ZA200806275B - An apparatus for a ball game and a related method - Google Patents

Description

THIS INVENTION relates to an apparatus for a ball game and to a related method.

The invention relates, more particularly, to an apparatus for facilitating practicing - for or playing of a ball game and to a related method. .

Reference is made herein to netting. Such a reference must be interpreted sufficiently broadly to include also similar suitable materials, such as canvas, fabric, cloth, plastics sheeting, and the like.

Reference is made herein to the ground. Such a reference must be interpreted sufficiently broadly to include also grass, paving, a floor, any playing surface of a sports court or field, and the like.

Certain embodiments of the apparatus of the invention may be used in practicing for or playing a game employing a projectile other than a ball, e.g. ice hockey employing a puck. Although the apparatus is referred to herein as an apparatus for a ball game, it must be understood that the invention extends also to such apparatus provided for a game involving another type of projectile.

H:CvE Specs P6S54ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM

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According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for a ball game, the apparatus including: an upright, low rebound ball barrier, defining a front face for blocking passage of a ball; an elongate trough-like ball catchment formation along a bottom end of the barrier for catching a ball of which the passage has been blocked by the barrier; and : support means for the barrier and the catchment formation.

The barrier must absorb kinetic energy of balls on impact, causing the balls to fall more or less vertically downwardly into the catchment formation. The catchment formation preferably also must absorb kinetic energy of balls on impact so as to facilitate the balls’ coming to rest. . :

The apparatus of the invention is further defined predominantly in relation to the game of tennis, but it must be appreciated that such an apparatus may similarly be provided for other ball games, including golf, hockey, cricket, and so forth. As such, the invention extends to any apparatus as envisaged herein, irrespective of the type of sport for which it is intended. -

An example of the use of the apparatus of the invention will now be described to illustrate its purpose. The apparatus may be provided in a region behind a backline on a tennis court opposite to a service location from which a person practices his serves, with the front face of the barrier of the apparatus facing the person and with the catchment formation disposed between the person and the barrier. It then permits the person to hit a series of balls against the barrier and for at least some of these balls to be caught by the catchment formation. The balls caught by the catchment formation may then be easily collected therefrom, e.g. by scooping

H:CVvE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM them up by means of a bucket or like container, obviating the requirement otherwise of collecting these balls from scattered locations. Such a container containing balls may then be carried to the service location, from where the person may again serve them against the barrier. -

The apparatus of the invention may, alternatively, be used in a location other than a tennis court, e.g. a driveway or a back yard of a house.

The apparatus may include netting defining the barrier. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may include netting defining the catchment formation. The apparatus may, more particularly, include netting supported by the support means in a draped configuration in which an upper part of the netting is substantially: upright, defining . the barrier, and a lower part of ‘the netting defines a sag curve, defining the catchment formation. :

The catchment formation may have a length of at least the width of the barrier.

The barrier may have a height of at least 1.5m and a width of at least 1.5m.

The barrier may have at least one target applied thereto.

The support means may include a frame. The frame may be wheeled, providing for the apparatus to be wheeled over the ground. Alternatively, the catchment formation may be sunk into the ground.

Alternatively, the support means may include mounting means mounting an upper part of the apparatus on an upstanding object, e.g. a wall. In this case, the support

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} aati means may include also mounting means mounting a lower part of the apparatus on one of the ground and the upstanding object.

The catchment formation may be at a raised level above ground level. In this case, the apparatus may include ramp netting defining a ramp sloping upwardly from ground level, at a position in front of and spaced apart from the catchment formation, to a level above the catchment formation, at a position at the catchment formation. The ramp netting may operatively serve to lift a ball approaching at a level lower than the catchment formation into the catchment formation, normally after hitting the barrier. ) The ramp netting may extend at least partially over the catchment formation oo towards the barrier. : : :

The catchment formation may be configured for catching balls on opposite sides of the barrier.

The apparatus may include two side nets projecting in a forward direction from opposite sides of the barrier and defining respectively two opposing inner faces, each side net extending along at least a part of the height of the barrier and being configured for operatively deflecting a ball impacting its inner face onto the barrier or into the catchment formation.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of facilitating practicing or playing a ball game, including providing an elongate trough- like ball catchment formation along an inside of a length of a fence along a side of a court or field for playing a ball game.

H:CvE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM

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The court or field may be a tennis court.

The catchment formation may be defined by netting.

The method may include: spanning a first elongate generally horizontal support member along the fence at a level raised above ground level; © spanning a second elongate generally horizontal support member in front of and spaced from the fence and at a level near ground level; and suspending the netting from the supports in a draped configuration in which an upper part of the netting is substantially upright, defining the barrier, -and a lower part of the netting defines a sag curve, defining the catchment formation. :

The method may include providing ramp netting defining a ramp sloping upwardly from ground level, at a position in front of and spaced apart from the catchment formation, to a level above the catchment formation, at a position at the catchment formation. .

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game, the apparatus being mounted on a wall;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game, in an operative configuration on a tennis court;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of -an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game, supported on the ground;

H:CVE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM

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Figure 4 shows a sectional elevation of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game, provided in accordance with the method of the invention, on a tennis court;

Figure b shows a front elevation of the apparatus of Figure 4, as indicated by arrows V-V in Figure 4; :

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game; : Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game, including ramp netting and two side nets; - Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 7, with the ramp netting in a different position and with the side nets removed; and

Figure 9 shows a sectional elevation of the apparatus of Figure 4, now including ramp netting.

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In Figure 1, a first embodiment of an apparatus for a ball game, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. : The apparatus 10 includes netting 12 and support means in the form of a frame 14. The frame 14 includes an upright portal part 16 and a horizontal frame part 18, the latter part projecting forwardly from a bottom of the former part. The frame 14 includes four rearwardly projecting brackets 20 via which it is mounted on a wall 21 via suitable fasteners, e.g. suitable RAWL fasteners.

An upper portion of the netting 12 is suspended within the portal part 16 to define a vertically disposed, substantially planar barrier 22 for balls, e.g. tennis balls. The barrier 22 has a width of about 2.5m and a height of about 3.0m and defines a front face having these dimensions. A lower portion of the netting 12 defines a sag

H:CVE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM curve, thus defining a trough-like catchment formation 24. The catchment formation 24 has a length of 2.5m and a width of about 0.5m. The apparatus 10 includes also two semi-circular end nets 25 for the catchment formation 24.

The netting 12 is attached to the frame 14 along opposite horizontal edges of the netting, whereas opposite vertical edges of. the netting may be unattached or loosely attached to the portal part 16 so as to prevent the barrier 22 from having a rebound effect on the ball. .. : Co

In alternative embodiments (not shown), at least one of the barrier 22 and the catchment formation 24 may be made from a material or cloth or fabric or sheeting which is not netting.

Clearly, in other embodiments of the apparatus of the invention, dimensions may vary substantially from the above example dimensions.

The barrier 22 has secured thereto a series of three horizontal fabric bands 26 defining lines that can serve as height targets for serving or otherwise hitting a ball against the barrier. The barrier 22 also has secured thereto a central vertical band 27 that can serve as a directional target for serving or otherwise hitting a ball against the barrier. :

The apparatus 10 serves to facilitate training for a ball sports, e.g. tennis. It may be installed in any location where there is sufficient space to permit a person to stand a few metres away from the apparatus 10 so that he can serve or otherwise hit a ball against the barrier 22. After striking the barrier 22, a ball will at least some of the time fall into and thus be caught by the catchment formation 24. The apparatus 10 thus permits the person to hit a series of balls against the barrier 22

H:CVE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM )

and for at least some of these balls to be caught by the catchment formation 24.

The balls caught by the catchment formation 24 may then be easily collected therefrom, e.g. by scooping them up by means of a bucket or like container, obviating the requirement otherwise of collecting these balls from scattered locations.

In Figure 2, a second embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the : invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 28. The apparatus 28 is shown behind a backline on one side of a tennis court 30 in a position suitable for catching balls served from the service area behind the opposite backline.

The apparatus 28 includes many features similar or identical to features of the apparatus 10 of Figure 1. Such features, where designated, are again designated by the same reference numerals as before and a description of these features is not repeated here.

The apparatus 28 includes support means in the form of a frame 14 including four : wheeled legs 32 via which it is supported on the playing surface of the tennis court 30 and on which it can be wheeled across the surface.

In Figure 3, a third embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 34.

The apparatus 34 includes many features similar or identical to features of the apparatus 10 of Figure 1. Such features, where designated, are again designated by the same reference numerals as before and a description of these features is not . repeated here.

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The apparatus 34 includes support means in the form of a frame 36. The frame 36 includes an upright portal part 16, two horizontal frame parts 18 projecting from opposite sides of the frame part 16 at its bottom end, and four legs 40 via which it is supported on a support surface 41.

The apparatus 34 includes also netting 38, defining a barrier 22 and two opposite catchment formations 24 on opposite sides of the barrier. Clearly, the apparatus 34 permits simultaneous practice from opposite sides. :

The apparatus 34 includes also two hooks 35 on opposite sides of the portal part 16 and two stay ropes 37 hooked onto each hook, each rope 37 being spanned between the corresponding hook 35 and an anchor peg 39 in the ground 41 in the configuration shown. The ropes 37 operatively serve to stabilize the apparatus 34 against movement under the effect of wind. | :

In Figures 4 and 5, a fourth embodiment of apparatus, in accordance with the invention, is designated generally by the reference numeral 42. The apparatus 42 has been provided, in accordance with the method of the invention, along a fence of a tennis court including a series of spaced apart fence poles 44 and mesh fencing 46 spanned between the poles.

The method includes: securing support means including mounting means in the form of a row of eyebolts 48 to insides of the respective fence poles 44, all at the same level, say, 1.5m above ground level; dowelling support means including mounting means in the form of a row of eyebolts 50 into the layers defining the playing surface 49, the eyebolts being at a

H:CvE Specs P6254ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM spacing of, say, 0.4m from the line of the poles 44 and each standing approximately 0.15m tall; spanning a first elongate support member in the form of a cable 52 through the eyes of the eyebolts 48; ‘spanning a second elongate support member in the form of a cable 53 through the eyes of the eyebolts 50; suspending netting 54 between the cables 52 and 53 in the draped .- configuration shown, in which an upper part of the netting defines a substantially vertical barrier 56 for tennis balls and a lower part of the netting defines a sag curve, defining a trough-like catchment formation 58. :

Co As an alternative to dowelling the eyebolts 50 into the playing surface, they could : be secured to the respective poles 44, each in a position as shown in Figure 4 in . broken lines 50.1. :

The apparatus 42 may be provided along substantially the entire periphery of the tennis court 30. It may, alternatively, be provided along only a selected length or lengths of the fence of the tennis court. The catchment formation 58 thus serves to catch at least some balls that are hit against the barrier 56 or against the fence above the barrier. The balls caught by the catchment formation 58 may then be easily collected therefrom, e.g. by scooping them up by means of a bucket or like container, obviating the requirement otherwise of collecting these balls from scattered locations across the playing surface 48.

In Figure 6, a fifth embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game is designated generally by the reference numeral 60.

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The apparatus 60 includes many features similar or identical to features of the apparatus 10 of Figure 1. Such features, where designated, are again designated by the same reference numerals as before and a description of these features is not repeated here.

The apparatus 60 is installed with its catchment formation 24 sunk into a parallelepiped-shaped hole 62 defined in the ground.below a paved surface 64. The hole 62 is lined with concrete {not clearly shown) and has been provided with a drainage pipe 66. With the catchment formation 24 now effectively below the level of the surface 64, it will not obstruct a ball driven across the paved surface 64. In this configuration, the apparatus 60 may particularly be suitable for practicing a game of golf, hockey, cricket, and so forth." :

The apparatus 60 may be used for a game employing a projectile other than a ball, e.g. ice hockey employing a hockey puck.

In Figure 7, a sixth embodiment of an apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for a ball game is designated generally by the reference numeral 68. The apparatus 68 includes many features that are identical or similar to features of the apparatus 10 of Figure 1 and/or the apparatus 34 of Figure 3. Such features, where designated, are again designated by the same reference numerals as before and a description of these features is not repeated here.

The frame 14 of the apparatus 68 includes two clip hooks 70 secured to respective front corners of the frame part 18 and two clip hooks 72 secured to respective upright members of the portal part 16 at a level above the part 18. The frame 14 also has two arms 74 projecting in a forward direction from respective opposite top corners of the portal part 16.

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The apparatus 68 includes also ramp netting 76, including a peripheral, almost square seam border 78. The border 78 includes a front seam 80 and a parallel rear seam 82. Opposite ends of the seam 82 are secured to the frame part 18 via the respective clip hooks 72. The seam 80 is secured to the ground via three pegs 84 along a line spaced apart from, parallel to, and in front of the catchment formation 24. The ramp netting 76 is particularly spanned between its seams 80 and 82 and thus defines a ramp. A ball rolling along the ground or otherwise travelling at a height lower than the horizontal frame part 18 from the front of the apparatus 68 and traversing the seam 80 will be lifted by the ramp netting. 76. Provided it has : sufficient speed, it will end up in the catchment formation 24, normally after hitting the barrier 22. Co :

Co The ramp netting 76 includes also a small ground sheet 77 projecting from a middle part of the front edge 80. A golfing Tee 79 may be driven through the ground sheet 77 into the ground and used for supporting a golf ball thereon for hitting against the barrier 22.

