ELEVATED YARD GAME

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to games, and more particularly to elevated yard games.

BACKGROUND

With more neighborhoods becoming urbanized, there is a need for simple games that can be played in the protection and security of one's own back yard or smaller outdoor or indoor spaces. Most popular organized sports (such as baseball, football, or soccer) require a significant number of players and a significantly large indoor or outdoor area where balls or other game implements can be used.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the shortcomings of yard games, that have not yet been fully solved by currently available techniques. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application has been developed to provide elevated yard games that overcome at least some of the above-discussed shortcomings of prior art techniques.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter, disclosed herein. The following portion of this paragraph delineates example 1 of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example 1, a system includes a vertical support and an elevation coupler attachable to the vertical support. The system also includes a first outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler at an angle substantially perpendicular to the vertical support. The system also includes a first inner horizontal member couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular relative to the vertical support. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler substantially parallel to the first inner horizontal member. The system includes a second inner horizontal member couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the first inner horizontal member to form a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game. The vertical support is adjustable in length to adjust a height of the grid.

The following portion of this paragraph delineates example 2 of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example 2, a system includes a vertical support and an elevation coupler attachable to the vertical support via an elastic element. The system includes a first outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler at an angle substantially perpendicular to the vertical support. The system includes a first inner horizontal member couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular relative to the vertical support. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler substantially parallel to the first inner horizontal member. The system includes a second inner horizontal couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the first inner horizontal member to form a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game.

The following portion of this paragraph delineates example 3 of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example 3, a system includes a vertical support having a rigid elongated geometry and an elevation coupler attachable proximate an end of the vertical support. The system also includes a first outer horizontal member having a rigid elongated geometry and couplable, at a first end of the first outer horizontal member, to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler at an angle substantially perpendicular to the vertical support. The system includes a first inner horizontal member having a flexible elongated geometry and releasably couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular relative to the vertical support. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler substantially parallel to the first inner horizontal member. The system includes a second inner horizontal member having a flexible elongated geometry and releasably couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the first inner horizontal member to overlap with the first inner horizontal member to form a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game. The first outer horizontal member includes a first horizontal segment couplable to a second horizontal segment. The first horizontal segment and the second horizontal segment are coupled to the elevation coupler via an elastic element.

The following portion of this paragraph delineates example 4 of the subject matter, disclosed herein. According to example 4, a system includes a vertical support and an elevation coupler attachable to the vertical support. The system includes a first outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler and a first inner horizontal member couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler and a second inner horizontal member couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to form, with the first inner horizontal member, a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game. In some examples, the system includes a first receptacle coupled to the vertical support and extending substantially parallel to the vertical support and a third outer horizontal member. The third outer horizontal member includes a first segment configured to be received by the first receptacle and a second segment configured to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of an adjustable elevation coupler of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a suspension shackle of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a suspension clip coupler of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of one embodiment of the suspension clip coupler of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a retaining collar of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a suspension attachment of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the suspension attachment of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the vertical supports of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a corner arrangement of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded schematic overhead view of one embodiment of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an elevated yard game system with inner horizontal members in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13B shows a close-up, side view of a receptacle and outer horizontal member of an elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of an inner horizontal member of an elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It is appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the invention in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not every embodiment need accomplish all advantages of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The drawings and descriptions are exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the disclosure. Examples described herein provide an elevated yard game which has reduced weight, cost, and packed size while providing an adjustable, resilient structure.

Examples of the present disclosure include a system. The system includes a vertical support, a elevation coupler attachable to the vertical support, and a first outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler at an angle substantially perpendicular to the vertical support. The system also includes a first inner horizontal member couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular relative to the vertical support. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler substantially parallel to the first inner horizontal member. The system includes a second inner horizontal member couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the first inner horizontal member to form a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game. The vertical support is adjustable in length to adjust a height of the grid.

In some examples, each one of the vertical support and first outer horizontal member has a rigid, elongated geometry, and each one of the first inner horizontal member and second inner horizontal member has a flexible elongated geometry.

In some examples, the first outer horizontal member includes a first horizontal segment and a second horizontal segment couplable to the first horizontal segment. In some examples, the first outer horizontal member includes an end of the first horizontal segment configured to receive an end of the second horizontal segment.

In some examples, the first inner horizontal member is releasably couplable to the first outer horizontal member by wrapping a portion of the first inner horizontal member around a portion of the first outer horizontal member.

In some examples, the first inner horizontal member includes, and is releasably couplable to the first outer horizontal member via, at least one of: a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnet, a button, a snap, and/or any combination thereof.

In some examples, the first inner horizontal member includes a flexible, textile material. In some examples, the first inner horizontal member is adjustable in length.

