Backyard Tennis Device

Abstract

A single player tennis ball device is disclosed 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 legs can be folded flush against the device, and it can be stored in a desired area. The device eliminates the need to have a tennis partner to practice skills with.

Claims

1. A single player tennis ball device that helps players independently develop their tennis skills, the single player tennis ball device comprising: a base component; an elastic bungee cord; and a tennis ball; wherein the elastic bungee cord is secured to the base component; wherein the tennis ball is secured to the elastic bungee cord; wherein a user will strike the tennis ball, which will launch the tennis ball into the air, and will cause the elastic bungee cord to stretch to a length of a force of a strike and return toward the user; and further wherein the user can practice tennis on their own with the single player tennis ball device.

2. The single player tennis ball device of claim 1, wherein the user holds a tennis racket and generally stands in a vicinity of the base component, either in front or behind the base component and generally alongside thereof during use.

3. The single player tennis ball device of claim 2, wherein the base component comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing side edges, and opposing front and back edges.

4. The single player tennis ball device of claim 3, wherein a plurality of spikes are secured to the bottom surface of the base component, to anchor the base component into a ground.

5. The single player tennis ball device of claim 4, wherein there are four spikes, with one spike positioned at each corner of the bottom surface of the base component.

6. The single player tennis ball device of claim 5, wherein the four spikes are foldable into the bottom surface, and can be folded flush against the bottom surface of the base component for storage.

7. The single player tennis ball device of claim 6, wherein the base component includes a pair of handles for transportation.

8. The single player tennis ball device of claim 7 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

9. The single player tennis ball device of claim 8, wherein the base component comprises a through-hole for retaining a plug.

10. The single player tennis ball device of claim 9, wherein the plug is connected to an end of the elastic bungee cord, to allow the elastic bungee cord to swivel.

11. The single player tennis ball device of claim 10, wherein projecting through the plug is a cotter pin whose loop extends through the plug and whose arms spread out inside of the plug, and the elastic bungee cord is removably connected to the cotter pin by means of a leader and swivel joint.

12. The single player tennis ball device of claim 11, wherein opposing end of the elastic bungee cord is connected to a pressureless tennis ball by means of an adapter line secured to the pressureless tennis ball and then tied securely to the elastic bungee cord.

13. A single player tennis ball device that helps players independently develop their tennis skills, the single player tennis ball device comprising: a base component comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing side edges, and opposing front and back edges; an elastic bungee cord; and a tennis ball; and wherein a plurality of spikes are secured to the bottom surface of the base component, to anchor the base component into a ground; wherein there are four spikes, with one spike positioned at each corner of the bottom surface of the base component; wherein the four spikes are foldable into the bottom surface, and can be folded flush against the bottom surface of the base component for storage; wherein the base component comprises a through-hole for retaining a plug; wherein the plug is connected to an end of the elastic bungee cord, to allow the elastic bungee cord to swivel; wherein an opposing end of the elastic bungee cord is connected to the tennis ball; wherein a user will strike the tennis ball, which will launch the tennis ball into the air, and will cause the elastic bungee cord to stretch to a length of a force of a strike and return toward the user; and wherein the user can practice tennis on their own with the single player tennis ball device.

14. The single player tennis ball device of claim 13, wherein snap-back or return speed of the tennis ball can be varied by adjusting a length of the elastic bungee cord, such that at a long length, the tennis ball returns at a slow rate, whereas with a short length, the tennis ball returns at a fast rate.

15. The single player tennis ball device of claim 13, wherein the elastic bungee cord is approximately 13 to 17 feet long.

16. The single player tennis ball device of claim 13, wherein the base component comprises a cavity for storing the tennis ball and the elastic bungee cord when not in use.

17. The single player tennis ball device of claim 13, wherein projecting through the plug is a cotter pin whose loop extends through the plug and whose arms spread out inside of the plug, and the elastic bungee cord is removably connected to the cotter pin by means of a leader and swivel joint.

18. The single player tennis ball device of claim 17, wherein opposing end of the elastic bungee cord is connected to a pressureless tennis ball by means of an adapter line secured to the pressureless tennis ball and then tied securely to the elastic bungee cord.

19. The single player tennis ball device of claim 13, wherein the base component includes a pair of handles for transportation.

