Collapsible, compact, portable, lightweight net systems

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sports equipment used specifically in court play such as tennis, badminton and pickleball. This invention relates to upright nets that are used to divide a court or similar space often into two spaces such that opponents must get a ball or other object over the net and into a court during regular play.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. It is played on a 20-ft by 44-ft court divided nearly into two squares with a net system that extends just beyond the width of the court. There are currently narrower practice net systems that are available for all levels of player and intended to be set-up on makeshift mini-courts or any space with a predominantly clear surface. However, existing net systems while portable tend to be heavy, large and/or cumbersome for many situations. There exists a need for a portable, extremely compact, lightweight, and durable net system which can be used by all level players to practice on many different surfaces and locations. The proposed invention consists of a dividing-net and a lightweight frame which can be rapidly and easily assembled and disassembled repeatedly with the use of multiple pole segments which are fully or partially connected when expanded and collapsed. The net system can be stored and carried in a compact configuration. This net system can be applied to the design of net systems for numerous sports including pickleball, tennis, badminton and other sports with similar net-system requirements including all where the net-system divides a court or any space into two pieces. The net system can come in variable lengths such as one which could divide a standard court or portion thereof, or a shorter length to create net systems that can collapse and fit in piece of luggage or even a backpack. Further, individual nets can be joined to create a longer net.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

General. This net system is comprised of a frame, a dividing net and court expanders The frame consists of at least two predominantly vertical side poles, a support beam that spans between the vertical poles, and frame feet which provide stability to the entire net system. The dividing net consists of a large mesh section, a top edge, two side edges, and a bottom edge. The court expanders is an attachment mechanism that is used to join adjacent net systems.

The net system is intended to be used on a court but can also be folded very compactly such that it can be carried in a small bag such as a backpack. A court refers to any space whether organized by lines or more amorphous that is divided in two equal or unequal spaces by the net system or two or more (i.e. multiple) net systems lined up to create a larger court. This net system can be used anywhere and on any surface. For example, if the net system is used on a paved street it would be used either to rally or volley an object such as a ball or birdie (herein, “ball” can refer to any object); whereas, if the net system is used on the beach it would likely be used to volley the ball since the ball could not easily bounce.

Court Expander. The net system has the ability to be connected to an adjacent net system such that multiple net systems can provide a longer net and a larger court. The court expander consists of a method of attachment which enables one net systems to be attached to another net system typically along one line to create one longer net. The court expanders consist of an attachment mechanism either built into the net system or separate from the net system that allows two adjacent net systems to be attached to one another.

Frame. A frame consists of one support beam, one frame feet at or near each of the two ends of the support beam, and two side poles extending upward at or near the two ends of the support beam. Each of these components are referred to as a frame subassembly. A juncture with multiple female cavities is used to attach these frame subassemblies at both ends of the support beam.

A frame subassembly consists of multiple sequential pole segments and in some instances a juncture or other components connected at least partially by a cord. The cord is attached to two ends of a frame assembly such that it can impart a compressive load on and pull together in the expanded configuration the components that comprise a frame assembly. The cord is considered the primary component since it applies a force and causes an action on a secondary component (previously referred to as master-slave). Therefore, the cord pulls a frame assembly together in the expanded configuration and keeps them together as a unit in the collapsed configuration. The cord can be string, rope, shock cord, wire, or clips. It is elastic or if inelastic has a means or mechanism to pull components together.

The cord runs internally through or externally along the length of the pole segments and enables all or part of a given frame subassembly to remain connected whether collapsed or expanded. The tension of the cord can help guide in transitioning a frame subassembly from collapsed to expanded. Tension in the cord may be adjusted to preload any frame subassembly of pole segments by pulling or relaxing the cord that connects pole segments. In the frame subassembly, the male and female ends of pole segments fit into adjacent pole segments or a junctures.

Pole segments. Pole segments are individual elements typically with a long length to cross section ratio. Individual pole segments are intended to be used with other pole segments where ends of adjacent pole segments can join when the net system is in the expanded configuration creating a stable structure. Pole segments are typically made of a material or composites with good strength-to-weight properties such as aluminum, steel, titanium, metal alloys, plastics, or composites, such as carbon fiber, and can be straight or curved.

