Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to acquire first detection data for a first height range in a predetermined region. The processor generates a first environment map based on the first detection data and acquires second detection data for a second height range greater than the first height range in the predetermined region. The processor further acquires third detection data for a third height range included in the second height range and then superimposes a projected image of the third detection data on the first environment map to generate a superimposed image. The processor sets a prohibited area for an autonomous, mobile robot in the first environment map based on the superimposed image.

Abstract: An ice hockey goal post peg includes a molded rubber body extending longitudinally from a top post surface to a bottom ice surface. A post plate is disposed within the rubber body. At least one stud is attached to the post plate. The at least one stud extends beyond the bottom ice surface in a direction toward an ice surface when the goal post peg is installed.

Abstract: A goal apparatus for soccer (football) and the like has a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth.

Abstract: A goal apparatus for soccer (football) and the like has a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth.

Abstract: A net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile, that is easy to setup and is collapsible such that the frame structure is easy to assemble by a single individual. The net apparatus comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion.

Abstract: Goal apparatus comprising a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth. A frame for use in the goal apparatus. A net for use in the goal apparatus comprising first, second and third edges, and a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member extending along the first, second and third edge respectively.

Abstract: An adaptation kit is used for adapting a standard tennis court into at least one tennis court of a smaller size. The kit has a hook for attachment to the center strap anchor of the standard tennis court and a hook for attachment to a link in a fence bounding the standard court. The kit includes a net suspension line extendible between the hooks, and a pair of posts, each post having a foot for engagement with the ground and a support element at its top for supporting the net suspension line. The kit includes a net suspended from the net suspension line. The kit can include a cross-strap extending between the attachments, the cross strap, in use, extending at ground level directly between the center strap anchor and the link.

Abstract: A collapsible tennis net support is disclosed. The collapsible tennis net support includes a plurality of lightweight tubing to easily fold-up for easy storage and transport. The collapsible tennis net support deploys from a folded position to a fully erect position with a simple and one-handed movement and includes a height indication indicia utilized to measure a proper height of a center of tennis net and placement of the collapsible tennis net support.

Abstract: A net or barrier has strategically located pocket(s) attached to the net over holes(s) in the net/barrier in order to catch a ball or projectile that passes through the hole(s). A computer-assisted method displays information, more particularly advertisement, onto a net or barrier. The computer-assisted display is viewable by a TV or video audience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a free-standing post comprising stabilizer means for stabilizing it on the ground, a non-rigid element for holding an article, which element extends upwards over a height H and has a bottom portion extended by a top portion. First anchor means are arranged between the stabilizer means and the bottom portion. In addition, a flexible longitudinal element is of length greater than the height H of the non-rigid element. Second anchor means are arranged between the bottom end of the flexible longitudinal element and the stabilizer means. Third anchor means are arranged between the top end of the flexible longitudinal element and the top end of the top portion of said non-rigid element. The invention also relates to a sport game set equipped with at least one such free-standing post.

Abstract: A holding device (4) for a net (6) of a table-tennis table with two playing area leaves (1, 2) and an underframe (3), wherein the holding apparatus (4) includes two holding units (5) which can be arranged on opposite sides of the two playing area leaves (1, 2), and wherein each of the holding units (5) can be attached on at least one of the playing area leaves (1, 2) or on the substructure (3) and can hold one end of the net (6) and wherein the holding apparatus (4) includes at least one blocking means (7) which is arranged on one of the holding units (5) and, in the mounted state of the holding device (4), can be transferred into a blocking position in which it abuts against the under surfaces of the two playing area leaves (1, 2).

Abstract: A multi-functional gaming assembly may include a portable free-standing first section capable of being selectively modified into a baseball batting game, a basketball shooting game, and a tether-ball swinging game assembly respectively. A portable free-standing second section may be removably connected to the portable free-standing first section in such a manner that the portable free-standing first and second sections may cooperate to selectively include a tennis playing game, a badminton playing game, and a volleyball playing game. A plurality of anchor stakes may be removably attached to the portable free-standing first and second sections respectively. The portable free-standing first section may include a mobile primary base which may include a wire frame preferably having a handle and a plurality of rings extending out from a perimeter of the wire frame. The portable free-standing second section may include a mobile auxiliary base spaced apart from the mobile primary base.

Abstract: Provided are various embodiments of a net system which includes a perpendicularly intersecting net apparatus which allows individuals to play a game combining features of conventional volleyball and conventional four square. The net system includes a first net portion, a second net portion, a third net portion, and a fourth net portion which intersect at a midpoint to form a cross or “+” shape.

Abstract: A strengthened support structure for a net post assembly used in ball games comprises a plurality of lower support units disposed between two lateral support rod assemblies thereof, and each of the lower support units includes a first support section, a second support section, and a support body. The first support section and the second support section are connected to define an angle therebetween, and the support body is connected to the free ends of the first support section and the second support section. Each of the lower support units acts as an independent stress-sharing structure, so that stress can be equally distributed over the lower support units. The angle defined between the first support section and the second support section cooperate with the support body to strengthen the structural strength of the respective lower support units, which maintains the distance between the two lateral support rod assemblies constant.

Abstract: A portable ping pong set having a net assembly comprising a first post having a first base member, a second post having a second base member, and a net fixedly secured within each of the first and second posts and extendible therebetween, the first and second base members operatively arranged to form an assembly base when the first and second base members are proximate one another, the assembly base having a first shape when the first and second base members are proximate one another; and, a paddle having a blade and retractable handle, the blade having a second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape are substantially similar when the handle is retracted into the blade.

Abstract: A net standard for attachment to basketball rims to which nets of games such as volleyball or badminton can be attached.

Abstract: An adjustable net post assembly used in ball games comprises: an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, a spring, an outer pipe and an inner pipe. By rotating the outer sleeve, the protrusion of the outer sleeve is moved to the first positioning portion or the second positioning portion the slot of the inner sleeve, so that the positioning protrusion of the positioning member will be disengaged from or engaged in the positioning hole of the inner pipe, which allows the inner pipe to be adjusted by being retracted or extended with respect to the outer pipe.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves, supporting and securing a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper protective collar, and in some embodiments a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert which may be formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: A net standard for attachment to basketball rims to which nets of games such as volleyball or badminton can be attached.

Abstract: A strengthened support structure for a net post assembly used in ball games comprises a plurality of lower support units disposed between two lateral support rod assemblies thereof, and each of the lower support units includes a first support section, a second support section, and a support body. The first support section and the second support section are connected to define an angle therebetween, and the support body is connected to the free ends of the first support section and the second support section. Each of the lower support units acts as an independent stress-sharing structure, so that stress can be equally distributed over the lower support units. The angle defined between the first support section and the second support section cooperate with the support body to strengthen the structural strength of the respective lower support units, which maintains the distance between the two lateral support rod assemblies constant.

Abstract: An improved retractable court standard is described. The retractable court standard typically comprises a plurality of elongated tubular sections and an elongated top section. Each of the elongated tubular sections has a top end and a bottom end, and different dimension. Additionally, the elongated top section typically has a top end and a bottom end, and a net securing assembly coupled proximal the top end. At least one elongated tubular section is slidably and rotatably disposed within another circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section. Importantly, the at least one elongated tubular section has one of at least one rotational locking channel and at least one securing pin. The circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section has the other of the at least one rotational locking channel and the at least one securing pin. Methods of extending, retracting, and storing the improved retractable court standard are also described.

Abstract: An adjustable net post assembly used in ball games comprises: an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, a spring, an outer pipe and an inner pipe. By rotating the outer sleeve, the protrusion of the outer sleeve is moved to the first positioning portion or the second positioning portion the slot of the inner sleeve, so that the positioning protrusion of the positioning member will be disengaged from or engaged in the positioning hole of the inner pipe, which allows the inner pipe to be adjusted by being retracted or extended with respect to the outer pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a free-standing post comprising stabilizer means for stabilizing it on the ground, a non-rigid element for holding an article, which element extends upwards over a height H and has a bottom portion extended by a top portion. First anchor means are arranged between the stabilizer means and the bottom portion. In addition, a flexible longitudinal element is of length greater than the height H of the non-rigid element. Second anchor means are arranged between the bottom end of the flexible longitudinal element and the stabilizer means. Third anchor means are arranged between the top end of the flexible longitudinal element and the top end of the top portion of said non-rigid element. The invention also relates to a sport game set equipped with at least one such free-standing post.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves, supporting and securing a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper protective collar, and in some embodiments a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert which may be formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper and a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert and may be, but is not necessarily, formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: An improved retractable court standard is described. The retractable court standard typically comprises a plurality of elongated tubular sections and an elongated top section. Each of the elongated tubular sections has a top end and a bottom end, and different dimension. Additionally, the elongated top section typically has a top end and a bottom end, and a net securing assembly coupled proximal the top end. At least one elongated tubular section is slidably and rotatably disposed within another circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section. Importantly, the at least one elongated tubular section has one of at least one rotational locking channel and at least one securing pin. The circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section has the other of the at least one rotational locking channel and the at least one securing pin. Methods of extending, retracting, and storing the improved retractable court standard are also described.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper and a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert and may be, but is not necessarily, formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper and a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert and may be, but is not necessarily, formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: This trampoline enclosure net design relates to a rebounding mat assembly and an enclosure net that surrounds the periphery of the rebounding mat assembly. The enclosure net is attached to the rebounding mat assembly by the enclosure net poles. The enclosure net pole includes: the body of the pole that is attached to the rebounding mat assembly and a connection assembly that sits at the top end of the body of the pole; a hanging hook is placed at the connection assembly; the hanging hook is connected to the enclosure net pole through an extendable piece. A connection assembly is placed at the top end of the pole; a hanging hook is placed at the connection assembly; the hanging hook is connected to the enclosure net pole through an extendable piece, allowing the enclosure net to expand and contract and buffer impact by user on the enclosure net.

Abstract: A net assembly for game play, e.g., volleyball, badminton, or other games, is disclosed. The net assembly includes a first net pole, a second net pole, a first collar for securing to the first net pole, and a second collar for securing to the second net pole. A stabilizer cord is provided that has stakes affixed to each end. The collars each have a securement device for securing the collars to a net pole, a stabilizer affixing portion for receiving a stabilizer cord and a net affixing device for receiving a net cord. Preferably, the stabilizer affixing portion receives a midpoint of the stabilizer cord. Additionally, net poles preferably have a non-circular shape and the collars preferably have a complimentary shape to that of the non-circular net poles. The mating non-circular shapes enable the collars to be positioned at a desired angular orientation.

Abstract: A sportsball rebounder includes a sports net having a frameless perimeter, opposite upper corners, and a bottom, a pair of adjustable spring mechanisms coupled to the upper corners and providing the upper corners in tension in an upward vertical direction and a outward horizontal direction, the adjustable spring mechanisms disposed rearward of the sports net and including lower ends adjacent the ground that are freely pivotal relative to the ground, the lower ends forming vertices of angles defined by the adjustable spring mechanisms and the ground, and the angles freely changeable with free pivotal movement of the lower ends of the adjustable spring mechanisms; wherein the tension in the sports net is adjustable with the adjustable spring mechanisms while the sports net is under tension and the sports net is vertically oriented upon adjustment of the tension in the sports net with the adjustable spring mechanism.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper and a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert and may be, but is not necessarily, formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a net playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a metallic tube, an upper protective collar, a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The metallic tube is extendable and retractable from the composite tube and may be made of a light-weight, rigid metal. The protective collars may protect the composite tube substantially preventing damage to the reinforcing fibers during installation and setup. The locking tool locks the metallic tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus for supporting a sports ball net, such as a volleyball net. The system includes a first support standard and a second support standard. The first support standard includes a main body, a net tensioning assembly secured to the body, and an adjustable lower support assembly secured to the body for removably securing the first support standard with a first floor support sleeve. A second support standard includes a main body and an adjustable lower support assembly secured to the body for removably securing the second support standard with the second floor support sleeve. The system further includes a net support line removably attached to the tensioning assembly of the first support standard and to the second support standard.

