Tennis score keeping device

Abstract

The two part device is received within the recess in a tennis racquet handle. The first part is fixed within the recess and has a surface imprinted with scoring indicia. The second part is rotatably mounted on the first part and has a viewing window. The viewing window is aligned with selected scoring indicia on the first part surface as the second part is rotated. Detents cooperate to insure proper alignment between the window and the indicia. The second part has a raised portion, preferably in the shape of an indicia, to facilitate gripping the exterior surface of the second part.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to mechanical score keeping devices and more particularly a score keeping device adapted to be mounted in a tennis racquet handle.

[0002] Keeping score of sets or points during a tennis match is an important part of the game. This can be done manually, by writing the score down, or simply by memory. However, there is a need for a simple device to keep score mechanically.

[0003] Such a device must be readily accessible but not interfere with the movement of the player. It must be light in weight and durable.

[0004] Standard tennis racquets have a handle with a recess into which an indicia bearing part can be received. The indicia is often the trademark of the manufacturer.

[0005] My invention utilizes this existing handle recess. It consists of a simple, light weight, durable mechanical counter which is designed to be entirely received in the recess. It is thus accessible to the player but does not constitute something extra which must be carried or worn or which can interfere with the movement of the player.

[0006] It is therefore a prime object of the present invention to provide a score keeping device adapted to be received within a tennis racquet handle recess.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a tennis score keeping device which is simple, light in weight and durable.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a tennis score keeping device made of simple inexpensive parts, which are easily assembled and which function reliably together for a long, useful life.

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, a score keeping device is provided for use with a tennis racquet of the type having a handle with a recess. The device includes first and second parts. Means are provided for fixedly mounting the first part within the recess. Means are provided for mounting the second part, on the first part, for movement relative to the first part. The first part has a surface with indicia imprinted thereon. The second part includes means for viewing selected indicia on the first part surface, as the second part is moved relative to the first part.

[0010] Detent means are provided for aligning the viewing means with the selected indicia. The detent means includes a recess on one of the parts and a protrusion on the other part. The protrusion is adapted to cooperate with the recess.

[0011] The detent means most preferably includes first and second recesses on one of the parts and first and second protrusions on the other of the parts. The first and second protrusions are adapted to cooperate with the first and second recesses, respectively.

[0012] The mounting means mounts the second part on the first part for rotational movement related to the first part. The mounting means includes an opening in one part and a post on the other part. The post is adapted to be received within the opening.

[0013] The viewing means includes a window. The window may be transparent or simply an opening in the second part.

[0014] A raised portion is provided on the exterior surface of the second part. The raised portion is preferably in the shape of an indicia.

[0015] The handle recess has a slot. The means for fixedly mounting the first part within the recess includes a protrusion adapted to engage the slot. Preferably, the recess has first and second slots and the means for fixedly mounting the first part within the recess includes first and second protrusions respectively adapted to engage the slots.

[0016] The handle recess is defined by a wall with a given shape. The first part has a shape corresponding to the given shape. Preferably the given shape is octagon.

[0017] The second part has a circular shape. The second part is a disc.

[0018] To these and to such other objects which may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates to a score keeping device for use with a tennis racquet, as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric showing the parts of the device and a tennis racquet handle;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of the first part;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the first part;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the first part;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of the second part;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a front plan view of the second part; and

[0025] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the second part.

[0026] As seen in FIG. 1, the handle 10 of a tennis racquet has an end recess 12 defined by an octagon shaped inner wall 14 and a bottom surface 16. Bottom surface 16 of recess 12 is provided with four slots 18. An octagon shaped end cap (not shown), often bearing an imprinted trademark of the manufacturer, is normally provided for the recess. The rear of the cap has four spaced “L” shaped protrusions which engage slots 16 in a “snap-fit” manner.

[0027] The score keeping device of the present invention replaces the end cap. The device includes two simple injection moulded plastic parts 20, 22.

[0028] Part 20 is shaped to fit snugly into the recess, having an octagon shaped outer edge 24, an internal surface 26 and an external surface 28. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, extending outwardly from surface 26 of part 20, are four spaced “L” shaped protrusions 30 adapted to “snap-fit” into recesses 18 on surface 16 of recess 12. Protrusions 30 are somewhat resilient and because of their shape, will flex slightly during insertion into the slots and, once seated, will return to their original position to securely hold part 20 in the recess.

[0029] Part 20 has a central opening 32. It also has a plurality of indentations or small semi-circular spaced recesses 34 on surface 28, surrounding opening 32 in a circular pattern. Radially outward of each indentation 34 is an indicia imprinted on surface 28 which represents a score. In the example shown, the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 are shown, representing sets of tennis games.

[0030] Part 22, as best seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, has an interior surface 36, an exterior surface 38 and a circular outer edge 40. Surface 36 has a central protrusion 42 with a slightly enlarged head 44. Protrusion 42 is adapted to friction fit into central opening 32 in part 20, such that part 22 can rotate relative to part 20.

[0031] A pair of spaced semi-circular protrusions or detents 46 extend from surface 36 and cooperate with recesses 34 on surface 28 of part 20, such that part 22 can be aligned in one of eight different rotational positions relative to part 20.

[0032] Part 22 has a circular viewing window 48 which can be transparent plastic or simply an opening. Window 48 aligns with a different one of the indicia imprinted on surface 28 in each of its eight detented relative positions.

[0033] The exterior surface 36 of part 22 is provided with a raised portion 50 which facilitates gripping and rotation of the part. Portion 50, shown as an “X” on the drawings, can be in the shape of an indicia, such as the trademark of the manufacturer, if desired.

[0034] Once assembled in recess 12, part 22 is rotated relative to part 20 such that the “O” is visible through window 48. After the first game, part 22 is rotated one-eighth turn, to the next detent position, such that the “1” is visible. In this manner, games are counted until the end of the set.

[0035] The device of the present invention is extremely light in weight, weighing approximately one gram. It is formed of simple inexpensive parts which are easily assembled to operate together in a reliable fashion.

[0036] While only a single preferred embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of these modifications and variations which fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims:

Claims

1. A score keeping device for use with a tennis racquet of the type having a handle with a recess, said device comprising first and second parts, means for fixedly mounting said first part within said recess, means for mounting said second part on said first part for movement relative to said first part, said first part having a surface with indicia imprinted thereon, said second part comprising means for viewing selected indicia on said first part surface, as said second part is moved relative to said first part.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising detent means for aligning said viewing means with said selected indicia.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said detent means comprises a recess on one of said parts and a protrusion on the other of said parts adapted to cooperate with said recess.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein said detent means comprises first and second recesses on one of said parts and first and second protrusions on the other of said parts adapted to cooperate with said first and second recesses, respectively.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting means mounts said second part on said first part for rotational movement relative to said first part.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said mounting means comprises an opening in one of said parts and a post on the other of said parts adapted to be received within said opening.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said viewing means comprises a window in said second part.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said viewing means comprises an opening in said second part.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said second part has an outer surface and further comprising a raised portion on said outer surface.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said raised portion is in the shape of an indicia.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein said recess has a slot and wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first part within said recess comprises a protrusion adapted to engage said slot.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein said recess has first and second slots and wherein said means for fixedly mounting said first part within said recess comprises first and second protrusions respectively adapted to engage said slots.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein said recess is defined by a wall with a given shape and said first part has an outer edge with a shape corresponding to said given shape.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein said given shape is an octagon.

15. The device of claim 1 wherein said second part has an outer edge with a circular shape.

16. The device of claim 14 wherein said second part has an outer edge with a circular shape.