WO2020016541A1 - Appareil de tennis portable - Google Patents

Appareil de tennis portable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020016541A1
WO2020016541A1 PCT/GB2019/000101 GB2019000101W WO2020016541A1 WO 2020016541 A1 WO2020016541 A1 WO 2020016541A1 GB 2019000101 W GB2019000101 W GB 2019000101W WO 2020016541 A1 WO2020016541 A1 WO 2020016541A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
arm
base
net
base module
portable tennis
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2019/000101
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Greg Hill
Original Assignee
Greg Hill
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Greg Hill filed Critical Greg Hill
Publication of WO2020016541A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020016541A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B61/00—Tennis nets or accessories for tennis or like games, e.g. volley-ball
    • A63B61/003—Nets for tennis or like games or accessories therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B61/00—Tennis nets or accessories for tennis or like games, e.g. volley-ball
    • A63B61/02—Posts; Revolvably-mounted posts ; Straining or adjusting devices on the posts, e.g. coin- or time operated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B47/00—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/0036—Accessories for stowing, putting away or transporting exercise apparatus or sports equipment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/0036—Accessories for stowing, putting away or transporting exercise apparatus or sports equipment
    • A63B71/0045—Accessories for stowing, putting away or transporting exercise apparatus or sports equipment specially adapted for games played with rackets or bats
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
    • A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/02—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00 for large-room or outdoor sporting games
    • A63B71/023—Supports, e.g. poles
    • A63B2071/025—Supports, e.g. poles on rollers or wheels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
    • A63B2102/02—Tennis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A63B2209/08—Characteristics of used materials magnetic
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2210/00—Space saving
    • A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2210/00—Space saving
    • A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
    • A63B2210/52—Frame members linked by elastic means when disassembled
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2210/00—Space saving
    • A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
    • A63B2210/58—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport slideably retracted in a housing when not in use

Definitions

  • a known tennis net arrangement comprises a net, two rigid arms to support respective sides of the net and a base to hold each of the arms. Together, these items have a large volume and can be unwieldy and difficult to carry, manoeuvre, set up, take down and store away.
  • Existing apparatus can also struggle to hold its position when set up on court, particularly in windy weather conditions, and may be prone to damage and breakage.
  • Existing net arrangements may offer little or no opportunity for modifications or adaptations which may be desirable during training sessions or between matches.
  • Embodiments of the invention address at least some of these problems.
  • Figure 1 shows a portable tennis apparatus according to an embodiment
  • Figure 2 shows an arrangement of portable tennis apparatus
  • FIG. 3a shows two base modules
  • Figure 3b shows two base modules connected to form a base unit
  • Figure 4a shows two base units
  • Figure 4b shows two base units stacked to form a base column
  • Figures 5a to 5c show a first example of an arm for holding a tennis net
  • Figures 6a and 6b show a second example of an arm for holding a tennis net
  • FIG. 7 shows a detailed embodiment of two base modules
  • Figure 8a shows a base unit with a stackable ball bucket
  • Figure 8b shows the upper surface of a base unit a lower surface of a ball bucket configured for stacking with the base unit
  • Figure 9a shows a base unit has wheels
  • Figure 9b shows a ball bucket stacked with the base unit of Figure 9a
  • Figure 10 shows portable tennis apparatus comprising a shape aid
  • Figure 11 shows portable tennis apparatus comprising a target net.
  • an arm for supporting a tennis net the arm being movable between an extended configuration in which to support the tennis net and a collapsed configuration in which to be stored, and a base module for supporting the arm in its extended configuration, the base module being connectable with another such base module to form a single base unit for ease of storage and portability.
  • a portable tennis kit comprising: a tennis net; a first arm for supporting the tennis net, the first arm being movable between an extended configuration in which to support the net and a collapsed configuration in which to be stored; a first base module for supporting the first arm in its extended configuration; a second arm for supporting the tennis net, the second arm being movable between an extended configuration in which to support the net and a collapsed configuration in which to be stored; a second base module for supporting the second arm in its extended configuration; wherein the first and second base modules are connectable to form a single base unit for ease of storage and portability.
  • the first base module supports the first arm in an extended configuration in which the first arm supports the first side of the net.
  • the second base module supports the second arm in an extended configuration in which the second arm supports the second side of the net.
  • the net is thereby extended between the two arms and held in place and stabilised by the base modules.
  • Each base module has an outer shell and an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is configured to store an arm in its collapsed configuration.
  • the cavity is configured to store at least one tennis net in addition to an arm.
  • a stabilising post and/or one or more tennis accessories such as spare nets and training aids may be stored inside a base module.
  • a base module may comprise one or more storage cavities.
  • the first and second base modules are configurated to connect together to provide a single base unit.
  • all the apparatus needed to set up a tennis court is provided by way of a single base unit containing arms, a net and, optionally, accessories.
  • Embodiments therefore provide a means of easily and compactly storing and transporting otherwise various and cumbersome equipment in the form of a single self-contained unit.
  • Apparatus described herein allows modularisation and easy adaptation of a tennis court set-up.
  • a single net apparatus may be easily converted into a wider two-net apparatus by connecting a second net apparatus.
  • a second net apparatus comprising two base modules, two arms and a net is connected to a first net apparatus, itself comprising two base modules, two arms and a net, by attaching a base module of the second apparatus to a base module of the first apparatus.
  • a first net may be replaced by a different net without the need to modify or replace the arrangement of base modules and arms.
  • a standard tennis net may be replaced by a mini tennis net or a training net, such as a rebound net.
  • a variety of nets may be stored within one or more base modules to facilitate easy adaptation. This may assist the provision of diverse and bespoke tennis sessions.
  • two or more base modules may be stacked together to form a column of bases. This allows apparatus for multiple tennis courts and/or modular tennis courts to be stored and moved as a single physical entity.
  • a ball bucket which is configured to be stacked with a base unit or a column of base units.
  • the bucket may, in use, house balls, one or more nets and other equipment for a match or training session.
  • the bucket having a handle, provides a way of carrying one or more base units, any apparatus therein, and any apparatus in the bucket at the same time. This provides a compact and easy way of carrying a potentially wde range of tennis (or similar, e.g., pickle ball) equipment. It may also reduce the need to bend down to pick up equipment. Health and safety benefits may thereby be provided.
  • the base modules have a semi-circular cross section.
