MOUNTING PIN FOR A SPORTS NET
A pin mount system for releasably mounting a sports net to a ground surface, for example a hockey net to an ice surface. The sports net includes at least one post having an end. The pin mount system includes: a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post, a resilient member such as a spring coil in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post, and a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member. The pin is releasable from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the sports net, and the sports net stays in place when minor force is applied, for example.
This application claims the benefit of priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,924,480 filed Mar. 22, 2016 entitled MOUNTING PIN FOR A SPORTS NET, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in the Detailed Description of Example Embodiments, herein below.
FIELDExample embodiments generally relate to securing of a sports net to a ground surface.
BACKGROUNDProfessional hockey nets can be mounted by having a flexible (e.g. polymer) peg drilled through the ground concrete. A layer of ice is typically formed on top of the ground concrete. The hockey net is then placed onto the peg, and is releasably moveable from the peg when a sufficient force is exerted onto the hockey net, for example should a player contact the post. The peg stays in place when the hockey net moves off of the peg. This can prevent injuries to the player. The hockey net stays in place when minor force is applied.
In some other scenarios, holes are drilled into the ice and a rigid pointed pin is placed into each hole, with the hockey net placed onto the pins. The hockey net stays in place when minor force is applied. The hockey net and pin will release from the ice when a sufficient force is exerted onto the hockey net, for example should a player contact the post. The hockey net stays in place when minor force is applied.
At least some of these types of systems may involve prolonged setup or takedown of the hockey net, and may not be convenient for takedown and/or storage of the components when not in use. Additional difficulties with existing systems may be appreciated in view of the Detailed Description of Example Embodiments, herein below.
SUMMARYIn an example embodiment, there is provided a pin mount system for releasably mounting a sports net to a ground surface, for example a hockey net to an ice surface. The sports net includes at least one post having an end. The pin mount system includes: a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post, a resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post, and a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member. The pin is releasable from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the sports net, and the sports net stays in place when minor force is applied, for example.
In another example embodiment, there is provided a sports net system including a sports net having at least one post which includes a first end, and the pin mount system for securing the first end to the ground surface.
In another example embodiment, there is provided a use of the pin mount system, for releasably mounting of the sports net to the ground surface.
Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which:
Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTSIn an example embodiment, there is provided a pin mount system for releasably mounting a sports net to a ground surface, for example a hockey net to an ice surface. The sports net includes at least one post having an end. The pin mount system includes: a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post, a resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post, and a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member. The pin is releasable from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the sports net, and the sports net stays in place when minor force is applied, for example.
In another example embodiment, there is provided a sports net system including a sports net having at least one post which includes a first end, and the pin mount system for securing the first end to the ground surface.
In another example embodiment, there is provided a use of the pin mount system, for releasably mounting of the sports net to the ground surface.
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A loop connector 218 can be fixedly secured to a middle connector 220, for example using screw threads. The loop connector 218 can move freely through the channel 212 of the cap 206, in an example embodiment. The middle connector 220 can include a flange 222 which nests or secures the resilient member 204 between the flange 222 and the cap 206, and wherein the resilient member 204 (spring coil) surrounds the middle connector 220. As can be seen in
The pin 202 includes a proximal end 224 and a distal end 226. The proximal end 224 can be fixedly secured to the middle connector 220, for example using respective screw threads. The pin 202 can generally move through the respective channels 214, 216 of the housing body 208 and the foot 210. As shown in
In an example embodiment, the pin 202 is formed of a rigid material, such as metal, aluminum, stainless steel, zinc-plated, etc. In other example embodiments, the pin 202 is formed of semi-rigid or resilient material such as polymer, composite, hard rubber, etc.
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Rather than a double over-center lock 250, in other example embodiments a single over-center lock (not shown) can be used, for example when there is only one pin 202.
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In some example embodiments, the handle 130 may be positioned at different locations. For example, the handle 130 can be mounted to the first post 106 (
In an example embodiment, further pin mount systems (not shown) can have a respective pin which can be used for mounting of the sports net 102 to the ground surface 104. For example, a third pin mount system (not shown) having a respective retractable pin can be located in the rear post 110 (
The above example embodiments have primarily described the pin mount system 200 for mounting of a hockey net to an ice surface. In some example embodiments, the sports net 102 may comprises other types of sports nets, for example soccer nets, lacrosse nets, etc. In some example embodiments, in some suitable applications the ground surface 104 may comprises ground surfaces such as dirt, sand, grass, rubber, wood, etc. In some example embodiments, the ground surface 104 may comprise a gymnasium floor having holes that can have corresponding covers (not shown) when not being used.
It can be appreciated that, in some example embodiments, screw thread connections that are described or illustrated can be exterior screw threads which engage interior screw threads, or vice-versa as applicable. In some example embodiments, other connections or fasteners can be used instead of screw thread connections, as applicable.
Variations may be made to some example embodiments, which may include combinations and sub-combinations of any of the above. The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this disclosure. Variations of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such variations being within the intended scope of the present disclosure. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected to create alternative embodiments comprised of a sub-combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected and combined to create alternative embodiments comprised of a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present disclosure as a whole. The subject matter described herein intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.
Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.
Claims
1. A pin mount system for mounting a sports net to a ground surface, wherein the sports net includes at least one post having an end, the pin mount system comprising:
- a pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end for positioning within the post;
- a resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the pin to extend the distal end of the pin past the end of the post; and
- a handle operably connected to the pin to retract the pin against the resilient member.
2. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a spring coil.
3. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a cable which connects the handle to the proximal end of the pin.
4. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distal end of the pin comprises a taper to an end point.
5. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an amount of the pin which normally extends past the end of the post is of a length which permits release from the ground surface in response to an amount of force applied to the post.
6. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein retraction of the pin causes retraction of the distal end of the pin to within the end of the post.
7. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin is formed of a rigid material.
8. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing which defines a channel for housing of the pin, the pin moveable within the channel.
9. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing includes a foot having a flange for engaging the end of the post.
10. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing houses the resilient member.
11. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the housing further comprises a first casing and a second casing, the first casing and the second casing including corresponding screw threads for connecting there between.
12. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 11, wherein an amount of the pin which normally extends past the end of the post is adjustable by an amount of screw connection between the first casing and the second casing.
13. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an over-center lock which operably connects the handle to the pin.
14. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle is located at a top center position of one of the posts which comprises an upper crossbar.
15. The pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one post includes a second end, further comprising:
- a second pin for positioning within the second end;
- a second resilient member in compression to normally exert an extensive force to the second pin to extend the distal end past the second end; and
- the handle operably connected to the second pin to retract the pin against the second resilient member.
16. A sports net system, comprising:
- a sports net having at least one post which includes a first end; and
- the pin mount system as claimed in claim 1 for securing the first end to the ground surface.
17. The sports net system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one post includes a second end, the sports net system further comprising a second pin mount system for securing the second end to the ground surface.
18. The sports net system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the handle is operably connected to both the first pin mount system and the second pin mount system.
19. The sports net system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the handle is located at a top center position of one of the posts which comprises an upper crossbar.
20. A use of the pin mount system as claimed in claim 1, for releasably mounting of the sports net to the ground surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 22, 2017
Publication Date: Sep 28, 2017
Inventors: Alex MAKARENKO (Bradford), Richard Charles HAMPTON (King City)
Application Number: 15/466,194