U.S. patent application number 12/555940 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for attachable soccer rebound net.
Invention is credited to Gregory A. Jones.
Application Number | 20110059815 12/555940 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43648208 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110059815 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; Gregory A. |
March 10, 2011 |
Attachable Soccer Rebound Net
Abstract
This invention provides a lightweight, portable rebound net from
an elastic material that can be attached to an existing
regulation-sized soccer goal frame by a single person without the
use of a ladder. It has the ability to be tightened quickly to
create tension and prevent a ball from slipping under the net with
a single mechanism. It provides a rebound net for recreational use
with properties like that of a training net available to sports
teams. It can be used for soccer or adapted for any other sport for
which it would be useful to rebound a ball rather than retrieving
it during practice or play. It can be adapted to convert to a catch
net without rebound properties in situations for which that would
be desirable.
Inventors: |
Jones; Gregory A.;
(Broomfield, CO) |
Family ID: |
43648208 |
Appl. No.: |
12/555940 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/435 ;
206/579 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0097 20130101;
A63B 2102/22 20151001; A63B 2243/0033 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101; A63B 2102/14 20151001; A63B 2209/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/435 ;
206/579 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/00 20060101
A63B069/00; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus that can be attached to a frame, said apparatus
comprising: (a) a net having a top, a bottom, and two sides; (b) a
first means for attaching said top to said frame; (c) a second
means for attaching each of said two sides to said frame, wherein
said second means is different than said first means; and (d) a
third means for attaching said bottom to said frame, wherein said
third means is capable of creating tension on said net.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said net is substantially
elastic.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said net includes an
open-weave pattern.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said net includes a
spider-web-weave pattern.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said net comprises a plurality
of individual sections woven together.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first means comprises a
plurality of hooks.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said hooks each comprise a
material selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic, a
thermoset, a metal, a composite, and wood.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second means comprises a
plurality of hook-and-loop fasteners.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said second means comprises a
plurality of Velcro straps.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said third means comprises a
strap and at least one self-locking connector.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said strap is at least twice
the length of the width of said frame.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said third means comprises
two self-locking connectors on each side of said net.
14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said first means comprises a
plurality of hooks, said second means further comprises at least
one of said hooks on each of said two sides.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more stakes
for securing the bottom of said net to the ground.
16. A kit for affixing a net to a frame, said kit comprising: (a) a
net having a top, a bottom, and two sides; (b) a first means for
attaching said top to said frame; (c) a second means for attaching
each of said two sides to said frame, wherein said second means is
different than said first means; (d) a third means for attaching
said bottom to said frame, wherein said third means is capable of
creating tension on said net; and (e) a fourth means for assisting
said attaching said top to said frame.
17. The kit of claim 16, wherein said first means comprises a
plurality of hooks and said fourth means comprises a pole suitable
for assisting a user to lift each of said hooks over said top of
said frame.
18. The kit of claim 17, wherein said pole is a telescoping
pole.
19. The kit of claim 16, further comprising a container or carrying
bag.
20. A kit for affixing a rebound net to a soccer goal frame, said
kit comprising: (a) a substantially elastic net having a top, a
bottom, and two sides, wherein said net is characterized by a
spider-web-weave pattern; (b) a plurality of hooks for attaching
said top to said soccer goal frame; (c) a plurality of Velcro
straps for attaching each of said two sides to said soccer goal
frame; (d) a strap for attaching said bottom to said soccer goal
frame, wherein said strap is at least twice the width of said
soccer goal frame and wherein said strap can create tension on said
net; (e) a self-locking connector for connecting said strap to said
bottom of said net; and (f) a telescoping pole for attaching said
top of said net to said soccer goal frame by interlocking with each
of said hooks.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a practice net to
be attached to an existing sports goal for the purpose of
rebounding a ball to a player.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Association football, more commonly known outside the United
States as football and within the United States as soccer, is a
team sport normally played between two teams of eleven players
using a spherical ball. Soccer is the most popular football variant
worldwide, and is often considered to be the most popular sport in
the world.
