Abstract:
A foldable device for use in supporting sports nets or the like, the foldable device including: a) a selectively foldable support ring including pivotally secured substantially arcuate sections; and b) a foldable support stand for engaging the ring and having a first open position and a second closed position; and c) at least a part of the ring forming at least one handle when said support stand is in the second position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to collapsible frame devices capable for supporting objects such as, by way of example only, sports equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sports devices, such as those using nets, as may be used in golf practice devices, are known to have collapsible frames and bases. Collapsible frames offer the advantage of portability for easy transport. Devices such as these are usually used for games where individuals or teams compete by throwing or batting a ball or object into a fixed target. These games are typically played outdoors, but may be played indoors if space permits. Devices of this type that use nets are also advantageous to prevent stray balls from landing on the yard or rolling far away from the device. There is a need for compact, folding support devices for such practice devices as well as other uses. 
     SUMMARY 
     Provided is a support device which comprises a collapsible retaining section. The retaining section comprises a front portion. The front portion comprises a first front arcuate member; a second front arcuate member; and a front handle pivotally connected between the first and second front arcuate members. A rear portion comprises a first rear arcuate member; a second rear arcuate member; and a rear handle pivotally connected between the first and second rear arcuate members; and a first pivot joint is pivotally connected to the first front arcuate member and the first rear arcuate member. A second pivot joint is pivotally connected to the second front arcuate member and the second rear arcuate member; and a base section for supporting the retaining section. 
     The device further includes amongst its features in which the base section comprises a pair of rear support legs pivotally connected to the rear portion; first and second front crossed legs pivotally connected to each other at a crossing point; a first end of the first front crossed leg being pivotally connected to the front portion and extending diagonally therefrom; a first end of the second front crossed leg being pivotally connected to the front portion spaced from the first front leg and extending diagonally therefrom; first and second rear crossed legs pivotally connected to each other at a crossing point; the first rear crossed leg having a first end slidably connected to a first of the pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to a base of a second of the pair of rear support legs; and the second rear crossed leg having a first end slidably connected to the second of the pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to a base of the first of said pair of rear support legs. Another feature may include wherein the base section further comprises: first and second left side crossed legs pivotally connected to each other at a crossing point; the first left side crossed leg having a first end slidably connected to the first of said pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to a base of the second front crossed leg; the second left side crossed leg having a first end pivotally connected to the base of the first of the pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the first front cross leg; first and second right side crossed legs pivotally connected to each other at a crossing point; the first right side crossed leg having a first end slidably connected to the second of the pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to a base of said first front crossed leg; the second right side crossed leg having a first end pivotally connected to the base of the second of said pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to the first end of the second front cross leg. The base section may further comprise: a first front pad pivotally connecting the first left side crossed leg and second front crossed leg; a second front pad pivotally connecting the first right side crossed leg and first front crossed leg; a first rear pad pivotally connecting the second left side crossed leg and the second rear crossed leg, to the first rear support leg; a second rear pad pivotally connecting the second right side crossed leg and the first rear crossed leg, to the second rear support leg. Another feature includes a net removably connected to the foldable support ring. The net includes apertures of differing circumference forming a target. The net is foldable. The front and rear handles are curved to fit the shape of a human hand. The first and second pivot joints each include a locking mechanism to define a range of pivoting of front and rear sections. 
     A method of opening a support device of the type capable of supporting a pitching net frame or the like comprising: providing a frame; grasping front and rear handles; moving the front and rear handles away from each other until the frame assumes a circular form; pivoting of a first front arcuate member in a clockwise direction and a second front arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the front handle; pivoting of a first rear arcuate member in a clockwise direction and a second rear arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the rear handle; pivoting the first front and first rear arcuate members away from each other about a first pivot joint; and pivoting the second front and second rear arcuate members away from each other about a second pivot joint. 
     The method may include the features of: wherein the step of moving said front and rear handles causes a base to expand and provide support for the frame; a step of connecting a net to the frame. A method of closing a support frame comprises: grasping front and rear handles; moving the front and rear handles towards each other until the frame assumes a clamshell form; pivoting of a first front arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction and a second front arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the front handle; pivoting of a first rear arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction and a second rear arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the rear handle; pivoting the first front and first rear arcuate members towards each other about a first pivot joint; and pivoting the second front and second rear arcuate members towards each other about a second pivot joint. 
