GB2549457A

GB2549457A - Net assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2549457A
Application number: GB1606092.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bromley Williams Jeffrey
Original assignee: ZSIG SPORTS Ltd
Current assignee: ZSIG SPORTS Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-11
Filing date: 2016-04-11
Publication date: 2017-10-25
Also published as: WO2017178800A1

Abstract

A collapsible, free-standing net assembly 2 comprises a net 4, first and second support members 6, 8 supporting the ends of the net 4 and a third, shorter support post 10, positioned at a midpoint between the columns 6, 8 and supporting a midpoint of the net 4. The first and second columns 6, 8 may form part of first and second sections, which may include base sections 24, 26 and resilient members passing through each post 6, 8 and base 24, 26. A central connector 16 may join the bases 24, 26 and the third post 10, and may optionally also engage legs 20, 22 on the post 10. The portions of the connector 16 engaging the bottom rods 24, 26 may be provided by a single central base member. Resilient members may extend between the legs 20, 22 and through a hole delimited by the central base member.

Description

NET ASSEMBLY

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a collapsible, free standing net assembly. Background

Free-standing support structures which are assembled to support a net in a vertical orientation are known. WO-93/01866A discusses a net support structure which provides for easy assembly and disassembly at any location. The net support structure includes a plurality of members which are joined together by an elastic cord. The members are connected together to tension the elastic cord and form a support structure for the net. The support structure can be collapsed by disconnecting the members, allowing the members to be folded relative to each other whilst at the same time keeping the members joined by the elastic cord. Often these are known as “mini-nets”. It has been found that it is difficult to use a net of this construction to support a wide net, for example tennis nets. To increase the span of a mini-net it has been proposed to use two side-by-side.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a collapsible, free standing net-assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a net, a first support member supporting a first end of the net, a second support member supporting a second end of the net and a third support member positioned at a midpoint between the first and second support members. The third support member supports the midpoint of the net and the third support member is shorter than the first and second support members. In one embodiment the net is a tennis net.

The reference to members includes members of any cross section, and the cross section can vary or remain constant over the length of the tube. In some embodiments, the members are tubular. In other embodiments the members have square or rectangular cross sections. Any other suitable cross section can also be used including elliptical..

The midpoint is preferably equidistant from the first and second support members, but it need not be the exact centre. For example, the third support member may be positioned no more than 10cm closer to the first support member than to the second support member, more preferably no more than 5cm closer. In the event that the distance of the third support member from the first and second support members varies along its length, this measurement is preferably taken at the bottom of the third support member in use. The first, second and third members are generally upright in use and each can be a single piece or formed from several pieces joined together.

Use of a third support member at the midpoint between the first and second support members acts to hold up the net at its midpoint. This provides additional support for the net and reduces the forces exerted by the net on the first and second support members. This allows use of longer net spans than conventional mini nets without a central support, such as those described in WO-93/01866A.

The use of a third support member that is shorter than the first and second support members allows the top of the net to define a curve with known heights at the edges and centre. Such a construction is suitable for supporting a tennis net. For example, the International Tennis Federation Rules 2015, Rule 1 stipulates that a tennis court shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended by a cord or cable which shall pass over and be attached to two net posts at a height of 1.07 m (3.5 feet), and that the height of the net shall be 0.914m (3 feet) at the centre. The present invention allows a net meeting these requirements at the outer supports and in the centre to be provided.

Conventional tennis nets are held down by a strap at the centre to ensure the correct central height is achieved. In contrast, the use of a third support member supports the centre of the net at the required height rather than pulling the net down. This is advantageous for a free standing structure because the support reduces the force exerted by the net on the first and second supports, rather than increasing it, as is the case with a conventional tennis net.

This further enables a free-standing tennis net to be light and portable because the forces which are exerted on the outer supports by the net are lower.

There are also advantages over using two smaller nets side by side. As those nets are general purpose, the net cannot be configured to meet the height requirements at the midpoint defined in the International Tennis Federation Rules. There is also no simple way to align the nets side by side and maintain them in position relative to each other.