Abstract: A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a net playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a metallic tube, an upper protective collar, a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The metallic tube is extendable and retractable from the composite tube and may be made of a light-weight, rigid metal. The protective collars may protect the composite tube substantially preventing damage to the reinforcing fibers during installation and setup. The locking tool locks the metallic tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height.

Abstract: A frameless portable suspension system includes a tensional two-dimensional material having a frameless perimeter, opposite upper corners, and a bottom secured to ground, the tensional two-dimensional material located in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground; a pair of adjustable spring mechanisms coupled to the upper corners and providing the upper corners in tension in an upward vertical direction and a outward horizontal direction, and wherein the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material is adjustable with the adjustable spring mechanisms while the tensional two-dimensional material is under tension and the tensional two-dimensional material is positionable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground upon adjustment of the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material with the adjustable spring mechanism.

Abstract: A soccer goal pad comprises an integrally formed foam body for overlying the playing surface of a goal post. The pad is self retained on the post. The goal pad provides impact-cushioning along the playing surface so as to reduce the risk of injury, while minimizing its affect on the trajectory and speed of a soccer goal bouncing off of the padded post. A method of making the goal pad is disclosed.

Abstract: A net post-supporting device of a ping-pong table includes a net post and a bottom base composed of a lower plate and an upper plate. The lower plate is fixed with an upright threaded rod at an eccentric location, and the upper plate is bored with an insert hole for the threaded rod to be inserted therethrough. The net post positioned on the upper plate is shaped hollow and has its lower inner end formed with a threaded hole for the threaded rod to be screwed therethrough, letting the upper end of the threaded rod extending in the hollow interior of the net post. After the upper and the lower plate are respectively mounted on the upper and the lower side of the edge of the table, the net post is screwed tight to firmly fix the two plates sandwiching the edge of the table, convenient in handling and using.

Abstract: A frameless portable suspension system includes a tensional two-dimensional material having a frameless perimeter, opposite upper corners, and a bottom secured to ground, the tensional two-dimensional material located in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground; a pair of adjustable spring mechanisms coupled to the upper corners and providing the upper corners in tension in an upward vertical direction and a outward horizontal direction, and wherein the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material is adjustable with the adjustable spring mechanisms while the tensional two-dimensional material is under tension and the tensional two-dimensional material is positionable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground upon adjustment of the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material with the adjustable spring mechanism.

Abstract: A cover housing for a tennis net support post includes a casing which defines an interior chamber and can, be positioned over the support post, and a cap which fits on top of the casing, the casing including upper and lower positioning means for contacting the support post therein to fix the casing in position relative to the support post and adjust its orientation, e.g. to vertical. The cap includes a slot through which a tennis net cable can pass into the interior chamber of the casing. An embodiment of the housing embodiment for covering a support post having a cable winch mounted thereon includes a vertical slot in its outer side to enable the tennis net cable to pass to the cable winch (remounted on its outer side) after having passed over the upper end of the support post therein. The positioning means can include a mounting element that extends into the side of the casing and a screw element that extends through the mounting element into the interior chamber of the casing.

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

Abstract: A method for adjusting the height of a volleyball net comprises operatively connecting a net-supporting cable, which supports a net, to upper post sections, tensioning the net-supporting cable to a net-supporting tension which is sufficiently great that first and second ends of the net's upper edge margin does not exceed the elevation of the mid-point of the net's upper edge margin by more than approximately ¾″ (2 cm) when the first and second ends of the net's upper edge margin are at approximately the same elevation, and moving the upper post sections between raised and lowered positions without reducing the tension of the cable below the net-supporting tension.