  • the base modules are connectable together to form a base unit having a circular cross section.
  • Such a base unit may be easily connectable with a stackable ball bucket.
  • the semicircular base units may also, in use, have a smaller footprint on the tennis court than known rectangular bases. This may reduce the extent to which the base may interfere with play by deflecting balls landing in the court but hitting the base.
  • Apparatus described herein provides a modular sports system which may save time, money, space and effort.
  • the apparatus described herein may provide a plurality of different nets suitable for a range of court sizes, such as standard tennis, mini tennis and the emerging sports of pickle ball and touch tennis. Specialist nets may also be provided for training exercises. Such nets may include target nets for improving players’ ball placement and rebound nets for single-player training.
  • the modular bases described herein increase the ease with which users may transport, set up and adapt bespoke courts.
  • base modules to connect together into base units improves the ease with which the apparatus can be transported and stored away.
  • the base units can be easily carried via a stackable bucket or simply carried by hand or in a standard sports bag.
  • the stackable quality of the apparatus may be particularly beneficial to sports centres and clubs, who may hold significant quantities of equipment, by potentially significantly reducing the footprint of stored apparatus. This may save or reduce the need for expensive storage space.
  • the modular nature of apparatus described herein allows a plurality of nets to be connected side by side.
  • An array of nets, connected by respective bases, may have improved stability compared to a conventional arrangement with a single wide net supported only at its outer edges. This may be particularly beneficial during windy weather conditions, where the instability of conventional net arrangements can interrupt play.
  • various nets, arms, stabilisers, training aids, scoring systems and accessories can be provided as part of the modular system, in particular by being housed in a cavity of a base module and/or in a stackable ball bucket. This may allow coaching and training to be more dynamic.
  • FIGURE 1 shows portable tennis apparatus 1000 comprising two base modules 1001 , two arms 1002, a net 1003 and two stabilisers 1004.
  • a first one of the base modules 1001 supports a first one of the arms 1002 in an extended configuration.
  • the first arm 1002 supports a first edge of the net 1003.
  • a first of the stabilisers 1004 extends from the first base module 1001 in a direction orthogonal to that of the first arm 1002.
  • the second base module 1001 supports the second arm 1002 in an extended configuration.
  • the second arm 1002 supports the second edge of the net 1003.
  • the second stabiliser 1004 extends from the second base module 1001 in a direction orthogonal to that of the second arm 1002.
  • the net 1003 is thereby suspended between the first and second arms 1002, each of which arms is supported by a respective base module 1001, each of which base modules is stabilised by a respective stabiliser 1004.
  • each base module 1001 has an upper face, a lower face and a sidewall connecting the upper and lower faces.
  • the upper face of each has a recess for receiving an end of an arm 1002 to support the arm in an extended upright position in use.
  • the sidewall of each has a recess for receiving a stabiliser 1004, such that the stabiliser extends, in use, parallel with the lower face of the base unit 1001 and along the ground to provide stability by increasing the footprint of the base module 1001.
  • the stabilisers 1004 in the illustrated embodiment are provided by stabilising rods.
  • the stabiliser may have a different geometry suitable for extending the footprint of the base module.
  • a plurality of stabilisers is provided for each base module 1001.
  • the net may be a conventional tennis net or a mini tennis net.
  • the net may be a touch tennis net, a pickle ball net or a training net, such as a target net or rebound net.
  • FIGURE 2 shows two sets of portable tennis apparatus 1000a, 1000b in an arrangement that provides two tennis nets in series.
  • First and second base units 1001a respectively support extended first and second arms 1002a, the arms 1002a supporting opposing sides of a first tennis net 1003a (as in Figure 1 ).
  • Stabilisers 1004a are coupled to and serve to stabilise the first and second base modules 1001a respectively.
  • Third and fourth base modules 1001b respectively support extended third and fourth arms 1002b, the arms 1002b supporting opposing sides of a second tennis net 1003b.
  • Stabilisers 1004b are coupled to and serve to stabilise the third and fourth base modules 1001b respectively.
  • the first and second sets of apparatus 1000a and 1000b are connected together via connection of the third base module 1001b to the second base module 1001a. As pictured, the second and third base modules 1000a, 1001 b are connected to form a single base unit 1005.
  • the added net 1003b may serve as an extension of the first net 1003a, thereby effectively providing a wider court. Because the extended net arrangement is supported by bases at multiple points along its length (in this example, at each side and in the middle), the net arrangement may have more stability than a single wide net supported only at its edges.
  • the net arrangement may alternatively be used to provide adjacent courts, which are well stabilised on a common base 1005.
  • the sizes of the nets 1003a, 1003b may be selected to provide a desired overall width.
  • the nets 1003a, 1003b may have the same dimensions as one another or different. This allows bespoke net arrangements to be easily set up and, if desired, adjusted during training sessions or between games. It will be appreciated that further sets of apparatus 1000 may be coupled to the arrangement at either end.
  • FIGURE 3a shows two base modules, such as the second and third base modules 1001a, 1001 b of Figure 2.
  • Each base module 1001a, 1001 b has an upper face 1010, a lower face 1012 and a sidewall 1011 connecting the upper and lower faces.
  • the upper face 1010 has a recess 1014 for receiving an end of an arm 1002 to support the arm 1002 in its extended configuration.
  • a first coupling element 1018 is provided at a first extremity of the curved sidewall 1011.
  • a second coupling element 1020 complementary to the first coupling element 1018, is provided at the other extremity of the curved sidewall 1011.
  • the base unit 1005 has a disk-shaped geometry (of circular cross section).
  • the first and second coupling elements 1018, 1020 may respectively comprise a protrusion and a catch configured to connect over the protrusion in a secure fit. In another example, they may respectively comprise a recess and a catch configured to secure into the recess. In another example they may comprise one or more magnets.
  • Various implementations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. An example is shown schematically in Figure 7.
  • the base unit 1005 may provide improvements in portability and storage compared to two separate base modules 1001.
  • FIGURES 4a and 4b illustrate how two base units 1005a, 1005b may be stacked to form a single column of base units.
  • Each base unit 1005 is provided with an arrangement of first and second stacking elements, 1022, 1024 for connecting the base units 1005a, 1005b together.
  • First and second stacking elements 1022, 1024 are complementary and are co-operable to provide a secure physical connection.
  • Two first stacking elements 1022 and two second stacking elements 1024 are evening spaced apart in an alternating sequence around the lower circumference of base unit 1005a, This arrangement of stacking elements allows identical base modules 1001 to be connected in mirror-image fashion and may provide an overall connection of improved stability.
  • Two first stacking elements 1022 and two second stacking elements 1024 are evenly spaced apart in an alternating sequence around the upper circumference of base unit 1005b.
  • the base units 1005a, 1005b are arranged as shown, with the lower surface 1012a of the first 1001 a facing the upper surface 1010b of the second 1005b with their centre lines aligned, the pattern of stacking elements on the lower surface 1012a of the first base unit 1005a complements the pattern of stacking elements on the upper surface 1010b of the second base unit 1005b.
  • the complementing stacking elements cooperate to connect the first and second base units 1005a, 1005b into a single column of bases 1050.
  • the first and second stacking elements 1022, 1024 may respectively comprise a protrusion and a catch configured to connect over the protrusion in a secure fit. In another example, they may respectively comprise a recess and a catch configured to secure into the recess. In another example they may comprise one or more magnets. Various implementations will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
  • the single column may provide improvements in portability and storage compared to a plurality of separate base units 1005a, 1005b.
  • Figures 5a to 5c show a first example of an arm 1002 which is movable between an extended configuration in which to support the tennis net 1003 and a collapsed configuration in which to be stored.
  • the arm may have a total height of approximately 75cm.
  • FIGURE 5a shows an exploded view of an arm 1002 comprising a plurality of arm elements 1040.
  • Each arm element 1040 comprises an elongate tube.
  • a first end of each tube 1041 has a first diameter and a second end of each the tube 1042 has a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter.
  • the second end 1042 is configured to fit into the first end 1041 of an adjacent arm element 1040 and to be secured therein by a frictional fit.
  • a coupling element such as a twist element, may be provided.
  • FIGURE 5b shows a portion of an arm 1002 in its extended configuration, formed of the arm elements 1040 connected in series.
  • FIGURE 5c shows the arm 1002 in a collapsed configuration in which the arm elements 1040 are detached from one another. This may be achieved simply by pulling consecutive arm elements 1040 apart with enough force to overcome the frictional force holding them together.
  • the arm elements 1040 are hollow along their entire length and an elastic string member runs through their core, coupling consecutive arm elements 1040 together. This holds all of the arm elements 1040 together and may help prevent loss or misplacement of individual arm elements 1040 when the arm is in its collapsed configuration.
  • Figures 6a and 6b show an example of an arm 1002’ which is telescopically collapsible.
  • FIGURE 6a shows the arm 1002’ in an extended configuration.
  • the arm 1002' comprises arm elements 1004’, being cylindrical tubes, connected in series. Adjacent tubes have sequentially decreasing diameters. The tube with the smallest diameter is retractable inside the core of the adjacent tube, which is itself retractable inside the core of the next tube, and so in in sequence, so that the arm elements 1040’ may be condensed into an arrangement in which the largest diameter element 1040’ houses all of the others inside its core, as shown in Figure 6b.