In some embodiments the net comprises a sleeve configured to receive at least part of the third support member. Such a sleeve acts to support the net not just at the top but along the length of the third support member. It can provide net behaviour closer to the way a conventional tennis net is held down. The sleeve preferably receives substantially all of the third support member. The sleeve may cover all or a portion of the third support member so that it is hidden from view. The sleeve may also be made to mimic the appearance of the central strap used in standard tennis nets. The sleeve is preferably flexible, for example it can be made from fabric, flexible polymers and/or waterproof material. Examples include PVC, Polyesters, Nylon, and coated materials such as coated nylon. A flexible sleeve allows the net to be folded and thus stored more easily. In other embodiments, the sleeve may also be rigid.

In one embodiment the first support member forms part of a first section and the second support member forms part of a second section. When the assembly is collapsed, the first and second section are not connected to each other. Here, the term “not connected to each other” means that there are no elements within a section that are attached to another section. The construction of this embodiment differs from the net in WO-93/01866A which was formed from a single section and where a resilient cord ensures that all the parts remain connected together even when the structure is collapsed.

Separating the assembly into a plurality of sections allows each section to be separated, folded and stored independently of the other sections. Each section can be assembled independently of the other sections and each of the plurality of sections then engages at least one other section. For example, in one embodiment there may be two sections. In another embodiment there may be three or more sections. Separating the assembly into two or more sections allows the assembly to be more easily transported and carried. Each section has fewer components so that folding is more easily performed and each section can be handled more easily.

The first and second sections may be connected to each other, directly or indirectly in any suitable manner. For example the first and second sections may be releasably connected. Such a releasable connection could be provided by a friction fit, for example, for example a friction fit by which a reduced diameter end of a tubular member of one section is received in an opening defined by a tubular member of another section. Such a reduced diameter portion could be formed by swaging, although other methods and cross sections can also be used.

The first section may comprise the first support member, a first base section connected to the first support member and a first resilient member passing through the first base section and the first support member. A second section of the net assembly may comprise the second support member, a second base section connected to the second support member and a second resilient member passing through the second base section and the second support member.

The first base section may be directly or indirectly connected to the first support member. For example, they may be connected via a first connector. Similarly, the second base section may be directly or indirectly connected to the second support member. For example, they may be connected via a second connector.

The third support member may form part of the first section. The overall assembly therefore comprises two sections, which can simplify assembly because there are fewer separate sections to join or connect to each other.

Alternatively, the third support member may form part of a third section. When the assembly is collapsed, the first, second and third sections are not connected to each other. When the net-assembly is in more sections, the weight of one or more sections can be reduced. This makes transporting the structure easier. Some, or all, of the sections may comprise fewer components, which can simplify their collapse and folding.

In some embodiments, the assembly comprises a first base member extending at least partially between the first support member and the third support member in a direction parallel to the net, a second base member extending at least partially between the second support member and the third support member in a direction parallel to the net, and a central connector. The central connector comprises a first portion configured to engage the third support member, a second portion configured to engage the first base member and a third portion configured to engage the second base member. The first portion defines an axis which is substantially perpendicular to an axis defined by the second portion and the third portion. Such a connector allows the third support member to be positioned between the first and second support members.

In one embodiment, the central connector further comprises a fourth portion configured to engage a first leg member for connecting the first leg member to the third support member and a fifth portion configured to engage a second leg member for connecting the second leg member to the third support member. The use of legs at the centre of the net assembly can provide increased stability.

In some embodiments, the second portion and third portion of the central connector the second portion and third portion of the central connector are provided by a single central base member extending through a connector housing. The connector housing may then provide the first, fourth and fifth portions. For example the first, fourth and fifth portions may be integrally formed with the connector housing.

This construction is beneficial when the assembly comprises an odd number of base members because it allows the third support to be positioned at the midpoint by incorporating the central base member into the central connector. Use of the single central base member can also provide greater stability to the net-assembly.

The single central base member may be removable or in a fixed position relative to the central connector. Any suitable technique may be used to fix the single central base member in position. For example, a friction fit, adhesive, or clamping. Examples of clamping means could be a jubilee clip or a resilient band which provides a force to hold the connector housing in place on the single central base member.

