Abstract:
A modular sports net assembly of the type forming an enclosure and used for receiving and retaining a sports item, such as a ball or the like. The assembly is assembled for deployment as a prism of varying shapes and sizes on any relatively flat ground surface and disassembled for storage. The assembly includes a tubular interfitting frame and a plurality of planar net panels.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/356,290 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,196), to Young W. Yoon, entitled “MODULAR ALL SPORTS NET ASSEMBLY,” filed Jul. 16, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,196 the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to an all sports net. In particular, the present invention relates to a modular net and frame assembly adapted to a variety of sports, the net forming an enclosure for receiving and retaining a sports item, such as a ball or the like, and the enclosure being formed into the shape of a prism. A plurality of netting panels are removably attached to a tubular frame structure to enclose the frame assembly, except for at least one open side plane. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Nets are commonly used for a wide variety of sporting activities played on a level, open field. A representative, but certainly not exhaustive, list of such sports includes soccer, field hockey, batting and pitching practice for baseball, throwing and kicking practice for football, golf driving practice and archery practice. Unfortunately, nets for each of these sports have not been seen as interchangeable and, indeed, have, in the past, taken on different sizes and shapes. 
   The primary users of such nets are institutional users, such as schools, churches and leagues. However, even though these institutional users typically look for ways to save funds, they have found it necessary in the past to purchase a specific net or nets for each sport. It would therefore be advantageous for such institutional users, as well as other users, such as individuals, to be able to purchase one or just a few nets that can be adapted for use with every sport. 
   Unfortunately, such a universal sports net has not been readily available. Several net designs exist, including frame and net structures. These nets typically include a frame forming a periphery to which is attached a mesh or net material. Some frames comprise a set of interlocking right-angle poles that, when fully assembled, form a rectangular shape across which a screen or net is positioned and into which a sport object can be thrown or kicked. Such frames, however, are typically dedicated to a single sport, usually fairly expensive and complex to assemble, particularly alone. Other frames comprise self-erecting flexible rings that can be folded upon themselves and which are attached about their periphery to a net or mesh. Although easier to deploy, such frames likewise are dedicated to a single sport use. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   To overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention, briefly described, provides an improved all sports net assembly for forming an enclosure for receiving and retaining a sports item, such as a ball or the like. The assembly may be readily assembled for deployment on any relatively flat ground surface and subsequently readily disassembled for storage. The assembly includes a tubular frame structure formed into the shape of a prism, such as a regular square prism. A plurality of intermediate pole segments interconnect a plurality of corner units. Each of the corner units comprise pole receiving portions extending along at least three independent axes, for example, in at least the vertical and two horizontal directions, where each pole receiving portion receives an end of an intermediate pole segment to define at least four independent flat intersecting and interconnected planes. A plurality of netting panels are removably attached to the tubular frame structure so as to enclose the tubular frame structure, except for at least one side of the tubular frame structure. 
   The modular all sports net assembly of the present invention can be readily assembled and disassembled, while providing a net that is very effective for use in a number of different sports, such as a goal net for soccer or field hockey or a backstop for batting or golf driving practice. The frame structure and net assembly can be readily adapted to form a regular square prism only or can be combined to form other prisms of varying shapes and sizes. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the netting is formed from individual, discrete panels that can be deployed upon the frame assembly to form a rectangle when joined with other tubular frame structures having an opening along the longer side of such a rectangle or as an enclosure with an opening on only one side to create an extended net or tunnel. 
   As will appear from the detailed description of the various embodiments, the features of the all sports net render it suitable for a wide variety of conditions and uses. Particularly in the case of institutions, such as schools and colleges, the flexibility and adaptability of the present invention to an almost infinite number of applications render a sports net virtually always readily available, and, therefore, offers an overall relatively inexpensive net compared to nets having a single dedicated sports application or use. 
   The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter, which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining the various embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The modular all sports net of the present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claims, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the appended claims. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this invention is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
   The present invention provides a modular all sports net that is readily adapted to function advantageously with a number of different sports, such as soccer and baseball. Embodiments of the present invention provide a new modular all sports net that is formed from easily manipulated pole and corner sections that are easily assembled and disassembled. A modular all sports net according to the present invention may form an enclosure for receiving and retaining a sports item, such as a ball or the like, to restrict the travel of the ball so that the ball immediately drops to the ground upon impacting the net. According to another embodiment, a modular all sports net is formed from interlocking pole and corner sections, where the poles are further collapsible for easier storage. Finally, embodiments of the present invention provide a new modular all sports net that is relatively inexpensive, robust and durable. 
