Abstract:
A standard for supporting a game net above a playing surface is provided with an internal net tensioning system which allows the standard to be stored beneath the playing surface. A plurality of pre-set height stops are provided along the length of the standard to allow the net to be set at one of several different heights to accommodate the playing of different games by different playing abilities. Power cylinder mechanics permits the automatic raising and lowering of the standard with respect to the playing surface. A quick attachment system is provided for quickly and easily engaging and disengaging the net from the standard.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to standards for game nets, and more particularly to an a self-storing standard that is height adjustable for different games and abilities of players. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Game nets are crucial pieces of equipment for playing various sports, such as volleyball, badminton and tennis. The net is typically supported by a pair of vertically disposed standards that are spaced horizontally from one another. Tension is applied to the net in order to ensure that it is tautly supported for proper playing conditions. Oftentimes, the playing surface where these nets are used may have to be used for several different sports and activities. One typical example of such a playing surface may be the floor of a gymnasium. Due to the fact that gymnasiums are used for so many different activities, the net standards are rarely permanently disposed on the gymnasium floor. A typical prior art method of supporting the standards uses a weighted stand that receives the lower end of a standard and holds the same in position. The stand is releasably placed on top of the playing surface. The stands are often rolled into and out of position using a pair of wheels affixed to one end of the stand. Another prior art method of engaging standards with the playing surface involves a locking ring or collar permanently disposed in the gymnasium floor that releasably receives the lower end portion of each standard. With each of these prior art methods, however, the net and standards must be removed and stored in an equipment room when they are not in use. 
   One prior art method for dealing with the issue of storing net standards is disclosed within U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,174. That patent discloses a net standard that is telescopically received beneath the playing surface. However, that system suffers from a number of deficiencies. First, the system lacks a good method for tensioning the net. To be sure, prior art methods of tensioning the net incorporate bulky wheels and gear systems that are disposed on the outer surface of the standard, rendering the same too large to be telescopically stored beneath the playing surface. The system disclosed by the &#39;174 patent is also inflexible in that it is built to provide a single “volleyball” height for supporting the net. There is no easy means for altering the height for youth league or lowering the height of the net to be adjacent the playing surface for playing tennis. Finally, the disclosed system must be raised and lowered manually, which can be tedious, if not impossible, for some individuals. Moreover, the manual raising and lowering of the net system increases the risk of personal injury. 
   Other prior art systems have been provided for raising and lowering the height of the net. However, these systems have not been incorporated within a net standard that is fully retractable beneath the playing surface. Moreover, these systems typically raise and lower the net along the length of the net standard, leaving a substantial portion of the standard disposed above the top of the net in many of the lower height settings. These types of systems are also undesirable for the reason that the mechanisms used for raising and lowering the net are bulky and oftentimes increase the risk of personal injury. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a standard for supporting a game net that is self-storing beneath the playing surface but is also provided with an adequate net tensioning system and the ability to adjust between several pre-set net heights. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The standard for supporting a game net of the present invention is generally provided with an elongated net support having a net tensioning system disposed therein. The net support is telescopically received within, and is extendable from, an elongated lower support. Both the net support and lower support are telescopically received within, and extendable from, a housing that is disposed beneath the playing surface. Power cylinder mechanics is preferably used for the automatic raising and lowering of the standard. 
   The tensioning system is operated using a removable handle, allowing the user to properly tension the net prior to play and telescopically store the standard beneath the playing surface once play has been completed. Supplementary net tensioning is provided to the lower end portion of the net using a simple ratchet pulley that is coupled to the lower support line of the net. The lower support line quickly and easily engages the standard via a keyhole coupling system. The standard is preferably disposed so that it is positioned at an angle with respect to the perpendicular when it is disposed above the ground. Accordingly, when the proper tension is applied to the net, the standard is “pulled” into proper perpendicular alignment with the playing surface. 
   The standard is provided with a plurality of pre-set stops for setting the net at a number of different heights for different abilities and games to be played. Regardless of the height at which the net is positioned, the standard is positioned ito generally extend no higher than the top of the net. 
