Abstract
Disclosed is a net adjustment apparatus adjusting a pickleball net to its regulation height. The net adjustment apparatus allows a player to visualize the regulation height of a pickleball net from the net post of the pickleball net, so that the player can adjust the height of the pickleball net without help from a partner and/or taking measurements using conventional methods such as a measuring tape.
Claims
1. A net adjustment apparatus comprising: a hook comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and an attachment section, wherein an inner groove is disposed between the top portion and the attachment section, an elongate member attached to the bottom portion of the hook, and a bob attached to a bottom portion of the elongate member, the bob comprising a distal portion, wherein the distance between the inner groove of the hook and the distal portion of the bob when the elongate member is fully extended corresponds to a regulation height of a sports net.
2. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sports net has a regulation height of 34 inches.
3. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sports net is a pickleball net.
4. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hook includes a tool attachment portion configured to receive a tension adjustment tool for adjusting the height of the sports net.
5. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bob comprises an oblong shape.
6. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 5, wherein the bob has a height to width ratio of 1.25:1-3:1.
7. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bob has a height of 1.5-3 inches.
8. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the bob comprises a point.
9. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a chain.
10. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 9, wherein the chain is a ball chain.
11. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hook is formed from wood, plastic, metal, leather, or a combination thereof.
12. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bob is formed from wood, plastic, metal, leather, or a combination thereof.
13. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner groove of the hook further comprises a frictional coating.
14. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 13, wherein the frictional coating comprises leather.
15. The net adjustment apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment section extends from the top portion of the hook to the bottom portion of the hook.
16. A method of adjusting a sports net, the method comprising: providing a net adjustment apparatus; providing a tension adjustment tool to adjust the tension in the net; placing the hook of the net adjustment apparatus on a top portion of the sports net and adjusting the height of the sports net with the net adjustment tool until the bob is in contact with a playing surface; adjusting the tension in the sports net with the tension adjustment tool until the elongate member hangs substantially undeformed and the bob maintains contact with the ground and is in a vertical configuration with respect to the playing surface.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the sports net is a pickleball net.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the sports net has a regulation height of 34 inches.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the tension adjustment tool is attachable to the net adjustment apparatus.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tension adjustment tool is attached to the hook of the net adjustment apparatus and is detached therefrom prior to adjusting the height of the sports net with the tension adjustment tool.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Various objects, features, characteristics, and advantages of the invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims, all of which form a part of this specification. In the Drawings, like reference numerals may be utilized to designate corresponding or similar parts in the various Figures, and the various elements depicted are not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein:
[0010] FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a net adjustment apparatus, with FIG. 1A showing a truncated view of the net adjustment apparatus, FIG. 1B showing a side view of the net adjustment apparatus, and FIG. 1C showing the net adjustment apparatus placed on a pickleball net.
[0011] FIG. 2A outlines a related method of using the net adjustment apparatus to adjust a pickleball net to its regulation height.
[0012] FIGS. 2B through 2D show exemplary tension adjustment tools that are used in the method outlined in FIG. 2A.
[0013] FIG. 2E shows the tension adjustment tool illustrated in FIG. 2B attached to a pickleball net in order to adjust the height of the pickleball net.
[0014] FIG. 2F shows the net adjustment apparatus on a pickleball net wherein the pickleball net comprises a height with respect to a playing surface that is greater than the regulation height of the pickleball net.
[0015] FIG. 2G shows the net adjustment apparatus on a pickleball net, wherein the pickleball net comprises a height with respect to a playing surface that is less than the regulation height of the pickleball net.
[0016] FIG. 2H shows the net adjustment apparatus on a pickleball net, wherein the pickleball net comprises a height with respect to a playing surface that is equal to the regulation height of the pickleball net.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein a bob of the net adjustment apparatus is in contact with a playing surface.
[0018] FIGS. 4A through 4H illustrate embodiments of the bob of the net adjustment apparatus, wherein the bob includes features that increase the visibility of the bob.
[0019] FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate embodiments of the hook of the net adjustment apparatus, wherein the hook is configured to include an attachable/detachable tension adjustment tool.
[0020] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of the hook of the net adjustment apparatus, wherein the hook comprises an elongated attachment section, with FIG. 6A showing a perspective view of the hook, and FIG. 6B showing a side view of the hook.
[0021] FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrate exemplary embodiments of the elongate member of the net adjustment apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0022] Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularly exemplified systems or process parameters that may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
[0023] All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
[0024] The term comprising which is synonymous with including, containing, or characterized by, is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
[0025] The term consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.
[0026] The term consisting of as used herein, excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim.
[0027] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a surfactant includes one, two or more surfactants.
[0028] Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein may include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. As such, all values herein are understood to be optionally modified by the term about. Such values thus include an amount or state close to the stated amount or state that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result, and/or values that round to the stated value. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a typical manufacturing or other process, and may include values that are within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, etc. of a stated value.
[0029] Some ranges may be disclosed herein. Additional ranges may be defined between any values disclosed herein as being exemplary of a particular parameter. All such ranges are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0030] As used herein, the term between is inclusive of any endpoints noted relative to a described range.
Example Embodiments
[0031] As discussed in the Background section, adjusting the height of a pickleball net can be a cumbersome process that requires multiple measurements and/or help from another player. Quickly adjusting the net to regulation height without having to move back and forth from the center of the net to the post can be done but usually requires assistance from another player. These challenges underline the need for a simple, portable, and reliable tool that allows a player to visualize the regulation height of a net and eliminate the need to take measurements of the net using conventional tools like a tape measure.
[0032] The present disclosure is directed to a net adjustment apparatus that meets one or more of these needs by providing an apparatus that can assist a player in visualizing the height of a pickleball net from a side post (i.e., where the net can be adjusted).
[0033] Additional elements may be provided to the embodiments described herein that aid in visualizing the height of a pickleball net and/or contribute to the portability, and/or reliability of the apparatus.
[0034] FIG. 1A illustrates a net adjustment apparatus 100 that is used to illustrate the regulation height of a pickleball net. The net adjustment apparatus 100 comprises a hook 101, wherein hook 101 comprises a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 102. Top portion 103 comprises attachment section 104 wherein an inner groove 105 is disposed between attachment section 104 and top portion 103. Net adjustment apparatus 100 further comprises an elongate member 106 and a bob 107, wherein elongate member 106 is attached to bottom portion 103 of hook 101 and bob 107 is attached to the opposite end of elongate member 106. Bob 107 further comprises a distal portion 108 configured to just contact the court when the apparatus is in use and the net is properly adjusted.
[0035] Hook 101 and bob 107 can be formed from wood, metal, plastic, and/or a similar rigid and durable material. Elongate member 106 may be formed from metal, plastic, fabric (e.g., yarn and/or polyester) or any other material that hangs substantially straight when bob 107 is not in contact with the ground and may be deformed when bob 107 is in contact with the ground. The term deformed, in this context, refers to any bending and/or axial collapsing of the elongate member 106, as opposed to the substantially straight, undeformed configuration of the elongate member 106 when gravity pulls the bob 107 and extends the elongate member 106.
[0036] FIG. 1B illustrates net adjustment apparatus 100 in a vertical, undeformed configuration, wherein net adjustment apparatus 100 comprises length 111. Length 111 is defined by the distance between inner groove 105 (i.e., the inner surface of the inner groove 105) and distal portion 108 when elongate member 106 is in a substantially undeformed (i.e., straight) configuration. In a preferred embodiment, length 111 comprises the regulation height of the middle of the pickleball net (i.e., 34 inches). In other embodiments, the length of the elongate member 106 can be adjusted so that length 111 corresponds to the regulation height of other sports nets.
[0037] FIG. 1C illustrates net adjustment apparatus 100 placed on pickleball net 109, such that inner groove 105 of net adjustment apparatus 100 is in contact with a top surface 110 of pickleball net 109.
[0038] FIG. 2A illustrates a flowchart of a method 200, with reference to components illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2G, wherein step 201 comprises placing net adjustment apparatus 100 on pickleball net 109, step 202 comprises providing a tension adjustment tool 205 and inserting tension adjustment tool 205 into adjustment socket 206 on net post 207, step 203 comprises using tension adjustment tool 205 to decrease tension in pickleball net 109 until bob 107 is in contact with playing surface 208, and step 204 comprises using tension adjustment tool 205 to adjust tension in net 109 until bob 107 maintains contact with playing surface 208 and elongate member 106 hangs substantially undeformed. In some embodiments, certain steps may be omitted and/or iterated, depending on whether the net 109 initially sits too low or too high. For example, if the net initially sits too low, the user may skip step 203. A user may iterate various steps to fine-tune the adjustment until the bob 107 maintains contact with playing surface 208 and elongate member 106 hangs substantially undeformed.
[0039] FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of tension adjustment tool 205, wherein tension adjustment tool 205 comprises shaft 209, socket connector 210, and handle 211. Socket connector 210 is configured to fit into socket 206 and enable tension adjustment tool 205 to adjust the tension in pickleball net 109. In most embodiments, increasing the tension in pickleball net 109 will cause the distance between top surface 110 of pickleball net 109 and playing surface 208 to increase. In most embodiments, decreasing the tension in pickleball net 109 will cause the distance between top surface 110 of pickleball net 109 and playing surface 208 to decrease.
[0040] FIG. 2C illustrates an alternative embodiment of tension adjustment tool 205, wherein tension adjustment tool 205 comprises shaft 209, socket connector 210, and handle 211. Socket connector 210 is configured to fit into socket 206 and enable tension adjustment tool 205 to adjust the tension in pickleball net 109. In most embodiments, increasing the tension in pickleball net 109 will cause the distance between top surface 110 of pickleball net 109 and playing surface 208 to increase. In most embodiments, decreasing the tension in pickleball net 109 will cause the distance between top surface 110 of pickleball net 109 and playing surface 208 to decrease.
[0041] FIG. 2D illustrates an alternative embodiment of tension adjustment tool 209, wherein tension adjustment tool 209 is configured as a self-adjusting wrench with connector configured to adjustably fit over socket 206 to adjust tension in pickleball net 109.
[0042] In most embodiments, increasing the tension in pickleball net 109 will cause the distance between top surface 110 of pickleball net 109 and playing surface 208 to increase. In most embodiments, decreasing the tension in pickleball net 109 will cause the distance between top surface 110 of pickleball net 109 and playing surface 208 to decrease.
[0043] FIG. 2E illustrates an embodiment wherein socket connector 210 of tension adjustment tool 205 is inserted into adjustment socket 206 of net post 207. In some embodiments, turning tension adjustment tool clockwise causes the tension in net 109 to increase. In some embodiments, turning net adjustment tool counterclockwise cause the tension in net 109 to decrease.
[0044] The shape and/or size of tension adjustment tool 205 and tension adjustment tool 205 are meant to be illustrative of a few possible embodiments. For example, the shape and/or size of either tool may be modified to increase portability, increase torque applied to socket 206, and/or correspond to socket 206 of a specific net manufacturer. Changes in the shape, size, and/or general outward appearance of tension adjustment tool 205 and tension adjustment tool 205 that do not hinder the ability of either tool to fit into socket 206 and adjust the tension in pickleball net 109 are therefore consistent with the embodiments as described herein.
[0045] FIG. 2F illustrates an embodiment wherein net adjustment apparatus 100 is placed on pickleball net 109 and wherein bob 107 is not in contact with playing surface 208. Distance 113 is defined as the distance between top portion 110 of pickleball net 109 and playing surface 208. In FIG. 2F, distance 113 is greater than distance 111, indicating to a player that distance 113 is greater than the regulation height of pickleball net 109 (i.e., pickleball net 109 is too high). In such a configuration, a player can see the gap between bob 107 and playing surface 208, confirming to the player that distance 113 is greater than distance 111. In such a position, the bob 107 may also freely swing to further indicate to the user that distance 113 is too great. In order to adjust pickleball net 109 to obtain a regulation height relative to playing surface 208 (i.e., distance 111), the player can carry out step 202 of method 200.
[0046] FIG. 2G illustrates an embodiment wherein net adjustment apparatus 100 is placed on pickleball net 109 and wherein bob 107 is in contact with playing surface 208. In FIG. 2G, distance 113 is less than distance 111, indicating to a player that distance 113 is less than the regulation height of pickleball net 109 (i.e., pickleball net 109 is too low). In such a configuration, a player can see the deformed nature of elongate member 106 as well as bob 107 in a configuration other than vertical, confirming to the player that distance 113 is less than distance 111. In order to adjust pickleball net 109 to a regulation height relative to playing surface 208 (i.e., distance 111), the player can skip step 203 and carry out step 204 of method 200.
[0047] FIG. 2H illustrates an embodiment wherein net adjustment apparatus 100 is placed on pickleball net 109 and wherein bob 107 is in contact with playing surface 208. In FIG. 2H, distance 113 is equal to distance 111, indicating to a player that distance 113 corresponds to a regulation height of pickleball net 109. In such a configuration, a player can see bob 107 in contact with playing surface 208 wherein bob 107 is in a substantially vertical configuration with respect to playing surface 208 and can see elongate member 106 hanging in a substantially undeformed configuration, confirming to the player that distance 113 is equal to the regulation height of pickleball net 109.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment, bob 107 comprises an oblong shape. For example, bob 107 may comprise a height to width ratio of about 1.25:1, or about 1.33:1 or about 1.5:1, or about 1.67:1, or about 1.75:1, or about 2:1, or about 2.25:1, or about 2.5:1, or about 2.75:1, or about 3:1, or a height to width ratio within a range with endpoints comprising any of the foregoing values.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment wherein bob 107 comprises a height to width ratio of about 2.25:1 (i.e., an oblong shape), and wherein the oblong shape of bob 107 causes bob 107 to tip at an angle 301 relative to playing surface 208 when bob 107 is in contact with playing surface 208. Angle 301 at which bob 107 tips can assist a player in visualizing when height 113 is equal to height 111 (see FIG. 2G). For example, if bob 107 is tipped at an angle of 45 relative to playing surface 208, player 107 must increase the tension in pickleball net 109 until bob 107 forms an angle of 90 relative to playing surface 208 and bob 107 maintains contact with playing surface 208. A bob 107 with a height to width ratio that is too low will be more difficult for the user to visualize the level of tilt from afar while attempting to adjust the tension and height of the net 109.
[0050] In some embodiments, bob 107 can comprise additional features that increase the visibility of bob 107 and/or the visibility of angle 301. For example, FIG. 4A illustrates bob 107 wherein distal portion 108 of bob 107 comprises a point (i.e., where the diameter of the bob 107 tapers, continuously or intermittently, toward the distal portion 108). In such a configuration, distal portion 108 exaggerates angle 301 when bob 107 is in contact with playing surface 208 (see FIG. 3), thereby enhancing a player's ability to visualize any tilt and thereby determine if distance 113 is equivalent to distance 111 (see FIG. 2H). FIG. 4B illustrates the topography of distal portion 108.
[0051] FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment wherein bob 107 comprises ridges 401 and wherein distal portion 108 of bob 107 comprises a rounded tip. Ridges 401 can increase the visibility of bob 107 by adding more detail to bob 107 thereby improving a player's ability to see bob 107 from a distance such as the distance between net post 207 and pickleball net 109. The increased detail provided by ridges 401 can therefore assist a player in determine if distance 113 is equivalent to distance 111 (see FIG. 2H). FIG. 4D illustrates the topography of distal portion 108.
[0052] FIG. 4E illustrates another embodiment wherein bob 107 comprises one or more arrows 404 and wherein distal portion 108 of bob 107 comprises a rounded tip. One or more arrows 404 can increase the improve a player's ability to visualize angle 301 when bob 107 is in contact with playing surface 208 (see FIG. 3), thereby enhancing a player's ability to determine if distance 113 is equivalent to distance 111 (see FIG. 2H). FIG. 4F illustrates the topography of bob 107. In some embodiments, one or more arrows 402 comprise a color that contrasts with the color of rest of bob 107. For example, one or more arrows 402 can be white and the rest of bob 107 can be black or vice versa. Such arrows 402 can be included on other bob embodiments as described herein.
[0053] Embodiments of bob 107 can comprise a number of geometric shapes. The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate bobs that are conical, cylindrical, ovular (i.e., geometric solids that comprise a circular cross section, as illustrated in FIGS. 4B, 4D, and 4F). In some embodiments, bob 107 can comprise other 3-dimensional shapes. FIG. 4G illustrates an exemplary embodiment, bob 107, wherein bob 107 comprises a prism. FIG. 4H illustrates the topography of bob 107.
[0054] Furthermore, some embodiments of bob 107 may comprise a combination of features illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4H and/or other features that increase the visibility of bob 107 and/or exaggerate angle 103 (see FIG. 3).
[0055] In preferred embodiments, bob 107 comprises a height that allows a player to see bob 107 when it is placed in the middle of pickleball net 109 from net post 207. In some embodiments, bob 107 comprises a height of about 1.5 inches, or about 1.75 inches, or about 2 inches, or about 2.5 inches, or about 3 inches, or about 3.5 inches, or a height within a range comprising endpoints defined by any of the foregoing values. In preferred embodiments, bob height does not exceed 3.5 inches, so that net adjustment apparatus 100 retains its portable nature.
[0056] Alternative embodiments of hook 101 can be used to enhance the portability and convenience of using net adjustment apparatus 100. FIG. 5A illustrates such an embodiment, wherein hook 101 further comprises recess 501, and wherein recess 501 is configured to receive a tension adjustment tool 205 (see FIG. 2B), tension adjustment tool 205 (see FIG. 2C), and/or tension adjustment tool 209. Cutout 503 is configured to house socket connector 210 of tension adjustment tool 205 if tension adjustment tool 205 is provided, and cutout 503 is configured to house handle 211 and socket connecter 210 of tension adjustment tool 205 if tension adjustment tool 205 is provided. The shape and/or size of cutout 503 can be modified to fit tension adjustment tool 209. Tabs 502 can be provided in order to secure tension adjustment tool 205, tension adjustment tool 205, and/or tension adjustment tool 209 via snap fit. Alternatively, recess 501 can be configured to secure tension adjustment tool 205, tension adjustment tool 205, and/or tension adjustment tool 209 via friction fit. The shape and size of recess 501, tabs 502, cutout 503, and cutout 503 are illustrative of one exemplary embodiment of hook 101. Their shape and size can be altered according to the shape and size of tension adjustment tool 205, tension adjustment tool 205 and tension adjustment tool 209.
[0057] FIG. 5B illustrates another embodiment wherein hook 101 comprises VELCRO patch 504 configured to attach to VELCRO patch 504, wherein VELCRO patch 504 is disposed on tension adjustment tool 205 (or 205). VELCRO patches 504 and 504 are configured to secure tension adjustment tool 205 and/or tension adjustment tool 205 to hook 101.
[0058] FIG. 5C illustrates an additional embodiment wherein hook 101 comprises pouch 505, wherein pouch 505 is configured to secure tension adjustment tool 209 (as pictured), tension adjustment tool 205, and/or tension adjustment tool 205 to hook 101, wherein tension adjustment tool 205, tension adjustment tool 205, and/or tension adjustment tool 209 are easy to remove from pouch 505 during use and wherein tension adjustment tool 205, tension adjustment tool 205, and/or tension adjustment tool 209 are easy to stow in pouch 505 after use.
[0059] Including hook 101 and/or hook 101 in net adjustment apparatus 100 can increase the ease with which a player can adjust pickleball net 109. For example, hook 101 can increase the likelihood that a player brings all of the required tools to effectively carry out method 200 (see FIG. 2A). Hooks 101 and 101 are exemplary embodiments that allow hooks 101 and 101 to include and attachable/detachable tension adjustment tool. Other embodiments of hook 101 may include different that enable hook 101 to include an attachable/detachable tension adjustment tool.
[0060] Other embodiments of hook 101 can be used to improve the security of the attachment of net adjustment apparatus 100 to pickleball net 109 (see FIG. 1C). For example, in some embodiments, inner groove 105 comprises a frictional material, wherein the frictional material can be leather, rubber, vinyl, and/or any material that increases friction between inner groove 103 and the top portion 110 of pickleball net 109. Such an embodiment can improve the attachment of net adjustment apparatus 100 to pickleball net 109 by preventing net adjustment apparatus 100 from slipping along the top portion 110 of pickleball net 109.
[0061] FIG. 6A illustrates another embodiment that improves attachment of net adjustment apparatus 100 to pickleball net 109, wherein hook 101 comprises attachment section 104 wherein attachment section 104 extends past inner groove 105 and terminates at or near bottom portion 102. Such an embodiment can improve the attachment of net adjustment apparatus 100 to pickleball net 109 by preventing net adjustment apparatus 100 from falling off pickleball net 109.
[0062] FIG. 6B illustrates a side view of net adjustment apparatus 100 including hook 101. The inclusion of an alternative embodiment of hook 101 such as hook 101 does not change distance 111.
[0063] Preferred embodiments of elongate member 106 comprise an elongate member of fixed length with no axial stretch when elongate member 106 is weighted with by bob 107 and wherein elongate member 106 is deformable under pressure (see FIG. 1E). Elongate member 106 may be formed from metal, plastic, fabric, string, or other material that comprises a fixed length, is substantially free of elastic stretch when weighted under gravity by bob 107, and has sufficient bending flexibility to be deformable, as that term is defined herein.
[0064] FIG. 7A illustrates a portion of elongate member 106, wherein elongate member 106 comprises a ball chain.
[0065] FIG. 7B illustrates a portion of elongate member 106, wherein elongate member 106 comprises a string.
[0066] FIG. 7C illustrates a portion of elongate member 106, wherein elongate member 106 comprises a strap.
[0067] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C are exemplary embodiments of elongate member 106 that accord elongate member 106 with a fixed length and no practical axial strain when fully weighted by bob 107. Other embodiments that accord elongate member 106 with the same properties can be included in net adjustment apparatus 100.
