Foldable device to improve the playability and marketability of net sports

Abstract

A portable network system, including: an upper mesh band with a first end and a second end on opposite sides of the upper mesh band; a first upper net tensioner, wherein the first upper net tensioner is arranged at the first end of the upper net band; a second upper net tensioner, wherein the second upper net tensioner is arranged at the second end of the upper net band, wherein the first upper net tensioner and the second upper net tensioner are manipulable to adjust the tension on the upper net band; an arc arrangement with a first end section and a second end section on opposite sides of the arc arrangement; a first vertical post; a second vertical post; and a net, wherein the net is attached to the first and second vertical posts at opposite ends of the net, wherein the net is attached horizontally to the upper net band, wherein the net has a top and a bottom side, wherein the first end section and the second end section of the arch arrangement are attached to the top side of the net at opposite ends of the net, and wherein the arch arrangement is attached to approximately a midpoint of the bottom side of the net.

Description

{BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION}

[0001] Pickleball is a rapidly growing indoor and outdoor sport played at a slower pace and significantly less physically demanding than badminton or tennis. This results in a player demographic that leans more toward seniors and an older player demographic. The court size is closer to badminton than tennis, and often 3-4 pickleball courts can be accommodated in the space previously occupied by 2 tennis courts. Due to the age demographic, solutions that minimize the weight of all components and hardware while improving accessibility and ease of setup are highly desirable. Many tennis courts previously used in retirement communities or communities for the elderly are being converted to pickleball courts. Given the widespread infrastructure of paved surfaces in these communities, a portable net / court system is highly desirable.It's advantageous for players to have a lightweight, portable net system for easy transport to and from the field. Current technology involves portable, collapsible nets that weigh approximately 15 to 20 kilograms, making them very difficult for elderly people to transport, for example, from the trunk of a car. Similarly, carrying a 15-20 kg net system in a single carrying bag for temporary use and then returning it to a central location poses a problem for people with limited carrying capacity.

[0002] Players have also found that improved functionality, structural and physical performance, and methods for faster setup and takedown are desirable. Portable nets for sports are common in several sports and are especially common in pickleball. Due to the nature of the playing surfaces, nets are frequently set up and taken down for play on surfaces such as basketball courts, tennis courts, parking lots, and the like. The current state of the art in portable net systems consists of a lower cross frame (usually constructed from metal tubing with crimped ends that serve as receptacles for the proximal sections), with such cross braces attached to the base of a vertical post at each distal end. The vertical post-cross brace assembly is then attached to a system of legs or feet, possibly including rolling posts.Net tension is transmitted through the vertical posts and via the crossbar tensioners at the base. These systems generally require a vertical support post to be installed in the center of the net to adjust the net's playing height, which is usually prescribed by the respective sports organization. Such systems can be found in the patent literature and have several important disadvantages in practical implementation.

[0003] The first major drawback is that the practical systems of tubes with pressed-in ends that fit into other tube sockets (often referred to as "male-female" fitting tubes) are problematic. These tubes typically have a rectangular or oval cross-section to absorb torsional forces at the junction points. If even a slight damage to one edge of the metal is caused, the assembly becomes very difficult or even impossible to repair. This is a known cause of many warranty claims, and many nets are discarded due to such damage. It is also the most common rejection of nets when damage occurs during transit. This damage easily occurs when players step on the lower crossbar of the net while playing. Such damage is also frequently reported when players drop the net carrying case or drop individual parts during assembly.

[0004] The second major disadvantage is the weight of the net. For practical purposes, the system is typically constructed from mild steel, and the overall weight when packed presents a significant burden for older players. While the cross and vertical sections could be constructed from lighter metals or reinforced plastic composites, the design and durability of the interlocking pieces is further limited with these materials, as is well known to those in the field, resulting in minimal weight benefits.

[0005] The third disadvantage is that the net ends are tensioned by pulling them over the vertical posts, which typically project upward from the base terminals. This makes it difficult to control the net tension, and the top band does not have constant tension, which is a desirable feature in play, especially at higher levels. The present invention overcomes these disadvantages of known portable net systems and products and provides additional advantages and features that will become apparent from the description of the system.

