Patent Application
20250108280
The present invention relates generally to the field of single player tennis ball devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a single player tennis ball device designed to help players independently develop their tennis skills. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in single player tennis ball devices. Generally, people who play tennis may lack a partner to practice their skills on the court. Further, tennis courts are expensive to install and may not be an option to have at home. Thus, people may be looking to improve their tennis skills and be unable to do so.
Additionally, those looking to practice their tennis skills alone, need a device that is relatively simple in construction and doesn't require a lot of set-up, and is easy to use. Further, users would want a device that allows them to control their practice, especially a device that allows them to control the speed and return of the tennis ball in use.
Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved single player tennis ball device that eliminates the need to have a tennis partner and allows a user to practice by themselves. More particularly, there is a demand for a single player tennis ball device that comprises a base unit that can be anchored in the ground with an elastic cord and tennis ball, to allow a user to strike the ball and have the elastic cord bring it back.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that provides users with a single player tennis ball device designed to help players independently develop their tennis skills. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that features a base that is staked into the ground to support a bungee cord attached to the tennis ball, such that the ball can be struck and launched into the air. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that eliminates the need to have a tennis partner to try and practice and improve tennis skills. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers fun and entertainment for anyone who enjoys tennis. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that comprises a base unit with foldable spikes. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that allows a user to practice tennis in the comfort of their own backyard.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a single player tennis ball device. The device is utilized for teaching tennis skills. The single player tennis ball device comprises a base component that is anchored by foldable spikes, which are inserted into the ground. The base component also has a through hole for accommodating an elastic bungee cord with a plug on one end and a tennis ball on the other. When not in use, the spikes can be folded flush against the device, and it can be stored in a desired area.
To use the device, the user will strike the tennis ball which will launch the ball into the air. The bungee cord will then stretch to the length of the force of the strike and return it toward the player. Thus, users can practice tennis on their own in the comfort of their own backyard.
In this manner, the single player tennis ball device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that is designed to help players independently develop their tennis skills. The device is a base unit with a tennis ball and elastic bungee cord. The device eliminates the need for a tennis partner to practice their skills with.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a single player tennis ball device. The device is utilized for teaching tennis skills. The single player tennis ball device comprises a base component that is anchored by spikes, which are inserted into the ground. The base component also has a through hole for accommodating an elastic bungee cord with a plug on one end and a tennis ball on the other. To use the device, the user will strike the tennis ball which will launch the ball into the air. The bungee cord will then stretch to the length of the force of the strike and return toward the user. Thus, users can practice tennis on their own in the comfort of their own backyard.
In one embodiment, the single player tennis ball device comprises a base component, a tethered tennis ball, and a connecting elastic bungee cord. The base component is anchored to the ground or other suitable substrate. The base component is provided with a plurality of spikes.
In one embodiment, the user holds a tennis racket and generally stands in the vicinity of the base component, for example, either in front or behind the base component and generally alongside thereof. Upon hitting the tennis ball with the tennis racket, the tennis ball travels for the length of the elastic bungee cord and then returns back to the user in a somewhat “whipping” manner. The return rebound or recoil given to the tennis ball depends primarily on the length of the elastic bungee cord. The longer the elastic bungee cord length, the slower return speed on the tennis ball, while the shorter the elastic bungee cord length, the quicker the return speed on the tennis ball.
In one embodiment, the base component is configured in a square shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. The base component comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing side edges, and opposing front and back edges. The base component can be manufactured of any suitable material that is strong enough to withstand the tennis ball being hit away from the base component and the elastic bungee cord snapping the tennis ball back toward a user, such as powder-coated aluminum or steel, polycarbonate, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, etc.
In one embodiment, a plurality of spikes are secured to the bottom surface of the base component. The plurality of spikes are sized and shaped to be inserted into the ground, anchoring the base component to the ground surface. Typically, there are four spikes, with one spike positioned at each corner of the bottom surface of the base component. In one embodiment, the spikes are foldable and each comprise a small hinge or other device to allow the spikes to fold into the bottom surface. Thus, when the device is not in use, the spikes can be folded flush against the bottom surface of the base component and the device can be stored in a desired area. In use, the spikes can be expanded out from the bottom surface and locked into place, then inserted into the ground to anchor the device for use.
