Wearable Netting Apparatus and Game Using the Wearable Netting Apparatus

Abstract

A ball game includes a wearable netting apparatus that allows balls to bounce when the netting is pulled taut. The apparatus consists of a netting attached to arm-engaging components. A player wears the apparatus with the netting strung between their forearms. The player adjusts the position of their body and the tension of the netting to bounce the ball off the netting to a teammate or to an opponent.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application is a non-provisional filing from and claims priority to U.S. provisional No. 63 / 514,016, filed on Jul. 17, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a ball game and equipment therefor, and more specifically to an apparatus for playing a multi-player game wherein a ball is bounced off a wearable netting to be passed between players.

[0003] Many games exist in which a ball or similar projectile is propelled over a net or barrier on a court or playing surface. Examples of these games include tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and badminton, to name a few, wherein a ball, shuttlecock, or other projectile is volleyed over the net within the confines of a playing court. Typically, the net / barrier is used to define two distinct areas of the playing surface for opposing teams to “defend” within the rules of the game. This barrier is generally erected by stringing a net between two support poles, which are secured to the ground a set distance apart. Support poles can commonly be seen in public locations with dedicated spaces for playing such games. These locations include parks, schools, and beaches, where permanently secured poles allow players to play such games. Similarly, public tennis and pickleball courts commonly include permanently fixed poles and nets for players to play.

[0004] In addition to these common games that use nets or barriers, U.S. Pat. No. 8,807,568 B1 to Ruder discloses game using a generally flat, elevated, trampoline-like netting surface that allows balls to bounce off it. Players stand on the ground around the outside of this netting apparatus and attempt to bounce the ball off it and back onto the ground before the opposing team can return the ball to the netting. The playing court is largely undefined.

[0005] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 9,364,768 to Williams discloses a sports activity device that can be both a flying disc and a racquet-like apparatus. Flexible material is stretched across the central opening of a ring-shaped, handheld flying disc. This allows players to bounce a ball or projectile off the material when holding the disc.

[0006] However, none of the above games combines the features of common projectile games with a game apparatus that is wearable and suited for bouncing balls between players.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] The present disclosure addresses the deficiencies in the art and provides a ball game that combines the fun of netting / projectile games with the joy and excitement of a wearable, trampoline-like netting apparatus. In use, the wearable netting must be positioned properly by the player and given the appropriate tension to propel the ball toward a teammate or to an opponent, such as an opponent on the opposite side of a net in a playing court.

[0008] An advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game where teammates bounce a ball off their own trampoline-like netting to one another and attempt to propel the ball over the main net / barrier to their opponents' side of the playing court.

[0009] Another advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game that allows the player to easily modify the tension of the wearable netting, thereby affecting the speed and flight of the ball when bounced off the apparatus.

[0010] And another advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game that is easily adapted to the size, skill, and mobility of the players, wherein the game may be played in a highly competitive manner or more recreationally. In this way, the ball game may be enjoyed equally by players of varying age and athleticism.

[0011] Still another advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game that is lightweight and easy to transport. Yet another advantage is to provide a ball game that is easily set up for use and quickly taken down afterward. A further advantage is to provide a ball game that is inexpensive to produce and fun to play.

[0012] In one embodiment, the wearable game apparatus comprises an elastic panel configured to exhibit a trampoline effect when struck by a ball, and at least one arm-engaging component on opposite sides of said elastic panel configured to engage at least the forearms of a player. The elastic panel can be netting that is stretchable by the player's arms to adjust the tautness of the panel. The arm-engaging components can be straps configured to be wrapped around the forearms, a sleeve configured to receive the forearm, or a tubular configuration of the elastic panel.

[0013] The above-described features and advantages are best understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Additional features and advantages of the invention are made apparent in this description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of the playing court of one embodiment of the game with barrier net and boundary lines.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1, as worn by a player.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a top view of a third embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the wearable netting apparatus shown in FIG. 4A.

[0019] FIG. 4C is a side perspective view of the wearable netting apparatus shown in FIGS. 4A-4B worn by a player.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1, as worn by a player.

[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a front plan view of the ball for use with the wearable netting apparatus.

[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of the net posts of the one embodiment of the game depicted in FIG. 1, wherein notches exist at the top for net tensioners and holes exist in the base for stakes.

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a front plan view of the net tensioners of the game.

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a front plan view of the boundary lines of the game, wherein the ends include rivets for stakes.

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a front plan view of a stake of the game.

