FOLDABLE MULTI-USE SUPPORT

Abstract

A device for supporting a sporting net including a first vertical structure, with rotationally coupling to a net at a first end. And a first base assembly rotationally coupled at a second end. Including a first wheel arm with a wheel and a second wheel arm, with a second wheel, the second wheel rotationally coupled to the second wheel arm. The base assembly is further coupled to a first telescoping member rotationally coupled to a net support dispose substantially perpendicular to the first telescoping member. And a second telescoping member removably coupled to the first telescoping member, wherein the first and second wheel arm are operative to fold onto the first telescoping member.

Claims

1. A device for supporting a sporting net including: a first vertical structure, said first vertical structure rotationally coupled to a net at a first end, and a first base assembly at a second end, said first base assembly rotationally coupled to the first vertical structure; said first base assembly rotationally couple to a first wheel arm, said first wheel arm coupled to a first wheel, said first wheel rotationally coupled to the first wheel arm; said base assembly also rotationally coupled to a second wheel arm, said second wheel arm coupled to a second wheel, said second wheel rotationally coupled to the second wheel arm; said first base assembly further coupled to a first telescoping member, said first telescoping member rotationally coupled to a net support dispose substantially perpendicular to the first telescoping member; a second telescoping member removably coupled to the first telescoping member, wherein the first and second wheel arm are operative to fold onto the first telescoping member.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the second telescoping member is further coupled to a second base assembly, said second base assembling including a first and a second wheel arm rotatably coupled to the second base.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the first telescoping member includes a spring-load pin operable to mate with a hole in the second telescoping member.

4. A device for supporting recreational equipment, said device including: a first vertical member, coupled to a support structure; a telescoping member removably coupled at a first end to the support structure and disposed to project orthogonally from the first vertical member; a plurality of wheeled arms rotatably disposed on opposite ends of the support structure, wherein the wheeled arms may be folded into the telescoping member, and a net support rotationally disposed at a second end of the telescoping member and operative to fold onto the telescoping member.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the telescoping member has a spring-loaded pushbutton disposed distal from the support structure.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein the recreational equipment is a pickle-ball net.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment according to the current disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective, partial view, of a folded embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the support mechanism assembly.

DESCRIPTION

Generality of the Disclosure

[0014] This application should be read in the most general possible form. This includes, without limitation, the following:

[0015] References to specific techniques include alternative and more general techniques, especially when discussing aspects of the invention, or how the invention might be made or used.

[0016] References to preferred techniques generally mean that the inventor contemplates using those techniques, and thinks they are best for the intended application. This does not exclude other techniques for the invention, and does not mean that those techniques are necessarily essential or would be preferred in all circumstances.

[0017] References to contemplated causes and effects for some implementations do not preclude other causes or effects that might occur in other implementations.

[0018] References to reasons for using particular techniques do not preclude other reasons or techniques, even if completely contrary, where circumstances would indicate that the stated reasons or techniques are not as applicable.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention is in no way limited to the specifics of any particular embodiments and examples disclosed herein. Many other variations are possible which remain within the content, scope and spirit of the invention, and these variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application.

Lexicography

[0020] The terms effect, with the effect of (and similar terms and phrases) generally indicate any consequence, whether assured, probable, or merely possible, of a stated arrangement, cause, method, or technique, without any implication that an effect or a connection between cause and effect are intentional or purposive.

[0021] The term relatively (and similar terms and phrases) generally indicates any relationship in which a comparison is possible, including without limitation relatively less, relatively more, and the like. In the context of the invention, where a measure or value is indicated to have a relationship relatively, that relationship need not be precise, need not be well-defined, need not be by comparison with any particular or specific other measure or value. For example and without limitation, in cases in which a measure or value is relatively increased or relatively more, that comparison need not be with respect to any known measure or value, but might be with respect to a measure or value held by that measurement or value at another place or time.

[0022] The term substantially (and similar terms and phrases) generally indicates any case or circumstance in which a determination, measure, value, or otherwise, is equal, equivalent, nearly equal, nearly equivalent, or approximately, what the measure or value is recited. The terms substantially all and substantially none (and similar terms and phrases) generally indicate any case or circumstance in which all but a relatively minor amount or number (for substantially all) or none but a relatively minor amount or number (for substantially none) have the stated property. The terms substantial effect (and similar terms and phrases) generally indicate any case or circumstance in which an effect might be detected or determined.

