Overhead supported net system

• US 6,776,733 B2
• Filed: 01/07/1999
• Issued: 08/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Litania Sports Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Porter Athletic Equipment Company
• Inventors: Schroeder, Edward A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sewell, Paul T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHAMBERS, MICHAEL S
• Application Number:
  US09/228,076
• Publication Number:
  US 20010002377A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,049 Days
• Field of Search: 473/473, 473/482, 473/481, 182/155, 297/158.4
• US Class Current: 473/473
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0095 Volleyball
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 61/02 Posts; Revolvably-mounted posts ; Straining or adjusting devices on the posts, e.g. coin- or time operated

Abstract

An overhead supported net system including a net and a spaced pair of masts pivotally connected to an overhead structure to pivot about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the net between a stored position and a play position. A pair of braces are connected to the overhead structure and the masts to lock the masts in the play position. The mast terminates short of the floor.

Claims

1. An overhead supported system to suspend a net over a floor, the system comprising:

a net having a longitudinal axis;

a spaced pair of masts pivotally connected to an overhead structure to pivot about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the net between a stored position and a play position; and

a pair of braces, each brace coupled to the overhead structure adjacent a first end, and coupled to the masts adjacent a second end to lock the masts in the play position, wherein the system does not contact and is not secured to the floor.

2. A system according to claim 1, including a driver connected to the masts for moving the mast between the stored and play positions.

3. A system according to claim 2, including cables connecting the driver to each mast.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein each pair of braces includes a pair of members hinged to each other adjacent one end and coupled to either the mast or overhead structure adjacent another end.

5. A system according to claim 4, including a latch at the hinge to lock the pair of members and the mast in the play position.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the braces are pivotally connected to the overhead structure and the mast.

7. A system according to claim 1, including a height adjustment mechanism connecting the net to the mast.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a screw drive.

9. A system according to claim 1, including a platform and a ladder connected to one of the masts.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein neither the masts nor the ladder touch the floor when the net is in the play position.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein the masts do not touch the floor when the net is in the play position.

12. A system according to claim 1, wherein a bottom of each mast terminates adjacent a bottom edge of the net.