AU2022372963A1 - Inflatable sports net - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an inflatable sports net (10) comprising an archway (12) comprised of a plurality of geodesic polyhedra (14) comprised of inflatable beams (16) arranged in unitary fluid communication. The polyhedra (14) are arranged so that some beams complementarily form a continuous archway beam (18). Also included is an inflatable arcuate base beam (20) extending unilaterally from said archway beam (18) and via which a plurality of panel beams (22) is interconnected to the archway (12) to form at least one polygonal panel (24) between the base beam (20) and geodesic polyhedra (14) to define a substantially half-dome structure (26) supported by said archway and base beams (18) and (20) when inflated. A foraminous mesh (28) is suspended between suitable beams (16) and (22) to form a ball arresting surface along said half-dome structure (26).

Description

INFLATABLE SPORTS NET

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to the field of ball sports, and more specifically to an inflatable sports net.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Ball games or ball sports are any form of game or sport which feature a ball as part of play. These include games such as golf, football, cricket, baseball and hockey. Such games have diverse rules and histories and are of mostly unrelated origins. Ball games generally try to measure how well a player can strike a ball, either with or without additional equipment, such as clubs, bats, rackets or by hand or foot.

[0004] Practicing such ball sports has seen the development of various types of practice equipment to aid a player in striking a ball for practice purposes. One example of such practice equipment is a generally mobile net, which a player can erect as required and which is typically used to arrest the motion of a struck ball. For example, in the game of golf, a player strikes a golf ball with a club. To practice a golf swing, conventional nets are known, which a player can erect indoors or outdoors, and are useable to arrest a struck golf ball.

[0005] Applicant is aware of such golfing nets as described, for example, in Chinese patent application no. CN101600482B and US patent application no. US5088740A that rely on poles or struts to support a suspended net in order to form a practice net for ball sports, such as golf. Some shortcomings of these conventional devices are that they can be difficult to assemble and are unstable, the poles are difficult to store and may suffer damage when struck by a ball, the poles can obstruct an entryway to the net, and they comprise a number of separate components to assemble.

[0006] To address some of these shortcomings, the art has evolved to provide inflatable structures as frames for practice nets, such as those described in Canadian patent application nos. CA2649897A1 and CA2500606C. These rely on beams supported by an inflatable portion to support a separate net for arresting a ball. However, given the large number of poles necessary to provide adequate support, these devices are difficult to assemble, are heavy and difficult to transport, and require large portions of netting to provide stability. These devices are also difficult and expensive to manufacture.

[0007] Other known sport ball arresting structures includes those described in US 2005/0197212 to Turcot, which requires a flexible planar base with straps to support an inflatable multi-pod structure, making it particularly unsuited for outside use as the planar base forms a sail for the wind. Similarly, US 2010/0175330 also to Turcot describes a pneumatically inflatable structure comprising multiple tubes on a base surface. Such multiple tubes impede an entrance to the structure and the base surface also forms a sail for the wind, making outside use in windy conditions problematic .

[ 0008 ] As a result , the known sport net devices typically require various components to be manufactured, assembled, transported and stored, making them expensive , cumbersome , unstable , di f ficult to store , parts may be lost or damaged, and generally di f ficult to use . Similarly, known sport nets often require planar base surfaces , making outside use in windy areas di f ficult . Such conventional nets also generally comprise a number of structural members with an opening for a ball being simply a spacing or gap between such structural members , where these member o ften impede the opening . The current invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[ 0009 ] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an inflatable sports net comprising : an archway comprised of a plurality of geodesic polyhedra comprised of inflatable beams arranged in unitary fluid communication, said polyhedra arranged so that some beams complementarily form a continuous archway beam; and an inflatable arcuate base beam extending unilaterally from said archway beam and via which a plurality of inflatable panel beams is interconnected to the archway to form at least one polygonal panel between the base beam and geodesic polyhedra to de fine a substantially hal f-dome structure supported by said archway and arcuate base beams when inflated, a foraminous mesh suspended between said beams to form a ball arresting surface along said hal f-dome structure . [0010] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that a geodesic polyhedron is a convex polyhedron made from triangles. As known in the art of geometry, a polyhedron is a three- dimensional shape with flat polygonal faces, straight edges and sharp corners or vertices. Similarly, a geodesic dome is a hemispherical lattice-shell structure based on such geodesic polyhedra. The triangular elements of the dome are structurally rigid and distribute the structural stress throughout the structure, making geodesic domes able to withstand very heavy loads relative to their size.

[0011] In an embodiment, the at least one polygonal panel is comprised of geodesic polyhedra, where the panel beams are arranged to define at least two geodesic polyhedra comprising said polygonal panel.

[0012] In an embodiment, the inflatable sports net includes a single valve via which the respective beams are inflatable.

[0013] In an embodiment, the valve comprises an inflatable boat air valve.

[0014] Typically, the valve is arranged externally to the half-dome structure opposite the archway beam so that said valve is not impactable by a ball when the net is in use.