The apparatus 68 includes also two opposite side nets 86, each spanned between one of the arms 74 and a corresponding side member of the horizontal frame part 18. The nets 86 respectively define opposing inner faces that will deflect a ball impacting them onto the barrier 22 or directly into the catchment formation 24.

Figure 8 shows the apparatus of Figure 7, but now without the side nets 86 and with the ramp netting 76 having opposite ends of its seam 82 secured to the respective hooks 72. A ball rolling across the ground or otherwise travelling at a height lower than the horizontal frame part 18 from the front of the apparatus 68

H:CVE Specs P69542ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM and traversing the seam 80 will again be lifted by the ramp netting 76. Provided it has sufficient speed, it will hit the barrier 22.

Figure 9 shows the apparatus 42 of Figure 4, but now with ramp netting 88 spanned between hooks 89 provided on top of the respective eye bolts 50 and a row of pegs 90 along a line spaced apart from, in front of, and parallel to a line defined by the eye bolts 50.

The ramp netting 88 operatively serves to lift into the catchment formation 24 balls : 10 rolling across the ground and onto the netting 88 or otherwise travelling at a height lower than the top of the netting 88.

The configuration of the apparatus of the invention is highly variable and, as such, the invention extends to any configuration. apparatus including the essential features of an apparatus for a ball game, as defined herein. The same applies mutatis mutandis to an apparatus provided in accordance with the method of the invention.

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Claims (23)

pu CLAIMS CL

1. An apparatus for a ball game, the apparatus including: an upright, low rebound ball barrier, defining a front face for blocking passage of a ball; an elongate trough-like ball catchment formation along a bottom end of the barrier for catching a ball of which the passage has been blocked by the barrier; - and : . support means for the barrier and the catchment formation.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes netting defining the barrier.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the netting is supported by the support means in a draped configuration in which an upper part of the netting is substantially upright, defining the barrier, and a lower part of the netting defines a sag curve, defining the catchment formation.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes netting defining the catchment formation.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the catchment formation has a length of at least the width of the barrier.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the barrier has a height of at least 1.5m and a width of at least 1.5m. H:CvE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM

7. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the barrier has at least one target applied thereto.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the support means includes a frame.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the frame is wheeled, providing for the apparatus to be wheeled over the ground. . :

10. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, in which the catchment formation is sunk into the ground.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, in which the support means includes mounting means mounting an upper part of the apparatus on an upstanding object. :

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which the support means includes mounting means mounting a lower part of the apparatus on one of the ground and the upstanding object.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9 and 11 to 12, in which the catchment formation is at a raised level above ground level and which includes ramp netting defining a ramp sloping upwardly from ground level, at a position in front of and spaced apart from the catchment formation, to a level above the catchment formation, at a position at the catchment formation.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, in which the ramp netting extends at least partially over the catchment formation towards the barrier. H:CvE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW)/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM

15. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the catchment formation is configured for catching balls on opposite sides of the barrier.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which includes two side nets projecting in a forward direction from opposite sides of the barrier and ‘defining respectively two opposing inner faces, each side net extending along at least a part of the height of the barrier and being configured for operatively deflecting a ball impacting its inner face onto the barrier or into the catchment formation. . 17. A method of facilitating practicing cr playing a ball game, including providing

: . an elongate trough-like ball catchment formation along an inside of a length of a fence along a side of a court or field for playing a ball game.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17, in which the court or field is a tennis court.

19. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 18, in which the catchment formation is defined by netting.

20. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, which includes: spanning a first elongate generally horizontal support member along the fence at a level raised above ground level; spanning a second elongate generally horizontal support member in front of and spaced from the fence and at a level near ground level; and H:CvE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM suspending the netting from the supports in a draped configuration in which an upper part of the netting is substantially upright, defining the barrier, and a lower part of the netting defines a sag curve, defining the catchment formation.

21. A method as claimed in any of claims 17 to 20, which includes providing ramp netting defining a ramp sloping upwardly from ground level, at a position in front of - and spaced apart from the catchment formation, to.a level above the catchment

: . formation, at a position at the catchment formation. Co

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

23. A method as claimed in claim 17, substantially as described herein with : reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. DATED THIS 18" DAY OF JULY 2008 AD 7 APPLICANT'S PATENT ATTORNEYS H:CvE Specs P6954ZA00 Nel Tennis Apparaat Complete Spec DHW/cve 7/18/2008 8:32 AM