[0023] The terms this application, this description (and similar terms and phrases) generally indicate any material shown or suggested by any portions of this application, individually or collectively, and include all reasonable conclusions that might be drawn by those skilled in the art when this application is reviewed, even if those conclusions would not have been apparent at the time this application is originally filed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

System Elements

[0025] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment 100 according to the current disclosure. In FIG. 1 a support mechanism assembly 126 is shown as a single unit with a telescoping member 124 extending in a first direction. The telescoping member 124 may include a position locking mechanism to maintain the relative position of the telescoping member 124. In one embodiment when the telescoping portion is pulled out, the telescopic locking mechanism is engaged. This creates friction between the two tubes, which prevents the inner tube from sliding back into the outer tube. The friction can be adjusted by turning a knob or lever that tightens or loosens the locking mechanism. This allows the user to adjust the amount of friction needed to keep the adjustable tube in place. The amount of friction needed can vary depending on the weight of the item being adjusted and allows for variable length extension of the telescoping member 124. In yet other embodiments, a spring-loaded pin may be disposed in the telescoping member 124 such they when the pin is aligned with a hole in a different portion of the telescoping member 124, the pin 121 extends into the hole locking the telescoping member in place.

[0026] The telescoping member 124 is coupled at a distance to a hinge 122. The hinge 122 is operable to couple to a mating telescoping member 120. Together the two telescoping members 124 and 120 rotate about the hinge 122 to allow for the two telescoping members to be folded together. The hinge 122 may be removeable from each telescopic member 120 and 124, and in certain embodiments, may include a leg support 123. The leg support 123 operates to prevent sagging in the area around the hinge 122 should a heavy load be applied to the hinge joint. Some embodiments may include a net holder 125 for providing support in the middle of the net.

[0027] In FIG. 1 the support mechanism assembly 126 includes a vertical arm 110 that may be a fixed length or adjustable similar to the adjustment of the telescoping member 124. The vertical arm 110 is coupled to a base assembly 111. The vertical arm 110 is hinged and operable to fold at the base assembly 111 and down onto telescoping member 120. Moreover, the vertical arm 110 may be coupled to the base assembly 111 with a locking mechanism allowing the position of the vertical member 110 to be locked into place. At a distant end the vertical arm 110 may be coupled to sporting equipment such as a net or table.

[0028] Two horizontal wheel arms 112 and 116 are rotatably coupled to the base assembly 111. At the distant end of the wheel arms 112 and 116 are wheels (or casters) 113 and 118 respectively. The wheel arms 112 and 116 operate to fold about the base assembly 111 substantially onto the telescoping member 120. The telescoping member 120 may be locked together with spring-loaded pushbuttons 121 operable to project through a hold in an enclosing section of the telescoping member 120. The wheels 113 and 118 may be coupled to the wheel arms 112 and 116 using a swivel mechanism to allow the wheels 113 and 118 to align properly when moved. Moreover, the wheel arms 113 and 118 may be coupled to the base assembly 111 with a locking mechanism allowing the position of the wheel arms 113 and 118 to be locked into place. The wheels 113 and 118 may include a pressure locking system to prevent rolling of the wheels when desired.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a side perspective, partial view, of a folded embodiment according to the present disclosure. The view includes a wheel arm 210 with a caster 212 attached to the end. The wheel arm 210 is folded substantially onto a telescoping member 214 (shown partially extended). A vertical arm 218 is also shown folded substantially about the telescoping member 214. Both the wheel arm 210 and the vertical member 218 are rotatably coupled to the base assembly 216. The user may then attached a sporting device, such as a pickleball net 114, to the extended vertical arm.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the support mechanism assembly. The mechanism operates by putting a vertical arm 310 over a receptacle 311 wherein the vertical arm 310 may be held in place with a spring-loaded button type fastener. The wheeled horizontal arms 312 and 314 swivel towards a centerline. Receptacle 315 is disposed for receiving horizontal members (not shown).

[0031] In operation, a user would unfold each operating member such that the wheel arms extend substantially orthogonal to the telescoping member. The vertical arm would then extend substantially orthogonal to the extended wheel arm creating a 3-dimensional support structure. The telescoping member would be extended and a similar telescoping member would be attached at the distant end of the telescoping member. This attachment may be with a hinge to allow folding or fastened or other conventional fasteners.

[0032] The above illustration provides many different embodiments or embodiments for implementing different features of the invention. Specific embodiments of components and processes are described to help clarify the invention. These are, of course, merely embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention from that described in the claims.

[0033] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.