   It is therefore one of the principal objects of the present invention to provide a standard for game nets that is self-storing beneath a playing surface. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a standard for a game net with a net tensioning system that is disposed within the standard to allow for easy storage of the standard beneath a playing surface. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a standard for a game net that is easily raised above and stored beneath a playing surface using power cylinder mechanics. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a standard for game nets having a plurality of pre-set net heights for various games and playing abilities. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a standard for game nets with a system for adjusting the height of the net with respect to the playing surface that prevents the standard from projecting above the height of the net at any net height setting. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a standard for game nets that is provided with a supplemental net tensioning system that quickly and easily couples the lower end portion of the net to the standard. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a standard for game nets that is simple in construction and use. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will be clear to those of skill in the art. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a partial exploded view of one embodiment of the standard of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a partial cut-away view of one embodiment of the net tensioning system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a partial exploded view of one embodiment of the base receptacle assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the base receptacle assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a partial isometric view of one embodiment of the bottom rope assembly of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6A  is a partial side elevation view of one embodiment of the standard of the present invention, as the same may be set at a regulation volleyball height; 
       FIG. 6B  is a partial side elevation view of the standard of  FIG. 6A , as the same may be set at a regulation tennis height; 
       FIG. 6C  is a partial side elevation view of the standard of  FIG. 6A , as the same may be set at a youth league volleyball height; and 
       FIG. 7  is a partial isometric view of an alternate net tensioning system of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The standard 10 of the present invention is generally depicted in FIG.  1  and in  FIGS. 6A-6C  as the same might be used to support a game net  12 . However, it is contemplated that the standard 10 could be used in several different applications, including, but not limited to, supporting a flag, a banner, or even serving as a simple microphone stand. For ease of description herein, the same will be described simply as it could be used for supporting a game net  12  above a playing surface  14 . 
   The standard 10 is generally comprised of at least an elongated net support  16  having an upper end  18  and a lower end portion  20 . A net tensioning system  22 , which is depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is preferably secured within the interior portion of the net support  16 . The net tensioning system  22  is preferably provided with an elongated tensioning screw  24  having mating threads disposed along its length. The tensioning screw  24  is generally coaxially disposed within the outer tube  26  of the net tensioning system  22 . The tensioning screw  24  is rotatably supported within the tube  26  at its opposite ends using a first bearing assembly  28  and a second bearing assembly  30 . A gear box  32  is disposed adjacent the second bearing assembly  30 . The gear box  32  is preferably comprised of a drive shaft assembly  34  which is received by a first miter gear  36 . The first miter gear  36  is meshed with a perpendicularly disposed second miter gear  38  which is coupled with the tensioning screw  24 . Accordingly, as the drive shaft assembly  34  is rotated, the first and second miter gears cooperate to rotate the tensioning screw  24 . A crank handle  40 , or similarly operating manual or automatically powered device, is removably engaged with the drive shaft assembly  34 . Accordingly, as the crank handle  40  is rotated, the gear box assembly  32  operates to rotate the tensioning screw  24 . A tensioning nut  42  is threadably received by the tensioning screw  24  within the tube  26 . Accordingly, as the tensioning screw  24  is rotated, the tensioning nut  42  is moved along the length of the tensioning screw  24 . 
   It is contemplated that the net tensioning system could be comprised of a worm gear drive assembly in place of the tensioning screw  24 , gear box  32  and tensioning nut  42 . An example of such a worm gear drive assembly is depicted in FIG.  7 . The worm gear drive assembly is preferably provided with a drive shaft  112  having a drive gear  114  which cooperates with a worm gear  116  to rotate a mating gear assembly  118 . 
   The mating gear assembly is preferably provided with a strap shaft  120 , on which the tensioning line  44  could be wound and unwound to apply tension to the net  12 . 
