Retractable Pickleball Net Device

Abstract

A retractable pickleball net device is disclosed. The device is a retractable pickleball net that allows for easy transport or storage. The retractable pickleball net device comprises a net retaining pole and a securing pole. The net retaining pole retains a wound-up net via a spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The net is pulled out through a slot-like opening and secured to the securing pole on the opposite side of the court via fasteners. Each pole comprises wheels and brakes that enable the device to be easily transported. Thus, once the device is fully extended and secured, users can play pickleball.

Claims

1. A transportable and retractable pickleball net device comprising: a windable pickleball net; a net retaining pole having a spring-loaded retraction mechanism, a first plurality of wheels, a first brake, and a slot; and a securing pole having a second plurality of wheels and a second brake, wherein said windable pickleball net pullable from said spring-loaded retraction mechanism through said slot; and further wherein said windable pickleball net securable to said securing pole.

2. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 1, wherein said net retaining pole separated from said securing pole by a court width distance.

3. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 1, wherein said wound-up pickleball net having a plurality of fasteners for fastening to said securing pole.

4. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 3, wherein said slot is a vertical slot extending along a majority of a height of said net retaining pole.

5. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 4, wherein said first brake retains said net retaining pole in a fixed position.

6. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 5, wherein said second brake retains said securing pole in a fixed position.

7. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 6, wherein said securing pole and said net retaining pole are cylindrical.

8. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 7, wherein an unfastened said windable pickleball net retractable into said net retaining pole by said spring-loaded retraction mechanism.

9. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 8, wherein said first brake is a plurality of first brakes, and further wherein one of said plurality of first brakes attached to each one of said plurality of first wheels.

10. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 9, wherein said second brake is a plurality of second brakes, and further wherein one of said plurality of second brakes attached to each one of said plurality of second wheels.

11. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 10, wherein said windable pickleball net having a material selected from the group consisting of a high-density polyethylene, a nylon, a heat-sealable polymer, a polypropylene, and an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

12. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 11, wherein said windable pickleball net having a waterproof material selected from the group consisting of an acrylic, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polyvinyl chloride, and a polystyrene.

13. A transportable and retractable pickleball net device comprising: a windable pickleball net; a net retaining pole having a spring-loaded retraction mechanism, a first plurality of wheels, a first brake, and a slot; and a securing pole having a second plurality of wheels and a second brake; wherein said windable pickleball net pullable from said spring-loaded retraction mechanism through said slot; wherein said windable pickleball net securable to said securing pole; wherein said slot is a vertical slot extending along a majority of a height of said net retaining pole; wherein said first brake retains said net retaining pole in a fixed position; wherein said second brake retains said securing pole in a fixed position; and further wherein an unfastened said windable pickleball net retractable into said net retaining pole by said spring-loaded retraction mechanism.

14. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 13, wherein said net retaining pole separated from said securing pole by a court width distance.

15. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 13, wherein said wound-up pickleball net having a plurality of fasteners for fastening to said securing pole.

16. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 13, wherein said first brake is a plurality of first brakes, and further wherein one of said plurality of first brakes attached to each one of said plurality of first wheels.

17. The transportable and retractable pickleball net device of claim 16, wherein said second brake is a plurality of second brakes and further wherein one of said plurality of second brakes attached to each one of said plurality of second wheels.

18. A method of transporting and erecting a pickleball net device, the method comprising the steps of: providing a windable pickleball net, a net retaining pole having a spring-loaded retraction mechanism, a first plurality of wheels, a first brake, and a slot, and a securing pole having a second plurality of wheels and a second brake, wherein said slot is a vertical slot extending along a majority of a height of said net retaining pole; placing said net retaining pole and said securing pole at a court width distance apart; actuating said first brake to lock said first plurality of wheels of said net retaining pole, wherein said first brake retains said net retaining pole in a first fixed position on the court; actuating said second brake to lock said second plurality of wheels of said securing pole, wherein said second brake retains said securing pole in a second fixed position on the court; pulling said windable pickleball net through said slot from said spring-loaded retraction mechanism and said net retaining pole; and fastening said windable pickleball net to said securing pole.

19. The method of transporting and erecting a pickleball net device of claim 18 further comprising the steps of: unfastening said windable pickleball net from said securing pole; and retracting said windable pickleball net into said net retaining pole by said spring-loaded retraction mechanism.

20. The method of transporting and erecting a pickleball net device of claim 19 further comprising the steps of: actuating said first brake to unlock said first plurality of wheels of said net retaining pole; actuating said second brake to unlock said second plurality of wheels of said securing pole; and rolling said net retaining pole and said securing pole off of the court.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device of the present invention being used to play pickleball in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device of the present invention showing the securing means of the securing pole of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device of the present invention showing the base, wheels, and brakes of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device of the present invention showing the net retaining pole and securing pole of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device of the present invention showing the device on a pickleball court with the net fully retracted in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of conveniently erecting the retractable pickleball net device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0030] 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.

[0031] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that provides users with a pickleball net that is easily retracted for transport or storage purposes. There is also a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that is on wheels such that the entire net can be transported to play pickleball elsewhere. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that features locks or brakes on the wheels for a sturdy setup.

