SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD CONFIGURED TO IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN SPORTS AIMED AT HITTING A BALL OVER A NET

Abstract

A device configured to encourage a tennis player to hit a tennis ball higher over a tennis net includes a pair of telescoping rods. Each pair of telescoping rods can include an inner segment and an outer segment. The outer segment can surround at least a portion of the inner segment. The outer segment can be movable with respect to the lower rod to at least one raised position and at least one lowered position. The lower rod of each telescoping rod can be attached to a vertical support post at opposing ends of a tennis net or directly to the tennis net. At least one fastener can be attached to the outer segment of each pair of telescoping rods. A string can attach the at least one fastener of each telescoping rod. The string can extend above and generally parallel to a top surface of the tennis net.

Description

FIELD

The presently disclosed technology relates to improving performance in athletic activities. More particularly, the presently disclosed technology relates to an addition or an attachment to a net, or a portion or extension thereof, which encourages and/or guides an athlete to hit a ball to and/or above a certain height or point above the net.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

It can be challenging for children, students, or athletes to learn or excel at sports that require hitting a ball over a net, such as tennis. For example, students often hit the ball into the net too much.

One prior art system that attempts to address the above issue is the Airzone System, and is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. There are several drawbacks with this prior art system. For example, the Airzone System can be difficult or awkward to set-up, and can be fragile when set-up. The Airzone System is precariously attached to the net (see FIG. 1B), where an upper strap connects to a pole and a lower strap connects directly to the net.

Further, the Airzone System has fixed-length support rods and therefore only a single height, thereby limiting the ability to adjust the height based on the learning need of the athlete or student. If a user of the Airzone System were to try to raise the device with respect to the net, it would compromise the stability of the system and would undesirably put more stress on the net, which tennis operators always try to avoid. Also, this suspension may only be temporary as the pole can still slip back to the ground as the tennis net may not continually support the pole.

In use, each of the single, vertical support at each side or end of the Airzone System sags. This sag would worsen if a user were to attempt to raise the Airzone System, which has metal poles. Also, the Airzone System includes a second, smaller net above the conventional tennis net. This second, higher net can prevent or stop rallies, which can be undesirable when playing with or instructing young players or inexperienced players.

Another prior art system is shown in FIG. 2, which consists of extending a rope above the net and hanging flags from the rope. This system can also be difficult or awkward to set-up, at least in part because it requires posts or supports to attach the rope. Further, the hanging flags can inadvertently disrupt the path of a tennis ball that otherwise could allow the athlete to continue to practice. The prior art system in FIG. 2 also does not allow for adjustability without compromising stability and functionality.

BRIEF SUMMARY

There is a need to create a system, apparatus, or method to encourage or teach athletes to hit (or more consistently hit) a ball over a net. There is also a need to create a system, apparatus, or method that is durable, easy and quick to set-up, can be set-up and removed in a repeatable manner, and is readily adjustable to accommodate athletes of different ages, heights, and/or ability levels. The above and other needs are addressed by the presently disclosed technology.

In one aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to allowing an athlete (e.g., a tennis or volleyball player) to practice hitting the ball higher over the net. This device, by providing a visual target, allows the student to have a practical way to hit the ball higher over the net and more consistently achieve the goal of hitting the ball deeper into the opponent's side of the court. The optional telescoping function allows the height of the net to be adjusted for the athlete's age, height, and/or skill level.

In another aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a device configured to encourage a tennis player to hit a tennis ball higher over a tennis net. The device can include a pair of telescoping rods. Each pair of telescoping rods can include an inner segment and an outer segment. The outer segment can surround at least a portion of the inner segment. The outer segment can be movable with respect to the lower rod to at least one raised position and at least one lowered position. The lower rod of each telescoping rod can be attached to a vertical support post at opposing ends of a tennis net, directly to the tennis net, and/or a base plate on the ground. At least one fastener can be attached to the outer segment of each pair of telescoping rods. A string can attach the at least one fastener of each telescoping rod. The string can extend above and parallel to a top surface of the tennis net.