     The method may also include the step of moving the front and rear handles causes a base to contract and cause the frame to assume a clamshell position. 
     There is also provided a foldable device adaptable for use in supporting nets or the like, the foldable device comprises a selectively foldable support ring including pivotally secured substantially arcuate sections; and a foldable support stand for engaging the ring and having a first open position and a second closed position; and at least a part of the ring forming at least one handle when the support stand is in the second position. 
     The device may also include these features where the selectively foldable support ring includes a front portion which comprises a first front arcuate member; a second front arcuate member; and a front handle pivotally connected between the first and second front arcuate members; a rear portion comprising a first rear arcuate member; a second rear arcuate member; and a rear handle pivotally connected between the first and second rear arcuate members. There is also a first pivot joint pivotally connecting the first front arcuate member and the first rear arcuate member; a second pivot joint pivotally connecting the second front arcuate member and the second rear arcuate member. The foldable support stand may also include a pair of rear support legs pivotally connected to the rear portion; first and second front crossed legs pivotally connected to each other at a crossing point; a first end of the first front crossed leg being pivotally connected to the front portion and extending diagonally therefrom; a first end of the second front crossed leg being pivotally connected to the front portion spaced from the first front leg and extending diagonally therefrom; first and second rear crossed legs pivotally connected to each other at a crossing point; the first rear crossed leg having a first end slidably connected to a first of the pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to a base of a second of the pair of rear support legs; and the second rear crossed leg having a first end slidably connected to the second of said pair of rear support legs, and a second end pivotally connected to a base of the first of said pair of rear support legs. The device may also include a net removably connected to the foldable support ring. The net may include apertures of differing circumference forming a target. The net is foldable. Another feature is where the front and rear handles are curved to fit the shape of a human hand. 
     The device may further include amongst its features a support device comprising a front, rear, left side, and right side portion. The front portion comprises a first front arcuate member, a second front arcuate member, and a front pivot joint pivotally connecting the first front arcuate member and the second front arcuate member. The rear portion comprises a first rear arcuate member, a second rear arcuate member, and a rear pivot joint pivotally connecting the first rear arcuate member and the second rear arcuate member. The left side portion comprises a first left side arcuate member, a second left side arcuate member, and a left side handle pivotally connected between the first left side arcuate member and the second left side arcuate member. The right side portion comprises a first right side arcuate member, a second right side arcuate member, and a right side handle pivotally connected between the first right side arcuate member and the second right side arcuate member. A first pivot point may connect the first left side arcuate member and the first front arcuate member. A second pivot point may connect the second front arcuate member and the first right side arcuate member. A third pivot point may connect the second left side arcuate member and the first rear arcuate member. A fourth pivot point may connect the second rear arcuate member and the second right side arcuate member. A base section may also support the collapsible retaining section. 
     A method of opening a support device of the type capable of supporting a pitching net frame or the like comprising: providing a frame; grasping a left and right side handle; moving the left and right side handles away from each other until the frame assumes a circular form; pivoting of a first front arcuate member in a clockwise direction and a second front arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the front pivot joint; pivoting of a first rear arcuate member in a clockwise direction and a second rear arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the rear pivot joint; pivoting of the first front arcuate member and a first left side arcuate member about a first pivot joint; pivoting of the second front arcuate member and a first right side arcuate member about a second pivot joint; pivoting of the first rear arcuate member and a second left side arcuate member about a third pivot joint; pivoting of the second rear arcuate member and a second right side arcuate member about a fourth pivot point; pivoting of the first left side arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the left side handle; pivoting of the second left side arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the left side handle; pivoting of the first right side arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the right side handle; and pivoting of the second right side arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the right side handle. 
