US3717343A - Indoor-outdoor tennis game - Google Patents

Indoor-outdoor tennis game Download PDF

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Publication number
US3717343A
US3717343A US00117287A US3717343DA US3717343A US 3717343 A US3717343 A US 3717343A US 00117287 A US00117287 A US 00117287A US 3717343D A US3717343D A US 3717343DA US 3717343 A US3717343 A US 3717343A
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United States
Prior art keywords
tables
ball
net
game apparatus
game
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00117287A
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English (en)
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H Hartford
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Individual
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Individual
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
    • A63B67/04—Table games physically beneficial for the human body, modelled on outdoor sports, e.g. table tennis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/12—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player specially adapted for children
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S273/00—Amusement devices: games
    • Y10S273/24—Luminescent, phosphorescent

Definitions

  • An indoor-outdoor game apparatus wherein two to [if] CCII four p y provided with rackets g g in p y with 1 30 29 R a lightweight ball on an elevated playing surface com- [58] Field of Search prising two Spacedapartplaying Courts, the p y g m courts connected by means of a ball deflector.
  • the References uted playing courts comprise two tables with a plurality of UNITED STATES PATENTS legs and the ball deflector preferably comprises a net stretched between the tables and substantially parallel 3,622,156 l l/l97l Pugsley ..273/3O to and slightly below the surfaces of the tables.
  • the present invention relates to a novel racket and ball game played on an elevated playing surface.
  • the preferred type of racket, ball, and playing surface provide a game that can be used both indoors and outdoors and which simulates playing lawn tennis.
  • the present racket and ball game overcomes the above-mentioned problems and provides a game which gives the players the feeling of playing lawn tennis.
  • the novel game is played on an elevated playing surface comprised of two separate playing courts, such as two tables, the courts being separated a prespecified distance apart.
  • a ball deflector is positioned between and connected to the two tables.
  • the ball deflector is a net which is stretched between the tables substantially parallel to and slightly below the upper surfaces thereon.
  • the ball deflector deflects any errant balls landing between the tables and maintains the playing courts the prespecified distance apart.
  • the rackets utilized for the game preferably are similar to paddle tennis rackets but with gut like a tennis racket, and the ball utilized preferably is a lightweight sponge-type ball.
  • FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the novel playing surface
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the novel playing surface
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the novel playing surface through the ball deflector and showing another embodiment thereof;
  • FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a ball and racket utilized in playing the novel game, and shows generally the relative sizes thereof;
  • FIG. 5 is an isometric view of one of the playing courts illustrating the preferred two-sectioned embodiment thereof.
  • FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the novel playing surface showing another embodiment of the ball deflector.
  • the playing surface comprises two courts or tables 10 and 10' each supported by a plurality of legs 11.
  • the table 10 and 10' are spaced a distance apart and are separated by a ball deflector indicated generally by reference numeral 15.
  • the ball deflector 15 preferably comprises a fine mesh net 16 supported by a plurality of metal rods 17.
  • the net 16 can be any mesh net but should be durable for continued use both indoors and outdoors, able to be stretched tightly without failing or tearing, and have holes small enough to prevent the ball from settling on its surface. Preferably the net has openings on the order of one fourth to one half inch.
  • the net 16 can be attached permanently to each of the tables 10 and 10' and the rods 17 by, for example, staples or nails, or it can be attached in a removable fashion, such as by hooks (not shown).
  • the net 16 can be positioned across the full width of the space between the tables 10 and 10', but preferably is smaller in width, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the rods 17 can be of any material with sufficient mechanical strength to be connected to the tables 10 and 10' and positioned therebetween without sagging or buckling.
  • the rods 17 basically perform two functions, (1) they support the net in a taut position, and (2) they maintain the tables 10 and 10' a prespecified distance apart.
  • the rods 17 are telescopic or adjustable so that the tables 10 and 10 can be movable relative to one another for different games or for different abilities and ages of players.
