U.S. patent number 3,711,092 [Application Number 05/118,064] was granted by the patent office on 1973-01-16 for ball rebounding means.
Invention is credited to Charles J. Hogue.
United States Patent |
3,711,092 |
Hogue |
January 16, 1973 |
BALL REBOUNDING MEANS
Abstract
Apparatus for rebounding balls or similar objects brought into
engagement therewith including a generally rectangular frame means
having a net supported in tension within said frame means. A nylon
cord adjusting means is interlaced within the net and connected to
said frame means whereby the tension of said net can be varied by
adjusting the length of the nylon cord.
Inventors: |
Hogue; Charles J. (Piedmont,
AL) |
Family
ID: |
22376318 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/118,064 |
Filed: |
February 23, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/435 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
69/0097 (20130101); A63B 51/01 (20151001); A63B
59/80 (20151001) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
69/00 (20060101); A63b 069/40 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/26R,26A,73E,67R,73R,73D,1R ;272/65 ;182/137,138,139,140 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880,849 |
|
Oct 1961 |
|
EN |
|
397,260 |
|
Aug 1933 |
|
GB |
|
204,113 |
|
Jun 1923 |
|
GB |
|
Primary Examiner: Oechsle; Anton
Assistant Examiner: Brown; Theatrice
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for rebounding balls or similar objects brought
into engagement therewith comprising a generally rectangular frame,
supporting means adjacent each corner of said frame, additional
supporting means on each side of said frame intermediate the
corners thereof, a net having a shape corresponding to but slightly
smaller than that of said frame, said net being supportingly
engaged adjacent each corner by said supporting means but being
free of engagement by said intermediate supporting means, and means
for adjusting the tension of said net with respect to said frame
means comprising an elongated member slidably passing through each
of said supporting means and interlaced with the outer marginal
portion of said net between each two corners, the ends of said
elongated member being adjustably secured together, whereby
tightening of said elongated member will tend to straighten the
edges of the net between the corners thereof and to increase the
tension around the border of the net.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said elongated member is a
nylon cord.
3. An apparatus as in claim 2 wherein the ends of said cord are
secured together by a releasable connecting knot.
4. An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the supporting means comprise
generally S-shaped members secured to said frame.
5. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said rectangular frame is
composed of a pair of U-shaped sections connected together in
spaced apart relationship by a pair of elongated tubular members
telescopingly engaging the leg portions of said U-shaped members,
and wherein inclined leg members are secured to said elongated
tubular members, whereby rotation of said last-mentioned members in
their engagement with the legs of the U-shaped sections will permit
the legs to be placed flat against said net or extended outwardly
therefrom into frame-supporting position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a recreational apparatus for rebounding
balls or similar objects. More particularly, this invention
includes means for supporting a net means in tension whereby a ball
or similar object brought into engagement there against will be
returned in the general direction from which it arrived.
In order for a thrower, such as a baseball player, to practice
throwing, it is generally necessary to provide a catcher who can
receive and return the ball. In the past, in some instances, a
thrower would throw the ball against a wall which would serve as a
back stop and may possibly return the ball in the general direction
from which it was thrown. However, the latter possibility is not
always feasible, particularly if the ball is constructed of a
nonresilient material such as a baseball. Furthermore, obviously,
such walls are not always available for throwing practice. In
addition, the throwing of a baseball against a solid wall could
result in damage to both the baseball and to the wall if the wall
was not specifically designed for having objects thrown there
against.
There have been a number of patents issued disclosing a frame means
for supporting a net under tension whereby a ball or similar object
thrown against the net will be rebounded in the direction from
which it is thrown.
The U.S. Pat. to Dixon, No. 2,944,816, issued July 12, 1960
discloses such an apparatus which includes a support frame for
supporting a net under tension to be used for rebounding a baseball
or similar object in the direction from which it was thrown. One
disadvantage with the apparatus disclosed in the patent to Dixon
resides in the fact that after a continued period of use of the
net, the tension of the net will become loose, usually to the point
that the net will no longer return the ball to the thrower. At
still other times, it is desired to vary the tension on the net
whereby the net will return the ball a more or less predetermined
distance. The only means for adjusting the tension on the Dixon
apparatus is by increasing or decreasing the number of elastic
attachment elements by which the net is attached to the frame
means, and such an adjusting means would be difficult to effect,
increasing the cost, and unreliable in the degree of
adjustment.