     A method of closing a support device of the type capable of supporting a pitching net frame or the like comprising: grasping a left and right side handle; moving the left and right side handles toward each other until the frame assumes a clamshell form; pivoting of a first front arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction and a second front arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the front pivot joint; pivoting of a first rear arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction and a second rear arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the rear pivot joint; pivoting of the first front arcuate member and a first left side arcuate member about a first pivot joint; pivoting of the second front arcuate member and a first right side arcuate member about a second pivot joint; pivoting of the first rear arcuate member and a second left side arcuate member about a third pivot joint; pivoting of the second rear arcuate member and a second right side arcuate member about a fourth pivot point; pivoting of the first left side arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the left side handle; pivoting of the second left side arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the left side handle; pivoting of the first right side arcuate member in a counterclockwise direction about the right side handle; and pivoting of the second right side arcuate member in a clockwise direction about the right side handle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the device and method may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a folding frame support with a practice net in its opened position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the support frame of the device of  FIG. 1  in its opened position, without the net attached; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the support frame in a closed position, without the net attached; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the support frame moving between the a first closed position and a second open position; 
         FIG. 5  shows an enlarged front perspective of a front handle of the frame and its pivot connections taken from the circle labeled  10  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows an enlarged front perspective of the rear handle and its pivot connections taken from the circle labeled  20  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows an enlarged front perspective of the first pivot joint connected to two arcuate members taken from the circle labeled  30  in  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 8  shows an enlarged front perspective of the second pivot joint connected to two arcuate members taken from the circle labeled  40  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  shows a front perspective of an alternative embodiment in a closed position. 
         FIG. 10  shows a front perspective of the alternative embodiment in a transition position between open and closed. 
         FIG. 11  shows a front perspective of the alternative embodiment in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The device  1  which may support a golf practice net or the like offers a solution for users who want a readily portable device that is collapsible and easy to transport. The collapsibility of the device  1  allows it to be carried or stored easily in any vehicle or other location. When in a collapsed position, the device  1  may assume a clamshell-like shape that is much thus more compact than when it is in an open position. The closed configuration provides a shape that is more amenable to carrying by hand or storage in a vehicle or other location. The collapsible feature also facilitates ease of use since the user may set up, for example, a practice net or the like anywhere in only a few moments. As will be shown, opening the device  1  requires one easy motion as a user grasps two handles and pulls them apart or away from each other. Closing the frame requires an equally easy movement by moving the handles towards each other. For example a frame may be composed of a lightweight metal or plastic composition. This makes the frame very light and easy to transport, while the entire device  1  makes for durability and sturdiness. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the device  1  which may be used in supporting a practice net for receiving golf balls or the like in an opened position. The device  1  includes a frame supporting a net  101  which may be made of a net-like material. The net  101  may be selectively retained by a frame. The net  101  may define three substantially concentric apertures  100 ,  110 , and  120  which may be arranged as concentric targets  92 . Each concentrically mounted target  100 ,  110 ,  120  may have different circumferences. In this example golf balls or other sports object may be pitched, driven, or thrown into the targets  92 . The nets may be removably attached to a frame  94 . The frame  94  may include a retaining support  140  and a base  150  connected thereto. The retaining support  140  and base  150  of the frame  94  may be made of a well-known structural material such as a lightweight metallic alloy composition or plastic. The support  140  may include handles  201 ,  212  which may be made of any structural material, such as a lightweight composition. Structural material such as a metallic alloy, composition, or plastic may be used for the retaining support  140  and base  150  to provide stability for the device  1  as a whole. 
       FIG. 2  shows the device  1  in an open position without the target net  90 . The retaining support  140  may comprise a collapsible support section  220  having a front portion  214  and a rear portion  213  which, in the device  1  open position, may take the form of a somewhat circular or elliptical support member or any other regular or irregular geometric shape. The front portion  214  in this example may be formed by a first front arcuate member  208 , a second front arcuate member  209  and a front handle  212  connected there between. The front handle  212  may be pivotally connected at side  210  to the first front arcuate member  208  and pivotally connected at side  211 , opposite side  210 , to the second front arcuate member  209 . 
     In like manner, a rear portion  213  may be formed by a first rear arcuate member  204 , a second rear arcuate member  205 , and a rear handle  201  connected there between. The rear handle  201  may be pivotally connected at side  202  to the first rear arcuate member  204  and pivotally connected at side  203 , opposite side  202 , to the second rear arcuate member  205 . 
     A first pivot joint  206  may pivotally connect the first front arcuate member  208  and the first rear arcuate member  204 . A second pivot joint  207  pivotally connects the second front arcuate member  209  to the second rear arcuate member  205 . Pivotal connections throughout may be made by means of pins or similar means well-known in the art. 
