US4531736A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Action croquet post
Assignee: Quaker Oats Co
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Filing: 1984-02-09
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Granted: 1985-07-30
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Expires: 2004-02-09
Abstract
Abstract A croquet post includes a base having a movable target and an activating arm attached to the target. A post extends upwardly from the base. A movable collar is supported by the post and is engaged by pins extending from a rod within the post. The rod is actuated by the arm to release the collar and allow it to slide down the post thereby providing a visible indication when the target is struck. A bell is struck by the rod providing an audible indication when the target is struck.
Inventors
- 👤 John T. Sahler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 16:00
CPC Classifications
A; A63; A63B; A63B63/00; A63B2208/00; A63B2208/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A croquet post comprising: a base; an upstanding pole mounted on said base; a movable target mounted on said base; a vertically movable member slidably mounted on said pole; latch means on said pole for engaging said movable member and releasably maintaining said member on said pole in a first position spaced above said base; and coupling means connected to said movable target and said latch means, said coupling means responsive to movement of said target to release said latch means to allow said movable member to slide down said pole.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
A croquet post comprising: a base; an upstanding pole mounted on said base; a movable target mounted on said base; a vertically movable member slidably mounted on said pole; latch means on said pole for engaging said movable member and releasably maintaining said member on said pole in a first position spaced above said base; and coupling means connected to said movable target and said latch means, said coupling means responsive to movement of said target to release said latch means to allow said movable member to slide down said pole.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The croquet post of claim 1 comprising intermediate latch means for releasably engaging said movable member at a second position between said first position and said base.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The croquet post of claim 1 comprising a guide for directing a ball to said target.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The croquet post of claim 1 wherein said movable target comprises a plunger attached to said target and said rod has a beveled end engaging said end of said plunger whereby horizontal movement of said plunger causes vertical movement of said rod.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The croquet post of claim 1 wherein said movable member comprises a collar slidably mounted on said post.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The croquet post of claim 5 comprising a spiral groove in said post.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The croquet post of claim 6 further comprising intermediate latch means connected to said rod and projecting through said post into said groove for engaging said movable member at a second position between said first position and said base.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The croquet post of claim 7 further comprising an inwardly extending projection on said collar for engaging said groove and said latch means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The croquet post of claim 6 wherein said groove comprises at least one tapered wall.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The croquet post of claim 9 further comprising one or more figures attached to said collar.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The croquet post of claim 1 wherein said coupling means comprises a rod extending upwardly through said post.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
33 words
The croquet post of claim 11 further comprising a bell mounted adjacent said rod and adapted to be struck by said rod to produce a ring in response to movement of said target.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The croquet post of claim 12 further comprising a hammer on said rod adapted to strike said bell.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
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Cited
US2821398A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-07-29 | 1989-01-28 | 1989-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-07-29 | 1993-01-28 | 1993-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-07-29 | 1997-01-28 | 1997-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |