Ball game and net therefor

• US 5,139,256 A
• Filed: 05/03/1991
• Issued: 08/18/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth A. Logan
• Original Assignee: Kenneth A. Logan
• Inventors: Logan, Kenneth A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Theatrice
• Application Number:
  US07/684,907
• Time in Patent Office: 473 Days
• Field of Search: 273/29 B, 273/29 BA, 273/29 BB, 273/29 BC, 273/29 BF, 273/29 BG, 273/29 BE, 273/29 BD, 256/11
• US Class Current: 473/492
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 61/003 Nets for tennis or like games or accessories therefor straining or adjusting devices on the posts A63B61/02
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 61/02 Posts; Revolvably-mounted posts ; Straining or adjusting devices on the posts, e.g. coin- or time operated
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 67/002 Games using balls, not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A net for a ball game comprising vertical end posts (1,2) and a vertical center post (3), a cross bar (7) extending between the end posts and the center post adjacent their upper ends to define the "height" of the net, a multiplicity of rows of net line (10) extending between each end post and the center post to provide a visible "net", the adjacent lines (10) being spaced sufficiently to allow a ball to pass when played at a level which is lower than the level of the net, the post (1,2,3) being hollow, the end posts receiving retaining member for the ends of the net lines (10), the center post (3) having a central rotatable tube (25) through which the net lines (10) pass, the net lines (10) being retractable within the center post (3) by rotation of the tube (25).

Claims

1. A demountable and portable game net assembly comprising vertically extending hollow end posts and a vertical hollow centre post, at least one cross bar extending between the end posts and the centre post adjacent their upper ends to define the "height" of the net, said cross bar(s) being detachably secured to at least the end posts, and being supported by the centre posts and a multiplicity of rows of net lines extending between each end post and said centre post to provide a visible "net" through which a ball may pass when played at a level which is lower than the level of said at least one cross bar, said net lines being attached to a vertically extending elongated rotatable element arranged within said center post, said net lines having free ends, said free ends of said net lines being attached to releasable restraining means located within said end posts, upon release of said releasable restraining means from said posts said net lines are capable of being wound into said center post and around said elongated rotatable element by rotation of said rotatable element for net storage purposes.

2. The net of claim 1, further including a lower rail extending between each side post and the centre post and detachably secured thereto to increase the overall stability of the net structure.

3. The net of claim 2, wherein each side post and centre post is provided with an enlarged base on which each post stands and the spacing between adjacent rows of net line is about 45 mm.

4. The net of claim 1, wherein each hollow tubular post is closed by moulded end pieces, each moulded end piece having a transverse groove receiving rail elements and having a depending skirt received within said tubular members and a central socket receiving an end of said rotatable element.

5. The net according to claim 4, wherein said releasable restraining means are arcuate plates, said free ends of said net lines being attached to said arcuate plates received within said end posts, said arcuate plates being removable from said end posts to engage the outer surface of said centre post when the net lines are wound within said centre post.