In certain other recreational sports utilizing a ball, a hand
controlled racket means is used to rebound a ball in a desired
direction. The prior art hand controlled racket means are complex
in design and expensive to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide an
apparatus for rebounding balls or similar objects brought into
engagement therewith.
A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for
rebounding balls or similar objects wherein the apparatus includes
a net secured under tension with means for varying the tension on
the net.
Another object of this invention is to provide an improved, and
more accurate rebounding of balls, or similar objects, thrown into
engagement there against.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved hand
controlled racket for rebounding balls or similar objects in a
desired direction.
A still further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus
for rebounding balls or similar objects which is readily assembled
and disassembled, portable and lightweight in construction.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a means for
securing a net under tension to a supporting frame means, with
means for adjusting the tension on the net.
An additional object of this invention is to provide an apparatus
for rebounding balls or similar objects which is simple in
construction, economical to manufacture and reliable in
performance.
The above stated objects are obtained and the disadvantages of the
prior art are overcome by the present invention which basically
includes a tubular frame means formed and connected together to
form a substantially rectangular frame support. A net is secured
under tension within the frame means for rebounding a ball or
similar object brought into engagement there against. A number of
attachment elements are secured to the frame means at selectively
spaced locations. An important feature of the present invention
resides in the utilization of a predetermined length of nylon cord
which is interlaced within the net adjacent the border thereof and
wherein the nylon cord is secured to the attachment elements to
hold the net under tension within the frame means. The
predetermined length of nylon cord includes opposite end portions
which are selectively secured together in a number of set positions
whereby the tension on the net can be varied. One embodiment of the
present invention provides a number of leg means attached to the
rectangular frame support for maintaining the supported net in a
generally upright position. An alternate embodiment of the present
invention provides a hand controlled handle means attached to a
rectangular frame to allow the supported net to be maneuvered by
hand to rebound a ball in a desired direction.
Still other objects and advantages of the details of construction
will become apparent upon reading the following description of the
illustrative embodiments of the invention with reference to the
attached drawings wherein like reference numerals have been used to
refer to like parts throughout the several figures of drawing, and
wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus embodying the present
invention with a thrower illustrating the manner in which the
apparatus is used;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the apparatus of the
present invention with certain parts broken away and shown in
section for purpose of clarity; and
FIG. 3 is plan view of an alternate embodiment of the net support
means.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one illustrative embodiment will be
described with reference to a supporting frame means 10, a
rebounding net 25 and net attachment means 30.
The supporting frame means 10 is constructed of a number of tubular
elements interconnected together to form a substantially
rectangular frame means. The tubular elements include a pair of
U-shaped members 11, 12. Each of the U-shaped members includes a
base and two parallel oriented leg members. The U-shaped frame
members 11, 12 are connected together by a pair of elongated
tubular elements 13, 14 which include reduced end portions 15 (FIG.
2) that are inserted in the extended ends of the legs of the
U-shaped frame members 11, 12. The supporting frame means 10 is
held in a substantially upright position by a pair of rearwardly
inclined leg members 16, 17 which are secured adjacent their upper
end by a connecting bolt means 18, to the elongated tubular
elements 13, 14. A pair of brace members 19, 20 are secured to an
intermediate portion of the leg members 16, 17, respectively, with
conventional bolt connecting means 21. The opposite ends of brace
members 19, 20 are secured to the elongated tubular elements 13, 14
at a position spaced below the connection of the upper connected
end of legs 16, 17. Brace members 19, 20 are connected to the
elongated tubular members 13, 14 by conventional connecting bolts
22.
The support frame elements 11-14 and leg structure 16, 17 are
constructed of conventional metal stock material. The telescoping
connection of the elongated elements 13, 14 within the legs of the
U-shaped members 11, 12 are detailed such that the elongated
members 13, 14 with the connected legs 16, 17 can be rotated
relative to the U-shaped supporting members whereby the legs can be
moved from a rearwardly extending position, shown in FIG. 1 to a
position lying against the rear of the net whereby the apparatus
can be conveniently stored in a reduced area when not in use.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 2, the net member 25 is
constructed of a plurality of vertical thread members 26, a
plurality of horizontal thread members 27 connected together by
conventional means in spaced apart relationship to form a series of
substantially rectangular openings therebetween. The extended ends
of threads 26, 27 are connected to a border member 28 which extends
around the peripheral edge of net 25. Net 25 is constructed of a
nylon material to provide the required strength and resiliency for
rebounding a ball or similar object thrown into engagement
therewith. However, the net 25 could be constructed of still other
suitable material which would provide the required strength and
resilient characteristics.
As shown in FIG. 2, the net is connected to the supporting frame by
a plurality of attachment elements 30 which are secured to the
tubular frame members in spaced apart relationship around the
border of the net 25. Each of the connecting elements includes
hooks and or ring members 31 secured around the tubular frame means
and has connected thereto a substantially S-shaped connecting clip
32. The attachment elements 30 including ring 31 and S-shaped clip
32 are supported on the tubular frame means such that two of the
rings and S-shaped clips are connected to the net border 28
adjacent each of the corners of the net, substantially as shown in
FIG. 2. A number of attachment elements 30 are spaced along the
tubular support frame members between the corners and are secured
to the net 25 by an elongated nylon cord element 33. The nylon cord
element 33 is interlaced within the net adjacent the border 28
whereby the nylon cord is inserted in an opening formed between the
vertical and horizontal threads on one side thereof and extends
through an opening on an opposite side of the next adjacent thread
element substantially as shown in FIG. 2. The S-shaped clips of the
connecting elements spaced from the corners are connected only to
the nylon cord connecting member 33. Cord 33 includes opposite end
portions which are adapted to be secured together by a conventional
releasable connecting knot 34, as shown in FIG. 1. The releasable
connecting knot 34 is adapted to be secured in a number of
positions whereby the length of the nylon cord 33 can be either
increased or decreased to vary the tension on the net member 25.
Cord 33 could be constructed of a material which would offer
similar characteristics to a nylon cord.
OPERATION
In assembling the above described illustrative embodiment of the
ball rebounding apparatus, the required number of attachment clips
are inserted on the tubular members 11-14 before they are connected
together in an assembled relationship. After the required number of
attachment elements 30 have been secured in place, opposite ends 15
of the elongated tubular elements 13, 14 are inserted within the
legs of the U-shaped support members 11, 12, substantially as shown
in FIG. 1. With the U-shaped members 11, 12 and elongated elements
13, 14 connected in assembled relationship, the legs 16, 17 are
then connected to the elongated members 13, 14 by effecting
connection of the bolts 18 to the upper extended end of the legs
and to the tubular elements 13, 14. After the upper ends of the
legs have been secured in place, brace members 19, 20 are secured
between the legs 16, 17 and the tubular elements 13, 14,
substantially as shown in FIG. 1, by inserting conventional
connecting bolts 21, 22 through opposite ends of the brace
members.
With the support frame member properly assembled as described
above, the net 25 is secured in place by connecting the four
corners of the net to two of the attachment clips 30 as shown in
FIG. 2. After the four corners of the net have been secured in
place, the elongated nylon connecting cord 33 is interlaced around
the vertical and horizontal thread members 26, 27 adjacent the
border. A number of attachment elements 30 are then secured to the
nylon cord 33 by the S-shaped clip 32. With the nylon cord 33
secured to the attachment elements 30, the opposite ends of the
cord are pulled together with a predetermined amount of tension and
then the opposite ends are secured by tying a conventional
releasable knot 34.
The tension on net 25 is varied by releasing knot 34 and either
increasing or decreasing, as desired, the tension on cord 33 and
then retying knot 34. An adjustable means could be connected to
opposite ends of cord 33 in place of knot 34 for use in varying the
tension.
ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT
Referring now particularly to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of
the improved ball rebounding apparatus is shown. The alternative
embodiment includes a generally rectangular frame support member
40. Frame 40 is constructed of an integral length of tubular metal
stock material which is bent to form the four corners of the
rectangular frame with the ends of the length of material bent to
form outwardly directing support leg members 41, 42. Leg member 41,
42 extend outwardly from the generally rectangular frame 40 in
substantially parallel relationship to each other and are supported
by complementary socket receiving means 43, 44 formed on a handle
support member 45. Legs 41, 42 are maintained in a locked position
within sockets 43, 44 by means of conventional connecting bolts 46,
47, which are inserted through complementary openings formed in the
sockets 43, 44 and legs 41, 42. An extended end of handle support
member 45 is provided with an end cap member 48. Cap member 48 is
constructed of a rubber or synthetic material which will allow the
outer end of handle 45 to be sealed.
As shown in FIG. 3, a net member 50 is supported under tension in
substantially coplanar relationship with frame member 40. Net 50 is
constructed of a number of parallel arranged thread members 51
which are connected by conventional means to a number of parallel
arranged thread members 52. Thread members 52 are connected to
thread members 51 in substantially right angular relationship to
form a number of square-shaped openings between adjacent thread
members 51, 52. Net 50 is provided with a border member 53
connected to the extended ends of threads 51, 52. Net 50 can be
constructed of a nylon material or a similar synthetic material
which will provide the required strength and flexibility
characteristics.
Net 50 is connected to the framework 40 by means of a number of
S-shaped clips 49, having one of the S-shaped bends inserted around
the tubular member 49 with the second S-shaped bend extending
inwardly of the frame member 40. Net 40 is supported on the frame
member 40 by connecting two of the S-shaped clips in each of the
four corners of the net member 50 as shown in FIG. 3. A length of
nylon cord 55 is interlaced within threads 51, 52 adjacent border
53 and connected to the S-shaped clips to provide additional
support means and to provide tension adjusting means thereto. The
nylon cord 55 is inserted around the S-shaped clips which are
connected to the corners of the net and cord 55 is independently
connected to the S-shaped clips spaced intermediate the corners
thereof. Cord 55 is provided with a conventional adjusting knot 56
whereby the length of the nylon cord can be adjusted to a number of
selectively set positions to vary the tension on the supported net
member 50. As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of S-shaped clip members 49
are connected together with one end of one of the S-shaped clips
being connected to the nylon cord 55 and an opposite end of the
second clip 49 being connected within an aperture formed within the
handle support member 45, to provide the required intermediate
support for net 50 between the two corners of the framework support
means adjacent handle 45.
OPERATION
In assembling the embodiment of FIG. 3, the length of metal stock
material 40 is formed as shown in FIG. 3 with leg members 41, 42
inserted within sockets 43, 44 and connected thereto by the
connecting bolts 46, 47. After the framework has been properly
assembled, the net 50 is connected thereto by inserting two of the
S-shaped clips 49 in each of the four corners of the net and
connecting the S-shaped clips to the framework 40. After the net 50
has been connected with the pair of clips in each corner,
additional connecting means is provided by interlacing the nylon
cord 55 within thread members 51, 52 adjacent border 53 and
connecting the cord 55 to each of the S-shaped clips 49. The nylon
cord 55 is detailed in connecting relationship with frame 40 and
S-shaped clips 49 whereby the border 53 and cord 55 are both
connected to the clips 49 adjacent the corners with only the nylon
cord 55 being connected to the intermediate clips.
After the nylon cord 55 has been properly interlaced around the
border 53 and connected to clip 49, the opposite ends of cord 55
are brought together under a predetermined amount of tension and
tied into a conventional connecting knot 56. The tension on net 50
can be varied by untying knot 56, varying the amount of tension on
cord 55 and retying knot 56 to secure the net 50 under the desired
amount of tension.
In utilizing the above described hand controlled ball rebounding
means, an operator will grasp the handle 45 adjacent an extended
end thereof and maneuver the ball rebounding apparatus in a manner
similar to a tennis racket. The hand controlled ball rebounding
apparatus as shown in FIG. 3 and as described herein above can be
used to rebound a ball in a desired direction for playing a number
of recreational games.
The tubular frame member 40 and handle 45 are constructed of
conventional aluminum metal stock material. However, other types of
metal stock material or synthetic material could be utilized which
would provide the required rigid characteristics with lightweight
construction. The configuration of frame member 40 will include
rectangular, round and oval shapes.
It now becomes apparent that the above described illustrative
embodiment is capable of obtaining the above stated objects and
advantages. It is obvious that those skilled in the art may make
modifications in the details of construction without departing from
the spirit of the invention which is to be limited only by the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *