Net Repair Device

Abstract

A net repair device is disclosed that provides a support device for pickleball nets that have been worn down or damaged over time. The net repair device comprises a body component that is a flexible, plastic piece that includes a pair of locking tabs that wrap around the top and middle part of the net and the supporting middle rod. The pair of locking tabs interlock and provide stability to the damaged area of the net. The body component offers a place where the supporting rod can sit, restoring the net to proper regulation height so play can continue.

Claims

1. A net repair device that provides a user with a support device for pickleball nets, the net repair device comprising: a body component; and a pair of locking tabs; wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are wrapped around a top of a pickleball net and secured; and further wherein the body component supports a supporting rod to restore the pickleball net to proper regulation height so play can continue.

2. The net repair device of claim 1, wherein the body component is a flexible, plastic piece, typically configured in a rectangular shape.

3. The net repair device of claim 2, wherein the body component comprises a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side edges, and opposing top and bottom edges.

4. The net repair device of claim 3, wherein the pair of locking tabs protrude planarly from the bottom edge.

5. The net repair device of claim 4, wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are formed separately and secured together via thermal welding, glue, or adhesives.

6. The net repair device of claim 4, wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are formed as one integral unit, via stamping or laser cut techniques.

7. The net repair device of claim 4, wherein the pair of locking tabs are spaced apart from one another and positioned in a parallel configuration.

8. The net repair device of claim 7, wherein the pair of locking tabs are a same size and shape and mirror each other.

9. The net repair device of claim 8, wherein the pair of locking tabs each comprise a proximal end and a distal end.

10. The net repair device of claim 9, wherein the proximal end secures to the bottom edge of the body component.

11. The net repair device of claim 10, wherein the distal end comprises an enlarged tab component.

12. The net repair device of claim 11, wherein the top edge of the body component comprises a pair of slots.

13. The net repair device of claim 12, wherein the pair of slots are spaced apart and sized and shaped to accept the enlarged tab component of the pair of locking tabs.

14. The net repair device of claim 13, wherein the enlarged tab component is wrapped around or doubles back on itself, such that the enlarged tab component then slides into one of the pair of slots and is secured via an interference fit.

15. A net repair device that provides a user with a support device for pickleball nets, the net repair device comprising: a body component comprising a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side edges, and opposing top and bottom edges; and a pair of locking tabs which protrude planarly from the bottom edge and comprise a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the pair of locking tabs are spaced apart from one another and positioned in a parallel configuration; wherein the proximal end secures to the bottom edge of the body component; wherein the distal end comprises an enlarged tab component; wherein the top edge of the body component comprises a pair of slots, which are spaced apart and sized and shaped to accept the enlarged tab component of the pair of locking tabs; wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are wrapped around a top of a pickleball net; wherein the enlarged tab component is wrapped around or doubles back on itself, such that the enlarged tab component then slides into one of the pair of slots and is secured via an interference fit; and further wherein in position, the body component supports a supporting rod of the pickleball net to restore the pickleball net to proper regulation height so play can continue.

16. The net repair device of claim 15, wherein the body component is manufactured of a lightweight, durable and flexible plastic.

17. The net repair device of claim 15, wherein the body component is manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof.

18. The net repair device of claim 15, wherein the body component is molded in transparent or translucent plastic to blend into the pickleball net during use.

19. The net repair device of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of efficiently repairing a pickleball net, the method comprising the following steps: providing a net repair device comprising a body component with a pair of locking tabs; inserting the body component on the supporting middle rod of the net; wrapping the pair of locking tabs around the top and middle part of the net, drawing the net upwards; and restoring the net to proper regulation height so play can continue.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the net repair device of the present invention showing a broken pickleball net in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the net repair device of the present invention showing the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the net repair device of the present invention showing how the locking tabs are secured in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the net repair device of the present invention showing how the device is secured on a supporting rod in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the net repair device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of efficiently repairing a pickleball net in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0028] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0029] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a net repair device that provides users with an inexpensive, simple, and convenient device and method to repair a broken pickleball net. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a net repair device that features a flexible plastic mechanism that wraps around the net and a supporting rod, locking into place and providing stability on the net. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a net repair device that maintains regulations specifications for a pickleball net to ensure play is not interrupted. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that safeguards against wear and tear at the tension site of a temporary pickleball net. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a net repair device that restores a net to proper regulation height so play can continue. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a net repair device that includes locking tabs.