In some examples, the elevation coupler includes a first segment extending in a first direction and configured to receive an end of the vertical support. In some examples, the elevation coupler includes a second segment extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and configured to receive an end of the first outer horizontal member. In some examples, the elevation coupler includes a third segment extending in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and to the second direction and configured to receive an end of the second outer horizontal member. In some examples, the elevation coupler is located proximate to a corner of the grid.

In some examples, the elevation coupler includes a securing mechanism configured to secure the elevation coupler to at least one of the vertical support, first outer horizontal member, and/or second outer horizontal member. In some examples, the securing member includes at least one of: a pin and hole, a slot lock, a friction collar, a spring pin, a twist lock, a magnetic lock, and/or any combination thereof.

In some examples, the first outer horizontal member and the second outer horizontal member are a first outer horizontal member and a second outer horizontal member, respectively, of a number of outer horizontal members. In some examples, the first inner horizontal member and the second inner horizontal member are a first inner horizontal member and a second inner horizontal member, respectively, of a number of inner horizontal members. In some examples, the grid includes at least nine rectangles, each rectangle of the at least nine rectangles formed by at least one inner horizontal member of the number of inner horizontal members. In some examples, at least eight of the nine rectangles is additionally formed by at least one horizontal member of the number of horizontal members. In some examples, the nine rectangles include nine squares having substantially equal perimeters.

In some examples, each of the vertical support, first outer horizontal member, and second horizontal member are made of: a plastic material, a metallic material, wood, and/or a combination thereof.

Examples of the present disclosure include a system. The system includes a vertical support, a elevation coupler attachable to the vertical support via an elastic element, and a first outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler at an angle substantially perpendicular to the vertical support. The system also includes a first inner horizontal member couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular relative to the vertical support. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler substantially parallel to the first inner horizontal member. The system includes a second inner horizontal couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the first inner horizontal member to form a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game.

Examples of the present disclosure include a system. The system includes a vertical support having a rigid elongated geometry, a elevation coupler attachable proximate an end of the vertical support, and a first outer horizontal member having a rigid elongated geometry and couplable, at a first end of the first outer horizontal member, to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler at an angle substantially perpendicular to the vertical support. The system also includes a first inner horizontal member having a flexible elongated geometry and releasably couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular relative to the vertical support. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler substantially parallel to the first inner horizontal member. The system includes a second inner horizontal member having a flexible elongated geometry and releasably couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member and substantially perpendicular to the first inner horizontal member to overlap with the first inner horizontal member to form a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game. The first outer horizontal member includes a first horizontal segment couplable to a second horizontal segment. The first horizontal segment and the second horizontal segment are coupled to the elevation coupler via an elastic element.

In some examples, the first outer horizontal member includes a third horizontal segment coupled to the elevation coupler via the elastic element.

In some examples, each of the first horizontal segment, second horizontal segment, and third horizontal segment comprise a hollow portion, and the elastic element is configured to be threaded through the hollow portion.

Examples of the present disclosure include a system. The system includes a vertical support, a elevation coupler attachable to the vertical support, and a first outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler. The system includes a first inner horizontal member couplable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member. The system includes a second outer horizontal member couplable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler. The system includes a second inner horizontal member couplable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to form, with the first inner horizontal member, a grid in an elevated position to provide an arrangement suitable for a game. The system includes a first receptacle coupled to the vertical support and extending substantially parallel to the vertical support. The system includes a third outer horizontal member. The third outer horizontal member includes a first segment configured to be received by the first receptacle and a second segment configured to extend substantially parallel to the first outer horizontal member.

In some examples, the first inner horizontal member includes a net and a strap configured to fit around the second segment and the first outer horizontal member simultaneously. In some examples, the first inner horizontal member is configured to be threaded through an opening of the second inner horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular to the second inner horizontal member.

A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same, or similar, features may be noted by the same, or similar, reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure.

Conventional multi-square game systems include a huge array of piping and connectors with bring cost, weight, bulk, and complexity to the system. Embodiments described herein provide an approach which reduces cost, weight, bulk, complexity, and further provides adjustability beyond what is possible with the convention multi-square game systems.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The system 100 shown allows for flexibility in setup, reduced cost and weight, and lower packed size when broken down for transporting.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elevated yard game system 100 includes a plurality of vertical supports 102. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the vertical supports 102 is positioned at a corresponding corner of the system 100 to form a square. The vertical supports 102 may be rigid and be made of a material of sufficient strength to support a weight of the system 100 and have sufficient rigidity to resist deflection or bending in response to forces applied to the vertical supports 102. In some embodiments, the vertical supports 102 may include a plastic, metal, composite, wood, or other synthetic or natural materials or combination of materials.

