Abstract: A portable net system for net games is disclosed which provides for rapid assembly, lightweight construction, durability against damage while assembling and playing, and also provides enhancements inherent in the design which allow for improved marketing and advertising during tournaments. The net functions through having a bow-shaped tensioning rod reacting against the net top-tape to provide primary shape, net tension and height control. A vertical post at each distal end is attached to the foldable feet to provide lateral stability, and these are attached to the net via insertion into the net end-band and durably connected via the rigid bow end-connectors. Removable end-panels at each end net termination provides for a self-tensioned surface where advertising and sponsor labels may be attached.

Abstract: Disclosed is system and method for measuring the tension of a tennis net, and, alternatively or in addition, for determining if a service let occurs via the measuring of the net tension. The disclosed embodiments measure a force exerted on the center-strap or the singles stick by the net. In these embodiments, the measured force provides an accurate reflection of the tension of the net.

Abstract: A flexible net system is provided that includes a net having a net first end and a net second end, a net top portion, and a net bottom portion. The system further including a pair of support bases including a first support base and a second support base, each support base including a base bottom portion, a support portion extending upwards from the base bottom portion, the support portion engaging and pivotably securing a control arm thereto, and a base strap having a base strap first end secured to the support portion and a base strap second end secured to the net bottom portion. The system further including a first net support pole and a second net support pole, wherein the first net support pole and the second net support pole are resiliently bendable and coupled between the net and respective support bases, and a plurality primary support ropes.

Abstract: A flexible net system is provided that includes a net having a net first end and a net second end, a net top portion, and a net bottom portion. The system further including a pair of support bases including a first support base and a second support base, each support base including a base bottom portion, a support portion extending upwards from the base bottom portion, the support portion engaging and pivotably securing a control arm thereto, and a base strap having a base strap first end secured to the support portion and a base strap second end secured to the net bottom portion. The system further including a first net support pole and a second net support pole, wherein the first net support pole and the second net support pole are resiliently bendable and coupled between the net and respective support bases, and a plurality primary support ropes.

Abstract: A cylindrical cartridge used for the storage and protection of all types of barrier fencing. The device is designed to extend the life of barrier fencing, reduce waste and reduce cost. The cartridge has an interior hollow pipe shaft with rollers mounted to the shaft to create a spool. The spool shaft extends through the top of the cartridge and is fitted with a manually operated crank handle. A vertical slotted opening in the side of the cartridge of varying widths dependent on the barrier material being used allows the extraction and retraction of the barrier fencing. The bottom of the cartridge has an opening in the center equal to that of the interior dimension of the hollow shaft. The bottom opening allows for the mounting of the cartridge to a ground spike or stabilizing plate.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis, and defines an cargo area laterally bounded by a first lateral side wall and a second lateral side wall. A shade assembly includes a housing that is removably attached to the first lateral side wall. A retractable cover is retractably supported by the housing, and is extendable across the cargo area to cover the cargo area. A retractable net is retractably supported by the housing, and is extendable away from the housing to secure cargo relative to the body. The housing extends in a lengthwise direction along a central axis that is disposed substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the body, when attached to the first lateral side wall. The retractable cover and the retractable net each extend and retract independently of each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: And adjustable sports net system comprising a plurality of ground anchors (105), two standard assemblies (108), elastic guy line assemblies (107) connecting the ground anchors to the standards, and a net fabric (101) disposed between the two standard assemblies. The net fabric (101) is adjustable in length and height, independent of initial placement of the standard assemblies (108). The standard assemblies (108) may deflect substantially upon impact from a game object (503) but return to a nominal position because of the elastic spring elements (110) in the guy line assemblies (107). The energy from such impact is absorbed over a longer time period, and the peak forces are kept lower for use of cheap, light materials, for system that is lightweight, fast to set up by a single person, and cost effective to manufacture. A safety structure provides protection to the consumer from inadvertent pullout of each ground anchor (105).

