RETRACTABLE RECREATIONAL NET SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A retractable recreational net system includes a first self-supporting pole arrangement mountable on a ground surface; the first pole arrangement having a first net storage reel; a second self-supporting pole arrangement mountable on the ground surface; the second pole arrangement having a second net storage reel; a net selectively extendable between the first pole arrangement and the second pole arrangement; and at least one retraction mechanism to selectively retract the net onto at least one of the first net storage reel or second net storage reel.

Claims

1. A retractable recreational net system for playing badminton, the system comprising: (a) a first self-supporting pole arrangement mountable on a ground surface; the first pole arrangement having a first net storage reel; (b) a second self-supporting pole arrangement mountable on the ground surface; the second pole arrangement having a second net storage reel; (c) a net selectively extendable between the first pole arrangement and the second pole arrangement; (i) the first and second pole arrangement holding a top of the net about 5 feet above the ground surface; (ii) the net being extendable between the first pole arrangement and second pole arrangement to at least 16 feet (iii) the net having a length between the top of the net and bottom of the net of 2-3 feet and (d) at least one retraction mechanism to selectively retract the net onto at least one of the first net storage reel or second net storage reel.

2. The net system of claim 1 wherein the at least one retraction mechanism includes: (a) a first retraction mechanism held by the first pole arrangement; and (b) a second retraction mechanism held by the second pole arrangement; wherein a first portion of the net is retractable onto the first net storage reel, and a second portion of the net is retractable onto the second net storage reel.

3. The net system of claim 1 wherein the first pole arrangement includes a first tri-pod leg arrangement supporting the first net storage reel.

4. The net system of claim 3 further comprising a first net housing surrounding the first net storage reel.

5. The net system of claim 2 wherein the first retraction mechanism includes a first spring-biased ratchet arrangement secured to the first net storage reel.

6. The net system of claim 5 wherein the first spring-biased ratchet arrangement includes a release and locking mechanism in a first ratchet housing adjacent one end of the first net storage reel and a spring in a first spring housing adjacent an opposite end of the first net storage reel.

7. The net system of claim 4 wherein the first tri-pod leg arrangement has 3 legs selectively movable between a standing position and a storage position; the standing position including bottoms of the 3 legs spaced apart and holding the first net storage reel in an upright position above the ground surface; and the storage position including the 3 legs being next to the first net housing along the lengths of the 3 legs.

8. The net system of claim 6 wherein the first tri-pod leg arrangement has 3 legs selectively movable between a standing position and a storage position; a top of each of the 3 legs is pivotably secured to one of the ratchet housing and spring housing to pivot between the standing position and the storage position.

9. The net system of claim 8 wherein the top of each of the 3 legs is pivotably secured to the spring housing.

10. The net system of claim 6 wherein the first pole arrangement includes a first tri-pod leg arrangement supporting the first net storage reel and wherein: (a) the second pole arrangement includes a second tri-pod leg arrangement supporting the second net storage reel; (b) the second tri-pod leg arrangement has 3 legs selectively movable between a standing position and a storage position; the standing position including bottoms of the 3 legs spaced apart and holding the second net storage reel in an upright position above the ground surface; and the storage position including the 3 legs being next to a second net housing surrounding the second net storage reel.

11. The net system of claims 10 wherein the second retraction mechanism includes a second spring-biased ratchet arrangement secured to the second net storage reel.

12. The net system of claim 11 wherein the second spring-biased ratchet arrangement includes a release and locking mechanism in a second ratchet housing adjacent one end of the second net storage reel and a spring in a second spring housing adjacent an opposite end of the second net storage reel.

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The net system of claim 1 wherein: (a) the first pole arrangement includes a first tri-pod leg arrangement having 3 legs including a first outermost radial leg remote from the net being weighted heavier than the other legs in the first tri-pod leg arrangement; and (b) the second pole arrangement includes a second tri-pod leg arrangement supporting the second net storage reel having 3 legs including a second outermost radial leg remote from the net being weighted heavier than the other legs in the second tri-pod leg arrangement.