20. A method of practicing tennis without the need for a tennis partner, the method comprising the following steps: providing a single player tennis ball device comprising a base component with foldable spikes and an elastic bungee cord with a tennis ball attached; unfolding the spikes and inserting the spikes into the ground to anchor the base component; securing the elastic bungee cord with the tennis ball to the base component for use; striking the tennis ball with a tennis racket, which launches the tennis ball into the air; and returning the tennis ball back toward the user via the elastic bungee cord.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the single player tennis ball device of the present invention showing the device and a tennis racket in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the single player tennis ball device of the present invention showing the base unit of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the single player tennis ball device of the present invention showing the foldable spikes on the base unit in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the single player tennis ball device of the present invention showing the elastic bungee cord affixed to the base unit in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the single player tennis ball device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of practicing tennis without the need for a tennis partner in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the single player tennis ball device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the single player tennis ball device 100 is an improved single player tennis ball device 100 that is designed to help players independently develop their tennis skills without the need for a tennis partner. Specifically, the single player tennis ball device 100 comprises a base component 102 that is anchored by spikes 104, which are inserted into the ground 106. The base component 102 also has a through hole 108 for accommodating an elastic bungee cord 110 with a plug 112 on one end 114 and a tennis ball 116 on the other end 118. To use the device 100, the user 120 will strike the tennis ball 116 which will launch the ball 116 into the air. The bungee cord 110 will then stretch to the length of the force of the strike and return toward the user 120. Thus, users 120 can practice tennis on their own in the comfort of their own backyard.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the base component 102 is configured in a square shape but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, such as rectangular, circular, oval, etc., depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 120. The base component 102 comprises a top surface 200, a bottom surface 202, opposing side edges 204, and opposing front and back edges 206. The base component 102 can be manufactured of any suitable material that is strong enough to withstand the tennis ball 116 being hit away from the base component 102 and the elastic bungee cord 110 snapping the tennis ball 116 back toward a user 120, such as powder-coated aluminum or steel, polycarbonate, or fiberglass-reinforced plastic, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of spikes 104 are secured to the bottom surface 202 of the base component 102. The plurality of spikes 104 are sized and shaped to be inserted into the ground 106, anchoring the base component 102 to the ground surface 106. Typically, there are four spikes 104, with one spike 104 positioned at each corner 300 of the bottom surface 202 of the base component 102. However, any suitable number of spikes 104 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 120. The spikes 104 are secured to the base component 102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as gluing, welding, bolting, etc. Further, the spikes 104 are sized and shaped to allow a user 120 to easily insert the spikes 104 into the ground 106 and the spikes 104 include a pointed tip 302 which helps to insert the spikes 104 into the ground 106.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the base component 102 comprises a through-hole or aperture 108. The through-hole 108 can be of any suitable size and shape as is known in the art and acts to retain a plug 112. The plug 112 is sized and shaped to fit within the through-hole 108 and be retained within the through-hole 108 by a press-fit action. The plug 112 is then connected to an end 114 of the elastic bungee cord 110, in such a way that the elastic bungee cord 110 is free to rotate or swivel about the axis of the aperture 108 in the base component 102 to which it is rotatably secured. For example, the plug 112 can be connected to the elastic bungee cord 110 via a cotter pin 400, swivel joint 402, or other suitable securing means as is known in the art. The plug 112 and securing means 400, 402 provide less likelihood that the elastic bungee cord 110 will become twisted about itself during extensive playing or practicing. Further, the plug 112 and securing means 400, 402 permit the tennis ball 116 to rotate freely and also roll along the ground 106 or floor without winding up the elastic bungee cord 110.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, in use, the device 100 is placed on a flat surface in an open area so that the tennis ball 116 will bounce freely. The user 120 anchors the base component 102 into the ground 106 via the plurality of spikes 104. The user 120 then stands about two feet behind and two feet to the side of the base component 102 so that when the user 120 swings his/her racquet 122, the center of the tennis racquet 122 face will pass over the base component 102. The user 120 then holds the tennis ball 116 in his/her hand and drops the tennis ball 116 in the air and strokes the tennis ball 116 using either a forehand, backhand, overhand, or serving stroke. The single player tennis ball device 100 will return the tennis ball 116 in a regular and not erratic trajectory.

[0055] 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.

[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of practicing tennis without the need for a tennis partner. The method includes the steps of at 600, 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 at 602, unfolding the spikes and inserting the spikes into the ground to anchor the base component. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing the elastic bungee cord with the tennis ball to the base component for use. The method also comprises at 606, striking the tennis ball with a tennis racket, which launches the tennis ball into the air. Finally, the method comprises at 608, returning the tennis ball back toward the user via the elastic bungee cord.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the single player tennis ball device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the single player tennis ball device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the single player tennis ball device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.