   According to one embodiment of the present invention, a modular sports net assembly of the type forming an enclosure and used for receiving and retaining a sports item, such as a ball or the like is disclosed. The assembly is assembled for deployment as a prism of varying shapes and sizes on any relatively flat ground surface and disassembled for storage. The assembly comprises a tubular interfitting frame and a plurality of planar net panels. The frame has the shape of a polyhedron having two polygon sides in parallel planes and two sides formed in the shape of parallelograms formed from a plurality of intermediate tubular pole segments. At least a portion of the intermediate tubular pole segments interconnect a plurality of corner units to form a plurality of orthogonal edge peripheries. The corner units include projecting pole receiving portions extending along at least three independent axes, each pole receiving portion receiving an end of the at least portion of the intermediate pole segments. The frame defines at least three interconnected planes. The planar netting panels are removably attached to one side of the edge peripheries of the frame so as to enclose the frame, except for at least one side plane, when the frame assembled is deployed on a relatively flat ground surface. At least a portion of the intermediate tubular pole segments interconnecting the plurality of corner units comprises a plurality of articulating and interlocking portions having cooperating first and second mating ends. An interior diameter of the first mating end is larger than an exterior diameter of the second mating end and receives a second mating end therein to positively connect the articulating and interlocking portions. A stretchable connecting cable interconnects at least two of the articulating and interconnecting portions of the at least a portion of the intermediate tubular pole segments. The connecting cable includes a wire segment at each end thereof that includes buttons located at opposite ends that are positioned within two different ones of the articulating and interlocking portions. The buttons protrude through apertures in the two different ones of the articulating and interlocking portions to positively connect the at least two of the articulating and interlocking portions together. 
   These and other objects, along with the various features and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the modular all sports net of the present invention, its advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the present invention. 
   While embodiments of the all sports net are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The disclosure of the modular all sports net is explained with illustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing, where: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective overall view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the netting panels of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the netting panels of present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the all sports net of the present invention adapted to form a series of individual net cages, for example, as used in batting practice; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the all sports net of the present invention adapted to form a net tunnel, for example, as used in archery practice; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lower net panel and lower vertical pole connector; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of one of the corner units of the tubular frame of the present invention having orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions extending in a vertical and two horizontal directions and locking turnbuckles; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of one of the corner units of the tubular frame of the present invention having orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions extending in a vertical and three horizontal directions, each of the pole receiving portions having locking turnbuckles; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of one of the corner units of the frame assembly of the present invention having orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions extending in a vertical and two horizontal directions, a bracing bar and locking members; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of still another embodiment of one of the corner units of the frame assembly of the present invention having orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions extending in a vertical and two horizontal directions, a bracing bar and locking turnbuckles; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of one of the intermediate pole segments that is used to interconnect the corner units, in a folded condition; 
       FIG. 12  is a close-up partial perspective view of one of the intermediate pole segments interconnecting the corner units showing the stretchable connecting cable visible in the folded condition; 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of the stretchable connecting cable for connecting one of the intermediate pole segments; 
       FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of one end portion of one of the intermediate pole segments for interconnecting the corner units; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the modular all sports net of the present invention adapted to include a ball return; 
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  16 — 16  of  FIG. 15  of the modular all sports net of the present invention adapted to include a ball return; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of one of the corner units of the tubular frame of the present invention having orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions extending in a vertical and four horizontal directions, each of the pole receiving portions having locking turnbuckles, as well as a brace plate; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the brace plate for the corner unit of the tubular frame of the present invention; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the modular all sports net of the present invention adapted to form a series of elongated individual net cages, for example, as used in archery practice; 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the modular all sports net of the present invention adapted to form a non-rectangular prism, for example, as used in soccer; 
       FIGS. 21A-21D  depict wire segments including one or more buttons installed within at least one portion of an intermediate tubular pole segment or a projecting pole receiving portion of a corner unit; and 
       FIGS. 22A-22B  depict wire segments with one or more buttons utilized to attach a connecting cable within two intermediate tubular pole segments. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of the disclosed embodiments, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
   Referring now to the drawings, particularly  FIG. 1 , there is shown, in a perspective view, the modular all sports net assembly  1  of the present invention. The modular all sports net assembly  1  consists primarily of a tubular frame  10  and a plurality of netting panels  12 . The tubular frame  10  of the present invention forms the shape of a regular prism, e.g., as a unitary square prism or cube as seen in FIG.  1 . In one embodiment, as shown, the tubular frame  10  adopts the form of a regular prism, wherein the prism, as used herein, is defined as a polyhedron having two polygon sides in parallel planes and two sides formed in the shape of parallelograms. In one embodiment, the prism includes four identical and interchangeable intermediate tubular pole segments  14 , each having the same length, horizontally interconnecting four upper corner units  16 . Each of the corner units  16  have at least a trio of projecting pole receiving portions  18 , e.g., extending orthogonally in two horizontal and one vertical depending directions, as shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  9  and  10 . Each pole receiving portion  18  of the corner unit  16  is adapted to receive one end of one of the horizontal intermediate pole segments  14 , with the horizontally projecting pole receiving portions  18  cooperating with the horizontal intermediate pole segments  14  to form a flat horizontal top plane. One of four additional and identical interchangeable intermediate tubular pole segments  14 , also having the same length as the horizontal pole segments  14 , are received within each of the vertically depending pole receiving portions  18  of the corner unit  16  to form four flat vertical side planes and columns upon which the assembly  1  is supported. 
