Expandable/Retractable Portable Net Frame (Prov. # 63245980)

Abstract

The present invention is an expandable/retractable portable net or banner frame. As a net frame its use can be that of a tennis, pickleball or other sports that utilize a frame to hold a net secure. As a banner frame, its use can be to secure and hold an advertising banner or any flexible material that requires to be held and secured in place.

Claims

1. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame to hold and secure a net.

2. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 1, comprised of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, or fiber composites or plastics.

3. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, whose expandable and retractable systems are either comprised of hinges or telescopic tubing or a combination of both.

4. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, whose expandable and retractable systems are comprised of telescopic tubing that can be locked and unlocked when extended and retracted.

5. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, whose expandable and retractable systems are comprised of hinges that can be locked and unlocked.

6. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, whose expandable and retractable systems are comprised of ferrous or non-ferrous metal, or fiber composites or plastics.

7. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, that can expand to the width of approximately 4 ft. to 120 ft.

8. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, that retracts from its expanded width back to its original closed position.

9. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, that can hold and secure a banner, a flag, or any other type of flexible material for any purpose.

10. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2 and can be made to reach any reasonable height to accommodate nets, banners and other flexible materials at the height required for their expected use.

11. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, that integrates wheels or castors for ease of relocation when necessary.

12. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2, that integrates wheels that can be lockable to secure the frame from moving out of place of its intended use.

13. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2 where the net/banner bracing may be any set number of piece(s) so that the total length is that of the net/banner frame.

14. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2 where the net/banner bracing may be any set number of piece(s) so that the total length is that of the net/banner frame. In one preferred embodiment, the net/banner bracing includes telescopic tubing that includes one or more interior tubes each sequentially smaller (or larger) in size so that the interior tubes can be nested within the largest tube and when fully extended create the overall length of the net/banner bracing.

15. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2 where the net/banner bracing may be any set number of piece(s) so that the total length is that of the net/banner frame. In another embodiment, the net/banner bracing is a plurality of hinged pieces that are unfolded to create the overall length of the net bracing.

16. A portable expandable/retractable net frame that integrates into one ensemble of parts an entire frame of claim 2 where the net/banner bracing may be any set number of piece(s) so that the total length is that of the net/banner frame. In still another embodiment, the net/banner bracing is a plurality and combination of telescopic tubing and hinges so that the combination of the extension of the telescopic tubing and the unfolding of the hinge's pieces create the overall length of the net/banner bracing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by

[0006] reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Whereas the invention is described as a net frame, one should infer that a net is only one in a variety of uses of the frame. The said invention may also be used to secure and hold a banner or sign or shading device and the like. These different materials to be secured and held by the frame may be of a variety of materials, including synthetic or natural materials such as nylon, polyester, cotton, metal, plastic, and the like. The use of the term net will also imply the possible use of any other material for any other purpose. [0007] Accordingly:

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a side or net view of the present invention in the expanded position.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a side or net view of the present invention in the folded position.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows an oblique view of the present invention in the expanded position without a net installed.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows an oblique view of the present invention in the expanded position with a net installed.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a photo of the prototype in an oblique view of the present invention in the expanded position with a net installed.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a photo of the prototype in a perspective view of the present invention without a net installed but with a clear view of the expanded telescopic tubing.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a front view of a device with telescopic net bracing totally collapsed ready for packaging, transportation and storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a net frame 10 in the expanded position and having end posts 12, 14, cross braces 16, 18, and net bracing 32, 34. Each cross brace includes a pair of legs. Each leg of each cross brace is pivotally connected to each post via a lockable hinge. The lockable hinge need only ensure that the leg of the cross brace is held stable at a 90 angle to the end post. Likewise, each post is pivotally connected to each net bracing via a lockable hinge. The lockable hinges are seen at reference numerals 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30. In the expanded position, the legs of the cross braces and the net bracing cooperate to hold the end post substantially vertically.

[0016] The net bracing may be any set of pieces so that the total length is that of the net. In one preferred embodiment, the net bracing includes telescopic tubing that includes one or more interior tubes 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, and 52, each sequentially smaller (or larger) in size so that the interior tubes can be nested within the largest tube. In another embodiment, the net bracing is a plurality of hinged pieces that are unfolded to create the overall length of the net bracing.

[0017] The last piece of each of the net bracing are connected at a hinge piece 56. The hinge piece includes a hinge that permits the net bracing to form a line (in the expanded position) or be adjacent to each other (in the folded position). The hinge may be lockable or may be able to be locked in place through the application of another piece. The net bracing and or pieces thereof, and particularly the net bracing piece connected to the hinge piece, may include a support 54, 58. Such supports may be on the hinge piece as well. The legs of the cross brace may include supports 60, and 62. The supports 54, 58, 60, and 62 may be all generally the same height to form a plane. The supports may be casters or other devices that permit sliding or rolling, with rolling supports preferably lockable into a single position.

[0018] In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 2, the end posts 12, 14 and the bottom cross braces 16, 18 are sufficient in diameter to support the weight and tensioning of the whole frame including the net, such as 1-4 by 1-4 square, as an example or 1 to 4 in diameter as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 are also sufficiently tall to accommodate the various nets or banners it is designed for, such as 24 to 96 as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 shall have the necessary accessories, the slotted bolt guides 30, and 32, the attachment flanges 34 and 36, and the strap slots 22, and 24, attached to them by nuts and bolts or welding or the kind; These accessories, the slotted bolt guides 30, 32, the attachment flanges 34, 36 and the strap slots 22, 24, 26, 28 can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well as their method of attachment, may be different.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lockable hinge comprises a hinge and an angled brace connecting to the two components connected by the hinge or connecting two portions of the hinge. In a preferred embodiment, the angled brace is foldable and lockable in an unfolded position.

[0020] In general, the lengths and diameters of the end posts, cross braces, and net bracing pieces tubing are not critical, and any size may be used as long as the resultant device is stable. For end posts, the length is preferably selected so that the net is the regulation height for tennis or pickleball. For cross braces, the length is preferably selected to ensure the net does not easily tip over and usually will be shorter than the end posts. For the net bracing, the length of each piece is preferably selected so that each piece is shorter than the end posts (or the pieces of the end posts). Taken together, this facilitates a compact device when it is in the folded position

[0021] In addition to the net bracing utilizing a set of pieces to achieve an overall desired length, the end posts and the cross braces may also utilize a set of pieces to achieve an overall desired length such as being adjustable in length, e.g. telescopic, or comprising several hinged pieces.

[0022] In the folded position, as seen in FIG. 2, the end post, cross braces, and telescopic tubing all are placed adjacent to each other to form a compact device.

[0023] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1 there is shown an expandable net frame 10 having end posts 12, 14 each supported by bottom cross braces 16, 18. Each of the posts 12, and 14 are held in a substantially vertical position by hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and three in number for each post. The hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, are connected to the end posts 12, 14 on one side, the bottom braces 16, 18, and the horizontal telescopic square tubing 32, 34 on the other side.

[0024] The net is attached at the top of each end post 12, 14 by cables passing through hollow flanges 36, and 38 and then locking into the cable cleats 40, and 42. These connections and attachment mechanisms, the hollow flanges 36, 38, and the cable cleats 40, 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well their method of attachment, may be different.

[0025] In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 1, the end posts 12, and 14 and the bottom cross braces 16, and 18 are sufficient in diameter to support the weight and tensioning of the whole frame including the net, such as 2 by 2 square, as an example or 2 in diameter as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 are also sufficiently tall to accommodate the various nets or banners it is designed for, such as 24 to 96 as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 shall have the necessary accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, attached to them by nuts and bolts or welding or the kind; These accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well as their method of attachment, may be different.

[0026] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 2 there is shown an expandable net frame 10 having end posts 12, 14 each supported by bottom cross braces 16, 18. Each of the posts 12, and 14 are held in a substantially vertical position by hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and three in number for each post. The hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, are connected to the end posts 12, 14 on one side, the bottom braces 16, 18, and the horizontal telescopic square tubing 32, 34 on the other side. The net is attached at the top of each end post 12, and 14 by cables passing through hollow flanges 36, and 38 and then locking into the cable cleats 40 and 42. These connections and attachment mechanisms, the hollow flanges 36, 38, and the cable cleats 40, 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well their method of attachment, may be different.

[0027] In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 2, the end posts 12, and 14 and the bottom cross braces 16, 18 are sufficient in diameter to support the weight and tensioning of the whole frame including the net, such as 2 by 2 square, as an example or 2 in diameter as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 are also sufficiently tall to accommodate the various nets or banners it is designed for, such as 24 to 96 as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 shall have the necessary accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, attached to them by nuts and bolts or welding or the kind; These accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well as their method of attachment may be different.

[0028] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 3 there is shown an expandable net frame 10 having end posts 12, and 14 each supported by bottom cross braces 16, and 18. Each of the posts 12, and 14 are held in a substantially vertical position by hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and three in number for each post. The hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, are connected to the end posts 12, and 14 on one side, the bottom braces 16, and 18, and the horizontal telescopic square tubing 32, and 34 on the other side. The net is attached at the top of each end post 12, and 14 by cables passing through hollow flanges 36, and 38 and then locking into the cable cleats 40 and 42. These connections and attachment mechanisms, the hollow flanges 36, 38, and the cable cleats 40, and 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well their method of attachment, may be different.

[0029] In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 3, the end posts 12, 14 and the bottom cross braces 16, and 18 are sufficient in diameter to support the weight and tensioning of the whole frame including the net, such as 2 by 2 square, as an example or 2 in diameter as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 are also sufficiently tall to accommodate the various nets or banners it is designed for, such as 24 to 96 as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 shall have the necessary accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, attached to them by nuts and bolts or welding or the kind; These accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well as their method of attachment may be different.

[0030] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 4 there is shown an expandable net frame 10 having end posts 12, and 14 each supported by bottom cross braces 16, and 18. Each of the posts 12, and 14 are held in a substantially vertical position by hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, three in number for each post. The hinged braces 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30, are connected to the end posts 12, and 14 on one side, the bottom braces 16, and 18 and the horizontal telescopic square tubing 32, and 34 on the other side. The net is attached at the top of each end posts 12, and 14 by cables passing through hollow flanges 36, and 38 and then locking into the cable cleats 40, and 42. These connections and attachment mechanisms, the hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well as their method of attachment may be different.

[0031] In more detail, still referring to the invention of FIG. 4, the end posts 12, and 14 and the bottom cross braces 16, and 18 are sufficient in diameter to support the weight and tensioning of the whole frame including the net, such as 2 by 2 square, as an example or 2 in diameter as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 are also sufficiently tall to accommodate the various nets or banners it is designed for, such as 24 to 96 as an example. The end posts 12, and 14 shall have the necessary accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, attached to them by nuts and bolts or welding or the kind; These accessories, hollow flanges 36, and 38, the cable cleats 40, and 42, can vary in design such that their size, shape, material composition, as well as their method of attachment may be different.

[0032] The construction details of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, are that the end posts 12, and 14 can be made of wood or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic, metal, and the like. Further, the various components of the net or banner frames 10, and 40 can be made of different materials.

[0033] The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it is portable, lightweight, and exceedingly easy to transport. It is easy to move these devices into a house or office because they are relatively small and lightweight. Moving typically requires a single person, and typically at most two persons when taking the device up or down stairs. Also, the bottom cross bracing 16, and 18 can have wheels secured to them at the bottom to make moving or transporting the frames even easier. These wheels can come in different sizes and compositions and can be attached in different ways and different places to the bottom cross bracing 16, 18.

[0034] Further advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that no assembly is required. The sports net frame is delivered completely assembled and can be used immediately after expanding it and attaching the net or banner.

[0035] In broad embodiment, the present invention is an expandable and contractible structure that supports a net or banner to its regulatory specifications for both inside and outside use.

[0036] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to fabricate and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above-described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0037] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. Plural structural components or steps can be provided by a single integrated structure or step. Alternatively, a single integrated structure or step might be divided into separate plural components or steps. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods under the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of comprising or including also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of or consist of the recited feature.

[0038] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not concerning the above description, but should instead be determined concerning the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0039] The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it is portable lightweight, and exceedingly easy to transport. It is easy to move these devices into a house or office because they are relatively small and lightweight. Moving typically requires a single person, and typically at most two persons when taking the device up or down stairs. Also, the bottom cross bracing 16, and 18 can have wheels secured to them at the bottom to make moving or transporting the frames even easier. These wheels can come in different sizes and compositions and can be attached in different ways and different places to the bottom cross bracing 16, 18.

[0040] Further advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that no assembly is required. The sports net frame is delivered completely assembled and can be used immediately after extending it and attaching the net or banner.

[0041] In broad embodiment, the present invention is an expandable and contractible structure that supports a net or banner to its regulatory specifications for both inside and outside use.

[0042] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.