[0003] As soccer continues to grow in popularity, more community
parks are being created with soccer fields. Goal frames sit at
these parks and often have either a regular net or no net (to
prohibit vandalism) when an organized game is not taking place.
Members of the community may use the field for recreation and
training their children in the basics of soccer. When small groups
of people play recreational soccer, they may choose not to have a
goalie. When scoring a goal, the play stops while one member must
run downfield to retrieve the ball. When a parent is training a
child to kick a ball into the goal, he/she must retrieve the ball
each time.
[0004] Sports teams often own rebound nets for the purpose of
training. Existing regulation-sized rebound nets are typically
available as a frame with a nylon (non-elastic) net attached to it
by hooks or bungee cords, where the frame is a full rectangle to
create tension across the entire net and prevent a ball from
slipping under the net. Such a net would be impractical for a
typical consumer to own for use at a community soccer field.
[0005] Several portable soccer rebound nets are described in the
literature and are available in the marketplace. Rebound nets are
commercially available as an entire apparatus including the frame.
The portable net/frame apparatus is not a full-sized soccer goal
and is not intended to be used with an existing regulation-sized
goal. Although they are supposed to be portable, they are often
cumbersome to assemble, and one would not be likely to walk with it
to a community park.
[0006] Many methods address the issue of attaching a net to an
existing goal frame, ranging from draping a net over an existing
frame to attaching it with hardware. Some use clips or pins to snap
into hardware fixed to the goal post surfaces. Others use a
flexible cord wrapped around the supporting frame and through the
sports net. These methods generally do not produce enough tension
for the assembly to function as a rebound net. Often they are
intended for use on a portable or small-sized frame rather than a
regulation-sized soccer goal frame. Those for use on a
regulation-sized soccer goal frame generally require a ladder to
correctly install the net on the frame.
[0007] Others have manufactured variations on rebound nets which
are intended for use on a garage-door opening. These types of nets
require a mechanism for anchoring the net to the ground to create
tension and prevent a ball from going under the net. For example,
eye bolts are attached to the garage structure and a ground anchor
pin is attached to the driveway.
[0008] None of the prior art of which the applicant is aware
provides a lightweight, portable rebound net from an elastic
material that can be attached to an existing regulation-sized
soccer goal frame by a single person, without the use of a ladder,
and tightened quickly to create tension and prevent a ball from
slipping under the net.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in
the art, as will now be summarized and further described in detail
below. The general purpose of the invention is to provide a rebound
net for recreational use with properties like that of a training
net available to sports teams. It is portable and can be quickly
attached to and detached from a frame by a single person. The net
is useful for training or playing without a goaltender. Once
installed, an individual can shoot against the goal and the ball
will rebound back into the field of play.
[0010] In some variations, this invention provides an apparatus
that can be attached to a frame, the apparatus comprising: [0011]
(a) a net having a top, a bottom, and two sides; [0012] (b) a first
means for attaching the top to the frame; [0013] (c) a second means
for attaching each of the two sides to the frame, wherein the
second means is different than the first means; and [0014] (d) a
third means for attaching the bottom to the frame, wherein the
third means is capable of creating tension on the net.
[0015] In some embodiments, the net is substantially elastic.
Optionally, the net includes an open-weave pattern, a
spider-web-weave pattern, or some other pattern. In some
embodiments, the net comprises a plurality of individual sections
woven together.
[0016] The first attachment means may comprise a plurality of
hooks. The hooks are optionally made from a material selected from
the group consisting of a thermoplastic, a thermoset, a metal, a
composite, and wood.
[0017] The second attachment means may comprise a plurality of
hook-and-loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the second means
comprises a plurality of Velcro straps.
[0018] The third attachment means may comprise a strap and at least
one self-locking connector. In some embodiments, the strap is at
least twice the length of the width of the frame. Optionally, the
third means comprises two self-locking connectors on each side of
the net.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first means comprises a plurality
of hooks, the second means further comprises at least one of the
hooks on each of the two sides.
[0020] Optionally, the apparatus may include one or more stakes for
securing the bottom of the net to the ground.
[0021] Other variations of this invention provide a kit for
affixing a net to a frame, the kit comprising: [0022] (a) a net
having a top, a bottom, and two sides; [0023] (b) a first means for
attaching the top to the frame; [0024] (c) a second means for
attaching each of the two sides to the frame, wherein the second
means is different than the first means; [0025] (d) a third means
for attaching the bottom to the frame, wherein the third means is
capable of creating tension on the net; and [0026] (e) a fourth
means for assisting the attaching the top to the frame.
[0027] In some embodiments, the first means comprises a plurality
of hooks and the fourth means comprises a pole suitable for
assisting a user to lift each of the hooks over the top of the
frame. Optionally, the pole may be a telescoping pole. In some
variations, the kit also comprises a container or carrying bag.
[0028] Other variations of this invention provide a kit for
affixing a rebound net to a soccer goal frame, the kit comprising:
[0029] (a) a substantially elastic net having a top, a bottom, and
two sides, wherein the net is characterized by a spider-web-weave
pattern; [0030] (b) a plurality of hooks for attaching the top to
the soccer goal frame; [0031] (c) a plurality of Velcro straps for
attaching each of the two sides to the soccer goal frame; [0032]
(d) a strap for attaching the bottom to the soccer goal frame,
wherein the strap is at least twice the width of the soccer goal
frame and wherein the strap can create tension on the net; [0033]
(e) a self-locking connector for connecting the strap to the bottom
of the net; and [0034] (f) a telescoping pole for attaching the top
of the net to the soccer goal frame by interlocking with each of
the hooks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is an example of a rebound net showing a possible net
webbing design, attachment locations for top and corner hooks, side
Velcro straps, and a bottom webbing for tightening the net.
[0036] FIG. 2 is an example of a hook which could be used for
connecting the net to the frame according to some embodiments of
the invention.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an example of a Velcro closure tab according to
some embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 4 is an example of a self-locking webbing pull-strap
connector according to some embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 5 is an example of a telescoping pole for raising a
hook onto the frame according to some embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 6 is an example of means for hooking the net in place
with a telescoping pole according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The apparatus and methods of the present invention will now
be described in detail by reference to various non-limiting
embodiments of the invention.
[0042] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
dimensions, parameters, and so forth used in the specification and
claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by
the term "about." Without limiting the application of the doctrine
of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter
should at least be construed in light of the number of significant
digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
[0043] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0044] Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will
be described in more detail, including reference to the
accompanying figures. The figures are understood to provide
representative illustration of the invention and are not limiting
in their content or scale. It will be understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art that the scope of the invention extends beyond the
specific embodiments depicted. This invention also incorporates
routine experimentation and optimization of the methods, apparatus,
and kits described herein.
[0045] In some variations, this invention provides an apparatus 100
as shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus 100 includes a net 160 and means
of attachment to an existing soccer-goal frame, where the frame has
two upright members 140 and a crossbar 150 extending between and
connected to the top ends of the side members. The net 160 has a
first side, second side, top side, and bottom side. The net may be
a typical soccer net of a non-elastic material such as nylon in an
open-weave pattern. Alternatively, the net can be made of
substantially elastic cording in an open-weave pattern.
[0046] By "substantially elastic," it is meant that the net
exhibits a high modulus of elasticity. It is possible, but not
necessary, that there is a linear relationship between stress and
strain when a ball impacts the net (a condition known as linear or
perfect elasticity). The actual elasticity under use will vary as a
function of several factors, including not only the net material
and tension applied but also the force caused by the impact of the
ball, and the angle of impact.
[0047] In some embodiments, the weave of the net may resemble a
spider web. The web may be composed of a plurality of, such as two,
three, or more, elastic sections connected together, as in FIG. 1,
in order to improve the rebounding characteristics. By increasing
the number of sections, the zone immediately surrounding the strike
location is primarily affected by the ball striking the net. Thus
the energy losses are decreased and the rebounding ability
increased.