[0006] Inventions have been proposed to address these problems, such as Dinoffer, US9545551, which adds anti-slip features, vertical support posts, and the like. However, these inventions do not adequately address the issues of weight, durability, and net tension. Recently patented devices also demonstrate that the current state of the art still follows a base-supported or pin-anchored approach, both of which have significant deficiencies within the industry. {SUMMARY}

[0007] A net system, primarily designed for pickleball (but also applicable to many other sports that require separation of participants, whether by rules or other circumstances, as is known to experts in the field), has been developed and implemented. This system combines several common approaches into a novel system that has never been designed before. Improved functionality has been demonstrated in the following areas: 1. Installation and dismantling in less than 3 minutes (compared to 15 minutes for conventional nets); 2. Weighs less than 7 kg, but won't tip over even in strong winds, with options for fixing to different playing surfaces; 3. Does not shift excessively when hit by a ball; 4. Has well-defined, repeatable and adjustable net heights as required by the rules of the game; 5. Comply with all game regulations; 6. The net is supported only at the ends, not in the middle; 7. A ball may roll under the net; 8. The system stands independently without anchors; 9. Does not damage common playing surfaces such as asphalt or wood; 10. Minimizes obstacles to strikes around the post; 11. Can be used or left outdoors in the rain without damage; 12. Can be easily lifted from the center of the net and moved around the court by a single person thanks to the combination of light weight and stiff, durable connections from the top of the net to the arch base at the center; 13. Is durable and can withstand players falling onto the net without damaging the bow or joints.

[0008] The present invention overcomes the problems of previous approaches to portable nets for sports and other applications by designing the net as a component of a tautly constructed bow. The net ribbon (the upper element) acts as the bow string, and the bow itself consists of individual carbon, fiberglass, or other composite elements that span the lower part of the net, as shown in Fig. The stiffness (and thus the flexibility) of the arch is determined by the selection of the arch materials and the dimensions of the pipes and can be varied to keep the mesh parameters within the ideal design range.

[0009] The arch structural members can be made from round tubing, but also from other tubing shapes (square, oval, etc.) or even from open structural profiles (I-beam, C-section, etc.). It is preferred to construct the tubing sections from round tubing for ease of fabrication, simplified assembly, and improved damage tolerance. A short sleeve section is provided to securely connect adjacent tubing. In this design, when the user steps on the arch, the entire system flexes as a unit, and therefore, point stress on a single joint or sleeve is minimized, reducing the likelihood of damage. The individual lengths of the arch are sized so that the disassembly of the components can easily fit into a typical small vehicle for transport.This determines the number and type of intermediate sleeve connections used in conjunction with the main arch sections. In the initial practical implementation, eight individual arch elements were used to achieve the nominal width of the finished network of 22 feet.

[0010] The arch end sections fit into universal cup-shaped devices at both ends, located distally at the top of the left and right end posts. These are called tensioner heads. These can rotate in and out of the plane of the net to ensure that lateral and longitudinal loads are adequately absorbed without the possibility of damage from impacts during play. A line threaded through the net ribbon passes through the tensioner head, and a cam lock integrated into the tensioner head acts as a method by which players can pull the "bow string" to the required tension to adjust the net height and then lock it in place with the cam mechanism.The interplay of net ribbon tension, arch flexibility, and leg reinforcement ensures precise and repeatable net height adjustment, eliminating the need for a net center post or other means of tightly tensioning the net. In tennis, net ribbon tensioning with a center tie is preferred for adjusting the net height above the playing surface. This requires the posts to withstand very high loads and be firmly anchored to (typically) thick steel posts set in concrete. Other portable nets on the market react their loads in metal posts near the base of the net, causing the top edge of the net to flex, resulting in poor control of net height and often leading to tipping—a common but undesirable factor with current portable nets.

[0011] A set of collapsible foot assemblies is provided with a receptacle for the end posts. This approach within the invention allows for a very stable net platform against tipping or wind loads, provides a method for attaching custom-made "feet" designed for different playing surface types (wood, asphalt, concrete, plastic, etc.), ensures self-leveling and extremely quick and easy setup, and is height adjustable to overcome surface irregularities or obstacles in the foot region. The foot design is engineered to ensure no interference with the playing field while maintaining full functionality. A support bracket is attached to the center point of the net / arch and is designed so that when the net is correctly tensioned, the support bracket touches the ground and the net reaches the correct height.In this embodiment, a single foot is attached to the arch near the bottom, but it could also be used elsewhere along the arch or in multiple configurations, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. As mentioned, a cam mechanism is used in the tensioner head to adjust the final tension and position of the components, however, this could also be a threaded tensioner, a friction lock device, or another similar device that allows the user to adjust the tension based on mesh flexibility and arch flexion.

[0012] The voltage setting ensures that any future adjustments required due to grid relaxation caused by aging can be integrated into the design.

[0013] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, there are several methods for achieving the above-mentioned objects within the scope of this invention, and this description is not intended to cover the entire scope of the invention. {BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS}

[0014] The above and other features, advances and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth after the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of the fully assembled mesh with global features that differ significantly from existing mesh designs. Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the distal end attachments of the mesh showing the feet, riser post, upper tensioner, and first arch section. Fig. Figure 2a is an isometric view of the foot base up to the vertical post connection. Fig. Figure 3 is a close-up of the upper tensioner and shows the details of the net strap attachment and the post-arch connection. Fig. Figure 4 is an isometric view of the foot base and the climbing support mechanism. Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b demonstrates the locking and locking mechanisms of the feet. Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of the net system showing how the heights at the ends and in the middle are adjusted with the center support leg touching the flat playing surface. Fig. Figure 5a is an isometric view of the center support component. Fig. Figure 6 shows the post end cap used for various advertisements, which can be replaced without affecting the mains voltage and without obviously being a separate component. {DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS}

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fully assembled net system, shown as unit 100. The net system functions based on the interaction of tension created in the upper net band 101, which causes compression in the carbon fiber composite arch assembly 103. The loads are absorbed by the distally located upper net tensioners 106, which have an angled cup device into which the arch end portions 103 are inserted. A cam locking device in 106 serves to lock the tension created in the upper net band 101. The actual net 109 actually hangs freely from the upper band 101. Since a freely swinging net would not allow for a playable system, the net sheath 104 is pulled over the vertical post 107 to create the required net tension.The slight tension exerted by the cover 104 over the post 107 allows for a simple net end, which then allows for easily replaceable advertising facings 104 with a simple connection, such as Velcro or a similar material. A foot device 108 is arranged so that, when the upper net band 101 is correctly tensioned, a bend is created in the arch assembly 103 so that the vertically offset distance from the ground to the upper net band 101, which includes the net, the foot, and the band itself, exactly corresponds to the regulation net height for the respective sport. The vertical band 102 acts as a limiter for the net height and also exerts a certain amount of tension on the net 109. The central foot 108 is attached with a snap fastener over the arch assembly 103 to allow for easy assembly and use.The end posts 107 fit onto the foot assemblies 105 via a plug-in projection, and the two foldable feet 220 and 221 provide the final ground support points for the entire net system 100. .

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 is an expanded perspective of the left and right side post assemblies, located distally. These are described from the base upward in this embodiment. For each side post assembly, two feet, 220 and 221, are provided, which extend from the net assembly at approximately 120 degrees to each other. However, any number of feet and angles could equally well be used to provide the appropriate support for the net. In this embodiment, the feet are hinged and snap over one another, as shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b. This feature is desirable for packaging and transporting the net system, however, the arrangement and use of the feet can be created in various ways by a professional in the field. The feet 220 and 221 have pads 222 and 224 at their ends, and the center pivoting support plate has a rubber pad 225, which together form a stable, non-scratch support base for each side post assembly. These pads are all interchangeable for height adjustment on different surfaces and can be replaced with other foot shapes to create a portable net system for other sports and playing surfaces such as snow, sand, etc. Another aspect of the invention is that said pads and feet can be provided to be used with a relatively heavy base to remain stable in locations with strong winds or for a more permanent installation.It is clear that many methods of erecting the net on the playing surface are possible, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. It is also a contemplation of the invention that the feet and base are not mandatory components to make the invention functional. The end posts 228 can be easily inserted into any type of receptacle, permanent or otherwise, to create and use the appropriate net dimensions. However, the feet and related systems offer a valuable advantage for use under portable playing requirements. The posts 228 can be provided to be extendable through various approaches, similar to telescopic poles, thereby creating additional flexibility in setting up for different playing surfaces and sports.Telescoping poles are well known and include nested shafts and a variety of locking mechanisms, as seen in the tripod mounting industry, the adjustable kayak and stand-up paddle industries, and others. Fig. 2 further shows that the base unit, around which the feet 220 and 221 are arranged, is equipped with a post 227 mounted on the base plate 226 such that the vertical post 228 slides over this post and is locked in place with a snap pin 229. Although many versions of this assembly are possible and will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, this preferred embodiment allows the snap pin to also establish the alignment of the post 228 with the net 109 and thus ensure the alignment of the upper net tensioner 106 with the arch assembly 103, particularly where the outermost arch tube 210 connects to the upper tensioner 106. Alignment marks and stops are incorporated into the base cup assembly 226 to provide the user with clear and repeatable guidelines during net assembly.