   The tensioning nut  42  is preferably coupled to the net  12  via a tensioning line  44 . It is contemplated, however, that the tensioning line  44  could simply be replaced using an elongated free end of the upper line extending from the net  12 . The tensioning line  44  is preferably coupled with the net using a hook  46  or similar structure that provides quick and easy engagement with the upper portion of the net  12 . The tensioning line  44  enters the tensioning system  22  and is preferably engaged first by the roller guide  48  and then a plurality of bushings  50 , which guide the tensioning strap  44  to the tensioning nut bushing  52  and up to an anchor  54 . Accordingly, it can be seen in  FIG. 2  that as the tensioning nut  42  is advanced and retracted along the length of the tensioning screw  24 , the tensioning line  44  is withdrawn and extended from the tensioning system  22  to adjust the tension applied to the net  12  as desired. Although it is contemplated that a second net tensioning system  22  could be disposed within the opposing standard supporting the net  12 , it is also contemplated that a fixed tensioning strap assembly could also be provided in its place. 
   The net support  16  is preferably telescopically received within and extended from a lower support  56 , having an upper end  58  and a lower end portion  60 . A stop collar  61  is preferably secured within the upper end  58  of the lower support  56  that is sized to slide along the length of the net support  16  until meeting the enlarged stop  63  at the lower end portion  20  of the net support  16 . In this manner, the net support  16  is prevented from complete withdrawal from within the lower support  56 . The lower support  56  is telescopically received within and selectively extendable from an elongated housing  62 , having an upper end portion  64  and a lower end portion  66 . A base assembly  68  is preferably positioned adjacent the upper end portion  64  of the housing  66  and generally flush with the playing surface  14 . A cover  70  is provided for covering the base assembly  68  (as depicted in  FIG. 4 ) when the standard 10 is fully retracted beneath the playing surface  14 . In this manner, a generally uniform playing surface  14  is provided that will not interfere with alternate uses of the playing surface  14 . 
   The base assembly  68  is generally provided with a locking lug  72  which is slidably mounted within the base assembly  68  to move perpendicularly toward and away from the standard 10. A spring  74  can be provided to bias the locking lug  72  toward the standard 10. A locking lever  76  is pivotably coupled with the base assembly  68  to selectively engage an activator plate  78  to which the locking lug  72  is secured. Accordingly, activation of the locking lever  76  to engage the activator plate  78  will move the locking lug  72  away from the standard 10, allowing the same to extend from or retract within the housing  62 . 
   A plurality of height adjustment stops  80  are disposed along the length of the outer surface of the lower support  56 . Although the height adjustment stops  80  are depicted as a collar having an engagement edge  82 , it is only necessary to provide sufficient structure to engage the locking lug  72  so that retraction of the standard 10 inot the housing  62  is prevented. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , guide collars  84  and  86  are provided to help stabilize the lower support  56  within the housing  62 . Where collars or similar structures are used as the height adjustment stops  80 , it is preferred that the edge portions  83  that do not engage the locking lug  72  be beveled, as indicated in  FIG. 1 , to permit the smooth passage of the locking lug  72 . It is preferred that the positioning of the height adjustment stops  80  along the length of the lower support  56  coordinate with one or more pre-selected height adjustments for the standard 10. For example,  FIG. 6A  depicts the standard 10 as it could be used to support the game net  12  at a height suitable for use in an adult volleyball game. This position is attained by the engagement of the locking lug  72  beneath the engagement edge  82  of the lowermost height adjustment stop  80  on the lower support  56 .  FIG. 6B  depicts the standard 10 as supporting the net  12  at a height suitable for playing tennis. This position is attained by engaging the locking lug  72  with the engagement edge  82  of the uppermost height adjustment stop  80  on the lower support  56 . Likewise,  FIG. 6C  depicts the standard 10 as the same could be positioned at a height intermediate the “volleyball” height of FIG.  6 A and the “tennis” height of  FIG. 6B , so that a youth league could play volleyball or some other sport. 
   A plunger assembly  88  is preferably disposed within the net support  16 , adjacent the net tensioning system  22 . The plunger assembly  88  is generally provided with a plunger  90  that is biased outwardly from the plunger assembly  88  using a spring or other similar structure. The plunger  90  is first positioned to extend outwardly from an opening  92  in the side of the net support  16 . The plunger  90  remains in this retracted state until the net support  16  is extended from within the lower support  56  a sufficient distance for the plunger  90  to pass the upper end portion  58  of the lower support  56 . As the plunger  90  passes that point, it fully extends to provide a positive stop, preventing the net support  16  from retracting within the lower support  56  at an undesirable time. The plunger  90  can be selectively moved to its retracted position by either manually depressing the same or by depressing a pin  94  that is operatively engaged with the plunger  90  using a bell crank or similar device. 
