Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
473490000 | Means for dividing field or court into compartments; element thereof or accessory therefor (e.g., a net, marking strip, marked line, etc.) | 36 |
20080254920 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY MARKING OBJECTS - A surface is selectively marked by using a coating containing quantum dots. When exposed to an energizing source, the quantum dots emit colored light to selectively mark the surface. In an embodiment, a green artificial turf field is marked with two sets of lines, white for football and yellow for soccer. The football lines are normally visible, but are also embedded with quantum dots that emit green light when energized. The soccer lines are normally invisible (clear), but emit yellow light when energized. The field can be used for football without energizing the quantum dots. To use the field for soccer, the field is exposed to a constant source of UVC energy. The quantum dots in the football lines emit green light when energized, causing them to become green, blending in with the normal green color of the artificial turf field. The quantum dots in the soccer lines emit yellow light when energized. Only the soccer lines are then visible, thus eliminating confusion for the players and officials. | 10-16-2008 |
20090105017 | Game Equipment and Method of Play - A kit of ball equipment and methodology for game play involving two teams includes a ball having a frusto-spherical configuration, a bat with which a user may strike the ball in mid-air, and a ground marker configured to indicate a target on a ground surface to which a ball is to be returned after the ball is struck mid-air. The ground marker, e.g. a chalk circle, is preferably sized to encircle the batter when attempting to hit a ball. A batter, in turn, attempts to hit a ball initially positioned by the batter relative to or against his body and released therefrom. Outs may be recorded if a batter misses the ball while attempting to bat, if the fielding team catches a hit ball, or if the fielding team rolls a hit ball back to the ground marker. After a predetermined number of outs are recorded, the teams switch positions. | 04-23-2009 |
20090197710 | MARKING SYSTEM FOR SPORT AREAS - The invention relates to a marking system comprising lighting devices, for example LEDs ( | 08-06-2009 |
20090215556 | Inflatable game system - A game maze for playing war games, combat games and the like is erected from a series of inflatable wall modules which can be deflated for transportation and storage. The wall modules are grouped together as desired to form passageways or cells within the maze. Some of the modules are formed with door openings through which game players can pass and window openings through which game players can view other parts of the maze and other participants. | 08-27-2009 |
20100190589 | Method of Laying Out A Baseball Diamond - A method of laying out a baseball diamond includes providing home, first, and third bases. A second base includes a measuring tape coupled to a reel. The method includes withdrawing an amount of tape corresponding to a desired distance between second and home bases. A first stake is placed in a home plate hole and the tape is hooked thereto. A second stake is inserted into a second base hole and the tape is extended between the bases. The tape is partially withdrawn into the second base, leaving a desired distance corresponding between the second and first bases. The second base is then rotated about the second stake and the first base is placed at a distance indicated by corner base indicia on the tape. The second base is rotated about the second stake and the third base is placed at a distance indicated by the corner base indicia. | 07-29-2010 |
20110034276 | ELECTRONIC MARKER STAKES FOR SPORTS FIELDS - A marker stake for locating a boundary reference point on a sports field can be buried and out of sight when not in use, and then quickly located using an electronic receiver which detects a signal emitted by an electronic marker in the marker stake. Various field boundary indicators can be removably attached to the marker stake. The stake may be embodied in a cylindrical body constructed of a moldable polymer with a socket at one end for receiving a pin or post of the field boundary indicator, and the electronic marker embedded inside the body. The electronic marker may be a passive LC marker tuned to a frequency associated with a known field sport. Different sets of such marker stakes tuned to different frequencies may be used to mark and relocate reference points for multiple sports played on the same field. | 02-10-2011 |
20110059819 | MODIFIED SOCCER GAME USING FORWARD LINES - A modified soccer (“football”) field layout and associated modified method of playing soccer on the modified soccer field layout are described. The modified soccer field layout is approximately the same size as a conventional soccer field layout. In one example, the modified soccer field layout also has two Forward Areas and two Forward Lines. In one example, the method of playing soccer on the modified soccer field includes at least one associated Forward Area Soccer Rule. | 03-10-2011 |
20110130228 | System and method for projecting a visible line on an athletic field surface - A temporary line projection system designed to be grasped by hand and moved, by a single human operator, into a desired location as, for example, along the sidelines of a football field adjacent to where a first down line is to be projected. The system comprises a movable structure that is dimensioned and arranged to be supported by and project upwardly from an athletic field surface. A laser source is supported by the movable structure and is maintained by the movable structure at an elevated location relative to the athletic field surface. This allows the laser source to direct optical energy downward upon the field while the movable structure is maintained substantially in a first orientation relative to the athletic field surface. A sensing arrangement is operative to determine when the movable structure is no longer maintained substantially in the first orientation and a switch is operative to disable the laser source when the movable structure is no longer maintained substantially in the first orientation. | 06-02-2011 |
20110136598 | ELECTRONIC MARKER STAKES FOR SPORTS FIELDS - A marker stake for locating a boundary reference point on a sports field can be buried and out of sight when not in use, and then quickly located using an electronic receiver which detects a signal emitted by an electronic marker in the marker stake. Various field boundary indicators can be removably attached to the marker stake. The stake may be embodied in a cylindrical body constructed of a moldable polymer with a socket at one end for receiving a pin or post of the field boundary indicator, and the electronic marker embedded inside the body. The electronic marker may be a passive LC marker tuned to a frequency associated with a known field sport. Different sets of such marker stakes tuned to different frequencies may be used to mark and relocate reference points for multiple sports played on the same field. | 06-09-2011 |
20120010030 | METHOD FOR DEFINING A SPORTS OR PLAYING AREA BY MEANS OF A THERMOCHROMATIC SPIN TRANSITION MATERIAL - A surface marking method using a thermochromatic spin transition material. | 01-12-2012 |
20120065006 | LIGHT SOURCE PROJECTING LINES DEFINING ACTIVITY AREA - An apparatus has a housing, a connector, and a light source connected to the housing. The light source projects lines that define an area for an activity, such as playing a game. The connector connects the housing to a structure used in the activity or game. | 03-15-2012 |
20130090192 | COLLAPSIBLE AND PORTABLE LACROSSE LAYOUT APPARATUS - A lacrosse layout apparatus arranged to provide a lacrosse layout that can be used to perform lacrosse-related activities. The lacrosse layout apparatus comprises a goal line, a crease removably coupled to said goal line, an arc removably coupled to said goal line, and at least one diagonal extending between said crease and said arc, wherein said at least one diagonal is removably coupled to said crease and removably coupled to said arc. The goal line, crease, arc and at least one extension are configured to form a reusable lacrosse layout that is easy to assemble/disassemble on any surface, portable, and arranged such that the dimensions of the lacrosse layout are consistent and easily reproducible | 04-11-2013 |
20140011613 | BALL GAME PLAYED ON A REGULARLY TILED SURFACE - One embodiment of a game between a plurality of teams typically played with a ball on a court composed of a plurality of tilings typically composed of plastic rings of alternating, contrasting colors to form a checkerboard style playing court. Each team occupies a different set of colored tiling rings. In order to score points, players on the offensive team attempt to move the ball from one predetermined location on the court to another while remaining within their set of colored tiling rings. The opposing defensive team members attempt to impede the offensive team's progress from within their own colored tiling rings and gain possession of the ball in order to become the offensive team and score points. Play progresses until one team achieves a predetermined number of points and is declared the winner of the game. | 01-09-2014 |
20140106909 | System and Method for Lacrosse Including a Collapsible Field Marking Device - A lacrosse system including a portable, collapsible field marker, a system of weights for a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse ball cleaner, and a pocket former for a lacrosse stick that solves the problems discussed above. The collapsible field marker having a series of elongated segments, each segment attachable to two adjacent segments forming a series of segments, the series of segments attachable end-to-end to form a closed polygon in a closed configuration or unattached end-to-end to form a geometric pattern in an open configuration; each segment including a semi rigid center member enclosed by a thin flat marking strip; an expandable cord passing through the rigid center member of each segment attaching the series of segments together or flexible connectors on ends of each of said segments attaching the series of segments together. | 04-17-2014 |
20140171234 | LIGHT SOURCE PROJECTING LINES DEFINING ACTIVITY AREA - A lighting system, for use in combination with a basketball backboard device mounted on a pole, comprises a plurality of lighting devices positioned adjacent the basketball backboard device. The lighting devices comprise a housing, a connector, a first light source, a lens and a light filter, and a secondary light source. The lens focuses lines defined by the light filter. The first light source is positioned to project the lines on to an activity surface to define a foul lane for a basketball court. The connector connects the housing to the pole supporting the basketball backboard device. The secondary light source is positioned to simultaneously illuminate a backboard of the basketball backboard device while the first light source projects the lines through the lens and the light filter. The lines from the first light source combine together on the activity surface to define an area for a basketball game. | 06-19-2014 |
20150148154 | SPORTS COURT DESIGNED WITH THREE SECTIONS - A portable system for playing sports and methods of providing the same are described. In its assembled form, the system can have a generally two-dimensional configuration. The system includes a first member that defines an outer boundary of a sports court, and a second member that defines a space between opposing sides of the court. The first and second members can be movable with respect to one another so as to adjust the size and position of the space. The horizontally-extending space can take the place of a net that would otherwise be present in a system for playing net sports. The system also include anchors that anchor the first and second members to the ground. | 05-28-2015 |
20150375090 | Basketball singles court - A basketball court with narrower sidelines ( | 12-31-2015 |
20160144262 | TEMPORARY TURF MARKING SYSTEM - A temporary turf marking system is disclosed. The temporary turf marking system includes a material spreader, the material spreader having a foam dispenser fixed thereto. A dispenser actuator actuates the foam dispenser, such that foam is dispensed from the dispenser onto the turf, forming a foam trail. | 05-26-2016 |
473492000 | Net post | 15 |
20080274841 | MULTI-MATERIAL COMPOSITE LOCKING UPRIGHT - A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper and a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert and may be, but is not necessarily, formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height. | 11-06-2008 |
20090017946 | QUICK SET UP NET ASSEMBLY FOR GAME PLAY - A net assembly for game play, e.g., volleyball, badminton, or other games, is disclosed. The net assembly includes a first net pole, a second net pole, a first collar for securing to the first net pole, and a second collar for securing to the second net pole. A stabilizer cord is provided that has stakes affixed to each end. The collars each have a securement device for securing the collars to a net pole, a stabilizer affixing portion for receiving a stabilizer cord and a net affixing device for receiving a net cord. Preferably, the stabilizer affixing portion receives a midpoint of the stabilizer cord. Additionally, net poles preferably have a non-circular shape and the collars preferably have a complimentary shape to that of the non-circular net poles. The mating non-circular shapes enable the collars to be positioned at a desired angular orientation. | 01-15-2009 |
20110224031 | MULTI-MATERIAL COMPOSITE LOCKING UPRIGHT - A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves, supporting and securing a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper protective collar, and in some embodiments a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert which may be formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height. | 09-15-2011 |
20110244995 | Adjustable Net Post Assembly Used in Ball Games - An adjustable net post assembly used in ball games comprises: an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, a spring, an outer pipe and an inner pipe. By rotating the outer sleeve, the protrusion of the outer sleeve is moved to the first positioning portion or the second positioning portion the slot of the inner sleeve, so that the positioning protrusion of the positioning member will be disengaged from or engaged in the positioning hole of the inner pipe, which allows the inner pipe to be adjusted by being retracted or extended with respect to the outer pipe. | 10-06-2011 |
20110287873 | Strengthened Support Structure for a Net Post Assembly Used in Ball Games - A strengthened support structure for a net post assembly used in ball games comprises a plurality of lower support units disposed between two lateral support rod assemblies thereof, and each of the lower support units includes a first support section, a second support section, and a support body. The first support section and the second support section are connected to define an angle therebetween, and the support body is connected to the free ends of the first support section and the second support section. Each of the lower support units acts as an independent stress-sharing structure, so that stress can be equally distributed over the lower support units. The angle defined between the first support section and the second support section cooperate with the support body to strengthen the structural strength of the respective lower support units, which maintains the distance between the two lateral support rod assemblies constant. | 11-24-2011 |
20120004056 | NET HOLDING STANDARD USING BASKETBALL RIM - A net standard for attachment to basketball rims to which nets of games such as volleyball or badminton can be attached. | 01-05-2012 |
20130005515 | GAME APPARATUS AND METHOD OF PLAYING THE SAME - Provided are various embodiments of a net system which includes a perpendicularly intersecting net apparatus which allows individuals to play a game combining features of conventional volleyball and conventional four square. The net system includes a first net portion, a second net portion, a third net portion, and a fourth net portion which intersect at a midpoint to form a cross or “+” shape. | 01-03-2013 |
20130210560 | Holding Apparatus for a Net of a Table-Tennis Table - A holding device ( | 08-15-2013 |
20140187360 | COLLAPSIBLE TENNIS NET SUPPORT - A collapsible tennis net support is disclosed. The collapsible tennis net support includes a plurality of lightweight tubing to easily fold-up for easy storage and transport. The collapsible tennis net support deploys from a folded position to a fully erect position with a simple and one-handed movement and includes a height indication indicia utilized to measure a proper height of a center of tennis net and placement of the collapsible tennis net support. | 07-03-2014 |
20150057114 | KIT FOR ADAPTING A TENNIS COURT OF ONE SIZE TO A COURT OF SMALLER SIZE - An adaptation kit is used for adapting a standard tennis court into at least one tennis court of a smaller size. The kit has a hook for attachment to the center strap anchor of the standard tennis court and a hook for attachment to a link in a fence bounding the standard court. The kit includes a net suspension line extendible between the hooks, and a pair of posts, each post having a foot for engagement with the ground and a support element at its top for supporting the net suspension line. The kit includes a net suspended from the net suspension line. The kit can include a cross-strap extending between the attachments, the cross strap, in use, extending at ground level directly between the center strap anchor and the link. | 02-26-2015 |
473493000 | With net-tightening means | 5 |
20090247330 | MULTI-MATERIAL COMPOSITE LOCKING UPRIGHT - A composite locking upright having low weight and great rigidity for installation into a playing surface with built-in sleeves. The composite locking upright supports and secures a net at a playing height for athletic sports such as, volleyball, tennis, and badminton. The composite locking upright may have a composite tube, a multi-material tube, an upper and a lower protective collar, and a locking tool. The composite tube may be made of a light-weight, fiber-reinforced composite. The multi-material tube may be made at least in part of the same material and may incorporate at least one abrasion resistant area, which may be a partial or full thickness insert and may be, but is not necessarily, formed of a metal. The multi-material tube is extendable and retractable from the composite. The locking tool locks the multi-material tube with respect to the composite tube and thereby fixes a net at a playing height. | 10-01-2009 |
20110081995 | Retractable Court Standard and Methods of Use - An improved retractable court standard is described. The retractable court standard typically comprises a plurality of elongated tubular sections and an elongated top section. Each of the elongated tubular sections has a top end and a bottom end, and different dimension. Additionally, the elongated top section typically has a top end and a bottom end, and a net securing assembly coupled proximal the top end. At least one elongated tubular section is slidably and rotatably disposed within another circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section. Importantly, the at least one elongated tubular section has one of at least one rotational locking channel and at least one securing pin. The circumferentially adjacent elongated tubular section has the other of the at least one rotational locking channel and the at least one securing pin. Methods of extending, retracting, and storing the improved retractable court standard are also described. | 04-07-2011 |
20120277037 | Sports Net Assembly - A sports net assembly and method of assembling a sports net assembly. The sports net assembly includes a pair of poles spaced a distance apart and positioned substantially vertically. A net having opposing ends is positioned between the spaced apart substantially vertical poles. The top net cord is secured to a cam that is slidably movable along a length of the poles to increase and decrease the tension on the top net cord thereby increasing and decreasing sag in the net between the poles. The bottom net cords and guy-ropes may be releasably secured to the poles with a key lock. | 11-01-2012 |
20140243119 | Adjustable flexible sports net system - And adjustable sports net system comprising a plurality of ground anchors ( | 08-28-2014 |
20160001151 | TABLE-TENNIS NET APPARATUS - Table-tennis net apparatus comprises two net-supporting devices, a suspension element extending between the two net-supporting devices, and a table-tennis net supportable by the suspension element and attachable to the two net-supporting devices. Each net-supporting device includes an upright post having an at least substantially hollow tubular cartridge holder and an elongate cartridge receivable in the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder includes a longitudinal slot through which the net extends, and the suspension element includes a flexible elongate element and a spring element which is engagable with a said cartridge. The net is suspendable from the flexible elongate element, and the flexible elongate element is automatically tensionable by the in use spring element. A table-tennis net-supporting device, and a method of automatically tensioning a flexible elongate element for a table-tennis net using such apparatus are also provided. | 01-07-2016 |
473494000 | Net, with net, or for net | 3 |
20090017947 | Menal volleyball net - The design and ornamentation for a volleyball net as shown and described. A volleyball game net adapted by size and configuration to meet the requirements of play in the game of volleyball, said net having a micro mesh fabric that allows air to flow through yet is opaque in color and not see through, with a peripheral margin defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge; said side edges being spaced apart from each other and joining the top edge to the bottom edge. Each edge is impregnated with a fluorescent material on each side of the net, which after being exposed to sunlight or incandescent light becomes visible after dark. The Menal Volleyball Net will have a distinct pattern centered from upper left corner to lower right corner depicting five Menal Volleyballs in a straight diagonal line. Each Menal Volleyball on the surface of the net will be of the exact shape and size with the appropriate triangular pattern and fluorescent tips of a regulation Menal Volleyball. Each Menal Volleyball descending from left to right will depict the ball rotating in flight such that the Menal Volleyball logo will be centered and prominately displayed in the third ball which shall be in the center of the Menal Volleyball Net. | 01-15-2009 |
20160136493 | Enhanced Net for Volleyball - One aspect of the instant invention is an improved volleyball net or hardware used in conjunction with a volleyball net to allow a game net with portions of the net at different heights. Another aspect of the invention is rules for a game with a game net of different heights. The invention can be used to have an improved net game with players of different abilities, genders or heights. | 05-19-2016 |
473495000 | Net center stay | 1 |
20120295743 | Slam strap - A tennis net center strap created for the professional level that quickly measures and secures the center of any tennis net to the regulation (currently 36 inches) height above the court surface. The strap is made of non-stretch material woven with specific material to insure strength and durability. There is a discrete measuring system built into the strap that sets any net, on any court to the correct regulation height in seconds without the use of external measuring devices. It incorporates a simple internal multi-fastening system that meets the needs of the professional tour level, while locking in the correct height, and guaranteeing no deviation or slippage. One end of the strap has a non-rust alloy, nickel plated tab (with an extra protective coating) to insure a finite measuring point that will not fray or deteriorate in weather. The strap is held onto the net via a non-rust nickel plated swivel snap clip with a two inch loop eye on one end. The snap clip fastens to any court surface anchor system (above or below ground), while allowing the strap to navigate easily through the loop eye opening. Once installed, this tennis net strap is visually clean, guards against false “let” calls monitored by electronic or other devices, and meets the needs of the professional tennis tour. | 11-22-2012 |