[0017] Fig. Figure 3 is an expanded view of the top of the end post assembly and includes the upper tensioner system 106. The upper tensioner component 301 is mounted on the end post 228 and has the distal end of the outermost arc tube 210 terminating in a pocket in the component 301. A pull cord 302 serves to draw tension into the upper net band 101, and when properly adjusted, this tension is locked into an internal cam lock of the upper tensioner 301. In this embodiment, the net 109 is wrapped around the vertical post 228, but can be secured in many different ways known to one of skill in the art, including hanging freely, using individual straps or ribbons, and weaving through loops of the net, to name a few of the many options.

[0018] Importantly, this end panel 104 can be independent of the net system and thus can be used as an advertising platform, with easily interchangeable end panels displaying different advertisements. This allows a tournament director or others to provide multiple end panels and exchange them to reflect the preferences of players or advertising partners (for example, different advertisements for different phases of a tournament such as quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals). The panels can be changed without altering the net system or interrupting the flow of play. The use of this advertising is not limited to printed media on soft end panels.

[0019] It is anticipated that advanced systems including electronic advertising, remote-controlled advertisements, and a variety of other eye-catching options can be used. It is also anticipated that this system can serve as an electronic scoreboard, visible to all players and spectators in real time and located in one of the best positions to keep players focused on the court. The proposed approach allows for use in systems where the impact of players or their equipment (ball, racket, etc.) on the net plays a significant role in the game. In this case, the end panel's electronic components can be connected to sensors in the net to monitor and record these events.The ability to remove the end panel 104 and store it separately and in a more protected environment ensures that these electronics and their functions are protected from damage during routine handling.

[0020] The invention enables the acquisition and use of a variety of electronic functions via this end panel arrangement.

[0021] Fig. 4, Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b illustrates the method and design of the folding lower feet 220 and 221. These components are frictionally secured between the lower pad 225 and the post support assembly 226. They are designed so that the legs nest together to form a compact package for ease of storage and transportation. Although shown in this preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of simple methods can achieve the same functional performance. A secondary but important purpose of the lower pad 225 is to provide a tripod base so that the system is freestanding when 220, 221, and 225 are unfolded. This keeps the end post assemblies vertical and stable during net assembly.

[0022] Fig. Figure 5 shows the method for adjusting the net height at the center of the net, although this can similarly be done at any point along the arch component 103. The center foot 108 attaches to the center proximal arch section 210, which is aligned with the vertical band 102. The current attachment method is via a snap fit around the proximal arch section, however, this foot 108 can be attached in a variety of ways, including as a permanent and / or integral part of the center arch section. As the user applies tension to the cords 302, thus tightening the upper net band 101, the arch assembly 103 gradually assumes the desired arch shape. At the correct height, the center foot 108 will touch the ground on a level playing surface.This method allows for precise adjustment of the regulated net height without the need for additional measurements or adjustments—a highly valued feature compared to current state-of-the-art offerings. The center foot 103 is equipped with integrated foot pads to provide a degree of protection against abrasion and also provide frictional resistance to lateral movement of the net's center point. The center band 102 also serves as an adjustable net height adjustment device, so that as the net ages and the top net band or other components are stretched and altered by weather conditions, the length of the center band can be adjusted accordingly to continue maintaining an accurate net height.

[0023] Fig.Figure 6 shows the end cover 104, which illustrates the use of a sponsor label 402 and an electronic scoreboard 401. This end cover wraps around the post 228 and reattaches to the net. It may or may not be part of the net-to-post assembly.

[0024] Although the preferred embodiment of the present inventions has been described and disclosed for illustrative purposes and reflects the developed and practiced net system for specific use in pickleball as the initial application, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art and practitioners in industry and related fields that various adaptations, variations, modifications, and approaches are possible without departing from the scope and intent of the invention. It will also be appreciated that not every stated feature or claim of the net invention is required to ensure full functionality, and thus, the invention can cover a wide range of design options.Furthermore, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the application of the net system is not limited to the field of sports games, but could also be used in systems where a portable and easily erected net is desirable, such as livestock enclosures at fairs, dog enclosures at shows and training, fish enclosures, and many other applications with simple and easily implementable additions that do not affect the validity of the present inventions. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 9545551

[0006]

Claims

[1] A portable network system comprising: an upper mesh band having a first end and a second end on opposite sides of the upper mesh band; a first upper net tensioner, the first upper net tensioner being arranged at the first end of the upper net band; a second upper net tensioner, the second upper net tensioner being arranged at the second end of the upper net band, the first upper net tensioner and the second upper net tensioner being manipulable to adjust the tension on the upper net band; an arch assembly having a first end portion and a second end portion on opposite sides of the arch assembly; a first vertical post; a second vertical post; and a net, the net being attached to first and second vertical posts at opposite ends of the net, the net being horizontally attached to the upper net strap, the net having an upper and a lower side, the first end portion and the second end portion of the arch assembly being attached to the upper side of the net at the opposite ends of the net, the arch assembly being attached to approximately a midpoint of the lower side of the net. [2] A portable net system according to claim 1, wherein end panels for two distal ends of the net comprise a hook and loop fastener or similar easily replaceable fastening mechanism that allows advertising logos, marketing materials or other game information to be removed and replaced, even during the game, without adversely affecting the net setup. [3] The portable net system of claim 1, further comprising a centerline adjustment strap, the centerline adjustment strap being attached to the top and bottom of the net. [4] A portable net system according to claim 1, wherein the tension of the arch arrangement is adjustable. [5] A portable net system according to claim 1, wherein the posts, the arch assembly and the upper net tensioners are made of a material selected from the group consisting of carbon, glass and organic fiber composites, wood and wood composites, epoxy resin, polyester, polyurethane, polyamide, polypropylene and aluminum. [6] The portable net system of claim 1, wherein the posts have a shape selected from the group consisting of round, oval, square, I-beam, and C-profile. [7] The portable net system of claim 1, further comprising foot assemblies attached to each of the first and second vertical posts. [8] A portable net system according to claim 7, wherein the foot assemblies are collapsible. [9] A portable network system according to claim 7, wherein the foot assemblies are height adjustable. [10] A portable net system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second vertical posts are embedded in permanent supports. [11] A portable net system according to claim 1, wherein the net is adjustable in length. [12] The portable net system of claim 1, further comprising one or more feet along the arch arrangement. [13] A portable net system according to claim 7, wherein the foot assemblies are removable from the first and second vertical posts. [14] A portable network system according to claim 2, wherein the advertisement is of an electronic nature. [15] A portable net system according to claim 2, wherein the displays on an end panel are electronic in nature and can contain game, score and time information. [16] A portable network system according to claim 15, wherein the electronics can be used to monitor and display information acquired by sensors in the network system. [17] A portable network system according to claim 15, wherein the end cover carries all necessary functions, power sources and hardware to support said functions. [18] A portable net system according to claim 16, wherein batteries and electronic packages can be housed in the end posts or as part of the feet. [19] A portable net system according to claim 2, wherein a fastening mechanism may comprise magnets used as quick assembly, erection and disassembly aids and for permanent positioning of the end panel. [20] A portable network system according to claim 1, further comprising: a pull cord attached to at least one of the first and second upper net tensioners; a cam lock attached to at least one of the first and second upper net tensioners, the pull cord engaging the cam lock.

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