Retractable Pickleball Net Device

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/644,745, which was filed on May 9, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of pickleball net devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a retractable pickleball net device. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in pickleball net devices. Generally, pickleball nets are difficult if not impossible to pack up and transport or store. The net may be cemented into the ground, leaving the user to remove and replace the net in harsh weather conditions.

As is known, and if the net is cemented into the ground, the user is left with two permanent poles even if the net is removed. This is inconvenient if they wish to use the pickleball court area for other activities. Additionally, a traditional pickleball net does not enable for movement of the entire net to a separate location to play elsewhere. Further, if the pickleball net is transportable and on wheels, there is often no way to secure the poles in place (i.e., fixed position) so that the net does not move or loosen during play.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved pickleball net device that can be moved at the user's discretion. More particularly, there is a demand for a retractable pickleball net device that is easily transportable.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that provides users with a pickleball net that is easily retracted for transport or storage purposes. There is also a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that is on wheels such that the entire net can be transported to play pickleball anywhere. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that features locks or brakes on the wheels for a sturdy setup.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a retractable pickleball net device. The device is a retractable pickleball net that allows for easy transport or storage. The retractable pickleball net device comprises a net retaining pole and a securing pole. The net retaining pole retains a wound-up net via a spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The net is pulled out through a slot-like opening and secured to the securing pole on the opposite side of the court via fasteners. Each pole comprises wheels and brakes that enable the device to be easily transported. Thus, once the device is fully extended and secured, users can play pickleball. Accordingly, the device can be retracted after play and be easily transported and stored.

In this manner, the retractable pickleball net device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a device that allows for an easier net setup, teardown, transport, and storage experience.

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a retractable pickleball net device. The device is a retractable pickleball net that allows for easy transport or storage. The retractable pickleball net device comprises a net retaining pole and a securing pole. The net retaining pole retains a wound-up net via a spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The net is pulled out through a slot-like opening and secured to the securing pole on the opposite side of the court via fasteners. Each pole comprises wheels and brakes that enable the device to be easily transported. Thus, once the device is fully extended and secured, users can play pickleball.

In one embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device of the present invention assists any setting in which pickleball can be played. The retractable pickleball net device is easily transportable via wheels on the net retaining pole and securing pole. The retractable pickleball net device features a fully retractable net that retracts through a vertical slot on the net retaining pole.

In one embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device comprises a net. The net is configured in a rectangular shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art. Generally, the net comprises a border that is of thicker material than the rest of the net, and eyelets for securing the net from the net retaining pole to the securing pole.

In one embodiment, the net is secured to the securing pole via fasteners such as a carabiner and loop. Other types of fasteners, such as snaps, buttons, etc., can be used.

In one embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device comprises a net retaining pole and a securing pole. The net retaining pole retains a wound-up net via a spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The net is pulled out through a slot-like opening and secured to the securing pole on the opposite side of the court via fasteners. Each pole features a base that has wheels and brakes. The wheels make the device easily transportable, and the brakes make the setup sturdy when the net is extended.

In one embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device in accordance with the present invention can be produced in various colors, designs, patterns, etc., and feature logos, emblems and or designs, such as a distributor requests and/or a user desires.

In one embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device is manufactured of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable material as is known in the art. Any number of different types of materials can be used to make the retractable pickleball net device including but not limited to plastics, nylon, textile materials, etc.

In use, the user erects the net by placing the two poles where the user would like the net to be, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Next, the user activates the brakes on each wheel of each pole. Further, the user pulls the net out of the slot of the net retaining pole and extends the net to the securing pole. Then, the user secures the net to the securing pole via the fasteners. Finally, the user utilizes the device while playing pickleball. Thus, the retractable pickleball net device makes erecting a pickleball net much easier and more convenient than ordinary methods.

It will also be appreciated that there are a number of additional add-on features that can be incorporated into the device and moreover, the retractable pickleball net device can take many different forms as is known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, the retractable pickleball net device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of conveniently erecting the retractable pickleball net device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a retractable pickleball net device comprising a net retaining pole, a securing pole, and a net. The method also comprises placing the two poles where the user would like the net to be, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Further, the method comprises activating (i.e., actuating) the brakes on each wheel of each pole. Next, the method comprises pulling the net out of the slot of the net retaining pole to the securing pole. Further, the method comprises securing the net to the securing pole via the fasteners. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the device while playing pickleball.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that provides users with a pickleball net that is easily retracted for transport or storage purposes. There is also a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that is on wheels such that the entire net can be transported to play pickleball elsewhere. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a retractable pickleball net device that features locks or brakes on the wheels for a sturdy setup.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel retractable pickleball net device for pickleball players. The device is a retractable pickleball net that allows for easy transport or storage. The retractable pickleball net device comprises a net retaining pole and a securing pole. The net retaining pole retains a wound-up net via a spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The net is pulled out through a slot-like opening and secured to the securing pole on the opposite side of the court via fasteners. Each pole comprises wheels and brakes that enable the device to be easily transported. Thus, once the device is fully extended and secured, users can play pickleball. The present invention also includes a novel method of conveniently erecting the retractable pickleball net device. The method includes the steps of providing a retractable pickleball net device comprising a net retaining pole, a securing pole, and a net. The method also comprises placing the two poles where the user would like the net to be, for example, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Further, the method comprises activating (i.e., actuating) the brakes on each wheel of each pole. Next, the method comprises pulling the net out of the slot of the net retaining pole and extending the net to the securing pole. Further, the method comprises securing the net to the securing pole via the fasteners. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the device while playing pickleball.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net deviceof the present invention being used to play pickleball. In the present embodiment, the retractable pickleball net deviceis an improved retractable pickleball net devicethat provides a userwith a pickleball net that is easily set up, torn down, transported, and stored. Specifically, the retractable pickleball net devicecomprises a net retaining poleand a securing pole. The net retaining poleretains a wound-up netvia a spring-loaded retraction mechanism. The netis pulled out through a slotopening and secured to the securing poleon the opposite side of the court via fasteners. Each pole comprises wheelsand brakesthat enable the deviceto be easily transported. Thus, once the deviceis fully extended and secured, users can play pickleball.

