Abstract
An easily assembled and disassembled frame for a net game includes a rigid multi-part frame with a cross-member that is non-sagging. Sections of the multi-part frame have an elliptical profile. A net stabilizer includes a tensioning member coupled at one end to a retention member of the frame, and having the other end of the tensioning member inserted into a center sleeve of the net, and, a center sleeve with a securing member for fastening securely at one end to the cross-member.
Claims
1. A portable net support assembly structure for net and wall games comprising: (1) a net with a vertical center strap comprising a sleeve; (2) a pair of end post sub-assemblies with each end post sub-assembly including a base member with a first connector, a second connector, and a post member for vertical attachment to the first connector; and, (3) a cross-member comprising a set of self-aligning interconnectable sections of tubular channel, at least portions of the self-aligning interconnectable tubular channel comprising a transverse cross-sectional profile substantially elliptical in shape, and distal ends of the cross-member attach to the second connector of the end post sub-assembly for spanning distance between the end post assemblies, and the end-post sub-assemblies are configured to support the cross-member in a disposition raised from a playing surface, and portions of the cross-member or second connector are configured to reside below a bottom edge of a stretched net.
2. The portable net support assembly according to claim 1 further comprising net tensioner member.
3. The portable net support assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a non-circular shaped receptacle adapted to retain a net tensioner member.
4. The portable net support assembly according to claim 1 further comprising casters supportive of at least the end post sub-assemblies for rolling the portable net assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1a is a partial side view of one embodiment taken from the left side of the apparatus;
(2) FIG. 1b is a partial side view of the right side of the apparatus shown partially in (FIG. 1a);
(3) FIG. 2a is a partial top view of one embodiment taken from the left side of the apparatus;
(4) FIG. 2b is a partial top view of the right side of the apparatus shown partially in (FIG. 2a);
(5) FIG. 3a is a partial side view of one embodiment taken from the left side of the apparatus;
(6) FIG. 3b is a partial side view of the right side of the apparatus shown partially in (FIG. 3a);
(7) FIG. 4a is a partial top down view of one embodiment taken from the left side of the apparatus;
(8) FIG. 4b is a partial top down view from the right side of the apparatus shown partially in (FIG. 4a);
(9) FIG. 5a is a partial side view of one embodiment taken from the left side of the apparatus;
(10) FIG. 5b is a partial side view of the right side of the apparatus shown partially in (FIG. 5a);
(11) FIG. 5c in one embodiment is a top plan view of a single spacer;
(12) FIG. 6a is a partial side view of one embodiment taken from the left side of the apparatus;
(13) FIG. 6b is a partial side view of the right side of the apparatus shown partially in (FIG. 6a);
(14) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment showing a frame mid-section with retention and support member for a tensioning member and net tensioning strap 500,.
(15) FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of (FIG. 5c);
(16) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment showing a frame mid-section with retention and support member for a tensioning member and net tensioning strap 500
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(17) Reference listing: z 100 net assembly frame 150 net 152 net sleeve 154 center sleeve 156 strap 158 net bottom band 160 tensioning member 200 end-post assembly 220 cross bar connector/riser 260 post 262 post foot 264 post connector 270 mid-frame sub-assembly 272 net tensioner support 274 cup 310 spacer segment 400 caster 500 strap
Definitions
(18) In the following description, the term net refers to any type of net for sporting or recreational use which is sized and shaped for reversible attachment to the posts. Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms a an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word or is intended to include and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term comprises means includes. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of inflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
(19) Referring generally to FIGS. 1-8, a portable net support system with tensioning adjustment for a supported net 100 includes a pair of end-post assemblies 200, posts 260 attachable to the end-post assemblies, a series of spacers 310 connected between the end-post assemblies, wherein the spacers possess a substantially elliptical transverse cross-section, and a mid-frame sub-assembly 270. The particular length and number of spacers may vary depending on the particular implementation.
(20) FIGS. 1a and 1b show respectively in left and right side views, an embodiment of a net support system with end-post assemblies 200, a connector 220, a series of spacers 310 forming a cross-member, and a mid-frame sub-assembly 270 that possesses a net tensioner support 272. The frame assembly as shown in the exploded view depicts a simplified arrangement and an exemplary number of spacers. The number of spacers and the respective lengths and proportions of the spacers may vary. The end posts 260 may vary in length width or diameter. While the particular embodiment depicted has casters 400, other embodiments may lack casters, or may be adapted to receive casters.
