GAME NET

Abstract

A game net for playing a game involving hitting an object back-and-forth between players located on opposite sides of the net. The game net has a netting or panel that is supportable on a frame or otherwise above a ground surface and is movable from location to location. The netting or panel has an opening or window formed completely therethrough to provide passage of the object through the netting or panel when hit by one or more players located on opposite sides of the netting or panel. With the game net, players must direct the object more accurately through the window with a higher degree of precision than what is required to pass an object over existing game nets.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to nets for games and, more specifically, to nets used in games wherein a ball, shuttlecock, or the like is hit back and forth between players.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various games are played on a lined court with a net over which an object is directed during game play, such as, for example, tennis and badminton. While these court games meet their respective objectives and requirements, they require a lined court to play and a lined court requires a sufficiently large area that can accommodate the court. Accordingly, there is a need and a desire of a new game does not require a lined court and that can be played indoors or outdoors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing described and other inherent disadvantages in known game nets, embodiments of the present invention provide a new game net construction that does not require a lined court, is easy to setup, and can be played indoors or outdoors.

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a game net having a higher degree of difficulty of directing an object through a net than what is provided by traditional game nets existing heretofore.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a game net that can be used indoors or outdoors and does not require a lined court.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a game net that is easy to setup.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects of embodiments of the invention, in general, in one aspect, a game net is vertically supported by a frame and the net includes a centrally located opening or window through which objects are directed. With this construction, players must direct an object more accurately through the window with a higher degree of precision than what is required to pass an object over existing game nets.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a game net constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is view of a panel of a game next constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved game net embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the game net of the invention, which is generally designated by reference number 10. In its preferred form, the game net 10 has a netting 12 forming a planar, vertically oriented barrier that defines an opening 14 through the barrier. The opening 14 is disposed, generally centrally in the netting such that the netting forms a wall or barrier around the opening. The opening 14 can be thought of like a window through the netting 12 that is surrounded by netting along each side of the opening.

Further, as depicted in this embodiment, the netting 12 includes side panels 13a and 13b that extend along the opposite, vertical sides of the opening 14. In an alternative arrangement, as seen in FIG. 3, netting 12 can be provided without the side panels 13a and 13b.

The netting 12 is attached to and supported by a frame 16 such that the netting is supported upon a ground surface and extends vertically upward therefrom, thereby providing the vertically oriented barrier. Netting 12 is attached to and supported by the frame 16 such that the netting maintains its shape. The frame 16 can include a pair of spaced apart vertical frame members 18 and 20. And can include a plurality of horizontal frame members 22, 24, 26, and 28 that are connected to and extend between the vertical frame members 18 and 20 at spaced vertical distances between one another. The frame 16 further includes a pair of ground engaging support leg assemblies 30 and 32.

It is important to understand the depicted frame 16 is representatively illustrated and the frame could take on various other constructions while remaining within the scope of the invention. For example, while not shown herein, the frame 16 can be collapsible to provide for easier storage and transport of the game net 10.

Further yet, the net 12 and the frame 16 can be constructed to permit adjusting the height of the opening or window 14 from the ground (GH), the dimensional width of the opening side-to-side (WW), and the dimensional height of the opening from top-to-bottom (WH).

Netting 12 may include sleeves, such as, for example sleeves 34, 36, and 38 through which sections of the frame 16 may be disposed or extend through to secure the netting 12 to frame. The netting 12 may include more or fewer sleeves than depicted here and as needed to attach the netting to the frame. An example of an alternative construction of the game net 10 and netting 12 is shown in FIG. 2, wherein netting further includes sleeves 37 and 39.

Additionally, other means such as, for example, straps, clasps, buttons, cords, etc. could also be used in connection with the sleeves or as alternative to the sleeves to secure the netting 12 to the frame 16.

In FIG. 4, there is shown an alternative construction of game net 10. As depicted here, the game net 10 has a similar construction to the game net shown in the prior figures. As shown here, a border 40 arranged it attached to the netting 12 around the opening 14. Border 40 serves several functions, including delineating the opening 14 and to provide support to the netting 12 around the opening. Border 40 could be colored with a bright color to give players a better visual identification of the opening 14.

As further shown here, a plurality of elastic cords 42-48 can be attached to the netting 12 to keep the netting pulled tight at the opening 14, keeping the opening fully open at its extents. As representatively shown, elastic cords 42-48 can each extend from a respective corner of the border to a corresponding corner of the netting 12, as shown. The elastic cords 42-48 could be arranged in different locations so long as the same purpose of keeping the opening 14 fully open is provided.

In FIGS. 5-7, there is shown an alternative construction of game net 10. As depicted here, the game net 10 has a similar construction to the game net shown in the prior figures. However, in this embodiment, the netting 12 is replaced by panel 50 that is supported above a ground surface by attachment to frame 62, for example. Like the forgoing embodiment, panel 50 has the opening 14 and a border 52 disposed around the perimeter of the opening. Border 52 could be colored with a bright color to give players a better visual identification of the opening 14. Panel 50 can be removably attached to the frame by mechanical fasteners, such as, for example matting touch fasteners, wherein one half of the fastener 54 is disposed on the frame and the other half is 56 is disposed around the perimeter of the panel 50, along one broadside thereof.

Preferably, panel 50 is constructed of a transparent material, thereby allowing players located on opposite sides to see one another through the panel. In embodiments, it is contemplated that the panel could be created from a single piece of rigid, transparent plastic material. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the panel could be created from a single piece of flexible, transparent plastic material, that could be rolled up for storage and unrolled for attachment to the frame 62.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in embodiments, it is contemplated that the panel 50 could be constructed of individual panels 58a-58d that can be removably connected to create the panel 50. The individual panels 58a-58d would be constructed of rigid, transparent plastic material. With further reference to FIG. 10, in an embodiment, panels 58a and 58c could have tabs 60 located at opposite ends that removably secure to panels 58b and 58d to connect the panels together by a mechanical fastener, such as a touch fastener 64, for example.

With further reference to FIG. 11, it is further contemplated that each panel 58a-58d could be constructed to fold in half to make storage and shipping easier. In such a construction, each panel 58a-58d could comprise two or more sections 66a and 66b that are joined by a flexible coupling 68 along fold joint 70 to fold in half.

Game net 10 is particularly useful in facilitating game play without a lined court. This allows quick and simple setup of the game net 10. The construction further allows for both indoor and outdoor play.

Generally, in use, players would stand on opposite sides of the game net 10. The players would then, using paddles, hit a shuttlecock, for example, back and forth while attempting to pass the shuttlecock through the opening 14. Game play with net 10 is not limited to a shuttlecock, rather other objects, such as, a ball for example could be used. Various game methods, rules, and scoring can be implemented in connection with the game net 10.

The foregoing disclosure sets forth the invention in its preferred form, but the structure shown is capable of modification within a range of equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A game net for playing a game involving players hitting an object back-and-forth between them, the game net comprising: a netting supported above a ground surface, the netting having an opening formed completely therethrough so as to allow an object to pass through the opening when hit by one or more players located on opposite sides of the netting, the opening having a periphery and the netting surrounding the periphery of the opening.

2. The game net of claim 1, further comprising a border attached to the netting and extending around the periphery of the opening, the border providing support to the netting around the opening.

3. The game net of claim 1, further comprising one or more elastic cords, wherein each elastic cord is attached at one end to the border and at the opposite end at a location that is outwardly spaced from the border along the netting.

4. The game net of claim 1, further comprising: a frame supported on the ground surface and wherein the netting is attached to the frame for supporting the netting above the ground surface.

5. The game net of claim 4, wherein the frame includes one or more vertical frame members, the vertical frame members extending in a generally vertically upward direction when the frame is disposed in an upright orientation on the ground surface.

6. The game net of claim 5, wherein the netting is attached to at least one of the one or more vertical frame members.

7. The game net of claim 6, further comprising one or more sleeves on the netting through which one or more vertical frame members of the frame are disposed for supporting the netting on the frame.

8. The game net of claim 7, wherein the frame further includes one or more horizontal frame member extending between the vertical frame members.

9. The game net of claim 1, wherein the opening is rectangular shaped.

10. A game net for playing a game involving players hitting an object back-and-forth between them, the game net comprising: a netting supported above a ground surface, the netting having an opening formed completely therethrough so as to allow an object to pass through the opening when hit by one or more players located on opposite sides of the netting, the opening having a periphery and the netting completely surrounding the periphery of the opening such that the opening is bounded on all sides by the netting;a border attached to the netting and extending around the periphery of the opening, the border providing support to the netting around the opening; andone or more elastic cords, wherein each elastic cord is attached at one end to the border and at the opposite end at a location that is outwardly spaced from the border along the netting.

11. The game net of claim 10, further comprising: a frame supported on the ground surface and wherein the netting is attached to the frame for supporting the netting above the ground surface.

12. The game net of claim 11, wherein the frame includes one or more vertical frame members, the vertical frame members extending in a generally vertically upward direction when the frame is disposed in an upright orientation on the ground surface.

13. The game net of claim 12, wherein the netting is attached to at least one of the one or more vertical frame members.

14. The game net of claim 13, further comprising one or more sleeves on the netting through which one or more vertical frame members of the frame are disposed for supporting the netting on the frame.

15. A game net for playing a game involving players hitting an object back-and-forth between them, the game net comprising: a panel supported above a ground surface, the panel having an opening formed completely therethrough so as to allow an object to pass through the opening when hit by one or more players located on opposite sides of the panel, the opening having a periphery and the panel completely surrounding the periphery of the opening such that the opening is bounded on all sides by the panel;a border on the panel and extending around the periphery of the opening; andthe panel constructed of a transparent material to allow players disposed on opposite sides of the panel to see one another through the panel.

16. The game net of claim 15, wherein the panel is constructed of a rigid plastic material.

17. The game net of claim 15, wherein the panel is constructed of flexible plastic material.

18. The game net of claim 15, wherein the panel is comprised of a plurality of individual panels that are removably connected to form the panel.

19. The game net of claim 18, wherein one or more of the plurality of individual panels is comprised of two or more hingedly connected sections that allow the individual panel to fold upon itself.

20. The game net of claim 15, further comprising: a frame; andthe panel removably attached to the frame to support the panel above the ground surface.