In one embodiment, the base component comprises a through-hole or aperture. The through-hole can be of any suitable size and shape as is known in the art and acts to retain a plug. The plug is sized and shaped to fit within the through-hole and be retained within the through-hole by a press-fit action. The plug is then connected to an end of the elastic bungee cord, in such a way that the elastic bungee cord is free to rotate or swivel about the axis of the aperture in the base component to which it is rotatably secured. For example, the plug can be connected to the elastic bungee cord via a cotter pin, swivel joint, or other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The plug and securing means provide less likelihood that the elastic bungee cord will become twisted about itself during extensive playing or practicing. Further, the plug and securing means permit the tennis ball to rotate freely and also roll along the ground or floor without winding up the elastic bungee cord.
In one embodiment, projecting through the plug in the center of the base component is a cotter pin whose loop extends through the plug towards the outside of the base component and whose arms spread out on the inside of the plug to provide a means for securing one end of the elastic bungee cord to the plug. The cotter pin is preferably made from plastic-coated wire of sufficient gauge so that its arms will remain spread during use and will not pull out of the plug. Further, the elastic bungee cord is removably connected to the cotter pin by means of a leader and swivel. The leader may be easily unclasped so that the elastic bungee cord may be quickly removed from the cotter pin if needed. The leader is then connected to the swivel joint. The elastic bungee cord is then directly connected to the swivel joint. This swivel joint allows the elastic bungee cord to move freely during use with a minimum of knotting and coiling.
In one embodiment, the elastic bungee cord is preferably made of an elastic material, and the opposing end of the elastic bungee cord is connected to a tennis ball via any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Specifically, the elastic bungee cord is suitably made from any generally elastic material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, or any other elastomeric material which is strong and capable of withstanding continuous flexing and stretching over literally hundreds of thousands of cycles. Further, the snap-back or return speed of the tennis ball can be varied by simply adjusting the length of the elastic bungee cord. With the elastic bungee cord at a long length, the tennis ball returns at the slowest rate, whereas with the shortest possible length of the elastic bungee cord, the tennis ball's return speed is at its maximum fast speed. A user can therefore adjust and control the tennis ball return speed to any desired result depending upon the length of the elastic bungee cord. The tennis ball may be a conventional tennis ball or other suitable ball, such as a resilient one capable of good rebounding qualities when bounced. and it is suitably securely fastened to the ball by any available means which is strong and yet does not interfere with the playing qualities of the ball. For example, the elastic bungee cord can be secured by means of suitable adhesives, glue, pinned, etc., to the tennis ball.
In one embodiment, the other end of an elastic bungee cord is attached to a pressureless tennis ball by means of an adapter line. The adapter line is preferably made of nylon and is passed through punctures in opposing sides of the pressureless tennis ball. The free ends of the adapter line are then tied together to form a loop and the knot is slid over to one side, adjacent to the surface of the tennis ball so as not to impede the action of the elastic bungee cord. The end of the elastic bungee cord is tied securely to the center of the loop. A pressureless tennis ball is used because it has much more bounce than a regular tennis ball and because it will maintain its bounce indefinitely.
In one embodiment, it can be seen that the single player tennis ball device of the present invention is designed for easy portability and easy repair. The elastic bungee cord may be easily replaced if it breaks or becomes knotted. Further, the elastic bungee cord does not connect directly to the tennis ball but is attached by means of an adapter line which further facilitates easy replacement of the elastic bungee cord, as needed.
In one embodiment, an elastic bungee cord being approximately 13 to 17 feet long works satisfactorily. However, a short line provides a fast return. A longer line can provide a slower return but also requires the user to stroke the tennis ball harder.
In one embodiment, the base component comprises a suitable depression or cavity. When the game is not being used, the tennis ball and, if desired, the elastic bungee cord may be stored in the cavity provided in the bottom of the base component. Alternatively, the elastic bungee cord may be suitably wrapped about the base component, in lieu of storing it in the cavity.
In use, the device is placed on a flat surface in an open area so that the tennis ball will bounce freely. The user anchors the base component into the ground via the plurality of spikes. The user then stands about two feet behind and two feet to the side of the base component so that when the user swings his/her racquet, the center of the tennis racquet face will pass over the base component. The user then holds the tennis ball in his/her hand and drops the tennis ball in the air and strokes the tennis ball using either a forehand, backhand, overhand, or serving stroke. The single player tennis ball device will return the tennis ball in a regular and not erratic trajectory.