[0015] In an embodiment, the beams are manufactured from a synthetic polymer material such as nylon, polyester and/or marine grade polyvinyl chloride, with laminated, heat pressed seams for strength.

[0016] In an embodiment, the net comprises advertising or promotional indicium printed across a surface thereof. [0017] In an embodiment, the foraminous mesh comprises a synthetic polymer material with foramina configured according to a ball size the net is to arrest.

[0018] In an embodiment, the net includes fastening means for securing the net to a surface.

[0019] In an embodiment, the fastening means includes tiedowns, straps, peg apertures, or the like.

[0020] In an embodiment, the arcuate base beam is weighted to facilitate in positioning the net securely on a surface.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an inflatable sports net substantially as herein described and/or illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of one embodiment of an inflatable sports net, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic front-view representation of the inflatable sports net of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is diagrammatic side-view representation of the inflatable sports net of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of a further embodiment of an inflatable sports net , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention ;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic front-view representation of the inflatable sports net of Figure 4 ;

Figure 6 is diagrammatic side-view representation of the inflatable sports net of Figure 4 ;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of a yet further embodiment of an inflatable sports net , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic front-view representation of the inflatable sports net of Figure 7 ; and

Figure 9 is diagrammatic side-view representation of the inflatable sports net of Figure 7 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[ 0022 ] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is included solely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[ 0023 ] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[ 0024 ] With reference now to the accompanying figures , there is shown one broad embodiment of an inflatable sports net 10 in accordance with aspects of the present invention . Inflatable sports net 10 generally finds application in practicing or playing ball games such as gol f , football , cricket , baseball and hockey, where a ball can be hit or thrown into the net 10 to play a game or practice a particular skill , such as a gol f swing, a pitching technique , a kicking technique , a football or soccer goal , or the like .

[ 0025 ] Broadly, inflatable sports net 10 comprises an archway 12 comprised of a plurality of geodesic polyhedra 14 that are , in turn, comprised of inflatable beams 16 which are arranged in unitary fluid communication . Such beams 16 are arranged in unitary fluid communication in order to define a single , j oined inflatable space or bladder, such that inflation of one beam leads to inflation of all beams 16 . As mentioned above , a geodesic polyhedron 14 is typically a convex polyhedron made from triangles , as shown, where each polyhedron 14 in the archway comprises beams 16 arranged in triangle .

[ 0026 ] Importantly, the geodesic polyhedra 14 comprising the archway 12 are arranged such that some constituent beams 16 complementarily form a continuous archway beam 18 , select sides of said polyhedra 14 complementarily form archway beam 18 . As shown more clearly in figure 2 , archway 12 comprises the geodesic polyhedra 14 between archway beam 18 and the imaginary line indicated by re ference numeral 18 . 1 . As described, such a geodesic structure is structurally rigid and able to distribute any structural stress throughout the structure as a whole, generally making archway 12 stable when inflated, even without a beam directly beneath it which obstructs an entryway for a ball into the net 10 .

[ 0027 ] Inflatable sports net 10 further comprises an inflatable arcuate base beam 20 which generally extends unilaterally from the archway beam 18 , as shown, and via which a plurality of inflatable panel beams 22 is interconnected to the archway 12 to form at least one polygonal panel 24 between the arcuate base beam 20 and the geodesic polyhedra 14 . In this manner, a substantially hal f-dome structure 26 is defined which is supported by the archway and arcuate base beams 18 and 20 when the structure 26 is inflated .

[ 0028 ] Importantly, the arcuate base beam 20 extends unilaterally from the archway beam 18 due to being arcuated in order to define the hal f-dome structure 26 so that the sports net 10 defines a generally unimpeded opening for receiving a ball , said opening being largely unimpeded by any structural aspects that may impede such receipt of a ball , e . g . the net 10 has no structural members that interferes with a ball entering the net 10 , whilst the geodesic nature of the net 10 provides strength and rigidity thereto without the need for such structural aspects than may impede ball entry . Similarly, the hal f-dome structure 26 formed from the arcuate base beam 20 , archway beam 18 and panel beams 22 , as described, provides a solid and robust structure that is useable outside in windy conditions . The archway 18 also has no structural member below it to impede entry into the archway . [0029] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that a number and configuration of the beams 16 and panel beams 22 and associated panels 24, as well as and geodesic polyhedra 14 may vary depending on requirements and desired dimensions of the net 10. For example, a larger net 10 may include more beams 16 forming geodesic polyhedra 14, as well as panel beams 22 forming panels 24. Such variations are anticipated, expected and within the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Of course, in different embodiments, examples of which are shown in Figures 4 and 7, the at least one polygonal panel 24 may itself be comprised of geodesic polyhedra 14, similar to the archway 12, where the panel beams 22 are arranged to define at least two geodesic polyhedra 14 comprising said polygonal panel (s) 24. In such an embodiment, the entire half-dome structure 26 is generally comprised of geodesic polyhedra 14. The skilled addressee is to appreciate that a density of such geodesic polyhedra 14 comprising the archway 12 and/or polygonal panels 24 is arbitrary and may be determined according to construction requirements and/or design preference.

