RETRACTABLE SPORTS NET SYSTEM

Abstract

A retractable sports net system comprising a backdrop having a top portion, middle portion and bottom portion wherein the top portion can be attached to a rotatable tube. A first wheel and a second wheel wherein the first wheel and second wheel are attached to the tube wherein a first guide cable and a second guide cable are attached to the first and second wheel and the bottom portion. A first bracket and a second bracket wherein the first and second bracket are attached to the tube and a ceiling. A basket that is integrated in the bottom portion of the backdrop.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit from currently pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/285,257 titled “Retractable Sports Net System” and having a filing date of Dec. 2, 2021, all of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification relates to a sports net or a practice net, more specifically a retractable sports net.

BACKGROUND

Sports nets are commonly used for a wide variety of sporting activities, including practicing baseball, golf, softball or other hitting, kicking or throwing sports. A representative, but certainly not exhaustive, list includes batting and pitching practice for baseball, kicking practice for soccer, throwing and kicking practice for football, and driving practice for golf, throwing practice for frisbee. It is typical to use the net as a backstop to protect bystanders or objects by limiting the travel of the ball or projectile and as a target.

Those who are serious about practicing sport skills may not be able to conveniently travel to playing fields that allow sufficient space for hitting, throwing, or kicking balls. Practice that involves hitting, throwing, or kicking a ball in a relatively small back yard may only be possible if some type of backstop is used to limit the travel of the ball. In addition, in areas such as Arizona where it is extremely hot in the summer months, practicing outside is not a viable option and practicing in an air conditioning room is necessary. Most of it not all practice nets require an individual to setup a net frame or structure outside. This structure usually consists of a frame and a net where the frame supports the net at a giving height and width. The frame can be one piece, or it consists of multiple pieces that slide together forming a rigid structure. The net is connected to the frame by hooks or loops. In certain situations, a permanent installation of such a backstop may not be practical, and travel sports nets can be time consuming and difficult to put up and take down. Travel sports nets also require space to be stored when not in use.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a sports net that is easily set-up, easily taken down, and convenient to store.

SUMMARY

Aspects disclosed herein comprise a retractable sports net system comprising a backdrop having a top portion, middle portion and bottom portion wherein the top portion can be attached to a rotatable tube. A first wheel and a second wheel wherein the first wheel and second wheel are attached to the tube wherein a first guide cable and a second guide cable are attached to the first and second wheel and the bottom portion. A first bracket and a second bracket wherein the first and second bracket are attached to the tube and a ceiling. A basket that is integrated in the bottom portion of the backdrop. The tube can have a first end which is connected to a motor wherein the motor rotates the tube causing the tube to wind or unwind the backdrop around the tube, thereby raising or lowering the net. The backdrop can be a net. The backdrop and basket can be integral to each other. The sports net can further comprise one or more weights on at least one of the net or basket.

The net can be removably attached to the tube. The motor can be connected to at least one shaft connected to the tube, drive gear, a pulley, a spring, or a crank. The motor is battery powered or connected to an outlet. The motor can be remote or manually controlled. The remote control can be a smart device. The motor can be programmable. The retractable sports net system can further comprise a net housing. The mounting brackets are ceiling mounting brackets.

A method of assembling a retractable sports net system comprising providing a backdrop and a rotatable tube. Attaching the backdrop along the length of the tube. A motor can be coupled to the first end or second end of the rotatable tube. Coupling a first wheel and a second wheel to the tube. Coupling at least one guide cable to the first wheel and the second wheel. Running at least one of the at least one guide cables through a pulley and coupling the at least one of the at least one guide cables to the bottom portion of the backdrop. Coupling at least one weight to the net or the basket. The net is removably attached to the tube and the tube is situated within a net housing. Coupling mounting brackets to the ceiling and the first and second end and/or the tube.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain, and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of . . . , without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

Additional features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present specification will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a retractable sports net system in accordance to one, or

more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a retractable sports net system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a retractable sports net system in its closed position in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a retractable sports net system omitting a pulley in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a close-up side view of a retractable sports net system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 is an front view of another embodiment of a retractable sports net system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 is front view of another embodiment of a retractable sports net system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 8 is front view of a retractable sports net system in its closed position in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 9 is an example of another embodiment of a retractable sports net system in accordance to one, or more embodiments;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a retractable sports net system in its open position in accordance to one, or more embodiments; and

FIG. 11 is a mounting system of a retractable sports net system in accordance to one, or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5 a retractable sports net system is shown generally at 100. The retractable sports net system can comprise a backdrop 105 having a top portion 110, a middle portion 112, and a bottom portion 114 wherein the top portion has a connection point 113. The top portion 110 can be coupled to a tube 116 by the connection point 114 wherein the tube can have a length extending between at least two wheels, a first wheel 120 and a second wheel 121 wherein the wheels can be removably attached to or permanently attached to the tube. The first wheel 120 can be coupled to a first guide cable 134 and the second wheel 121 can be coupled to a second guide cable 135, wherein each wheel can be coupled to the tube 116. The first guide cable 134 and the second guide cable 135 can be couple to the bottom portion 114.