[0048] The net can be removably attached to an existing soccer-goal
frame. When unattached, the net can be smaller than the frame and
is stretched to cover the frame opening. For an opening in a
regulation-sized goal, the height is 8 feet and the width is 24
feet, while the net may be 7 feet high and 14 feet across, for
example. A larger net may be desired if the netting material is
non-elastic, whereas an elastic net may have better properties if
stretched further so may be designed to be smaller.
[0049] In some variations, a first attachment means 110 is a
plurality of hooks used to place the net onto the frame. Additional
hooks 110 are optionally used at the top corners (attaching onto
the uppermost part of the side members of the frame), as shown in
FIG. 1. The hook must be large enough to go over a typical frame.
According to standard soccer rules, both goalposts and the crossbar
have the same width, which cannot exceed 5 inches. In this
invention, the hook can have a diameter of about 4.5 to 5.5 inches,
such as about 4.75 to about 5 inches. As is known, goal frames can
be round or square. Preferably, the hooks as provided by the
present invention are suitable for both round and square
frames.
[0050] The bottom of the hook opening preferably includes a feature
to fasten to the net. Preferably, the net is removably fastened to
the hook by a zip tie or clip mechanism. The hooks are fastened
securely enough to facilitate ease of installation. By allowing
them to be removably fastened, they can be replaced if accidentally
broken.
[0051] The hook 110 may be manufactured from a variety of
materials, including but not limited to thermoplastics, thermosets,
composites, metal, or wood. Preferably, the material is a
compounded plastic which may be cost-effectively molded, for
example carbon-filled PVC. Other embodiments might use a filled
PPS, ABS, PC, PSU, or PVDF material. One skilled in the art could
envision several materials with the strength properties needed for
creating a hook to withstand ball impact, and to inhibit
degradation due to weathering.
[0052] The hook 110 also preferably includes a post 510 extending
down from it which can be engaged by an assisting pole 520 used to
hang the net on the frame. In some embodiments, the post on the
hook may fit into an opening in such a pole. In other embodiments,
the pole may fit into an opening in the hook. The pole should be
long enough for someone of short stature to be able to raise the
hooks onto the soccer-goal frame without the use of a ladder.
Without limitation, the pole may be 3 to 5 feet long, for example.
Optionally, the pole has a telescoping feature that allows it to be
adjusted to variable length depending on the height of the user,
and allowing it to be compactly stored. Preferably, the pole also
includes means for holding the net in tension to stabilize the hook
during placement.
[0053] A second means 130 is used to fasten the sides of the net to
the upright portion of the goal frame 140. Such means may be a
simple cord for tying, a buckle, buttons, zippers, or another type
of fastener. An exemplary Velcro strap is illustrated in FIG. 3.
The strap 320 is wrapped around the frame 140, fed through a loop
310, and closed on itself. There may be two or more such means on
each side of the net.
[0054] Velcro is a brand name of fabric hook-and-loop fasteners. It
consists of two layers: a "hook" side, which is a piece of fabric
covered with tiny hooks, and a "loop" side, which is covered with
even smaller loops. When the two sides are pressed together, the
hooks catch in the loops and hold the pieces together. When the
layers are separated, the strips make a characteristic ripping
sound. Velcro hook and loop fasteners can be made of many
materials. Nylon and polyester are the fibers most commonly used.
There are variations on the standard Velcro hook and loop
fasteners: one of which, for example, includes hooks on both
sides.
[0055] A third means 120 is used to secure the bottom of the net to
the frame, increase the tension across the net, and prevent a ball
from slipping under the net. A webbing strap can be loosely woven
to the bottom of the net. Preferably, the webbing is interlaced
through each loop along the bottom of the netting, providing for
easy replacement if the strap were to become weathered or torn. The
webbing strap may be made out of a non-elastic material such as
nylon.
[0056] In some embodiments, the webbing strap is at least twice the
length of the goal frame opening. The strap has a self-locking
strap connector 420 on one end. The connector 420 may be made out
of plastic or metal. The strap is connected to the bottom of the
net; the user wraps each end of the strap around the respective
upright sides of the goal frame, feeds the free end into the
self-locking connector on the other end, and pulls to tighten.
[0057] The first and second attachment means keep the net in place
on the frame and provide some tension. The third attachment means
increases the tension such that the net can rebound a ball and it
also keeps the net close to the ground to prevent a ball from
rolling beneath the net. Preferably, the side attachment means
should not need to be adjusted to increase the tension. Preferably,
only one tightening mechanism would be required to achieve the
rebound properties.
[0058] In preferred embodiments, all of the attachment means are
removable for easy replacement by the user in cases of damage.
[0059] In some embodiments, two or more stakes may be placed into
the ground to secure the bottom of the net and prevent balls from
traveling below the net. Preferably, the stakes are not needed for
creating tension and securing the net, although of course the
stakes may contribute some tension.
[0060] Stakes may be useful for reversibly converting the rebound
net to function as a catch net. In some embodiments, the stakes can
be placed about 4 to 5 feet behind the plane of the goal entry. The
lower webbing strap 120 can be wrapped around these two stakes and
secured by the self-locking strap connector 420. The tension in the
connecting strap may remain low such that the net does not rebound
a ball. Alternatively, the stakes can be placed a lesser distance
from the goal and tension may be increased to gain rebound
characteristics while the net is at an angle, providing the user
with various rebound angles to change the degree of difficulty in
reacting to the rebounded ball.
[0061] In preferred embodiments, all of the components of the net
assembly are made from lightweight materials such as plastic.
Lightweight materials are more easily carried by the user, for
example when walking with young children from a home to a community
park. Most preferably, the assembly is contained in a carry bag
made out of a durable material such as nylon.
[0062] Other embodiments of this invention may include but are not
limited to assemblies with nets of varying size to accommodate
smaller goal frames. For example, the official size for soccer
goals in youth leagues is 4.5 feet high by 9 feet across. As will
be appreciated, the apparatus described herein can be designed and
constructed in a manner suitable for youth-size goals, or
custom-size goals as may be desired in certain situations. The
invention is by no means limited to any particular goal
dimensions.
[0063] Additionally, this invention can be implemented in a wide
variety of sports or games. An exemplary list of sports or games
includes, but is not limited to, field hockey, ice hockey,
lacrosse, team handball, polo, and various forms of football--such
as American football, Australian rules football, arena football,
and rugby.
[0064] Some variations of the invention provide kits. A "kit"
includes at least the apparatus of the invention, in pre-assembled
form, for affixing to a frame. Kits can also include any number of
optional items, and they may or may not include a suitable
container or carry bag. Preferably, kits include instructions for a
user to attach the apparatus onto a frame such as a soccer goal
frame. Kits can include certain spare parts, such as extra hooks,
for example.
[0065] It is contemplated that, in various embodiments, there are
many options that may be further included for the purpose of skill
development. For example, one or more targets (such as colored,
e.g. orange, targets) can be attached to the net 160 for developing
kicking accuracy. These targets could be included in a kit of the
invention.
[0066] In certain embodiments, a standard soccer ball is replaced
with a practice soccer ball that has one or more attributes
tailored to the apparatus of the invention. The ball, optionally
provided with the kit, could be of varying weight, size,
elasticity, color, and so on.
[0067] Kits could of course include other items of potential use
for practice, such as additional balls, means for tabulating
scoring or recording the outcome of drills, a timer for timed
drills, and so on.
[0068] In this detailed description, reference has been made to
multiple embodiments and to the accompanying drawings in which is
shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that
modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made by a
skilled artisan.
[0069] Where methods and steps described above indicate certain
events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be
modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the
variations of the invention. Additionally, certain steps may be
performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well
as performed sequentially.
[0070] The embodiments, variations, and figures described above
should provide an indication of the utility and versatility of the
present invention. Of course, many more devices can be developed
that involve combinations of device elements as provided herein.
Other embodiments that do not provide all of the features and
advantages set forth herein may also be utilized, without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such
modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope
of the invention defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *