Patent Publication Number: US-2011059815-A1

Title: Attachable Soccer Rebound Net

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a practice net to be attached to an existing sports goal for the purpose of rebounding a ball to a player. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Association football, more commonly known outside the United States as football and within the United States as soccer, is a team sport normally played between two teams of eleven players using a spherical ball. Soccer is the most popular football variant worldwide, and is often considered to be the most popular sport in the world. 
     As soccer continues to grow in popularity, more community parks are being created with soccer fields. Goal frames sit at these parks and often have either a regular net or no net (to prohibit vandalism) when an organized game is not taking place. Members of the community may use the field for recreation and training their children in the basics of soccer. When small groups of people play recreational soccer, they may choose not to have a goalie. When scoring a goal, the play stops while one member must run downfield to retrieve the ball. When a parent is training a child to kick a ball into the goal, he/she must retrieve the ball each time. 
     Sports teams often own rebound nets for the purpose of training. Existing regulation-sized rebound nets are typically available as a frame with a nylon (non-elastic) net attached to it by hooks or bungee cords, where the frame is a full rectangle to create tension across the entire net and prevent a ball from slipping under the net. Such a net would be impractical for a typical consumer to own for use at a community soccer field. 
     Several portable soccer rebound nets are described in the literature and are available in the marketplace. Rebound nets are commercially available as an entire apparatus including the frame. The portable net/frame apparatus is not a full-sized soccer goal and is not intended to be used with an existing regulation-sized goal. Although they are supposed to be portable, they are often cumbersome to assemble, and one would not be likely to walk with it to a community park. 
     Many methods address the issue of attaching a net to an existing goal frame, ranging from draping a net over an existing frame to attaching it with hardware. Some use clips or pins to snap into hardware fixed to the goal post surfaces. Others use a flexible cord wrapped around the supporting frame and through the sports net. These methods generally do not produce enough tension for the assembly to function as a rebound net. Often they are intended for use on a portable or small-sized frame rather than a regulation-sized soccer goal frame. Those for use on a regulation-sized soccer goal frame generally require a ladder to correctly install the net on the frame. 
     Others have manufactured variations on rebound nets which are intended for use on a garage-door opening. These types of nets require a mechanism for anchoring the net to the ground to create tension and prevent a ball from going under the net. For example, eye bolts are attached to the garage structure and a ground anchor pin is attached to the driveway. 
     None of the prior art of which the applicant is aware provides a lightweight, portable rebound net from an elastic material that can be attached to an existing regulation-sized soccer goal frame by a single person, without the use of a ladder, and tightened quickly to create tension and prevent a ball from slipping under the net. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in the art, as will now be summarized and further described in detail below. The general purpose of the invention is to provide a rebound net for recreational use with properties like that of a training net available to sports teams. It is portable and can be quickly attached to and detached from a frame by a single person. The net is useful for training or playing without a goaltender. Once installed, an individual can shoot against the goal and the ball will rebound back into the field of play. 
     In some variations, this invention provides an apparatus that can be attached to a frame, the apparatus comprising:
         (a) a net having a top, a bottom, and two sides;   (b) a first means for attaching the top to the frame;   (c) a second means for attaching each of the two sides to the frame, wherein the second means is different than the first means; and   (d) a third means for attaching the bottom to the frame, wherein the third means is capable of creating tension on the net.       

     In some embodiments, the net is substantially elastic. Optionally, the net includes an open-weave pattern, a spider-web-weave pattern, or some other pattern. In some embodiments, the net comprises a plurality of individual sections woven together. 
     The first attachment means may comprise a plurality of hooks. The hooks are optionally made from a material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic, a thermoset, a metal, a composite, and wood. 
     The second attachment means may comprise a plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the second means comprises a plurality of Velcro straps. 
     The third attachment means may comprise a strap and at least one self-locking connector. In some embodiments, the strap is at least twice the length of the width of the frame. Optionally, the third means comprises two self-locking connectors on each side of the net. 
     In some embodiments, the first means comprises a plurality of hooks, the second means further comprises at least one of the hooks on each of the two sides. 
     Optionally, the apparatus may include one or more stakes for securing the bottom of the net to the ground. 
     Other variations of this invention provide a kit for affixing a net to a frame, the kit comprising:
         (a) a net having a top, a bottom, and two sides;   (b) a first means for attaching the top to the frame;   (c) a second means for attaching each of the two sides to the frame, wherein the second means is different than the first means;   (d) a third means for attaching the bottom to the frame, wherein the third means is capable of creating tension on the net; and   (e) a fourth means for assisting the attaching the top to the frame.       

     In some embodiments, the first means comprises a plurality of hooks and the fourth means comprises a pole suitable for assisting a user to lift each of the hooks over the top of the frame. Optionally, the pole may be a telescoping pole. In some variations, the kit also comprises a container or carrying bag. 