[0026] FIG. 11 depicts a front plan view of the bag in which the game components can be stored.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the playing court 10 of one embodiment of a game playable with the wearable netting apparatus disclosed herein in which the game includes a barrier net and boundary lines. The court 10 includes two end lines 12 and two sidelines 18 that collectively form a rectangular playing court. A net 16 bisects the sidelines 18 to form two playing sides on the court 10. The playing court 10 includes two lateral lines 14 that extend from sideline-to-sideline 18. The space between each lateral line 14 and the net 16 is referred to as the “kitchen”. It is contemplated that the playing surface can be a solid surface, such as a concrete court, or a natural surface, such as grass or sand.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus 100. The wearable netting apparatus 100 includes a stretchable elastic panel that can exhibits different trampoline or rebound effects based on the amount that the panel is stretched in one direction. In the first embodiment, the panel is in the form of a stretchable netting 104 attached to a stretchable cord-like base or frame 102. In one embodiment, the netting 104 can include loops 104a around the perimeter of the netting. The loops can be fastened to the frame 102 or looped around the frame in a conventional manner. The frame 102 is nominally in the shape of a rounded rectangle, but may be a circle, oval, polygon or other closed figure. The frame 102 is flexible such that it can be stretched outward in the direction of the arrows S to make the netting 104 more taut. The netting 104 can be configured so that stretching in the direction S also makes the netting more taut in a perpendicular direction to the direction S by reducing the width dimension of the netting between the inboard and outboard legs 102a, 102b of the frame 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame and netting can be manually stretched by movement of the player's arms in the direction S. In one specific embodiment, the netting 104 can be formed of elastic strands woven in the mesh-like configuration depicted in FIG. 2. The geometry of the openings defined by the elastic strands changes as the mesh is stretched so that the opening elongate din one direction and contract in a perpendicular direction. In certain embodiments, the netting 104 can be a polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or polyester mesh.

[0029] The frame is sized to be positioned between the arms of a player, and more particularly to occupy the space from the player's wrist to elbow when the player's arms are extended at approximately shoulder width, as shown in FIG. 3. The apparatus includes two arm-engaging components configured to engage at least the forearms of a player. In the present embodiment, each arm-engaging component includes two arm bands 106 disposed on opposite sides of the frame 102. In the present embodiment, the arm bands 106 are coupled to the frame via a corresponding frame sleeve 110, which may suitably be made out of a webbing or other resilient material. The arm bands 106 of FIG. 2 can be in the form of flaps that can be wrapped around the arms of a player and releasably coupled together using a suitable coupling. In one specific embodiment, two flaps are provided at each side of the netting, in which one end of the flaps is connected to the netting and the free end of the flaps include the suitable coupling. In one specific embodiment, the coupling includes mating hook-and-loop fasteners, but other fastening systems can be used such as a zipper, buttons or snaps. The arm bands 106 are sized to fit around the forearms of the player, in the manner shown in FIG. 3, and are adjustable to accommodate the size of the player's arms. Although two arm bands 106 are provided, the arm-engaging component can include one or more such arm bands. However, it is noted that a single arm band must extend far enough along the length of the player's arm to allow the player to control the tension of the entire stretchable elastic panel. It is further noted that although three or more arm bands can be used to engage the player's forearm, the additional arm bands can be inconvenient to the player.

[0030] A second embodiment of the wearable netting apparatus 200 is shown worn by a player in FIG. 3. The netting apparatus 200 is similar in structure to the apparatus 100, with some modifications. In one modification, the arm-engaging components of the apparatus includes three arm bands 206, 206′ for each arm, rather than two. The stretchable elastic panel or netting 204 is sized to extend from the player's wrist to above the player's elbow so that the inboard arm bands 206′ are positioned above the elbow on the upper arm when the apparatus is worn by the player. In another modification, the frame 202 is integrated with the netting 204 In this feature, the elastic strands used to form the mesh configuration of the netting 204 are compacted to form a generally linear strip defining the frame 202. In one specific embodiment, the frame 202 only extends along the inboard and outboard edges 204a, 204b, respectively, of the netting 204. The arm bands 206, 206′ can be affixed to strips 205 extending along the side edges of the netting.

[0031] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-3, the netting 104, 204 is provided in a single layer. In a third embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a wearable netting apparatus 300 is formed as a tubular body sized to receive the player's arms, as shown in FIG. 4C. In particular, the apparatus includes a stretchable elastic panel or netting 304 formed in a continuous tube so that, when worn by the player, the netting 304 includes an upper layer 304a and a lower layer 304b. The inboard and outboard edges 302 form the frame for the netting 304. As noted above, the frame 302 can be integrated with the netting 304. Instead of arm bands, such as the bands 106 and 206 of the previous embodiments, each arm-engaging components of the apparatus 300 includes an elongated strip 305 extending along opposite sides of the netting. Each strip has a width sufficient to engage the side of the player's arms and a length sufficient to extend at least along most of the length of the player's forearm. The strips 305 can include a panel formed of a material that is relatively more rigid than the netting. In one embodiment, the strips are bendable, to adjust to the contour of the player's arms, but inelastic, or less elastic than the netting 304. The strips can be formed of a bendable plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The strips are preferably on the inside of the tubular netting 304 for direct contact with the player's arms. The strips can be covered with the same material as the netting and / or can include padding for comfortable engagement with the player's forearms.