Accordingly, with the device of the present invention, a user may practice his timing and stroke independently. Generally, the game is best played when the tennis ball is hit in such a manner as to have the tennis ball return on a single bounce. A user, of course, can stroke the tennis ball in any desired manner, for example, forehand, backhand, smash shot, etc. When the tennis ball is hit, it flies out to its farthest extension of the elastic bungee cord and then flies back on a bounce as if hit by an unseen opponent. The user continues to play by hitting the tennis ball again and again, so as to keep his or her “rally” going for the longest possible time or period. In effect, the device is almost like practicing against a wall or backboard, in contrast to hitting tennis balls dispensed by a tennis ball throwing machine. The present invention is extremely versatile and allows a user to increase one's skill in returning a tennis ball to an opponent and also in improving and developing one's skills with the various tennis strokes used in playing the real game of tennis.
In yet another embodiment, the single player tennis ball device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of practicing tennis without the need for a tennis partner is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a single player tennis ball device comprising a base component with foldable spikes and an elastic bungee cord with a tennis ball attached. The method also comprises unfolding the spikes and inserting the spikes into the ground to anchor the base component. Further, the method comprises securing the elastic bungee cord with the tennis ball to the base component for use. The method also comprises striking the tennis ball with a tennis racket, which launches the tennis ball into the air. Finally, the method comprises returning the tennis ball back toward the user via the elastic bungee cord.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that provides users with a single player tennis ball device designed to help players independently develop their tennis skills. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that features a base that is staked into the ground to support a bungee cord attached to the tennis ball, such that the ball can be struck and launched into the air. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that eliminates the need to have a tennis partner to try and practice and improve tennis skills. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that offers fun and entertainment for anyone who enjoys tennis. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that comprises a base unit with foldable spikes. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a single player tennis ball device that allows a user to practice tennis in the comfort of their own backyard.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel single player tennis ball device. The device is utilized for teaching tennis skills. The single player tennis ball device comprises a base component that is anchored by foldable spikes, which are inserted into the ground. The base component also has a through hole for accommodating an elastic bungee cord with a plug on one end and a tennis ball on the other. When not in use, the spikes can be folded flush against the device, and it can be stored in a desired area. The present invention also includes a novel method of practicing tennis without the need for a tennis partner. The method includes the steps of providing a single player tennis ball device comprising a base component with foldable spikes and an elastic bungee cord with a tennis ball attached. The method also comprises unfolding the spikes and inserting the spikes into the ground to anchor the base component. Further, the method comprises securing the elastic bungee cord with the tennis ball to the base component for use. The method also comprises striking the tennis ball with a tennis racket, which launches the tennis ball into the air. Finally, the method comprises returning the tennis ball back toward the user via the elastic bungee cord.
Referring initially to the drawings,
Generally, the single player tennis ball device 100 comprises a base component 102, a tethered tennis ball 116, and a connecting elastic bungee cord 110. The base component 102 is anchored to the ground 106 or other suitable substrate. The base component 102 is provided with a plurality of spikes 104.
Further, the user 120 holds a tennis racket 122 and generally stands in the vicinity of the base component 102, for example, either in front or behind the base component 102 and generally alongside thereof. Upon hitting the tennis ball 116 with the tennis racket 122, the tennis ball 116 travels for the length of the elastic bungee cord 110 and then returns back to the user 120 in a somewhat “whipping” manner. The return rebound or recoil given to the tennis ball 116 depends primarily on the length of the elastic bungee cord 110. The longer the elastic bungee cord 110 length, the slower return speed on the tennis ball 116, while the shorter the elastic bungee cord 110 length, the quicker the return speed on the tennis ball 116.
As shown in
As shown in
Further, in one embodiment, the spikes 104 are foldable and each comprise a small hinge 304 or other device to allow the spikes 104 to fold into the bottom surface 202. Thus, when the device 100 is not in use, the spikes 104 can be folded flush against the bottom surface 202 of the base component 102 and the device 100 can be stored in a desired area. In use, the spikes 104 can be expanded out from the bottom surface 202 and locked into place, then inserted into the ground 106 to anchor the device 100 for use.
In another embodiment, the base component 102 includes a pair of handles 306. The handles 306 can be secured to the opposing side edges 204 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as gluing, bolting, etc. The handles 306 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as a user 120 can utilize the handles 306 to pick up the device 100 as needed for easy transport.
In yet another embodiment, the single player tennis ball device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 308. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 308 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 308 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be tennis ball, tennis, or brand related.