The first wheel 120 and the second wheel 121 can fit over the tube 116 wherein the wheels can be such as, for example, fixed pulley, movable pulley, cone pulley or the like. The tube 116 can be such as, for example, a rod, cylindrical tube, octagonal tube, spring barrel, leveling rods, composite rod, drapery rod, or the like. The top portion 110 can be attached along the tube 116 by any attaching means, such as, adhesives, slot and rod, hooks, hook and eye loop, fender washer, rubber washer or the like. In certain embodiments, the top portion 110 can have a sleeve (not shown) wherein the sleeve can have a rod placed into the sleeve and the tube 116 can have a slot wherein the rod and net sleeve can be slide into the slot keeping the top portion secured as the tube rotates rolling up the backdrop on the tube.

In embodiments, the backdrop 105 can be removably or permanently attached to the tube 116. In at least one embodiment the backdrop 105 can be attached to the rod with one-quarter inch fender washer with a one-quarter inch rubber washer every one-and-a-half inches. The tube 116 can be as long as the backdrop 105 is wide, or it can be longer or shorter to accommodate space available and installation needs. In other embodiments the backdrop 105 can comprise a grommet 122 on its top portion 110 which can be attached to at least one carabiner 124 which can be attached to a threaded rod 128 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 wherein the carabiner can be captured between two or more nuts 126. The threaded rod 128 can be attached to the tube 116 by at least one fastener 130 wherein the fasteners can be eyelets, U-bolts, staple, clamp or the like. In certain embodiments the threaded rod 128 can be such as, for example, steel rod, plastic rod, all thread, shafts, bar stock, or the like.

In embodiments, the tube 116 can have a first end 146 and a second end 148 wherein the first end and the second end can have at least one rod 142 extending to at least two brackets, a first bracket 144 and a second bracket 145. The first bracket 144 and the second bracket 145 can be selectively coupled to a surface 103 wherein the surface can be such as, for example, the ceiling, a wood support, a metal support, or the like. The first bracket 144 and the second bracket 145 can be attached to the ceiling or wall of a room, garage, or outdoor structure it is being placed in. The brackets 144, 145 can be such as, for example, corner brackets, roof mounting brackets, L-brackets, strut channel, framing brackets, or the like. The second end 148 or the first end 146 can have a motor 150 attached to it wherein the motor can rotate the tube 116 wrapping and unwrapping the backdrop 105 on the tube. The motor 150 can have a shaft (not shown) wherein the shaft can be coupled to the tube 116 and/or the rods 142 directly. The motor 150 can be such as, for example, a direct drive motor, stepper motor, ac/dc motor, brushless motor or the like.

The backdrop 105 can be comprised of any material suitable for sports netting material such as plastic, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, hemp, jute, and/or the like. The backdrop 105 can be such as, for example, a tight weave, a loose weave, knotted weave, looped weave, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the backdrop 105 is a three-quarter high impact net that is at least seven feet wide and at least ten feet tall. The backdrop 105 can be substantially smaller or substantially larger to accommodate space available for the retractable sports net system 100 within such as, for example, a garage, a living room, a game room, or the like. The backdrop 105 can be sized to allow balls such as, for example, golf balls, baseballs, pickleballs, tennis balls, or the like to be hit into the net without the ball going through the net.

The retractable sports net system 100 can further comprise at least one guide cable wherein a first guide cable 134 can be attached to the first wheel 120 and the second guide cable 135 can be attached to the second wheel 121. The first guide cable 134 and the second guide cable 135 can extend to and attach to the bottom portion 114. The first guide cable 134 and the second guide cable 135 can be such as, for example, wire rope, rope, braided cable, braided cable with a coating or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the bottom portion 114 can comprise a second sleeve (not shown) wherein the second sleeve can comprise a semi-rigid, or rigid rod wherein can extend the width of the backdrop 105. In certain embodiments, a plurality of ties 140 can be attached to the backdrop 105 wherein the ties can be spaced along the outside perimeter of the backdrop keeping the backdrop substantially taut or loose which can keep the backdrop from caving in when another object, such as a ball, comes into contact with the backdrop. The ties 140 can be any means of attaching the backdrop 105 to the guide cable 134, 135 such as, for example, a fabric strips, a loop, a twisty tie, a cable tie, a zip tie, a hook and loop strip, or the like.

