The invention relates to a multi-sports ball return net system and method thereof. Specifically, it relates to an improved return net system that is portable and returns a ball propelled into the net directly towards the user.
For sports that use a ball, it is common for a person to practice making contact with (i.e. by hitting, kicking, throwing or striking) the ball to propel it in a direction. Repetition during practice helps achieve precision in making contact with the ball in the proper manner to propel the ball in a desired direction. To be able to practice hitting, kicking, throwing or striking a ball, there is a need to constantly retrieve the ball, so that it can be hit, kicked, thrown or strike repeatedly.
One way to achieve this is to have another person catch the ball and return it to the hitter. Another way to achieve this is to utilize a net system. A typical prior art net system includes a rectangular shaped frame with a net mounted across the frame. A ball hit into the net is bounced back, usually not directly to the user unless the ball hit the net at an angle normal to the plane of the net. Therefore, a user of such prior art net system has to, disadvantageously, constantly move to different positions to catch the returned ball. Examples of similar prior art systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,996 and 5,269,527.
Another prior art net system utilizes a net that is configured into a pocket shape to collect balls, which may then be returned to the user via formed chutes. With the need of extraneous structure and parts such as chutes disadvantageously make such prior art system more difficult to transport or assembled. Examples of similar prior art systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,805,070 and 6,620,064.
Therefore, there is a need for a portable multi-sports ball return net system that can be easily transported and returns a ball to the user with minimal or no effort of the user to retrieve the returned ball.
The present invention provides a multi-sports ball return net system and a method thereof that consistently returns a ball hit, kick, thrown or strike into it directly to a user and is portable, easy to assemble and disassemble.
The multi-sports ball return net system of the present invention comprises a frame and a net mounted across the frame. The net forms an upper U-shape forward bulging pillow and a lower U-shape channel or hammock. A ball propelled into the U-shape pillow drops down to the U-shape channel, which funnels the ball to the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel for discharge toward the user.
The frame of the multi-sports ball return net system comprises a plurality of substantially straight tubular members that are interconnected to form an upstanding frame having a S-shape profile. The frame includes an upper front transverse member, each end of which is connected to an upper rearwardly extending horizontal member, each end of which is connected to an upper downwardly extending vertical member, each end of which is connected to an intermediate downwardly extending and forwardly inclined member, each end of which is connected to a lower downwardly extending vertical member, each end of which is connected to a lower rearwardly extending horizontal member, each end of which is connected to the two ends of a lower rear transverse member.
The net of the multi-sports ball return net system has a substantially isosceles trapezoidal shape. The longer parallel edge of the net is sleeved across the upper front transverse member and the pair of upper horizontal members. Each side edge of the net is sleeved over one of the pair of upper vertical member, intermediate inclined member and lower vertical member.
The multi-sports ball return net system of the present invention can be used to consistently return balls to the user in such sports as golf, football (punting and place-kicking), soccer, baseball (hitting and pitching), softball (hitting and pitching), lacrosse, and street hockey.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been chosen for purposes of illustration and description and are shown (not to scale) in the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein:
With reference to the drawing wherein the same reference number illustrates the same element throughout,
As shown in
To further facilitate assembly of the frame 20, the corresponding ends of each pair of tubular elements 22 at each interconnection have matching color codes or bands, as illustrated by matching color bands 24a and 24b at interconnection 26. The color coding of the tubular elements 22 allow a user to simply join the tubular elements 22 having matching colors (e.g. red to red, blue to blue, etc.) to form an interconnection. For the embodiment shown in
The interconnection and color coding of the tubular elements 22 facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the frame 20 of the multi-sports ball return net system 10 to make it easily and quickly transportable to different locations. It takes approximately 5 minutes to assemble the frame 20 as shown in
Tubular elements 22 are assembled as shown in
As shown in
The frame 20 can have various dimensions, depending on the type of sports the ball return net system 10 is used for and the space where the ball return net system 10 is being used. The embodiment shown in
The width of the longer parallel edge 46 of the net 30 is the same or slightly longer than the total length of the upper front transverse member 28 and the pair of parallel upper horizontal members 32. The height of the net 30 is longer than the height of the frame 20. For the frame 20 as shown in
The pattern and gauge of the net 30 may vary depending on the type and size of the ball the return net system 10 is used for. For example, diamond, triangle, square, other polygonal or non-polygonal shapes, etc. A heavier gauged net 30 provides a stronger arresting force to the ball. As an alternative to a heavier gauge net 30, small weights may be hung on the lower portion of the net 30.
As illustrated in
As shown in
A ball 50 hit into the impact zone 56 of the net 30, regardless of whether it is centered or off-centered, the ball 50 rolls down towards the U-shape channel 40 (whether centrally or left or right sides of the U-shape channel), which then funnels the ball 50 towards the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel 40 for a consistent release and return of the ball 50 to the user in front of the net 30. As illustrated, a ball 50 is not randomly returned as in the prior art.
A ball 50 hit into the U-shape channel 40 similarly funnels the ball 50 towards the lowest and central point of the U-shape channel 40 for return to the user. A low ball 50 striking the net 30 below the impact zone 56 and the U-shape channel 40 may become trapped in the net 30 gathered on the ground below the U-shape channel 40, so as to prevent the ball 50 from exiting the back of the net 30 and becoming a dangerous trajectory.
The U-shape channel 40 of the net 30 may be adjusted and fine-tuned for different balls and return effects. The depth of the U-shape channel 40 may be adjusted by varying the ratio between the longer parallel edge 46 and the shorter parallel edge 54 of the net 30. A smaller ratio between the longer parallel edge 46 and the shorter parallel edge 54 provides a deeper U-shape channel 40. The lowest point of the U-shape channel 40 may be 1″ to 18″ off the ground by varying the dimensions of the net 30 or by raising the U-shape channel 40. The U-shape channel 40 may be raised by providing a hook 58 (as shown on
The impact zone 56 of the net 30 may also be adjusted and fine-tuned for different balls and return effects. As shown in
The shorter parallel edge 54 of the net 30 may be completely raised above ground to create a deeper U-shape channel 40 with the use of cord 62 connected to the hook 58. By pulling the lower end of sleeve 52 of side edge 48 of the net 30 upward along the intermediate inclined member 36 of the frame 20, the U-shape channel 40 forms a pocket above ground that collects balls 50 hit into the net 30. The creation of such a pocket is advantageous when the ground is wet or muddy.
The features of the invention illustrated and described herein is the preferred embodiment. Therefore, it is understood that the appended claims are intended to cover the variations disclosed and unforeseeable embodiments with insubstantial differences that are within the spirit of the claims.
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