     Other variations of this invention provide a kit for affixing a rebound net to a soccer goal frame, the kit comprising:
         (a) a substantially elastic net having a top, a bottom, and two sides, wherein the net is characterized by a spider-web-weave pattern;   (b) a plurality of hooks for attaching the top to the soccer goal frame;   (c) a plurality of Velcro straps for attaching each of the two sides to the soccer goal frame;   (d) a strap for attaching the bottom to the soccer goal frame, wherein the strap is at least twice the width of the soccer goal frame and wherein the strap can create tension on the net;   (e) a self-locking connector for connecting the strap to the bottom of the net; and   (f) a telescoping pole for attaching the top of the net to the soccer goal frame by interlocking with each of the hooks.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an example of a rebound net showing a possible net webbing design, attachment locations for top and corner hooks, side Velcro straps, and a bottom webbing for tightening the net. 
         FIG. 2  is an example of a hook which could be used for connecting the net to the frame according to some embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an example of a Velcro closure tab according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is an example of a self-locking webbing pull-strap connector according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is an example of a telescoping pole for raising a hook onto the frame according to some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  is an example of means for hooking the net in place with a telescoping pole according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The apparatus and methods of the present invention will now be described in detail by reference to various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing dimensions, parameters, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Without limiting the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail, including reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are understood to provide representative illustration of the invention and are not limiting in their content or scale. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the scope of the invention extends beyond the specific embodiments depicted. This invention also incorporates routine experimentation and optimization of the methods, apparatus, and kits described herein. 
     In some variations, this invention provides an apparatus  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The apparatus  100  includes a net  160  and means of attachment to an existing soccer-goal frame, where the frame has two upright members  140  and a crossbar  150  extending between and connected to the top ends of the side members. The net  160  has a first side, second side, top side, and bottom side. The net may be a typical soccer net of a non-elastic material such as nylon in an open-weave pattern. Alternatively, the net can be made of substantially elastic cording in an open-weave pattern. 
     By “substantially elastic,” it is meant that the net exhibits a high modulus of elasticity. It is possible, but not necessary, that there is a linear relationship between stress and strain when a ball impacts the net (a condition known as linear or perfect elasticity). The actual elasticity under use will vary as a function of several factors, including not only the net material and tension applied but also the force caused by the impact of the ball, and the angle of impact. 
     In some embodiments, the weave of the net may resemble a spider web. The web may be composed of a plurality of, such as two, three, or more, elastic sections connected together, as in  FIG. 1 , in order to improve the rebounding characteristics. By increasing the number of sections, the zone immediately surrounding the strike location is primarily affected by the ball striking the net. Thus the energy losses are decreased and the rebounding ability increased. 
     The net can be removably attached to an existing soccer-goal frame. When unattached, the net can be smaller than the frame and is stretched to cover the frame opening. For an opening in a regulation-sized goal, the height is 8 feet and the width is 24 feet, while the net may be 7 feet high and 14 feet across, for example. A larger net may be desired if the netting material is non-elastic, whereas an elastic net may have better properties if stretched further so may be designed to be smaller. 
     In some variations, a first attachment means  110  is a plurality of hooks used to place the net onto the frame. Additional hooks  110  are optionally used at the top corners (attaching onto the uppermost part of the side members of the frame), as shown in  FIG. 1 . The hook must be large enough to go over a typical frame. According to standard soccer rules, both goalposts and the crossbar have the same width, which cannot exceed 5 inches. In this invention, the hook can have a diameter of about 4.5 to 5.5 inches, such as about 4.75 to about 5 inches. As is known, goal frames can be round or square. Preferably, the hooks as provided by the present invention are suitable for both round and square frames. 
     The bottom of the hook opening preferably includes a feature to fasten to the net. Preferably, the net is removably fastened to the hook by a zip tie or clip mechanism. The hooks are fastened securely enough to facilitate ease of installation. By allowing them to be removably fastened, they can be replaced if accidentally broken. 
     The hook  110  may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including but not limited to thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, metal, or wood. Preferably, the material is a compounded plastic which may be cost-effectively molded, for example carbon-filled PVC. Other embodiments might use a filled PPS, ABS, PC, PSU, or PVDF material. One skilled in the art could envision several materials with the strength properties needed for creating a hook to withstand ball impact, and to inhibit degradation due to weathering. 
     The hook  110  also preferably includes a post  510  extending down from it which can be engaged by an assisting pole  520  used to hang the net on the frame. In some embodiments, the post on the hook may fit into an opening in such a pole. In other embodiments, the pole may fit into an opening in the hook. The pole should be long enough for someone of short stature to be able to raise the hooks onto the soccer-goal frame without the use of a ladder. Without limitation, the pole may be 3 to 5 feet long, for example. Optionally, the pole has a telescoping feature that allows it to be adjusted to variable length depending on the height of the user, and allowing it to be compactly stored. Preferably, the pole also includes means for holding the net in tension to stabilize the hook during placement. 
