Abstract
A portable net system for net games is disclosed which provides for rapid assembly, lightweight construction, durability against damage while assembling and playing, and also provides enhancements inherent in the design which allow for improved marketing and advertising during tournaments. The net functions through having a bow-shaped tensioning rod reacting against the net top-tape to provide primary shape, net tension and height control. A vertical post at each distal end is attached to the foldable feet to provide lateral stability, and these are attached to the net via insertion into the net end-band and durably connected via the rigid bow end-connectors. Removable end-panels at each end net termination provides for a self-tensioned surface where advertising and sponsor labels may be attached.
Claims
1. A portable net system comprising: a net top tape having a first end and a second end at opposite sides of the net top tape; a first net top tensioner, wherein the first net top tensioner is located at the first end of the net top tape; a second net top tensioner, wherein the second net top tensioner is located at the second end of the net top tape, wherein the first net top tensioner and the second net top tensioner are manipulable to adjust tension on the net top tape; a bow assembly having a first end section and a second end section at opposite sides of the bow assembly; a first vertical stanchion; a second vertical stanchion; and a net, wherein the net is attached to the first and the second vertical stanchions at opposite ends of the net, wherein the net is attached horizontally to the net top tape, wherein the net has a top and a bottom, wherein the first end section and the second end section of the bow assembly attach to the first net top tensioner and the second net top tensioner, respectively, top of the net on the opposite ends of the net, wherein the bow assembly attaches to approximately a mid-point of the bottom of the net.
2. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a centerline adjustment strap, wherein the centerline adjustment strap is attached to the top and the bottom of the net.
3. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tension of the bow assembly is adjustable.
4. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stanchions, the bow assembly, and the net top tensioners are made of a material chosen from the group consisting of carbon, glass, and organic fiber composites, wood and wood composites, epoxy, polyester, urethane, polyamide, polypropylene, and aluminum.
5. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the stanchions have a shape chosen from the group consisting of round, oval, squared I-beam, and C-channel.
6. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising feet assemblies attached to each of the first and second vertical stanchions.
7. The portable net system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the feet assemblies are foldable.
8. The portable net system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the feet assemblies are height adjustable.
9. The portable net system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the feet assemblies are detachable from the first and second vertical stanchions.
10. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second vertical stanchions are configured to be attached to a receptacle.
11. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the net is adjustable for length.
12. The portable net system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more feet located along the bow assembly.
13. The portable net system of claim 1 further comprising: a draw cord attached to and lockable within at least one of the first and second net top tensioners.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The above and other features, advancements, and advantages of the present inventions will be more clearly seen and noted in the description of the drawings and in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments as reduced to practice and explained following the drawings.
(2) FIG. 1 is a view of the overall assembled net showing the global features as notably distinct from existing practice in net design.
(3) FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the distal end mounts for the net, showing the feet, riser post, top-tensioner, and first bow section. FIG. 2a is an isometric view of the feet-base to upright stanchion connector.
(4) FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the top-tensioner and demonstrating the net strap and post-to-bow attachment details
(5) FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the base feet and riser support mechanism. FIGS. 4a and 4b are demonstrations of the closing and nesting mechanisms for the feet.
(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the net system showing how the end height and middle heights are set with the middle support foot touching the level playing surface. FIG. 5a is an isometric of the mid-foot component.