As shown in
In one embodiment, projecting through the plug 112 in the center of the base component 102 is a cotter pin 400 whose loop 404 extends through the plug 112 towards the outside of the base component 102 and whose arms 406 spread out on the inside of the plug 112 to provide a means for securing one end 114 of the elastic bungee cord 110 to the plug 112. The cotter pin 400 is preferably made from plastic coated wire of sufficient gauge so that its arms 406 will remain spread during use and will not pull out of the plug 112. Further, the elastic bungee cord 110 is removably connected to the cotter pin 400 by means of a leader 408 and swivel joint 402. The leader 408 may be easily unclasped so that the elastic bungee cord 110 may be quickly removed from the cotter pin 400, if needed. The leader 408 is then connected to the swivel joint 402. The elastic bungee cord 110 is then directly connected to the swivel joint 402. This swivel joint 402 allows the elastic bungee cord 110 to move freely during use with a minimum of knotting and coiling.
Furthermore, the elastic bungee cord 110 is preferably made of an elastic material and the opposing end 118 of the elastic bungee cord 110 is connected to a tennis ball 116 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Specifically, the elastic bungee cord 110 is suitably made from any generally elastic material, such as natural or synthetic rubber, or any other elastomeric material which is strong and capable of withstanding continuous flexing and stretching over literally hundreds of thousands of cycles. Further, the snap-back or return speed of the tennis ball 116 can be varied by simply adjusting the length of the elastic bungee cord 110. With the elastic bungee cord 110 at a long length, the tennis ball 116 returns at the slowest rate, whereas with the shortest possible length of the elastic bungee cord 110, the tennis ball 116 return speed is at its maximum fast speed. A user 120 can therefore adjust and control the tennis ball 116 return speed to any desired result depending upon the length of the elastic bungee cord 110. The tennis ball 116 may be a conventional tennis ball or other suitable ball, such as a resilient one capable of good rebounding qualities when bounced. and it is suitably securely fastened to the ball 116 by any available means which is strong and yet does not interfere with the playing qualities of the ball 116. For example, the elastic bungee cord 110 can be secured by means of suitable adhesives, glue, pinned, etc., to the tennis ball 116.
In one embodiment, the other end 118 of the elastic bungee cord 110 is attached to a pressureless tennis ball 116 by means of an adapter line 410. The adapter line 410 is preferably made of nylon and is passed through punctures in opposing sides of the pressureless tennis ball 116. The free ends of the adapter line 410 are then tied together to form a loop and the knot is slid over to one side, adjacent to the surface of the tennis ball 116 so as not to impede the action of the elastic bungee cord 110. The end 118 of the elastic bungee cord 110 is tied securely to the center of the loop. A pressureless tennis ball 116 is used because it has much more bounce than a regular tennis ball 116 and because it will maintain its bounce indefinitely.
Thus, it can be seen that the single player tennis ball device 100 of the present invention is designed for easy portability and for easy repair. The elastic bungee cord 110 may be easily replaced if it breaks or becomes knotted. Further, the elastic bungee cord 110 does not connect directly to the tennis ball 116 but is attached by means of an adapter line 410 which further facilitates easy replacement of the elastic bungee cord 110, as needed.
Generally, an elastic bungee cord 110 being approximately 13 to 17 feet long works satisfactorily. However, a short line provides a fast return. A longer line can provide a slower return but also requires the user 120 to stroke the tennis ball 116 harder.
In another embodiment, the base component 102 comprises a suitable depression or cavity 412. When the game is not being used, the tennis ball 116 and, if desired, the elastic bungee cord 110 may be stored in the cavity 412 provided in the bottom of the base component 102. Alternatively, the elastic bungee cord 110 may be suitably wrapped about the base component 102, in lieu of storing it in the cavity 412.
As shown in
Accordingly, with the device 100 of the present invention, a user 120 may practice his timing and stroking independently. Generally, the game is best played when the tennis ball 116 is hit in such a manner as to have the tennis ball 116 return on a single bounce. A user 120, of course, can stroke the tennis ball 116 in any desired manner, for example, forehand, backhand, smash shot, etc. When the tennis ball 116 is hit, it flies out to its farthest extension of the elastic bungee cord 110 and then flies back on a bounce as if hit by an unseen opponent. The user 120 continues to play by hitting the tennis ball 116 again and again, so as to keep his or her “rally” going for the longest possible time or period. In effect, the device 100 is almost like practicing against a wall or backboard, in contrast to hitting tennis balls 116 dispensed by a tennis ball throwing machine. The present invention is extremely versatile and allows a user 120 to increase one's skill in returning a tennis ball 116 to an opponent and also in improving and developing one's skills with the various tennis strokes used in playing the real game of tennis.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “single player tennis ball device”, “tennis ball device”, “tennis device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the single player tennis ball device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the single player tennis ball device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of the ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the single player tennis ball device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/586,137, which was filed on Sep. 28, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63586137 | Sep 2023 | US |