(21) FIGS. 2a and 2b show respectively in left and right top down views, an embodiment of a net support system with end-post assemblies 200, a connector 220, a series of spacers 310 forming a cross-member, and a mid-frame sub-assembly 270 that possesses a net tensioner support 272. The frame assembly as shown in the exploded view depicts a simplified arrangement and an exemplary number of spacers. The number of spacers and the respective lengths and proportions of the spacers may vary.
(22) FIGS. 3a and 3b show respectively in left and right side views, an embodiment of an assembled net support system with end-post assemblies 200, end posts 260, connector 220, a series of spacers 310 forming a cross-member, and a mid-frame sub-assembly 270 that possesses a net tensioner support 272. The embodiment depicted has a net 150 having end sleeves 152 that are placed over the end posts 260. Also shown is a center sleeve 154 as part of the net 150 that is adapted to receive a tensioning rod 160 therein to stiffen the center portion of the net. One end of the tensioning rode 160 fits into cup 274 that may be adjusted in an up or down direction to move the tensioning rod up to increase upward forced on the center portion of the net, or down to relieve tensioning on the net.
(23) FIGS. 4a and 1b show respectively in left and right top down views, an embodiment of an assembled net support system with end-post assemblies 200, an installed net 150 having end sleeves 152 placed over the end posts 260, connector 220, a series of spacers 310 forming a cross-member, and a mid-frame sub-assembly 270 that possesses a net tensioner support 272 with cup 274.
(24) FIGS. 5a and 5b show respectively in left and right side views, another embodiment of an assembled net support system with end-post assemblies 200, end posts 260, a connector 220, a series of spacers 310 forming a cross-member, and a mid-frame sub-assembly 270 that possesses a net tensioner support 272. The particular embodiment depicted has a net 150 having end sleeves 152 that are placed over the end posts 260. Also shown is a center sleeve 154 as part of the net 150 that is adapted to receive a tensioning rod 160 therein to stiffen the center portion of the net. One end of the tensioning rode 160 fits into cup 274 that may be cylindrical member welded to the mid-frame sub-assembly, and may or may not permit height adjustment of the rod 160 in an up or down direction to increase or decrease upward force on the center portion of the net.
(25) FIGS. 6a and 6b show respectively in left and right side top down views, another embodiment of an assembled net support system with end-post assemblies 200, end posts 260, a connector 220, a series of spacers 310 forming a cross-member, and a mid-frame subassembly 270.
(26) In various embodiments herein, adjustment of tensioning rod 160 position within center sleeve 154 may be accomplished by placing spacers (not shown) between the rod end and the inside of cup 274, or, in cases where the cup is fitted to a threaded post; turning the cup to raise or lower it (not shown), or, substituting a tube (see FIG. 7) as part of the mid-frame subassembly 270 which is adapted to receive one end of the rod and employs a set screw that when tightened, arrests the movement of the rod so as to fix it in place to obtain a desired amount of net tension or center net height. Rod tensioning means shown in the multiple embodiments herein are merely exemplary.
(27) Other rod tensioning means will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art and benefit of this disclosure. It should be understood that the specific elements, features and objects of the various embodiments described herein may be interchanged, shared or substituted among the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
(28) FIG. 8 is an cross-sectional detail view taken along lines 8-8 of (FIG. 5c). The particular profile shown is not intended to be limiting. The width and height of the elliptic profile can vary depending on the particular implementation. The profile need not be a perfect ellipse.
(29) It should be understood by those having skill in the art, that while due in part to economy and space considerations, each end-post assembly of the particular embodiment shown depicts a substantially horizontal leg member or base, it is not intended that the invention be necessarily limited one leg member or base for each sub-assembly. While preferably the end-post sub-assembly and the spacers are constructed of light weight steel channel, it can be of any material of sufficient rigidity and stability as would suggest itself to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the cross-member formed by the spacers is substantially straight (see FIGS. 5a, 5b), while in other embodiments, the formed cross-member is arched.
(30) In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