   Although it is contemplated that the standard 10 could be manually extended from and retracted within the housing  62 , it is preferred that power cylinder mechanics such as a pneumatic or hydraulic system be employed to automate the same. Preferably, a pneumatic line  96  would be disposed between a pneumatic coupler  98  at the base assembly  68  and a fitting  100  at the lower end portion  66  of the housing  62 . It is contemplated, however, that the pneumatic line  96  could be coupled directly to a remote pneumatic source via lines that run away from the standard 10 beneath the playing surface  14 . With the pneumatic source being coupled to the lower end portion  66  of the housing  62 , piston seals  102  and  104  are coupled to the lower end portions  60  and  20  of the lower support  56  and the net support  16 , respectively. It is preferred that the piston seal  102  be positioned to be in engagement with the inner surface of the housing  62  (and likewise that the piston seal  104  be placed in engagement with the inner surface of the lower support  56 ) to properly seal the openings of the system. Accordingly, as pneumatic (or hydraulic, when desired) pressure is applied to the system, the net support  16  will extend from the lower support  56 , which will extend from the housing  62 . Once the standard 10 is at full extension, the addition of pneumatic pressure can be stopped. The user may then slowly release the pneumatic pressure until the lower support  56  is positioned adjacent the locking lug  72  at the desired height, in which the locking lug  72  is allowed to engage the recess  86  or other provided structure to support the standard 10 in position. When it is desired to store the standard 10, the user simply disengages the locking lug  72  with the locking lever  76  and further retracts the plunger  90  within the net support  16 . The remaining pneumatic pressure can then be slowly released, permitting the lower support  56  to retract within the housing  62  and the net support  16  to retract within the lower support  56 . Resilient bumper members  105  can be disposed onto the lower end portions  20  and  60  of the net support  16  and lower support  56  to help cushion the controlled retraction of the standard 10. With the standard 10 being fully retracted beneath the playing surface  14 , the locking lever  76  can be disengaged, allowing the locking lug  72  to position itself forwardly, just above the upper end portion  18  of the net support  16 , thus preventing its unintended extension of the standard 10 beyond the base assembly  68 . 
   When the user has fully extended the standard 10 so that it is at the desired playing height with respect to the playing surface  14 , the user may then couple the upper end portion of the net  12  to the hook  46  of the net tensioning system  22 . This is then performed on the opposite side of the net to the accompanying net standard. The user disposes the crank handle  40  within the gear box  32  and rotates the crank handle  40  until the proper amount of tension has been placed on the upper end portion of the net  12 . It is contemplated that the line extending through the lower end portion of the net  12  could simply be tied to the net support  16  to secure the same in place. However, it is preferred that a supplementary net tensioning system  106 , similar to that depicted in  FIG. 5 , be provided. The supplementary net tensioning system  106  is preferably provided with a line winch  108  and a pair of shaped engagement members  110 . Keyholes  112  or similar shape of securement opening are preferably formed in the net support  16  to receive the shaped engagement members  110  therein. Once the line is secured, the line winch  108  can be actuated until the lower net line is properly tensioned and secured. The hook  46  and net tensioning system  106  provide a fast and easy means for coupling the net  12  to the standard 10. They further provide a convenient means for keeping a majority of the net mounting components with the net during storage. 
   It is contemplated that where high degrees of tension are put on the upper and/or lower end portions of the net, the standard 10 may bend slightly in the direction of the net. In order to compensate for this, it is contemplated that the standard 10 could be formed from a reinforced material that would naturally resist the tensioning forces. However, a more economical approach will simply be to use floor ring spacers to pitch the housing  62  and the standard 10 at an angle of only a few degrees so that when the two standards are disposed above the playing surface  14 , they are slightly angled away from one another. Then, as the tension is applied to the net  12 , the standards will be brought to their generally perpendicularly oriented position with respect to the playing surface. 
   In the drawings and in the specification, there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention; and although specific items are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and proportion of parts, as well as substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims. 
   Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.