     A second means  130  is used to fasten the sides of the net to the upright portion of the goal frame  140 . Such means may be a simple cord for tying, a buckle, buttons, zippers, or another type of fastener. An exemplary Velcro strap is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The strap  320  is wrapped around the frame  140 , fed through a loop  310 , and closed on itself. There may be two or more such means on each side of the net. 
     Velcro is a brand name of fabric hook-and-loop fasteners. It consists of two layers: a “hook” side, which is a piece of fabric covered with tiny hooks, and a “loop” side, which is covered with even smaller loops. When the two sides are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and hold the pieces together. When the layers are separated, the strips make a characteristic ripping sound. Velcro hook and loop fasteners can be made of many materials. Nylon and polyester are the fibers most commonly used. There are variations on the standard Velcro hook and loop fasteners: one of which, for example, includes hooks on both sides. 
     A third means  120  is used to secure the bottom of the net to the frame, increase the tension across the net, and prevent a ball from slipping under the net. A webbing strap can be loosely woven to the bottom of the net. Preferably, the webbing is interlaced through each loop along the bottom of the netting, providing for easy replacement if the strap were to become weathered or torn. The webbing strap may be made out of a non-elastic material such as nylon. 
     In some embodiments, the webbing strap is at least twice the length of the goal frame opening. The strap has a self-locking strap connector  420  on one end. The connector  420  may be made out of plastic or metal. The strap is connected to the bottom of the net; the user wraps each end of the strap around the respective upright sides of the goal frame, feeds the free end into the self-locking connector on the other end, and pulls to tighten. 
     The first and second attachment means keep the net in place on the frame and provide some tension. The third attachment means increases the tension such that the net can rebound a ball and it also keeps the net close to the ground to prevent a ball from rolling beneath the net. Preferably, the side attachment means should not need to be adjusted to increase the tension. Preferably, only one tightening mechanism would be required to achieve the rebound properties. 
     In preferred embodiments, all of the attachment means are removable for easy replacement by the user in cases of damage. 
     In some embodiments, two or more stakes may be placed into the ground to secure the bottom of the net and prevent balls from traveling below the net. Preferably, the stakes are not needed for creating tension and securing the net, although of course the stakes may contribute some tension. 
     Stakes may be useful for reversibly converting the rebound net to function as a catch net. In some embodiments, the stakes can be placed about 4 to 5 feet behind the plane of the goal entry. The lower webbing strap  120  can be wrapped around these two stakes and secured by the self-locking strap connector  420 . The tension in the connecting strap may remain low such that the net does not rebound a ball. Alternatively, the stakes can be placed a lesser distance from the goal and tension may be increased to gain rebound characteristics while the net is at an angle, providing the user with various rebound angles to change the degree of difficulty in reacting to the rebounded ball. 
     In preferred embodiments, all of the components of the net assembly are made from lightweight materials such as plastic. Lightweight materials are more easily carried by the user, for example when walking with young children from a home to a community park. Most preferably, the assembly is contained in a carry bag made out of a durable material such as nylon. 
     Other embodiments of this invention may include but are not limited to assemblies with nets of varying size to accommodate smaller goal frames. For example, the official size for soccer goals in youth leagues is 4.5 feet high by 9 feet across. As will be appreciated, the apparatus described herein can be designed and constructed in a manner suitable for youth-size goals, or custom-size goals as may be desired in certain situations. The invention is by no means limited to any particular goal dimensions. 
     Additionally, this invention can be implemented in a wide variety of sports or games. An exemplary list of sports or games includes, but is not limited to, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, team handball, polo, and various forms of football—such as American football, Australian rules football, arena football, and rugby. 
     Some variations of the invention provide kits. A “kit” includes at least the apparatus of the invention, in pre-assembled form, for affixing to a frame. Kits can also include any number of optional items, and they may or may not include a suitable container or carry bag. Preferably, kits include instructions for a user to attach the apparatus onto a frame such as a soccer goal frame. Kits can include certain spare parts, such as extra hooks, for example. 
     It is contemplated that, in various embodiments, there are many options that may be further included for the purpose of skill development. For example, one or more targets (such as colored, e.g. orange, targets) can be attached to the net  160  for developing kicking accuracy. These targets could be included in a kit of the invention. 
     In certain embodiments, a standard soccer ball is replaced with a practice soccer ball that has one or more attributes tailored to the apparatus of the invention. The ball, optionally provided with the kit, could be of varying weight, size, elasticity, color, and so on. 
     Kits could of course include other items of potential use for practice, such as additional balls, means for tabulating scoring or recording the outcome of drills, a timer for timed drills, and so on. 
     In this detailed description, reference has been made to multiple embodiments and to the accompanying drawings in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made by a skilled artisan. 
     Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially. 
     The embodiments, variations, and figures described above should provide an indication of the utility and versatility of the present invention. Of course, many more devices can be developed that involve combinations of device elements as provided herein. Other embodiments that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein may also be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.