Game Net and Shuttlecock for Use Therewith

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/681,881, filed Feb. 28, 2022, which is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/935,340, filed Jul. 22, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/885,215, filed Aug. 10, 2019, the entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to racket sport games and, more specifically, to an improved game net.

Various games are played on a lined court with a net over which an object is directed during gameplay, such as, for example, tennis and badminton. While these court games meet their respective objectives and requirements, they require a lined court to play, and a lined court requires a sufficiently large area that can accommodate the court. Accordingly, there is a need and a desire for a new game that does not require a lined court and can be played indoors or outdoors.

Accordingly, it is a general object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved and novel game net and an improved and novel shuttlecock that can be used in conjunction with the game net.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a game net having a structure that restricts the area by which a shuttlecock can be hit from one side of the net to other side, thereby eliminating the need for a lined court. Particularly, the game net has a window or opening bounded along all sides by a net and through which the shuttlecock must be directed.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a game net that can be used indoors or outdoors.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a game net that is easy to setup.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved shuttlecock construction that self-limits its speed and flight distance. The shuttlecock construction is such that when it is struck, the shuttlecock spins about its axis and induces centrifugal forces on its tail feathers. The centrifugal forces acting on the tail feathers cause the tips of the feathers to bend outwardly inducing a braking action, which limits its speed and flight distance. The harder the shuttlecock is struck, the higher the centrifugal forces and thus the greater braking action.

The shuttlecock's self-limiting speed and flight distance design allows the shuttlecock to be used in smaller spaces and with game nets, such as the game net of embodiments of the present invention that does not use court boundaries for game play.

In one aspect, a game net is provided. The game net has a panel of netting. The panel of netting may have opposite first and second side edges, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The first and second side edges, the top edge, and the bottom edge may define an outer net periphery. The panel of netting has an opening formed completely therethrough to allow an object to pass through the opening when hit by one or more players located on opposite sides of the netting. The opening has an opening periphery and the netting surrounds the opening periphery. The panel of netting may further have a first sleeve that extends along the top edge of the panel of netting and the first sleeve may have opposite ends. The panel of netting may further have a second sleeve that extends along the first side edge and the second sleeve may have a first end and a second end. The panel of netting may further have a third sleeve extending along the second side edge and the third sleeve may have a first and second end. The first end of the first sleeve and the first end of the second sleeve being spaced from one another creating a first corner space, and the second end of the first sleeve and the first end of the third sleeve being spaced from one another creating a second corner space. The game net may further have a frame that is configured to hold the panel of netting above a ground surface with the netting extending vertically. The frame may have a top frame member, and first and second vertical frame members. The top frame member may extend through the first sleeve, the first vertical frame member may extend through the second sleeve, and the second vertical frame member may extend through the third sleeve. A first connector couples a first end of the top frame member to a first end of the first vertical frame member and the first connector is disposed in the first corner space. A second connector couples a second end of the top frame member to a first end of the second vertical frame member and the second connector is disposed in the second corner space.

In aspects, the opening may be rectangular shaped. In aspects, a border may be attached to the netting and extend around the opening periphery, wherein the border provides support to the netting around the opening. In aspects, the game net may further have one or more elastic cords, wherein each elastic cord is attached at one end to the border and at an opposite end at a location that is outwardly spaced from the border along the panel of netting.

In aspects, the game net may have a first elastic cord connected at one end to the panel along the bottom edge and connected at an opposite end to the frame at a location below the bottom edge, and a second elastic cord connected at one end to the panel along the bottom edge and at a spaced distance from the first elastic cord and connected at an opposite end to the frame at a location below the bottom edge.

In aspects, the frame may have a first legs connected to the first vertical frame member at a second end thereof, and a second legs connected to the second vertical frame member at a second end thereof, wherein the first and second legs are configured to support the frame on the ground surface.

In aspects, the frame may have has a cross-frame member that is connected at opposite ends to the first and second vertical frame members and extends therebetween.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects of embodiments of the invention, in general, in one aspect, a game net is vertically supported by a frame and the net includes a centrally located opening or window through which a shuttlecock is directed. With this construction, players must direct the shuttlecock more accurately through the window with a higher degree of precision than what is required to pass an object over existing game nets.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved game net embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

In, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the game net of the invention, which is generally designated by reference number. In its preferred form, the game nethas a nettingforming a planar, vertically oriented barrier that defines an openingthrough the barrier. The openingis disposed, generally centrally in the netting such that the netting forms a wall or barrier around the opening. The openingcan be thought of like a window through the nettingthat is surrounded by netting along each side of the opening.

Further, as depicted in this embodiment, the nettingincludes side panelsandthat extend along the opposite, vertical sides of the opening. In an alternative arrangement, as seen in, nettingcan be provided without the side panelsand

The nettingis attached to and supported by a framesuch that the netting is supported upon a ground surface and extends vertically upward therefrom, thereby providing the vertically oriented barrier. Nettingis attached to and supported by the framesuch that the netting maintains its shape. The framecan include a pair of spaced apart vertical frame membersand. And can include a plurality of horizontal frame members,,, andthat are connected to and extend between the vertical frame membersandat spaced vertical distances between one another. The framefurther includes a pair of ground engaging support leg assembliesand.

It is important to understand the depicted frameis representatively illustrated and the frame could take on various other constructions while remaining within the scope of the invention. For example, while not shown herein, the framecan be collapsible to provide for easier storage and transport of the game net.

Further yet, the netand the framecan be constructed to permit adjusting the height of the opening or windowfrom the ground (GH), the dimensional width of the opening side-to-side (WW), and the dimensional height of the opening from top-to-bottom (WH).

Nettingmay include sleeves, such as, for example sleeves,, andthrough which sections of the framemay be disposed or extend through to secure the nettingto frame. The nettingmay include more or fewer sleeves than depicted here and as needed to attach the netting to the frame. An example of an alternative construction of the game netand nettingis shown in, wherein netting further includes sleevesand.

Additionally, other means such as, for example, straps, clasps, buttons, cords, etc. could also be used in connection with the sleeves or as alternative to the sleeves to secure the nettingto the frame.

In, there is shown an alternative construction of game net. As depicted here, the game nethas a similar construction to the game net shown in the prior figures. As shown here, a borderarranged it attached to the nettingaround the opening. Borderserves several functions, including delineating the openingand to provide support to the nettingaround the opening. Bordercould be colored with a bright color to give players a better visual identification of the opening.

As further shown here, a plurality of elastic cords-can be attached to the nettingto keep the netting pulled tight at the opening, keeping the opening fully open at its extents. As representatively shown, elastic cords-can each extend from a respective corner of the border to a corresponding corner of the netting, as shown. The elastic cords-could be arranged in different locations so long as the same purpose of keeping the openingfully open is provided.

In, there is shown an alternative construction of game net. As depicted here, the game nethas a similar construction to the game net shown in the prior figures. However, in this embodiment, the nettingis replaced by panelthat is supported above a ground surface by attachment to frame, for example. Like the forgoing embodiment, panelhas the openingand a borderdisposed around the perimeter of the opening. Bordercould be colored with a bright color to give players a better visual identification of the opening. Panelcan be removably attached to the frame by mechanical fasteners, such as, for example matting touch fasteners, wherein one half of the fasteneris disposed on the frame and the other half is 56 is disposed around the perimeter of the panel, along one broadside thereof.

Preferably, panelis constructed of a transparent material, thereby allowing players located on opposite sides to see one another through the panel. In embodiments, it is contemplated that the panel could be created from a single piece of rigid, transparent plastic material. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the panel could be created from a single piece of flexible, transparent plastic material, that could be rolled up for storage and unrolled for attachment to the frame.

With reference to, in embodiments, it is contemplated that the panelcould be constructed of individual panels-that can be removably connected to create the panel. The individual panels-would be constructed of rigid, transparent plastic material. With further reference to, in an embodiment, panelsandcould have tabslocated at opposite ends that removably secure to panelsandto connect the panels together by a mechanical fastener, such as a touch fastener, for example.

With further reference to, it is further contemplated that each panel-could be constructed to fold in half to make storage and shipping easier. In such a construction, each panel-could comprise two or more sectionsandthat are joined by a flexible couplingalong fold jointto fold in half.

Inthere is shown an alternative construction of game net. As depicted here, the game nethas a similar construction to the game net shown in the prior figures and, particularly, the game net shown in. Like reference numbers refer to the same or similar parts and thus a description of those element does not require repeating here. The construction depicted indoes not include the lower frame cross memberand further includes an elastic cordattached to each bottom corner of the netand to the bottom of the frameto pull the net tight in a direction downwardly on the frame.

Game netis particularly useful in facilitating game play without a lined court. This allows quick and simple setup of the game net. The construction further allows for both indoor and outdoor play.

Generally, in use, players would stand on opposite sides of the game net. The players would then, using paddles, hit a shuttlecock, for example, back and forth while attempting to pass the shuttlecock through the opening. Game play with netis not limited to a shuttlecock, rather other objects, such as, a ball for example could be used. However, it is desired that the shuttlecock described herein below is used with the game net. Various game methods, rules, and scoring can be implemented in connection with the game net.

Inthere is illustrated a shuttlecockthat is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The shuttlecockis constructed, as described in further detail below, to have a controlled flight speed and flight distance making it desirable for use in connection with the foregoing described game net.

Shuttlecockincludes a nose coneand a plurality of feather fins. The nose coneis comprised of a solid component that can be made of a resilient plastic or hardened rubber. The nose cone has a rounded endand an opposite end. Rounded endis configured to be struck by a paddle or racket. Opposite endis configured for the attachment of the feather finsto the nose cone. Particularly, a plurality of blind boresare formed through endand extend axially into the body of the nose cone. The boresare equally spaced circumferentially around the central axisaround the nose coneat the same radial distance from the central axis.

As representatively shown, there are six boresformed through endof the nose conefor receiving six feather fins, one in each bore. It should be noted, however, that the shuttlecockis not limited to only six feather finsas shown. Rather, the shuttlecockcould have additional or fewer fins so long as desired function described of the shuttlecock described herein is provided. For example, the shuttlecock could have between four and eight feather fins.

In an embodiment, feather finsare natural wing feathers and are each from the same wing of a bird, such as, for example a goose. That is all the feather finsare from either the right wing or from the left wing of the bird. Feathers from the left wing are never mixed with feathers from the right wing, this is critical to the desired operation of the shuttlecock. Additionally, the length of each feather fin, from the feather tip to the end of the calamus (quill) must be between 10 cm and 18 cm.

The arrangement of the feather finson the nose coneis also critical to the operation of the shuttlecock. Specifically, as best seen in, each feather finis positioned in its respective borewith the feather shaftin a rotated position such that the natural convex curvature of the inner vaneand the outer vaneare facing inwardly toward the axis. And further that the rotated position of the feather shaftis such that the attachment points of the inner vaneand of the outer vanewith the feather shaftare at a 90-degree angle relative to a radian lineextending from the axisthrough the axisof the feather shaft as measured at proximity to end. Further yet, the feather finsare arranged such that the outer vaneof each feather fin is disposed on the inward side (in relation to axis) of the inner vaneof the immediately adjacent feather fin in an overlapping arrangement such that the leading edgeof the outer vane is facing in a direction outwardly (in relation to axis).

Further yet, unlike some existing shuttlecock constructions, none of the feather finsof shuttlecockare joined or otherwise connected along their lengths to an adjacent fin or any other fin attached to the nose cone. For the purpose herein, joined or connected means a physical link between fins that constrains relative movement between fins. To avoid uncertainty, for the purpose herein, a mere contact between surfaces of adjacent fins without a physical link that constrains relative movement between the fins is not considered joined or connected.

The foregoing described selection and arrangement of the feather finson the nose coneprovides the desired operational characteristics of the shuttlecock. Specifically, when endof the shuttlecockis struck by a paddle or racket, a spin about axisis induced in the shuttlecock as it flies through the air. This spin imparts a centrifugal force on the feather fins, causing the fins to bend or flex outwardly away from axis. The outwardly bending of fins, during flight, increases the air drag on the shuttlecock, which brakes or slows the flight speed of the shuttlecock, and in turn limits the flight distance of the shuttlecock. In embodiments, the flight distance of the shuttlecockis limited to about 18 feet.

This function overcomes the drawbacks of existing shuttlecocks that can be hit so hard by a player that the shuttlecock flies too fast and too far to be returned by an opposing player, and thus requiring lined courts for fair game play. Accordingly, shuttlecockhas the advantage of being played in a game without lined courts while maintain fair game play, which also makes the shuttlecock advantageous for play with the game net described herein.

While the foregoing description of the shuttlecockis made in connection with its use with game net, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the shuttlecock can be used without the game net described herein and thus should not be limited to such use. Additionally, while natural feathers are desired as the feather fins, it is contemplated that manufactured or synthetic feathers that are created to mimic both the form and the physical properties of natural wing feathers could potentially be used and remain within the scope of the invention. Further, it is contemplated that the shuttlecockcould have finsthat are manufactured in a configuration that would impart the desired spin to the shuttlecock as explained above and have a flexibility allowing the fins to bend outwardly to provide the desired braking action on the shuttlecock, also described above.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to the illustrated embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.