The first guide cable 134 and the second guide cable 135 can loop through at least two pulleys 136, a first pulley and a second pulley, and can be attached to the bottom portion 114 of the net as shown in FIG. 4. The pulleys 136 can be attached to the ceiling wherein the pulleys can extend the guide cables 134, 135 away from the top portion 110 and tube 116 to allow for the backdrop to roll up or down on the tube. In certain embodiments the at least two pulleys 136 can be omitted and the first guide cable 134 and the second guide cable 135 can be coupled directly to the bottom portion 114 through a grommet, or the bottom portion can have a rod or a bar stock that extends the length of the tube 116.

Referring to FIGS. 6-11, the retractable sports net system 100 can further comprise a basket 150 that can be formed from the bottom portion 114 of the backdrop 105 or it can be separate and attached to the bottom portion. The basket 150 can have a back 155, side 160, front 165, and bottom 170 wherein the basket can be attached to the backdrop bottom portion 114 and can be comprised of any suitable material such as, plastic, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, cotton, or the like or combination of materials. The basket 150 can be attached to the backdrop 105 by any permanent or removable means, such as, stitching, lashing, hook and loop, hook and eye, snaps, zippers, grommets, ties, or the like. The basket 150 can be the same material, different material, or a combination of same and different materials as the backdrop 105.

The basket 150 can be the same width as the backdrop 105, or it can be wider or narrower. Preferably, the basket 150 is seven feet wide by five inches deep by five inches tall, but the basket can be smaller or larger to accommodate space available and/or specific uses. The basket 150 is pictured to be attached to the backdrop 105 at the basket back 155, but the basket could be attached to the backdrop at the basket side 160 or other to accommodate specific uses. The basket sides 160 can be covered, closed, open, slotted, or the like. The basket bottom can be comprised of and/or coated with a high friction material such as rubber, plastic, polymer, silicone, and/or the like. The basket 170 can have a defined back, side, and front, or they can be integral. In at least one embodiment they can be created by looping the backdrop 105 up in front of itself.

The retractable sports net system 100 can also comprise at least one weight 175 which can be attached to the backdrop 105 and/or basket 170 to help keep the net in a desired location or the bottom portion ca be attached to the ground by an anchor in the ground wherein the ground is a concrete slap or dirt, and the anchor can be such as, for example, a fastener, steel stud anchor, pin drive anchors, drywall anchors, or the like. The weight is preferably can be a two-pound weight, but it can be heavier or lighter from at least 1 lbs to 100 lbs. The weight can be such as, for example, metal, cast iron, stainless steel, sand, sandbags, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the basket 150 can be omitted.

The tube 116 can have a motor 150 attached to the inside or outside of the tube and can rotate the tube internally. The motor 150 causes the tube 116 to rotate, and in turn causes the backdrop 105 to wind onto or off of the tube 116, which raises and/or lowers the backdrop. The motor 150 can be connected to any turning means, such as a rod, a crank 220, a pulley 225, a spring 230, or the like. The motor 150 can be a programmable motor and be controlled by a remote control 240 or by a user's smartphone wherein a controller and drive 153 can be attached to the motor. The motor 150 can be programmed to stop lowering the net 100 at a certain height, to raise at a certain time of day, to raise with a garage door opener, and/or the like. The remote control 240 can be a wireless remote, a Bluetooth control, a mobile device, or the like.

The tube 116 can be contained in a housing (not shown). In at least one embodiment the retractable sports net system 10 can be installed outside in front of a garage door. In this embodiment the housing helps protect the net and mechanisms from the elements. The housing can be attached to mounting hardware such as, angle iron, hooks, eyes, brackets, clips, bolts, and/or the like. In at least one embodiment mounting hardware can be arranged so that the housing can be mounted from above as shown in FIG. 11.

In one embodiment, the net 100 would be wound up onto the tube 116 length and contained within the housing that surrounds or encompasses the backdrop 105. The housing (not shown) can be installed near the top and in front of a garage door, hanging from the top of the garage door frame. The remote control 240 causes the motor 150 to turn the drive gear, which unwinds the net 100 from the tube 115, causing the net to lower as shown in FIG. 10.

In at least one embodiment the tube 116 can be flat. The motor 150 causes the first guide cable 134 and the second guide cable 135 to wind onto at least one wheel which can be a first wheel 120 and a second wheel 121 which shortens the guide cable and causes the backdrop 105 to raise. In other embodiments the motor 150 can be a hand crank lift, or any other manual or motor lifting mechanism. A solar panel can be attached to the motor 150 or a battery wherein the battery can be recharged by the solar panel.

