CATCH AND THROW FOLDING RACKET ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Described is a catch and throw folding racket assembly. The racket assembly is formed of a first and second frame member, each having a rotatable handle attached thereto. The frame members are connected with one another with an elastic connected to frame out a catch area. Connected with and between the frame members is a net that is adapted to catch an object within the catch area, such as a ball. In use, a user can catch the ball within the net. When the frame members are pulled apart, the ball is brought out of the frame assembly in a throw motion as the net straightens and is pulled taut to expel the ball.

Claims

1. A catch and throw folding racket assembly, comprising: a first frame member, the first frame member having a first rotatable handle attached thereto; a second frame member, the second frame member having a second rotatable handle attached thereto; one or more connectors connecting the first and second frame members; and a net connected with and between the first and second frame members.

2. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members are U-shaped frame members terminating in ends, such that when the ends face each other, the first and second frame members form a catch area therebetween, with the net connected with and between the first and second frame members to fill the catch area.

3. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of the first and second frame members having a middle portion, with the first and second handles being rotatably attached to the first and second frame members such that the first and second handles freely rotate 360 degrees around the middle portion.

4. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 3, wherein the one or more connectors are formed of elastic or non-elastic cords connecting the first and second frame members.

5. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein the first and second frame members are U-shaped frame members terminating in ends, and wherein the one or more connectors are formed of flexible elastic cords connecting the ends of the first and second frame members.

6. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 5, wherein the one or more connectors are formed of elastic cords having a maximum expansion distance, and wherein the net is affixed between the first and second frame members such that when the first and second frame members are pulled away from one another so that the net is taut, the elastic cords are expanded to a distance that is less than the maximum expansion distance.

7. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein the net is formed of multiple parts having dissimilar materials.

8. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein the net is formed of a first net part, a second net part, and a central net part positioned with and between the first and second net parts, wherein the central net part is formed of an elastic mesh while the first and second net parts are formed of an inelastic material.

9. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 8, wherein the net has a center, with a shaped pocket formed within the center of the net.

10. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 9, wherein each of the rotating handles has a scoop attached thereto, each scoop being formed with a cavity to receive material therein.

11. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 10, wherein the scoops are attached with the rotating handles such that when the racket assembly is a closed position, the cavities of each scoop are facing each other.

12. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 11, wherein when the racket assembly is in a closed position, the scoops are placed together to collectively form a spherical shell.

13. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein a racket assembly axis spans between the two handles, and wherein the handles are U-shaped handles having a handle axis that is orthogonal to the racket assembly axis.

14. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the first and second frame members having a middle portion, with the first and second handles being rotatably attached to the first and second frame members such that the first and second handles freely rotate 360 degrees around the middle portion.

15. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the one or more connectors are formed of elastic or non-elastic cords connecting the first and second frame members.

16. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and second frame members are U-shaped frame members terminating in ends, and wherein the one or more connectors are formed of flexible cords connecting the ends of the first and second frame members.

17. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the net is formed of multiple parts having dissimilar materials.

18. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the net is formed of a first net part, a second net part, and a central net part positioned with and between the first and second net parts, wherein the central net part is formed of an elastic mesh while the first and second net parts are formed of an inelastic material.

19. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the one or more connectors are formed of elastic cords having a maximum expansion distance, and wherein the net is affixed between the first and second frame members such that when the first and second frame members are pulled away from one another so that the net is taut, the elastic cords are expanded to a distance that is less than the maximum expansion distance.

20. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the net has a center, with a shaped pocket formed within the center of the net.

21. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, where a racket assembly axis spans between the two handles, and wherein the handles are U-shaped handles having a handle axis that is orthogonal to the racket assembly axis.

22. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, each of the rotating handles has a scoop attached thereto, each scoop being formed with a cavity to receive material therein.

23. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the scoops are attached with the rotating handles such that when the racket assembly is a closed position, the cavities of each scoop are facing each other.

24. The racket assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein when the racket assembly is a closed position, the scoops are placed together to collectively form a spherical shell.

25. A method for catching and throwing with a racket assembly, comprising acts of: holding a pair of rotating handles of the racket assembly such that a net is in an open position in a catch area as framed out by opposing frame members; receiving a ball within the catch area of the net while rotating the rotating handles toward one another and bringing the opposing frame members together into a closed position to catch the ball within the net; and rotating the rotating handles away from one another while simultaneously pulling the opposing frame members apart into an open position, thereby stretching the net and causing the ball to be ejected from the net and thrown from the racket assembly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptions of the various aspects of the invention in conjunction with reference to the following drawings, where:

[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a folding racket assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, depicting the racket assembly as catching an object;

[0019] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in an open position;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side-view illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in a folded position;

[0021] FIG. 4 is an elevated-perspective, exploded-view illustration of the folding racket assembly;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a side-perspective, exploded-view illustration of the folding racket assembly;

[0023] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a folding racket assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, depicting the racket assembly in an open position;

[0024] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in a folded position;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a side-view illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in a folded position;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a side-view illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in a folded position with one handle being rotated;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective-view illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in a folded position with both handles being rotated outwards to position the racket assembly in a catch and launch position;

[0028] FIG. 11 is an elevated-perspective, exploded-view illustration of the folding racket assembly;

[0029] FIG. 12 is an illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in an open position with a pocket formed in a central net part;

[0030] FIG. 13 is an illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in an open position with U-shaped handles;

[0031] FIG. 14 is an illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in an open position with handles terminating in scoops;

[0032] FIG. 15 is an illustration of the folding racket assembly as shown in FIG. 14, depicting the racket assembly in a closed position to align the scoops; and

[0033] FIG. 16 is an illustration of the folding racket assembly, depicting the racket assembly in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention relates to a racket assembly and, more specifically, to a folding racket assembly configured for catching and throwing an object. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0035] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without necessarily being limited to these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form, rather than in detail, in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0036] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All the features disclosed in this specification, (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0037] Furthermore, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state means for performing a specified function, or step for performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a means or step clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of step of or act of in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.

[0038] Please note, if used, the labels left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise and counter-clockwise have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions between various portions of an object.

(1) Description

[0039] As noted above and as depicted in FIG. 1, the present disclosure is directed to a folding racket assembly 100 configured for catching and throwing an object 102. The racket assembly 100 provides a marked improvement over existing racket-type items and games through its two-handled folding assembly that is designed to work mechanically in unison with each of its folding parts, in either direction, to catch, block, and throw a ball or object 102 toward another person, target or goal. It should be understood that the racket assembly 100 can be used with a variety of objects 102, non-limiting examples of which include a ball, a water balloon, a sponge that absorbs water, or any shaped item as desired. While this can be used as a competitive game to play catch with multiple people, play a team sport like lacrosse, and entertain water balloon battles, it is also self-challenging to increase one's own individual shooting accuracy by practicing hitting targets and catching pop flies.

[0040] The racket assembly 100 is designed to provide a variety of game play and patterns. Similar to how a tennis racket is designed to hit a ball because the net is tight, or a lacrosse net is designed to catch and cradle because the net has a pocket, the folding racket assembly 100 of the present disclosure contains the ability to do both of these actions and catch and return an object 102 with incredible accuracy and power. The racket assembly 100 includes two opposing frame members 101 and 103, each with a rotating handle 104 on opposite sides of the assembly 100 that fold when the handles 104 are brought inward. Positioned between and connecting the opposing frame members 101 and 103 is a net 106. The frame members 101 and 103 are formed of a suitable size and shape to support a wide and useful catching area for the object 102. In one aspect and as shown in FIG. 2, the frame members 101 and 103 are U-shaped with arms 210 extending towards one another. In another aspect and as shown in FIG. 16, the frame members 101 and 103 can be formed without arms. Thus, although generally depicted as collectively forming an oval or rectangular shape, the frame members 101 and 103 are not limited thereto; however, desirably, they are shaped to be wider in the middle to support easier catching of the object 102.

[0041] The racket assembly 100 and frame members 101 and 103 can be almost any shape; although it is preferable that they reciprocate the same shape on the other half. As noted above, when u-shaped as shown in FIG. 2, the frame members 101 and 103 include arms 210, each with an arm length 1102. The longer the arms 210, the greater the throw. The arms 210 are directly proportionate to the distance that a user can shoot an object 102. The longer the pathway the object 102 has from a stopped position to the release point, the more energy one can inject into the forward momentum. Therefore, the racket assembly 100 can have long arms 210 and shoot far, or short arms 210 and a longer net width 212 between them and shoot far. This net gap is provided as a net width 212 between the arms 210. The net width 212 can be widened towards the tip of ends 204 arms 210 by designing the frame members 101 and 103 so that they are semi-elliptical or otherwise have arms 210 that are angled away from each other as they extend away from the handles 104. But if the arms 210 are short and the net width 212 is small (as compared to a longer width 212), the distance will also be less than if the arms 210 were longer. The racket assembly 100 shape can be a square, U-shaped, semi-circle, semi-elliptical, or any other desired shape. If the arms 210 are too far apart, the net 106 tends to lose accuracy and is harder to control. When the arms 210 are separated from each other with a net width 212 that is just a few inches wider than a user's fist in both directions, the device provides the most accuracy when shooting.

[0042] When an object 102 or ball comes toward a user, the object 102 lands in the middle of the net 106, which will then cave in on itself and fold to trap the object 102 within the net 106 and racket assembly 100. As long as the net 106 is maintained closed, the object 102 will stay inside. When a user desires to shoot the object 102 therefrom, the user need only pull the handles 104 outward and align the net 106 perpendicular to the ground to shoot the object 102 in a forward direction. When the handles 104 are pulled apart in opposite directions of each other, the object 102 is then forced forward with exponential acceleration from the tightening net 106 unfolding into its flat position plus the catapulting distance of the object's 102 travel before leaving the net 106. Thus and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the racket assembly 100 is operable for catching high speed objects 102 and returning fire immediately. Further details regarding the racket assembly 100 are provided below.

[0043] As referenced above and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the racket assembly 100 easily transitions between open and folded positions, respectively. As shown, the rotating handles 104 assist in such transitions through pivotal attachment with the frame members 101 and 103. The frame members 101 and 103 are generally U-shaped and symmetrical, or otherwise formed to accommodate the net 106 therebetween. Notably, connectors 200 and 200 are used to flexibly connect the frame members 101 and 103 to one another.

[0044] In one aspect, the connectors 200 and 200 are attached to each of the ends 204 of the U-shaped arms of the frame members 100 and 103 and operate to bridge the opposing frame members 101 and 103 and allow for rotational motion of the frame members 101 and 103 with respect to one another. Desirably, the connectors 200 and 200 are formed and/or otherwise attached to the frame members 101 and 103 such that they are the same length 202 and provide the same strength, allowing for folding in both directions. In one aspect, the connectors 200 and 200 are fit inside a sewn segment of the net 106 and/or are the net 106 materials itself. In another aspect, the connectors 200 and 200 are formed of a flexible/elastic material that is affixed with the frame members 100 and 103, non-limiting examples of which include a metal spring or rubber elastic material (e.g., elastic cord), or a fixed cable or non-elastic cord. For example, the net 106 can be sewn around an elastic cord, with the elastic cord serving as the connectors 200 and 200. Desirably, such connector materials (such as an elastic cord) possess an ability to expand and tighten the net 106 when pulled to full expansion.

[0045] Another aspect is shown in FIG. 16. Instead of the arms, a flexible, but non-elastic material 1600 (e.g., non-elastic wire or non-elastic cord) is attached with and extends from the frame members 101 and 103. The non-elastic material 1600 can be used to support the net 106 in an open and closed position. This flexible, non-elastic material 1600 is attached to the connectors 200 and 200 (which are desirably elastic cord) where the net 106 exists. The connectors 200 and 200 are then pulled apart by this flexible non-elastic cord just like the arms, but without the improved alignment conditions that the arms provide. The aspect as depicted in FIG. 16 uses less plastic or frame components than other aspects and possibly offers more speed and greater projectile distance; however, it would not have the same accuracy when it comes to throwing, nor will it open up to catch with the maximum exposed area.

[0046] For further understanding, FIGS. 4 and 5 provide exploded-view illustrations of the frame members 100 and 103, rotating handles 104, and associated connectors 200 and 200. As noted above, the racket assembly includes two U-shaped frame members 100 and 103, made of any suitable strong yet light-weight material (e.g., plastic, Nylon, carbon fiber, fiber glass etc.). The ends 204 of the U-shaped frame members 100 and 103 face each other to form a catch area 402 framed out by the frame members 100 and 103. It should be noted that in some aspects the net 106 is attached to fill out the entire catch area 402, while in other aspects the net 106 can be shaped with cut outs or other shaping to only fill a portion of the catch area 402.

[0047] The connectors 200 and 200 are affixed between the frame members 100 and 103 using any suitable mechanism, technique or device. As a non-limiting example and as shown, the frame members 100 and 103 are each comprised of two layers that can be screwed or otherwise affixed with one another. In this aspect, the connectors 200 and 200 can be tied or sandwiched between the two layers of frame members 100 and 103. For example, the ends 400 of the connectors 200 and 200 include knotting, bulging, an end disk, or some other feature that allows the ends 400 to remain affixed within the frame member 100 and 103 when the two layers are affixed with one another. Although not depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, one skilled in the art can appreciate that the net 106 can be positioned and affixed between the two layers to securely affix the net 106 between the frame members 100 and 103. As a non-limiting example, laying the net 106 between the two layers and then gluing, screwing or otherwise affixing the two layers of each of the frame members 100 and 103 will secure the net 106 in place as well as the frame members 100 and 103 to one another. Thus, when the two layers are assembled and the frame members 100 and 103 are pulled apart, they will not detach from one another and will stop their expansion away from one another at the point where the net 106 can stretch no further.

[0048] The distance by which the frame members 100 and 103 can be pulled away from one another is limited by the tightness of the net 106 that surrounds the connectors 200 and 200 and not the connectors 200 and 200 themselves (i.e., not by the elastic cord). The net 106 spanning the area 402 between the frame members 100 and 103 is designed to be shorter than the maximum travel or expansion distance of the connectors 200 and 200 (i.e., elastic cord). For example and as shown in FIG. 6, when the frame members 101 and 103 are pulled apart such that the net 106 is fully taut between the distance 600 spanning the frame members 101 and 103, the connectors 200 and 200 are not fully stretched. In other words, the relationship between the connectors 200 and 200 and the net 106 is that the net 106 should be completely flat and taut at full expansion, and not loose when the ball leaves the net 106. When the connectors 200 and 200 are folded without tension, the net 106 will condense into a loose area where it can catch the ball and cradle it in between the two halves of the net 106. When the frame members 100 and 103 and corresponding net 106 are pulled apart (from a folded to open position), the connectors 200 and 200 tighten the net 106, adding exponential acceleration to the projectile of the ball as it is flung out of the net 106.

[0049] To assist in transitioning between the open and folded positions (as shown throughout the figures, including FIGS. 6 through 10), each frame member 100 and 103 has a rotating handle 104 rotabably attached thereto. The handles 104 are attached with the frame members 100 and 103 using any suitable mechanism, technique, or device to allow for rotation thereof. For example and as shown in FIG. 11, the handles 104 can be a clamshell design (with two parts screwed/glued, etc. together) that folds or is otherwise affixed around a designated middle portion 410 in the U-shaped frame member 101 and 103 to allow the handles 104 to rotate 360 degrees around the middle of the frame members 101 and 103. Desirably, there are retention rings 1100 on either side of the handles 104 that are molded into the frame members 101 and 103 to prevent the handles 104 from moving away from the center, trapping the handles 104 in the middle portion 410. The aspect as depicted in FIG. 11 provides continuous frame members 101 and 103 that span both sides of the middle portion 410 (as opposed to the aspect as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 which have physically distinct frame portions on each side of the handles 104). The middle portion 410 must be the strongest part of the racket assembly 100 to avoid breakage during use. It should be noted that the length 1102 of the arms 210 of the frame members 101 and 103 are desirably long enough to provide sufficient area for catching the object. However, the length 1102 can be as short as the handles 104 themselves or the width 1104 of the frame members 101 and 103 proximate the handles 104.