Pole segments can have a continuous cross section such as a cylindrical tube, various cross section configurations including circular, elliptical and rectangular where the cross section can be continuous or variable in cross sectional area and shape. Pole segments typically have ends that can be used as a male or female connection to another pole segment, juncture or additional coupling component used to join parts of the frame. Alternative methods of attaching adjacent pole segments, such as male-female threads can be used.

A pole segment can have an abrupt change in cross section to assist in joining adjacent pole segments. A pole segment can be formed by joining two tubes. For example, (a) a smaller diameter tube can be partially inserted and joined into a larger diameter tube where the smaller diameter tube forms a male attachment end, or (b) a larger diameter tube can be partially inserted and joined over a smaller diameter tube where the larger diameter tube forms a female attachment end. There are numerous methods to join tubes to create a male or female ends including but not limited to swaging, brasing, welding, gluing, reflowing, threading, set screw, and magnetic force.

It could be envisioned that most of the pole segments for a compact collapsible pickleball net could be predominantly 10 to 24-inches in length and could be predominantly the same lengths to minimize the size of a final carrying case.

Junctures. A juncture with at least four female cavities is used to attach the frame subassemblies and can be make of various materials including plastic, metal and wood. The junctures enable a bias load on the frame by angling certain pole segments. For example, each or one of the side poles and the support beam form an angle greater than 90 degrees (referred to as the “relative angle”) when the frame is in the expanded configuration but without the dividing net. Subsequently when the dividing net is added such that the net system is fully assembled, the load on the dividing net reduces the relative angle, for example, to 90 degrees or less. In another configuration, the junctures may incorporate a clamping system to manually adjust the load on the poles and net. The junctures may facilitate directional folding of the poles when in an collapsed configuration.

The juncture can have a side which is concave inwards to allow for the frame feet to nest more tightly when collapsed.

The juncture is secondary to the cord which is primary and can be internal or external to the juncture. The juncture may incorporate an internal or external anchore to attach the cord, such as washers, springs, clips, hooks, knots, or inherent step features. Any given pole segment can be permanently attached to a given juncture. Such a configuration could make collapsing and storing the frame easier. The juncture may have connected stabilizing pole segments that contact the ground. The juncture could have a flat base where it makes contact with the court. Alternatively, the juncture could make contact with a wedge of any material where the wedge makes contact with the court.

The preferred juncture has female cavities in which to attach pole segments. However, a juncture with male attributes could also be envisioned.

Support Beam. A support beam is the frame subassembly which extends across the length of the expanded frame from side pole to side pole. The support beam can be predominantly parallel to the court or other floor but may also have a biased bend or arc if needed for stability or net tension. For example, the support beam could arch away from the court in the center (i.e. concave up) but when assembled bend slightly downward to form more of a linear beam. It could conversely become more concave such that the arch center reaches upward in the center of the dividing net. The support beam does not need to be the same material as the side poles or collapse similarly to the side poles. The cord running through the pole segments that form the support beam can be connected at one or both ends of a dial, cam, or similar mechanism that allows the user to further tighten the cord to add force bias if needed.

In one configuration, the support beam will run predominantly horizontally with the floor and be within 3 to 4-inches of the lower end of the dividing net. The support beam can made smaller to reduce the weight of the system and inherently will bend down or upward from the court. The junctures and specification the angles of the relative cavities can be used to bias this bend.

In one embodiment, the male-female ends on the center pole segment or pole segments may include an outer coupling greater in diameter than most of the pole segments to provide extra strength and minimize bending in the center of the support beam. In this embodiment, the center pole segment may have two female ends where each end is larger in cross section than the pole segments closer to the feet.

The support beam may make contact with the court or be otherwise close to the court. Attachments may be made to the support beam to optimize its interaction with the court.

If there is a center pole, the support beam may have a method of attachment such as a vertical ring welded or otherwise fixed to it where the center pole could sit. In one embodiment, the center pole segment or pole segments of the support beam could have a larger diameter than the pole segments closer to the side poles.

Side poles. A side pole is a type of frame subassembly. Each net system has two side poles, one on each side of the net. A side pole may typically consist of two to three pole segments and one cord. A side pole can be held upright by a juncture.

In the assembled frame in the expanded configuration without the dividing net, the side poles can be predominantly perpendicular to the court, angled away from or towards the center of the expanded frame. The side pole can be predominantly stiff with minimal bending. Alternatively, the side poles can be flexible and curve but still support the extension of the dividing net joining the two side poles. The side poles can provide a biased outward force to add tensions to the dividing net.

