Single Assembly Sports Net Master Frame

Abstract

The Single Assembly Sports Net Master Frame (also referred to as a portable golf ball return apparatus) that supports existing nets is disclosed. The invention is comprised of a portable golf ball return apparatus having several parts: a first part being a central hub; a second part being a lower frame with telescoping arms and the third part being the outer arms—which connect to these subsequent parts which are not included in the invention; being vertical rods to support the net; and the base mat. An object of the invention is to allow existing golf ball return nets to be supported by a quickly collapsible, support frame that is foldable and compact for transportation based on a single assembly.

Claims

1.) The Single Assembly Sports Net Master Frame also referred to as a portable golf ball return apparatus which comprises of the following parts: a) a central hub; b) telescoping inner arms; c) outer arms

2.) The portable golf ball return apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central hub is pivotably connected to telescoping inner arms.

3.) The portable golf ball return apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer arms being narrower than the telescoping inner arms and fitting inside said telescoping inner arms.

4.) The portable golf ball return apparatus of claim 1 wherein the telescoping arms having apertures to engage detents on the outer arms.

5.) The portable golf ball return apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central hub having apertures to engage detents on the telescoping inner arms.

6.) The portable golf ball return apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central hub having bolts pivotably-connecting the telescoping inner arms.

7.) The portable golf ball return apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central hub having anchor posts to connect vertical rods.

8.) The portable golf ball return apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outer arms having outer clips on distal ends.

9.) A method of returning a golf ball. The method comprised of the following steps: a) placing a mat; a) expanding inner and outer arms; b) installing existing vertical rods; and c) installing a net.

10.) The method of returning a golf ball of claim 9 wherein the expanding inner and outer arms includes the step of engaging apertures with detents of claim 5.

11.) The method of returning a golf ball of claim 9 wherein the installing existing vertical rods includes the step of connecting the existing vertical rods to the anchor posts in the central hub of claim 7.

13.) The method of returning a golf ball of claim 10 wherein the installing the net includes the step of sliding the net over the existing vertical rods and engaging outer clips of claim 9.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the invention being folded.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows the invention completely folded and compact.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows the invention being used.

[0012] Other aspects of the present invention shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0013] In this description, the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

[0014] FIGS. 1 and 2 showing a perspective views of the invention. The invention having several parts: a first part being a central hub 6; a second part which pivots from the first part being a lower frame with hollow, square-shaped, telescoping inner arm 13 and a third part being the outer arm 4 which pivots from 13; further parts illustrated but not included in the invention being upper vertical rod 2 and existing lower vertical rod 3 and a base mat 14; and vertical rod assemblies 3 and 2. The invention allowing a net 17 (not included as part of this invention) to be supported therein. All of the aforementioned components being made of a rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum, powder-coated steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber and the like. FIG. 2 showing a perspective view of the invention being folded with telescoping inner arm 13 and outer arm 4 pivotably-connected to central hub 6. The outer arm 4 being narrower than telescoping inner arm 13 allowing it to fit inside to attain the telescoping position. Said central hub 6 having a rectangular, planar shape with two, parallel walled portions therein. The central hub 6 being a plate having a proximal portion with a U-shape to receive said telescoping inner arm 13 and outer arm 4 there between. The figure showing outer arm 4 being connected to telescoping inner arm by means of joint 5 and having U-shaped outer clips 8 on distal ends for selectively affixing net corners thereon. Said joint 5 having anchor posts 9 configured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of joint 5 and having a diameter to receive lower vertical rod 3. Said lower vertical rod 3 and upper vertical rod 2 being slidably-connected by coupling 7 and allow a user to slide the sides of a net thereon.

[0015] FIG. 3 showing the invention collapsed in compact mode showing the single assembly concept and close-up images of central hub 6 and joint 5 having bolts 12 pivotably affixing telescoping inner arm 13 and outer arm 4 respectively. Said central hub 6 and joint 5 having a plurality of apertures 11 configured to receive detents 10 on telescoping inner arm 13 therein providing removable anchoring in the different positions. The figure also showing detents 11 in outer arm 4 engaging telescoping inner arm 13 also providing removable anchoring when in an extended position.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows the invention being used by user 14 who has hit golf ball 15 at the invention. The invention supporting a net (not included in the invention) and allowing it to catch said golf ball 15 and dissipate its velocity therein and drop down to mat 16 made of a flexible material such as rubber and the like that dampens the velocity of the golf ball 15 when making contact until retrieved by user 14.

[0017] It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.