   The netting panels  12  are arranged so that, when attached to the tubular frame  10 , the netting panels  12  may, enclose the tubular frame  10 , except for one side plane of the frame  10 , as seen in  FIG. 1 , to form an opening  32 . The netting panel  12  may be formed of a mesh-type netting fabric made from any natural or synthetic fiber, such as nylon. The mesh may include openings of about 0.25 inches. The netting panels  12  may be advantageously joined about their edge peripheries to form an integral regular netting prism  20 , such as shown in FIG.  2 . However, the netting panels  12  can also be retained as separate panels to be individually attached to the frame  10 , as shown in FIG.  3 . This latter embodiment may be preferred for a number of applications, as discussed further below. 
   Attachment means  22 , e.g., tying straps, are provided at each upper corner of the netting prism  20 , as seen in  FIG. 2 , or the individual netting panels  12 , as seen in FIG.  3 . These tying straps  22  are used to tie the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  to the tubular frame  10 , either to the intermediate tubular pole segments  14  or to each of the upper corner units  16 , as will be discussed below. It should be noted that several interchangeable techniques may be used to attach the upper corner of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  to the tubular frame  10 , including hook and loop straps, hooks and snap arrangements. The exact attachment means  22  is not important, however, the attachment means  22  should be adapted for ready attachment and detachment of the upper corner of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  to the tubular frame  10 , while also providing a relatively secure attachment that is resistant to accidental separation of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  from the tubular frame  10 . Moreover, it is contemplated that intermediate attachment means  22 , positioned between the upper corner units  16 , can be provided to provide a more uniform support of the netting prism  20  or netting panel  12  along the intermediate tubular pole segments  14 , as shown in FIG.  2 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown in detail a lower attachment means  24  for attaching the bottom corners of the netting prism  20  or the netting panels  12  to the bottom of the intermediate segment  14  of the tubular frame  10 . The lower attachment means  24  includes an elastomeric retaining strap  26  fixedly attached to the lower corner of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12 , through which is securely held a retaining pin  28 . The retaining pin  28  is adapted to be inserted into a lower open end of one of the intermediate tubular pole segments  14 . After the upper portion of the netting prism  20  or the netting panel  12  is secured to the upper corner unit  16  or frame  10 , such that the vertical extent of the netting prism  20  or netting panel  12  can be placed in tension, the retaining strap  26  is stretched so the retaining pin  28  can be inserted in the lower open pole. Once released, the tension in the netting prism  20  or netting panel  12  and retaining strap  26  retains the lower corner to the tubular frame  10 . 
   Again, several interchangeable lower attachment means  24  may be used to attach the lower corner of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  to the bottom of the intermediate segment  14 , including hook and loop straps, hooks and snap arrangements. The lower attachment means  24 , however, should be adapted for ready attachment and detachment of the lower corner of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  to the intermediate tubular pole segment  14 , while also providing a relatively secure attachment that resists accidental separation of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  from the tubular frame  10 . Although not shown, tether lines can extend from the intermediate segments  14  or the upper corner units  16  to anchor the net assembly  1  via ground stakes at locations oblique to the plane of the net assembly  1 , as is shown. Alternatively, or in conjunction with tether lines, ground stakes can be inserted through the retaining pin  28  at ground level to secure the net assembly  1 , but allow the net assembly  1  to be easily moved. 
   A first embodiment of the upper corner unit  16  is shown in FIG.  7 . The corner units  16  comprise at least three projecting pole receiving portions  18 , extending orthogonally in two horizontal and one vertical depending directions, best seen in  FIGS. 7 ,  9  and  10 . Each pole receiving portion  18  receives one end of one of the interchangeable intermediate pole segments  14 , with the horizontally projecting pole receiving portions  18 , interconnecting by the horizontal pole segments  14 , forming a flat horizontal top plane. The vertically depending projecting pole receiving portion  18  of the corner unit  16  receives one of the four vertically depending and interchangeable intermediate tubular pole segments  14 . The corner units  16  may be fabricated from 0.063 inches cold rolled steel tubing that is welded at the intersections to form the orthogonal shape. 
   Each of the pole receiving portions  18  may also include a locking turnbuckle  34  having a threaded shank  36  that is threadingly received within a cooperating nut  38  welded to the outer surface of the pole receiving portion  18 . A hole, not shown, extends through the tubular pole receiving portion  18 , such that, when the end of one of the interchangeable intermediate pole segments  14  is inserted into the pole receiving portion  18 , the turnbuckle  34  can be rotated and tightened so as to push against one side of the intermediate pole segment  14  for a snug fit therein, thereby locking the intermediate pole segment  14  into position. In this embodiment, the tying straps  22  of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  can be attached to the tubular frame  10  through the turnbuckles  34 . 
   As noted above, in one embodiment, each of the tubular pole segments  14  have the same size and length, regardless of whether used in the vertical or horizontal orientation. Thus, in this embodiment, the assembly takes on the shape of a regular square prism, or cube, where each of the tubular pole segments  14  are interchangeable with all the others, dramatically simplifying assembly. 
   A second embodiment of the upper corner unit  16  is shown in FIG.  8 . There, the corner units  16  comprise three orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions  18  extending in two horizontal and one vertical depending directions, as before. However, a fourth pole receiving portion  18   b  extends in a horizontal direction opposite that of one of the two horizontally extending pole receiving portions  18   a . This additional pole receiving portion  18   b  allows the corner unit to be transformed into an intermediate upper unit  30 , which, as seen assembled in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , allows for elongated sport net assemblies by receiving additional intermediate pole segments  14  in the additional horizontally projecting pole receiving portions  18   b , to form an extended flat horizontal top plane. 
   More particularly, shown in  FIG. 4  is one of many possible adaptations of the sports net assembly of the present invention, wherein a series of openings are created along the longer length of essentially three cubic sports net assemblies  1  combined into a single assembly. The netting is formed from individual, discrete netting panels  12  attached to the tubular frame  10 , forming an enclosure open on one side. Such a configuration would, for example, be especially useful in batting practice, where the players could line up in front of their respective cages or cubic net assemblies  1  created by the netting panels  12  and function substantially independently of, but simultaneously with, players standing in front of adjacent cubic net assemblies  1 . 
   Alternatively, the netting panels  12 , using exactly the same arrangement of tubular frames  10 , could, with the exception of an end net assembly  1 , be flexibly deployed to have two opposite sides open that, when combined with other net assemblies  1 , can form extended nets or tunnels, as shown in FIG.  5 . There, the only opening on the net assembly  1  is found at  32  and through which, for example, accuracy in throwing a football or in shooting at archery targets may be improved. It is further contemplated, for use with either netting panels  12  integrated into a netting prism  20  or as individual netting panels  12 , that circular patterns or other indicia can be placed at the center of the netting panel  12  to serve as a target for accuracy practice. 
   Two additional embodiments of the upper corner unit  16  are shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The corner unit  16  of  FIG. 9  is generally the same as that in FIG.  7  and broadly comprises three orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions  18  extending in two horizontal and one vertical depending directions. However, also provided is a cross member bracing bar  40  welded to and extending between the horizontally extending pole receiving portions  18  for additional structural support and as an alternative location to which the tying straps  22  of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  can be attached to the tubular frame  10 . Locking members  42 , comprising a simple bolt-like fastener, are provided in place of the turnbuckles  34  and cooperating nut  38  welded to the outer surface of the pole receiving portion  18 . Instead, the hole extending through the tubular pole receiving portion  18  is tapped for directly receiving the locking member  42  such that, when the end of one of the pole segment  14  is within the pole receiving portion  18 , the locking member  42  is tightened to push against the intermediate pole segment  14  for a snug fit therein and locking the intermediate pole segment  14  into position. 