  • a rod 17' can be positioned therebetween (FIG. 1). Rod 17' also acts to support the net 16.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 Although two rods 17 and one rod 17 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is understood that any number of rods 17 and 17' can be utilized. If it is preferred to arch the net 16 in its center, three rods 17 can be provided, as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the three rods 17 are not in the same horizontal plane, the center rod being slightly above a plane passing through the two outer rods. The position of the center rod also facilitates placement of rod 17' between the outer rods.
  • the arch in the net 16 is preferred in some cases to direct errant balls landing between the tables toward the sides and off the playing surface. In this manner, the players do not have to reach over the tables 10 and 10' or onto the net 16 in order to retrieve errant balls.
  • the tables 10 and 10' can be of any conventional type, such as two table tennis tables, although preferably the tables are wider, longer and lower than standard table tennis tables.
  • the tables can be made of plywood or any other relatively lightweight material with good mechanical strength, such as high density polystyrene or aluminum. If polystyrene or a similar material is utilized, the tables can be backed with wood or metal strips for added strength. It is also preferable to round the corners (not shown) of the tables 10 and 10', at least the corners nearest the players, in order to prevent injuries.
  • each table be comprised of two sections A and B (FIG. 5). Dividing each table into two sections facilitates handling and storing of the game apparatus. Sections A and B are generally rectangular in shape, are substantially the same size, and each have four legs. Means (not shown) for releasably fastening together sections A and B also can be provided.
  • the edges of the tables 10 and 10' are marked by thin rectangular-shaped border strips 20 and 20', respectively, and thin midline strips 21 and 21', respectively, which divide each of the tables 10 and 10' into two playing courts (FIG. 1).
  • the strips preferably are painted on the tables, but they also can consist of strips of colored tape.
  • the strips 20 and 20' are provided so that the players can readily ascertain the positions of the outside edges of the courts and the strips 21 and 21 are provided particularly for doubles play wherein two teams of two players use the game apparatus.
  • each table 10 and 10' is comprised of two sections A and B (FIG. 5), the mid-line strips are unnecessary and each section is marked only with a thin rectangular-shaped border strip 20".
  • a ball holder 25 and 25' which stores extra balls for play.
  • the holders 25 and 25' are preferably located generally in the longitudinal center of the tables 10 and 10 and close to their outside edges 50 (FIG. 1 When the tables 10 and 10' are comprised of two sections A and B, the ball holder can be located under either section. As shown in FIG. 5, ball holder 25 is located beneath section B of table 10.
  • the racket and ball preferably used with the novel game apparatus are shown in FIG. 4.
  • the racket or bat 30 can be of any standard paddle tennis or paddle ball paddle, either string or wood.
  • the paddle is made of string and weighs slightly less than standard paddles. For example, most wood paddle tennis paddles weigh 14 to 16 ounces and for the present game, a string paddle weighing approximately 10 to 12 ounces is preferred.
  • the ball 35 can be of any rubber or plastic type, such as a solid rubber ball or an air filled latex ball, but preferably is a sponge-type ball, for example, foamed urethane, approximately 4 inches in diameter and one half to three fourths ounces in weight.
  • NERF a product of Parker Brothers.
  • An advantage of using a sponge-type ball lies in the noiseless manner in which the game is played.
  • a foamed urethane ball one half to three fourths ounces in weight is preferred when the game is used indoors, but when the game is used outdoors where wind and atmospheric conditions are factors, the ball preferably is slightly heavier, for example, on the order of 1 to 1% ounces in weight. Further, when the game is used outdoors at night, the ball 35 and the strips 20, 20, 20", 21 and 21' can be made luminous.
  • spikes or talons can be attached to one or more of the legs 17 of the tables 10 and 10' to anchor the tables in position.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates the novel two-table game apparatus utilizing another form of ball deflector 40.
  • This embodiment is preferably utilized where the tables 10 and 10' have one or more legs 11 in the center thereof, for example, when the two-sectioned embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is used.
  • the ball deflector 40 has an inverted- V shape and is connected by means (not shown) to the legs 11'. The deflector 40 thus rests on the ground and connects the tables 10 and 10' together and maintains them a prespecified distance apart.
  • the ball deflector 40 can be made of any light-weight material with good mechanical strength. Such materials can be, for example, thin plywood, sheet metal, or polystyrene. Similar to rods 17, the ball deflector 40 preferably should be made adjustable to facilitate movement of the tables 10 and 10 relative to one another.