The side poles can have a female cap that fits over the top end of the side pole. In one embodiment, the cap can be 1-2 inches and the lower end of the cap defines the top of the net. This cap thereby assists with set up and in particular defines the correct prescribed net height and alignment for a given net system. In another embodiment the net could overlap the cap, which assists to hold the net in place by mechanical means, such as hooks or loops, or by friction.

Frame Feet. There are at least two frame feet in a frame. A frame foot typically consists of at least two pole segments each joined to the other on opposite sides of a juncture; segments on the sides of the juncture are referred to as toes (i.e. a given toe may be one pole segment). A frame foot extends away from the dividing net on both sides in order to provide stability to the frame, and therefore, the net system. The pole segments creating the frame feet are horizontal with the court or angled downward from the bottom of the frame. The frame foot can be comprised of numerous pole segments. The frame feet can be separated from the lower end of the side pole or remain attached, for example, with an inner cord.

The frame feet poles may have end caps to provide a means to stabilize and anchor the net system to the court by means of mechanical anchors or friction. The end caps may also protect the frame feet from wear and prevent dirt and debris from entering the side subassembly.

For minimal storage volume, in the collapsed configuration the feet could be separate from the rest of the frame, or joined to just the support beam or side poles. In the preferred configuration, (a) the feet are joined to the support beam, and (b) the side poles are separate and can be connected to the dividing net.

Center Pole. Alternatively, the frame can also have another structural pole such as a center pole which is predominantly vertical or an additional horizontal pole; either additional structural poles can be straight or arced.

Dividing Net. The dividing net consists of (1) a mesh fabric, (2) a top edge which binds the upper mesh and runs predominantly parallel to the court from side pole to side pole; (3) side edges to both finish fabric mesh and form a connection point or connection points to the side poles. The side edges can form a continuous or non-continuous channel. The channel or connection points can be along the entire side edge or part of the edge. The dividing net can be sewn, glued, stapled, reflowed, taped or similarly fabricated to form design features described herein. The dividing net can be bound at the bottom of the net using just the mesh or an additional material.

Along any edge, a stiffer material such as a flat thin polymer or metal strip. For example, if a flat thin polymer strip transverses the dividing net tip edge it can not only give the edge stiffness but can still roll for compact storage if the flat strip is sufficiently thin. The thin strip can also cross part or all of the side channels.

The dividing net can be permanently attached to one or both side poles to enable the entire net system to more compactly fold and/or roll up. It could be envisioned that the side poles together with the net can form one fully connected unit whether assembled or collapsed.

Mesh Fabric. The mesh fabric can be any material that preferably will not allow a ball to pass through it and enables a player to look through it such that he/she can see activity on the opposing side of the dividing net. Examples of material type include polyester hex mesh material which can provide a high degree of strength and durability, and polyester or cotton jersey mesh for resistance to creasing.

Top Edge. The top edge runs horizontally at the top of the net. The primary function of the top edge is to close the loose edge of the cut mesh fabric and to support the net. In a regulation pickleball net, the top edge must be 2-inches wide white tape binding over a cord or cable running through the binding where the binding must rest upon the cord or cable. The top edge can be any material and any width as measured vertically from the top. This net can be made with or without a cord through the top edge although a cord may help with preventing sag. Types of cords include but are not limited to bungee-type stretchable cord, a non-stretchable cord or string and a rectangular band which can easily bend in the direction required to roll the net from one support beam to the other (i.e. biased rolling in that direction). The cord can be made of many materials including polymer, leather or metal. The metal could be a superelastic Nitinol or a polymer that does not retain a significant shape set once rolled. The top edge can also consist of folding the mesh over upon itself. Preferably, the top edge is a different material and a different color than the mesh.

In the top edge there may be holes for the cord to exit to attach to the side pole or poles. There may also be a hole or holes to allow the center poles to attach to the net. These holes can be supported, for example with extra stitching or grommets. Another method of holding the center pole includes but is not limited to a pocket sewn, glued or otherwise attached to the outside of the top edge.

Side Edge. The side edge runs vertically on both sides of the net. If it runs along the entire vertical edge of the mesh, it can close the loose edge of the cut mesh fabric. It can provide an attachment to the side poles, possibly in more than one component such as that shown in FIG. 1A or continuous as that shown in FIG. 1B. At least one side edge can form a channel such that a support beam can be inserted into and possibly through the channel (i.e. the channel can be open at the top or can be closed). At least one side edge can have holes or supported holes vertically along the dividing net such that a cord or similar can be woven through the side edge and wrapped around the side pole or otherwise attached to the side pole. A channel for the support beam can cover the entire edge of the net or a portion of the side edge. For example, if two pole segments comprise a side pole the top pole segment could go through the channel and the bottom pole segment which is not in the channel, when collapsed, can fold parallel to the top one. The channel can be closed at the top edge or open such that the side pole can extend out of dividing net. The side edges can also consist of folding the mesh over upon itself.

The side edge or edges can be permanently attached to a given side pole or side poles. In one configuration, the two side poles are permanently attached to the dividing net. The side poles can be removed from the frame feet, the pole segments can be pulled apart such that the net can fold where the adjacent pole segments are separated. Such a configuration could enable an easily foldable dividing net. In this configuration, the dividing net and the side poles may not be attached to the frame feet and support beam.

Configurations. The net system can be configured in a collasped, expanded or assembled, or in a configuration that combines collapsed and expanded.

Collapsed. In the collapsed configuration, the ends of all or most adjacent pole segments are separated from one another pole segment and folded such that pole segments are next to each other predominantly in a bundle. The collapsed net system can be held together with a velcro band, rubber band or other band and stored in a bag.

Expanded. In the assembled configuration, the net is fully functional and ready to use. Pole segments are connected where one has a male end and the next abutting end has a female end. Two ends can also both be male or female and joined with a coupling segment. Where there are retracted pole segments (i.e. pole segment nested within larger pole segment), the inner segments are telescoped out and locked into position to create the longer segment (e.g. side pole). In a preferred configuration, elastic cords are pulling or holding the pole segments together where there is less inward tension on the cords than expanded versus in the collapsed configuration.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the preferred embodiments discussed, a 6-foot net system used for pickleball drills, general warmup or general recreation is envisioned. For compact storage, the pole segments are 13 to 20 inches. The side poles are 34 to 38 inches and the dividing net is 30 inches. The completed packaged collapsed configuration is less than 25-inches and likely 20-inches and weights 2 to 3 pounds. A rubber end cap approximately one-inch in length and with a closed top is used at the top of each side pole to assist in identifying and securing the dividing net height. Further, a court expander in the form of an elastic loop is built into the dividing net for ease of joining net systems in order to expand a court.

First Preferred Embodiment. In the first preferred embodiment, a 6-foot net system used for pickleball drills, general warmup or general recreation is envisioned. For compact storage, the pole segments are 13 to 20 inches. The side poles are 34 to 38 inches and the dividing net is 30 inches. For ease of setup and storage, the side beams and dividing net create one net system subassembly (Upper Net System Subassembly); and the two feet and support beam create with the two junctures created another net system subassembly (Lower Net System Subassembly). This may have a court expander built into the dividing net and another one that clips to adjacent net systems. The clip can be a hard plastic that also can be used to hold portions of the collapsed frame together such as two poles segments folded next two each other from a side pole.

Upper Net System Subassembly. Each side pole is comprised of two pole segments whose opposing ends nest together with a male and female ends mating and together forming a side pole with a constant diameter. An internal elastic cord runs through the side poles and is permanently attached at the top and the bottom the side pole to provide a bias force in order to hold the two pole segments together in the expanded configuration. Each side pole is inserted in the sleeves/channels on each side of the dividing net. If the pole segments are pulled apart laid adjacent to each other, the dividing net similarly be folded over and rolled for storage. The roll creates a compact soft roughly cylinder collapsed subassembly ready for storage.

Lower Net System Subassembly. The pole segments of the two feet and support beam are all connected with elastic cords and two junctures. On each side of the frame, the toes each are inserted into two opposing sides of a juncture and a cord joins both toes through the juncture (i.e. the juncture is between the toes) where cord attachment points are at the ends of both toes. The support beam consists of multiple pole segments (for example, five) which are connected with male-female opposing ends and each end of the support beam fits into one of two junctures. A cord transverses the inside of the multiple pole segments and is attached and held within a juncture on each side.

Second Preferred Embodiment. In this second preferred embodiment, all aspects of the first preferred embodiment is the same expect the dividing net does not join the two separate side poles such that the collapsed net system comes in four subassemblies.