[0031] A foraminous mesh 28 is generally suspended or fastened between the beams 16 in order to form a ball arresting surface along the half-dome structure 26, as shown. Typically, the foraminous mesh 28 comprises a synthetic polymer material with foramina configured according to a ball size the net 10 is to arrest. For example, the foramina of the mesh 28 are generally sized to arrest a golf ball whilst allowing air to pass therethrough freely, but variations hereon are possible and within the scope of the invention. [0032] The skilled addressee is further to appreciate that the net 10 may include an opaque material, such as sun shade netting or the like, in place and/or in addition to the mesh 28, to allow the net to be used as a temporary shelter, such as a beach shade, sun shade, or the like. Again, variations hereon are possible and within the scope of the present invention .

[0033] The inflatable sports net 10 generally includes a single valve 30 via which the respective beams 16 and 22 are inflatable. As described above, the beams are typically arranged in unitary fluid communication to facilitate each of inflation. In an embodiment, the valve 30 comprises an inflatable boat air valve, but variations hereon are possible and expected. In a typical embodiment the valve 30 is arranged externally to the half-dome structure 26 opposite the archway beam 18 so that the valve 30 is not impactable by a ball when the net 10 is in use.

[0034] In an embodiment, the beams are manufactured from a synthetic polymer material such as nylon, polyester and/or marine grade polyvinyl chloride, with laminated, heat pressed seams for strength. In one embodiment, the net 10 may comprise advertising or promotional indicium printed across a surface thereof. In an embodiment, the net 10 may also include fastening means (not shown) for securing the net 10 to a surface. For example, the fastening means may include tiedowns, straps, ground peg loop apertures via which a ground peg may be passed and driven into the ground, or the like. In one embodiment, the arcuate base beam 20 may be weighted to facilitate in positioning the net securely on a surface, e.g. sand or similar weights arranged within layers of material comprising the arcuate base beam 20, or the like. For example, the net 10 may include pockets for receiving sand or weights for positioning and/or securing the net on a surface , or the like .

[ 0035 ] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for an inflatable sports net 10 having a unitary construction forming a single part which minimises the risk of losing constituent parts . Net 10 is also easy to store and transport , and can be manufactured from a robust material to prevent damage during normal use . Such unitary construction is also inexpensive , and assembly only requires inflation without requiring structural poles , straps , etc .

[ 0036 ] Importantly, the unique arrangement and configuration of the constituent inflatable beams capitalises on the inherent strength and stability of geodesic dome structures . Speci fically, the arcuate base beam 20 extending unilaterally from the archway beam 18 in an arcuate manner defines an unimpeded entryway for receiving a ball , whilst the hal f-dome structure provides strength and rigidity, when inflated, to allow use of the net 10 even in windy conditions .

[ 0037 ] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts , elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts , elements or features , and wherein speci fic integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates , such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as i f individually set forth . In the example embodiments , well-known processes , well-known device structures , and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee .

[0038] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0039] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element (s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. [0040] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0041] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims (11)

1 . An inflatable sports net comprising : an archway comprised of a plurality of geodesic polyhedra comprised of inflatable beams arranged in unitary fluid communication, said polyhedra arranged so that some beams complementarily form a continuous archway beam; and an inflatable arcuate base beam extending unilaterally from said archway beam and via which a plurality of inflatable panel beams is interconnected to the archway to form at least one polygonal panel between the base beam and geodesic polyhedra to define a substantially hal f-dome structure supported by said archway and arcuate base beams when inflated, a foraminous mesh suspended between said beams to form a ball arresting surface along said hal f-dome structure .

2 . The inflatable sports net of claim 1 , wherein the at least one polygonal panel is comprised of geodesic polyhedra where the panel beams are arranged to define at least two geodesic polyhedra comprising said polygonal panel .

3 . The inflatable sports net of either of claims 1 or 2 , which includes a single valve via which the respective beams are inflatable .

4 . The inflatable sports net of claim 3 , wherein the valve comprises an inflatable boat air valve .

5 . The inflatable sports net of claim 3 , wherein the valve is arranged externally to the hal f-dome structure opposite the archway beam so that said valve is not impactable by a ball when the net is in use .

6. The inflatable sports net of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the beams are manufactured from a synthetic polymer material such as nylon, polyester and/or marine grade polyvinyl chloride, with laminated, heat pressed seams for strength.

7. The inflatable sports net of any of claims 1 to 6, which comprises advertising or promotional indicium printed across a surface thereof.

8. The inflatable sports net of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the foraminous mesh comprises a synthetic polymer material with foramina configured according to a ball size the net is to arrest.

9. The inflatable sports net of any of claims 1 to 8, which includes fastening means for securing the net to a surface.

10. The inflatable sports net of claim 9, wherein the fastening means includes tie-downs, straps, peg apertures, or the like.

11. The inflatable sports net of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base beam is weighted to facilitate in positioning the net securely on a surface.