FOLDABLE FIELDING NET

A net assembly includes a base having hub and at least three extension arms, wherein the extension arms extend from the base hub to form a polygon. At least one flexible support pole is removably coupled to each of the extension arms of the base, and a net is configured to receive each of the flexible support poles. The net comprises a plurality of panels which define a polygonal cross-section. The net bends each of the flexible support poles such that the each of the poles is in a flexed state and wherein in the flexed state, each of the flexible support poles is adapted to exert an outward force onto the net, thereby exposing each of the plurality of panels of the net.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present description relates generally to sporting equipment and more particularly to a foldable fielding net.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

Sporting equipment, including equipment directed towards baseball and soccer is well known. More particularly, nets have been developed. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,339 is directed towards a collapsible sports goal apparatus including a goal base member and a goal net attached to the goal base member. Two flexible, resilient poles extend between the goal base member and the top of the goal net. The poles are bent and exert continuous opposed forces on the goal base member and the goal net top to continuously bias the goal net top away from the goal base member and maintain the goal net in stretched condition and disposed upwardly from the goal base member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,956, meanwhile, describes a net support structure which provides for assembly and disassembly for enabling games such as tennis and volleyball to be played as well as providing a rebound net or safety net for use in other sporting games or for the practice of sporting games. The net support structure includes a plurality of modules which are joined together by an elastic cord or springs and which when connected together tension the modules to form a net support structure and which can be collapsed by disconnecting the modules and allowing the modules to be folded whilst at the same time keeping the modules joined by the tensioning means. Elbows are provided which form corners and which are permanently or releasably joined by the cord. If releasably joined the elbows can be repositioned to alter the configuration of the net support structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,288 describes a golf practice net assembly which allows a user to practice tee-shots in a limited and/or indoor area. The net assembly has a U-shaped base pipe unit laid on a support surface. A main support pipe is mounted to an end of each side arm of the base pipe unit. The support pipe extends upwardly and is inclined outwardly relative to the side arm. First and second tension pipes are coupled to each other using a joint, thus forming a tension pipe unit with a holding pin being provided at an outside end of the tension pipe unit for holding a net. The tension pipe unit is mounted to the support pipe at the lower end thereof

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 9,283,455, describes a net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile. The net apparatus comprises a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion

While the above references netting equipment is generally sufficient for its intended purposes, there is a demonstrated need and desire for improved equipment and methods of using the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of example methods and apparatus is not intended to limit the scope of the description to the precise form or forms detailed herein. Instead the following description is intended to be illustrative so that others may follow its teachings.

Examples of a fielding net/target are illustrated in the figures and described herein. The example nets are designed to give players a target during fielding drills, batting practice, or other activity. In one instance, the example nets can receive throws, hits, etc. from any direction and capture and/or return the ball as desired, depending upon the netting and/or how tightly the netting is held. As illustrated herein, the net/target assembly can break down for easier transport and storage

More precisely,FIG. 1illustrates one example of a net assembly10. The net assembly10is constructed and adapted such that the net assembly10may be deployed in any suitable environment, such as, for example, an indoor or outdoor location. In the examples disclosed herein, the example net assembly10is particularly well suited for use as a target for various sporting activities such as baseball, softball, football, soccer, volleyball, tennis, or the like. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, however that the net assembly10may be used in any suitable activity.

The example net assembly10generally comprises a base12, a plurality of flexible rods14removably coupled to the base12, and a net16adapted to be supported by the rods14. The rods14are positioned and configured to exert a force on the net16to fully deploy the net16when fully assembled. In addition, the example net assembly10, including the base12, rods14, and net16, when fully assembled and deployed, are adapted to withstand the force of a suitable ball or projectile so as to capture the ball while keeping the net apparatus10in a generally upright standing position. In some examples, the net assembly10, when fully assembled and deployed, is adapted to tension at least a portion of the net16such that a striking ball or projectile is rebounded, or returned from the net16. The example net assembly10defines a support structure that deploys the net16into a configuration having a polygon shaped perimeter. More specifically, in the example shown inFIG. 1, the net assembly10includes three rods14located at three vertices of the base12, which in this instance deploys the net16into an equilateral triangle.

As best illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, the example base12comprises a plurality of base extension arms13coupled to a central base hub20. In the example illustrated in this disclosure, the base12includes three extension arms13a,13b,13c, but it will be appreciated that in other examples, there may be more than three extension arms13. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, two of the extension rods13band13care pivotally coupled to the base hub20, while the third extension arm13ais fixed to the base hub20by any suitable means, including for instance, welding. In this example, the pivotally attached extension arms13b,13care pivotal through an arc of approximately 120°.

With the arrangement of the present example, the base12is foldable into a compact configuration (seeFIG. 7), wherein each of the extension arms13a,13b,13care moved into a parallel arrangement. In the unfolded position, the extension arms13b,13care pivoted about their respective pivots22b,22cwhich may be vertically oriented pivot pins or other suitable pivot device, such that the arms13a,13b,13cextend outwardly from the hub20. As will be understood, the pivotally attached extension arms13b,13cmay be freely rotatable, or may be lockable into place (e.g, the folded and/or unfolded positions) by respective locking pins/buttons90(seeFIG. 9).

In the unfolded position, the arms13a,13b,13cextend from the hub20such that an imaginary line (L) extending between adjacent distal ends of the arms13a,13b,13cwould form a polygon, which in this illustrated example would be a triangle. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that with a different number of extension arms and/or different arrangements of the extension arms, the distal ends of the arms may form different polygons, e.g., four arms may form a square, five arms a pentagon, etc. This hub and arm arrangement allows the base12and more particularly the extension arms13a,13b,13cto not only support the flexible support poles14and thus the net16as will be described herein below, but also provides additional structural support to stabilize the net assembly10in an upright position.

As noted above, each of the extension arms13a,13b,13bhas a distal end,24a,24b,24c, respectively. Each of the distal ends24a,24b,24ccomprises a coupling device, such as a shaft30extending vertically and configured to receive one of the flexible support poles14. Each of the shafts30may be rigid and/or flexible as desired. Additionally, each of the shafts30may be offset slightly from vertical and extending away from the base20as best shown inFIG. 4D. Each of the example shafts30is configured to accept and releasably mount one of the flexible support poles14therein. It will be understood that due to the slight vertical offset in the shaft30, each of the retained poles14will extend slightly offset from vertical as well and generally outward from the center of the base20. In this example, each of the shafts30includes a hook32configured to retain a bottom portion of the net16as will be described.

While in the illustrated example, each respective shaft30is positioned at the distal ends24a,24b,24cof the extension arms13a,13b,13c, respectively, any or all of the shafts30may be located at various other locations on the extension arms13a,13b,13cas desired. For instance, in some examples, it may be beneficial to have at least one extension arm13longer than the net16in order to provide additional stability to the net assembly10. In still other examples (not shown) the net assembly10may include additional flexible support poles14located at the same and/or various locations along each extension arm13to provide additional support fo rthr net16.

As noted above, at least one rod14is configured to be retained by a corresponding shaft30. In this example, each rod14comprises a pluraity of separable parts that may be releasable coupled together to form one elongated pole. For instance, as can be seen inFIG. 3, the example poles14each include two portions, a lower portion14aand an upper portion14b. The example poles are flexible in that they can be flexed beyond a straight line (e.g., a bowed configuration) without breaking and/or damaging the pole14. These types of poles may oftentimes be commonly known as tent poles. The example poles may comprise fewer and/or additional portions (e.g, three portions) and may be uncoupled or coupled together with any suitable arrangement, including for instance a shock cord, string, chain, or other suitable arrangement.

When inserted into the shaft30, the shaft30maintains a stable structural connection between the shaft30and the at least one pole14and prevents the pole14from being removed from the shaft30when the net16is assembled over the pole14without significant effort. The poles14may be constructed of many different materials known in the art, such as for instance, fiberglass or carbon fiber such that, as previously noted, the poles14are flexible, elastic, capable of returning to an initial form or state after deformation, and able to withstand the impact forces applied by sports-related balls and/or other projectiles that can be captured or caught by the net assembly10, or thrown, kicked, and/or hit towards the net assembly10.

The illustrated example base hub20further comprises a centralized shaft34configured to releasably retain an optional vertically extending central pole36. The example pole36is comprised of the same material as the base12, such as for instance a metallic steel having a generally square cross section. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the composition and/or cross section of the pole36may vary as desired and may vary along the length of the pole36as desired. As best seen inFIG. 4C, the centralized shaft34may include at least one hook38mounted on the perimeter of the shaft34for assisting in retaining a bottom portion of the net16as will be described. Similarly, as best seen inFIG. 3, an upper portion of the pole36may include at least one hook39mounted on the perimeter of the pole36for assisting in retaining an upper portion of the net16. In this example, the optional pole36is rigid, but in other examples, the pole36may be at least somewhat flexible. Furthermore, the pole36may be retained within the shaft34by a respective locking pin/button40, cotter pin, or other suitable retainer (seeFIG. 4C).

As noted above, each of the poles14, when received by the respective shaft30, is configured to flare outwards in a direction away from the base12and the centralized pole36(if present). In this instance, the poles are in a non-flexed state and are typically substantially straight. As best viewed inFIGS. 2 and 5, the net16is a multi-paneled, vertically extending net having a polygonal cross-section that corresponds to the polygonal perimeter arrangement of the base12. In this example, the net16comprises a triangular cross section to correspond to the shape of the three extension arms13of the base12when the arms13are in the unfolded position. The net16comprises at least one sleeve50arranged at the seem of each of the panels of the net16, wherein each sleeve is configured to receive a corresponding pole14and to exert a force on the retained pole14, bending the pole14into an inwardly flexed state (seeFIG. 1). In other words, inserting the poles14into the sleeves50requires that the pole14be bent from the relaxed, flared state into an inwardly flexed state to allow the sleeve50to receive the corresponding pole14.

Because the poles14are each non-deformably flexible, when each of the poles14are received by the respective shaft30and sleeves of the net50, each of the poles14are bent inward towards the base hub20and the centralized pole36if present, and into the flexed state. Moreover, removal of the net16allows the poles14to return to their original, non-flexed, form. Repeated use of the net assembly10does not result in any appreciable permanent bending in the poles14and therefore, the net16can be repeatably utilized without limit.

When installed over the poles14, the net16imparts an inward pulling force on each of the poles14which causes each of the poles to be flexed in a direction towards the base hub20, which in turn causes the net16to be pulled outward, thereby pulling the net16taut and exposing the full shape of the perimeter of the net16. For instance, the example net16, when fully assembled, exposed a first face16a, a second face16b, and a third face16c.The net16may be constructed such that the net includes a slack portion to catch and/or otherwise retain a ball or other projectile contacting one of the faces16a,16b,16c.Alternatively, the net16may be constructed such that at least one of the faces16a,16b,16cis sufficiently taut to rebound a ball or other projectile contacting one of the faces16a,16b,16c.

The net16can be a mesh surface or any typical net known in the art. Each of the sleeves50of the example net16is in the form of a single length sleeve that receives a portion of the poles14. It will be appreciated, however, that in other examples, the net16may comprise a plurality of sleeves50, or may comprise any other suitable device to capture and/or couple the net16to the pole14. For instance, the net16may include a plurality of hooks that clip over the pole14. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the net16includes a plurality of ropes52that are releasably coupleable to the hooks38and39. In this example, the ropes52are a nylon cord, but it will be appreciated that the composition of the ropes52may vary as desired, including for instance a stretchable elastic material ropes. As illustrated, the ropes52may be mounted to the upper portion of the net16to couple the top portion of the net16to the hooks39and additional ropes52may be mounted to the lower portion of the net16to couple the lower portion of the net16to the hooks38.

Still further, in the example illustrated, the lower portion of the net16includes at least one loop54to couple the lower portion of the net16to the hooks32of the sleeves30. Yet further, in the illustrated example, each of the poles14includes an endcap100(seeFIG. 10A) that includes a circumferential channel102that accepts a loop104formed attached to the upper portion of the net16(seeFIG. 10B) to further assist the pole14in retaining the full length of the net16.

As previously noted, the net assembly10according to the teachings of the present disclosure is designed to withstand the force of a ball or other projectile so as to catch, capture, and/or rebound the ball, while maintaining an upright standing position. Turning now toFIGS. 7-9, the base12may optionally include at least one attachment device70, such as an attachment cord72having a ring74. The attachment cord72allows for the connection of a weight, stake or similar device to provide additional support for the net assembly10.

In the example net assembly10illustrated inFIG. 6, it will be seen that the base12, and more precisely the base hub20does not show the optional centralized pole36. Rather, in this example, the assembly10is sufficiently supported in the desired configuration without requirement of the centralized pole36. Furthermore, in this example, the net16does not include ropes52. Rather, the illustrated net16includes an additional sleeve in the form of a loop63arranged on the lower seem of each of the panels of the net16and adapted to be retained by the pole14. The lower portion of the net further comprises an extended panel65that may assist in retaining any captured balls in the net16.

It will be appreciated that while the above disclosure is directed toward various sporting equipment types, i.e., soccer, baseball, etc., the devices and/or concepts presented herein may be equally applied to various other sporting devices, sports, equipment, etc., as well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the systems and methods may be utilized in various other sports such as hockey, football, lacrosse, tennis, baseball, soccer, baseball, basketball, cricket, rugby, etc., as desired.