16. The net system of claim 1 wherein the first self-supporting pole arrangement and the second self-supporting pole arrangement includes a standing position and a storage position; wherein a height of the first and second self-supporting pole arrangements in the storage position is less than 70% of a height of the first and second self-supporting pole arrangements in the standing position.

17. A kit for playing badminton, the kit comprising: (a) the net system of claim 1; (b) at least two badminton rackets; and (c) at least one shuttle cock.

18.-20. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, constitute a part of the description and illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a kit for playing badminton, the kit including a net system, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one portion of the net system shown with the kit of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of one retraction mechanism used with the net system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0037] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of another portion of the retraction mechanism used with the net system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an enlarged portion of the net system of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the net system of FIG. 1; and

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the pole arrangements in a storage position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] A recreational net system is provided that improves the prior art by allowing for convenient storage and fast setup of the net. One way this is accomplished is by having an automatically retractable net system. Another way this is accomplished is by having self-supporting legs. The legs can be moved between a standing position and a storage position. Another way this is accomplished is by having the combination of the retractable net and the self-supporting legs. The recreational net system can be used for a variety of games that use nets. This can include, for example, tennis, volleyball, and badminton. The example embodiment illustrated herein shows use as a badminton set. It should be understood that the principles herein may be applied to other games using a net, such as tennis and volleyball.

[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kit 10 for playing badminton. The kit 10 includes a net system 12, at least two badminton rackets 14, and at least one shuttle cock 16. The rackets 14 and shuttle cock 16 are as conventionally known in the art. The net system 12 incorporates inventive principles, as further described.

[0043] The net system 12 includes a first self-supporting pole arrangement 20 and a second self-supporting pole arrangement 22. By the term self-supporting, it meant that the pole arrangements 20, 22 can stand upright without being further held or supported by any other structure. That is, the self-supporting pole arrangements 20, 22 need not be embedded within the ground or otherwise mounted to any other holding structure. As such, the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 are self-supporting and free of any other support or mounting members. The first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 are mountable on a ground surface, such as a gymnasium floor, a hard court surface, or ground, such as clay or grass.

[0044] It should be understood that FIG. 1 illustrates both the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22. FIGS. 2-4 show an example embodiment of each pole arrangement 20, 22. Each of the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 is constructed identical to each other. As such, FIGS. 2-4 illustrate only one of the pole arrangements, but the structure is identical for each of arrangement 20 and 22.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of pole arrangement 20, 22. Pole arrangement 20, 22 includes a net storage reel 24. The first pole arrangement 20 would include a first net storage reel 24, while the second pole arrangement 22 would include a second net storage reel 24.

[0046] A net 26 is shown in FIG. 1 as being extended between the first pole arrangement 20 and the second pole arrangement 22. The net 26 is selectively extendable between the pole arrangements 20, 22. By the term selectively extendable, it is meant that the net 26 can be deliberately extended from: (i) a storage position in which at least a portion is stored in the first pole arrangement 20 and a portion is stored in the second pole arrangement 22; and into (ii) a use position with the net 26 extended between the poles 20, 22 and length sufficient to play a game. For example, the net 26 can be extended between the poles 20, 22 to a length of at least 16 feet, or at least 20 feet. Sixteen feet is helpful when playing a singles game of badminton, while 20 feet is helpful when playing a doubles game of badminton.

[0047] The net system 12 includes at least one retraction mechanism 28 to selectively retract the net 26 onto at least one of the net storage reels 24 of the first pole arrangement 20 or second pole arrangement 22. While it is contemplated that only a single retraction mechanism 28 can be used, in this embodiment, there are two retraction mechanisms 28, one associated with each pole arrangement 20, 22. In FIG. 1, arrows A and B illustrate how the net 26 can be extendable or retractable between the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22. When the net 26 is retracted, the net 26 has at least a portion stored on the net storage reel 24 of the first pole arrangement 20 and on the net storage reel 24 of the second pole arrangement 22.

[0048] Still in reference to FIG. 1, the first pole arrangement 20 includes a first tri-pod leg arrangement 30. The first tri-pod leg arrangement 30 supports the net storage reel 24 associated with the first pole arrangement 20. FIG. 1 shows the net store reel 24 for the first pole arrangement 20 in hidden lines.

[0049] The first tri-pod leg arrangement 30 includes three legs 32, 33, 34. The legs 32, 33, 34 are selectively movable between a standing position (FIGS. 1 and 6) and a storage position (FIG. 7, generically depicting both tri-pod leg arrangements 30, 44). The standing position includes base or bottoms 36, 37, 38 of the three legs 32, 33, 34 being spaced apart and holding the net storage reel 24 of the first pole arrangement 20 in an upright position above the ground surface. The storage position (FIG. 7) includes the legs 32, 33, 34 being pivoted next to or adjacent to the net storage reel 24, or a housing 96 for the net storage reel 24, other along their lengths. In other words, in the storage position, the bottoms 36, 37, 38 are adjacent to the housing 96, and the legs 32, 33, 34 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0050] Still in reference to FIG. 3, the legs 32, 33, 34 each include a top 40, 41, 42. The tops 40, 41, 42 are pivotably secured at hinge assembly 102 (FIG. 7) to a remaining portion of the first pole arrangement 20. As will be described further below, the top 40, 41, 42 are pivotably secured to at least one of the housing components (e.g., spring housing 86) of the retraction mechanism 28.

[0051] Similarly, the second pole arrangement 22 includes a second tri-pod leg arrangement 44. The second tri-pod leg arrangement 44 includes three legs 46, 47, 48. The second tri-pod leg arrangement 44 supports the net storage reel 24 for the second pole arrangement 22. The second tri-pod leg arrangement 44 includes legs 46, 47, 48 that are selectively movable between a standing position (FIG. 6) and a storage position (FIG. 7). The standing position includes bottoms 50, 51, 52 spaced apart and holding the net storage reel 24 of the second pole arrangement 22 in an upright position above the ground surface. In the storage position, the three legs 46, 47, 48 are pivoted next to or adjacent to the net storage reel 24 (or housing 96) for the second pole arrangement 22 other along their lengths, with the bottoms 50, 51, 52 next to the housing 96 and the legs 46, 47, 48 substantially parallel to each other. As with the first tri-pod arrangement 30, the second tri-pod arrangement 44 is pivotably secured to a remaining portion of the second pole arrangement 22. As will be described further below, the legs 46, 47, 48 have a top 54, 55, 56 that are pivotably secured to a portion of the housing for the retraction mechanism 28 of the second pole arrangement 22.

[0052] The base or bottoms 36, 37, 38 of the first tripod leg arrangement 30 and the base or bottoms 50, 51, 52 of the second tripod leg arrangement 44 each can have a rubber foot 104 to enhance friction and a steady footing of the legs 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48, especially when mounted on a gymnasium floor.

[0053] Allowing the first and second tri-pod leg arrangements 30, 44 to move between a standing position and storage position also allows the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 to move between a standing position (FIG. 6) and a storage position (FIG. 7). This is convenient in that a height the first and second self-supporting pole arrangements 30, 44 in the storage position is less than 70% of a height of the first and second self-supporting pole arrangements 30, 44 in the standing position. In many arrangements, the height of the storage position is less than 60% of the height of the standing position. For example, in the standing position, the first and second pole arrangements 30, 44 can be about 60-65 inches, while the height in the storage position can be about 33-38 inches.