When a single central base member is used, the net assembly may further comprise a resilient member, preferably a resilient flexible member, extending between the first leg member and the second leg member, through the central connector. The single central base member delimits a through hole and the resilient member extends through the through hole. The through hole ensures that the passage of the resilient member through the connector is not blocked. The through hole could be introduced by drilling or boring through the single central base member or formed integrally with the single central base member.

Alternatively, when the single central base member is used, the net assembly may further comprise a resilient member extending between the first leg member and the second leg member and through the central connector. The single central base member has a reduced cross sectional dimension over at least part of its length within the central connector, thereby to allow the resilient member to extend through the central connector. This is advantageous so that the resilient member can pass around the single central base member and not be blocked from passage through the central connector.

The cross sectional dimension is preferably reduced in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the single central base member. In some embodiments, the first and second leg members are substantially coaxial and the cross sectional dimension of the single central base member is reduced in a direction generally parallel to the first and second leg members. The cross sectional dimension of the single central base member may be reduced according to any suitable means. For example, the central base member may have a reduced diameter over at least part of its length. The central base member may be swaged, flattened, or a portion may be hollowed out.

The net-assembly may further comprise respective first and second leg members connected to each of the first support member, the second support member and the third support member. Each of the leg members extends in a direction away from a plane defined by the net and the leg members connected to the third support member are shorter than the leg members connected to the first and second support members. This construction is advantageous in that the shorter leg members connected to the third support member pose less of a trip hazard compared to longer leg members. Furthermore, shorter leg members will generally have a reduced mass providing increased portability.

The first and second leg members may be connected to their respective support member directly or indirectly, for example via a connector.

In some embodiments, the net assembly may further comprise at least one separate extension member configured for releasable connection to the assembly. This extension member can allow the distance between the first and second support members to be increased when it is included in the assembly. This may be useful to so that the same net assembly can be used for a singles game of tennis, or when used in conjunction with the one or more extension members, it is suitable for a doubles game of tennis.

When the net assembly has a three section construction, an even number extension members may be provided. These can be positioned symmetrically either side of central section containing the third support member, so that the third support is retained at a midpoint of the net when the extension members are used.

In other embodiments the third support member may be adjustable between a first length and a second length and at least the first length is shorter than the first and second support members. This enables the height of the middle of the net to be adjusted relative to the poles. In some embodiments the first length may be less than 0.914m (3 feet). A length shorter than 0.914m may be more suitable for younger players, for example. In some embodiments the second length may be greater than 0.914m (3 feet). A length greater than 0.914m can be useful for training for top spin shots in tennis, for example by encouraging the ball to be returned higher.

Any suitable adjustment mechanism can be used, for example a telescopic system incorporating a twist-lock or a cam lock to retain the third support member at a selected length between the first length and the second length. This adjustment provides more flexibility to the use of the net.

It is also possible for the first and second support members to be adjustable in length. For example, this can enable the height of the entire net to be adjusted without changing the curve defined by the difference in length between the first and second support members and the third support member. This can make the net useful for a variety of different sports.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising a net assembly as described above (with or without the optional features also described), at least one separate extension member configured for releasable connection to the assembly thereby to extend the length of the assembly to a second length, and a second net with a length corresponding to the second length. Such a system can be configured in two widths, for example a width for use as a singles tennis net and a width for use as a doubles tennis net.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of a collapsible, free-standing net assembly according to a first embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of an exploded perspective view of a first and third section of a collapsible, free-standing net assembly according to Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross section in plane A-A of the collapsible, free-standing net assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross section in plane B-B of the collapsible, free-standing net assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross section in plane C-C of the collapsible, free-standing net assembly of Figure 2.

Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of a first and second section of a collapsible, free-standing net assembly according to a second embodiment.

Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross section in plane D-D of the collapsible, free-standing net assembly of Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of a central connector according to a third embodiment.

Figure 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross section in plane E-E of the central connector of Figure 8.

Figure 10 shows a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of a single central base member comprising a through hole that may be used in some embodiments.

Figure 11 shows a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of a single central base member with a reduced cross sectional dimension that may be used in some embodiments.

Figure 12 shows a diagrammatic representation of a perspective view of a connector.

