Pickleball Net Apparatuses

Abstract

Improved pickleball net apparatuses are provided. An example pickleball net apparatus comprises a pair of end posts each configured to be affixed to a pickleball court or to a respective base and to have a net stretched between the end posts. Each end post comprises a flexibility component that is positioned above a location of the affixing, and provides for the end post to bend at the location when a pressure is applied. Example net conversion apparatuses that are adaptively configurable to convert a net for use from tennis to pickleball or vice versa are also described.

Claims

1. A pickleball net apparatus configured for placement on a pickleball court for use during a pickleball game, the net apparatus comprising a pair of end posts, each end post configured to be affixed to a the pickleball court or to a respective base, and to, when affixed to the pickleball court or to the respective base, have a net stretched between and attached to the pair of end posts, wherein each of the end posts comprises a flexibility component positioned above a location of the affixing, wherein the flexibility component provides for the end post to bend at the location in a first direction when a pressure is applied to the end post.

2. The net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexibility component comprises a rotatable hinge configured to enable a portion of the end post to bend in the first direction in response to the pressure and to automatically return to an upright position.

3. The net apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rotatable hinge is configured to bend in the first direction that is orthogonal to the net.

4. The net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flexibility component includes a spring configured to enable a portion of the end post to bend in the first direction in response to the pressure and to automatically return to an upright position.

5. The net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the end posts are each supported by a suspension arrangement configured to enable the end post to be in an upright position.

6. The net apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the suspension arrangement includes a tension cord configured to pull the end post in a direction opposite to the net.

7. The net apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the tension cord is aligned with and pulling the end post in the direction opposite to the net.

8. The net apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the end posts is affixed to a standalone base and the suspension arrangement is enclosed in a base cover.

9. The net apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the flexibility component is arranged between a position at which the suspension arrangement is attached to the end post and the location of the affixing.

10. The net apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the suspension arrangement includes a plurality of tension cords and respective tension cords of the plurality of tension cords are configured to enable the bending in the first direction.

11. A net conversion apparatus comprising an elongated rod that is adaptively configurable to convert a net for use from tennis to pickleball by adjusting a height of the elongated rod, the elongated rod having two modes for adjusting a height of the center of the net, the two modes comprising: a first mode for playing tennis, and a second mode for playing pickleball.

12. The net-conversion apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the elongated rod is configured to attach to the net at the center of the net when the net is stretched between two end posts.

13. The net conversion apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the elongated rod includes an attachment feature configured to attach the net.

14. The net conversion apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the attachment feature is configured to have the net, when the net is attached to the attachment feature, at a height of 34 inches at the center of the net in the first mode and at a height of 34 inches at the center of the net in the second mode.

15. The net conversion apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the elongated rod includes a pull clip device to adjust the height of the center of the net.

16. A net conversion apparatus comprising two height adjustable elongated rods that are adaptively configurable to convert a net for use from tennis to pickleball, each of the elongated rods configured to be attached to the net at a respective intermediate location between the center of the net and a respective end post to which the net is attached, and having two modes for adjusting the height of the net at the respective intermediate location, the two modes comprising: a first mode for playing tennis, and a second mode for playing pickleball.

17. The net conversion apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the two height adjustable elongated rods are connected to a common base apparatus.

18. The net conversion apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the common base apparatus is adjustable to change a distance between the two height adjustable elongated rods.

19. The net conversion apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the common base apparatus includes an anchor to which a center strap attaches the net.

20. The net conversion apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each of the height adjustable elongated rods includes an attachment feature configured to attach the net to the each height adjustable elongated rod.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] Some features are shown by way of example, and not by limitation, in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like numerals may reference similar elements.

[0073] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0074] FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0075] FIG. 2 shows a conventional pickleball net and end post.

[0076] FIG. 3 shows a pickleball net and end post that can flexibly bend in order to reduce injury to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post may be affixed to a pickleball court, may include a means of flexibility at or near the bottom, and may be secured by a tension cord.

[0077] FIG. 4A-4B show a pickleball net and end post that can flexibly bend in order to reduce injury to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post may include a hinge or other means of flexibility configured to bend the post orthogonally to the direction of the net.

[0078] FIG. 4C-4D show a pickleball net and end post that can flexibly bend in order to reduce injury to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post may include a spring-loaded rotatable hinge configured to bend the post orthogonally to the direction of the net.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a pickleball net and end post that can flexibly bend in order to reduce injury to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post includes a base with a tension arrangement configured to bend the post orthogonally to the direction of the net.

[0080] FIG. 6A-6B show a pickleball net and end post with the end post having a base integrated with a tape measure dispensing arrangement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of a tennis net.

[0082] FIG. 8A conceptually illustrates a height and position adjustable pair of end posts according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C illustrate the height and position adjustable end posts arranged for tennis in a first arrangement, and arranged for pickleball in a second arrangement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 8D illustrates an adjustable height center post according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 8E illustrates a height-adjustable pair of posts that can be used to adapt a deployed tennis net for pickleball, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIG. 8F illustrates a height adjustable pair of posts that can adapt a deployed tennis net for pickleball and a center post according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] FIG. 8 illustrates a pickleball net arrangement that is configurable for dual-use as either a pickleball net or a tennis net, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] FIG. 9A illustrates a pickleball net arrangement with an integrated ratchet mechanism to extend or contract the net length and/or adjust a tension of the net, according to some embodiments.

[0089] FIG. 9B illustrates a pickleball net arrangement with a height-adjustable end post arrangement that may be used, for example, with the dual-use pickleball net arrangement of FIG. 8, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0090] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosure, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0091] References in the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0092] This disclosure relates to Pickleball, a game that has in recent years seen a massive increase in popularity among all age groups of players, including among senior citizens. Pickleball is a game that can be described as combining aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court, with paddles and a ball. The ball is similar to a wiffle ball, but slightly smaller in size. The net used in pickleball is similar to a tennis net in some ways, but is lowered at the center.

[0093] Pickleball has recently become very popular and is played both indoors and outdoors, as either doubles or singles. The rules are relatively simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn. However, among skilled players, pickleball can develop into a quick, fast-paced, and competitive game.

[0094] FIG. 1A shows an example pickleball court 100 that includes a pickleball playing surface 130 and a pickleball net 132. The playing surface 130 comprises two left serve areas 102 and 108, two right serve areas 104 and 106, and two non-volley areas 110 and 112, with one of the left serve areas, one of the right serve areas, and one of the non-volley areas being on each side of the pickleball net 132. The net is 36 inches tall at the edges, and lowered to 34 inches in the middle. The areas 102-112 are defined by baselines 118 and 120 each 20 feet, sidelines 114 and 116 each 44 feet, center lines 122 and 124 each 15 feet, and non-volley lines 126 and 128 each the same size as a baseline. Each of the lines may be 2 inches wide. The term court line is used in this disclosure to refer to any sideline, baseline, centerline or non-volley line on the pickleball court. Non-volley areas 110 and 112, each extending 7 feet from the net, are also referred to as the kitchen.

[0095] The game of pickleball is played with a pickleball paddle 134 and pickleball ball 136. The ball 136 is typically made of plastic and has a 3-inch diameter. Similar to a wiffleball, the ball 136 has through holes throughout the surface. Different types (e.g., with different levels of hardness and different sizes of the through holes) may be used for playing the game on the various types of pickleball courts (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hard surface, soft surface etc.).

[0096] Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and is most commonly played as doubles. Each point begins with an underarm serve. The serve is performed diagonally beginning at the right-hand service square. A valid serve sends the ball from one left serve area to the other left serve area or from one right serve area to the other right serve area. The serve must clear the non-volley-zone. The serve must bounce before being hit by the receiver. The return of serve must also bounce before being hit (this is known as the 2 bounce rule). After the serve and the return of the serve, the ball can land anywhere on the opposite side of the playing surface 130. Volleys can only be performed outside of the non-volley zone. Volleys, that is, hitting the ball in the air without first letting it bounce, can only be made after the 2 bounce rule has been followed. However, if the ball is hit from within the kitchen, then it cannot land in the kitchen on the other side of the net.

[0097] A fault is any action that stops play due to a rule violation. A fault by the receiving team results in the servers earning a point. A fault by the serving team results in the server's loss of service and/or side out. A fault is committed when the serve touches any part of the non-volley zone (including the line) or the ball is hit out of bounds.

[0098] Pickleball games are typically played without a referee and are self-judged. Each player makes the line calls as to whether the ball is in or out when the ball contacts the playing surface on that player's side. The game continues to at least 11 points and requires a 2-point difference for a win. FIG. 1B shows another view of a pickleball court.

[0099] FIG. 2 shows a conventional pickleball net 202 attached to two upright end posts 204 and 206. An optional center strap or center post 208 may be arranged to provide support at the center position between the end posts 204 and 206. The net 202 may be made primarily from a net material (e.g., a mesh material) that is flexible, facilitating the net to be stretched between the two end posts to provide the level of rigidity of the net required for game play.

[0100] In some instances, the end posts and/or the center post may be affixed to the floor/ground (e.g., on or near surface of the pickleball court). For example, the end posts and/or the center post may be nailed or bolted to the floor/ground, or may be partially buried inground (below the surface of the floor/ground) in a manner that the posts stays upright with or without the net being attached. The center strap, when used, may be attached to an anchor attached to the pickleball court.

[0101] In some instances, the end posts 204 and 206 may include a base 212 that is configured to hold the corresponding end posts upright, including when the net is attached. An upright position is generally understood to be orthogonal to the floor/ground or equivalently, to the surface of the pickleball court.

[0102] The end posts 204 and 206 are placed 22 feet apart. The net is attached to the end posts at a height of 36 inches and gradually declines in height towards the center (location of least height) where the height of the net is 34 inches. When a center strap is available, it can be used to hold the net at the required 34 inches. The center strap may be anchored to the floor/ground.

[0103] Unlike in tennis, a disproportionate majority of the time (e.g., estimated as high as 90% of the playing time in a game) most games of pickleball are played in the kitchen area. Additionally, compared to tennis, the pickleball court is small and the game can get fast. Still further, pickleball net end posts are positioned near the court (i.e., near the edges of the playing area, as indicated by the end post to end post distance of 22 feet for a 20-foot baseline).

[0104] Due to these reasons, players can easily get out of balance during a game and fall on the net and/or net end posts. This is particularly the case since pickleball is popular among seniors. Injuries due to players running into pickleball end posts have been on the rise. A key reason for these injuries is that the end posts that are currently in use are, similar to those used in tennis, made of a hard material (e.g., steel or other metal) and are inflexible.

[0105] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pickleball net apparatus with end posts that are configured to bend when crashed into by players. The end posts being configured to bend in response to an imposed force, can potentially avoid numerous injuries caused by the conventional end posts to players.

[0106] FIG. 3 shows a pickleball net 302 and end post 304 that can flexibly bend in order to reduce injury to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post 304 may be affixed to a pickleball court, may include a flexibility component 314 at or near the bottom, and may be secured by a tension cord 316 so that it remains upright (e.g., orthogonal to the floor/ground) when the net is attached to the end post 304.

[0107] In some embodiments, the flexibility component 314 may be a flexible material that is different from the material (e.g., metal, etc.) of the larger portion of the end post 304. The flexibility component 314 provides for the end post 304 to bend at the location of the flexibility component 304 so that if, for example, a player runs into the end post 304, the end post gives way by bending (may also be considered as rotating) at the flexibility component, and potential injury to the player may be avoided or minimized. The flexibility component (and flexibility material) has, in addition to the property of flexibility that enables the end post to bend under a force), the properties of elasticity, that enables the end post to return to its upright position when the force is removed, and resilience, that enables it to repeatedly bend and return without significant permanent deformation. The type and/or composition of the flexibility material may be determined based on one or more factors, such as, for example, a desired bending radius (e.g., maximum angular distance from the upright position) by which the end post should bend when a force is applied near the top of the end post, the minimum force at which the end post should bend, the required strength to support the upright position of the end post (e.g., the required strength of the flexibility material to support the post's upright position of the post may be different based on whether an external support such as a suspension arrangement is provided). Example materials that may constitute at least a part of the flexibility component may include, without limitation, types of steel with high elastic limits such as, for example, spring steel, fiberglass compositions with elastic properties, polyurethane compositions of a variety of stiffness and flexibility levels, natural material such as bamboo, etc.

[0108] The net 302 is attached and/or affixed at one end to the end post 304 and to another end post (not shown in FIG. 3) at the other end. A center strap or post (not shown in FIG. 3) may be used to adjust the height to 34 inches at the center. The net 302 may be made of a mesh material 310 that enables the net to be stretched between the two end posts so that it maintains a level of rigidity and tension that is appropriate for a pickleball game. The appropriate level of rigidity may, for example, provide for the end posts to remain upright orthogonally to the floor/ground and for the stretched net to deploy in a straight line in a vertical plane that is substantially orthogonal to the floor/ground.

[0109] The end post 304 may be affixed to the floor/ground (equivalently to the surface of the pickleball court) as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the end post 304 may include and/or may be affixed to a base (not shown in FIG. 3) that provides for the end post 304 to stay upright including when net 302 is attached. The base may or may not be detachable from the end post 304.

[0110] In some embodiments, the end post 304 can be supported by affixing one or more tension cords 316 to the floor/ground (e.g., by a bolt or stake 318). In an embodiment, one tension cord 316 is arranged so that it is aligned with the direction of the net 302 (e.g., the net and the stretched tension cord 316) are on the same vertical plane so that the tension cord 316 compensates for the pull in the opposite direction exerted on the end post by the stretched net 302.

[0111] In some embodiments, an optional cover constructed of a soft material and/or padding may be used to cover the end post 304 so that any injury to a player upon impact may be further minimized. The specific type of soft material and/or padding, or the thickness thereof, are not limited in embodiments of this disclosure.

[0112] FIG. 4A-4B show a pickleball net 402 and an end post 404 that can flexibly bend in order to reduce injury to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post 404 may include a hinge or flexibility component 428 configured to bend the post 404 at least in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the net 402. The net 402 may be made of a mesh material 410 that provides flexibility. The end post 404 may be covered by a soft material and/or padding 420. The mesh material 410 and the soft material/padding 420 may be the same as the mesh material 310 and the soft material/padding 320 described above.

[0113] The end post 404 may be affixed to a base 422 that includes walls 424 and 426 that prevents the end post 404 from bending in the direction of the net or the direction opposite to that. In some embodiments, the walls 424 and 426 may encompass or surround the end post 404 except in the direction orthogonal to the net 402 thereby preventing the post's rotation in any direction other than the direction orthogonal to the net 402. By restricting the direction in which the post can bend under an imposed force, stability of the end post while the net is attached is improved while reducing potential for player injuries. The base 422 may be affixed to the floor/ground or have a portion of it inground providing support for the post 404 to be upright orthogonally to the floor/ground.

[0114] In some embodiments, the flexibility component 428 may comprise a block of flexible material (e.g., as described in relation to flexibility component 314) that enables the post 404 to bend, at the location of the flexible material, forward and backwards in the vertical plane that is orthogonal to the net. The flexible material may constitute a portion of the post, and may comprise a plastic and/or rubber composition that provides the level of rigidity for the post 404 to be upright while also providing a level of flexibility/bendability that enables the post 404 to bend when force is applied. For example, when a player accidentally runs into the post 404 during a game of pickleball (e.g., making contact of an area near, e.g., in the top half, the top of the post 404). In another embodiment, the flexibility component 428 may comprise a hinge, with or without additional surrounding flexible material, that provides for the post 404 to bend at least in the vertical plane that is orthogonal to the net.

[0115] FIG. 4C-4D shows another embodiment of the pickleball net 402 and the end post 404 that can flexibly bend in order to reduce the potential of injuries to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post 404, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C-4D, includes, in the flexibility component 430, a spring-loaded hinge 432 configured to at least bend the end post orthogonally to the direction of the net. The spring 432 may be configured to bend the end post 404 at the location of the flexibility component 430 in both forward and backward directions orthogonally in a vertical plane to the net in response to an imposed force (e.g., impact of player running into the end post), and to automatically return to the upright position when the imposed force is removed. In some embodiments, in response to a force imposed on the post 404, the post may bend in directions other than the directions orthogonal to the net 402.

[0116] FIG. 5 shows another pickleball net 502 and an end post 504 arrangement that can flexibly bend the end post 504 in order to reduce the potential of injury to players, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The end post 504 includes a base 530 with a suspension arrangement configured to bend the post at least in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the net 502. The net 502 may be made of a mesh material 510 that provides flexibility. The end post 504 and/or the base 530 may be covered by a soft material and/or padding 520. The mesh material 510 and the soft material/padding 520 may be the same as the mesh material 310 and the soft material/padding 320 described above.

[0117] The suspension arrangement may include tension cords 532, 534, 536, and 538 arranged in the base 530. The tension cords enable the end post 504 to remain upright when the net 502 is attached. The post 504 may, between the location at which the suspension arrangement is affixed to the post 504 and the location at which the post 504 contacts the floor/ground, comprise an integrated flexibility component permitting the post 504 to bend when force is applied. The flexibility component incorporated into end post 504 may be the same or similar to that described in relation to FIG. 3 or FIGS. 4A-4D.

[0118] The embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 3-5 provide flexible pickleball net posts, where the flexibility to bend upon impact is provided using a flexibility that comprises one or more of, a material composition having flexibility, resilience and elasticity properties enabling bending upon impact, a hinge, one or more springs, a suspension arrangement affording vertical flexibility, etc. In addition, embodiments also provide for covering the posts with soft materials in a manner that further reduces the potential for injury. Accordingly, pickleball net end posts constructed in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure can significantly reduce, or altogether eliminate, injuries caused to players by running into end posts of a pickleball net.

[0119] Another issue that often arises with pickleball nets is net placement in certain situations. While temporary pickleball courts can be set up on many types of existing sport surfaces such as basketball courts, volleyball courts, badminton courts and inline hockey rinks, the most common surface used for shared use is a tennis court. However, current line drawings on tennis courts often do not provide the middle line as court implementation managers try to minimize the line drawings on tennis courts. For this, and various other reasons, net placement is a challenge for adapting various courts for pickleball games. Recreational players do not typically carry measurement tape to make net placement any easier.

[0120] Consequently, nets are often inaccurately placed and are not exactly centered. When players do not carry measurement devices with them, this can create a frustrating experience. When the net is inaccurately placed, it may create an abnormal playing experience, and may provide unbalanced advantages to one team over the opposing team.

[0121] To address this issue, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide integrated measuring wire in the net end posts. The net end posts integrated measuring tape (may also be referred to as measuring wire) enable accurate net installations.

[0122] In particular, when court lines are not drawn, or are inaccurately drawn, these integrated measuring tapes can be used to draw the lines for the court. Measuring tape could be made of metal, plastic or other materials, and may have markings to facilitate pickleball line drawings.

[0123] FIG. 6A-6B show a pickleball net 602 and end post 604 with the end post having a base 630 integrated with tape measure (e.g., tape measures 622 and 624) dispensing arrangement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] Each tape measure may engage a retractable spool mechanism. The tape measure 622 with its retractable spool 628 may be included in the base 630 configured to provide for measuring in one of the directions: the direction of the other end post in a line aligned with the net 602, a forward direction orthogonal to the net 602, and a backward direction orthogonal to the net 602. The measuring tapes may have markings specific to pickleball courts. For example, the tape 624 may have markings for locations of side lines and center line, and tape 622 may have markings for the positions of the base lines and kitchen line. A metal stop 626 may be configured at or near the extending end of the measuring tape to prevent the tape measure 622 from completely retracting within the base 630 (see FIG. 6B).

[0125] The tape measure may be made from a plastic and/or a metal so that the tape measure has at least an appropriate level of rigidity enabling it to be extended in each direction in a straight line, for example, corresponding to a line on a pickleball court, so that accurate line drawing is facilitated.

[0126] In FIG. 6A, the base 630 comprises respective tape measures configured to extend in the direction of the net 602 and in the forward and backward directions orthogonal to the net 602. In FIG. 6A, the tape measure 622 is in the forward direction orthogonal to the net 602, and tape measure 624 is in the direction of the net 602.

[0127] The net 602 may be made of a mesh material 610 that provides flexibility. The end post 604 may be covered by a soft material and/or padding 620. The mesh material 610 and the soft material/padding 620 may be the same as the mesh material 310 and the soft material/padding 320 described above. A tension cord 616 engaged to the ground 618 may be used to support the end post 604.

[0128] When a tennis court is being adapted to pickleball at present, the simplest way is to merely lower the tennis net to 34 inches in the center. Lines may be taped or painted on the court for pickleball (e.g., of course, always after checking with the facility). In this manner, the court can be used for both tennis and pickleball easily. However, this current solution often does not provide accurate pickleball net dimensions and can disturb pickleball players and their game.

[0129] Changing the net back and forth between a pickleball net and a tennis net requires careful measurements and is burdensome. As noted before, recreational players do not carry around measurement tapes to be able to properly convert the net from tennis to pickleball and vice versa. Since tennis courts are the type of sport court that are most frequently adapted for pickleball games, some embodiments provide a dual-sport (or dual-use) pickleball net arrangement that can be adjusted for either pickleball or tennis.

[0130] The dual-sport pickleball net arrangement includes two height-adjustable end posts. One or more pull-clips may enable conveniently moving the net down for pickleball settings and raising the net for tennis settings. The end posts could be released or adjusted to set the net back for tennis. The two end posts can be affixed to respective bases, or alternatively connected to an optional horizontal bar. The horizontal bar can ensure that the roads are pulled down.

[0131] In some embodiments, a net conversion apparatus may be provided for conveniently and efficiently converting a fixed (e.g., already deployed) tennis net to operate as a tennis net in one mode and as a pickleball net in another mode. In one embodiment a height-adjustable center post may be provided to adjust a tennis net, which is stretched between two end posts, to switch between a tennis mode and a pickleball mode. In another embodiment, two height-adjustable posts configured to attach to the net at respective intermediate locations between the center of the net and the end posts are provided to switch the tennis net between the two modes. In yet another embodiment, three heigh-adjustable posts are provided to be respectively positioned at the center and at the intermediate locations. The two end posts can be fixed to the floor/ground or affixed to respective bases, and the height-adjustable posts may be fixed to the floor/ground, affixed to respective bases, or alternatively connected to an optional horizontal bar. The solutions of the dual-sport pickleball net apparatuses and the net conversion apparatuses are convenient to implement and provides accurate tennis and pickleball settings.

[0132] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of a tennis court. The end posts in the tennis court are 42 feet apart and the net is at a height of 3 feet and 6 inches at the end posts. The center of the net is at 3 feet. In the event of singles, the singles end posts are 33 feet apart. In some instances, a doubles tennis court can be converted to a singles tennis court by placing singles sticks at 33 feet apart to hold the net at 3 feet and 6 inches at the singles sticks/posts. A strap (center strap) is often used at the center to adjust the net at the center to 3 feet. The strap may be anchored to the floor/ground.

[0133] FIG. 8A conceptually illustrates a height and position adjustable pair of end posts that can be adaptively used for tennis and pickleball, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8A shows a pickleball net arrangement superimposed on the view of the tennis court view shown in FIG. 7. The pickleball net arrangement is configurable for dual-use as either a pickleball net or a tennis net, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The pickleball net arrangement may comprise two end posts, a center post or strap, and a net.

[0134] FIG. 8B illustrates the height and position adjustable end posts arranged for tennis in a first arrangement, and FIG. 8C shows the same adjustable end posts arranged for pickleball in a second arrangement, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The two end posts may each be height and location adjustable to correspond to a first mode for playing tennis, or a second mode for playing pickleball.

[0135] For tennis, the two end posts can be arranged in the first positions 802 and 803 corresponding to tennis, as shown in FIG. 8B. In this arrangement, the two end posts are arranged for tennis and are set to the height position 806. As shown in FIG. 8B, the end posts may be 42 feet apart with each attaching the net so that the net is at a height of 42 inches at the end posts.

[0136] Alternatively, the two end posts can be arranged in positions 802 and 803 corresponding to pickleball, as shown in FIG. 8C. In this arrangement, the two end posts are arranged for pickleball and are set to height position 804. As shown in FIG. 8C and FIG. 2, the end posts may be 22 feet apart with each attaching the net so that the net is at a height of 36 inches at the end posts. FIG. 8C illustrates that the distance between the end posts in the pickleball configuration 808 is less than that in the tennis configuration 809. This configuration provides the additional advantage of enabling what is known as around the post (ATP) play.

[0137] Each of the end posts may have an attachment feature such as a hook or clip configured at or near the top of the end post, and the hook or clip may be configured to be attached to a net. The height of the net, at the point of attachment on an end post, is controlled by increasing or decreasing the height of the end post. The height of the end post may be adjusted by using a pull-clip device. For example, in some embodiments, the end post may comprise a lower portion of the post that stays stationary while an upper portion of the post can be raised or lowered to obtain the desired end post height. The upper portion may have a portion of it moving inside of the lower portion. The pull-clip may be engaged to control by how much the upper portion extends beyond the height of the lower portion. For example, in some embodiments, there may be a first pull-clip setting at which the height of the end post is configured for tennis, and a second pull-clip setting at which the height of the end post is configured for pickleball. In some embodiments, the pull-clip may be engaged to decrease the height of the end post for pickleball, and the pull-clip may be released to increase the height of the end post for tennis.

[0138] The end posts may each have a respective base, or, in some embodiments, may be attached to a common base (e.g., including an extendable horizontal bar). In some embodiments, the end posts are attached to the common base, and the length of the common base is adjustable to at least a first length which corresponds to tennis and a second length which corresponds to pickleball.

[0139] Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, the end posts 802 and 803 may be positioned at or near the singles stick positions to provide for singles tennis. That is, in the tennis configuration, the dual-use pickleball net arrangement has the end posts positioned either 42 feet or 33 feet apart and adjusted for a net height of 42 inches (and the center strap/post adjusted to 36 inches). In the pickleball configuration, the dual-use pickleball net arrangement has the same end posts positioned 22 feet apart and adjusted for a net height of 36 inches (and the center strap/post adjusted to 34 inches).

[0140] FIG. 8D illustrates an adjustable height center post according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Such a center post 812 enables a deployed tennis net to be quickly and accurately adapted for pickleball. For example, the adjustable-height center post 812 can be attached to a tennis net deployed between two fixed end posts in a tennis court and conveniently and accurately convert/adapt the center of the net between net attachment heights 814 and 816, for pickleball in a pickleball mode and tennis in a tennis mode, respectively.

[0141] As described above in relation to the height-adjustable and movable end posts of FIGS. 8B-8C, the center post 812 too may comprise an inner portion which can be moved to adjust the length of extension above the stationary bottom portion. The extension of the inner portion of the end post can be controlled to adjust the height of the end post. In a manner similar to that described in relation to FIGS. 8B-8C, a pull-clip device can be used to control the height of the end post to be one of at least two different heights: a shorter height for pickle ball, and a longer height for tennis.

[0142] The center post 812 may be partially buried inground or affixed to a base (e.g., a base described in relation to FIGS. 4A-6B).

[0143] FIG. 8E illustrates a height-adjustable pair of posts that can be used to adapt a deployed tennis net for pickleball, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The posts 822 and 823 can be positioned at the end post positions for pickleball and adjusted to the net height for pickleball. For example, the adjustable-height posts 822 and 823 can be attached to a tennis net deployed between two fixed end posts on a tennis court and be used to conveniently and accurately convert/adapt the net between net attachment heights 804 and 806, for pickleball in a pickleball mode and tennis in a tennis mode, respectively. The posts 822 and 823 can be positioned on either side of the center of the net 11 feet apart from the center.

[0144] As described above in relation to the height-adjustable and movable end posts of FIGS. 8B-8C, each post of the pair of posts 822 and 823 too may comprise an inner portion which can be moved to adjust the length of extension above the stationary bottom portion. The extension of the inner portion of the post can be controlled to adjust the height of the post. In a manner similar to that described in relation to FIGS. 8B-8C, a pull-clip device can be used to control the height of the post to be one of at least two different heights: a shorter height for pickle ball, and a longer height for tennis.

[0145] Each of the posts 822 and 823 may be partially buried inground or affixed to a base (e.g., a base described in relation to FIGS. 4A-6B). Alternatively, they may be connected to a common base, for example, an extendable horizontal bar 810. In some embodiments, the horizontal bar can ensure that the roads are pulled in accordance with the height of the post.

[0146] FIG. 8F illustrates a height adjustable pair of posts 832 and 833 that can adapt a deployed tennis net for pickleball and a center post 834 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The apparatus of FIG. 8F enables the conversion of a deployed tennis net to a pickleball net configuration. When the pickleball configuration is no longer needed, the apparatus may convert back to a tennis configuration.

[0147] The configuration and operation of posts 832 and 833 may be the same or similar to that described above in relation to posts 822 and 824, respectively. The configuration and operation of the center post 834 may be the same or similar to that described above in relation to center post 812. The posts 832, 833 and 834 may be formed as elongated rods made of metal or plastic compounds, and that comprises a stationary component and an extendable component. The posts 832, 833 and 834 may be partially buried inground, may include respective bases, or may be connected to a common base apparatus 810. The common base apparatus may be length adjustable.