Third Preferred Embodiment. In this third preferred embodiment, the entire frame is connected by elastic cords such as a shock cord. A single shock cord threads through (i) two pole segments creating one side pole; (ii) a juncture entering a cavity for a side pole and exiting a cavity for the support beam; (iii) five pole segments creating the support beam; (iv) a juncture entering the cavity for the support beam and exiting the cavity for the side pole; and (v) two pole segments creating the side other pole. A second shock cord threads through (vi) a toe (e.g. typically one pole segment); and (vii) a juncture entering a cavity for a toe and exiting a cavity for the opposite toe. A third shock cord repeats that of the second but for the opposite frame foot. In this embodiment, the dividing net is provided separately in the packaged configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Example of expanded net system (a) Digital rendering of entire assembly with four pole segments in support beam and two pole segments in each side pole. Side edge is discontinuous; (b) Photo of entire assembly with five pole segments in support beam, two pole segments in each side pole. side edge is continuous. Not visible: (i) elastic cords—One through pole segments forming support beam; one through each of the two tubes that form each of the two frame feet; (ii) attachments at ends of elastic cords.

FIG. 2. Examples of junctures for frame feet, side pole and supporting beam

FIG. 3. Digital rendering of juncture in use. Four pole segments are shown adjoining in juncture. Two pole segments are each a toe and form a frame foot. One pole segment is the bottom of a side pole. One pole segment is the left side of the support beam as shown.

FIG. 4. Example of juncture showing two opposing views. (a) Isometric View 1: Left and right cavities are for toes (together a frame foot). Top cavity is for a side pole. Center bottom cavity is for one end of the support beam. Cord which controls toes (not shown) runs from bottom left to top right through center of frame foot and attached at both ends. (b) Isometric View 2: opening in back allows for means to provide and internal Method of Attachment for cord which provides controls pole segments of support beam (pulls them linearly inward).

FIG. 5. Example of a juncture; three views (side, top, front). Insertion points for two sides of frame foot (toes), side pole and one side of support beam are shown.

FIG. 6. Examples of Pole Segments. All ends of pole segments described herein can be used as either male or female ends. In general, a female end fits over a male end (nestles together). Specific descriptions are given as an example for possible uses as male or female ends. 6a. Pole Segment consisting of straight cylindrical tube ‘A’. 6b. Pole Segment consisting of straight cylindrical tube ‘A’ with straight cylindrical tube ‘B’ permanently attached in ‘A’ and extending out of ‘A’ by length ‘C’ creating a male end. 6c. Pole Segment consisting of straight cylindrical tube ‘A’ with straight cylindrical tube ‘D’ permanently attached over ‘A’ and overhanging past‘A’ by length‘E’ creating a female end.

FIG. 7. Two examples of Methods of Attachment, “L1” and “L2”, which are internal and external cord attachments/anchors, respectively. The pole segment on the left is similar to that shown in FIG. 6b. The short inner tube used to create this pole segment within the longer tube creates an internal ridge used to create a cord anchor. The pole segment on the right is similar to that shown in FIG. 6a. The external method of attachment is created with a washer or a plug to create the anchor at the end of the cord. Subsequently and in this rendering, on both ends of the cord a knot is made to prevent the cord from slipping out of position.

FIG. 8. Schematic of possible frame and effect of angle to apply taunt force to dividing net. Individual elements (pole segments, cords, etc) not shown. (a) Prior to assembly with Dividing Net, absolute angle between support beam and side pole is greater 90 degrees. (b) After assembly with dividing net (not shown), absolute angle between support beam and side pole is approximately 90 degrees. Frame applies load across at least part of the dividing net.

FIG. 9. Example of dividing net with open channels. Section 1 shows channel for side pole (example given is ⅝″ side pole). Section 2 shows end of shock cord or ‘end loop’ used as court expander. Shown for six-foot net system.

FIG. 10. Photo of one net system embodiment (collapsed). Top: Collapsed supporting beam and frame feet (all connected with internal elastic cords and related attachments). Bottom: Collapsed side poles with dividing net rolled around folded side poles.

FIG. 11. Possible pole segments for side poles controlled with an internal cord. Similar configurations can be used for other frame subassemblies. For example, the support beam could consist of pole segments from FIG. 6 such as: 6b-6b-6a-‘flipped 6b’-‘flipped 6b’ with each end going into a juncture all controlled with an internal cord.