Adjustable net support system

Abstract

A pole assembly supports an edge of a net by means of a support pole adapted to be positioned upright on a surface. A net pole is secured to an edge portion of the net to be suspended. A bracket connects the support pole and the net pole to one another at selected relative orientations. A fastener then secures the support pole and the net pole at the selected orientation. The selected orientation may be longitudinal positioning or angular positioning. A net system is disclosed and employs a pair of support pole and net pole combinations and a net to be suspended thereby. A method of positioning a net above a surface utilizing this structure is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention broadly concerns a net system. More particularly, the present invention concerns a sports net system that allows for the adjustment of the sports net above the support surface and that may further accomplish a uniform tension of the net. The present invention is also directed to a method of positioning a net above a support surface. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Society enjoys recreation. It is a welcome relief from work and can be a means of socialization and exercise. Playing a game of badminton or volleyball in the backyard or local park has long been a weekend pastime. A number of recreational activities including tennis, paddleball, badminton, volleyball, soccer and other such court games require a net as part of the game. The net is used to demark a boundary or to provide an interference surface for the ball or game piece. Conventional nets consist of a tensioned web of flexible material that is suspended between poles, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In one embodiment, the bracket may include at least one sleeve portion adapted to slideably receive either the support pole or the net pole as a received pole. The sleeve portion has a sidewall formed in a generally C-shaped cross-section of a selected effective cross-sectional dimension. The bracket may further be provided with a flange projecting from longitudinally extending edges of the sidewall in facing relation to one another. As such, the fastener is operative to advance the flanges toward one another thereby to reduce the effective cross-sectional dimension thereof.

[0010] In another embodiment the bracket includes a first sleeve portion having a first sidewall that is adapted to slideably receive the support pole and a second sleeve portion having a second sidewall that is adapted to slideably receive the net pole. Each of the first and second sidewalls are formed in a generally C-shaped cross-section with an effective cross-sectional dimension. Here, the first sidewall includes a pair of first flanges projecting from longitudinally extending edges thereof in facing relation to one another. The second sidewall includes a pair of second flanges projecting from longitudinally extending edges thereof in facing relation to one another. The first and second pairs of flanges engage one another and the fastener is operative to advance the flanges toward one another thereby to reduce the cross-sectional dimensions of said first and second sidewalls.

[0011] The bracket may include a pair of spaced-apart webs interconnecting respective longitudinal edges of the first and second sidewalls. Here, the fastner is operative to advance the webs toward one another thereby to reduce the cross-sectional dimensions of the first and second sidewalls.

Problems solved by technology

Some conventional net poles have fixed net attachment points on them making it difficult to align and position the net when the poles are on uneven ground.

In cases where flexible poles are used, the act of tensioning one corner of the net can cause flexure in the pole and change the tension already achieved on the opposite corner thus making the net mounting a tedious, iterative process.

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