Collapsible batting cage system

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a plurality of upright frames to support a batting cage net; and a track system comprising a first track and a second track, the first track to be placed parallel to the second track, the first track and the second track to guide movement of the plurality of upright frames to enable a first configuration for compacted storage and a second configuration for use of the batting cage net.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates in general to the field of recreational equipment, and more specifically, to collapsible sports enclosures, including batting cages.

A batting cage may include a frame system as well as a net that is supported by the frame system. A batting cage may contain batted balls within the boundary of the cage as the batted balls may strike the net and fall to a ground surface within the confines of the cage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a batting cage system in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an upright frame and two support cross members in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates upright frames coupled to multiple support cross members at each upright segment in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate nested upright frames of a batting cage system in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate base segments of upright frames in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate upright frames installed in a track system in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a batting cage frame in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an example track system in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 9A-9B illustrate example joints in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example track system with pivotable joints in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate example base segments in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate an example base segment and track in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 13A-13E illustrate example tracks in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate example tracks in accordance with certain embodiments.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a batting cage system 100 in accordance with certain embodiments. System 100 comprises a plurality of upright frames 102 (e.g., 102A-D) coupled together via cross members 104 (e.g., 104A-F). A batting cage net 106 is supported by the resulting frame assembly.

In general, large batting cage systems (e.g., batting cage systems equal to or greater than 30 feet long or 8 feet high) are difficult and time consuming to assemble and disassemble. For example, assembly of a large batting cage system may require the use of tools (such as a ladders, ratchets, wrenches, or the like), multiple people, and a substantial time commitment, rendering the systems suboptimal for applications in which the batting cage system is frequently or semi-frequently assembled and disassembled (e.g., in a backyard application where a homeowners association prohibits permanent installation or a multi-use space).

In various embodiments, system 100 is adapted for relatively quick and easy assembly and disassembly. In one embodiment, an upright frame 102 is a single continuous piece that does not require assembly or that may include smaller segments that are assembled together initially and are not disassembled when the cage system 100 is collapsed. In some embodiments, an upright frame 102 has base segments that allow the upright frame 102 to stand upright without additional lateral support during assembly. For example, the upright frames 102 may be placed in position and left standing in upright positions while a user retrieves cross members 104 or net 106. Accordingly, various embodiments may provide for assembly of the system 100 by a single user. In various embodiments, the base segments of the upright frame 102 may be adapted to slide, roll, or otherwise move across a ground surface (e.g., dirt, lawn, synthetic turf, carpet, or other surface) or within a track system to allow easily placement of the upright frames 102 during assembly of system 100. In some embodiments, the upright frames 102 are adapted to nest together for storage when the system 100 is collapsed.

In various embodiments, the cross members 104 are adapted for easy attachment between upright frames 102. For example, in some embodiments, the point of attachment for a cross member 104 may be low enough on an upright frame 102 that a user may perform the attachment without a ladder or similar tool. As another example, the attachment mechanism may facilitate quick and easy attachment of a cross member 104 to an upright frame 102 (e.g., one end of the cross member 104 may easily slide in, snap to, or otherwise connect with a corresponding coupler of the upright frame 102). Accordingly, various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a batting cage system that may be assembled and collapsed relatively easily and quickly and may be stored compactly.

In various embodiments, upright frames 102 and cross members 104 may comprise any suitable materials. In general, materials having a high strength-to-weight ratio may be particularly suitable, as such materials may be easily transportable and provide the proper support for the batting cage net 106. As non-limiting examples, such materials may include aluminum, steel, galvanized steel, a plastics-based material such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), or other suitable material. In various embodiments, upright frames 102 or cross members 104 may comprise tubing of any suitable gauge, diameter, or shape (e.g., round, square, rectangular, etc.). Such tubing may be hollow or solid. Other suitable configurations for upright frames 102 and cross members 104 are contemplated herein.

A batting cage net 106 may comprise any suitable material for impeding airborne objects such as baseballs or softballs. For example, net 106 may comprise nylon, polyethylene, polyester, or other suitable material. In some embodiments, the net 106 may be treated with a coating for durability, such as a waterproofing agent or ultra violet (UV) ray inhibitor. In various embodiments, the net 106 may be installed on the inside of the upright frames 102 (e.g., underneath the upright frames 102) or on the outside (e.g., over the top of the upright frames 102). In some embodiments, the net 106 may be secured to the upright frames 102 or cross members 104 using any suitable means, such as ropes, hooks, latches, bungee cords, or other suitable attachment means. In some embodiments, the upright frames 102 may include various attachment mechanisms (e.g., eyelets, hooks, tabs, or other suitable mechanisms) for the net 106 at any suitable points of the upright frames.

FIG. 2 illustrates an upright frame 102 and two support cross members 210 (i.e., 210A and 210B) in accordance with certain embodiments. Support cross members 210 may have any suitable characteristics of support cross members 104 or other support cross members described herein.

In the embodiment depicted, upright frame 102 includes a pair of upright segments 202A and 202B, a lateral segment 204 attached between the upright segments 202A and 202B, and base segments 206A and 206B each attached to a respective upright segment 202. In the embodiment depicted, the general shape of an upright frame 102 (including the ground surface underneath the lateral segment as a side) is trapezoidal, though in various embodiments the upright frame 102 may form any suitable shape (e.g., a rectangle, a pentagon, another convex polygon, or other suitable shape).

An upright segment 202 may be a segment of the upright frame 102 that extends longer in a vertical direction than a lateral direction when the upright frame 102 is placed in an upright position upon its base segments 206. In some embodiments, an upright segment 202 may comprise a piece of tubing, rod, parallelepiped, or other segment shape that extends from the base segment 206 at a uniform angle along its length. In some embodiments, the upright segment 202 may rise from the ground surface at a 90 degree angle, while in other embodiments, the upright segment 202 may rise from the ground surface at any suitable angle between 45 and 90 degrees. In the embodiment depicted, the upright segment 202 rises from the ground surface at approximately a 75 degree angle. In various embodiments, an upright segment 202 may include one or more segments disposed at different angles relative to the ground surface. For example, a lower segment of an upright segment 202 may rise from the ground at a 90 degree angle and an adjacent segment of the upright segment 202 may extend from the lower segment at a different angle relative to the ground (e.g., 75 degrees). In various embodiments, an upright segment 202 may be one continuous segment or may comprise multiple segments coupled together. In a particular embodiment, upright segment 202 comprises two or more segments that couple together in a straight-line fashion (such that the angle between the ground and the upright segment 202 is constant along the length of the upright segment 202).

In the embodiment depicted, upright frame 102 comprises a lateral segment 204 disposed between the pair of upright segments 202. The lateral segment 204 may be a segment of the upright frame 102 that extends longer in a lateral direction than a vertical direction when the upright frame 102 is in an upright positions supported by its base segments 206. In some embodiments, a lateral segment 204 may comprise a piece of tubing, rod, parallelepiped, or other segment shape that extends from the upright segment 202 at a uniform angle along its length. In some embodiments, the lateral segment 204 may be generally parallel with the ground surface, though in other embodiments, the lateral segment 204 may be disposed at any angle between 0 and 45 degrees with respect to the ground surface. In various embodiments, a lateral segment 204 may include one or more segments disposed at different angles relative to the ground surface. For example, a first segment of the lateral segment may rise slightly from its point of attachment to an upright segment 202A along its length to an apex and a second segment adjacent to the first segment may descend from the apex down to the point of attachment to other upright segment 202B (e.g., when the upright frame 102 forms a pentagon shape). In various embodiments, a lateral segment 204 may be one continuous segment (which may extend in a straight-line fashion or may include one or more bends or curves) or may comprise multiple segments coupled together.

Lateral segment 204 may be attached to upright segments 202 in any suitable manner. In one example, upright frame 102 is a single continuous piece where the lateral segment 204 is formed along with the upright segments 202A and 202B during manufacturing of the single piece or after manufacture by bending a long straight piece at two or more points to form the lateral segment 204 and the upright segments 202. In another example, lateral segment 204 is a separate piece from the upright segments 202 and is coupled to the upright segments 202A and 202B (e.g., via bolts, machine screws, welds, locking buttons, telescopic compression, pins, or other means of attachment). In a particular embodiment, lateral segment 204 comprises or is coupled to a first elbow segment that has a first end that slides into or over a first end of lateral segment 204 and a second end that slides into or onto a first end of the upright segment 202A. Lateral segment 204 may further comprise or be coupled to a second elbow segment that has a first end that slides into or over a second end of lateral segment 204 and a second end that slides into or onto a first end of the upright segment 202B.

Upright frame 102 may comprise one or more cross member couplings 208 (e.g., 208A and 208B) attached to or integrated with the upright segments 202. The cross member couplings 208 may be adapted to easily attach to the cross members 210 (e.g., 210A and 210B). In various embodiments, the coupling of cross member 210A to upright frame 102 (and subsequent decoupling) may be accomplished in a relatively quick manner so as to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly of the system 100. In various embodiments, the coupling may be performed using human effort without the use of any tools.

In a particular embodiment, a cross member coupling 208A may provide a hollow perimeter into which a first end 212A of a cross member 210 may be slid to complete the attachment. For example, a first end 212A of the cross member may simply be inserted into the cross member coupling 208A by placing the first end 212A over the cross member coupling 208A and dropping or sliding the first end 212A into the cross member coupling 208A. In another embodiment, the first end 212A may comprise a portion of hollow tubing and the cross member coupling 208A may comprise a rod over which the first end 212A may be placed to couple the cross member 210A to the upright frame 102. In various embodiments, cross member coupling 208A may have any suitable solid or hollow shape with an outer perimeter shape matching an inner perimeter shape of the first end 212A. In other embodiments, cross member coupling 208A may have any suitable shape with an inner perimeter shape matching an outer perimeter shape of the first end 212A. In various embodiments, the sizing of the first end 212A and the cross member coupling 208A may be adapted to provide a relatively snug fit between the first end 212A and the cross member coupling 208A while allowing for toolless attachment and detachment of the cross member 210A to the upright frame 102.

In various embodiments, the coupling of cross member 210A to upright frame 102 may be accomplished via any suitable additional or alternative mechanism, such as insertion of a pin or bolt between the upright frame 102 and the cross member 210A.

Cross member Couplings 208 may be placed at any suitable height(s) on the upright segments 202. In a particular embodiment, cross member couplings 208 may be placed at or near the midpoints of the upright segments 202. In various embodiments (such as the one depicted), a cross member coupling 208A on an upright segment 202A is at the same height as a corresponding cross member coupling 208B on the other upright segment 202B.

In general, the coupling between a cross member 210 and two upright frames 102 may be snug enough to provide lateral stability to the two upright frames 102. For example, the one or more cross members 210 placed between upright frames 102 may couple the upright frames 102 together such that lateral force applied to a particular upright frame 102 may be absorbed at least in part by another upright frame 102. In various embodiments, the cross members 210 may also provide support for the batting cage net 106. For example, the net 106 may be placed over or on the inside of the cross members 210 and/or attached to the cross members via ropes, hooks, latches, bungee cords, or other suitable attachment means.

FIG. 3 illustrates upright frames 302 (i.e., 302A-C, which may have any suitable characteristics of upright frames 102 or other upright frames described herein) coupled to multiple support cross members 310A and 310B (which may have any suitable characteristics of cross members 210 or other cross members described herein) at each upright segment 202 in accordance with certain embodiments. In various embodiments (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3), a first upright segment of an upright frame 302 (e.g., 302A) may comprise multiple cross member couplings 308 (e.g., 308A and 308B) which may have any suitable characteristics of cross member couplings 208 or other cross member couplings described herein) for attachment to multiple cross members 310 (e.g., 310A and 310B). In some embodiments, the other upright segment 202 of the upright frame 302 may comprise corresponding cross member couplings 308 (e.g., 308C and 308D) at equivalent heights. For example, cross member couplings 308A and 308C are at the same height and cross member couplings 308B and 308D are at the same height.

Cross member couplings 308 may be placed at any suitable heights on the upright segments 202. In a particular embodiment, cross member couplings 308A and 308C may be placed at or near two thirds of the length of the upright segments 202 while cross member couplings 308B and 308D may be placed at or near one third of the length of the upright segment 202, although any suitable configuration is contemplated herein.

In some embodiments, an upright segment 202 of an upright frame 302 may include couplings on opposing sides of the upright frame 302 such that two cross members 310 may be attached to the upright frame 302 at the same height. For example, the upright frame 302B includes cross member couplings 308A and 308E on an upright segment 202 at a first height. The upright frame 302B also includes cross member couplings 308B and 308F on the same upright segment 202 at a second height. This same upright frame 302 includes cross member couplings 308C and 308G on the other upright segment 202 at the first height and cross member couplings 308D and 308H on the other upright segment 202 at the second height.

In various embodiments, a batting cage system (e.g., 100 or 300) may include two upright frames (e.g., 102A, 102D, 302A, or 302C) that are adapted to function as end frames. In some embodiments, these upright frames (e.g., 302) have couplings on one side of the upright frame 302, but not both sides, as one or more cross members 310 are attached to only one side of such frames. The system may also include one or more upright frames (e.g., 102B, 102C, or 302B) that are adapted to function as intermediate frames. These frames may include couplings on opposing sides of the same upright segments 202 of the frames such that cross members 310 may be attached to both sides of the upright frames (e.g., 302). Other suitable configurations are contemplated herein. Although a system 300 with a single intermediate frame (302B) is depicted and a system 100 with two intermediate frames (102B, 102C) are depicted, other embodiments may include any suitable number of intermediate upright frames and corresponding cross members.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate nested upright frames 402A-C and 452A-C of a batting cage system (e.g., 100 or 300) in accordance with certain embodiments. The upright frames 402 and 452 may have any suitable characteristics of uprights frames 102, 302, or other upright frames described herein. In a first nested configuration 400, the upright frames 402A, 402B, and 402C are each the same size. Accordingly, each successive upright frame 402 may rest slightly in front of and to the side of the previous upright frame 402. For example, upright frame 402B rests slightly in front of and to the left of upright frame 402A, and upright frame 402C rests slightly in front of and to the left of upright frame 402B.

In a second nested configuration 450, the upright frames 452A, 452B, and 452C are different sizes and support concentric nesting. For example, the outside upright frame 452A is the largest frame. The middle upright frame 452B is slightly smaller than upright frame 452A. For example, the upright segments 202 of upright frame 452B may extend in the vertical direction slightly less than the upright segments 202 of upright frame 452A and the lateral segment 204 of upright frame 452B may extend in the vertical direction slightly less than the lateral segment 204 of upright frame 452A. Accordingly, when the upright frames 452 are nested, the base segments (e.g., 206 or other base segments described herein) of upright frame 452B may rest in between the base segments 206 of upright frame 452A and the lateral segment 204 of upright frame 452B may rest underneath the lateral segment 204 of upright frame 452A. Similarly, the upright frame 452C may be slightly smaller than upright frame 452B, such that upright frame 452C may nest within upright frame 452B in a manner similar to the nesting of upright frame 452B within upright frame 452A.

FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate various base segments 506 (e.g., 506A-F) of upright frames in accordance with certain embodiments. Each base segment 506 is coupled to an upright segment 202A of an upright frame (e.g., 102, 302, 402, or 452). For example, a portion of the base segment may be disposed in generally the same vertical angle as a corresponding upright segment 202 and may be configured to slide into or over a lower portion of the upright segment. Additionally or alternatively, the base segment 506 may be coupled to the upright segment 202 using a bolt and a nut or other suitable attachment means. Corresponding base segments 506 may be coupled to corresponding upright segments 202B of the upright frame. Each of the depicted upright segments 202 enables the upright frame to be free standing, that is, the upright frame may rest on the base segments 506 in an upright position upon a generally flat ground surface without additional means of lateral support.

Base segment 506A comprises a piece of round tubing which may be coupled to the upright segment 202A in any suitable manner (e.g., one or more welds, bolts, screws, locking buttons, latches, or other attachment means). In other embodiments, the base segment 506 may comprise a piece of rectangular tubing (or tubing of another cross-section shape).

Base segment 506B comprises a sled having a generally flat portion at its bottom and two ends that gradually slope upwards from the bottom portion to the top portion of the base segment 506B. The flat portion of base segment 506B may be of any suitable thickness or material. For example, the flat portion may comprise a piece of tubing similar to base segment 506A or a different shape, such as a flat plate.

Base segment 506C comprises a pair of cleats 508 protruding downward from a substantially flat portion on the lower end of the main portion of the base segment 506C. The cleats 508 may be adapted to be inserted into the ground to prevent the upright frame (e.g., 102, 302, 402, or 452) from shifting laterally. In various embodiments, the cleats 508 may protrude from hollow or solid tubing, a plate, or other suitable component that is a part of base segment 506C.

Base segment 506D comprises a pair of wheels 510. In various embodiments, a base segment 506 may include any suitable number or type of wheels (e.g., caster, pneumatic, rubber, etc.). Base segment 506E comprises a plate having a uniform thickness. While the plate is shown as having square dimensions, the plate may have any suitable shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, or other suitable shape). Base segment 506F comprises a pair of legs that extend at opposite angles from the upright segment 202A. The legs have a flat portion at the bottom to rest upon a generally flat surface.

While specific base segment 506 shapes have been depicted and described herein, other embodiments contemplate other suitable designs for base segments 506. In some embodiments, characteristics of any two or more of the depicted base segments 506 may be integrated within a base segment 506. In various embodiments, any base segment 506 that allows an upright frame (e.g., 102, 302, 402, or 452) to be easily transported by a user across a surface and to stand upright when resting upon the base segments 506 without additional lateral support is contemplated herein.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate upright frames 602 (e.g., 602A-C) installed within a track system 608 in accordance with certain embodiments. FIG. 6 illustrates a first configuration 601A in which the upright frames 602 are configured for operation (e.g., to support a batting cage net) and a second configuration 601B in which the upright frames 602 are configured for storage. The upright frames 602 may have any of the characteristics of upright frames 102 or other upright frames described herein.

The track system 608 includes a pair of tracks 610 (i.e., 610A and 610B) to guide (e.g., by constraining) the movement of upright frames 602. In this embodiment, the upright frames 602A-C may slide, roll, or otherwise move in a straight line along the tracks 610A and 610B. When the batting cage system 600 is to be stored, the upright frames 602 may be pushed together as shown in configuration 601B, such that the upright frames 602 may be placed directly adjacent each other (for example, the base segments 606 and/or other portions of upright frames may abut together).

In a particular embodiment, tracks 610 may be recessed in the ground. In some embodiments, covers that fill the gaps caused by the tracks 610 may be placed in the tracks 610 to achieve a generally smooth ground surface around and over the tracks 610 such that the space previously occupied by the batting cage system 600 may safely be reclaimed for other activities. The track system 608 may be especially appropriate for an indoor multipurpose environment.

A track 610 may include any suitable mechanism for interacting with base segments 606 of the upright frames 602 to guide the movement of the upright frames 602. In a particular embodiment, each track 610 comprises a rail 612 upon which the base segments 606 are disposed or which otherwise interact with the base segments 606. In some embodiments, the rail may be installed below the ground surface surrounding the tracks 610. For example, the bottom and/or the top of the rail may be disposed beneath the level of the adjacent ground surface.

In one embodiment, base segment 606 may include one or more wheels oriented in the direction of the track 610 to provide the ability to easily roll the upright frame 602 in either direction along the track 610.

In some embodiments, upright frames 602 may include couplings for attachment to cross members. When the cross members are attached to the upright frames 602, the upright frames 602 may be held in place to avoid undesired movement along the tracks 610. For example, the upright frames 602 on the end may abut on edges of the track which prevent them from moving further along the track and the attachment of the cross members may facilitate the placement of the intermediate upright frames 602 such that the proper lateral distance is maintained between upright frames 602.

In some embodiments, upright frames 602 do not include couplings for attachment to cross members. In such embodiments, the track system 608 alone or in combination with other means may provide sufficient lateral stability for the upright frames 602 such that cross members are not needed. As one example, the system 600 may include locking mechanisms for each upright frame 602 to lock the upright frames in place at a certain position in the track.

FIG. 7 represents a batting cage frame 700 in accordance with certain embodiments. Frame 700 includes four upright frames (e.g., 102) coupled to each other via cross members 210.

In the depicted embodiment, each upright frame (e.g., 102) includes a lateral segment 204 and two upright segments 202. In the embodiment depicted, lateral segment includes a first top frame corner segment 702A, a top frame middle segment 704, and a second top frame corner segment 702B. In a particular embodiment, these segments 702 and 704 are coupled together via bolts and nuts or other suitable attachment means. Each top frame corner segment 702 includes a curved portion in between a first portion that couples to an upright segment 202 and a second portion that couples to top frame middle segment 704.

In the embodiment depicted, each upright segment 202 includes an upper segment 706 that includes a cross member coupling 208 as well as a lower segment 708. In a particular embodiment, these segments 706 and 708 are coupled together via bolts and nuts or other suitable attachment means to form the upright segment 202. The upright segments 202 are coupled to the lateral segment 204 via bolts and nuts or other suitable attachment means.

Base segment 206 includes an upright member 712 that is configured to couple to lower segment 708. In various embodiments a portion of the upright member 712 may slide into or over a portion of the lower segment 708 when the upright member 712 and lower segment 708 are coupled together. Additionally or alternatively, the lower segment 708 may be coupled to the upright member 712 using a bolt and a nut or other suitable attachment means.

In addition to the upright member 712, the base segment 206 includes two lateral segments 714A and 714B that are configured to rest on the ground and support and balance the upright frame (e.g., 102) when the upright frame is fully assembled. The lateral segments may be disposed in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the upright member 712 such that they extend away from the upright member 712 in a lateral direction. In some embodiments (including the embodiment depicted), lateral segments 714A and 714B may extend in a lateral direction away from the inside of the upright frame (e.g., 102), such that an angle (e.g., between 90 degrees and 175 degree) exists between the lateral segments 714A and 714B. In a particular embodiment, each lateral segment 714 includes an aperture through which a stake 710 may be driven to further secure the base segment 206 to the ground.

Support cross member 210 includes side connection joints 712A and 712B, side connection tube ends 713A and 713B, and side connection tube middle 713B. These components may be coupled together via any suitable attachment means to form support cross member 210. A side connection joint 712 may include one end that slides into or onto cross member coupling 208 and another end that slides into or onto (or otherwise couples to) a side connection tube end 713. In a particular embodiment, side connection joint 712 has an elbow shape.

Any component depicted in FIG. 7 or the other figures may comprise a piece of round, square, or other shape of tubing; a rod, a parallelepiped, or a length of material having any suitable hollow or solid cross section. Any component may be coupled to another component by sliding a portion of the component into or around a portion of another component, via one or more welds, bolts, screws, locking buttons, latches, and/or other attachment means.

FIGS. 8-14 illustrate additional track systems in accordance with certain embodiments. The track systems illustrated therein (and described below) and their components may have any one or more characteristics described above with respect to track system 608 and its corresponding components or with respect to each other. In various embodiments, the tracks of FIGS. 8-14 may be placed over a ground surface.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top view of a track system comprising a pair of tracks 810 (e.g., first track 810A and a second track 810B). Each track 810 includes track segments 814 coupled together via track joints 804. Each track includes a recessed portion 812.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of a track segment 814 depicting an example recessed portion 812. FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the track system with tracks 810A and 810B. As depicted, an upright frame 802 may be supported by base segments 806 (e.g., 806A and 806B). At least a portion of the base segment 806 may rest within the recessed portion 812. The recessed portion may constrain movement of the base segment 806 within the recessed portion 812. In various embodiments, the upright frames 802 may (via their respective base segments 806) slide, roll, or otherwise move in a straight line along the tracks 810A and 810B.

A base segment pair (e.g., 806A and 806B) may be coupled to and support an upright frame 802. Any suitable number of base segment pairs (each coupled to a respective upright frame 802) may be placed within the recessed portion 812. The pairs and corresponding upright frames may then be moved into position along the length of the tracks 810A and 810B when the cage is in use or moved to one end of the track (or removed from the track entirely) in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Thus, when the batting cage system is to be stored, the upright frames 802 may be pushed together, such that the upright frames 802 may be placed directly adjacent each other (for example, the base segments 806 on the same track 810 and/or other portions of upright frames may abut together).

In the embodiment depicted, the tracks 810 are each divided up into segments that are connected at joints 804 when the track is assembled. In various embodiments, these joints 804 may be permanently affixed to one or more of the track segments 814 or may be removably coupled to one or more of the track segments. In general, a joint may refer to a location at which two track segments come together. In one embodiment, two track segments may be coupled together at a joint 804 via one or more bolts, pins, machine screws, locking buttons, telescopic compression devices, or other means of attachment. Other examples of joints 804 are described in the following figures.

In various embodiments, a base segment 806 may include one or more wheels which may be oriented in the direction of the length of the track 810 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8C) to provide the ability to easily roll the upright frame 802 in either direction along the track 810. In other embodiments, the wheels may swivel. In other embodiments, a base segment 806 may include one or more skids. Various embodiments of base segments 806 are described below in connection with other FIGS.

FIG. 9A depicts two track segments 814A and 814B that are coupled via a joint 804A. The joint 804A is formed by at least one interlocking segment 902 of track segment 814A and at least one interlocking segment 904 of track segment 814B. When the track segments 814A and 814B are placed together, some edges (e.g., on either side) of the interlocking segments 902 may abut with edges of interlocking segments 904 while some edges (e.g., on the end) may abut with other portions of track segment 814B. Similarly, some edges (e.g., on either side) of the interlocking segments 904 may abut with edges of interlocking segments 902 while some edges (e.g., on the end) may abut with other portions of track segment 814A. The abutment of the respective edges may operate to stabilize the joint 804A of the track so as to hold the track segments 814A and 814B together.

In some embodiments, the cross sections through interlocking segments 902 and/or 904 are not uniformly shaped. For example, an interlocking segment that coincides with the recessed portion 812 may be shaped such that the recessed portion 812 may be continuous from track segment 814A through the joint 804A and into track segment 814B (and thus may be relatively thin), while an interlocking segment that is outside of the recessed portion may be shaped differently (e.g., without the recessed portion) and may be thicker in some embodiments. Thus, in the embodiment depicted, interlocking segments 902 as well as the middle interlocking segment 904 may have a cross section consistent with the recessed portion while the outside interlocking segments 904 may have a cross section consistent with the non-recessed portion. In some embodiments, an interlocking segment 902 or 904 that overlaps with the recessed portion 812 and the non-recessed portion may have a portion of the cross section that is consistent with the recessed portion 812 and a portion of the cross section that is consistent with the non-recessed portion.

FIG. 9B depicts a side view of track segments 814C and 814D to be coupled via a joint 804B. The joint 804B may be formed using a tongue and groove architecture wherein a portion of the track segment 814C (e.g., a tongue) may slide into a recess formed in a portion of the track segment 814D such that a top portion of the tongue may abut against a top portion of the groove of track segment 814D and a bottom portion of the tongue may abut against a bottom portion of the groove of track segment 814D. Other embodiments may include one or more tongues that may interface with one or more grooves, wherein the tongues and grooves may have any suitable shape.

FIG. 10A depicts a side view of a track system having pivoting joints 804C in accordance with certain embodiments. In this embodiment, only one of the two tracks of the system is depicted. The track includes a base track segment 814E, multiple intermediate track segments 814F, and an end track segment 814G. Joints 804C couple adjacent track segments and are operable to pivot. This embodiment depicts a track in an unused state such that all of the upright frames 802 have been moved such that their corresponding base segments 806 rest on the base track segment 814E and the intermediate track segments 814F and end track segment 814G are folded up accordion-style to save space. The track segments 814E and 814F may be manipulated about the joints 804C each of which may pivot about an axis through the center of the respective joint. When the batting cage is in use, the track segments 814C, 814E, and 814F may be placed flat along the ground and the upright frames and corresponding base segments 806 may be distributed across the track segments in order to provide a balanced support for the net.

FIGS. 11A-11G depict various examples of base segments 806 in accordance with certain embodiments. A base segment 806 may include one or more components configured to roll or slide within the recessed portion of the track as depicted in FIG. 11A. For example, such components may include any number of wheels (e.g., 1, 2, or 4 wheels) as depicted in FIGS. 11A-11E or a skid 1102 as depicted in FIG. 11F.

FIG. 11A includes a front view of base segment 806C comprising two wheels 1104 (or four wheels with two of the wheels being obscured) coupled to a horizontal plate 1106 below the horizontal plate 1106. The upright frame 802 is also coupled to the plate (at an angle relative to an axis extending vertically and perpendicular to the horizontal plate 1106).

FIG. 11B includes a side view of base segment 806D comprising horizontal plate 1106 coupled to wheel 1104 and upright frame 802. In various embodiments, base segment 806D may comprise a single wheel 1104 or two inline wheels (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11A) where the other wheel is obscured by the depicted wheel 1104.

FIG. 11B includes a side view of base segment 806D comprising horizontal plate 1106 coupled to wheel 1104 and upright frame 802. In various embodiments, base segment 806D may comprise a single wheel 1104 or two inline wheels (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11A) where the other wheel is obscured by the depicted wheel 1104.

FIG. 11C includes a side view of base segment 806E comprising horizontal plate 1106 coupled to wheels 1104 and upright frame 802. In various embodiments, base segment 806E may comprise a single wheel pair or two inline wheel pairs (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12A) where the other wheel pair is obscured by the depicted wheel pair.

FIG. 11D includes a front view of base segment 806F comprising a wheel 1110 coupled to a vertical plate 1108 on one side of the vertical plate 1108. The upright frame 802 is also coupled to the vertical plate 1108 (on the other side of the plate).

FIG. 11E includes a front view of base segment 806G comprising a wheel 1110 coupled to an angled vertical plate 1112 on one side of the angled vertical plate 1112. The upright frame 802 is also coupled to the angled vertical plate 1112 (on the other side of the plate). Base segment 806G may be used in some embodiments where the upright segments of upright frame 802 are angled relative to the ground (whereas the base segment 806F may be used in some embodiments where the upright segments of upright frame 802 are vertical relative to the ground (e.g., perpendicular to the ground)).

FIG. 11F includes a front view of base segment 806H comprising a horizontal plate 1106 coupled to a skid 1102 and to an upright frame 802. While the skid is shown as having a crescent shape, any suitable shape may be used for the skid. The skid 1102 may comprise any suitable low friction material, such that the base segments 806H coupled to the upright frame 802 may be slid within the respective recessed portions 812 of the tracks. For example, the skid 1102 may comprise a plastics-based material such as PVC, Teflon, or other material with a relatively low friction coefficient.

FIG. 12A illustrates a top view of base segment 806I comprising a vertical plate 1202 coupled to four wheels (with two wheels coupled to each side of the vertical plate 1202). The plate 1202 also includes a bolt on plate 1206 to interface with an upright frame 802 to connect the upright frame 802 to the base segment 806I such that the base segment 806I may support the upright frame 802.

FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of two base segments 806I disposed within a recessed portion 1206 of track 1204. The base segments 806I may roll across the length of the track 1204 within the recessed portion 1206 via wheels 1204.

FIGS. 13A-13E illustrate rail style tracks 1306 and base segments 806J-M comprising wheels 1302 placed within the tracks 1306. FIG. 13A is a front view of a rail style track 1306 and a base segment 806J coupled to an upright frame 802. The base segment 806J includes a vertical plate 1304 coupled to a wheel 1302 placed within rail style track 1306. The rail style track may include a vertical side portion as well as a curved upper portion matching the curvature of the wheel 1302 and a curved lower portion also matching the curvature of the wheel 1302. The area between the curved upper portion and the curved lower portion may be referred to as a recessed portion of the rail style track 1306. The wheel may be rolled within the rail style track 1306 thereby allowing positioning of the upright frame 802 to the desired position along the track 1306 when the cage is in use.

The track 1306 is supported by base bracket 1308 that rests on the ground and provides vertical support for track 1306 (and the base segment 806J and upright frame 802). The base bracket 1308 may be coupled to the rail style track 1306 via any suitable means, such as bolts 1310.

In various embodiments, track 1306 may include multiple track segments coupled together via joints (in a manner similar to other tracks described herein). When the cage is not in use, the various upright frames 802 and their corresponding base segments (e.g., 806J) may be placed adjacent to each other (e.g., within one of the track segments) while the other track segments may be disconnected from each other and stored efficiently.

FIG. 13B illustrates a front view of rail style track 1306 and a base segment 806K coupled to an upright frame 802. This configuration is similar to that of FIG. 13B except instead of a vertical plate 1304, the base segment 806K includes an angled vertical plate 1312 coupled to an angled upright segment of upright frame 802.

FIG. 13C illustrates a front view of the rail style track 1306 and a base segment 806K coupled to an upright frame 802. This configuration is similar to that of FIG. 13C except in FIG. 13C, the base bracket 1314 includes a horizontal portion that extends underneath the track 1306 as well as away from the track 1306, whereas the horizontal portion of base bracket 1308 only extends away from the track 1306.

FIG. 13D illustrates a front view of the rail style track 1306 and a base segment 806L comprising two wheels 1302 and 1316. The first wheel 1302 rests inside the track 1306 and the second wheel 1316 rests on the ground to provide additional stability for the upright frame 802. Each wheel is coupled to the upright frame by a respective angled vertical plate (e.g., 1312 or 1314). In other embodiments, vertical plates may be used instead.

FIG. 13E illustrates a front view of tracks 1306 coupled to base brackets 1308. The base segments 806K are each coupled to the upright frame and have wheels 1302 placed within the tracks 1306 such that the upright frames may be moved easily within the constraints provided by the tracks 1306.

FIG. 14A illustrates a side view of a track with slidable track segments 1402 (e.g., 1402A-1402D) in an expanded configuration (e.g., for when the cage system is in use). In the embodiment depicted, each segment couples to a respective upright frame 802 (e.g., via a horizontal plate or other suitable means). With the exception of the first segment 1402A (which may lay across the ground), the other segments 1402 each include a support leg 1404 (e.g., 1404A-1404C) to interface with the ground to support one end of the respective slidable segment 1404 (while the other end is supported by the preceding slidable segment). Each successive leg is slightly taller than the previous leg.

FIG. 14B illustrates a side view of the track with slidable segments 1402 in a contracted configuration (e.g., for when the cage system is in storage). In this configuration, each slidable track segment slides across the preceding track segment so that the overall length of the track is significantly reduced when the tracks are slid towards the first slidable track segment 1402A.

Although the track segments 1402 are shown as resting on top of the preceding track segment, in other embodiments, each track segment other than the first track segment 1402A may telescope within the preceding track segment. In such an embodiment, the upright frame 802 may be coupled to the end of the track segments that are opposite of the end that telescopes within the previous track segment (so as not to impede the telescopic movement). The legs 1404 may be attached to the track segments 1402 in a fixed manner or may be movable (e.g., the legs may be folded up into a recess in the track segments 1402 so as not to impede the telescopic movement). In various embodiments, a slidable track segment 1402 may include a single leg 1404 or multiple legs 1404. The legs may have any suitable shape, including a single support (e.g., a flat plate) that is adapted to interface with the ground or multiple supports (e.g., two prongs, a tripod configuration, etc.).

FIG. 14C illustrates a top view of the track with slidable track segments 1402 in an expanded configuration. FIG. 14D illustrates a top view of the track with slidable track segments 1402 in a contracted configuration.

It should be appreciated that the particular examples illustrated and discussed above are provided merely to illustrate more general principles of this disclosure. Indeed, it should be appreciated that other features, changes, and alternative embodiments may be implemented without departing from the more general features proposed herein. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “in one example,” “in some examples,” “in some instances,” etc. in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The following examples pertain to embodiments in accordance with this disclosure. In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a plurality of upright frames, an upright frame of the plurality of upright frames comprising a first upright segment; a second upright segment; a lateral segment to connect a first end of the first upright segment to a first end of the second upright segment; a first base segment to couple to a second end of the first upright segment; a second base segment to couple to a second end of the second upright segment, wherein the first base segment and the second base segment are to interface with a ground surface to support the upright frame in an upright position; and wherein the plurality of upright frames are adapted to support a batting cage net when in use and the plurality of upright frames are nestable together when not in use.

In at least some embodiments, the upright frames are free standing in the upright position when supported by the first and second base segments without additional lateral support. In at least some embodiments, the upright frame is in the upright position, the first upright segment extends further vertically than laterally and the lateral segment extends further laterally than vertically. In at least some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a cross member, a first end of the cross member to couple to the first upright segment of the upright frame and to a first upright segment of a second upright frame, the cross member to provide lateral stability to the upright frame and the second upright frame. In at least some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a second cross member, a first end of the second cross member to couple to the first upright segment of the upright frame and to the first upright segment of the second upright frame, the second cross member to provide additional lateral stability to the upright frame and the second upright frame. In at least some embodiments, the first end of the cross member is adapted to be slid in a generally vertical direction to mate with a coupling attached to the first upright segment of the upright frame and the second end of the cross member is adapted to be slid in a generally vertical direction to mate with a coupling attached to the first upright segment of the second upright frame.

In at least some embodiments, a second upright frame of the plurality of upright frames is smaller than the upright frame and a third upright frame of the plurality of upright frames is smaller than the second upright frame, such that when the plurality of upright frames are nested together, the second upright frame nests within the upright frame, and the third upright frame nests within the second upright frame.

In at least some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a track system comprising a first track and a second track, the first track to be placed parallel to the second track, the first track and the second track to guide movement of the plurality of upright frames. In at least some embodiments, the first track comprises a first rail and the second track comprises a second rail. the first track and second track are to be installed below a ground surface. In at least some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises one or more locking mechanisms to lock the upright frame in place at a desired position along the first track and the second track.

In at least some embodiments, the first base segment comprises a straight edge along a portion of a bottom of the base segment, a first rising edge from the straight edge to a top of the base segment on a first side of the base segment, and a second rising edge from the straight edge to the top of the base segment on a second side of the base segment. In at least some embodiments, the first base segment comprises one or more cleats adapted to penetrate into the ground surface when the upright frame is placed in the upright position. In at least some embodiments, the base segment comprises at least one wheel. In at least some embodiments, the base segment comprises a flat plate. In at least some embodiments, the first base segment comprises a pair of legs protruding at opposite angles from the second end of the first upright segment. In at least some embodiments, the first base segment comprises a piece of tubing for placement perpendicular to the first upright segment.

Thus, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the features, components, and actions recited in the claims can be arranged or performed in a different manner and still achieve desirable results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results.

A detailed description has been given with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. Furthermore, the foregoing use of embodiment and other exemplarily language does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or the same example, but may refer to different and distinct embodiments, as well as potentially the same embodiment.

Claims

1. A batting cage system comprising: a plurality of upright frames;a batting cage net to couple to the plurality of upright frames and to contain batted balls within the batting cage system; anda track system comprising a first track and a second track, the first track to be placed parallel to the second track, the first track and the second track to guide movement of the plurality of upright frames to enable a first configuration for compacted storage and a second configuration for use of the batting cage net, wherein the first track comprises a plurality of slidable track segments that are coupled together in the first configuration and second configuration, wherein the plurality of slidable track segments collectively expand in length in the first configuration and collectively contract in length in the second configuration.

2. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein the first track comprises a plurality of track segments connected by a plurality of joints.

3. The batting cage system of claim 2, wherein a joint of the plurality of joints comprises at least one interlocking segment of a first track segment of the first track adapted to abut against at least one interlocking segment of a second track segment of the first track.

4. The batting cage system of claim 2, wherein a joint of the plurality of joints comprises a tongue and a groove.

5. The batting cage system of claim 2, wherein at least one joint of the plurality of joints is pivotable.

6. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein the first track comprises a recessed portion along a length of the first track.

7. The batting cage system of claim 6, further comprising a base segment to couple to an upright frame of the plurality of upright frames, the base segment coupled to at least one wheel configured to roll within the recessed portion of the first track.

8. The batting cage system of claim 7, the base segment comprising a plate, the at least one wheel coupled below the plate.

9. The batting cage system of claim 7, the base segment comprising a plate, the at least one wheel coupled to a side of the plate.

10. The batting cage system of claim 6, further comprising a base segment to couple to an upright frame of the plurality of upright frames, the base segment coupled to a skid adapted to slide within the recessed portion of the first track.

11. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein the first track comprises a rail.

12. The batting cage system of claim 11, wherein the rail comprises at least one curved edge to interface with a wheel coupled to an upright frame of the plurality of upright frames.

13. The batting cage system of claim 1, further comprising one or more locking mechanisms to lock at least one of the upright frames in place at a desired position along the first track and the second track in the second configuration, wherein in the second configuration the upright frames are spaced further apart from each other than in the first configuration.

14. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, upright frames are placed directly adjacent each other such that portions of adjacent upright frames or a plurality of base segments coupled to the adjacent upright frames abut together.

15. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein a first upright frame and a second upright frame each includes at least one coupling to attach to a removable cross member, wherein the removable cross member comprises a first side connection joint at one end and a second side connection joint at another end, the first and second side connection joints having an elbow shape, the first side connection joint adapted to slide over or into a coupling of the first upright frame, the second side connection joint adapted to slide over or into a coupling of the second upright frame, wherein in the second configuration the removable cross member is attached to respective couplings of adjacent upright frames and maintains a lateral distance between the adjacent upright frames.

16. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein a first slidable track segment of the plurality of slidable track segments includes a support leg to interface with the ground to support a first end of the first slidable track segment, wherein a second end of the first other end is supported by a second slidable segment of the plurality of slidable track segments that is adjacent to the first slidable track segment.

17. The batting cage system of claim 16, wherein the first slidable track segment comprises a recess into which the support leg is folded when the track system is in the first configuration.

18. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein a first slidable track segment slides across a second slidable track segment of the plurality of slidable track segments and the first slidable track segment rests on top of the second slidable track segment in the first configuration.

19. The batting cage system of claim 1, wherein a first slidable track segment slides across a second slidable track segment of the plurality of slidable track segments and the first slidable track segment rests on top of the second slidable track segment in the first configuration.