  • the ball deflector 40 can be made of two overlapping sections that are slidable relative to one another. To facilitate sliding and yet maintain the overlapping sections together, the uppermost of the over-lapping sections can be provided with Ion gitudinal slots (not shown) and the lower of the sections can be provided with pegs or screws (not shown) corresponding to the slots.
  • each of the tables 10 and 10 should be a total of 6 feet by 12 feet in surface area and approximately 26 inches to 30 inches from the floor or ground. If two sections A and B are used, each section thus should be 6 feet by 6 feet in area. For play, the tables 10 and 10' should be spaced 4 feet to 6 feet apart with the most preferred distance being 6 feet. With these dimensions, the players standing on opposite ends of the playing surface have an overall court approximately 12 feet by 18 feet in area, and an opposite court 6 feet by 12 feet in which to serve or return the ball.
  • the tables 10 and 10' can be moved closer together so that the ball deflector is narrowed to 4 feet in width.
  • the net should be approximately 6 feet by 8 feet in area, stretched tautly between the tables, and positioned approximately one fourth inch to 2 inches below the surfaces of the tables.
  • separate nets of 4 feet by 8 feet and 6 feet by 8 feet can be provided, preferably one net of the greater area is utilized and simply adjusted to the smaller distance.
  • the player serving in singles play stands beyond the backline 50 of his respective table 10 or 10' on either one side or the other of the mid-strip 21 or 21.
  • a player may serve from beyond the corners of the table, but not forward of the backline 50.
  • the server then throws the ball 35 into the air and serves it to the diagonally adjacent portion of the opponents table with an overhand stroke of the racket 30, the stroke being similar to that used in lawn tennis. Service thus is diagonally across the ball deflector 16 from one-half of one of the tables 10 or 10' to the diagonally opposite one-half of the other table.
  • the serve On the serve, if the ball 35 hits the inside edge 51 of the opposite table and bounces onto the opposite table, or if the ball 35 lands on the border strips 20 or 20', except that portion nearest edge 51, then the serve is a let and the server is allowed to take the serve over. On a return or during a rally, however, all of the border strip 20 and the edge 51 is in play. Also, on the serve, if the ball 35 lands on the mid-line strip 21 and 21 it is in P y- Whether on the serve or otherwise, if the ball 35 hits the net 16, the inside edge 51 of the opposite table and bounces back onto the net 16, or fails to drop within the opposing court 10 or 10', his opponent registers a point. The players are free to move back and forth beyond their respective end lines 50, except when serving.
  • the game thus is played like lawn tennis and also is scored like lawn tennis, with the exception of the serve where the server only has one serve per point as opposed to two in lawn tennis.
  • scoring the first two points count fifteen each, the third ten, and the fourth wins the game.
  • the score is deuce.
  • the next player to score has the advantage and the one who scores two successive points after deuce is the winner.
  • Six games constitute a set but again a player must win by two games. Thus, if the score goes to five games each, a player must win two successive games to win the set. Most matches are decided on a best two-out-of-three sets although the best three-out-of-five sets may be played.
  • the service changes hands from one player to the opposing one after each game. Also, a player must keep one foot on the floor or ground at all times and may place one hand on the table in reaching for the ball.
  • the service, play and scoring are conducted similar to singles play.
  • the player of the serving team stands behind the line 50 on either one side or the other of mid-line strip 21 or 21 and serves the ball 35 to the diagonally adjacent portion of the opponents table.
  • the ball 35 can be returned to either of the opposite double courts and can be returned by the player standing at that position, i.e., the double players do not have to alternate in returning and rallying the ball 35.
  • the members of the double teams only switch positions behind the end lines 50 after every other game.
  • a game apparatus comprising two tables, each table having an upper surface and at least one supporting leg member, the upper surfaces of the tables having substantially the same elevation, and a net positioned between the two tables, the plane of the net being substantially parallel to the plane of the surfaces of the tables and the net being substantially in the same plane as the surfaces of the tables.
  • a game apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising at least one rod positioned between and attached to the two tables.
  • each of the two tables comprises two adjacent sections, each section having at least one supporting leg member.
  • a game apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a ball holder positioned below and attached to at least one of the tables.
  • the net is fine mesh and positioned between onefourth to 2 inches below said surfaces.
  • each of the tables comprise two sections approximately 6 feet by 6 feet in area.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
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US00117287A 1971-02-22 1971-02-22 Indoor-outdoor tennis game Expired - Lifetime US3717343A (en)

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US11728771A 1971-02-22 1971-02-22

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US (1) US3717343A (enExample)
AU (1) AU3910472A (enExample)
CA (1) CA935837A (enExample)
DE (1) DE2208311A1 (enExample)
FR (1) FR2127675A5 (enExample)
GB (1) GB1327163A (enExample)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3971560A (en) * 1975-03-21 1976-07-27 Alpha Nova Development Corporation Fluorescent table tennis assembly
US4042236A (en) * 1975-05-21 1977-08-16 Leprevost Dale Alan Tennis game method and apparatus
US4333646A (en) * 1979-08-01 1982-06-08 Robert Pfeilsticker Tennis practice and training aid
US4521017A (en) * 1984-02-23 1985-06-04 Mccready James B Table tennis game and training apparatus
US4556218A (en) * 1984-05-30 1985-12-03 Barron David J Elevated court game apparatus
US4900022A (en) * 1987-08-18 1990-02-13 Carlo Maggio Tabletop ball game and equipment
US5370390A (en) * 1993-10-26 1994-12-06 Swanson; Wayne L. Illuminated croquet set
US5489241A (en) * 1994-07-21 1996-02-06 Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corp. Ultraviolet light illuminated bowling game
US5649869A (en) * 1996-07-31 1997-07-22 Amf Bowling, Inc. Fluorescent bowling pins
US5795250A (en) * 1995-11-02 1998-08-18 Cripe; Larry Duane Tethered ball practice device
US5941778A (en) * 1998-02-09 1999-08-24 Vasalech; Glen A. Luminescent billiard game system
US6645096B1 (en) 2002-10-24 2003-11-11 Sportcraft, Ltd Foldable table tennis table
US20090163301A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 John Flading Baseball Practice Systems
WO2012047285A1 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-12 Ben Fatherree Ball and elevated court sport
US11691060B1 (en) 2022-02-08 2023-07-04 Eastpoint Sports Ltd., Llc Adjustable net system

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB190210643A (en) * 1902-05-09 1903-04-16 Reginald Heber Radcliffe Improvements in or relating to Tables for Playing the Game of Ping Pong or Table Tennis.
US3622156A (en) * 1969-05-23 1971-11-23 Jack H Pugsley Game table

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB190210643A (en) * 1902-05-09 1903-04-16 Reginald Heber Radcliffe Improvements in or relating to Tables for Playing the Game of Ping Pong or Table Tennis.
US3622156A (en) * 1969-05-23 1971-11-23 Jack H Pugsley Game table

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3971560A (en) * 1975-03-21 1976-07-27 Alpha Nova Development Corporation Fluorescent table tennis assembly
US4042236A (en) * 1975-05-21 1977-08-16 Leprevost Dale Alan Tennis game method and apparatus
US4333646A (en) * 1979-08-01 1982-06-08 Robert Pfeilsticker Tennis practice and training aid
US4521017A (en) * 1984-02-23 1985-06-04 Mccready James B Table tennis game and training apparatus
US4556218A (en) * 1984-05-30 1985-12-03 Barron David J Elevated court game apparatus
US4900022A (en) * 1987-08-18 1990-02-13 Carlo Maggio Tabletop ball game and equipment
US5370390A (en) * 1993-10-26 1994-12-06 Swanson; Wayne L. Illuminated croquet set
US5529541A (en) * 1994-07-21 1996-06-25 Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corp. Ultraviolet light illuminated bowling lane
US5489241A (en) * 1994-07-21 1996-02-06 Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corp. Ultraviolet light illuminated bowling game
US5888142A (en) * 1994-07-21 1999-03-30 Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation Ultraviolet light illuminated bowling game
US5795250A (en) * 1995-11-02 1998-08-18 Cripe; Larry Duane Tethered ball practice device
US5649869A (en) * 1996-07-31 1997-07-22 Amf Bowling, Inc. Fluorescent bowling pins
US5941778A (en) * 1998-02-09 1999-08-24 Vasalech; Glen A. Luminescent billiard game system
US6645096B1 (en) 2002-10-24 2003-11-11 Sportcraft, Ltd Foldable table tennis table
US20090163301A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 John Flading Baseball Practice Systems
US7914400B2 (en) 2007-12-21 2011-03-29 John Flading Baseball practice systems
WO2012047285A1 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-12 Ben Fatherree Ball and elevated court sport
US8282511B2 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-10-09 Ben Fatherree Ball and elevated court sport
US11691060B1 (en) 2022-02-08 2023-07-04 Eastpoint Sports Ltd., Llc Adjustable net system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1327163A (en) 1973-08-15
DE2208311A1 (de) 1972-09-07
CA935837A (en) 1973-10-23
AU3910472A (en) 1973-08-23
FR2127675A5 (enExample) 1972-10-13

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