In certain embodiments the backdrop 105 can further comprise one or more accessories 515 and attaching means for accessories, such as, hook, hook and loop, hook and eye, and/or the like. The accessories 515 can be various lines such as, hockey goal outline, line for marking line drives, strike zone for pitching, and/or the like. One or more accessories can be a sensor 510, such as, sensor for speed, location, vibrations, force, heart rate, motion-capturing, or the like wherein the sensors can be accelerometer, piezo film, piezo cables, radar, photo optic, or the like.

The net 100 can further comprise at least one monitor 505 for the at least one sensor 510 to show various statistical information such as, ball speed, swing speed, force, hear rate, shot angles, or the like as shown in FIG. 9. The monitor can also show various information about the net position, power consumption, weather, and/or the like. The monitor can be integral with the net, separate from the net, attachable to the net as an accessory, contained with the remote control, and/or the like. It can be a flexible screen monitor.

The net can further comprise at least one light. The at least one light can be integral with the net, separate from the net, attachable to the net as an accessory, mountable to the net housing, or the like. The net can further comprise a power source 520 which can be, for example, a power grid (i.e. hardwire to a home's electrical power or plugged into an electrical outlet), photo voltaic panel, battery, and/or the like.

A method of assembling a retractable sports net system 10 comprising providing a backdrop coupled to a basket and having a bottom portion and then coupling the backdrop along the length of a rotatable tube. A motor can be coupled to the first end or second end of the rotatable tube. Coupling a first wheel and a second wheel to the tube. Coupling at least one guide cable to the first wheel and the second wheel. Running at least one of the at least one guide cables through a pulley and coupling the at least one of the at least one guide cables to the bottom portion of the backdrop. Coupling at least one weight to the net or the basket. The net is removably attached to the tube. The motor is coupled to at least one of a tube, a shaft, a pull, a spring, or a crank. Situating the tube within a net housing. Coupling mounting brackets to the ceiling and the first and second end 146, 148 and/or the tube.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the methods and devices described herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A retractable sports net system to be coupled to a surface, the system comprising:

a backdrop having a top portion, a middle portion and a bottom portion wherein the top portion has a connection point;

a rotatable tube selectively coupled to the connection point;

a first wheel coupled to a first guide cable, and a second wheel coupled to a second guide cable, each wheel coupled to the tube, wherein the first guide cable and the second guide cable are coupled to the bottom portion;

a first bracket and a second bracket is selectively coupled to the surface; and

the first bracket and the second bracket coupled to the tube; and

a basket integrated in the bottom portion of the backdrop.

2. The sports net of claim 1 wherein the tube has a first end and a second end wherein a motor is coupled to either the first end or second end wherein the motor rotates the tube causing the tube to wind or unwind the backdrop around the tube, thereby raising or lowering the net.

3. The retractable sports net system of claim 1 wherein the first guide cable and the second guide cable loop through a first pulley and a second pulley and down to the bottom portion.

4. The retractable sports net system of claim 1 wherein the backdrop is a net.

5. The retractable sports net system of claim 1 wherein the backdrop and basket are integral.

6. The retractable sports net system of claim 1 further comprising one or more weights on at least one of the net or basket.

7. The retractable sports net system of claim 1 wherein the net is removably attached to the tube.

8. The retractable sports net system of claim 2 wherein the motor is connected to at least one of a shaft connected to the tube, a drive gear, a pulley, a spring, or a crank.

9. The retractable sports net system of claim 7 wherein the motor is battery powered or selectively coupled to an outlet.

10. The sports net of claim 8 wherein the motor is remotely or manually controlled.

11. The sport net of claim 10 wherein the remote control is a smart device.

12. The sports net of claim 8 wherein the motor is programmable.

13. The sports net of claim 1 further comprising a net housing.

14. The sports net of claim 1 wherein the mounting brackets are ceiling mounting brackets.

15. A method of assembling a retractable sports net system comprising:

providing a backdrop coupled to a basket and having a bottom portion,

coupling the backdrop along the length of a rotatable tube,

coupling a motor to of the rotatable tube;

coupling a first wheel and a second wheel to the tube;

coupling at least one guide cable to the first wheel and the second wheel;

running at least one of the at least one guide cables through a pulley and coupling the at least one of the at least one guide cables to the bottom portion of the backdrop.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising coupling at least one weight to the net or the basket.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the net is removably attached to the tube.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the motor is coupled to at least one of a tube, a shaft, a pull, a spring, or a crank.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising situating the tube within a net housing.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising coupling mounting brackets to the net housing.