     The connection of the front portion  214  to the rear portion  215  may form a substantially circular or elliptical frame  220  when in an open position. This circularly shaped frame may be easily collapsed into a clamshell shape which will be described herein below. The circular shaped frame may permit the device  1  to be opened and closed in one seamless motion. This is made possible by the pivotal connection between the arcuate members and the handles. One broad motion of pulling the handles  201 ,  212  apart or pushing the handles  201 ,  212  together may cause the frame to move between the open and closed positions, respectively. To further facilitate the ease of opening and closing the device  1 , the handles  201 ,  212  may be curved so as to fit the form of a human hand to provide an ergonomic advantage. The handles  201 ,  212  may also include grips for receiving the fingers of the user. 
     A collapsible base  215  may include a pair of rear support legs  235 ,  236 , a pair of front crossed legs  221 ,  222  and a pair of rear crossed legs  223 ,  224 . The front crossed legs  221 ,  222  may be pivotally connected at a cross point  233  as by a pivot pin. The rear crossed legs  223 ,  224  may be pivotally connected at a cross point  234 . The left side cross legs  225 ,  226  may be pivotally connected at a cross point (not shown). The right side cross legs  227 ,  228  may be pivotally connected at a cross point (not shown). The front crossed legs  221 ,  222  may be pivotally connected on one side to the front portion by first and second pivot connections  216  and  217  respectively. The pair of rear support legs is pivotally connected to the rear portion  215 . The pair of rear crossed legs  221  and  222  may be connected on one side to selectively slide along a length of the rear support legs  235  and  236 . Left side cross leg  225  is connected to a slidable connector (not shown) on one side and to a first front pad  229  on the other. Left side cross leg  226  is connected to pivot connection  216  on one side and to a first rear pad  231  on the other. Right side cross leg  227  is connected to the slidable connector (not shown) on one side and to a second front pad  230  on the other. Right side cross leg  228  is connected to pivot connection  217  on one side and to a second rear pad  232  on the other. The first front pad  229  and the second front pad  230  are pivotally connected to the opposite sides of the pair of front crossed legs  221  and  222 , forming feet for the base  215 . The first rear pad connector  231  and the second rear pad connector  232  are pivotally connected to the opposite sides of the pair of rear crossed legs  223  and  224 , forming feet for the base  215 , to crossed legs  226  and  228 , and to rear support legs  235  and  236 . Two front pivot connections  216  and  217  attach to the front portion  214 , and two rear pivot connections  218  and  219  attach to the rear portion  213 . The front pivot connection  216  and rear pivot connection  219  are attached to pairs of front crossed legs  221  and  222  and rear crossed legs  223  and  224 , and two pairs of crossed side legs  225 ,  226 ,  227 , and  228 , with each pair of legs pivotally connected where crossing. The method of opening and closing the device  1  comprises opening the frame by pulling in opposing directions the front and rear handles  201 ,  212  of the collapsible net retaining section  220  and closing the pitching net frame  220  by pushing in opposing directions the front and rear handles  201 ,  212  of the collapsible net retaining section  220 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the device  1  in a closed position. Closing the device  1  allows it to be easily transported and stored. In a closed position, the rear handle  201  may be located at a height above and aligned with the front handle  212  with the frame  220 ,  215  is standing upright. Pushing the handles  201  and  212  toward each other moves the frame  220 ,  215  from the opened position into the closed position. The frame members on the left and right sides of the retaining section may move analogously to the movement of human arms, respectively. As such, the pivot joints  206 ,  207  each act similarly to an elbow, the rear handle  201  acts similarly to shoulders and the front handle  212  acts similarly to wrists.  FIG. 3  also illustrates the direction of movement of the handles  201 ,  212 , and all four arcuate members  204 ,  205 ,  208 ,  209  that make up the circular frame  220  when moving between the open ( FIG. 1 ) and closed ( FIG. 2 ) positions. Compared to  FIG. 2 , the arcuate members  204 ,  205 ,  208 ,  209  form acute angles with respect to the pivot joints  206 ,  207  as opposed to an obtuse angle formed by the arcuate members  204 ,  205 ,  208 ,  209  when in the open position. Furthermore, the front handle  212  has folded in a direction towards the rear handle  201  to allow the once circular frame  220  to assume a clamshell position tailored for portability and ease of storage. 
       FIG. 4  shows the device  1  in the in the open position (in phantom) (see, also,  FIG. 2 ) and in between the closed position ( FIG. 3 ). The progression of the device  1  from the open position to the closed or clamshell position is apparent with the movement of all arcuate members  204 ,  205 ,  208 ,  209  in relation to the handles  201 ,  212 , pivot joints, and base  215 . 
