BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Additional objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood from the following Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an overall exterior view of a net stabilizer with Velcro-like hook and loop fasteners.
FIG. 2 shows a top cross-sectional view of a net stabilizer.
FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the net stabilizer filled with heavy substance as a sand bag.
FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the net stabilizer in operation that is releasably secured to a bottom border of a net apparatus.
FIG. 5 shows (A) a net stabilizer secured to a net apparatus, and (B) an enlarged illustration of the securing mechanism between the next stabilizer and the net apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The preferred embodiments of the present invention described below relate particularly to an easily assemblable and disassemblable net stabilizer for maintaining the net in an appropriate place with intended functionality. While the description sets forth various embodiment specific details, it will be appreciated that the description is illustrative only and should not be construed in any way as limiting the invention. Furthermore, various applications of the invention, and modifications thereto, which may occur to those who are skilled in the art, are also encompassed by the general concepts described below.
FIG. 1 shows an overall exterior view of a net stabilizer 10 comprising an elongate bag body 15 with an enclosure and Velcro-like hook and loop fasteners 13 spaced apart that are secured or stitched on the exterior surface of the bag body, each fastener 13 comprising a hook component 14A and its matching loop component 14B. When the bag body is emptied, the elongate net stabilizer is foldable with lightweight for easy storage and carrying around. Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries B.V. One aspect of the invention relates to a net stabilizer comprising an elongate hollow body 15, a proximal end 11B and a distal end 11A, wherein an opening is located at about the distal end or proximal end for loading heavy substance or weighted material (for example, gravel, sand, rock, chains, bats, and the like) into the enclosure. In one embodiment, the opening is equipped with a zipper 12. In another embodiment, the opening is equipped with an elastic strap, a drawstring, a Velcro fastener, or the like.
The net stabilizer of the present invention has a length of between about 2 and 10 feet, preferably 4 and 6 feet. The outside diameter of the elongate bag body after filling is substantially uniform axially and has a dimension of between about 1 inch and 10 inches, preferably about 2 and 4 inches. The number of Velcro fasteners on the bag body is about 2 to 10. The total weight is configured to counter the blowing of a strong wind so to stabilize the net during a ball game. In an alternate embodiment, the outside diameter of the elongate bag body is substantially uneven axially. In still another embodiment, the cross-section of the bag body is not circular or round shape configured for maintaining the net stabilizer steady (not easy to roll).
FIG. 2 shows a top cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a net stabilizer 10A with two end-compartments 16A, 16B separated by at least one middle compartment 16C. The compartments are physically separated by a barrier member or divider 17A, 17B. In operation, the bag body 15 is axially stretched and the two end-compartments are filled with sand or equivalent to stabilize the bottom portion of a net by appropriately fastening the stabilizer to the net or rolling the bottom border of the net around and over the net stabilizer. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the middle compartment is empty. In one embodiment, at least one compartment is made with woven mesh patterns for easily identifying a subject stored within the at least one compartment. In another embodiment, at least one compartment is color-coded for easy identification.
FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the net stabilizer filled with weighted material (for example; sand) as a sand bag. One aspect of the invention relates to a net stabilizer with approximate even weight distribution axially as shown in FIG. 3. Another aspect of the invention relates to a net stabilizer with uneven weight distribution axially. The bottom portion of the net can roll around the elongate net stabilizer without using any fasteners.
FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the net stabilizer 10 in operation that is releasably secured to a bottom strand 23A of a net apparatus 21. The net apparatus 21 may comprise a netting that is supported horizontally at top of the netting and vertically at two sides of the netting with poles. In general, the netting comprises multiple vertical knitted strands 22 and horizontal strands 23. In operation, removably fasten the periphery of the net at the bottom border or the bottom strand(s) 23A of the net to the net stabilizer 10 through Velcro fasteners 13 on the net stabilizer. Preferably, the net 10 is made of nylon in a strong open weave pattern to provide strength and durability for the impact of a ball. In one embodiment, the net stabilizer is made of nylon, polyester, or other plastic material.
FIG. 5A shows a net stabilizer secured to a net apparatus whereas FIG. 5B shows an enlarged illustration of the securing mechanism between the net stabilizer and the net apparatus of FIG. 5A. In one embodiment, the vertical strands 22 stay about and outside the elongate bag of the net stabilizer 10. In another embodiment, a portion of the bottom horizontal strand(s) 23A is wrapped and fastened by the Velcro fastener while the next-to-the-bottom horizontal strand 23B is not fastened to the Velcro 13.
For best installation results, one needs at least 3-4″ of net resting on the ground. In one embodiment, some easy installation instruction is illustrated as follows:
- (1) Fill the bag with weighted material. Try not to use sharp rocks.
- (2) Lie the bag near the net you are going to stabilize and disperse the weight in the bag so it is even over the length of the bag.
- (3) Attach the bag to the net border using the Velcro straps already secured to the weighted border stabilizer (also known as net stabilizer).
- 4) Roll the bag into the extra net. This will distribute the tension across more of the net when the ball hits the base or the net. This will also minimize stress and snaring where the Velcro attaches.
- (5) Don't leave your net stabilizer expose to water. Remove it when not in use and hang it in a dry place.
- (6) Most applications do not require you to fully fill up the bag. High winds may require full fill. You do not need to border your whole net, just the parts you may need.
EXAMPLE NO. 1
A net stabilizer 10 has an elongate bag portion of flexible material, an interior enclosure as a bat compartment, and a plurality of Velcro-type hook and loop fasteners 13 (also known as Velcro straps) spaced apart at the exterior surface of the bag. The bag portion has one opening for loading the bat(s) into the bat compartment. In one embodiment, the opening can be partially closed by a drawstring to securely hold the bats in the bat compartment. The net stabilizer is also capable of loading with sand as a sand bag net border.
One aspect of the invention relate to a net stabilizer for stabilizing a bottom border of a sports net in place, comprising: an elongate bag body, a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one opening at the distal end; and fastening means secured to an exterior surface of the elongate bag body, wherein the fastening means is configured to releasably fasten the net stabilizer to the sports net, wherein the bag body is sized and configured for loading at least one bat for baseball or softball games. The bag body is also useful for loading gloves or other sport gears.
EXAMPLE NO. 2
A net stabilizer 10 has an elongate bag portion of flexible material, an interior enclosure with multiple isolated compartments, wherein each compartment has an opening for loading the weighted material (for example, sand) independently or for storage purposes. In operation, at least one compartment is filled with the weighted material. In an alternate embodiment, at least some compartments are partially filled with the weighted material.
From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that a net stabilizer has been disclosed. While the components, techniques and aspects of the invention have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein above described without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
Various modifications and applications of the invention may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the true spirit or scope of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be defined only by a fair reading of the appended claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.
Patent Application
20080009374