[0054] As can be seen from reviewing FIGS. 1 and 6, one of the legs of each tri-pod leg arrangement 30, 44 is an outermost radial leg remote from the net 26. For the first tri-pod leg arrangement 30, leg 33 is a first outermost radial leg, as it extends in a standing position radially outwardly of the other two legs 32, 34. For the second tri-pod leg arrangement 44, leg 47 is a second outermost radial leg, as it extends in a standing position radially outwardly of the other two legs 46, 48. In the front elevational view of FIG. 6, the legs 32, 38 are aligned and are radially inward of both net housings 96 and the side edges of the net 26. The legs 46, 48 in FIG. 6 are aligned and are radially inward of both net housings 96 and the side edges of the net 26.

[0055] In many preferred arrangements, the first outermost radial leg 33 and second outermost radial leg 47 is weighted heavier than the remaining legs 32, 34 and 46, 48. The heavier weight is helpful to prevent tipping of the net system 12; further, the heavier weight is helpful in holding and keeping the net 26 taught and tight. The outermost radial legs 33, 47 can be at least 5-15 lbs., e.g. about 9-11 lbs., greater in weight than the other legs 32, 34 and 46, 48. The first and second outermost radial legs 33, 47 can also be slightly shorter than the remaining legs 32, 34 and 46, 48 to help with keeping the net 26 tight.

[0056] In FIG. 6, the first tri-pod arrangement 30 includes a flexible tie or band 106, which holds the legs 32, 33, 34 in their standing position. Similarly, the second tri-pod arrangement 44 has a flexible tie or band 108 which holds legs 46, 47, 48 in their standing position. The bands 106, 108 extend tight between each leg 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48 in the standing position to prevent the legs 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47 48 from pivoting in a direction toward the respective net housing 96. A fastener, such as a snap 110 (FIG. 6) removably secures the bands 106, 108 to each leg 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48. When the first and second tri-pod leg arrangements 30, 44 to move from the standing position (FIG. 6) to the storage position (FIG. 7), at least some of the snaps 110 are released to allow the legs 32, 33, 34 and 46, 47, 48 to pivot about hinge 102 toward the net housing 96. Band 106 can then be wrapped around the legs 32, 33, 34 and net housing 96; and band 108 can then be wrapped around legs 46, 47, 48 and net housing 96 for convenient storage, and if desired, placed in a storage bag having a length not more than 20%, e.g. not more than 10%, longer than the length of the net housing 96. Many embodiments are possible, and in the example embodiment illustrated, each band 106, 108 is a continuous band (continuous piece of material) that extends to and around each leg as a continuous band and is held to each leg by snaps 110.

[0057] In reference now to FIGS. 2-4, the retraction mechanism 28 for each of the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 is described in further detail. The retraction mechanism 28 includes a spring-biased ratchet arrangement 60 (FIG. 3). The ratchet arrangement 60 is secured to the net storage reel 24, shown in hidden lines in FIG. 3. The ratchet arrangement 60 includes a release and locking mechanism 62. The release and locking mechanism 62 is held in a ratchet housing 64. The ratchet housing 64 is adjacent one end of the net storage reel 24. In this embodiment, the ratchet housing 64 is adjacent to the upper end or end remote from the tripod leg arrangements 30, 44.

[0058] Many embodiments are possible. In the embodiment illustrated, the release and locking mechanism 62 includes a pawl 66 biased by a spring 68 into a pawl holder 70. The pawl holder 70 includes a plurality of teeth 72 that engage and lock with a projection 74 on the pawl 66.

[0059] Axially extending from the pawl 66 is an engagement button 76. The engagement button 76 extends through an opening 78 (FIG. 5) in a cover 80 of the ratchet housing 64.

[0060] The button 76 can be accessed by the user, as it projects through the opening 78 to an exterior portion of the ratchet housing 64. The user can move the button 76 in a direction shown at arrow 82, which is against the spring 68. This will move the pawl 66 and the projection 74 of the pawl 66 out of engagement with the teeth 72 of the pawl holder 70.

[0061] The ratchet arrangement 60 further includes a winding spring 84 (FIG. 4). The winding spring 84 is stored in a spring housing 86 adjacent in opposite end of the net storage reel 24 from the end that the ratchet housing 64 is. In the embodiment shown, the spring housing 86 is located adjacent to a bottom of where the net 26 is located and at a bottom of the net storage reel 24. The spring housing 86 is also located adjacent to the tops 40, 41, 42 of the first tripod leg arrangement 30 and of the tops 54, 55, 56 of the second tripod leg arrangement 44.