     The initial position shown in  FIG. 3  is the device  1  in a closed position. To assume an open position ( FIG. 2 ), a user may grasp and pull both handles  201 ,  212  away from one another. This movement, in turn causes the front  208 ,  209  and rear arcuate members  204 ,  205  to move away from each other and rotate in a direction opposite to the handles  212 ,  201  to which they are connected. The pivoted joints  210 ,  211 ,  206 ,  207 ,  202 ,  203  move upwards and outwards with respect to their initial positions and in a direction opposite to the arcuate members  204 ,  205 ,  208 ,  209  to which they are connected. 
     The front handle  212  is capable of directional motion shown by arrows  212 A ( FIG. 4 ). The rear handle  201  is capable of directional motion shown by arrows  201 A. As indicated, the front handle  212  and rear handle  201  moves from the closed position to the open position when a user pulls the handles  212 ,  201  apart. As the front and rear handles  212 ,  201  moves to their respective open positions, all four arcuate members  208 ,  209 ,  204 ,  205  also move from the closed clamshell to the opened circular frame position. The first front arcuate member  208  pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  210  and the second front arcuate member  209  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about connection  211  until reaching a position extending in alignment with the front handle  212 . These motions are shown by direction arrows  208 A and  209 A, respectively. The first rear arcuate member  204  pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  202  and second rear arcuate member  205  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about connection  203  until reaching a position extending in alignment with the rear handle  201 . These motions are shown by direction arrows  204 A and  205 A, respectively. As the handles  201 ,  212  move away from one another, the arcuate members  208 ,  209 ,  204 ,  205  moves in the directions described above. The first front and first rear arcuate members  208  and  204  also pivot away from one another about the first pivot joint  206 . The second front and second rear arcuate members  209  and  205  pivot away from one another about the second pivot joint  207 . The two pivot joints simultaneously move as well. First pivot joint  206  moves upwards and outwards with the first front arcuate member  208  and first rear arcuate member  204 . This motion is shown by direction arrows  206 A. Second pivot joint  207  moves upwards and outwards with the second front arcuate member  209  and second rear arcuate member  205 . This motion is shown by direction arrows  207 A. The motion to open the pitching net frame ends when the arcuate members  208 ,  209 ,  204 ,  205  reach the respective stop points of the first and second pivot joints  206  and  207  identified by  206 B and  207 B. 
     Closing the device  1  involves reversing the movements of all elements of the apparatus. In order to close the device  1 , a user grasps and moves the front and rear handles  212 ,  201  towards each other. This causes the first front arcuate member  208  to pivot in a counterclockwise direction about connection  210  and the second front arcuate member  209  pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  211  until reaching a stop position angled to the front handle  212 . These motions are shown by direction arrows  208 A and  209 A, respectively. The first rear arcuate member  204  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about connection  202  and the second rear arcuate member  205  pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  203  until reaching a position angled to the rear handle  201 . These motions are shown by direction arrows  204 A and  205 A, respectively. As the handles  201 ,  212  move towards one another, the arcuate members  208 ,  209 ,  204 ,  205  moves in the directions described above. The first front and first rear arcuate members  208 ,  204  also pivot towards each other about the first pivot joint  206 . The second front and second rear arcuate members  209 ,  205  pivot towards each other about the second pivot joint  207 . The two pivot joints  206 ,  207  simultaneously move as well. First pivot joint  206  moves downwards and inwards with the first front arcuate member  208  and the first rear arcuate member  204 . This motion is shown by the direction arrows  206 A. Second pivot joint  207  moves downwards and inwards with the second front arcuate member  209  and second rear arcuate member  205 . This motion is shown by direction arrows  207 A. The motion to close the device  1  ends when the first and second pivot joints  206 ,  207  reach their initial starting points in the clamshell form. The arcuate members&#39;  208 ,  209 ,  204 ,  205  movement, from the clamshell position to the opened circular position, may be described as outwards and perpendicular to the closed positions. If the arcuate members  208 ,  209 ,  204 ,  205  are transitioning from an open position to a clamshell position, this motion may be described as bending inwards from an initial substantially flat circular plane to end in a position perpendicular to the plane. 