[0030] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel net repair device. The net repair device comprises a body component that is a flexible, plastic piece that includes a pair of locking tabs that wrap around the top and middle part of the net and the supporting middle rod. The pair of locking tabs interlock and provide stability to the damaged area of the net. The body component offers a place where the supporting rod can sit, restoring the net to proper regulation height so play can continue. The present invention also includes a novel method of efficiently repairing a pickleball net. The method includes the steps of providing a net repair device comprising a body component with a pair of locking tabs. The method also comprises inserting the body component on the supporting middle rod of the net. Further, the method comprises wrapping the pair of locking tabs around the top and middle part of the net, drawing the net upwards. Finally, the method comprises restoring the net to proper regulation height so play can continue.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the net repair device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the net repair device 100 is an improved net repair device 100 that provides a user with a support device for pickleball nets 106 that have been worn down or damaged over time. Specifically, the net repair device 100 comprises a body component 102 with a pair of locking tabs 104 that are wrapped around the top 110 of a pickleball net 106 and secured. Thus, the body component 102 offers a place where the supporting rod 108 can sit, restoring the net 106 to proper regulation height so play can continue.

[0032] Generally, the present invention discloses an inexpensive, simple, and convenient device 100 to repair a broken pickleball net 106. The device 100 wraps around the middle 112 of the net 106 and a supporting rod 108, locking into place and providing stability to the net 106. Thus, the device 100 maintains regulation specifications for a pickleball net 106 to ensure play is not interrupted.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the net repair device 100 comprises a body component 102 that is a flexible, plastic piece, typically configured in a rectangular shape. However, the body component 102 could be any suitable shape as is known in the art. The body component 102 comprises a front surface 200, a rear surface 202, opposing side edges 204, and opposing top 206 and bottom 208 edges. Further, the bottom edge 208 comprises a pair of locking tabs 104, which protrude planarly from the bottom edge 208. The body component 102 and the locking tabs 104 can be formed separately and secured together via thermal welding, glue, adhesives, etc., or the body component 102 and the locking tabs 104 can be formed as one integral unit (i.e., stamped or laser cut, etc.).

[0034] Furthermore, the pair of locking tabs 104 are spaced apart from one another and positioned in a parallel configuration. Typically, the pair of locking tabs 104 are the same size and shape and mirror each other. Further, the locking tabs 104 each comprise a proximal end 210 and a distal end 212. The proximal end 210 secures to the bottom edge 208 of the body component 102 and the distal end 212 comprises an enlarged tab component 214.

[0035] Additionally, the top edge 206 of the body component 102 comprises a pair of slots 216. The slots 216 are spaced apart and sized and shaped to accept the enlarged tab component 214 of the pair of locking tabs 104. Specifically, the enlarged tab component 214 is wrapped around or doubles back on itself, such that the enlarged tab component 214 then slides into the slot 216 and is secured via an interference fit.

[0036] In one embodiment, the net repair device 100 is made of a lightweight, durable, and flexible material such as plastic. Specifically, the device 100 can be manufactured from polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the net repair device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the body component 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Furthermore, the device 100 can be molded in various colors and patterns to match pickleball nets 106 and accessories or may be molded in transparent or translucent plastic as well, such that the device 100 blends into the net 106 during use.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, the net repair device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 218. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 218 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 218 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be pickleball, net, or brand related.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, in use, when a pickleball net 106 is damaged, the net repair device 100 is used to repair the net 106. Specifically, in some embodiments, the supporting middle rod 108 has broken through the top 110, middle part 112 of the net tape 114, exposing the supporting middle rod 108 and causing the rest of the pickleball net 106 to sag or droop down. In this instance, the body component 102 is wrapped around the top 110 and middle part 112 of the net tape 114 and positioned such that the pair of locking tabs 104 are positioned on either side of the supporting middle rod 108. Specifically, the rear surface 202 of the body component 102 is placed around the net tape 114, and the pair of locking tabs 104 wrap around or double back on themselves around the net tape 114. The pair of locking tabs 104 are then positioned in the slots 216 and are interlocked via an interference fit. Once the locking tabs 104 are secured within the slots 216, the body component 102 is then secured in place over the supporting middle rod 108 and at the top 110, middle 112 of the net 106, drawing the net 106 up to its original height. Thus, the net repair device 100 provides stability to the damaged area of the net 106 and restores the net 106 to its original regulation height so play can continue.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of efficiently repairing a pickleball net. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a net repair device comprising a body component with a pair of locking tabs. The method also comprises at 602, inserting the body component on the supporting middle rod of the net. Further, the method comprises at 604, wrapping the pair of locking tabs around the top and middle part of the net, drawing the net upwards. Finally, the method comprises at 606, restoring the net to proper regulation height so play can continue.

[0040] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein net repair device, net device, repair device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the net repair device 100 of the present invention.

[0041] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the net repair device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the net repair device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the net repair device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the net repair device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the net repair device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0042] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0043] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.