   The corner unit  16  of  FIG. 10  is generally the same as that in  FIG. 9 , except that the locking members  42  are replaced with the turnbuckles  34  and cooperating nut  38 . It should be noted that the turnbuckles  34  offer the additional advantage as to generally avoid the need for tools when assembling and disassembling the net assembly, in that they are more readily grasped and turned with the bare hand. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that retractable pin and corresponding opening attachment systems can be effectively applied to the pole receiving portions  18  of the present invention. 
   Yet another embodiment of the upper corner unit  16  is shown in FIG.  17 . There, the corner units  16  comprise the orthogonally projecting pole receiving portions  18  extending in two horizontal and one vertical depending directions, as well as fourth pole receiving portion  18   b  and fifth pole receiving portion  18   c , extending in horizontal directions opposite that of one of the original horizontally extending pole receiving portions  18   a  and  18   d , respectively, as best seen in FIG.  17 . These additional pole receiving portions  18   b  and  18   c  allow the corner unit to be transformed into an intermediate upper unit  33 , which, as seen assembled in  FIG. 19 , allows for extended and elongated sports net assemblies by receiving an additional intermediate pole segment  14  in the additional horizontally projecting pole receiving portion  18  to form an extended and elongated flat horizontal top plane, for example, a series of cages for archery. 
   The intermediate upper unit  33  may include a brace plate  35 , best shown in  FIG. 18 , welded to the top of the horizontally extending pole receiving portions  18  for additional structural support, where openings  37  are provided to which the tying straps  22  of the netting prism  20  or netting panels  12  can be attached to the tubular frame  10 . 
   A further adaptation of the sports net assembly of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 20 , wherein there is shown in perspective view another modular all sports net assembly  1   a  according to the present invention. The modular all sports net assembly  1   a  again consists primarily of a tubular frame  10   a  and a plurality of netting panels  12 , but the tubular frame  10   a  of the present invention forms the shape of an irregular prism, having trapazoidally-shaped polygon ends, as seen in FIG.  20 . In this embodiment, the tubular frame  10   a  includes two shorter vertical tubular pole segments  14   a  at the rear and two longer vertical tubular pole segments  14   b  at the front, with two identical horizontal tubular pole segments  14   c  interconnecting the two side ends. An additional two inclined tubular pole segments  14   d  interconnect the front and rear of the tubular frame  10   a . Each of the lower corner units  16   a  are similar to that applied to previous embodiments above, while a modified pair of upper corner units  16   b  may be provided with pole receiving portions  18  extending orthogonally in one horizontal and one vertical depending directions, as well as a downwardly inclined direction, as shown in  FIG. 20 , of less than 90°. A pair of lower and upper elbow portions  16   c  and  16   d , respectively, each also having a pair of pole receiving portions  18 , complete the tubular frame  10   a . Each pole receiving portion  18  of the tubular frame  10   a  of  FIG. 20  is adapted to receive one end of one of the intermediate pole segments  14  such that, when assembled, the modular all sports net assembly may adopt the form of a soccer net. 
   The netting  12  applicable to the modular all sports net assembly of the present invention may be formed from individual, discrete netting panels  12  attached to the tubular frame  10 , forming an enclosure open on one side. Such a configuration would, for example, be especially useful in batting practice, where the players could line up in front of their respective cages or cubic net assemblies  1  created by the netting panels  12  and function substantially independently of, but simultaneously with, players standing in front of adjacent cubic net assemblies  1 . 
   An intermediate tubular pole segment  14  is shown in FIG.  11  and includes a plurality of (e.g., three for the regular prism tubular frame  10 ) articulating and interlocking portions  44  having mating ends  46  and  48 , as shown in FIG.  12 . Each of the pole segments  14  may be fabricated from 0.063 inches cold rolled steel tubing, or other materials, and provided at a length of three meters. However, longer or shorter lengths can be used with smaller or larger nets to obtain the benefits of the present invention. The interior diameter of mating end  46  is larger than the exterior diameter of mating end  48  and receives end  48  therein to positively connect the portions  44 . A stretchable connecting cable  50  connects each portion  44  of the intermediate pole segments  14  to maintain the portions  44  attached one to the other and to keep the portions  44  of the pole segments  14  readily available. 
   The stretchable connecting cable  50  is best seen in FIG.  13  and includes an elastomeric cord  52 , also known as a shock cord, that is capable of stretching almost double its original length, attached to a braided stainless steel cable  54 . A buckle  58  is attached at a first end  56  of the steel cable  54  by compression fit and a buckle  62  is similarly attached at a second end  60  of the steel cable  54 . The elastomeric cord is looped through the buckle  58  and about itself to be fixedly and securely clamped via clamp  64  as shown, thereby forming loop  66  and becoming permanently attached to the steel cable  54 . A looped wire segment  68  is secured through the loop  66  of the elastomeric cord  52  and an identical looped wire segment  70  is attached to the buckle  62  at the opposite end of the connecting cable  50 . 
   Each of the wire segments  68  and  70  may be provided with tangs  72 , which, as shown in  FIG. 14 , are inserted into one of the open mating ends  46  or  48  of the intermediate tubular pole segment  14  with the other in the opposite open mating end  48  or  46 . The looped wire segment  68  is pushed into the open mating end  46  or  48  a sufficient distance so that the elastomeric cord  52  is not exposed, leaving only the steel cable  54  to be seen. The looped wire segment  70  is similarly pushed into the opposite mating end  46  or  48 , but is not inserted as far. However, it is desirable that each of the looped wire segments be inserted sufficiently so that the elastomeric cord  52  is stretched a bit to either assemble or disassemble the intermediate pole segments  14 . The tangs  72 , by virtue of the fact that they extend outwardly in excess of the interior diameter  74  of the mating ends  46  and  48  when uncompressed, exert significant force against the interior diameter  74  of the portions  44  and thereby lock the connecting cable  50  firmly in position, regardless of the force exerted on the connecting cable  50  when stretched. 
   As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , the result is a connecting cable  50  where only the steel wire cable  54  is exposed. This is an improvement over the prior art shock cords, where rubbing against the open mating ends  46  and  48  of the pole portions  44  has been found to cause abrading and undesirable failures. Moreover, the connecting cable  50 , with only the steel cable exposed, is more resistant to cutting and failure from other sharp objects. Thus, as shown, the mating ends  46  and  48  are readily available for manipulation and assembly/disassembly. 
   As a further refinement to the instant invention, the netting panels can be provided with a detachable ball return feature, as seen in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . This feature is added to the embodiment where the netting panels  12  are joined about their edge peripheries to form an integral regular netting prism  20 , as is shown. However, this feature can also be used with individual netting panels  12  discussed above. The detachable ball return generally comprises an inclined panel  76 , also may be formed of a mesh-type netting fabric made from any natural or synthetic fiber, such as nylon, attached to a rear wall  78  and to each side walls  80  of the prism  20 . The attachment means for attaching the inclined panel  76  to the netting prism  20  may be a detachable series of hooks that engage the mesh of the netting panels  12 , allowing the net to be used for other purposes, such as soccer. However, if preferred, the inclined panel  76  can be sown into place. 
   As shown in  FIG. 16 , the ball return feature is obtained largely through the force of gravity. The ball  82  is shown in the air as it approaches the rear wall  78 . When the ball  82  encounters the rear wall  78 , its kinetic energy is dissipated and the ball  82  begins to fall toward the ground and inclined panel  76 . Upon encountering the inclined panel  76 , the ball  82  is redirected toward the opening  32  of the net assembly  1  and thus returned out of the net assembly  1 . 
   The steps required to set up the modular all sports net assembly  1  of the present invention are straightforward and easily accomplished by a single person. The portions  44  of the pole segments  14  are aligned one to the other and mating ends  48  are inserted into mating end  46 , where the connecting cable  50  causes the portions  44  to form the assembled pole segment  14 . This assembly is maintained in position through the residual tension remaining in the connecting cable  50 . The ends of each of four horizontal pole segments  14  are inserted into each of the horizontal pole receiving portions  18  of the upper corner units  16  to form a horizontal plane, with the turnbuckle  34  or locking members  42  being used to lock the pole segments  14  into place. An end of each of the remaining four pole segments  14  is similarly inserted into and locked within each of the vertically depending receiving portions  18  of the upper corner units  16  to form the side vertical planes. Thus, the tubular frame  10  is easily and readily assembled. The netting panels  12  are then attached to the frame  10  in the desired configuration through the tying straps  22  and lower attachment means  24 . Once assembled, tether lines can be attached to further anchor the net assembly  1 . Disassembly is simply the reverse process. 