     While the collapsible net retaining section  220  makes its transition from a closed to an open position, the base  215  also assumes a change of shape. As the handles  201 ,  212  are pulled apart, and the arcuate members  208 ,  209 ,  204 ,  205 , and pivot joints assume their end point positions to form a circular frame shape, the legs  221 - 224 ,  235 ,  236  of the base  215  move farther apart simultaneously. As the front arcuate members  208 ,  209  moves apart to open, the front crossed legs  221 ,  222  expand. Similarly, when the rear arcuate members  204 ,  205  move apart to open, the rear crossed legs  223 ,  224  expand. As the front and rear crossed legs  221 - 224  expand, the side crossed legs  235 ,  236  similarly expand. Front crossed legs  221 ,  222  initially start in a closed position with the crossed legs  221 - 224  forming four angles. The top and bottom angles are acute angles and the side angles are obtuse angles when the pitching net frame is in a closed position. 
     As the device  1  opens, crossed legs  221 ,  222  move farther apart. The top and bottom angles become obtuse angles, and the side angles become acute angles. The directional movements of the crossed legs  221 ,  222  may be shown by directional arrows  221 A,  222 A, respectively. The rear crossed legs  223 ,  224  have the same directional motion as the front crossed legs  221 ,  222 . As the frame opens, the front and rear crossed legs  221 - 224  also move away from each other. In addition, the side crossed legs  235 ,  236  have directional movements similar to that of the front and rear crossed legs  221 - 224 , except that they move apart in directions perpendicular to that of the front and rear crossed legs. The side crossed legs  235 ,  236  also move away from each other as the frame opens. 
     While the collapsible net retaining section  220  makes its transition from an open to a closed position, the base  215  also assumes a change of shape. As the handles  201 ,  212  are pushed together, and the arcuate members  204 ,  205 ,  208 ,  209 , and pivot joints assume their initial closed positions to form a clamshell shape, the legs of the base move closer together simultaneously. As the front arcuate members  208 ,  209  move together, the front crossed legs  221 ,  222  contract together. Similarly, when the rear arcuate members  204 ,  205  move together to close, the rear crossed legs contract. As the front and rear crossed legs contract, the side crossed legs also contract similarly. Front crossed legs  221 ,  222  initially start in a closed position with the crossed legs forming four angles. The top and bottom angles are obtuse angles and the side angles are acute angles when the pitching net frame is in an open position. As the frame closes, crossed legs  221 ,  222  move closer together. The top and bottom angles become acute angles, and the side angles become obtuse angles. The directional movements of the crossed legs  221 ,  222  may be shown by directional arrows  221 A,  222 A, respectively. The rear crossed legs have the same directional motion as the front crossed legs. As the pitching net frame closes, the front crossed legs and rear crossed legs also move towards each other. In addition, the side crossed legs have directional motions similar to that of the front crossed legs and rear crossed legs, except that they move together in directions perpendicular to that of the front and rear crossed legs. The side crossed legs also move towards each other as the pitching net frame closes. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the pivot joints and handles may have locking mechanisms to keep the pitching net frame locked in either an open or a closed position. Furthermore, a slidable, adjustable locking mechanism may also be implemented on the pivotally connected areas in order to facilitate a system where a series of intermediate open or closed positions may be assumed to in effect change the size of the pitching target. This feature may also facilitate an easier carrying form than either the clamshell or the circular opened form. 
       FIG. 5  shows an enlarged front view of the front handle  212 . The enlarged view offers a visualization of the range of motion of the first and second front arcuate members  208 ,  209  that are attached to each side of the handle  212 . The first front arcuate member  208  pivots about connection  210  of the front handle  212  in a clockwise direction when opening and counterclockwise when closing, shown by the directions of the arrows  80  shown in  FIG. 5 . The second front arcuate member  209  pivots about connection  211  of the front handle  212  in a counterclockwise direction when opening and clockwise when opening, shown by the directions of the arrows  81  shown in  FIG. 5 . The motion of both the first front arcuate member  208  and second front arcuate member  209  can be described as moving in the direction opposite to the direction of the movement of the front handle  212 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an enlarged front view of the rear handle  201 . The enlarged view offers a visualization of the range of motion of the arcuate members that are attached to each side of the handle  201 . The first rear arcuate member  204  pivots about connection  202  of the rear handle  201  in a clockwise direction when opening and counterclockwise when closing, shown by the directions of the arrows  83  shown in  FIG. 6 . The second rear arcuate member  205  pivots about connection  203  of the rear handle  201  in a counterclockwise direction when opening and clockwise when closing, shown by the directions of the arrows  84  shown in  FIG. 6 . The motion of both the first rear arcuate member  204  and second rear arcuate member  205  can be described as moving in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the rear handle  201 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an enlarged front view of the first pivot joint  206 . The close up view shows the directions that the pivot joint moves with respect to the two arcuate members when the frame  1  opens and closes. The first rear arcuate member  204  and the first front arcuate member  208  pivot about the first pivot joint  206  towards each other when closing and away when opening as shown by the arrows  85 ,  86  in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an enlarged front view of the second pivot joint  207 . The close up view shows the directions that the pivot joint moves with respect to the two arcuate members  205 ,  209  when the frame  1  opens and closes. The second rear arcuate member  205  and the second front arcuate member  209  pivot about the second pivot joint  207  towards each other when closing and away when opening as shown by the arrows  87 ,  88  in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the device  2  having handles  932  and  938  rotated 90 degrees from the position shown in  FIGS. 1-8  in an open position with the target net  90  positioned thereon. The front portion  900  in this arrangement may be formed by a first front arcuate member  902 , a second front arcuate member  904 , and a front pivot joint  906  connected there between. A rear portion  916  may be formed by a first rear arcuate member  918 , a second rear arcuate member  920 , and a rear pivot joint  922  connected there between. A left side portion  950  may be formed by a first left side arcuate member  908 , a second left side arcuate member  924 , and a left side handle  932  connected there between. A right side portion  952  may be formed by a first right side arcuate member  912 , a second right side arcuate member  928 , and a right side handle  938  connected there between. The first front arcuate member  902  may be pivotally connected to the first left side arcuate member  908  at a pivot point  910 . The second front arcuate member  904  may be pivotally connected to the first right side arcuate member  912  at a pivot point  914 . The first rear arcuate member  918  may be pivotally connected to the second left side arcuate member  924  at a pivot point  926 . The second rear arcuate member  920  may be pivotally connected to the second right side arcuate member  928  at a pivot point  930 . 
     The connection of the front portion  900 , rear portion  916 , left side portion  950 , and right side portion  952  may form a substantially circular or elliptical frame when in an open position. The circular shaped frame may be easily collapsed into a clamshell shape similar to that described above, with changes to be described below. The circular shaped frame may permit the device  2  to be opened and closed in one seamless motion. This is made possible by the pivotal connection between the arcuate members, pivot joints, pivot points, and handles. One broad motion of pulling the handles  932  and  938  apart or pushing the handles  932  and  938  together may cause the frame to move between the open and closed positions respectively. To further facilitate the ease of opening and closing the device  2 , the handles  932  and  938  may be curved so as to fit the form of a human hand to provide an ergonomic advantage. The handles  932  and  938  may also include grips for receiving the fingers of the user. The collapsible base  944  of this embodiment may perform in a way that is substantially similar to the base shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . Pivot point  910  attaches the front portion  900  and the left side portion  950  to the collapsible base  944 . Pivot point  914  attaches the front portion  900  and the right side portion  952  to the collapsible base  944 . Pivot point  918  attaches the rear portion  916  and the left side portion  950  to the collapsible base  944 . Pivot point  930  attaches the rear portion  916  and the right side portion  952  to the collapsible base  944 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the device  2  in a closed position. Closing the device  2  allows it to be easily transported and stored. Pushing the handles  932  and  938  towards each other in the direction indicated by the arrows  932 A and  938 A moves the frame  946  from the opened position into the closed position. Arcuate members  908 ,  924 ,  928 , and  912  all start at a position substantially parallel to the handles  932  and  938  in the open position and transition to a position substantially perpendicular or at an angle to the handles as the device is moved into a closed clamshell shape. The arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  918 , and  920  form obtuse angles with respect to the pivot joints  906  and  922  when in the open position. Arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  918 , and  920  move to form acute angles with respect to the pivot joints  906  and  922  when the device reaches a closed position. As the device closes, arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  918 , and  920  move in a direction towards the collapsible base  944 . The direction of movement of the pivot joints  906  and  922  are indicated by direction arrow  990  and the direction of movement of the pivot joint  922  is indicated by the direction arrow  992  when moving into the closed position. 
       FIG. 11  shows the device  2  in the process of being moved between the closed position ( FIG. 10 ) and the open position ( FIG. 9 ). The progression of the device  2  from the open position to the closed or clamshell position is explored below. 
     The initial position shown in  FIG. 10  is the device  2  in a closed position. To assume an open position shown in  FIG. 9 , a user may grasp and pull both handles  932  and  938  away from one another. This movement, in turn causes the arcuate members  908 ,  924 ,  912 , and  928  to pivot about their respective pivot point away from each other. In a closed position, the rear pivot joint  922  may be located aligned with but at different level than the front pivot joint  906 . Pulling the handles  932  and  938  away from each other in the direction indicated by the arrows  1002  and  1004  moves the frame  946  from the closed position into the open position. Arcuate members  908 ,  924 ,  928 , and  912  may all start at a position substantially perpendicular to or at an angle to the handles  932  and  938  in the closed position and transition to a position extending substantially parallel to the handles as the device opens. The arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  918 , and  920  form acute angles with respect to the irrespective pivot joints  906  and  922  when in the closed position. Arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  918 , and  920  move to form obtuse angles with respect to the irrespective pivot joints  906  and  922  when the device reaches an open position. As the device opens, arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  918 , and  920  move in a direction away from the collapsible base  944 . 
     The left side handle  932  and the right side handle  938  are capable of directional motion shown by the arrows  1002  and  1004  respectively. The handles  932  and  938  move from the closed position to the open position when they are pulled apart by the user. As the handles  932  and  938  move to their respective open position, all eight arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  908 ,  912 ,  918 ,  920 ,  924 , and  928  may also move causing the device to move from the closed clamshell shape position to the opened circular frame position. The first left side arcuate member  908  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about connection  936  and the second left side arcuate member pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  934 . The first right side arcuate member  912  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about connection  940  and the second right side arcuate member  928  pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  942 . The first front arcuate member  902  pivots in a clockwise direction about pivot joint  906  and the second front arcuate member  904  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about pivot joint  906  until reaching a position extending substantially in alignment with pivot joint  906 . The first rear arcuate member  918  pivots in a clockwise direction about pivot joint  922  and the second front arcuate member  920  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about pivot joint  922  until reaching a position extending in alignment with pivot joint  922 . The first left side arcuate member  908  and first front arcuate member  902  pivot away from each other about pivot joint  910 . The second front arcuate member  904  and first right side arcuate member  912  pivot away from each other about pivot joint  914 . The second left side arcuate member  924  and first rear arcuate member  918  pivot away from each other about pivot joint  926 . The second rear arcuate member  920  and second right side arcuate member  928  pivot away from each other about pivot joint  930 . The two pivot joints  906  and  922  move downwards and outwards. The motion to open the pitching net frame ends when all arcuate members reach their respective stop points. 
     Closing the device  2  involves reversing the movements of all elements of the apparatus. In order to close the device  2 , a user grasps and moves the handles  932  and  938  towards each other. As the handles  932  and  938  move to their respective closed position, all eight arcuate members  902 ,  904 ,  908 ,  912 ,  918 ,  920 ,  924 , and  928  may also move or pivot causing the device to move from the opened circular frame position to the closed clamshell position. The first left side arcuate member  908  pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  936  and the second left side arcuate member pivots in a counterclockwise direction about connection  934 . The first right side arcuate member  912  pivots in a clockwise direction about connection  940  and the second right side arcuate member  928  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about connection  942 . The first front arcuate member  902  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about pivot joint  906  and the second front arcuate member  904  pivots in a clockwise direction about pivot joint  906  until reaching a position where the members form an acute angle about pivot joint  906 . The first rear arcuate member  918  pivots in a counterclockwise direction about pivot joint  922  and the second front arcuate member  920  pivots in a clockwise direction about pivot joint  922  until reaching a position where the members form an acute angle about pivot joint  922 . The first left side arcuate member  908  and first front arcuate member  902  pivot toward each other about pivot joint  910 . The second front arcuate member  904  and first right side arcuate member  912  pivot toward each other about pivot joint  914 . The second left side arcuate member  924  and first rear arcuate member  918  pivot toward each other about pivot joint  926 . The second rear arcuate member  920  and second right side arcuate member  928  toward from each other about pivot joint  930 . The two pivot joints  906  and  922  move upwards and inwards. The motion to close the pitching net frame ends when all arcuate members reach their initial start points. 
     The base of device  2  moves in a way substantially similar to that of the device  1  described above.