[0148] FIG. 9A illustrates a pickleball net arrangement with an integrated ratchet mechanism to control the tension of the net and/or to extend or contract the net length, according to some embodiments. The ratchet mechanism may be incorporated in any of the embodiments, or combination of embodiments, described above in relation to FIGS. 3-8.

[0149] The ratchet mechanism 924 with a handle 925 may be installed on a pickleball net end post 904. The handle 925 enables more convenient operation of the ratchet mechanism 924, but may be detachable in order to reduce the potential of causing injury to players. When a soft cover or padding is used to cover the end posts as described above in various embodiments, the cover may extend over the ratchet mechanism (the handle being detached).

[0150] The ratchet mechanism 924 may be used to extend or retract the net 902, and/or to control the tension of the net. For example, in some embodiments, the post 904 and ratchet mechanism 924 may be configured to wrap the retracted portion of the net 902 around an axis inside or outside the post 904. In some embodiments, the ratchet mechanism may be used to tighten or loosen a cord that controls the tension of the net, and may include, for example, a rope tensioner with a cam mechanism. The end post 904 and net 902 may be similar to the end post and net arrangements described above in relation to any of FIGS. 3-8C.

[0151] The capability to retract and extend of the net 902 may be particularly important when the net is reconfigured for use alternately between pickleball games and, for example, tennis games. For example, when a dual-use pickleball net arrangement as described in relation to FIGS. 8A-8C is being used, the ratchet mechanism 926 may be incorporated to more conveniently and efficiently deploy the net in the different use scenarios. For example, when the same net is being used for both tennis and pickleball, the ratchet mechanism may be used to conveniently fully extend the net for tennis, and to contract the net to the appropriate length for pickleball. The rachet mechanism may also be particularly useful for portability of the dual-use net apparatuses described in relation to FIG. 8A-8C.

[0152] The end post 904, net 902, flexibility component 928, and base 930, may be similar to the end posts, nets, flexibility components, and bases described above in relation to any of FIGS. 3-8C.

[0153] FIG. 9B illustrates an example when the end post 904 and net 902 are adapted to provide for net height adjustments. The end post 904 may include a pull-clip 903 arrangement that can adjust an extension portion of the post 904 to position the net at either 36 inches (e.g., for pickleball setting) or at 42 inches (e.g., for tennis setting). For example, the pull-clip 903 may engage the extension portion by locking it (e.g., inserting into holes at different heights in the extension portion) at two different heights so that the hook 907 to which the net 902 is attached and is aligned with is either at 36 inches or 42 inches height. That is, when extended for the tennis setting, the extension portion of the post 904 is raised, by engaging the pull-clip, a length 915 above its position in the pickleball setting.

[0154] The height adjustable end posts according to embodiments are not limited to the use of pull-clips, and other arrangements by which the post's height can be changed may be used. For example, in the dual-use pickleball net arrangement in some embodiments, the extendable horizontal bar that connects the two end posts may incorporate a mechanism by which the height of the end posts are automatically adjusted to the tennis setting or the pickleball setting when the horizontal bar is adjusted to the distances required by the tennis setting or the pickleball setting.

[0155] The above description sets forth pickleball net embodiments that provide for the end posts to flexibly bend to minimize injuries, pickleball net embodiments that provide end posts with integrated measuring wire devices, and pickleball net embodiments that provide for dual-use with tennis. Further embodiments may be configured combining any two or more of the features flexible net end posts, end posts integrated with measuring tape, and dual-use configuration with tennis. For example, some embodiments may combine the end posts that bend upon impact as described in relation to any of FIGS. 3-5 with one or more of the end post integrated measuring tape dispensers described in relation to FIGS. 6A-6B, the dual-use pickleball net of arrangements of FIG. 8A-8C and/or the net conversion apparatuses of FIGS. 8D-8F. In some embodiments, the end post integrated measuring tape dispensers described in relation to FIGS. 6A-6B may be combined with the flexible end posts of FIGS. 3-5, dual-use pickleball net of arrangement of FIGS. 8A-8C, and/or the net conversion apparatuses of FIGS. 8D-8F. Moreover, any of the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 3-6 and 8, or any combination thereof, may be further combined with the ratchet mechanism and/or the height-adjustable posts described in relation to FIGS. 9A-9B. The end posts of embodiments are not limited to particular material, to particular widths, cross-section shapes, bases, etc.

[0156] Although various embodiments have been shown and described in detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or example.