Figure 13 shows a diagrammatic representation of an exploded perspective view of a first and third section of a collapsible, free-standing net assembly according to Figure 1 wherein an extension member is used.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a collapsible, free-standing net assembly 2. In this embodiment the collapsible, free-standing net assembly 2 is a tennis net assembly. The assembly 2 comprises a net 4, a first support member 6 supporting a first end of the net 4, a second support member 8 supporting a second end of the net and a third support member 10 positioned at a midpoint between the first and second support members 6, 8. The third support member 10 supports a midpoint of the net 4. The third support member 10 is shorter than the first and second support members 6, 8.

In this embodiment, the first, second and third support members 6, 8, 10 and all other members described herein are hollow and are made from steel, which may be Electrically Resistance Welded (ERW). The steel may be zinc coated, powder coated, galvanised, otherwise treated or untreated. In other embodiments the support members 6, 8, 10 may be made from any other suitable material, including metals such as aluminium, alloys such as stainless steel and aluminium alloys, polymers, and composite materials.

The assembly further comprises a first connector 12, a second connector 14 and a central connector 16. In this embodiment the first and second connectors 12 and 14 are identical and have a construction depicted in Figure 12 and described in GB2503757, incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The central connector 16 may use a modified version of connector 12, 14 that is adapted to engage a further member, so that the central connector engages five members rather than the four members engaged by the first and second connectors 12, 14. Alternatively, the central connector may be a dedicated central connector and not a modified version of the first and second connectors 12, 14.

The net comprises a white, flexible sleeve 18. The sleeve may be incorporated into the net by any suitable method. For example the net may be fastened via stitching to the sleeve 18.

The sleeve 18 is configured to receive at least a part of the third support member 10. For example, the third support member 10 may be inserted into the sleeve 18. The presence of sleeve 18 can reduce lateral movement of the net 4. The net 4 may also comprise a first sleeve and a second sleeve (not shown) configured to receive at least a part of the first and second support members 6, 8 respectively.

The net is secured to the first and second members 6, 8 by resilient flexible members in this embodiment. A resilient member resides at least partially inside each of the first and second support members 6, 8 and comprises a hook at its end to engage eyelets in the net 4 (not shown). This allows the net to be tensioned between the first and second support members 6, 8. Other methods of the securing the net can also be used in other embodiments.

The assembly also comprises first leg members 20, 20’, 20” and second leg members 22, 22’, 22”. The first and second leg members 20, 20’, 20”, 22, 22’, 22” maintain the support members 6, 8, 10 in a generally upright orientation and provide stability to the net assembly 2. Each of the first, second and third support members 6, 8, 10 may be connected to respective first and second leg members 20, 20’, 20”, 22, 22’, 22”. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the first and second leg members 20, 20’, 20”, 22, 22’, 22” are connected to the first, second and third support members 6, 8, 10 by the first, second and central connectors 12, 14, 16, respectively.

In some embodiments the first and second leg members 20”, 22” connected to the third support member 10 can be omitted. Where they are included, the leg members 20”, 22” connected to the third support member 10 are preferably shorter than the leg members 20, 20’, 22, 22’ connected to the first and second support members 6, 8. This is to reduce the likelihood of them posing a trip hazard.

The assembly 2 also comprises a first base member 24, forming part of a first base section and connected to the first support member 6 via the connector 12. A second base member 26, forms part of a second base section and is connected to the second support member 8 via the connector 14. The base members are constructed from the same material as the first, second and third support members 6, 8, 10.

The first and second base sections may comprise any number of base members. In the embodiment shown in figure I, two base members 24, 25 and 26, 27 are depicted as extending between each of the first and third support members 6, 10, and the second and third support members 8, 10 respectively. However there may be any number of base members. The configuration of the base members and support members can be selected based on a number of factors including: the desired length of the assembly, the length of each base member and the portability requirements.

In one example, when the net is a tennis net, the configuration of the base and support members is chosen to at least partially meet the rules defined for the net in the International Tennis Federation rules. Each of the base members are 0.9m in length. In order for the net to be used for a singles match of tennis, where the assembly must be at least 11.1m in length, 13 base members are required. The first and second base sections then comprise 6 base members each, with a central base member being connected to the third support member 10. Each base member engages at least one adjacent base member. For example, at least one end of each base member is swaged to allow one base member to be inserted into its adjacent base member. This insertion reduces the length of the structure because parts of the base members overlap. In this example, a base member is inserted approximately 5cm into its adjacent base member. In this configuration there are twelve joints, reducing the net length by 0.6m in total. This gives a net length of 11.1 m which is suitable for a singles tennis match.

In another example, a doubles tennis net is used. The assembly must be at least 12.8m in length so 15 base members are required. Once the base members are engaged via swaging, the length of the assembly is reduced to 12.8m.

To maintain the assembly 2 in the assembled state depicted in Figure 1, resilient flexible members are provided internally to tension the individual components and a retain them abutting each other. These are not shown in Figure 1 and will be described in more detail with respect to the cross sections of Figures 3 and 7.

In order to provide a portable and easily assembled unit, the net assembly 2, shown in figure 1, may be separable into a number of sections. When the assembly 2 is collapsed, the sections are not connected to each other.

Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of a left hand side of the net assembly 2 comprising three sections showing the sections in an exploded view, although only two are depicted for clarity. A first section 30 includes the first support member 6 and further comprises the first base member 24, first and second leg members 20, 22 and the first connector 12. As can best be seen in Figure 3, first section 30 also comprises a first resilient member 28 passing at least partially through the first base member 24 and the first support member 6. In the assembled state, this resilient member is under tension and provides a force to retain the base member 24 and the first support member 6 together. A similar resilient member is provided between the first and second leg members 20, 22.

The first resilient member 28 passes through the first base member 24 and the first support member 6. The first resilient member 28 acts to tension the assembly and connect/hold the support members 6 and base member 24 together. The first resilient member 28 may be exposed towards the top end of the first and second support members 6, 8 and provided with a hook or other means to engage and secure the net 4 to provide tension as described above.

Figure 3 depicts a cross section in the plane indicated by the arrows labelled “A” in figure 2. In the first section 30, the first resilient member 28 can be seen extending through the first support member 6 and the first base section 24.

In this embodiment the resilient members 28 are made from natural latex rubber threads forming a multi-stranded core surrounded by a monofilament polyethylene (PT) outer coating. In other embodiments, the resilient members 28 may comprise any other suitable material, including elastomers, springs or other stretchable material capable of tensioning a support structure. It will also be appreciated that the monofilament outer coating is not essential and can be omitted or replaced with other outer coatings, for example a polyester (PE) outer coating.

The second section is not depicted in Figure 2 but has the same construction as the first section rotated through 180 degrees about the axis of support member. The second section comprises the second support member 8, second base member 26, first and second leg members 20’, 22’ and the second connector 14. The second section also comprises respective resilient members passing through the second base member 26 and the second support member 8 and the first and second leg members 20’, 22’.

The third section 32 comprises the third support member 10, first and second leg members 20, 22 and a central connector 16. In some embodiments (not shown) the third section 32 further comprises one or more base members. A third resilient member 34 may extend at least partially through the third support member 10. The third resilient member 34 may be anchored within the central connector 16 for example. In some embodiments, the third resilient member 34 may be anchored in one of the first or second leg members 20, 22.

Figure 4 depicts a cross sectional side view of the first section 30 around the first connector 12 in the plane indicated by the arrows labelled “B” in figure 2. The internal flexible members are not shown. In this embodiment, the first leg member 20 defines a first axis 37 and the second leg member 22 defines a second axis 39 and the first axis and the second axis together define an obtuse angle 35. In some embodiments the connector 12 comprises a protrusion (not shown, but described below with reference to Figure 12) positioned between the first and second leg members, where the protrusion extends in a direction at least partially in the direction away from the first support member 6. In other embodiments the angle between the first axis and the second axis defines an angle approximately equal to 180 degrees so that the first and second axis are substantially coaxial.

Figure 5 depicts a cross sectional side view of the third section 32 in the plane indicated by the arrows labelled “C” in figure 2 around the central connector 16. In this plane the configuration of the central connector 16 and the relative positioning of the third support member 10 and leg members 20’, 22” is the generally the same as for the first section as shown in Figure 4. However, it may not be exactly the same, for example the angle between the first and second leg members 20”, 22” may be different; this can be advantageous when those leg members are shorter than those of the first support and the second support.

In other embodiments, the first and second base sections need not comprise all of the base members that extend between the first and third support members and the second and third support members respectively. For example, the first base section may comprise just one of the two base members depicted in figure 1 that extend between the first and third support members 6, 10. In embodiments with more than two base members the base members may be distributed between sections in any suitable way, for example to generally equalise the collapsed size and weight of the sections.

Figure 6 depicts an exploded view of a second embodiment of a net assembly which comprises two sections 34, 36. The first section 34 is not connected to the second section 36 when the assembly is collapsed. The first section 34 includes the first support member 6, first connector 12, the third support member 10, central connector 16, the first base member 24, a second base member 25, and leg members 20, 20”, 22, 22” associated with the first and third support members 6, 10. In this embodiment, the first base section includes all of the base members 24, 25 that extend between the first support member 6 and the third support member 10.

The first and second leg members 20, 22 are connected to the first support member 6 by the connector 12. The first and second leg members 20”, 22” are connected to the third support member 10 by the connector 16. The first and second leg members 20, 22 extend in a direction away from a plane defined by the net 4.

The second section 36 comprises the second support member 8, second connector 14, first and second leg members 20’, 22’ and base members 26, 27. Thus, all of the base members 26, 27 that extend between the second and third support members 8, 10 are in the second section 36. Thus, the second section is the same as the second section of the embodiment of Figure 2. In some embodiments one or more of the base members that extend between the second and third support members 8, 10 may be included in the first section 24.

Figure 7 depicts a cross sectional side view of the first and second sections 34, 36 in the plane indicated by the arrows labelled “D” in figure 6. A resilient member 38 can be seen passing through the first support member 6, the base members 24, 25 and the third support member 10. Another resilient member 28 passes through the second support member 8 and the second base section.

Figure 8 depicts a partial perspective view of the central connector 90. Such an arrangement may be used in accordance with embodiments comprising two or three sections, for example the embodiments of both Figure 2 and 6. Figure 8 depicts a central connector having a connector housing 92. The connector as a whole defines a first portion 94 for engaging the third support member 10, a second portion 96 for engaging a base member, a third portion 98 for engaging another base member, a fourth portion 102 for engaging a first leg member 20” and a fifth portion 100 for engaging a second leg member 22”. The first, fourth and fifth portions 94, 102, 100 are defined by the connector housing 92. However, the second and third portions 96, 98 are provided by a single central base member which extends through the connector housing 92. To achieve this, the central connector 90 delimits coaxial apertures allowing the single central base member to be inserted completely though the connector, or, in other words, allowing the connector housing 92 to be installed on the single central base member.

Figure 9 depicts a cross sectional view in the plane indicated by the arrows labelled “E” in figure 8. It can be seen that there is a single central base member extending through the connector housing 92.

In other embodiments, the connector housing may define all the portions to engage members in the assembly and the single central base member is omitted. In yet further embodiments first and second central base members may be installed in the assembly leaving a gap between them inside the connector housing to allow the resilient member to pass by without obstruction.

When a single central base member is provided in the central connector, it can obstruct the passage of a resilient member through the central connector. For example, it may obstruct the passage of a resilient member which holds the first and second leg members 20”, 22” in place. To reduce the obstruction the single central base member may be altered in the area of the connector housing.

In one embodiment, shown in Figure 10, a through hole 44 is formed in the single central base member. The resilient member 46 can be seen extending through the through hole 44 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis defined by the length of the single central base member. The through hole 44 can be created by any suitable means, for example a hole can be drilled through the single central support member.

Figure 11 depicts an alternative embodiment to allow the passage of the resilient member 46 from the first leg member 20 into the second leg member 22. In this embodiment, the single central base member has a reduced cross sectional dimension 48 over at least part of its length within the central connector 16, thereby to allow the resilient member 46 to extend through the central connector 16. The cross sectional dimension is preferably reduced in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the single central base member. The diameter of the single central base member can be reduced by any suitable means, for example crimping or bending.

Figure 12 shows an example connector for use at the sides of the net. The connector may also be adapted and modified to be suitable as a central connector. This can be achieved by drilling out or otherwise opening area 56 to create an aperture which is coaxial with the portion 54. A single central base member can then be inserted through the portion 54 and out of the opening created in area 56. In this configuration, the connector comprises a first portion 52 for engaging the third support member, a second and third portions formed by the single central base member for engaging respective base members, and fourth and fifth portions 58, 60 for engaging respective leg members. The connector 12, 14 is depicted with one reinforcement portion 57 or web between the first portion 52 and portion 54. Reinforcing portions can also be provided between the first portion 52 and the fourth portion 58 and/or between the first portion 52 and the fifth portion 60.

In some embodiments, at least one separate extension member 50 is provided. Figure 13 shows the embodiment of figure 2 provided with an extension member 50. Although the use of an extension member 50 is shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, the extension member 50 can be used in conjunction with any of the previous described embodiments. The extension member is used to extend the length of the net assembly. For example, to increase the length of the assembly to allow the use of a longer net. The single extension member 50 can be configured for releasable connection to the assembly thereby to extend the length of the assembly to a second longer length. In some embodiments there can be more than one extension member.

In one example, thirteen base members are provided and two additional base members can be releasably incorporated into the assembly to increase the length so that it is suitable for a doubles game of tennis.

The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. For example, the net assembly may be maintained as one section, or it may be separated into more than 3 sections. Although the embodiments describe the use suitable for a tennis net, other sports nets can be suspended using the net assembly of the present invention.

It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible, free-standing net assembly comprising: a net; a first support member supporting a first end of the net; a second support member supporting a second end of the net; and a third support member positioned at a midpoint between the first and second support members and supporting a midpoint of the net; wherein the third support member is shorter than the first and second support members.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the net comprises a sleeve configured to receive at least part of the third support member.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first support member forms part of a first section; and the second support member forms part of a second section; wherein, when the assembly is collapsed, the first and second sections are not connected to each other.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the first section comprises: a first base section connected to the first support member; and a first resilient member passing through the first base section and the first support member; and the second section comprises: a second base section connected to the second support member; and a second resilient member passing through the second base section and the second support member.

5. The assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein the third support member forms part of the first section.

6. The assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein the third support member forms part of a third section; wherein, when the assembly is collapsed, the first, second and third sections are not connected to each other.

7. The assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a first base member extending at least partially between the first support member and the third support member in a direction parallel to the net; a second base member extending at least partially between the second support member and the third support member in a direction parallel to the net; and a central connector comprising: a first portion configured to engage the third support member; a second portion configured to engage the first base member; and a third portion configured to engage the second base member; wherein the first portion defines an axis which is substantially perpendicular to an axis defined by the second portion and the third portion.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the central connector comprises: a fourth portion configured to engage a first leg member for connecting the first leg member to the third support member; and a fifth portion configured to engage a second leg member for connecting the second leg member to the third support member.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the second portion and third portion of the central connector are provided by a single central base member extending through a connector housing.

10. The assembly of claim 9, comprising a resilient member extending between the first leg member and the second leg member and through the central connector, wherein the single central base member delimits a through hole and the resilient member extends through the through hole.

11. The assembly of claim 9, comprising a resilient member extending between the first leg member and the second leg member and through the central connector, wherein the single central base member has a reduced cross sectional dimension over at least part of its length within the central connector, thereby to allow the resilient member to extend through the central connector.

12. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, comprising: respective first and second leg members connected to each of the first support member, the second support member and the third support member; wherein each of the leg members extends in a direction away from a plane defined by the net; and the leg members connected to the third support member are shorter than the leg members connected to the first and second support members.

13. The assembly of any of one of the preceding claims, wherein the third support member is adjustable between a first length and a second length and at least the first length is shorter than the first and second support members.

14. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one separate extension member configured for releasable connection to the assembly.

15. A system comprising: an assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13; at least one separate extension member configured for releasable connection to the assembly, thereby to extend the length of the assembly to a second length; and a second net with a length corresponding to the second length.