(7) FIG. 6 is a view of the post end-wrap as used for various advertising displays and interchangeable without impacting the net tension and without evidently being a separate component.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(8) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overall assembled net system shown as unit 100. The net assembly works based on the interaction of the tension developed in net top tape 101 that develops compression in the carbon fiber composite bow assembly 103. Loads are reacted in the distally located net top tensioners 106 that have an angled cup device into which bow end sections 103 are inserted, and a cam-lock device in 106 which serves to lock in the tension pulled on the net top tape 101. The actual net itself 109 is in fact hanging freely from the top tape 101. As a freely swinging net would not allow for a playable device, the net sleeve 104 is placed over the vertical stanchion 107 to create the required net restraint. The low tension imparted by the sleeve 104 over the stanchion 107 allows for a simple net end that can then enable easily replaceable advertising covers 104 to be used with a connection as simple as Velcro or similar functioning material. A foot device 108 is located such that when the correct tension is drawn in the top tape 101, it creates flex in the bow assembly 103 such that the vertically offset distance from ground to top of top tape 101, which includes the net, the foot, and the tape itself, exactly equals the required regulated playing height of the net system as governed by association rules of the particular sport. The vertical tape 102 serves as a limit for the net height, and also imparts a degree of tension in the net 109. The mid-foot 108 has a snap fit over the bow assembly 103 for ease of assembly and use. The end-stanchions 107 fit over a pinned projection on the feet assemblies 105 and the two foldable feet 220 and 221 then provide the final points of ground support for the overall net system 100.
(9) FIG. 2 is an expanded perspective of the common left and right side distally located side-post assemblies. These are described starting from their base and working upwards in this embodiment. Two feet, 220 and 221 are provided for each side-post assembly which are splayed outward from the net assembly at approximately 120 degrees to each other, however any number of feet and any angle that provides appropriate support for the net could just as easily have been provided. In this embodiment the feet are foldable and nest over the top of each other as demonstrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b. This feature is desirable for packaging and transport of the net system, however methodology of creating, arranging, and use of the feet could be created in several ways for someone practicing in the field. Feet 220 and 221 have attached at their ends pads 222 and 224 and the center pivoting support base has a rubber pad 225 which together act to provide a level and stable, non-marring support base for each side post assembly, said pads all of which are changeable for height adjustment on different surfaces, as well as useful to remove said pads 222, 224, and 225 and replace with other feet forms for using a portable net system in other sports and on other playing surfaces such as snow, sand, etc. It is also a desire of the invention that the said pads and feet support systems can be provided such that they interface with a relatively heavy base for use in high-wind locations or for more permanent installation, understanding that multiple methods of erecting on the playing surface are feasible as one versed in the development and usage of these devices will readily recognize. It is further a desire of the invention that the feet and base are not a required component to enable the invention to work, and the end-post stanchions 228 can readily be used for insertion into any sort of receptacle, permanent or otherwise, that enables the appropriate net dimensions to be established and used, however that the feet and related systems do provide a highly valued benefit in the usage for portable playing requirements.
(10) Stanchions 228 are provided such that they may be extendable by any number of approaches akin to telescoping poles, and thereby create an additional degree of freedom in setting up for various playing surfaces and various sports. Telescoping poles are well known in the literature and include nesting shafts and any of a number of lock mechanisms as seen in the tripod mount industry, the adjustable kayak and stand-up paddle industry, and others.
(11) In FIG. 2 it is further shown that the base assembly FIG. 2a around which the feet 220 and 221 are deployed is provided with a post 227 mounted to the base plate 226 such that the vertical stanchion 228 slides down over this post and locks in place with snap-pin 229. Although many versions of this assembly are feasible and evident to one practiced in the art, this preferred embodiment enables the snap-pin to also locate the alignment of the stanchion post 228 with the net 109 and thus ensure alignment of the net top tensioner 106 with the bow assembly 103, specifically where the most distally located bow assembly tube 210 interfaces with top tensioner 106. Alignment markings and stops are incorporated into the base cup 226 to provide the user with clear and repeatable guidelines during net assembly.