   With reference to  FIG. 21A , according to another embodiment of the present invention, a wire segment  120 , including buttons  122  connected at opposite ends of the wire segment  120 , is positioned within a projecting pole receiving portion  118  of a corner unit. The projecting pole receiving portion  118  includes apertures  135  and  137 , which receive the buttons  122 . An intermediate tubular pole segment  144  is interlocked with the projecting pole receiving portion  118  when an end portion of the intermediate tubular pole segment  144 , which includes apertures  131  and  133 , is slid over the projecting pole receiving portion  118  and the buttons  122 . When positioned appropriately, the buttons  122  extend through the apertures  131  and  133 , thus, interlocking the projecting pole receiving portion  118  and the intermediate tubular pole segment  144 . 
     FIG. 21B  depicts another wire segment  120 A that is formed according to another embodiment of the present invention. As is shown in  FIG. 21B , one end of the wire segment  120 A includes a button  122  and an opposite end  123  of the wire segment  120 A is shaped to be received in an aperture  139 , formed in the projecting pole receiving portion  118 . As is depicted in  FIG. 21B , the end  123  of the wire segment  120 A does not extend completely through to the outer surface of the projecting pole receiving portion  118 . As is also shown in  FIG. 21B , the intermediate tubular pole segment  144  includes an aperture  138  that is approximately sized such that a tool can be inserted into the aperture  138 , through the aperture  139 , to force the end  123  of the wire segment.  120 A out of the aperture  139  for removal from the assembly. It should be appreciated that the wire segments  120  and  120 A are readily removable from the projecting pole receiving portion  118  should the need arise for replacement of the wire segments  120  and  120 A. It should also be appreciated that the wire segments  120  and  120 A may be positioned within the intermediate tubular pole segment  144 , instead of within the projecting pole receiving portion  118 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 21C , a wire segment  130 , which is similar to wire segment  120 , includes coils between the buttons  122 . The coils tend to prolong the life of the wire segment  130 . Similarly,  FIG. 21D  discloses a wire segment  130 A that is essentially the same as the wire segment  120 A, with the exception that the wire segment  130 A includes a coil between the button  122  and the second end  123 . Similar to the wire segments  120  and  120 A, the wire segments  130  and  130 A interlock an intermediate pole segment with a projecting pole receiving portion of a corner unit. 
     FIG. 22A  depicts a side view of a connecting cable  150  that includes wire segments  120  and  120 A at opposite ends thereof. The cable  150  includes an elastomeric cord  152  that is coupled to the wire segment  120 , via a loop  166  and a clamp  164 . The elastomeric cord  152  is coupled to cable  154  with a buckle  158 . An opposite end of the cable  154  includes a bracket  162  that is coupled to the wire segment  120 A. The buttons  122 , which are located at opposite ends of the wire segment  120 , extend through apertures  131 A and  133 A formed in the intermediate tubular pole segment  144 A. The intermediate tubular pole segment  144 C includes an aperture  138  for receiving the end  123  of the wire segment  120 A and an aperture  133  for receiving a button  122 . 
     FIG. 22B  depicts a cross-sectional view of two intermediate tubular pole segments  144 A and  144 C joined by a connecting cable  150  and wire segments  130  and  130 A. As previously discussed, the coils in the wire segments  130  and  130 A tend to prolong the life of the wire segments. It should be appreciated that multiple intermediate tubular pole segments may be joined by the connecting cable  150  by extending the length of the cable  154  to extend through multiple intermediate tubular pole segments. Further, it should be appreciated that the connecting cable  150  of  FIGS. 22A and 22B  may be utilized in conjunction with corner units and intermediate tubular pole segments. An advantage of the embodiments discussed with respect to  FIGS. 21A-21D  and  22 A- 22 B is that the button and/or buttons allow for ready replacement of the wire segments should the wire segments and/or the cable become damaged. Further, when the button extends through apertures in two engaged intermediate tubular pole segments, the pole segments are interlocked. 
   The embodiments of the invention have thus been attained in an economical, practical and facile manner. While various embodiments and example configurations have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various further modifications and additional configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations disclosed are illustrative of the preferred and best modes for practicing the invention, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.