  • Figure 5b represents a collapsed configuration of the arm 1002’ in which the elements 1040’ are fully retracted.
  • This may provide a smaller overall volume for the contracted arm 1002', which may have handling and storage advantages.
  • adjacent arm elements 1040 in the telescopic array have cooperating couplings to secure the elements 1040 in place in the extended configuration.
  • the cooperating couplings may for example provide a twist-element coupling.
  • a collapsible arm 1002 may comprise a series of arm elements connected by pivotable couplings which allow the arm 1002 to be folded into a collapsed configuration.
  • FIGURE 7 shows an embodiment of two base modules 1001a, 1001 b in more detail.
  • Each of the base modules 1001 has an outer shell comprising an upper surface 1010 and a lower surface 1012. (The upper surface of base module 1001 b is not shown in the Figure.)
  • the upper surface 1010 and the lower surfaces 1012 are joined by a sidewall 101 1.
  • the upper and lower surfaces 1010, 1012 are semi-circular.
  • the sidewall connecting them is a circumferential wall connecting their curved edges. In embodiments, the sidewall also joins their straight edges.
  • the outer shell encloses a cavity 1030.
  • the cavity 1030 is configured to store an arm 1002 in its collapsed configuration.
  • an arm 1002 comprising severable tubular arm elements, such as shown in Figure 5, is housed within the cavity 1030.
  • the upper surface 1010 of the shell has a cylindrical recess 1014 for receiving and holding an arm 1002 in its extended configuration.
  • the diameter of the recess 1014 is marginally bigger than the diameter of the arm 1002 for holding the arm 1002 in place with a frictional fit.
  • a catch or coupling element may be provided to secure the extended arm in place.
  • the sidewall 1011 of the shell has a stabiliser recess 1016 for receiving and holding the stabiliser 1004.
  • the stabilising recess 1016 is provided near the lower side of the sidewall 1011 and orientated such that the stabiliser 1004, when inserted, extends outwardly from the base module 1001 so as to, in use, extend the footprint of the base module 1001.
  • the diameter of the stabiliser recess 1016 is marginally bigger than the diameter of the stabiliser 1004 so that the stabiliser 1004 may be held securely by a frictional fit.
  • a coupling element may be provided.
  • Each base module 1000 has coupling elements 1018, 1020 for coupling the base modules 1001 a, 1001 b together to form a single base unit 1005 (as described in relation to Figure 3).
  • the coupling elements 1018, 1020 are provided respectively by a protrusion 1020 and a cooperating catch 1018, which catch 2018 is configured to click into a secure connection over the protrusion.
  • Stacking connectors 1022, 1024 are provided at the interface of the sidewall 1011 and the upper surface 1010, and corresponding features are provided on at the interface of the sidewall 1011 and the lower surface 1012.
  • the upper connectors 1022, 1024 of one base module 1001 couple with the corresponding lower connectors 1024, 1022 of a second base module when stacked on top of and in alignment with the first.
  • each base module 1000 is provided with upper alignment aids 1013.
  • the alignment aids provide an embossed pattern on the upper surface 1010.
  • each base module 1000 (not shown) is provided with lower alignment aids. These provide a recessed pattern on the lower surface 1012.
  • the upper and lower alignment aids correspond. That is to say, they each provided the same pattern, one in an embossed format and one in a recessed format.
  • These alignment aids may help a user align upper and lower base units so that cooperating pairs of stacking elements line up so that the base units may be reliably stacked into a column 1050.
  • Each base module 1001 may have a diameter of approximately 30cm and a height of approximately 7 cm.
  • a base module may be provided with one or more slots or recesses on its other surface for holding score cards, teaching cards or scoring devices.
  • the storage capability and ease of portability of the portable tennis apparatus may be further assisted by the provision of a bespoke ball bucket which is connectable to a base unit 1005 or base column 1050.
  • the bucket may be configured to house tennis balls, nets and other accessories.
  • FIGURE 8a shows a ball bucket 1060 having an internal volume contained by a circular base 1062 and a tapering circumferential sidewall 1064.
  • a handle 1066 spanning a diameter of the bucket allows the bucket 1060 to be lifted and carried in the usual manner.
  • a lid may be provided to allow the bucket to be sealed to protect any contents.
  • the bucket’s circular base 1062 has a diameter equivalent to the diameter of a base unit 1005 so that it may neatly sit on top of a base unit 1005 (or base tower 1050).
  • Stacking elements 1022, 1024 are provided on the lower edge of the bucket’s circumferential sidewall 1064, which stacking elements correspond to the stacking elements 1022, 1024 of the base unit 1005.
  • the handled bucket allows the base module, and any equipment stored therein, such as arms and stabilising rods, to be easily lifted and carried.
  • the bucket itself may house tennis balls and other equipment including one or more nets and score cards. All the equipment needed for a tennis game or training session may thereby be stored and carried as a single item.
  • stackable bucket and base modules therefore coalesces a plurality of different items, including base units, arms, nets and balls, which individually are unwieldy and cumbersome (difficult to carry), into effectively into a single item which can be easily lifted, moved and stored.