[0032] A fourth embodiment of the wearable net apparatus 400 is shown worn by a player in FIG. 5. In the apparatus 400, the arm-engaging components are arm bands 406 formed of the same sheet or blank of netting material as the netting 404. For example, the arm bands 406 may be formed by folding over the lateral end of the netting material to form a single arm band sleeve 406 on each side of the netting 404. A strip 407 can be used to attach a free lateral edge to in interior of the netting to form the sleeves 406. Each sleeve 406 has a length sized to receive at least the forearm of the player. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve can be sized to extend around the player's elbow to the lower arm, in a manner similar to the arm band 206′ of the apparatus 300. In this fourth embodiment, the frame 402 can be limited to the inboard and outboard edges of the netting, like the frame 202 of the apparatus 200, or the frame 302 of the apparatus 300.

[0033] In specific embodiments, the netting of the wearable net apparatuses described herein has a nominal width of fifteen inches (15″) in the relaxed condition. The netting can be capable of being stretched by six inches (6″). However, the average player is not able to generate a manual force by moving the arms apart while extended that is sufficient to stretch the netting to its maximum tautness. In the typical case, the player can stretch the netting by 2-3 inches and maintain that tautness long enough to hit a ball during game play. In the specific embodiments, the netting and arm-engaging components can have a length of twelve inches (12″) along the player's forearm. However, the wearable net apparatus 400 can have a length of 18 inches to extend around the player's elbow to the upper arm.

[0034] The wearable net apparatuses 100, 200, 300 and 400 are all used in a similar way. The player places each arm in the arm band or arm bands 106, 306 on each side, and then can move his or her arms to increase or decrease the tension of the netting 104, 204′304, 404. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the player can spread his or her arms lateral apart in the direction S to increase the tension of the netting 204 so that the netting acts like a trampoline for a ball contacting the netting. The amount of lateral separation of the player's arms dictates the amount of tension in the netting. One aspect of the game associated with the wearable netting apparatus is to provide the best amount of tension so that the ball rebounds from the netting in a desired manner. In another aspect of the game, rather than relying on the netting to provide a rebounding surface or trampoline effect, the player can time the lateral movement of the arms in the direction S so that the netting imparts a propelling force to the ball.

[0035] FIG. 6 depicts a front plan view of the ball 99 of the game. In one embodiment, ball can be a volleyball, but could be any other suitable size. The ball preferably has a diameter that is less than half the width of the wearable netting apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400 when it is worn by the player. In particular, the ball 99 should have a diameter of between three and six inches (3-6″) in order to be effective for playing the game described below. A ball with a diameter that is too large will not effectively contact the netting and will instead contact the user's arms. A ball that is too small will typically not have enough mass to take advantage of the trampoline or rebound effect of the netting.

[0036] FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of a net post 20 of the game playing field shown in FIG. 1 for the one embodiment of the game disclosed herein. The post includes one or more, and preferably two, notches 22 at the top to receive a net tensioner 40. The base 30 of the net post includes 26 to receive stakes, such as the stake 48 shown in FIG. 10. The base 30 and stakes 48 are configured to support the net post 20 on the ground. A net tensioner 40, shown in FIG. 8, includes a cord 41 with spiked end pieces 42 at the ends of the cord. The end pieces are configured to be inserted into the ground. The cord 41 has a length sufficient to pass through one of the notches 22 at the top of the net post 20. One tensioner can be provided for each net post, with the tension adjustable by moving the cord from one notch to another. Alternatively, a tensioner can engage each notch in each net post for added stability.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, each net post 20 is sized to receive an end of the net 16 bisecting the playing court 10. The net can have a height of 3-5 feet, depending on the age and skill level of the players.

[0038] FIG. 9 depicts boundary line tapes 44, 45 used to layout the playing court shown in FIG. 1. The tapes 44, 45 may suitably be made of a woven material, and are used to form the base lines 12, lateral lines 14 and sidelines 18 of the court 10. Four shorter tapes 44 are used for base line 12 and lateral lines 14, while two longer tapes 45 are used for the sidelines 18. Each tape 44, 45 includes rivets 46 at its ends for receiving, such as the stake 48 shown in FIG. 10. It is contemplated that all of the playing court components can fit within a carry bag 50 shown in FIG. 11, which may include drawstrings 52 that may also be used for shoulder carrying.

[0039] The wearable netting apparatuses 100, 200, 300, 400 include a panel (or two panels in the case of the apparatus 300) of a resilient, elastic material that provides a trampoline or rebound effect for a ball striking the panel. The material allows adjustment of the trampoline effect based on the amount that the material is stretched in one direction. In the illustrated embodiments, the panels are the netting 104, 204, 304, 404 in the form of an open mesh. However, other materials are contemplated that are resilient and elastic and that can exhibit different trampoline or rebound effects based on the amount that the panel is stretched laterally by the player's arms. For instance, the wearable netting apparatus can include one or more panels of elastane fabric, or sheets of rubber or silicone. The material need only stretch in one direction for use in the wearable apparatuses of the present disclosure, since the panels 104, 204, 304, 404 are only stretched laterally by the player's arms. However, a material capable of omni-directional stretching can be used.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the frames 102, 202, 302, 402 can be rigid so that the panels 104, 204, 304, 404 are maintained at a predetermined tension. In this embodiment, the player would not need to exert manual pressure with the forearms to keep the panels in tension. The frames can include a rigid bar integrated into the material of the frames. Optionally, the rigid bar can be independent of the frame and instead couplable to the frame with a series of clips of other means to fasten the bar to the frame. This option allows the player to choose whether to use the rigid bar to place the panel in tension.

[0041] The wearable netting apparatuses 100, 200, 300, 400 can be used in a game played on the court shown in FIG. 1, according to the following basic rules:

[0042] (1) The game is played with two two-person teams, with one team on either side of the net 16.

[0043] (2) Serve to start. A player serves from behind their end line 12 by throwing the ball 99 up and hitting it over the central barrier net 16 using their wearable net apparatus. The ball must clear the opponents' kitchen (including the kitchen line 14) and be within the boundary lines 12, 18 on their opponents' side.

[0044] (3) After the serve, each team has up to three hits to play the ball back over the net 16 without the ball landing on the court, similar to volleyball. Each player must play the ball off their wearable net apparatus, but unlike volleyball the player cannot play the ball off their hands, arms, or any other part of their body.

[0045] (4) A ball landing in the kitchen (or on the kitchen line 14) is out of bounds. A player cannot stand in the kitchen or on the line 14 when playing the ball 99 either.

[0046] (5) The serving team loses the service if the ball lands out of bounds. The serving teams wins a point if the ball lands inbounds (in the area bounded by 12, 14 and 18) on the opponents' side of the court. Teams only score when serving. Serve alternates between teammates like volleyball. In one embodiment, the game is won when one player reaches eleven points. However, the game must be won by two points and thus could go past eleven.

[0047] (6) A ball played around the outside of the net and back onto the opponent's court is legal, even if the ball is played below the height of the net 16. Any ball 99 that hits the net posts 20 or net tensioner lines 14 is out of play but not out of bounds.

[0048] (7) Players may not touch the net 16 or break the plane of the net 16 to play a ball 99.

[0049] (8) Teams score by landing the ball 99 in bounds on their opponents' side. If a team fails to clear the net or hits the ball out of bounds, the other team earns possession (and a point if they served to start the rally).

[0050] (9) A player continues to serve until their team loses a rally.

[0051] (10) Serve alternates between teammates and teams. If players 1 and 2 are against players 3 and 4, serve order is: player 1, player 3, player 2, player 4, and so on.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations and modifications that incorporate the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

Examples

second embodiment

[0030]the wearable netting apparatus 200 is shown worn by a player in FIG. 3. The netting apparatus 200 is similar in structure to the apparatus 100, with some modifications. In one modification, the arm-engaging components of the apparatus includes three arm bands 206, 206′ for each arm, rather than two. The stretchable elastic panel or netting 204 is sized to extend from the player's wrist to above the player's elbow so that the inboard arm bands 206′ are positioned above the elbow on the upper arm when the apparatus is worn by the player. In another modification, the frame 202 is integrated with the netting 204 In this feature, the elastic strands used to form the mesh configuration of the netting 204 are compacted to form a generally linear strip defining the frame 202. In one specific embodiment, the frame 202 only extends along the inboard and outboard edges 204a, 204b, respectively, of the netting 204. The arm bands 206, 206′ can be affixed to strips 205 extending along the s...

third embodiment

[0031]In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-3, the netting 104, 204 is provided in a single layer. In a third embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a wearable netting apparatus 300 is formed as a tubular body sized to receive the player's arms, as shown in FIG. 4C. In particular, the apparatus includes a stretchable elastic panel or netting 304 formed in a continuous tube so that, when worn by the player, the netting 304 includes an upper layer 304a and a lower layer 304b. The inboard and outboard edges 302 form the frame for the netting 304. As noted above, the frame 302 can be integrated with the netting 304. Instead of arm bands, such as the bands 106 and 206 of the previous embodiments, each arm-engaging components of the apparatus 300 includes an elongated strip 305 extending along opposite sides of the netting. Each strip has a width sufficient to engage the side of the player's arms and a length sufficient to extend at least along most of the length of the player's forearm. The strips 30...

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application is a non-provisional filing from and claims priority to U.S. provisional No. 63 / 514,016, filed on Jul. 17, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a ball game and equipment therefor, and more specifically to an apparatus for playing a multi-player game wherein a ball is bounced off a wearable netting to be passed between players.

[0003] Many games exist in which a ball or similar projectile is propelled over a net or barrier on a court or playing surface. Examples of these games include tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and badminton, to name a few, wherein a ball, shuttlecock, or other projectile is volleyed over the net within the confines of a playing court. Typically, the net / barrier is used to define two distinct areas of the playing surface for opposing teams to “defend” within the rules of the game. This barrier is generally erected by stringing a net between two support poles, which are secured to the ground a set distance apart. Support poles can commonly be seen in public locations with dedicated spaces for playing such games. These locations include parks, schools, and beaches, where permanently secured poles allow players to play such games. Similarly, public tennis and pickleball courts commonly include permanently fixed poles and nets for players to play.

[0004] In addition to these common games that use nets or barriers, U.S. Pat. No. 8,807,568 B1 to Ruder discloses game using a generally flat, elevated, trampoline-like netting surface that allows balls to bounce off it. Players stand on the ground around the outside of this netting apparatus and attempt to bounce the ball off it and back onto the ground before the opposing team can return the ball to the netting. The playing court is largely undefined.

[0005] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 9,364,768 to Williams discloses a sports activity device that can be both a flying disc and a racquet-like apparatus. Flexible material is stretched across the central opening of a ring-shaped, handheld flying disc. This allows players to bounce a ball or projectile off the material when holding the disc.

[0006] However, none of the above games combines the features of common projectile games with a game apparatus that is wearable and suited for bouncing balls between players.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] The present disclosure addresses the deficiencies in the art and provides a ball game that combines the fun of netting / projectile games with the joy and excitement of a wearable, trampoline-like netting apparatus. In use, the wearable netting must be positioned properly by the player and given the appropriate tension to propel the ball toward a teammate or to an opponent, such as an opponent on the opposite side of a net in a playing court.

[0008] An advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game where teammates bounce a ball off their own trampoline-like netting to one another and attempt to propel the ball over the main net / barrier to their opponents' side of the playing court.

[0009] Another advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game that allows the player to easily modify the tension of the wearable netting, thereby affecting the speed and flight of the ball when bounced off the apparatus.

[0010] And another advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game that is easily adapted to the size, skill, and mobility of the players, wherein the game may be played in a highly competitive manner or more recreationally. In this way, the ball game may be enjoyed equally by players of varying age and athleticism.

[0011] Still another advantage of at least some disclosed embodiments is to provide a ball game that is lightweight and easy to transport. Yet another advantage is to provide a ball game that is easily set up for use and quickly taken down afterward. A further advantage is to provide a ball game that is inexpensive to produce and fun to play.

[0012] In one embodiment, the wearable game apparatus comprises an elastic panel configured to exhibit a trampoline effect when struck by a ball, and at least one arm-engaging component on opposite sides of said elastic panel configured to engage at least the forearms of a player. The elastic panel can be netting that is stretchable by the player's arms to adjust the tautness of the panel. The arm-engaging components can be straps configured to be wrapped around the forearms, a sleeve configured to receive the forearm, or a tubular configuration of the elastic panel.

[0013] The above-described features and advantages are best understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Additional features and advantages of the invention are made apparent in this description and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of the playing court of one embodiment of the game with barrier net and boundary lines.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of a first embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1, as worn by a player.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a top view of a third embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the wearable netting apparatus shown in FIG. 4A.

[0019] FIG. 4C is a side perspective view of the wearable netting apparatus shown in FIGS. 4A-4B worn by a player.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus that may be used on the playing court of FIG. 1, as worn by a player.

[0021] FIG. 6 depicts a front plan view of the ball for use with the wearable netting apparatus.

[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of the net posts of the one embodiment of the game depicted in FIG. 1, wherein notches exist at the top for net tensioners and holes exist in the base for stakes.

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a front plan view of the net tensioners of the game.

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a front plan view of the boundary lines of the game, wherein the ends include rivets for stakes.

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a front plan view of a stake of the game.

[0026] FIG. 11 depicts a front plan view of the bag in which the game components can be stored.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the playing court 10 of one embodiment of a game playable with the wearable netting apparatus disclosed herein in which the game includes a barrier net and boundary lines. The court 10 includes two end lines 12 and two sidelines 18 that collectively form a rectangular playing court. A net 16 bisects the sidelines 18 to form two playing sides on the court 10. The playing court 10 includes two lateral lines 14 that extend from sideline-to-sideline 18. The space between each lateral line 14 and the net 16 is referred to as the “kitchen”. It is contemplated that the playing surface can be a solid surface, such as a concrete court, or a natural surface, such as grass or sand.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a wearable netting apparatus 100. The wearable netting apparatus 100 includes a stretchable elastic panel that can exhibits different trampoline or rebound effects based on the amount that the panel is stretched in one direction. In the first embodiment, the panel is in the form of a stretchable netting 104 attached to a stretchable cord-like base or frame 102. In one embodiment, the netting 104 can include loops 104a around the perimeter of the netting. The loops can be fastened to the frame 102 or looped around the frame in a conventional manner. The frame 102 is nominally in the shape of a rounded rectangle, but may be a circle, oval, polygon or other closed figure. The frame 102 is flexible such that it can be stretched outward in the direction of the arrows S to make the netting 104 more taut. The netting 104 can be configured so that stretching in the direction S also makes the netting more taut in a perpendicular direction to the direction S by reducing the width dimension of the netting between the inboard and outboard legs 102a, 102b of the frame 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the frame and netting can be manually stretched by movement of the player's arms in the direction S. In one specific embodiment, the netting 104 can be formed of elastic strands woven in the mesh-like configuration depicted in FIG. 2. The geometry of the openings defined by the elastic strands changes as the mesh is stretched so that the opening elongate din one direction and contract in a perpendicular direction. In certain embodiments, the netting 104 can be a polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or polyester mesh.

[0029] The frame is sized to be positioned between the arms of a player, and more particularly to occupy the space from the player's wrist to elbow when the player's arms are extended at approximately shoulder width, as shown in FIG. 3. The apparatus includes two arm-engaging components configured to engage at least the forearms of a player. In the present embodiment, each arm-engaging component includes two arm bands 106 disposed on opposite sides of the frame 102. In the present embodiment, the arm bands 106 are coupled to the frame via a corresponding frame sleeve 110, which may suitably be made out of a webbing or other resilient material. The arm bands 106 of FIG. 2 can be in the form of flaps that can be wrapped around the arms of a player and releasably coupled together using a suitable coupling. In one specific embodiment, two flaps are provided at each side of the netting, in which one end of the flaps is connected to the netting and the free end of the flaps include the suitable coupling. In one specific embodiment, the coupling includes mating hook-and-loop fasteners, but other fastening systems can be used such as a zipper, buttons or snaps. The arm bands 106 are sized to fit around the forearms of the player, in the manner shown in FIG. 3, and are adjustable to accommodate the size of the player's arms. Although two arm bands 106 are provided, the arm-engaging component can include one or more such arm bands. However, it is noted that a single arm band must extend far enough along the length of the player's arm to allow the player to control the tension of the entire stretchable elastic panel. It is further noted that although three or more arm bands can be used to engage the player's forearm, the additional arm bands can be inconvenient to the player.

[0030] A second embodiment of the wearable netting apparatus 200 is shown worn by a player in FIG. 3. The netting apparatus 200 is similar in structure to the apparatus 100, with some modifications. In one modification, the arm-engaging components of the apparatus includes three arm bands 206, 206′ for each arm, rather than two. The stretchable elastic panel or netting 204 is sized to extend from the player's wrist to above the player's elbow so that the inboard arm bands 206′ are positioned above the elbow on the upper arm when the apparatus is worn by the player. In another modification, the frame 202 is integrated with the netting 204 In this feature, the elastic strands used to form the mesh configuration of the netting 204 are compacted to form a generally linear strip defining the frame 202. In one specific embodiment, the frame 202 only extends along the inboard and outboard edges 204a, 204b, respectively, of the netting 204. The arm bands 206, 206′ can be affixed to strips 205 extending along the side edges of the netting.

[0031] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-3, the netting 104, 204 is provided in a single layer. In a third embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a wearable netting apparatus 300 is formed as a tubular body sized to receive the player's arms, as shown in FIG. 4C. In particular, the apparatus includes a stretchable elastic panel or netting 304 formed in a continuous tube so that, when worn by the player, the netting 304 includes an upper layer 304a and a lower layer 304b. The inboard and outboard edges 302 form the frame for the netting 304. As noted above, the frame 302 can be integrated with the netting 304. Instead of arm bands, such as the bands 106 and 206 of the previous embodiments, each arm-engaging components of the apparatus 300 includes an elongated strip 305 extending along opposite sides of the netting. Each strip has a width sufficient to engage the side of the player's arms and a length sufficient to extend at least along most of the length of the player's forearm. The strips 305 can include a panel formed of a material that is relatively more rigid than the netting. In one embodiment, the strips are bendable, to adjust to the contour of the player's arms, but inelastic, or less elastic than the netting 304. The strips can be formed of a bendable plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The strips are preferably on the inside of the tubular netting 304 for direct contact with the player's arms. The strips can be covered with the same material as the netting and / or can include padding for comfortable engagement with the player's forearms.

[0032] A fourth embodiment of the wearable net apparatus 400 is shown worn by a player in FIG. 5. In the apparatus 400, the arm-engaging components are arm bands 406 formed of the same sheet or blank of netting material as the netting 404. For example, the arm bands 406 may be formed by folding over the lateral end of the netting material to form a single arm band sleeve 406 on each side of the netting 404. A strip 407 can be used to attach a free lateral edge to in interior of the netting to form the sleeves 406. Each sleeve 406 has a length sized to receive at least the forearm of the player. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve can be sized to extend around the player's elbow to the lower arm, in a manner similar to the arm band 206′ of the apparatus 300. In this fourth embodiment, the frame 402 can be limited to the inboard and outboard edges of the netting, like the frame 202 of the apparatus 200, or the frame 302 of the apparatus 300.

[0033] In specific embodiments, the netting of the wearable net apparatuses described herein has a nominal width of fifteen inches (15″) in the relaxed condition. The netting can be capable of being stretched by six inches (6″). However, the average player is not able to generate a manual force by moving the arms apart while extended that is sufficient to stretch the netting to its maximum tautness. In the typical case, the player can stretch the netting by 2-3 inches and maintain that tautness long enough to hit a ball during game play. In the specific embodiments, the netting and arm-engaging components can have a length of twelve inches (12″) along the player's forearm. However, the wearable net apparatus 400 can have a length of 18 inches to extend around the player's elbow to the upper arm.

[0034] The wearable net apparatuses 100, 200, 300 and 400 are all used in a similar way. The player places each arm in the arm band or arm bands 106, 306 on each side, and then can move his or her arms to increase or decrease the tension of the netting 104, 204′304, 404. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the player can spread his or her arms lateral apart in the direction S to increase the tension of the netting 204 so that the netting acts like a trampoline for a ball contacting the netting. The amount of lateral separation of the player's arms dictates the amount of tension in the netting. One aspect of the game associated with the wearable netting apparatus is to provide the best amount of tension so that the ball rebounds from the netting in a desired manner. In another aspect of the game, rather than relying on the netting to provide a rebounding surface or trampoline effect, the player can time the lateral movement of the arms in the direction S so that the netting imparts a propelling force to the ball.

[0035] FIG. 6 depicts a front plan view of the ball 99 of the game. In one embodiment, ball can be a volleyball, but could be any other suitable size. The ball preferably has a diameter that is less than half the width of the wearable netting apparatus 100, 200, 300, 400 when it is worn by the player. In particular, the ball 99 should have a diameter of between three and six inches (3-6″) in order to be effective for playing the game described below. A ball with a diameter that is too large will not effectively contact the netting and will instead contact the user's arms. A ball that is too small will typically not have enough mass to take advantage of the trampoline or rebound effect of the netting.

[0036] FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of a net post 20 of the game playing field shown in FIG. 1 for the one embodiment of the game disclosed herein. The post includes one or more, and preferably two, notches 22 at the top to receive a net tensioner 40. The base 30 of the net post includes 26 to receive stakes, such as the stake 48 shown in FIG. 10. The base 30 and stakes 48 are configured to support the net post 20 on the ground. A net tensioner 40, shown in FIG. 8, includes a cord 41 with spiked end pieces 42 at the ends of the cord. The end pieces are configured to be inserted into the ground. The cord 41 has a length sufficient to pass through one of the notches 22 at the top of the net post 20. One tensioner can be provided for each net post, with the tension adjustable by moving the cord from one notch to another. Alternatively, a tensioner can engage each notch in each net post for added stability.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, each net post 20 is sized to receive an end of the net 16 bisecting the playing court 10. The net can have a height of 3-5 feet, depending on the age and skill level of the players.

[0038] FIG. 9 depicts boundary line tapes 44, 45 used to layout the playing court shown in FIG. 1. The tapes 44, 45 may suitably be made of a woven material, and are used to form the base lines 12, lateral lines 14 and sidelines 18 of the court 10. Four shorter tapes 44 are used for base line 12 and lateral lines 14, while two longer tapes 45 are used for the sidelines 18. Each tape 44, 45 includes rivets 46 at its ends for receiving, such as the stake 48 shown in FIG. 10. It is contemplated that all of the playing court components can fit within a carry bag 50 shown in FIG. 11, which may include drawstrings 52 that may also be used for shoulder carrying.

[0039] The wearable netting apparatuses 100, 200, 300, 400 include a panel (or two panels in the case of the apparatus 300) of a resilient, elastic material that provides a trampoline or rebound effect for a ball striking the panel. The material allows adjustment of the trampoline effect based on the amount that the material is stretched in one direction. In the illustrated embodiments, the panels are the netting 104, 204, 304, 404 in the form of an open mesh. However, other materials are contemplated that are resilient and elastic and that can exhibit different trampoline or rebound effects based on the amount that the panel is stretched laterally by the player's arms. For instance, the wearable netting apparatus can include one or more panels of elastane fabric, or sheets of rubber or silicone. The material need only stretch in one direction for use in the wearable apparatuses of the present disclosure, since the panels 104, 204, 304, 404 are only stretched laterally by the player's arms. However, a material capable of omni-directional stretching can be used.

[0040] In an alternative embodiment, the frames 102, 202, 302, 402 can be rigid so that the panels 104, 204, 304, 404 are maintained at a predetermined tension. In this embodiment, the player would not need to exert manual pressure with the forearms to keep the panels in tension. The frames can include a rigid bar integrated into the material of the frames. Optionally, the rigid bar can be independent of the frame and instead couplable to the frame with a series of clips of other means to fasten the bar to the frame. This option allows the player to choose whether to use the rigid bar to place the panel in tension.

[0041] The wearable netting apparatuses 100, 200, 300, 400 can be used in a game played on the court shown in FIG. 1, according to the following basic rules:

[0042] (1) The game is played with two two-person teams, with one team on either side of the net 16.

[0043] (2) Serve to start. A player serves from behind their end line 12 by throwing the ball 99 up and hitting it over the central barrier net 16 using their wearable net apparatus. The ball must clear the opponents' kitchen (including the kitchen line 14) and be within the boundary lines 12, 18 on their opponents' side.

[0044] (3) After the serve, each team has up to three hits to play the ball back over the net 16 without the ball landing on the court, similar to volleyball. Each player must play the ball off their wearable net apparatus, but unlike volleyball the player cannot play the ball off their hands, arms, or any other part of their body.

[0045] (4) A ball landing in the kitchen (or on the kitchen line 14) is out of bounds. A player cannot stand in the kitchen or on the line 14 when playing the ball 99 either.

[0046] (5) The serving team loses the service if the ball lands out of bounds. The serving teams wins a point if the ball lands inbounds (in the area bounded by 12, 14 and 18) on the opponents' side of the court. Teams only score when serving. Serve alternates between teammates like volleyball. In one embodiment, the game is won when one player reaches eleven points. However, the game must be won by two points and thus could go past eleven.

[0047] (6) A ball played around the outside of the net and back onto the opponent's court is legal, even if the ball is played below the height of the net 16. Any ball 99 that hits the net posts 20 or net tensioner lines 14 is out of play but not out of bounds.

[0048] (7) Players may not touch the net 16 or break the plane of the net 16 to play a ball 99.

[0049] (8) Teams score by landing the ball 99 in bounds on their opponents' side. If a team fails to clear the net or hits the ball out of bounds, the other team earns possession (and a point if they served to start the rally).

[0050] (9) A player continues to serve until their team loses a rally.

[0051] (10) Serve alternates between teammates and teams. If players 1 and 2 are against players 3 and 4, serve order is: player 1, player 3, player 2, player 4, and so on.

[0052] It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and that those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise their own implementations and modifications that incorporate the principles of the present invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

Examples

second embodiment

[0030]the wearable netting apparatus 200 is shown worn by a player in FIG. 3. The netting apparatus 200 is similar in structure to the apparatus 100, with some modifications. In one modification, the arm-engaging components of the apparatus includes three arm bands 206, 206′ for each arm, rather than two. The stretchable elastic panel or netting 204 is sized to extend from the player's wrist to above the player's elbow so that the inboard arm bands 206′ are positioned above the elbow on the upper arm when the apparatus is worn by the player. In another modification, the frame 202 is integrated with the netting 204 In this feature, the elastic strands used to form the mesh configuration of the netting 204 are compacted to form a generally linear strip defining the frame 202. In one specific embodiment, the frame 202 only extends along the inboard and outboard edges 204a, 204b, respectively, of the netting 204. The arm bands 206, 206′ can be affixed to strips 205 extending along the s...

third embodiment

[0031]In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-3, the netting 104, 204 is provided in a single layer. In a third embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, a wearable netting apparatus 300 is formed as a tubular body sized to receive the player's arms, as shown in FIG. 4C. In particular, the apparatus includes a stretchable elastic panel or netting 304 formed in a continuous tube so that, when worn by the player, the netting 304 includes an upper layer 304a and a lower layer 304b. The inboard and outboard edges 302 form the frame for the netting 304. As noted above, the frame 302 can be integrated with the netting 304. Instead of arm bands, such as the bands 106 and 206 of the previous embodiments, each arm-engaging components of the apparatus 300 includes an elongated strip 305 extending along opposite sides of the netting. Each strip has a width sufficient to engage the side of the player's arms and a length sufficient to extend at least along most of the length of the player's forearm. The strips 30...

Claims

1. A player wearable game apparatus comprising:an elastic panel configured to exhibit a trampoline effect when struck by a ball; andat least one arm-engaging component on opposite sides of said elastic panel configured to engage at least the forearms of a player.

2. The player wearable game apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elastic panel is formed of a stretchable material configured to be stretched by the player's arms to exhibit different trampoline effects when struck by a ball based on the amount that the panel is stretched.

3. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein said panel is formed of netting.

4. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said at least one arm-engaging component includes at least one arm band configured to be wrapped around at least the forearm of the player.

5. The game apparatus of claim 4, said at least one arm-engaging component includes two arm bands configured to be wrapped around the forearm of the player.

6. The game apparatus of claim 5, said at least one arm-engaging component includes a third arm band configured to be wrapped around the upper arm of the player.

7. The game apparatus of claim 4, wherein said at least one arm band includes two flaps, each affixed at one end to said panel and each including a free end configured for mating engagement of the two flaps.

8. The game apparatus of claim 7, wherein said free end of said two flaps includes a mating hook-and-loop fastener.

9. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one arm-engaging component includes a sleeve sized to receive at least the forearm of the player.

10. The game apparatus of claim 9, wherein said panel and said sleeve of each of said pair of arm-engaging components is formed of netting.

11. The game apparatus of claim 10, wherein said panel includes a sheet of netting that is folded over at said opposite sides to form said sleeves.

12. The game apparatus of claim 1, wherein:said elastic panel is formed as a tubular body sized to receive at least the forearms of the player.

13. The game apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least one arm-engaging component on opposite sides includes an elongated strip that is relatively more rigid than said clastic panel.

Images