[0050] As yet another non-limiting example and as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the handles 104 can be formed to include side posts ending in tabs 404 that rest within grooves 406 formed in the frame members 101 and 103. In other words, the posts pass through the grooves 406, while the tabs 404 have a diameter that exceeds that of the grooves 406 to retain the handles within the frame members 101 and 103 when the two, clam-shell layers of the frame members 101 and 103 are affixed with one another. As yet another example, the handles 104 may be a clamshell design (with two parts screwed together) with a loop extending therefrom that wraps around the middle portion of the U-shaped frame members 100 and 103.

[0051] In yet another aspect and as shown in FIG. 13, the handles 104 can be shaped as U-shaped handles, similar in shape to a suitcase handle. In this aspect, the shaping of the handles 104 (via the lateral handle middle 1300) causes the user to point his/her knuckles forward when catching and throwing. In other words, the handles 104 have a handle axis 1302 that is orthogonal to a racket assembly axis 1304 (where the racket assembly axis 1304 spans between the two handles 104). The shape of the handle 104 in this aspect is important in that the handle axis 1302 configuration is very effective for shooting forward and catching forward, but not as effective for shooting or catching things over the user's head or below their waste as the wrist anatomy does not allow for sufficient bending (whereas the handle 102 configuration in FIG. 12 is better suited for high and low shooting and catching to aligned axes 1304 and 1202 when in an open and extended configuration).

[0052] In all cases, the handles 104 are desirably loose, and spin freely without force. Since the handles 104 can rotate inside and outside of the frame members 101 and 103, they close into a very small footprint for packaging (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), and open into a large shape that ergonomically fits the angle of a user's hand when holding the grip and pulling apart. Regarding the grip, the handles 104 are desirably formed with a grip design or other features so that they are not slippery when wet. Thus, the rotatable handles 104 provide increased control over the multiple angles that the racket assembly 100 can be turned by the rotation of the wrists, which increases the accuracy of the trapping or flinging of the ball from the net 106.

[0053] With respect to the net 106 and as noted above, the net 106 is affixed to the frame members 101 and 103 so that it covers the area 402 between the U-shaped frame members 101 and 103. The net 106 can be affixed with the frame members 101 and 103 using any suitable mechanism, technique, or device. As a non-limiting example, the net 106 can be spread out to fill the area 402 between the frame members 101 and 103, with edges of the net 106 sandwiched and affixed between the two layers that form each of the frame members 101 and 103.

[0054] The net 106 can be made of any suitable material, non-limiting examples of which include a flexible fabric, nylon, a mesh material, a non-flexible material, or any combination thereof. The net 106 is tight toward the handle ends of the U-shaped racket. In some aspects, as you approach the middle of the area 402 between the two frame members 101 and 103, the net 106 is more relaxed because it pulls inward when the elastic connectors 200 and 200 are not tight.

[0055] In some aspects and as shown in FIGS. 6 through 10, the net 106 can be formed of single material throughout, non-limiting examples of which include mesh, nylon etc. In another aspect and as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the net 106 can be formed of dissimilar materials to impart different properties and form different net parts. As a non-limiting example and as shown in FIG. 1, the net 106 can be formed collectively from a first net part 108 and a second net part 110, with a central net part 112 affixed therebetween. The central net part 112 can be affixed (e.g., sewn, etc.) with each of the first and second net parts 108 and 110 to collectively form the net 106.

[0056] The net parts 108, 110, and 112 can be formed of any suitable material as desired. In some aspects, the first and second net parts 108 and 110 are formed of a flexible, yet non-stretchable (i.e., inelastic) material, a non-limiting example of which includes nylon. Alternatively, the central net part 112 can be formed of both a flexible and stretchable (i.e., elastic) material, such as an elastic mesh fabric. Use of the mesh fabric for the central net part 112 imparts several unique functions. For example, the mesh fabric in the central net part 112 provides visibility to the user when catching a ball or other object 102. If being used to catch a breakable object 102, such as a water balloon or snowball, the mesh can be used to cause the item to break and douse the user (e.g., the water balloon pops to splash the user if he/she catches the water balloon with too much force). Further, in this aspect, because the first and second net parts 108 and 110 are formed of a non-stretchable (i.e., non-expandable) fabric, the first and second net parts 108 and 110 pull the flexible central net part 112 (i.e., the mesh net) tight to straighten out the central net part 112 shooting the object 102 from the racket assembly 100. If the entire net 106 is stretchable (as shown in FIG. 6), the net 106 is not imparted with a snap at the full pull position (i.e., when the frame members 101 and 103 are pulled apart), resulting in an object 102 that does not fly as far as it would otherwise with the configuration as depicted in FIG. 2.

[0057] The net 106 may or may not have a center pocket for the ball or object to rest in the center position. Regardless, in some aspects, the net 106 is positioned in the area 402 between the frame members 101 and 103 so that the racket assembly 100 can be used in either direction. In one aspect, the net 106 itself operates as a pocket itself in the center of the net 106. When the object 102 finds this center pocket area 402 in the net 106, it will project with the most accuracy. In one aspect and as shown in FIG. 12, the net 106 can be formed to include a shaped pocket 1200 (e.g., semi-spherical, or otherwise indented shape) that is sewn into or otherwise formed or affixed in the center of the net 106 create an indentation area. When an object 102 is caught, it tends to roll around inside, or hit the upper or lower center area of the net 106 when folded. This shaped pocket 1200 centers the object 102 instantly as it will sink to the lowest area in the folded portion of the net 106 (in this case the pocket 1200) before launch, and then will be released from this center area of the net 1200. As the net 106 is opened up, the centered portion and pocket 1200 of the net 106 will open up which clears the object 102 for friction free release. If the net 106 is a solid piece of fabric, this pocket 1200 can also be used to form a snowball out of loose snow, and compact it from the opposite side to squeeze it into a round ball, and then shoot a snowball.

[0058] Referring to snowballs, another aspect is depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15. In this aspect, a scoop 1400 can be included as an attachable handle attachment or, in another aspect, integrally formed or otherwise attached to the terminal end of the handle 104. For example, in one aspect, the scoop 1400 can be separately sold or otherwise formed and can be attached by a user to the handles 104. The scoop 1400 can include clips, a snap, or any other suitable mechanism or device that would allow a user to easily and selectively attach the scoop 1400 to the handle 104 (e.g., a pressure retention slip ball and socket, etc.). Alternatively and as referenced above, the scoops 1400 can be integrally formed or otherwise permanently attached to the handles 104. In either case, each of the scoops 1400 has a cavity 1402 that can be used to receive and allow for snow pack. When the racket assembly is in a closed position, such as shown in FIG. 15, the cavities 1402 face one another to collectively come together and form a spherical shell to allow for formation of a snowball or other packable object. In use, a user can aim the cavities 1402 of the scoops 1400 downward into the snow and pack them together (as shown in FIG. 15) until they are touching end-to-end and make a round ball of snow. When opening the racket assembly, the snowball will fall directly into the net 106, allowing the user to flip their hands around and quickly fire the snowball.

[0059] In use and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 through 10, the net 106 stays relaxed and will cradle the object when the U-shaped frame members 101 and 103 are folded together. This traps the object 102 within the net 106 and centers the object 102 for firing. When the net 106 is pulled apart (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6), the object 102 is pulled forward quickly; thus, as the net 106 opens and pulls apart in opposite directions by the handles 104, the net 106 becomes tight and gives an extra spring or acceleration to the object 102 as it forces the object 102 outward quickly with a punch of energy at release through continued expansion of the connectors 200 and 200 until reaching full tautness of the net 106.

[0060] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, additional modifications can be made to the racket assembly 100 to allow for additional game play and features. For example, the net 106 can be formed such that the material forming the central net part 112 is reversed with that of the first and second net parts 108 and 110. In this aspect, the central net part 112 is non-stretchable (i.e., inelastic) material (e.g., nylon), while the first and second net parts 110 are formed of stretchable (i.e., elastic) material (e.g., mesh, etc.).

[0061] Other variations include forming the object 102 and racket assembly 100 to have light up components to allow for play in low light conditions. In this aspect, LED lights or other lighting components can be embedded in the frame members 101 and 103, handles 104, and/or objects 102 to illuminate the items during use. Further, it should be noted that although a single racket assembly 100 is depicted for illustrative purposes, in some embodiments, the racket assembly 100 is sold and used as a plurality (e.g., pairs, etc.) so that multiple users can play catch and throw with one another.

[0062] As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the racket assembly 100 provides for a variety of play patterns and method of play. Several non-limiting examples are provided below. [0063] a. Targets: Target systems can be included in other aspects, where one or more targets are provided along with a pair of racket assemblies 100. In this aspect, the users can use the same target, or opposing targets, or any combination thereof. For example, in one method, players approach from opposing sides, and both shoot at the same target that is positioned in the middle between the two players. If a first player misses the target, the opposing second player will end up finding the ball rolling up to their feet, allowing the second player to grab the ball and shoot back at the target. In another aspect, the target can be formed to shift in two directions. For example, the target can be slidably affixed to a frame. Each time the target is hit from side A, it moves toward the opponent on side B by one notch. It takes moving the target a predetermined number of notches (e.g., 5) to beat an opponent. If an opposing player hits the target and notches it the other way, an opposing player can retaliate and push it back toward their opponent. The first one to reach the predetermined notch (e.g., 5.sup.th notch) wins. [0064] b. Catch: Users play catch, back and forth, with a ball, light up ball at night, sponge ball with water, an egg, water balloon, or other object. [0065] c. Pop-Flies: A user aims the racket assembly 100 over baseball players and sends them Pop Flies with a baseball. Using the device, a user can shoot a ball straight into the air with ease toward baseball outfielders to help them practice catching fly balls. It is easier than throwing them by hand, which is very hard on the elbow and joints, and a coach will be able to perform this activity longer than throwing balls. [0066] d. Battles: The racket assembly 100 can be used for battles, such as water balloon fights and snowball fights. In this aspect, a user can shoot at an opponent, while they have the new ability to catch the ammunition (such as a water balloon or snowball) with their racket assembly 100, and return fire as fast as they catch it. This brings a new dynamic into the game, such as trying to protect a target from getting hit, and using the net 106 to defend as well as shoot. [0067] e. Light up Net/Ball: In an aspect where the net 106 lights up, it is easy for a player to see where the opponent is. The player can aim for and shoot at their opponent with a light up ball, which makes it easy for the opponent to see and attempt to catch. [0068] f. Scoop: The scoop is a method of gameplay where a user picks up a ball without ever touching the ball with their hands. This is done simply by approaching a ball on the ground, and sliding the middle of the net 106 under the ball and picking it up. Either from the top of the net, or a reverse scoop pulling toward the user's feet with the bottom of then net 106. The ball rolls or otherwise is scooped right into the net 106 from either direction. This method of game play can be used to play fetch with a dog, or pick up a rolling ball very fast and fire it back. [0069] g. Lacrosse: The net 106 provides a method to play safer Lacrosse on a shorter field than is typically used for Lacrosse. A larger and softer ball would be designed for this activity. The ball can be passed and thrown, with a goal to shoot it into a goal which is being protected by a goalie with the same racket assembly 100. The bigger and safer ball allows all to play through ease of use while also reducing some of the injury risks associated with traditional Lacrosse. [0070] h. Self-Training: In self-training, a user shoots a ball at a wall that bounces back to the user. This is an easy way to build skill level, and learn new techniques. Through self-training, a user will learn both how to catch and throw, focus on their aim, and quickly understand how the product works.

[0071] Finally, while this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the invention may have other applications in other environments. It should be noted that many embodiments and implementations are possible. Further, the following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific embodiments described above. In addition, any recitation of means for is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element and a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation means for, are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if the claim otherwise includes the word means. Further, while particular method steps have been recited in a particular order, the method steps may occur in any desired order and fall within the scope of the present invention.