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: A sports net assembly and method of assembling a sports net assembly. The sports net assembly includes a pair of poles spaced a distance apart and positioned substantially vertically. A net having opposing ends is positioned between the spaced apart substantially vertical poles. The top net cord is secured to a cam that is slidably movable along a length of the poles to increase and decrease the tension on the top net cord thereby increasing and decreasing sag in the net between the poles. The bottom net cords and guy-ropes may be releasably secured to the poles with a key lock.

Abstract: A sports net assembly and method of assembling a sports net assembly. The sports net assembly includes a pair of poles spaced a distance apart and positioned substantially vertically. A net having opposing ends is positioned between the spaced apart substantially vertical poles. The top net cord is secured to a cam that is slidably movable along a length of the poles to increase and decrease the tension on the top net cord thereby increasing and decreasing sag in the net between the poles. The bottom net cords and guy-ropes may be releasably secured to the poles with a key lock.

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 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 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 tennis net winder for positioning within a tennis net support post, the tennis net winder comprising a frame having a face plate, having a plurality of apertures for securing the tennis net winder to the support post, the face plate having rearwardly extending support walls secured by a rear wall, the rear wall and face plate having aligned apertures for support of a worm gear member, the extending support walls having aligned apertures for support of a beveled gear and take up drum assembly, the face plate having a generally longitudinal rectangular opening aperture having a guide roller slidably mounted on a cross bar, the tennis net cable passing under the guide roller and through the take up drum, the take up drum being formed with a helical groove such that operation of the worm gear by a crank handle takes up or releases cable on the take up drum, the take up assembly, the winder assembly and frame being coated with a weather impervious coating, such as gold plating.

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: 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 to 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: Apparatus for adjusting a tennis net of the kind that is supported by a cable or the like stretched between two supporting points, the apparatus comprising a tightening mechanism for adjusting the tension on the cable, and a tension indicator for sensing and giving an indication of the tension on the cable.

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.

Abstract: A system for connecting a panel to a support comprises a mesh panel defined by at least one length portion and has a border connected to the length portion of the mesh panel. The border and has a first end capable of being connected to a support and a second end adjustably connectable to an opposite support. A tensioning means is associated with the border second end for pulling the border in tension between the supports. The second end of the web is connectable to the tensioning means for tensioning the mesh panel material.

Abstract: A volleyball net support system for supporting a volleyball net having upper attachment lines and lower attachment lines. The support system comprises two support towers, each support tower having a base that rests upon a ground surface. A body is attached to the base with a pair of legs, the legs and the body angularly adjustable, and normally form an s-curve. A cam blade is attached to the body, and is secured to the ground with anchoring ropes. The lower attachment lines are attached to the body of each of the support towers. A worm support is pivotally attached to the cam blade on each support tower, and is secured to the body with a worm rope. The upper attachment lines are attached to the worm supports on each of the support towers.

Abstract: A game net post adapted to be placed in substantially vertical position into the ground or floor, the post being provided with mechanism for attaching a net and for tensioning a net cable, the cross-sectional profile of the post presenting a cavity, open to the outside, and having cross-sectional dimensions such that the net cable tensioning mechanism may be received and substantially housed within it. Preferably, in the cavity, a longitudinal member is slideably inserted and which has affixed to it the net cable tensioning mechanism. The tensioning mechanism may comprise devices carrying a wire shaft and a handle coupled to the wire shaft, adapted to rotate the wire shaft while avoiding the longitudinal displacement thereof, a running nut with a hook device being associated with the wire shaft. A second embodiment is a two-part height-adjustable post.

Abstract: A net mounting assembly for use in playing the game of table tennis is disclosed. The net mounting assembly comprises a pair of net brackets with each net bracket including a net post to which a standard table tennis net may be secured. Each net bracket also includes an extension arm which is pivotally mounted to the net post. A stop is provided for preventing the net post from pivoting beyond a position substantially perpendicular to the table tops. Also included is an attachment assembly which corresponds to each net bracket. The attachment assembly secures the corresponding net bracket while permitting the net bracket to pivot relative to the table. The attachment assembly is further configured to slidably engage the extension arm, thereby permitting the tension of the net to be adjusted and the extension arm to thereafter be secured in place.