In yet another aspect, the presently disclosed technology can be stored and/or transported in a compact and efficient manner, and then expanded and/or unrolled (e.g., like a scroll) to quickly set-up with a conventional tennis net, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a system according to the prior art;

FIG. 1B is a magnified view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another system according to the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system or device in accordance with one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology, wherein the system or device is shown laying on the ground and not attached to a net or a portion thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the system or device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the system or device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of a portion of the system or device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the system or device shown in FIG. 3, wherein the portion is shown in a disassembled configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the system or device shown in FIG. 3, wherein the system or device is shown in a use-configuration and two separate and/or spaced-apart levels extend across but above the net;

FIG. 9 is a magnified perspective view of the system or device shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic or elevation view of a portion of the system or device in accordance with one embodiment of the presently disclosed technology;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of at least a portion of system or device according to another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology, wherein the system or device is shown in a use-configuration and only one level extends across but above the net;

FIG. 12 is a magnified view of a portion of the system or device shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the system or device shown in FIG. 11, wherein a fastener is not used to pull the single level or string taut; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the system or device shown in FIG. 11, wherein at least one fastener is used on each end or side to pull the single level or string taut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now in detail to the various figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, FIGS. 3-9 illustrate an optional embodiment of a system or device, generally designated 10, according to the presently disclosed technology. In one optional embodiment, the device 10 is used in conjunction with and/or attached to a portion of a tennis net, generally designated 100 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) to encourage or teach a tennis player to hit a tennis ball a predetermined height (e.g., 1 foot or 2 feet) over a tennis net. However, the device 10 can be employed with other types of nets or for other types of activities, such as but not limited to volleyball, pickleball, table tennis, or badminton.

FIGS. 3-7 show one embodiment of the system or device 10 not attached to or near a net, such as a tennis net. But those of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the various ways this system or device can attach to or interact with various portions of a net or its supporting structure. FIG. 8 shows one way to attach the device 10 can attach to and/or interact with the net 100 or a portion thereof. Those skilled in the art understand that a tennis net includes a net or net body (e.g., formed of a mesh or interconnected strings), a headband that runs across the top of the net, side and bottom bands, and a cable. Posts can be attached to one or more of these components, and the posts can extend into the ground for stability. A crank is often attached to each post to pull the net tightly between the posts.

In one embodiment, the device 10 includes at least a pair of telescoping rods, each generally designated 12. Each rod 12 can be located at or near each opposing end of the device 10 and/or the net 100. The telescoping capability of the rods 12 allows for the height of the device 10 to be selectively raised or lowered, depending upon the age, height, and/or athletic ability, for example, of the athlete, without needing or requiring to remove or detach the device 10 from the net 100. The telescoping capability of the rods 12 also allows for this height adjustment without sacrificing stability or durability of the device 10 with respect to the net 100. In other words, a lower end of each rod 12 can optionally maintain contact with the ground even when the total height is increased.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, each pair of telescoping rods 12 can include at least a first or inner segment 14 and a second or outer segment 16. Optionally, each segment 14, 16 can be in the form of tubular polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or another rigid or structurally stable material. The segments 14, 16 can have different diameters. For example, the inner segment 14 can have a diameter of 1 inch, while the outer segment 16 can have a correspondingly slightly larger diameter.

In one optional embodiment, the outer segment 16 can optionally be the lower segment and surrounds at least a portion of the inner segment 14. The outer segment 16 can be vertically movable and/or rotatable with respect to the inner segment 14 to at least one raised position and at least one lowered position.

In another optional embodiment, the inner segment 14 (i.e., with a smaller diameter) can be the lower segment while the outer segment 16 (i.e., with the bigger diameter) can be the upper segment. In other words, the diameter of the tubing that attaches to or goes into the net, for example, is smaller than the diameter of tubing that extends vertically above the net 100. In this optional embodiment, the smaller diameter segment can fit more easily within and/or through the net 100 in a zigzag or threaded manner, for example. A length of the inner segment can be different than the outer segment. For example, the inner segment can have a length of approximately or exactly 7 feet, and the lower segment can have a length of approximately or exactly 3 feet. These lengths have been found to create a stable support structure while also being configured to be collapsible to a size that is conducive to travel and/or storage.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the first segment 14 can fully or completely separate from the second segment 16. This is beneficial for storage and/or travel, where the device 10 is able to become quite compact in a short period of time. Another benefit of the presently disclosed technology is that it allows one of the segments to move upward to raise the overall height of the device, without requiring the other segment to move upward from the ground surface. A further benefit of the present technology is that the relatively short and rigid segment 14, 16 resist or avoid sagging, warping, and/or bending, which cannot be said for the Airzone System of the prior art. In contrast, a long shaft is more likely to sag or bend at some point along its length or height.

Each of the inner and outer segments 14, 16 can include one or a plurality of spaced-apart openings 18, 20 extending therethrough. Each opening 18, 20 can be circular in shape, and can be of the same or similar diameter. Optionally, the openings 18, 20 are evenly spaced in both the inner segments 14 and the outer segments 16, respectively. In one embodiment, each opening 18, 20 extends completely through the inner and outer segments 14, 16, respectively, such that the openings 18, 20 form a horizontal passageway through opposing portions of the outer periphery of the inner and outer segments 14, 16. Alternatively, each opening 18, 20 extends through only one wall of the respective segment 14, 16.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, each inner segment 14 can include two or more (e.g., four) openings 18 (optionally evenly) spaced-apart along at least a portion thereof. The openings 18 provide both a means to attach an extension or rope above the net 100, and a means to stabilize the connection between the segments 14, 16.

Optionally, the openings 18 are located at or near an upper end or upper half of the inner segment 14. The openings 20 on each outer segment 16 can be similarly or differently spaced and/or located along the outer segment 16. Placing and spacing the openings 18, 20 in this manner on the inner and outer segments 14, 16, respectively, can provide increased durability and/or rigidity to the device 10 when assembled due to the overlapping nature of the segment 14, 16. Optionally, the openings 18, 20 can be configured to receive a dowel or cylindrical rod, for example, to fix the inner and outer segments 14, 16 from moving longitudinally with respect to each other.

The device 10 can be used in conjunction with a net and/or attached to a portion of the net in any of a variety of ways. For example, the lower rod of each telescoping rod can attach directly to a vertical support post at opposing ends of the net. One optional way to attach the rods 14 to the net 100 or the vertical support posts is through straps or a hook-and-loop system, such as VELCRO™. Alternatively, the lower rod of each telescoping rod can be directly attached to the net, such as by threading or weaving the lower rod through adjacent or proximate vertical openings of the net. Alternatively, the lower rod of each telescoping rod can be attached to a frame or base that is separate and/or movable with respect to the net. For example, at least a portion of the base can be square or rectangular in shape and a bottom surface of the base can be flat and sit directly on the ground. Each base can have a predetermined weight to hold the device in place, or one or more fasteners can be attached to each base to hold the base in place on the ground or with respect to the posts of the net.

As a comparison, if the Airzone System shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is raised to encourage a student to hit the ball higher, the bottom of the support shafts need to be moved upwardly, away from the ground, thereby resulting in the system being less stable or wobbly. That drawback of the prior art is overcome by the telescoping capability of the rods of the presently disclosed invention. In addition, the PVC or other similar material used to form the rods prevents sag or bend of the rods in use.

In one optional embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, at least one fastener 22 can be removably attached to at least the outer segment 16 of each pair of telescoping rods 12. Optionally, at least a portion of the at least one fastener 22 extends through both the outer and inner segments 16, 14 of each pair of telescoping rods 12. The at least one fastener 22 can be in the form of an eye hook having a shaft and an eye. The at least one fastener 22 that can be selectively inserted or removed from the respective outer and inner segments 16, 14, depending upon the needs of the student. In one embodiment, the at least one fastener 22 extends completely through each of the inner and outer segments 14, 16, such that a free end of the shaft is exposed on one side of the segments 14, 16, and the eye is exposed on the opposing side of the segments 14, 16.

Optionally, the at least one fastener can include at least two or more fasteners 22 attached to at least the outer segment 16 of each pair of telescoping rods 12. The at least two fasteners 22 can be spaced-apart such that a first one of the at least two fasteners 22 is vertically spaced above a second one of the at least two fasteners 22, as shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, at least one string or rope 24 can be attached to the at least one fastener 22 of each telescoping rod 12. When pulled taut, the string 24 extends above and generally parallel to a top surface of the net 100 and/or the ground surface. The string 24 may not extend exactly parallel to the top surface of the net 100 because of slight sag in the string 24 due to, in part, the material of the string 24. But those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the string 24 will extend “generally” or almost parallel to the top surface of the net 100. For example, the string 24 can extend through the eye of the fastener 22 on one of the telescoping rods 12 and to and through the eye of another fastener on the other telescoping rod 12. In one optional embodiment, a simple knot can secure the string 24 to one or each of the fasteners 22. Assembly of the string 24 can be done quickly and easily by a user when setting-up the device at a tennis court, and the height of each fastener 22 can be adjusted depending upon the age, height, and/or skill level of the athlete.

Optionally, the string 24 can extend between two upper fasteners 22 and between two lower fasteners 22 from one of the telescoping rods 12 to the other. In such a configuration, the device 10 appears or has two separate and/or spaced-apart levels that extend across but above the net. See FIGS. 8 and 9. The two levels of string 24 extending across and above the net 100 can provide a better visual target for the student or player.

The string 24 can be comprised of two or more separate and distinct pieces, or one continuous piece. In one embodiment, when fully assembled, there is no netting between an upper, horizontally-extending portion of the string 24 and a lower, horizontally-extending portion of the string 24. Optionally, the upper, horizontally-extending portion of the string 24 can be located exactly or approximately 2 feet above the top surface of the net.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. Similar or identical structure as between the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9 and the embodiment of FIG. 10 is distinguished in FIG. 10 by a reference number with a magnitude one hundred (100) greater than that of FIGS. 3-9. Description of certain similarities between the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9 and the embodiment of FIG. 10 may be omitted herein for convenience and brevity only.

One difference between the embodiment of FIG. 10 and the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9 is that the telescoping rods 112 include at least three distinct segments. The upper segment can have a diameter larger than the middle segment, which can have a diameter larger than the lower segment.

FIGS. 11-14 show another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology. Similar or identical structure as between the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9 and the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 is distinguished in FIGS. 11-14 by a reference number with a magnitude two hundred (200) greater than that of FIGS. 3-9. Description of certain similarities between the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9 and the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 may be omitted herein for convenience and brevity only.

One difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 and the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9 is that each fastener 222 used to secure the string or rope 224 to one of the rods 212 can be in the form of a cord lock. A cord lock 222 allows the string 224 to be tightened or maintained taut without the use of knots or putting too much stress or bend on the rods 212. At least one cord lock 222 at each rod 212 allows the rope 224 to be more taut, as opposed to the Airzone System that necessitates stretching or moving the poles to accomplish the string being more taut.

Each cord lock 222 can include a barrel, a toggle (e.g., a plunger), and a spring. When the barrel and the toggle squeezed together or moved at least slightly toward each other, the grip on the string 224 or tension in the string 224 can be released and the cord lock 222 can move freely up and down (e.g., along) the string 224. When the barrel and the toggle are released or allowed to move at least slightly away from each other by the force of the spring, the cord lock 222 clamps onto the string 224 and the cord lock 222 stays in place with respect to the string 224. In this locked position, when the cord lock 222 is positioned next to one of the rods 212, the string 224 maintains the tension by the cord lock 222 touching or engaging the rod 212.

Another difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 and the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9 is that the string 224 can extend the cord lock 222 on one rod 212 to the cord lock 222 on the opposing rod 212. In such a configuration, the device 10 appears or has only one level that extends across but above the net. See FIGS. 11 and 12. Optionally, during use, the instructor can hit the ball below the string 224 (but above the net) and the student can hit the ball above the string 224. Thus, the instructor can send the ball to the student in a fast-past or match-like manner, while the student can work on lofting the ball above the string 224. The adjustable nature of the rods 212 allows the vertical distance between the string 224 and the net to be changed or modified without sacrificing the stability of the system, which is not possible with the Airzone System. The ability to adjust this vertical distance may be necessary or beneficial to allow recurring ball returns from the instructor and/or an adequate challenge for the student. As explained above, it can be difficult or awkward to adjust the pole position of the Airzone System to increase this vertical distance.

FIG. 13 shows the system prior to the cord locks 222 being used or engaged. As such, the string 224 is not pulled taut and sags in or at least the middle of the net, even though portions of the string 224 near the rods 212 are higher. FIG. 14 shows the system with the cord locks 222 being used or engaged, such that the string 224 is pulled taut and extends parallel or generally parallel to the top surface of the net.

The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this Detailed Description. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a format substantially akin to claims, although they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as “embodiments” instead of “claims.”

1A. A device for attaching to a net, the device comprising:

adjustable rods placed at or near either end of the net; and

one or more strings extending horizontally above the net.

2A. The device of embodiment 1A, wherein the adjustable rods are telescoping.

1B. A method of teaching or encouraging an athlete to hit a ball a predetermined distance above a net, the method comprising:

attaching a first telescoping tube to one end of a net or to a first post at the one end of the net;

attaching a second telescoping tube to another end of the net or to a second post at the other end of the net;

attaching a string from the first telescoping tube to the second telescoping tube; and

pulling the string tight so that the string extends parallel to a top surface of the net and a predetermined distance above the net.

2B. The method of embodiment 1B, wherein the step of attaching the string to the first and second telescoping tubes comprises feeding the string through an eye hook extending through each of the first and second telescoping tubes.

Features of the various embodiments described herein can be omitted or included in other embodiments.

While the presently disclosed technology has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device configured to encourage a tennis player to hit a tennis ball a predetermined distance above a tennis net, the device comprising: a pair of spaced-apart telescoping rods, each telescoping rod including an inner segment and an outer segment, the outer segment surrounding at least a portion of the inner segment, the outer segment being movable with respect to the inner segment to at least one raised position and at least one lowered position, one of the inner and outer segments of each telescoping rod being attached to i) a vertical support post at opposing ends of a tennis net or ii) directly to the tennis net;a string extending between the telescoping rods, the string extending above and generally parallel to a top surface of the tennis net; andat least one fastener removably attached to the string proximate each telescoping rod, each fastener being movable with respect to the respective telescoping rod.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each fastener is a cord lock.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein each cord lock includes a barrel movable with respect to a toggle.

4. The device of claim 1, the at least one fastener is an eye hook.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one fastener includes at least two fasteners extending through the inner and outer segments of each pair of telescoping rods, the at least two fasteners attached to each pair of telescoping rods being spaced-apart such that a first one of the at least two fasteners being vertically spaced above a second one of the at least two fasteners.

6. The device of claim 5, the string extends between the first one of the at least two fasteners on opposing telescoping rods and extends between the second one of the at least two fasteners on opposing telescoping rods.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein there is no netting between an upper, horizontally-extending portion of the string and a lower, horizontally-extending portion of the string.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the upper, horizontally-extending portion of the string is located approximately 2 feet above the top surface of the tennis net.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the inner and outer segments includes a plurality of spaced-apart holes extending therethrough.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein each inner and outer segment is formed of PVC pipe.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the string can be raised or lowered with respect to the ground by adjusting the position of the outer segment with respect to the inner segment on either or both telescoping rods.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein each inner and outer segments includes a plurality of spaced-apart holes extending therethrough, each hole being configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one fastener.

13. A device configured to encourage an athlete to hit or throw a ball a predetermined distance above a net, the device comprising: a pair of spaced-apart telescoping rods, each telescoping rod including an inner segment and an outer segment, the outer segment surrounding at least a portion of the inner segment, the outer segment being movable with respect to the lower rod, the lower rod of each telescoping rod being attached to a vertical support post at opposing ends of a net or directly to the net;a string extending between the telescoping rods, the string extending above and generally parallel to a top surface of the tennis net; anda cord lock attached to the string proximate each telescoping rod, in combination the cord locks being configured to maintain the string in a taut configuration between the pair of telescoping rods,wherein the pair of telescoping rods are located between the two cord locks along the string, andwherein the string can be raised or lowered with respect to the ground by adjusting the position of the outer segment with respect to the inner segment on either or both telescoping rods.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein each cord lock includes a barrel movable with respect to a toggle.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein each cord lock includes a spring.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein each rod is a PVC tube.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein each cord lock is movable with respect to the respective telescoping rod.