Paddle for playing platform tennis, paddle ball and the like

• US 4,222,563 A
• Filed: 03/30/1979
• Issued: 09/16/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Lois L. Weinroth, Thomas E. Heftler
• Original Assignee: Lois L. Weinroth, Thomas E. Heftler
• Inventors: Weinroth, Lois L., Heftler, Thomas E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Apley, Richard J.
• Application Number:
  US06/025,673
• Time in Patent Office: 536 Days
• Field of Search: 273/26 R, 273/26 A, 273/26 B, 273/29 R, 273/29 A, 273/29 B, 273/67 R, 273/67 B, 273/72 R, 273/76, 273/73 R, 273/73 C, 273/73 D, 273/162 R, 273/181 R , 273/181 E, 273/181 J, 273/183 R, 273/186 R, 273/186 A, 273/102.1 R, 273/102.1 B, 273/102.1 C, 273/102.2 R, 273/102.2 A , 273/102.2 B, 273/102.2 C
• US Class Current: 473/530
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/004 Multiple detectors or sensors each defining a different zone
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/801 Contact switches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0021 Tracking a path or terminating locations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/00 Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 59/80 Circular bats or paddles not provided for in groups A63B59/20 - A63B59/70
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/06 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/54 with means for damping vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0002 for baseball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/38 for tennis A63B61/006, A63B69/0073 and A63B69/0097 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0605 Decision makers and devices using detection means facilitating arbitration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0669 Score-keepers or score display devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 273/26 Point counters and score indicators

Abstract

A paddle or bat for hitting a ball has a head formed by a rigid layer, a network of open mesh strands on the layer and an elastically deflectable sheet in front of the network and forming a surface for hitting a ball. When a ball is hit, the sheet deflects through the network and engages the base layer'"'"'s front surface. The contact between the parts and its location can be used to actuate a signal for indicating a score.

Claims

1. A paddle of the type used for playing platform tennis, paddle ball and the like, and which comprises a handle connected to a flat head for hitting a ball, said head comprising a substantially rigid base layer having a front surface, a network of open mesh strands in front of said surface and connected to said layer, an elastically deflectable sheet in front of said network and connected to said layer, said sheet having a degree of elasticity such that any portion locally receiving a ball impact locally springs backwardly momentarily through the mesh of said network so that its back surface contacts said front surface, and means for activating a signal via contact between said surfaces.

2. The paddle of claim 1 in which said network is electrically non-conductive, said sheet has an electrically conductive back surface, the base layer'"'"'s said front surface has at least one electrically conductive portion and forms with said conductive back surface an electric switch which is normally open and momentarily closing when a ball impacts with a portion of said sheet which registers with said conductive portion of the base layer'"'"'s front surface, and an electric signal circuit activated by said momentary closing.

3. The paddle of claim 2 in which said network and sheet are tightly connected to said rigid base layer so that said head has the playing feel of a solid-headed paddle.

4. The paddle of claim 2 in which the base layer'"'"'s said front surface has a plurality of said elastically conductive portions electrically insulated from each other so as to form a plurality of said electric switches with each switch having an electric signal circuit activated by momentary closing of the switch.

5. The paddle of claim 4 in which said handle has an externally visible digital counter activated by said switches.