Generally, the retractable pickleball net deviceof the present invention assists any setting in which pickleball can be played. The retractable pickleball net device is easily transportable via wheels on the net retaining pole and securing pole. The retractable pickleball net device features a fully retractable net that retracts through a vertical slot on the net retaining pole.

As shown in, the retractable pickleball net devicecomprises a securing pole. The securing poleand net retaining poleare generally configured in a cylindrical shape, although any shape deemed suitable for the purpose described may be used. The securing poleacts as an anchor for the netwhen it is fully extended out of the net retaining polevia fasteners.

The retractable pickleball net devicecomprises a net. The netis typically configured in a rectangular shape but can be configured in any suitable shape as is known in the art. Generally, the netcomprises a borderthat is of thicker material than the rest of the net, and eyeletsfor securing the net from the net retaining pole to the securing pole.

Shown inis a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net deviceof the present invention showing the base, wheels, and brakesof the device. A baseis found at the bottom of both the net retaining poleand the securing pole, and features wheelsto make the device easily transportable. Brakesare attached to each wheelto lock the wheelsin place, and to retain the poles,in fixed positions, during play.

illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the retractable pickleball net deviceof the present invention showing the net retaining poleand securing poleof the device. In these figures, the netis fully retracted within the net retaining pole.shows a more distant view to conceptualize the size of the fully retracted device.

In use, the usererects the netby placing the net retaining poleand net securing polewhere the userwould like the netto be, for example, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Next, the useractivates the brakeson each wheelof both the net retaining poleand the securing pole. Further, the userpulls the netout of the slotof the net retaining poleand extends the netto the securing pole. Then, the usersecures the netto the securing polevia the fasteners. Finally, the userutilizes the device while playing pickleball. Thus, the retractable pickleball net device makes erecting a pickleball net much easier and more convenient than ordinary methods.

It is to be appreciated that the retractable pickleball net devicein accordance with the present invention can be produced in various colors, designs, patterns, etc., and feature logos, emblems and or designs, such as a distributor requests and/or a userdesires.

In one embodiment, the retractable pickleball net deviceis manufactured of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or any other suitable material as is known in the art. Any number of different types of materials can be used to make the retractable pickleball net deviceincluding but not limited to nylon, textile materials, heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, etc. Generally, the retractable pickleball net deviceis also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof, or the net retaining poleand the securing polecomprise a coating that is water resistant or waterproof.

In yet another embodiment, the retractable pickleball net devicecomprises a plurality of indicia. The net retaining poleor the securing poleof the devicemay include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the net retaining poleor the securing pole, or any other indiciaas is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indiciaas is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be brand related.

It will also be appreciated that there are a number of additional add-on features that can be incorporated into the deviceand moreover, the retractable pickleball net devicecan take many different forms as is known in the art.

illustrates a flowchart of the methodof conveniently erecting the retractable pickleball net device. The method includes the steps of, providing a retractable pickleball net device comprising a net retaining pole, a securing pole, and a net. The method also comprises at, placing the two poles where the user would like the net to be, for example, at the width of a standard pickleball court width or court net extension. Further, the method comprises at, activating (i.e., actuating) the brakes on each wheel of each pole. Next, the method comprises at, pulling the net out of the slot of the net retaining pole and extending the net to the securing pole. Further, the method comprises at, securing the net to the securing pole via the fasteners. Finally, the method comprises at, utilizing the device while playing pickleball. After play, the retractable pickleball net is unfastened from the securing pole and retracted into the net retaining pole. Thereafter, the securing pole and the net retaining pole can be rolled off of the court.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “retractable pickleball net device”, “net device”, “pickleball device”, “retractable device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the retractable pickleball net deviceof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the retractable pickleball net deviceof the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the retractable pickleball net deviceas shown inis for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the retractable pickleball net deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the retractable pickleball net deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the retractable pickleball net devicemay be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.