Abstract: A tensioned cable and two small nets system used on a tennis court to keep tennis balls that are hit into the tennis net from rolling out into the playing area. The two nets are approximately as long but not as high as the tennis net and are located parallel and on opposite sides of the tennis net. The smaller nets are connected to the cable that surrounds the net posts and the tennis net through the means of four horizontal posts with each pair of horizontal posts being connected by an adjustable metal strap and each pair of horizontal posts used on one net post. The adjustable metal strap joins each pair of horizontal posts at a width just wide enough to make them fit snugly against the sides of the vertical net posts forming a horizontal crossbar on each net post. An adjustable fastener is located on the same end but opposite side of the horizontal posts as the metal strap. The adjustable fastener is tightened to keep the horizontal posts in place temporarily until the cable is tightened.

Abstract: A net support rack assembly comprising two connectors, two longitudinal tubes, four transverse tubes, two elastic cords, two bottom tubes, two first connecting tubes, a second connecting tube, a net, an elastic lock, and two clamping members. Thus, the net is fully stretched and expanded on the two longitudinal tubes by the elastic force of the elastic lock. In addition, each of the two longitudinal tubes, each of the two connectors, each of the two bottom tubes, each of the two first connecting tubes and the second connecting tube are closely combined with each other by the elastic force of the elastic lock.

Abstract: A net fixing rack structure includes a base, a fixing tube, and a mounting tube. The base is formed with an oblique through hole. The fixing tube has a first end formed with a pin rod and a screw portion and a second end formed with a transverse through hole. The mounting tube is mounted on the fixing tube. The oblique through hole of the base has a determined inclined angle, so that the fixing tube is fixed in the ground with a determined inclined angle. Thus, after the whole net fixing rack structure is assembled, the mounting tube is inclined relative to the ground with a determined angle, thereby enhancing the supporting effect of the net fixing rack structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for erecting and fixing elements for the practice of games in courts with a net suspended and tightened between a pair of poles by guys, and other elements used for establishing the limits and/or predetermined zones. Each one of the poles which fix the net is defined by a bearing tubular assembly comprising, preferably, three sections which are fitted axially together. The tubular assembly has an upper section for holding and fixing the net by ropes, and a lower section which lodges into the ground in a removable way. Sets of anchoring stakes tighten the tubular assembly, having an upper segment fixing guys for tightening the tubular assembly, suspended strings detect any player who attempts to or does trespass the limits of the forbidden zone of the court, and a lower segment which is also lodged into the ground in a removable way.

Abstract: This device is a portable training apparatus for the evaluation of the flight trajectory and the horizontal and vertical vectors comprising the flight path of a kicked football at any distance, the device having a portable wheeled base, rigid uprights and movable trajectory indicator which may be set for optimum trajectory angle.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a sports equipment support assembly is provided comprising a joint including a first hollow member;

Abstract: This invention comprises a ball-capturing tennis net assembly designed to be used in combination with existing court structures for catching balls which strike the standard tennis net. The catch-net extends under or is attached to the bottom of the standard tennis net forming two sides. Each side protrudes upwards at an angle near 45 degrees and is held in place by brackets. At least one end bracket is mounted to each of the standard net posts and functions to hold the top of the two sides of the catch-net parallel to and at a desired width from the standard tennis net. The end brackets hold the bottom of the catch net tightly around the bottom of the standard tennis net. At least two middle brackets, which when assembled form a center spacer unit, are located between the two net posts to help hold the catch-net open in a v-shaped position under and onto each side of the court divided by the standard tennis net. The catch-net is also designed to receive and hold the middle brackets in position.

Abstract: A sports pole includes two to four elongated tubular members permanently joined together with a first of the tubular members or poles pivotably joined near one end to a second of the poles. A third of the poles may be telescopically received within or about the first pole and slidingly movable therealong between retracted and extended positions. There is a U-shaped spring and pin arrangement for locking the third tubular member in the extended position. A fourth of the poles may be telescopically received within or about the second pole and be similarly slidingly movable therealong between retracted and extended positions. Again, there is a U-shaped spring and pin arrangement for locking the fourth tubular member in the extended position. The first and second tubular members are pivotably joined by a hinge mechanism which allows selective pivotal motion between generally coaxial and generally parallel positions.