The system 100 also includes outer horizontal members 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer horizontal members 104 couple to the vertical supports 102 to be between a corresponding two of the vertical supports 102. The outer horizontal members 104 may be coupled to the vertical supports 102 directly or, as shown, via a coupler such as the adjustable elevation coupler 106 shown and described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

The outer horizontal members 104 may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid structures. In some embodiments, the outer horizontal members 104 are similar, in at least one of sizing and materials, to the vertical supports 102. In other embodiments, the outer horizontal members 104 are flexible elements such as straps, cords, or the like. In some embodiments, the outer horizontal members 104 are adjustable along a height of the vertical supports. In some examples, the vertical supports 102 include the same materials as the outer horizontal members 104. In some examples, the outer horizontal members 104 include materials such as plastic, metal, and/or wood.

The system 100 also includes inner horizontal members 108. In some embodiments, the inner horizontal members 108 are flexible structures such as a strap, cable, cord, rope, ribbon, or the like. In some examples, the inner horizontal members 108 include a textile material. In some embodiments, the inner horizontal members 108 couple to the outer horizontal members 104 to form a grid pattern within the bounds of the outer horizontal members 104. As shown herein, the grid pattern is a 3×3 pattern forming nine individual regions or areas within the system 100. In some examples, each of the individual regions or areas has substantially the same dimensions. In some examples, each of the individual regions is a square shape. In some examples, each of the individual regions have equal perimeters. Fewer or more regions or areas may be formed without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, a 2×2 pattern morning four different areas may be incorporated. Other non-square shapes may also be formed by adjusting the number and relative angles of the outer horizontal members 104 and the inner horizontal members 108.

The inner horizontal member 108 may be separate from one another or one or more of the inner horizontal members 108 may be coupled to at least one other of the inner horizontal members 108. For example, the inner horizontal members 108 may be allowed to simply cross over one another within the system 100 near the center or may be stitched, adhered, bonded, looped, or otherwise connected together in a permanent or semi-permanent manner.

One or more of the inner horizontal members 108 may be adjustable in length to change or adjust a tension in the inner horizontal members 108 and, thus, a force applied to the outer horizontal members 104. This is described in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the system 100 may further include securing elements such as stakes and lines coupled to the vertical supports 102 or other components of the system 100. In some embodiments, the vertical supports 102 are configured to be driven into a play surface such as grass, sand, dirt, or the like to stabilize the system 100. Users may play a game with the system 100 by standing within the system 100 beneath the inner horizontal members 108 to be below a corresponding square in the pattern of squares formed by the inner horizontal members 108. A ball or other implement may be passed between players by sending the ball up through your corresponding square to come down in a target player's corresponding square. Other variations and manners of play may be used.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of an adjustable elevation coupler 106 of the elevated yard game system 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The elevation coupler 106 allows for adjustability in height of the system 100 allowing for use in a wider variety of locations and accommodations for players of various sizes and situations.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable elevation coupler 106 couples the outer horizontal members 104 to the vertical supports 102 at each corner of the system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable elevation coupler 106 includes a vertical sleeve 202 and two horizontal sleeves 204. While each of the sleeves 202 and 204 are shown as being positioned to extend outward at a 90° angle relative to one another, other angles may also be incorporated.

The sleeves 202 and 204 are shown as having a circular cross-section but may incorporate a non-circular cross-section in one or more of the sleeves 202 and 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the horizontal sleeves 204 are sized to receives the outer horizontal members 104 into an interior of the horizontal sleeves 204. In other embodiments, the horizontal sleeves 204 may be sized to be inserted into an interior of the outer horizontal members 104.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable elevation coupler 106 includes a securing mechanism 206 on each of the sleeves 202 and 204. The securing mechanism 206 on each of the horizontal sleeves 204 secures the outer horizontal members 104 relative to the corresponding horizontal sleeve 204. The securing mechanism 206 disposed on the vertical sleeve 202 secures the adjustable elevation coupler 106 relative to the vertical support 102. This allows a position of the adjustable elevation coupler 106 to be changed along the vertical support 102 allowing for an elevation adjustment of the outer horizontal members 104. This may be advantageous for accommodating players of various heights, terrain irregularities, game rules or style, player skill, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing mechanisms 106 are eyelet bolts which can be tightened to apply a friction force on the corresponding vertical support 102 or outer horizontal member 104. Other securing mechanisms may also be used. For example, mechanisms such as pin and hole, slot lock, friction collar, spring pin, twist lock, magnetic lock, and the like may be implemented.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a suspension shackle 302 of the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The suspension shackle 302 allows for quick and easy setup with a reduced weight and cost in the system 100. In the illustrated embodiments, the suspension shackle 302 couples the inner horizontal member 108 to a corresponding one of the outer horizontal members 104.

The illustrated embodiment of the suspension shackle 302 includes a retaining structure 304, a securing loop 306, and a connector 308. The retaining structure 304 may be a ball, or other shape, which can retain the securing loop 306 when the securing loop 306 is passed through the connector 308, around the outer horizontal member 104, and over the retaining structure 304. In some embodiments, the securing loop 306 includes an elastic material such as a shock cord or the like which applies a dynamic force to the inner horizontal member 108 to maintain a tension force and absorb impulse energy from a hit or otherwise deform or sacrifice itself to prevent damage to the system 100. In some embodiments, the suspension shackle 302 may be configured to release from one or both of the outer horizontal member 104 and the inner horizontal member 108 in response to experiencing an otherwise damaging load.

The connector 308 may be configured to receive the inner horizontal member 108 and secure the inner horizontal member 108 through friction or in another manner. For example, the connector 308 may be a loop slider which doubles the inner horizontal member 108 onto itself within the connector 308 to retain the inner horizontal member in place. Adjustability at the connector 308 may be beneficial for adjustment of tension on the inner horizontal member 108.

In other embodiments, the connector 308 may be sewn into a loop in the inner horizontal member 108 or otherwise be removably or non-removably coupled to one or more of the inner horizontal member 108 and the securing loop 306. This may be beneficial for organization and maintaining components of the system 100 together in their respective locations and assemblies.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a suspension clip coupler 402 of the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The suspension clip coupler 402 allows a user to quickly setup or adjust the system 100 in an easy and intuitive manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension clip coupler 402 secures the inner horizontal member 108 relative to a corresponding one of the outer horizontal member 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension clip coupler 402 includes a first buckle end 404 which is secured along a length of the inner horizontal member 108 and a second buckle end 406 which is disposed on an end of the inner horizontal member 108 to receive the first buckle end 404. In some embodiments, the first buckle end 404 is adjustable along the inner horizontal member 108 to adjust a tension of the inner horizontal member 108.

The suspension clip coupler 402 may also include a tension element 410 such as a shock cord or other elastic member which applies a tension force to the inner horizontal member 108. The suspension clip coupler 402 may be positioned on the outer horizontal member 104 to correspond to a retaining collar 412 of the system 100 which is described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

The suspension clip coupler 402 may provide a quick release manner of coupling the inner horizontal member 108 to the outer horizontal member 104 reducing a requisite level or skill, time, and strength to assemble the corresponding portion of the system 100.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of one embodiment of the suspension clip coupler 402 of the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The suspension clip coupler 402 may provide for an ease of setup with reduced chance of injury and need for adjustment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tension element 410 of the suspension clip coupler 402 is coupled to the inner horizontal element 108 at a first joining 502 to secure the inner horizontal member 108 to the second buckle end 106 and the tension element 410 to the inner horizontal member 108. A second joining 504 is formed by joining the tension element 410 to the inner horizontal member 108 at a distance along the length of the inner horizontal member 108 sufficient to form an extension loop 506 in the inner horizontal member 108 when the tension element 410 is under little or no tensile load.

In some embodiments, the extension loop 506 is sufficient in length to allow the tension element 410 to extend in elastic deformation and apply tension to the inner horizontal member 108. At full or greater extension of the tension element 410, the extended length of the tension element 410 becomes equal to the length of the extension loop 506 and prevents over-extension of the tension element 410.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a retaining collar 412 of the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The retaining collar 412 provides an easily-recognized location for installation of an inner horizontal member while providing a securing location for installation of the same.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining collar 412 is sized to fit on an exterior surface of the outer horizontal members 104 of the system 100. In some embodiments, the retaining collar 412 includes two parallel retaining rings 602 which extend radially outward from a retaining surface 604. The retaining rings 602 may be parallel on the sides of the retaining rings 602 which face one another to provide a tighter or more exact fit from the inner horizontal member. Alternatively, the faces may be sloped to provide an easier engagement of the inner horizontal member with the retaining collar 412.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining surface 604 provide a location for the inner horizontal member 108 to engage. The retaining surface 604 may be relatively low friction to resist wear and facilitate adjustment of the inner horizontal member 108 on the outer horizontal member 104. Alternatively, the retaining surface 604 may be textured, treated, or the like to increase friction in order to improve retention of the inner horizontal member 108 relative to the retaining collar 412.

The illustrated embodiment of the retaining collar 412 also includes a set screw 606. The set screw 606 may apply a retaining force on the outer horizontal member 104 to secure the retaining collar 412 along the length of the outer horizontal member 104. This may improve a consistency the in the position of the various inner horizontal members 108 relative to one another and reduce a slipping of other movement of the inner horizontal members 108 along the outer horizontal members. Other structures such a slot and key, friction liner, sleeve, pin, and the like may be used to secure the retaining collar relative to the outer horizontal member.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a suspension attachment 700 of the elevated yard game system in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The suspension attachment 700 provides a connection that easily installed and adjusted to provide appropriate tension.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner horizontal member 108 is secured to the outer horizontal member 104 at the retaining collar 412. The illustrated embodiment of the inner horizontal member 108 includes a first attachment structure 702 and a second attachment structure 704. As shown, the first attachment structure 702 may be configured to couple to the second attachment structure 704 to secure the inner horizontal member 108. The first attachment structure 702 may be separated from the second attachment structure 704 to provide a location on the inner horizontal member 108 to correspond to the retaining collar 412.

At least one of the first attachment structure 702 and the second attachment structure 704 may be coupled or otherwise connected to the inner horizontal member I08 in a removable or non-removable manner. For example, relative to the inner horizontal member 108, at least one of the first attachment structure 702 and the second attachment structure 704 may be sewn, magnetically secured, glued, snapped, buttoned, inserted, wrapped, zipped, or the like. The first attachment structure 702 and the second attachment structure 704 may be attached to the inner horizontal member 108 in similar or different manners. For example, one or both of the first attachment structure 702 and the second attachment structure 704 may be releasably coupled to the inner horizontal member 108. This may provide a quick release or safety release for the inner horizontal member 108 relative to the outer horizontal member 104. In some examples, the first attachment structure 702 and the second attachment structure 704 include hook-and-loop, magnetic, or similar interacting structures.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the suspension attachment 800 of the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. the suspension attachment 800 is a collarless implementation that allows for direct attachment of the inner horizontal member 108 to the outer horizontal member 104 without the need to identify and engage with a collar. This allows for flexibility in setup, reduced cost, and reduced complexity and weight. For example, the user may set up the system 100 to use fewer or more inner horizontal members 108 to accommodate fewer or more players or arrangement of inner horizontal members 108.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inner horizontal member 108 is secured to the outer horizontal member 104 without the use of a retaining collar 412. As shown, the first attachment structure 702 may be configured to couple to the second attachment structure 704 to secure the inner horizontal member 108. The first attachment structure 702 may be separated from the second attachment structure 704 to provide a location on the inner horizontal member 108 to correspond to the outer horizontal member 104. In some embodiments, a portion of the inner horizontal member 108 corresponding to a contact point with the outer horizontal member 104 includes a friction coating or friction element.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the vertical supports 102 of the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The illustrated arrangement allows for easier organization of the system 100 as well as simplified and assisted setup.

As a preliminary matter, while FIG. 9 is described as relating to the vertical supports 102, the features and aspects described herein may also apply to the outer horizontal members 104. Additionally, while some embodiments of the vertical support 102 include a single pole, as shown, some embodiments of the vertical support 102 may include multiple segments. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical support 102 includes a first vertical segment 102A, a second vertical segment 102B, and a third vertical segment 102C.

In the illustrated embodiment, an elastic element 902 is positioned within at least one of the first vertical segment 102A, the second vertical segment 102B, and the third vertical segment 102C to provide a retaining force pulling the first vertical segment 102A, the second vertical segment 102B, and the third vertical segment 102C together. In some embodiments, the elastic element 902 is a single elastic cord extending from the first vertical segment 102A, though the second vertical segment 102B, and to the third vertical segment 102C. In other embodiments, the elastic element 902 includes multiple sections positioned at an end of each of the first vertical segment 102A, the second vertical segment 102B, and the third vertical segment 102C.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first vertical segment 102A, the second vertical segment 102B, or the third vertical segment 102C includes a swaged portion 904. Swaging on the swaged portion 904 may be a narrowing or broadening of a diameter of the corresponding portion of the vertical segment 102 or other component. The swaged portion 904, on any one or more of the first vertical segment 102A, the second vertical segment 102B, or the third vertical segment 102C, may provide for insertion of the corresponding segment into another segment to connect the two together.

In some embodiments, the first vertical segment 102A is not swaged while the second vertical segment 102B is swaged at both ends and the third vertical segment 102C is swaged at an end corresponding to the elevation coupler 106. In other embodiments, the first vertical segment 102A and the third vertical segment 102C are swaged while the second vertical segment 102B is not swaged. Other arrangements of swaged ends on the vertical support 102 are contemplated. Additionally, the joining capability of swaging may be replicated by a collar, sleeve, insert, brace, or so forth.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a corner arrangement 1000 of the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The illustrated arrangement allows for easier organization of the system 100 as well as simplified and assisted setup.

In the illustrated embodiment, a vertical support 102 or horizontal support 104 may be elastically connected to the elevation coupler 106 via an elastic element 902. In some embodiments, the elastic element 902 is coupled, at one end, to a stopper 1002. The stopper 1002 may be sized to fit within the elevation coupler 106 but unable to turn within the elevation coupler 106. For example, the stopper 1002 may be coupled to the elastic element 902 with the elastic element 902 passing into a first sleeve 204A of the elevation coupler 106 and through a second sleeve 204B of the elevation coupler 106. In some embodiment, the elastic element 902 is pulled tight, the stopper 1002 may be pulled into the first sleeve 204A and stop at an intersection of the first sleeve 204A and the second sleeve 204B as the stopper 1002 is geometrically incapable of turning from the first sleeve 204A to the second sleeve 204B. This forms an anchor for the elastic element 902 to secure the vertical support 102 or horizontal support 104 relative to the elevation coupler 106.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded schematic overhead view of one embodiment of an upper portion 1100 the elevated yard game system 100 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The illustrated arrangement allows for easier organization of the system 100 as well as simplified and assisted setup.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elevation couplers 106 are positioned at the corners with the outer horizontal members 104 between each of the elevation couplers 106. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the horizontal members 104 includes a first horizontal segment 104A, a second horizontal segment 104B, and a third horizontal segment 104C. In other embodiments, the outer horizontal members 104 include fewer or more than three segments.

As illustrated, some embodiments of the horizontal segments 104A-C includes swaged portions 904 to fit with one another or with the elevation couplers 106. Some embodiments of the third horizontal segment I04 include a catch ball 1102. The catch ball 1102 may be sized to fit within the third horizontal segment 104C. In some embodiments, the catch ball 1102 is coupled to the elastic element 902. The catch ball 1102 may act as a stop to allow the elastic element 902 to apply a force drawing the third horizontal segment 104C toward the corresponding elevation coupler 106 and the stopper 1002 disposed within the elevation coupler 106. In some embodiments, because the first horizontal segment 104A and the second horizontal segment 104B are positioned on the elastic element 902 between the third horizontal segment 104c and the elevation coupler 106, the elastic element 902 operates to hold the horizontal segments 104A-C in an assembled arrangement relative to one another and the elevation coupler 106. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in some examples, each of the first horizontal segment 104A, second horizontal segment 104B, and third horizontal segment 104C include a hollow portion 105 through which the elastic element 902 is configured to be threaded.

In some embodiments, a retainer 1104 is incorporated into the third horizontal segment 104C to retain the catch ball 1102 within the third horizontal segment 104C. In some embodiments, the retainer 1104 is removable from the third horizontal segment 104C. In other embodiments, the retainer 1104 is adjustable relative to the third horizontal segment 104C. For example, the retainer 1104 may include a screw, bolt, pin, switch, latch, or so forth to act as a barrier to the passage of the catch ball 1102. In some embodiments, the retainer 1104 is a unified feature of the third horizontal segment 140C. For example, the retainer 1104 may be a pinched portion, a flange, vane, ring, partial internal wall, or so forth to reduce internal space within the third horizontal segment 104C sufficient to resist passage of the catch ball 1102 past the retainer 1104. In some embodiments, a position of the retainer 1104 along a length of the third horizontal segment 104C may be adjustable to adjust a tension or length of the elastic element 902.

FIG. 12 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 1200 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The method 1200 may include forming a vertical support having a rigid elongated geometry (Block 1202). For example, the vertical support may include a tube such as an aluminum tube or other hollow or non-hollow component.

The method 1200 may include forming a elevation coupler to be attachable proximate an end of the vertical support (Block 1204). For example, the elevation coupler may include sleeves to receive the end of the vertical support. The method 1200 may include forming a first outer horizontal member having a rigid elongated geometry to be coupleable, at an end of the first outer horizontal member, to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler at an angle to be substantially perpendicular to the vertical support (Block 1206). For example, the first outer horizontal member may be configured to extend horizontally outward from the elevation coupler while the vertical support extends vertically downward from the elevation coupler.

The method 1200 may include forming a first inner horizontal member having a flexible elongated geometry to be coupleable to the first outer horizontal member along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend substantially perpendicular relative to the first inner horizontal member and be substantially perpendicular relative to the vertical support (Block 1208). For example, the first inner horizontal member may be attached to a point along a length of the first outer horizontal member to extend horizontally away from the first outer horizontal member.

The method 1200 may include forming a second outer horizontal member to be coupleable to the elevation coupler to extend from the elevation coupler to be substantially parallel to the first inner horizontal member (Block 1210). For example, the second outer horizontal member may extend horizontally from the elevation coupler at approximately a right angle from the first outer horizontal member.

The method 1200 may include forming a second inner horizontal member having a flexible elongated geometry to be coupleable to the second outer horizontal member along a length of the second outer horizontal member to extend substantially parallel relative to the first outer horizontal member and be substantially perpendicular to the first inner horizontal member to overlap with the first inner horizontal member (Block 1212). For example, the first inner horizontal member and the second inner horizontal member may overlap each other as they extend horizontally from the first outer horizontal member and the second outer horizontal member, respectively.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an elevated yard game system 1300 with inner horizontal members. In some examples, the system 1300 includes some features similar to those of the system 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, in some examples, the system 1300 includes a number of vertical supports 102, elevation couplers 106, and outer horizontal members 104. In some examples, the system 1300 includes additional elements, which help facilitate the securing of inner horizontal members 108 of various dimensions to the outer horizontal members 104. These additional elements can include receptacles 1302 and additional outer horizontal members 1306.

In some examples, a receptacle 1302 is coupled to a vertical support 102. The receptacle 1302 can be fixed with respect to the vertical support 102. In some examples, the receptacle 1302 is welded, soldered, brazed, riveted, bolted, screwed, and/or tied onto the vertical support 102. Referring to FIGS. 13A-B, in some examples, a first end 1304 of the receptacle 1302 is joined to the vertical support 102 at a distance d1 away from the elevation coupler 106. The distance d1 can beat least ten centimeters and at most 100 centimeters. In certain examples, the distance d1 is not greater than one third of a maximum total length of the vertical support 102. In yet some examples, the distance d1 is not greater than one third and not less than one tenth of a maximum total length of the vertical support 102. As shown in FIG. 13A, in some examples, the receptacle 1302 is positioned on a side of the vertical support 102 to face an interior of the grid formed by the system 1300. In other examples, the receptacle 1302 is positioned on a different side of the vertical support 102 to face an exterior of the grid. As shown in FIG. 13A, in some examples, the receptacle 1302 is positioned below the outer horizontal member 104.

In some examples, the receptacle 1302 extends substantially parallel to the vertical support 102. Accordingly, the receptacle 1302 is coupled to the vertical support 102 along a length l1 of the receptacle 1302. In some examples, the length l1 of the receptacle 1302 is not less than two centimeters and not greater than twenty centimeters.

In some examples, each one of the additional outer horizontal members 1306 is configured to be received by the receptacle 1302. In some examples, each one of the outer horizontal members 1306 is configured to be releasably received by a corresponding one of the receptacles 1302. Referring to FIG. 13B, in some examples, the outer horizontal member 1306 includes a spring-loaded protrusion 1324 configured to be received through an aperture 1326 of the receptacle 1302, so as to form a detent mechanism.

In some examples, the outer horizontal member 1306 includes a first segment 1308 and a second segment 1310. In some examples, the first segment 1308 is shaped substantially similarly to the outer horizontal members 104. In some examples, the receptacle 1302 is configured to receive the second segment 1310 such that the first segment 1308 extends substantially perpendicular to the vertical support 102 and/or substantially parallel to an outer horizontal member 104 coupled to the same vertical support 102. In some examples, an angle between the first segment 1308 and the second segment 1310 is approximately 90 degrees. In some examples, the receptacle 1302 is tubular and/or includes a hollow portion, and the second segment 1310 is shaped to fit within the hollow portion. In some examples, the receptacle 1302 is tubular, and the second segment 1310 is substantially cylindrical.

In some examples, the first segment 1308 is configured to extend substantially parallel to an outer horizontal member 104. As shown in FIG. 13A, in some examples, the first segment 1308 is positioned below an outer horizontal member 104 along the majority of a length of the outer horizontal member 104. In other examples, the first segment 1308 extends above the outer horizontal member 104.

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 14, in some examples, each inner horizontal member 108 is configured to attach, at a first end 1328 of the inner horizontal member 108, to both an outer horizontal member 104 and an additional outer horizontal member 1306. In some examples, the inner horizontal members 108 include fasteners 1312 configured to secure the first end 1328 to the outer horizontal member 104 and the additional outer horizontal member 1306. Additionally, each inner horizontal member 108 is configured to attach, at a second end 1330 (opposite the first end 1328) of the horizontal member 108, to both an outer horizontal member 104 and an additional outer horizontal member 1306 on the opposite side of the grid. In some examples, the inner horizontal members 108 include additional fasteners 1312 configured to secure the second end 1330 to the outer horizontal member 104 and the additional outer horizontal member 1306 on the opposite side. In some examples, the fasteners 1312 are made from a flexible material. For example, the fasteners 1312 can include, but are not limited to: buckles, straps, ties, bungees, snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, magnets, and/or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 14, in some examples, each end of the inner horizontal member 108 includes two fasteners 1312 that can be wrapped around the outer horizontal member 104 and additional outer horizontal member 1306 and subsequently tied together. As such, in some examples, the inner horizontal member 108 includes a portion (e.g., fasteners 1312) that can couple the inner horizontal member 108 to an outer horizontal member 104 by wrapping around at least a portion of an outer horizontal member 104.

In some examples, as shown, the inner horizontal member 108 includes fasteners 1312 on opposite ends of the inner horizontal member 108 to secure one end 1328 to an outer horizontal member 104 and an additional outer horizontal member 1306 and the opposite end 1330 to another outer horizontal member 104 and a corresponding additional outer horizontal member 1306 such that the inner horizontal member 108 extends substantially perpendicular to the outer horizontal members to which it is coupled.

Referring to FIG. 14, in some examples, the inner horizontal member 108 extends along a length l2 from the first end 1328 to the second end 1330. In some examples, the horizontal member 108 also extends along a length l2 from a first outer horizontal member 104 to a second outer horizontal member 104, opposite and parallel to the first outer horizontal member 104. In some examples, the inner horizontal member 108 has a width w1 extending from an outer horizontal member 104 to an additional outer horizontal member 1306 extending below, above, and/or substantially parallel to the outer horizontal member 104. In some examples, the width w1 is substantially uniform along the length l2 of the inner horizontal member 108.

Referring to FIG. 14, in some examples, the inner horizontal member 108 includes a net 1402 or other suitable barrier for playing a game. In some examples, the inner horizontal member 108 includes netting material, such as a volleyball net. In some examples, the inner horizontal member 108 includes an opening 1318 through which another inner horizontal member 108 can be threaded. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, one inner horizontal member 108 includes an opening 1318 through which another inner horizontal member 108 is threaded, such that the inner horizontal members 108 extend substantially perpendicular to each other. In some examples, a first inner horizontal member 108 is secured to the outer horizontal members 104 and additional outer horizontal members 1306 before another inner horizontal member 108 is threaded through the opening 1318.

Although not shown in FIG. 13A, in some examples, two or more outer horizontal members 104 are connected together to extend from a vertical support 102 in one corner of the grid to another vertical support 102 positioned at another corner of the grid. In some examples, the system 1300 includes additional vertical supports in addition to the vertical supports 102. In some examples, these additional vertical supports are positioned approximately halfway between two corner vertical supports 102 shown in FIG. 13A to help stabilize the system 1300. In some examples, a vertical support 102 receives a first end of an outer horizontal member 104 (e.g., through elevation coupler 106), and an additional vertical support receives an opposite end of the outer horizontal member 104 (e.g., through an additional elevation coupler). In some examples, a receptacle 1302 receives a first end of the additional outer horizontal member 1306, and the additional vertical support includes a receptacle configured to receive the opposite end of the outer horizontal member 1306. In some examples, an elevation coupler 106 and/or receptacle 1302 on the additional vertical support receives an end of another outer horizontal member 104 and/or additional outer horizontal member 1306, and another corner vertical support 102 receives an opposite end of that outer horizontal member 104 and/or additional outer horizontal member 1306 (e.g., via an elevation coupler 106 and/or receptacle 1302).

In some examples, the system 1300 includes a grid with nine squares, four inner horizontal members 108, four corners, eight outer horizontal members 104, and eight additional outer horizontal members 1306. In other examples, the system 1300 includes a grid with nine squares, four inner horizontal members 108, four corners, four outer horizontal members 104, and four additional outer horizontal members 1306.

As used herein, “substantially parallel” refers to an angle of not greater than five degrees. As used herein, “substantially perpendicular” refers to an angle of not less than 85 degrees and not greater than 95 degrees.

Elements of processes (i.e. methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the substance and spirit of the disclosure herein.

The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that at least some implementations may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present implementations. Thus, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Particular implementations may vary from these exemplary details and still be contemplated to be within the scope of the present implementations.

Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements.

As used herein “same” means sharing all features and “similar” means sharing a substantial number of features or sharing materially important features even if a substantial number of features are not shared. As used herein “may” should be interpreted in a permissive sense and should not be interpreted in an indefinite sense. Additionally, use of “is” regarding examples, elements, and/or features should be interpreted to be definite only regarding a specific example and should not be interpreted as definite regarding every example. Furthermore, references to “the disclosure” and/or “this disclosure” refer to the entirety of the writings of this document and the entirety of the accompanying illustrations, which extends to all the writings of each subsection of this document, including the Title, Background, Brief description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, and any other document and/or resource incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein regarding a list, “and” forms a group inclusive of all the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and Dis an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein regarding a list, “or” forms a list of elements, any of which may be included. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or Dis an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example including a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternatively-inclusive elements. An example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements includes at least one element of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. And, an example described using a list of alternatively-inclusive elements does not preclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein regarding a list, “and/or” forms a list of elements inclusive alone or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and/or Dis an example that may include: A alone; A and B; A, Band C; A, B, C, and D; and so forth. The bounds of an “and/or” list are defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations for the list.

Where multiples of a particular element are shown in a FIG., and where it is clear that the element is duplicated throughout the FIG., only one label may be provided for the element, despite multiple instances of the element being present in the FIG. Accordingly, other instances in the FIG. of the element having identical or similar structure and/or function may not have been redundantly labeled. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize based on the disclosure herein redundant and/or duplicated elements of the same FIG. Despite this, redundant labeling may be included where helpful in clarifying the structure of the depicted examples.

The Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same example or a different example and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17008328	Aug 2020	US
Child	18414247		US

ELEVATED YARD GAME

Information

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Date Filed

Date Published

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CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)

Continuation in Parts (1)