AN Improvements in Tennis and other Poles and Appliances in Connection therewith.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd May, 1889-Accepted, 27th July, 1889
AN
Improvements in Tennis and other Poles and Appliances in
Connection therewith.
1, WILLIAM THEODORE CARR, of Coldale Hall, in the County of Cumberland
Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be perforined, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
My invention relates to an improved pole for stretching and supporting nets used
in the game known as lawn tennis, or tennis; also a permanent socket or holder for
retaining said pole in its proper position, and a novel device for maintaining the
proper degree of tension upon the net, and has for its objects the increased facility of
manipulation, removal, and fixing of the net and poles, relatively to other appliances
of this kind, hitherto employed for the purpose.
In order that my said invention may be clearly understood I have appended hereto
the accompanying sheet of drawings in which Figure 1 is an elevation of the pole, net
stretching device, and socket, Figures 2 and 3 represent an elevation and plan view
of the socket and ground plates respectively, and Figure 4 is a plan view of the net
stretching device, drawn to a larger scale.
In carrying my invention into effect, I employ a piece of metal pipe A Figure 1,
which is preferably of iron, and galvanized, or otherwise protected from oxidation or
corrosion by a suitable coating of non impermeable substance or material. A pipe B,
the internal diameter of which is larger than the external diameter of the pipe A, is
sunk into the ground as shewn by Figure 1, forming a socket for A, and holding it in
a vertical position. In order to withstand the strain imposed upon the pipe A, which
practically forms the body of the tennis pole, I may employ winged plates CC2 of
cast iron or other suitable material so that the force due to the tension of the stretched
net may be neutralized by the area of the wings upon the sunk plates C. C¹.
Referring to the views of this part of my invention Figures 2 and 3, it will be seen
that I prefer to employ longer wings, of greater superficial dimensions, at right angles to
the stretch of the net, than those that are parallel to said net. In order to facilitate
the removal of the pole A from the socket B, and prevent binding, I may use a pipe
of larger bore, and closed at each extremity a a¹, to fit the outer diameter of the
pole A. A flat stone, or slab of metal D Figure 1, serves as a foundation for said pole
when placed in position. A hook b, or other similar device attached to the pole A
holds the lower cord c ot the net, the upper cord e thereof, passing over a pulley d
pivotted within the lugs of a cap E of wood or other material or substance fitted to
the upper extremity of the pole A. A ring F of brass, or other metal, provided with
a handle G, is so arranged as to move freely in a vertical direction when the handle G
is held at right angles to the post A. The upper, or suspension corde of the net is
carried over the pulley & before mentioned, and is attached to a ring, loop, or hole f
formed in the shank of the ring F between it and the handle. This device is shewn
by the plan view Figure 4, drawn to a larger scale, and similar letters of reference
being used to indicate corresponding parts thereof. The action of this arrangement
allows of the tightening or stretching of the upper or suspension corde by the
pressure of the hand. When this is released the tension of the stretched net causes.
the ring F to assume an oblique position upon the pole A, and thus locking or
gripping thereupon, retains the position in which it is placed, against the strain of
the stretched net. It is obvious that the holding or gripping power of this device
increases in proportion to the tension of the net. I may, in certain cases, groove the
pole A so as to present a series of serrations for the better holding of the ring F, but
I do not find this to be absolutely necessary in practice.

page_text: When the improved tennis pole A according to my invention is removed from the
socket B, the latter does not obstruct or impede the action of a lawn-mower, or the
use of a scythe, and I may provide an adjustable cap or plug to prevent the bore from
becoming choked or clogged by dirt or stones.
I wish it to be understood that I may employ the improved tennis pole, with the
socket and wind ground plates, and net stretching device as a combination, or each or
any of these
may be adapted to other poles or appliances, separately without departing
from the principles embodied in my said invention and herein specified and set
forth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is
First. The improved tubular tennis pole A, Figure 1, socket B, winged plates C, C',
and net stretching device F, also shewn by Figure 4 substantially as, and for the
purposes herein described, with reference to the accompanying sheet of drawings.
Second. The ring F, with handle G for tightening and stretching a tennis net, upon
a smooth or grooved pole, substantially as described and shewn by the accompanying
drawings.
Third. The socket and winged plates, Figures 1, 2, and 3, applicable to the tubular
tennis pole A, or any other pole for a like purpose substantially as herein described
and shewn by the accompanying drawings, and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 18th day of May 1889.
FREDK. WALKER & HYDE,
4, Little Moorfields, London, E.C., Agents for the Applicant.