(12) FIG. 3 is an expanded view of the top of the end-post assembly and includes the top tensioner 106 system. The top tensioner component 301 is mounted on top of the end post stanchion 228, and has the distal end of the outermost bow tube 210 terminating in a pocket in the part 301. A draw-cord 302 is provided that acts to pull tension into the net top tape 101, and when correctly adjusted will then lock down into a cam-lock mechanism internal to the top tensioner 301. The net 109 wraps around the vertical stanchion 228 in this embodiment, but can be attached in any of a number of ways evident one versed in the art, including hanging freely, with use of individual ties or straps, and weaving through loops of the net being some of the many options. Importantly, this end panel 104 can be independent of the net system, thus can be utilized as an advertising platform, with simple replaceable end panels having differing advertising. Thus a tournament director or others can provide multiple end-panels, and change out these to reflect the players preference, the advertisers preference (such as selling different advertising for various stages of a tournament like quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals) wherein the panels may be changed without any change of the overall net system or interruption in flow of play. The use of this advertising is not limited to printed media on soft end-wraps, and it is envisioned that advanced systems that include electronic advertising, remotely changeable advertising, and any of a number of different eye-catching options may be included. It is also envisioned that this system can serve as an electronic score board, visible to all players and spectators in real-time, and in one of the best locations to allow for players to keep their focus within the field of play. The approach envisioned allows for usage in systems whereby players or their playing devices (ball, racquet, etc.) impacting the net become important factors in the course of play, in which situation the end panel electronics can be interfaced with sensors in the net to monitor and record these events. End panel 104 having the ability to be removed and stored separately and in a more protected environment, allows for these electronics and their functions to be protected from damage in routine handling. The invention provides for any number of electronic functions to be captured and used through this end-panel arrangement.
(13) FIGS. 4, 4a, and 4b demonstrate the method and design used for the folding lower feet 220 and 221. These components are friction-fit between the lower pad 225 and the post support assembly 226. They are developed such that the legs nest into a neat package for ease of storage and transport. Although shown in this preferred embodiment as demonstrated, it is evident to one practiced in the art that any number of simple methodologies can accomplish the same functional performance. A secondary but important purpose of the lower pad 225 is to provide a tripod base such that the system is freestanding when 220, 221, and 225 are expanded, thus the end-posts assemblies remain vertical and stable during net assembly.
(14) FIG. 5 demonstrates the methodology of net height adjustment at the center-point of the net, although this may be accomplished in several similar ways at any location(s) along the bow component 103. Mid-foot 108 is fitted onto mid-point proximal bow section 210 aligned with the vertical tape 102. The current method of attachment is via a snap-fit around the proximal bow section, however this foot 108 can be attached by any number of methods, including being a durable and/or integral part of the middle bow section. As the user pulls tension into the lines 302 thus tensioning net top tape 101, the bow assembly 103 gradually takes on the bow shape desired. At the correct height, the mid-point foot 108 will come into contact with the ground in a level playing surface. This method allow for precise setting of regulation net heights with no additional measurements or adjustments necessary, a highly desired feature as compared to current state-of-the-art offerings. The mid-foot 103 is supplied with integral foot pads to provide a degree of protection from scuffing and also to provide frictional resistance to lateral movement of the net center-point. The center strap 102 also serves as an adjustable net height setting device, such that as the net ages and net top tape or other components undergo stretching and dimensional changes due to weathering, etc., the length of the center strap can be set to accommodate the changes and still provide for accurate net height setting.
(15) FIG. 6 is a depiction of the end-wrap 104 which is showing the use of a sponsor's label 402 and an electronic scoring block 401. This end panel is wrapped around the post 228 and fastened back onto the net, and may or may not be a part of the net to post assembly.
(16) Although the preferred embodiment of the present inventions have been described and disclosed for illustrative purposes, and reflect the net system developed and reduced to practice for specific use in a pickleball first application, those skilled in the art and practitioners in the industry and related industries will readily appreciate that various and sundry adaptations, variations, modifications, and approaches are possible without departing from the scope and intent of the invention. It is also evident that not every noted feature nor claim on the net invention is required for full functionality to be present and thus the invention can cover a broad spectrum of design options. It will also be evident to those in the industry that application of the net system is not limited to the field of sporting play, but could also find use in systems where a portable and easily erected net is desirable, such as in pens for livestock in county fairs and the like, enclosures for dogs in shows and training, fish pens, and many other applications with simple and easily conceivable additions that do not detract from the validity of the present inventions.
