like are known including apparatus for projecting one or more balls towards the player. Some known devices have also incorporated means to facilitate recovery and recycling of balls which have fallen out of play. However, such devices have generally tended to be somewhat limited in that the angle of projection of the delivered balls cannot be readily varied during play and because a variety of strokes cannot be played or practiced to provide sufficient game practice.
In addition some practice aids have been relatively complex to manufacture and there is a need to provide a practice aid or training aid which is versatile in performance while being simple in concept and relatively low in manufacturing costs.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an apparatus that can be arranged to provide a variety of angled shots without between game adjustments and also a device that allows more than one ball in play if it is desired to quicken ones reflexes.
According to the present invention there is provided a training device for use with table tennis tables which device is adapted to be attached to a table tennis table and which ejects table tennis balls towards a user (at an angle and speed which more realistically simulates return play from a player at the opposite end of the table), the device being characterized by a source of compressed air having at least two outlet means one of which is in operative communication with a first type ejector tube having means for regulating the entry of balls therein, the second outlet means being in operative communication with at least one second type ejector tube which can be variably angled relative to the table and wherein each second type ejector tube is provided with a downwardly opening aperture in its peripheral wall and is adapted to be located adjacent to wall means disposed so as to guide the balls toward the apertures.
In another aspect of the present invention the second outlet means is in operative communication with a manifold which is in operative communication with a plurality of second type ejector tubes spaced apart along the manifold.
According to the present invention there is further provided a table tennis practice device for use in connection with a table tennis table comprising: pliant screen means associated with the frame means to provide a back stop for table tennis balls; to abut with and extend the width of the table; and located behind the screen means and the wall means the ejecting device comprising a source of compressed air having at least two outlet means one of which is in operative communication with a first type ejector tube extending through said screen means and having means for regulating the entry of balls therein, the second outlet means being in communication with a manifold which is in operativ
REFERENCES:
patent: 3662729 (1972-05-01), Henderson
patent: 4021037 (1977-05-01), Torbet
patent: 4046131 (1977-09-01), Clark et al.
patent: 4108432 (1922-08-01), Clark et al.
patent: 4559918 (1985-12-01), Ballerin et al.
Brown T.
Pinkham Richard C.
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