  • the arrangement may also reduce the need to bend down to lift base units and other components from the floor. This may provide health and safety benefits.
  • FIGURE 8b shows a plan view of the base 1062 of the ball bucket 1060.
  • the base has lower alignment aids 1068. These provide a recessed pattern on the base 1062.
  • alignment aids comprising protrusions, recesses or a combination of both, may be provided on surfaces of components described herein to assist the stacking of components.
  • Transportation of the apparatus may be further assisted by the provision of wheels on, or couplable to, one or more base modules.
  • FIGURE 9a shows a base unit 1005 having two wheels 1070.
  • One wheel 1070 is provided on each of the base modules 1001 constituting the base unit 1005.
  • the wheels 1070 are positioned symmetrically about the centre line of the base unit 1005.
  • the wheels may project outward from the circumference of the base module 1005, so that they may connect with the ground when the base unit 1005 is tilted.
  • wheels may be provided, two on each base module 1001.
  • Various arrangements of wheels are possible, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.
  • FIGURE 9b shows the base unit 1005 connected with a stacked bucket 1060.
  • the base unit-bucket combination may be wheeled as a single entity simply be holding and pulling on the handle in the direction indicated by the arrow. This may reduce the need to lift the apparatus to move it around. This may in particular allow young users and those with back problems to easily and safely move the apparatus. Health and safety benefits may be provided to all users.
  • base unit 1005 shown in Figure 9b could equally be a base column 1050.
  • a wheelie-cart may be provided for transport of portable tennis apparatus comprising base modules 1001 or any stacked combination of base units 1005, base columns 1050 and buckets 1060.
  • a wheelie-cart has a tubular carriage with a wide enough diameter to receive the portable tennis apparatus. Wheels are provided on the bottom of the carriage.
  • the wheel-cart may be provided with one or more handles so that it can be pulled or pushed along irrespective of its cargo. When a ball bucket arrangement is seated in the carriage, the entirety may be wheeled around using the handle of the bucket 1060.
  • the portable tennis apparatus described herein may also allow various tennis accessories to be provided and easily stored and transported in a compact and convenient manner.
  • accessories such as those shown in Figures 10 to 13, may be housed in a cavity of a base module or in a ball bucket described herein.
  • FIGs 10 to 13 a variant of the base modules described above.
  • an example of a base module 100T is show in which the arm-receiving recess 1014’ is positioned close to the straight edge of the semi-circular cross- sectioned base module 100T.
  • the stabiliser recess 1016’ is located in the straight edge of a sidewall 2011 This may facilitate placement of two base modules supporting a net across a court without incursion of the base modules into the court. This may be achieved in use by placing the base module 1001' such that the straight edge of the sidewall 201 T is aligned with the edge of the court, with the corresponding arm and net supported at the very edge of the court, with the stabiliser 1004 running beneath the net to provide stability.
  • FIGURE 10 shows an embodiment in which a shape aid 1080 is attached to an arm 1002 of the portable tennis apparatus.
  • the shape aid 1080 comprises a pole 1081 and attachment mechanism 1082 for attaching the pole 1081 orthogonally to the arm 1002 of the tennis apparatus.
  • the arm 1002 extends vertically upward from the base module 100T and the shape aid 1080 is attached to the arm 1002, via the attachment mechanism 1082, so as to extend orthogonally from the arm 1002 and parallel to the ground.
  • the shape aid may be a solid or hollow tube or rod.
  • the attachment mechanism may comprise a claw-grip, an aperture and a securing screw or another appropriate mechanism.
  • the shape aid 1080 may be used as a coaching tool for helping players or students practice hitting balls at a certain height and/or with a particular flight profile.
  • the shape aid 1080 is storable inside a base module 1001 , 1001’ and/or a bucket 1060 so that it may be transported and stored with the other apparatus.
  • shape aids may be connectable to the arm 1002 at angles other than 90 degrees, and may have non-linear profiles.
  • FIGURE 11 shows an embodiment in which a target net 1090 is attached between the arms of a portable tennis apparatus 1000’.
  • the target net 1080 comprises a net with one or more marked areas 1091 indicating areas that players should aim to hit.
  • Atarget 1090 may be used as a training aid.
  • the target net 1090 is foldable and storable inside a base module and/or a bucket described herein so that it may be transported and stored with the other apparatus.
  • a rebound net may be provided in place of the target net 1090.
  • a rebound net is generally a net with a higher resistance than a playing net, which is capable of rebounding a ball back to a player.
  • the rebound net may be used as a training aid to enable single-user practice.
  • the rebound net may be foldable and storable inside a base module and/or a bucket described herein so that it may be transported and stored with the other apparatus.
  • a base unit 1005 has room to house a rebound net and a target net in addition to arms, and optionally in addition to one or more standard or mini-tennis nets.
  • embodiments provide base modules which have storage for various combinations of the following:

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Portable Outdoor Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de tennis portable qui comprend un bras pour porter un filet de tennis, le bras étant mobile entre une configuration étendue dans laquelle le filet de tennis est porté et une configuration repliée dans laquelle le filet est rangé, et un module de base pour porter le bras dans sa configuration étendue, le module de base pouvant être relié à un autre module de base de ce type pour former une seule unité de base permettant une une facilité de stockage et de portabilité.
PCT/GB2019/000101 2018-07-17 2019-07-17 Appareil de tennis portable WO2020016541A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1811675.6A GB201811675D0 (en) 2018-07-17 2018-07-17 A device
GB1811675.6 2018-07-17
GBGB1820528.6A GB201820528D0 (en) 2018-07-17 2018-12-17 Portable tennis apparatus
GB1820528.6 2018-12-17
GB1910206.0A GB2575737A (en) 2018-07-17 2019-07-16 Portable tennis apparatus
GB1910206.0 2019-07-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020016541A1 true WO2020016541A1 (fr) 2020-01-23

Family

ID=63273144

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2019/000101 WO2020016541A1 (fr) 2018-07-17 2019-07-17 Appareil de tennis portable

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (3) GB201811675D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020016541A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

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CN113171593A (zh) * 2021-05-16 2021-07-27 山东宸奇体育文化发展有限公司 一种智能型网球柱

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220193512A1 (en) * 2020-12-23 2022-06-23 Wilbur K. Callender, JR. Portable Net For A Racquet Sport"

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WO1995013847A1 (fr) * 1993-11-18 1995-05-26 Eureka 93 S.R.L. Equipement portatif permettant de realiser des filets de sport
JP2011024660A (ja) * 2009-07-22 2011-02-10 Japana Co Ltd ネット支持構造体及びネットセット
US8475301B1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2013-07-02 Patrick B. Lane Portable multi-functional gaming assembly and associated method

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US8141919B2 (en) * 2008-01-14 2012-03-27 Cet Tennis Enterprises, Llc Nestable ball retrieval and storage device
CN203874412U (zh) * 2014-05-19 2014-10-15 张玮 一种羽毛球网架
CN104815413A (zh) * 2015-04-13 2015-08-05 中山弘博企业管理咨询有限公司 一种用于体育训练的器械
CN206473743U (zh) * 2017-01-05 2017-09-08 商洛学院 一种便携式羽毛球网

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995013847A1 (fr) * 1993-11-18 1995-05-26 Eureka 93 S.R.L. Equipement portatif permettant de realiser des filets de sport
JP2011024660A (ja) * 2009-07-22 2011-02-10 Japana Co Ltd ネット支持構造体及びネットセット
US8475301B1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2013-07-02 Patrick B. Lane Portable multi-functional gaming assembly and associated method

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113171593A (zh) * 2021-05-16 2021-07-27 山东宸奇体育文化发展有限公司 一种智能型网球柱

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201910206D0 (en) 2019-08-28
GB201811675D0 (en) 2018-08-29
GB201820528D0 (en) 2019-01-30
GB2575737A (en) 2020-01-22

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