[0032] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel retractable pickleball net device for pickleball players. The device is a retractable pickleball net that allows for easy transport or storage. The retractable pickleball net device comprises a net retaining pole and a securing pole. The net retaining pole retains a wound-up net via a spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The net is pulled out through a slot-like opening and secured to the securing pole on the opposite side of the court via fasteners. Each pole comprises wheels and brakes that enable the device to be easily transported. Thus, once the device is fully extended and secured, users can play pickleball. The present invention also includes a novel method of conveniently erecting the retractable pickleball net device. The method includes the steps of providing a retractable pickleball net device comprising a net retaining pole, a securing pole, and a net. The method also comprises placing the two poles where the user would like the net to be, for example, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Further, the method comprises activating (i.e., actuating) the brakes on each wheel of each pole. Next, the method comprises pulling the net out of the slot of the net retaining pole and extending the net to the securing pole. Further, the method comprises securing the net to the securing pole via the fasteners. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the device while playing pickleball.

[0033] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device 100 of the present invention being used to play pickleball. In the present embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device 100 is an improved retractable pickleball net device 100 that provides a user 130 with a pickleball net that is easily set up, torn down, transported, and stored. Specifically, the retractable pickleball net device 100 comprises a net retaining pole 110 and a securing pole 111. The net retaining pole 110 retains a wound-up net 120 via a spring-loaded retraction mechanism 116. The net 120 is pulled out through a slot 119 opening and secured to the securing pole 111 on the opposite side of the court via fasteners 117. Each pole comprises wheels 112 and brakes 113 that enable the device 100 to be easily transported. Thus, once the device 100 is fully extended and secured, users can play pickleball.

[0034] Generally, the retractable pickleball net device 100 of the present invention assists any setting in which pickleball can be played. The retractable pickleball net device is easily transportable via wheels on the net retaining pole and securing pole. The retractable pickleball net device features a fully retractable net that retracts through a vertical slot on the net retaining pole.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the retractable pickleball net device 100 comprises a securing pole 111. The securing pole 111 and net retaining pole 110 are generally configured in a cylindrical shape, although any shape deemed suitable for the purpose described may be used. The securing pole 111 acts as an anchor for the net 120 when it is fully extended out of the net retaining pole 110 via fasteners 117.

[0036] The retractable pickleball net device 100 comprises a net 120. The net 120 is typically configured in a rectangular shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art. Generally, the net 120 comprises a border 124 that is of thicker material than the rest of the net, and eyelets 122 for securing the net from the net retaining pole to the securing pole.

[0037] Shown in FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device 100 of the present invention showing the base 114, wheels 112, and brakes 113 of the device 100. A base 114 is found at the bottom of both the net retaining pole 110 and the securing pole 111, and features wheels 112 to make the device easily transportable. Brakes 113 are attached to each wheel 112 to lock the wheels 112 in place, and to retain the poles 110, 111 in fixed positions, during play.

[0038] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net device 100 of the present invention showing the net retaining pole 110 and securing pole 111 of the device 100. In these figures, the net 120 is fully retracted within the net retaining pole 110. FIG. 5 shows a more distant view to conceptualize the size of the fully retracted device 100.

[0039] In use, the user 130 erects the net 120 by placing the net retaining pole 110 and net securing pole 111 where the user 130 would like the net 120 to be, for example, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Next, the user 130 activates the brakes 113 on each wheel 112 of both the net retaining pole 110 and the securing pole 111. Further, the user 130 pulls the net 120 out of the slot 119 of the net retaining pole 110 and extends the net 120 to the securing pole 111. Then, the user 130 secures the net 120 to the securing pole 111 via the fasteners 117. Finally, the user 130 utilizes the device while playing pickleball. Thus, the retractable pickleball net device makes erecting a pickleball net much easier and more convenient than ordinary methods.

[0040] It is to be appreciated that the retractable pickleball net device 100 in accordance with the present invention can be produced in various colors, designs, patterns, etc., and feature logos, emblems and or designs, such as a distributor requests and/or a user 130 desires.

[0041] In one embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device 100 is manufactured of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable material as is known in the art. Any number of different types of materials can be used to make the retractable pickleball net device 100 including but not limited to nylon, textile materials, heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the retractable pickleball net device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the net retaining pole 110 and the securing pole 111 comprise a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 400. The net retaining pole 110 or the securing pole 111 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the net retaining pole 110 or the securing pole 111, or any other indicia 400 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 400 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 brand related.

[0043] It will also be appreciated that there are a number of additional add-on features that can be incorporated into the device 100 and moreover, the retractable pickleball net device 100 can take many different forms as is known in the art.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method 200 of conveniently erecting the retractable pickleball net device. The method includes the steps of 201, providing a retractable pickleball net device comprising a net retaining pole, a securing pole, and a net. The method also comprises at 202, placing the two poles where the user would like the net to be, for example, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Further, the method comprises at 203, activating (i.e., actuating) the brakes on each wheel of each pole. Next, the method comprises at 204, pulling the net out of the slot of the net retaining pole and extending the net to the securing pole. Further, the method comprises at 205, securing the net to the securing pole via the fasteners. Finally, the method comprises at 206, utilizing the device while playing pickleball. After play, the retractable pickleball net is unfastened from the securing pole and retracted into the net retaining pole. Thereafter, the securing pole and the net retaining pole can be rolled off of the court.

[0045] 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 retractable pickleball net device, net device, pickleball device, retractable device and device are interchangeable and refer to the retractable pickleball net device 100 of the present invention.

[0046] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the retractable pickleball net 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 retractable pickleball net device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the retractable pickleball net device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the retractable pickleball net device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the retractable pickleball net device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.