[0062] The winding spring 84 has a first end at an inner portion 88 secured to a central hub 90 at a slot 92. A second end at an outer portion 94 is secured, in this embodiment, to an exterior of the spring housing 86. The winding spring 84 is secured to the net storage reel 24, and operates to wind the net storage reel 24 to coil the net 26 there around when released from a position in tension.

[0063] For example, when the net 26 is pulled from the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22, the storage reel 24 will rotate and wind the spring 84 into a tighter position in tension. The pawl 66 will lock the net 26 and winding spring 84 in position. When it is desired to store the net 26 within the net storage reels 24 of the first pole arrangement and second pole arrangement, the projection 74 is released from the pawl holder 70, and this allows the winding spring 84 to coil, which rotates the storage reel 24 and moves the net 26 to coil the net 26 about each of the storage reels 24 in the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22.

[0064] In reference now to FIG. 2, the net storage reel 24 is surrounded by a net housing 96. The net housing 96 is shown as having first and second housing pieces 97, 98 that are securable together, such as with screws or fasteners. A first end piece 100 located adjacent to an upper end of the first and second housing pieces 97, 98 supports the ratchet housing 64. The cover 80 fits over the ratchet housing 64 and the net housing 96.

[0065] As can be appreciated by reviewing FIGS. 1 and 2, a top of each of the legs in the first tripod leg arrangement 30 and second tripod leg arrangement 44 is pivotable secured to the spring housing 86.

[0066] The net system 12 is usable as part of badminton kit 10. As such, the first and second pole arrangement 20 hold a bottom of the net 26 at least 2 feet above the ground surface, preferably about 2 feet, 6 inches above the ground surface. The first and second pole arrangements 20, 22 hold a top of the net about 5 feet above the ground surface. The net 26 is extendable between the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 to at least 16 feet for singles, and to at least 20 feet for doubles. The length of the net 26 between a top of the net and bottom of the net is about 2-3 feet, preferably about 2 feet, 6 inches.

[0067] The net system 12 can be used as part of a method of using a recreational net. The method includes providing first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22. Each of the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 have net storage reel 24 and at least a portion of net 26 storage therewithin. The method can include pulling the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 apart from each other to pull the net 26 against a spring force from the net storage reels 24 of the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 and extend the net 26 therebetween. The method can include mounting the extended net 26 above a ground surface by self-supportedly standing the first pole arrangement 20 and a second pole arrangement 22 on the ground surface. By the term self-supportedly, it is meant that the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 can stand upright without being further held or supported by any other structure. That is, the self-supporting pole arrangements 20, 22 need not be embedded within the ground or otherwise mounted to any other holding structure. As such, the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 are self-supporting and free of any other support or mounting members.

[0068] The method can further include, during the step of mounting, pivoting trifold leg arrangement 30 of the first pole arrangement 20 into a standing position. The method can include pivoting trifold leg arrangement 44 of the second pole arrangement 22 into a standing position.

[0069] The method can further include a step of storing the net 26 in the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 by releasing lock mechanism 62 in the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 to allow a spring force of winding spring 84 to wind the net storage reel 24 in each of the first pole arrangement 20 and second pole arrangement 22 and coil a portion of the net 26 onto each net storage reel 24.

[0070] The method may further include pivoting the trifold let arrangement 30 of the first pole arrangement 20 into a storage position, and pivoting the trifold leg arrangement 44 of the second pole arrangement 22 into the storage position.

[0071] The method may further include, after placing the first and second pole arrangements 20, 22 into storage positions, securing the storage positions with a surrounding tie. This step may also include placing both first and second pole arrangements 20, 22 into a storage bag having a length of under 40 inches.

[0072] The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be made using these principles.