U.S. patent application number 13/538115 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for game apparatus and method of playing the same.
Invention is credited to Jason Saphire.
Application Number | 20130005515 13/538115 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47391213 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130005515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saphire; Jason |
January 3, 2013 |
GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PLAYING THE SAME
Abstract
Provided are various embodiments of a net system which includes
a perpendicularly intersecting net apparatus which allows
individuals to play a game combining features of conventional
volleyball and conventional four square. The net system includes a
first net portion, a second net portion, a third net portion, and a
fourth net portion which intersect at a midpoint to form a cross or
"+" shape.
Inventors: |
Saphire; Jason; (Boston,
MA) |
Family ID: |
47391213 |
Appl. No.: |
13/538115 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61504081 |
Jul 1, 2011 |
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61513928 |
Aug 1, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/492 ;
473/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/002 20130101;
A63B 2209/10 20130101; A63B 61/04 20130101; A63B 61/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/492 ;
473/494 |
International
Class: |
A63B 61/00 20060101
A63B061/00; A63B 61/02 20060101 A63B061/02 |
Claims
1. An intersecting net system adapted for playing a game wherein a
projectile is volleyed over the net system, the net system
comprising: a first net having a first lateral end portion and an
opposing second lateral end portion; a second net having a first
lateral end portion and an opposing second lateral end portion; a
first tension chord coupled to the first lateral end portion of the
first net and the second lateral end portion of the second net; and
a second tension chord coupled to the first lateral end portion of
the second net and the second lateral end portion of the first net;
the first and second tension chords assuming an intersecting
configuration relative to each other.
2. The intersecting net system recited in claim 1, wherein: the
first net defines a first channel extending longitudinally from the
first lateral end portion to the second lateral end portion
thereof; and the second net defining a second channel extending
longitudinally from the first lateral end portion to the second
lateral end portion thereof; the first and second tension chords
extending at least partially through the first and second
channels.
3. The intersecting net system recited in claim 1, further
comprising a fastening mechanism configured to selectively couple a
portion of the first net to a portion of the second net.
4. The intersecting net system recited in claim 3, wherein the
fastening mechanism includes a plurality of spring-biased fastening
clips selectively connectable to the first and second nets.
5. The intersecting net system recited in claim 1, wherein e first
net defines a right angle and the second net defines a separate
right angle.
6. The intersecting net system recited in claim 1, wherein the
first lateral end portion of the first net defines a first lateral
edge and the second lateral end portion of the first net defines a
second lateral edge to define a first net length between the first
lateral edge and the second lateral edge, the first tension chord
defining a length longer than the first net length.
7. The intersecting net system recited in claim 1, wherein the
first net defines a shape and configuration substantially similar
to the second net.
8. The intersecting net system recited in claim 1, wherein the
first net includes a first strip defining a first channel, the
first strip having a first opening formed therein at a medial
portion of the first net, the first tension chord passing through
the first opening.
9. The intersecting net system recited in claim 8, wherein the
second net includes a second strip defining a second channel, the
second strip having a second opening formed therein at a medial
portion of the second net, the second tension chord passing through
the second opening.
10. A selectively deployable net system comprising: a first net
portion having a first lateral end portion and a first medial end
portion; a second net portion having a second lateral end portion
and a second medial end portion; and a fastener for selectively
connecting the first medial end portion to the second medial end
portion, the first net portion and second net portion collectively
defining a first net assembly, wherein the first and second net
portions are in co-planar relation to each other when the first and
second net portions are connected to each other.
11. The net system recited in claim 10, wherein the first net
portion defines a shape and configuration substantially similar to
the second net portion.
12. The net system recited in claim 10, further comprising a
secondary net, the first net assembly being connectable to the
secondary net via the fastener.
13. The net system recited in claim 12, wherein the first net
assembly is connectable to the secondary net to define a
substantially orthogonal configuration between the first net
assembly and the secondary net.
14. The net system recited in claim 10, further comprising a first
pole connected to the first net portion and a second pole connected
to the second net portion.
15. The net system recited in claim 10, wherein the first and
second nets are configured to selectively define an assembled
configuration wherein the first and second nets are coupled to each
other via the fastener, and a disassembled configuration, wherein
the first and second nets are disconnected from each other.
16. A net system comprising: a center sleeve defining a sleeve
opening disposed about a sleeve axis; a first net portion having a
first lateral end portion and an opposing first medial end portion
connected to the center sleeve; a second net portion having a
second lateral end portion and an opposing second medial end
portion connected to the center sleeve; and a third net portion
having a third lateral end portion and an opposing third medial end
portion connected to the center sleeve; the first, second, and
third end portions connected to the center sleeve at equally spaced
increments.
17. The net system recited in claim 16, further comprising a fourth
net portion having a fourth lateral end portion and an opposing
fourth medial end portion connected to the center sleeve.
18. The net system recited in claim 17, wherein the first, second,
third and fourth end portion are connected to the center sleeve at
equally spaced 90.degree. increments.
19. The net system recited in claim 16, further comprising a center
pole selectively advanceable through the center sleeve.
20. The net system recited in claim 16, further comprising a first
lateral sleeve connected to the first lateral end portion, the
first lateral sleeve defining a sleeve opening disposed about a
sleeve axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/504,081, filed Jul. 1, 2011, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/513,928, filed Aug. 1, 2011.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a game apparatus,
and more specifically to an apparatus for playing a multi-player
game wherein a projectile is volleyed over an elevated barrier
comprised of perpendicular partitions.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Games involving balls or other projectiles are very common.
In many games, the ball or projectile is played on a court or
playing surface having a net or barrier over which the projectile
is propelled. Exemplary games include volleyball, tennis, table
tennis, badminton, or the like, wherein a ball, shuttlecock, or
other projectile is launched/volleyed over the nets. Such games
provide enjoyment to individuals of all ages.
[0007] In most of the above-mentioned games, the net is erected to
divide the playing surface into two areas which are "defended" by
opposing teams. The net is generally supported by two support poles
which are secured to the ground in spaced relation to each other.
Along these lines, many public locations, such as beaches, parks,
schools, etc. include dedicated areas for playing such games,
wherein support poles are permanently secured to the ground. For
instance, it is common for a beach to include volleyball poles
properly positioned to allow a user to attach his net thereto for
playing beach volleyball. Likewise, public tennis courts commonly
include support poles and a tennis net connected to the support
poles in an erected position for users to enjoy.
[0008] In addition to the foregoing net/barrier games, another
common pastime is the game of Four Square, which is typically
played on a playing surface without a barrier. The game is commonly
played with a resilient/bouncy ball on a solid ground surface, such
as concrete or asphalt. Boundaries for the playing surface are
marked on the ground to define a large square that is equally
divided into four smaller squares. To begin play, players typically
enter the large square and each individual player stands in one of
the four interior play areas. The ball is served to begin a rally
by hitting the ball by hand into any one of the other boxes. More
specifically, once the ball is served, the ball enters one of the
other internal play zones. The ball is allowed to bounce once, and
then the player in that box must strike the ball such that it may
bounce within another interior box before the ball bounces again.
The rally continues by players striking and returning the ball to
other internal play boxes until a player is unable to successfully
return the ball to bounce within another player's box.
[0009] There appears to be a need in the art for a game apparatus
which combines the excitement of the net/projectile games discussed
above with the enjoyable characteristics of Four Square.
Furthermore, there is also a need for certain aspects of such an
apparatus to be easily adaptable for use with existing
nets/barriers, such as existing volleyball or badminton nets.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above-identified deficiencies in the art. There is provided
various embodiments of a net system which includes a
perpendicularly intersecting net apparatus which allows individuals
to play a game combining features of conventional volleyball and
conventional four square. The net system includes a first net
portion, a second net portion, a third net portion, and a fourth
net portion which intersect at a midpoint to form a cross or "+"
shape.
[0011] It is envisioned that the net system may be manufactured in
three models: 1) one integral net system defining the intersecting
X-shape (referred to herein as "model 1"); 2) a kit comprising two
"net-halves" which may be connected to an existing volleyball net
(referred to herein as "model 2"); and 3) a kit or method which
combines two existing volleyball nets (referred to herein as "model
3").
[0012] The model 1 apparatus may be formed in two variations. The
first variation is more simplified and merely includes two
intersecting nets, with no center pole. The second variation is
more complex and includes a center sleeve through which a center
pole may be advanced during assembly and tear-down of the
apparatus.
[0013] The model 2 kit includes two net-halves (shown in blue)
which are attached to the midpoint of an existing volleyball net
(shown in red). Mechanical fasteners are used to join the
net-halves to the existing volleyball net. It is also contemplated
that the two net-halves may be joined together to define a
conventional volleyball net and may be used independent of the
existing volleyball net.
[0014] The model 3 kit combines two existing volleyball nets to
place the nets in the criss-cross configuration. Each net is folded
to define a right angle, and the two nets are combined at their
apex. Mechanical fasteners are used to joint the two nets at their
apex.
[0015] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These as well as other features of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reference to the drawings
wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a game apparatus
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a playing surface defined by
the game apparatus depicted in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIGS. 3-6 depict a method of creating a perpendicular net
system from two volleyball nets;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a front view of an adaptable net kit including a
first net portion and a second net portion configured to be
detachably connectable to the first net portion;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of the adaptable net kit
connected to an existing volleyball net to define a perpendicular
net system;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of another embodiment of
an intersecting net system including a center sleeve at the
intersection of the nets to facilitate deployment and tear-down of
the net system;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional upper perspective view of
the center sleeve used in the net system depicted in FIG. 9;
and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the net system illustrated in
FIGS. 9 and 10 in a deployed state.
[0025] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are also intended to be
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0027] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present
invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is
provided a game apparatus 10 including a generally perpendicular
net system 12 for playing a game wherein a projectile, such as a
volleyball, is volleyed over the net system 12. The game may be
played by multiple players and may incorporate aspects of
volleyball and four-square.
[0028] The net system 12 depicted in FIG. 1 includes a first net
portion 12a, a second net portion 12b, a third net portion 12c, and
a fourth net portion 12d which intersect at a central intersection
14. The net portions 12a-12d are arranged to define a pair of
generally perpendicular intersecting planes. Along these lines,
each net portion 12a-12d is arranged in generally perpendicular
alignment to two other net portions 12a-12d, and in generally
co-planar alignment with the remaining net portion 12a-12d. For
instance, the first net portion 12a is in generally perpendicular
alignment with the second net portion 12b and the fourth net
portion 12d, and in generally co-planar alignment with the third
net portion 12c. As will be described in more detail below, various
aspects of the present invention include a net system 12 wherein
the net portions 12a-12d are formed from a single, integral net, or
a combination of net(s) and net sections which are connectable to
each other to define the net system 12 depicted in FIG. 1.
[0029] The net system 12 in FIG. 1 is shown in a deployed state
with each net portion 12a-12d being connected to respective ones of
a plurality of support poles 16a-16d. The support poles 16a-16d are
disposed in spaced relation to each other and are positioned to
allow the net system 12 to be deployed in the configuration shown
in FIG. 1.
[0030] The game is played on a playing surface including four
quadrants 18a-18d, wherein the outer boundaries of the quadrants
18a-18d are defined by an outer boundary member 20, which defines a
generally square configuration. The inner boundaries of the
quadrants 18a-18d are defined by an inner boundary member 22, which
defines a perpendicular cross, or "+" configuration. The net system
12 is preferably elevated above the playing surface and is
substantially aligned with the inner boundary member 22. The outer
and inner boundary members 20, 22 may include tape, string, lines,
markings in the ground, or other forms of demarcation known by
those skilled in the art. A top plan view of the playing surface,
including the quadrants 18a-18d as well as the outer and inner
boundary members 20, 22 is shown in FIG. 2.
[0031] The net system 12 shown in FIG. 1 includes a single net,
wherein the first, second, third and fourth net portions 12a-12d
are integrally formed to each other. In other words, the first,
second, third and fourth net portions 12a-12d are not configured to
be easily attachable/detachable to each other. Rather, the net
system 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 is preferably packaged and sold as
a single unit including all four net portions 12a-12d.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, there is shown an alternate
system and method of constructing the net system 12. In the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3-6, the net system 12 is constructed
from two existing conventional volleyball nets, specifically a
first net 30 and a second net 32. The first net 30 defines a first
end portion 34, a second end portion 36 and an approximate midpoint
38 disposed between the first end portion 34 and the second end
portion 36. Furthermore, the first net 30 includes a strip or band
40 disposed adjacent the upper edge of the first net 30, wherein
the strip 40 defines an inner channel sized to receive a first
tension chord 42.
[0033] The second net 32 is similar to the first net 30 and
includes a first end portion 44, a second end portion 46 and an
approximate midpoint 48 disposed between the first end portion 44
and the second end portion 46. A strip 50 runs along the upper edge
of the second net 32 and defines an inner channel sized to receive
a second tension chord 52.
[0034] It is contemplated that each net 30, 32 may be used
individually and separately from the other net 30, 32, such as
during a conventional game of volleyball. When each net 30, 32 is
used individually, the tension chord 42, 52 is tied between two
supports to place the tension chord 42, 52 in generally a generally
horizontal state to allow the respective net 30, 32 to hang
therefrom.
[0035] Various aspects of the present invention are directed toward
adapting the first and second nets 30, 32 to dispose the nets 30,
32 in the intersecting configuration shown in FIG. 1. The midpoints
38, 48 of the first and second nets 30, 32 are identified on each
net 30, 32. This may be performed by folding the nets 30, 32 in
half, or measuring the length of the nets 30, 32 to determine their
approximate midpoint 38, 48.
[0036] After the midpoint 38, 48 on each net 30, 32 is found, a
notch is cut into the upper strip 40, 50 of each net 30, 32 to
access the first and second tension chords 42, 52. A portion of
each tension chord 42, 52 is removed from the respective strip 42,
52 to define an exposed portion 42a, 52a and a confined portion
42b, 52b (see FIG. 4).
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, each net 30, 32 is then folded to
form a generally perpendicular "L" shape. More specifically, the
first net 30 is folded about the midpoint 38 such that the first
end portion 34 and the second end portion 36 are no longer in
co-planar alignment with each other, and are instead form a
generally perpendicular configuration. Likewise, the second net 32
is folded about the midpoint 48 to place the first end portion 44
and the second end portion 46 in generally perpendicular
configuration.
[0038] The nets 30, 32 are then placed next to each other adjacent
the midpoints 38, 48 to form a generally perpendicular cross or "+"
shape. In this regard, the first end portion 34 of the first net 30
is disposed in substantially co-planar alignment with the second
end portion 46 of the second net 32, and the second end portion 36
of the first net 30 is placed in substantially co-planar alignment
with the first end portion 44 of the second net 32.
[0039] The nets 30, 32 are joined together by threading each
tension chord 42, 52 through both of the nets 30, 32. More
specifically, the exposed portion 42a of the first tension chord 42
is advanced through the upper strip 50 at the first end portion 44
of the second net 32, while the confined portion 42b of the first
tension chord 42 remains within the second end portion 36 of the
first net 30. In this regard, the first tension chord 42 passes
through portions of the first net 30 and the second net 32. The
second tension chord 52 is also threaded through portions of the
first net 30 and the second net 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the exposed
portion 52 of the second tension chord 52 is advanced through the
first end portion 34 of the first net 30, while the confined
portion 52b of the second tension chord 52 remains in the second
end portion 46 of the second net 32. Thus, with the tension chords
42, 52 threaded through both of the nets 30, 32, the nets 30, 32
may be joined into the perpendicular cross configuration.
[0040] The fold line 54 of the first net 30 may be joined to the
fold line 56 of the second net 32 to enhance the connection between
the first and second nets 30, 32 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Mechanical
fasteners 58 may be used to join the first and second nets 30, 32
along the respective fold lines 54, 56. Exemplary mechanical
fasteners 58 include hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro.RTM.),
snaps, buttons, clips, buckles, threaded connects, or other
mechanical fasteners known by those skilled in the art.
[0041] To disassemble the net system 12 shown in FIG. 6, mechanical
fasteners 58 are unfastened and the exposed portions 42a, 52a of
the tethers 42, 52 are removed from the second net 32 and first net
30, respectively. The exposed portion 42a may be returned to the
first end portion 34 of the first net 30 and the exposed portion
52a may be returned to the first end portion 44 of the second net
32 to allow for individual usage of the first and second nets 30,
32. In this regard, the system and method described above allows
the first and second nets 30, 32 to quickly and easily transition
between use as separate nets for conventional single net games,
such as volleyball, badminton, and the like, as well as use in the
joined perpendicular configuration. Furthermore, the first and
second nets 30, 32 may be specifically configured and adapted for
use in the perpendicular orientation without the use of a center
pole. In other words, a center pole is not required to join the
first net 30 and the second net 32 in the intersecting,
perpendicular alignment shown in FIG. 6. Rather, the tension chords
42, 52 may be connected to peripheral poles located outside of the
playing surface, so as to mitigate safety concerns while playing
the game.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown another
embodiment of the net system 12 which includes adapter net 60
specifically configured and adapted for use with a conventional
volleyball net 62 to transform the volleyball net 62 into the
perpendicular net system 12. Along these lines, the adapter net 60
may be selectively attached/detached to the volleyball net 62 as
desired by the user to create the net system 12.
[0043] The adapter net 60 includes a first net segment 64 and a
second net segment 66. The first net segment 64 includes a medial
portion 68 and a lateral portion 70, and the second net segment 66
includes a medial portion 72 and a lateral portion 74. The medial
portions 68, 72 include complimentary mechanical fasteners 76, 78
which are cooperatively engageable to connect the first net segment
64 to the second net segment 66.
[0044] The adapter net 60 additionally includes a tension chord 80
which passes through a strip 82 collectively defined by the first
net segment 64 and the second net segment 66 when the first and
second net segments 64, 66 are joined together.
[0045] The existing net 62 defines a first face 84 and an opposing
second face 86 and a midpoint 88. The adapter net 60 is connected
to the existing net 62 by placing the first net segment 64 in
perpendicular alignment the net 62, wherein the first net segment
64 extends from the first face 84 of the net 62. The second net
segment 66 is placed in perpendicular alignment to the net 62 and
extends from the second face 86 adjacent the midpoint 88 in
substantially coplanar alignment with the first net segment 64.
[0046] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
volleyball courts include support poles 90 permanently secured to
the ground. A user may then bring their own net 62 and connect the
net 62 to the poles 90 to place the net 62 in a deployed
configuration. Such support poles 90 are commonly found at beaches,
parks, schools, etc. The adapter net 60 may be used on such courts
by connecting the net 60 to the net 62 as described above.
Furthermore, the adapter net 60 may include adapter poles 92 for
supporting the adapter net 62 in the deployed configuration. Along
these lines, the first net segment 64 may be connected to an
adapter pole 92 and the second net segment 66 may be connected to a
separate adapter pole 92 to provide all of the hardware needed to
erect the net system 12 on a court having a pair of permanently
mounted support poles 90.
[0047] The adapter poles 92 may be configured for use on various
playing surfaces. In this regard, the adapter poles 92 may have a
pointed tip to allow the adapter pole 92 to be secured within the
sand at a beach, or on a beach volleyball court. The adapter poles
92 may also have a weighted base to allow the adapter pole 92 to be
erected on a field or paved surface.
[0048] Furthermore, although the foregoing describes the adapter
net 60 as being connectable to a volleyball net 62, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the adapter net 60 may be connected
to various nets or barriers without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention. For instance, the adapter net 60
may be connected to a tennis net to create a perpendicular
intersecting net structure. Thus, to facilitate such adaptability
for connection with conventional volleyball nets, tennis nets and
the like, the adapter poles 92 may be adjustable in length to place
the adapter net 60 at the height of the net 62 to which the adapter
net 60 is being connected. The adapter poles 92 may define a
shorter length when the adapter net 60 is connected to a
conventional tennis court net, and the adapter poles 92 may define
a longer length when the adapter net 60 is connected to a
conventional volleyball net.
[0049] It is also contemplated that the adapter net 60 may be used
by itself to define a single net for volleyball, badminton or the
like. In this regard, the first and second net halves 64, 66 may be
connected to each other to define the net. As such, the adapter net
60 is highly adaptable and may be deployed for use as a single net
or in combination with another net to define the intersecting net
system 12.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is shown another
embodiment of the net system 12, which includes a center sleeve 100
from which a first net portion 102a, second net portion 102b, third
net portion 102c, and fourth net portion 102d protrude radially
outwardly therefrom. The center sleeve 100 is sized and configured
to receive a center pole 104 which may be used during assembly and
disassembly of the net system 12, and may be removed during usage
of the net system 12.
[0051] In addition to the center pole 104, there are four
peripheral poles 106 which provide support to the distal ends of
the net portions 102a-d. As shown, each net portion 102a-d includes
a distal sleeve 108a-d which is configured to slide over respective
ones of the peripheral poles 106. Although each net portion
includes sleeve 108a-d for connecting the net portions 102a-d to
the peripheral poles 106, it is also contemplated that tension
cords, buckles, hooks, or other mechanical fasteners known by those
skilled in the art may be used without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention.
[0052] As previously mentioned, the center sleeve 100 and center
pole 104 may facilitate assembly and disassembly of the net system
12. More specifically, when the time comes to tear-down or
disassemble the net system 12, the center pole 104 may once again
be employed to facilitate such removal. Along these lines, the
center pole 104 may be advanced into the center sleeve 104 to
assume an erect position (as shown in FIG. 9). At this point, the
center pole 104 is disposed within the center sleeve 100 and the
peripheral poles 106 are disposed within the distal sleeves 108a-d.
To take down the net system 12, the user may remove one of the
peripheral poles 106 and carry it while walking toward an adjacent
peripheral pole 106. The user may continue this process until all
of the peripheral poles 106 are removed. After removing the final
peripheral pole 106, the net portions 102a-d and the poles 106 may
be wrapped around the center sleeve 100 and the center pole 104 to
assume a compact storage configuration.
[0053] To deploy the net system from the storage configuration, the
center pole 104 is placed in the center of playing court and the
net portions 102a-d are stretched and unwound from the center pole
104. Therefore, the user may quickly and easily transition the
system from the storage configuration to the deployed
configuration, and vice-versa.
[0054] Although the foregoing describes various embodiments of the
net system 12, those skilled in the art will understand that the
specific embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying
drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to
limit the scope of the present invention. Along these lines, it is
contemplated that certain features shown and described in relation
to one embodiment may be used in connection with another
embodiment. For instance, the center sleeve 100 is described as
being part of an integral net system, although it is understood
that the center sleeve 100 may be adapted for use with the net
system 12 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein the center sleeve 100 is
connectable to the net halves 64, 66. Furthermore, the center
sleeve 100 may also be incorporated into the net system 12 shown in
FIGS. 3-6, wherein the first and second nets 30, 32 are connectable
to the center sleeve 100 at their respective midpoints 38, 48.
[0055] With the various embodiments of the net system 12 described
above, the following is an exemplary method of playing a game on
the apparatus. The object of the game is to eliminate players in
higher numbered squares (see FIG. 2) so that you can advance to the
highest square yourself. The game may be played with a regulation
volleyball on a square court with four or eight (pairs) players,
each occupying a quarter of the court. The ball is volleyed between
players in squares until someone makes an error and is eliminated.
Eliminated players leave the court, all players advance to fill the
empty squares, and a new player joins at the lowest ranked
square.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 2, the game may be played on a square
court divided into four smaller squares that meet in the center.
The squares are numbered 1 through 4 or associated with such
number, with the highest ranked square being 4.
[0057] There are two sets of lines on the court. "Outside lines" 20
are the outermost edges of the entire court, while "inside lines"
22 refer to the line dividing individual squares of the court that
cross in the center. Outside lines 20 are in-bounds. If a player
bounces the ball onto any outside line 20, it is still in play.
However, if the ball bounces outside of the outside line 20, it is
out of bounds and the player that last hit it is eliminated. Inside
lines 22 are out-of-bounds. If a player hits a ball onto any inside
line 22 then that player is out. This applies to all inside lines
22, not just the lines that border her square. If a ball touches an
inside line 22, the player that hit the ball last is eliminated.
Players are not required to stay in their portion of the court.
They may stand, walk or run anywhere on the court, though it is
best to stay in a position to protect your own square.
[0058] The ball is served from the highest ranked square to the
lowest square. Squares one and four are positioned diagonally
across the court from each other. The server must serve the ball
into another square of his or her choice. After the receiver
touches the ball, the ball is in play. Serves are meant to place
the ball fairly into play. Because the server must serve the ball
the same way each time, it is the receiving player who actually
controls the first move of the game.
[0059] Each time a player is eliminated, that player leaves the
court and all players advance to higher numbered square squares.
The lowest ranked square is then filled with a new player.
Eliminated players must go to the end of the line and await their
next turn in play.
[0060] These following situations represent various ways in which a
player may be eliminated from the court. All eliminated players
leave the court and wait for their next turn to join in the lowest
square. Players may be eliminated for: 1) Failing to hit the ball
into another square; 2) Hitting the ball out of turn (poaching); 3)
Hitting the ball incorrectly; 3) Hitting the ball out of bounds or
onto an inside line; 4) Holding, catching or carrying the ball; or
5) Violating any number of local rules that are made up on the
playground.
[0061] If the ball is touched by another object which is not one of
the four players or the floor, this is called interference. The
round is started again. Players waiting in line may not touch the
ball when in play.
[0062] The foregoing is one exemplary method of playing a game on
the net apparatus 12, and it is understood that modifications may
be made to the game without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Furthermore, although the foregoing
describes a game wherein aspects of volleyball and four square are
combined, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the net
system 12 described herein may be used in various games which
borrow aspects from tennis, table tennis, badminton, squash,
kickball, soccer, baseball, or other games known by those skilled
in the art. In this regard, the specifics discussed herein are
exemplary in nature only and are not intended to limit the scope of
the present invention.
[0063] Additional modifications and improvements of the present
invention may also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. Thus, the particular combination of components and steps
described and illustrated herein is intended to represent only
certain embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended
to serve as limitations of alternative devices and methods within
the spirit and scope of the invention.
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