Collapsible net apparatus, a system and a method for using same and a joint implemented with same
OwnerRoger E. Duba, Douglas R. Dubainventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for a net having rods interconnected by joints. The apparatus has two types of joints. The first type of joint arranges rods linearly. The second type of joint arranges rods perpendicularly. The apparatus and/or system may be assembled and disassembled without separation and/or removal of any of its components. In addition, the apparatus and/or system may have netting which attaches to covers placed around the rods. A method for assembling the apparatus and/or system is also provided.
Claims24
An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of rods wherein each of the rods has a length defined between a first end and a second end;
- a plurality of lateral joints wherein each of the lateral joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the first end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to the first end of another one of the plurality of rods;
- a plurality of corner joints wherein each of the corner joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the second end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to one of the plurality of rods;
- a locking mechanism associated with each of the lateral joints and corner joints.
A method for assembling a net, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of rods connected by a plurality of joints;
- and
- arranging the plurality of rods and the plurality of joints to form a continuous frame without separating the plurality of rods from the plurality of joints.
A joint apparatus comprising:
- a first cap;
- a second cap;
- a hinge wherein the first cap and the second cap are connected to the hinge;
- and
- a locking mechanism associated with the hinge.
A system comprising:
- a plurality of rods wherein each of the rods has a length defined between a first end and a second end;
- a plurality of joints wherein each of the plurality of joints has a first cap and a second cap wherein the first cap is attachable to the first end of one of the plurality of rods and the second cap is attachable to the first end of another one of the plurality of rods
- a locking mechanism associated with each of the plurality of joints;
- and
- a netting attached to the plurality of rods.
A method for folding a net, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of rods connected by a plurality of joints to form a continuous frame so support the net;
- relax the continuous frame by releasing the plurality of joints without separating the plurality of joints connected to the plurality of rods;
- folding the plurality of joints such that the plurality of rods collapse.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.