US20160303446A1

US20160303446A1 - A games apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20160303446A1
Application number: US15/100,746
Authority: US
Inventors: David Free
Original assignee: Twisternet Ltd
Current assignee: Twisternet Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2014-12-19
Publication date: 2016-10-20
Also published as: WO2015092424A3; GB2521490A; EP3082982A2; WO2015092424A2; GB201322628D0; GB201410532D0; JP3210065U; GB2521490B; AU2014369450A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a games apparatus and, in particular, to equipment relating to sports where a net or other guide is required, such as tennis, badminton and volleyball. Such sports that people usually play individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of players each throwing/hitting/returning a ball or each player uses a racquet to strike a ball over a net and into the opponent's court. The object of the game is to play the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a good return. The net, together a net support and a marked-out ground enable a game of tennis to be played. Another type of sport that involves a net is volleyball. Volleyball involves two teams of six players, separated by a net, whereby one team scores points, one against another, by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules. In both of these games a net is arranged between two sides of a court, the net defining a barrier between the two and subject to the net scores of one team relative to another can be made. An issue with such sports is the difficulty in enabling the game to be played in that not only is a court required, but also that a net needs to be provided. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a games net to enable a game where a net is required for the playing of games, which net can be quickly and easily erected before play and which net can be quickly and easily folded away after play without the need for assembly or disassembly.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a games apparatus and, in particular, to equipment relating to sports where a net or other guide is required, such as tennis, badminton and volleyball.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Tennis is a sport that people usually play individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). Each player uses a racquet that is strung with cord to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net and into the opponent's court. The object of the game is to play the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a good return. The net, together with a net support and a marked-out ground enable a game of tennis to be played. Another type of sport that involves a net is volleyball. Volleyball involves two teams of six players, separated by a net, whereby one team scores points, one against another, by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules. In both of these games a net is arranged between two sides of a court, the net defining a barrier between the two and subject to the net scores of one team relative to another can be made.
An issue with such sports is the difficulty in enabling the game to be played. With regard to tennis not only does one require a court to be provided upon level ground, but also the area needs to be, for a standard domestic tennis court 10 as shown in FIG. 1, some 33.5 m long and 16.5 m in width (110′×54′), including a 5 m (16′) runback behind the baselines. A net 12 is supported between first and second posts 14, 16 such that it is 1.07 m at the posts, dipping to a minimum of 0.914 m at the centre, such sagging being due to the weight of the net, being balanced by tensioning of the a central cable supporting the net. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) recommended minimum size for a tennis clubs is 34.75 m ×17.07 m (114′×56′), whilst a championship-size court would be 36.58 m ×18.29 m (120′×60′). A singles tennis court for Stage 2 tennis or midi/orange tennis is approximately 6.5 metres wide and 18.0 metres long, whilst a singles tennis court for Stage 3 tennis or mini/red tennis is approximately 5.5 metres wide and 11.0 metres long.
The game of badminton is believed to have originated in Greece, about 2000 years ago. In medieval England a children's game called Battledore and Shuttlecock was popular. The game reached India in 1860s, through the agencies of the officers' of British Raj who in their bid to make the game a little more competitive added the elements of net and net posts.
A badminton court is a rectangular space, 44 feet long×17 feet wide for a single's match and 44 feet long×20 feet wide for a double's match. It is normally made out of wood or composite flooring surface. The idea is for it to be smooth and levelled. A minimum of 6.5 feet of clear space on all four sides is required. The court is divided into two halves by a net 5 feet 1 inch on the edges and 5 feet in the centre. The poles that support the net are planted outside the double's line even when a single's match is being played. With reference to FIG. 2 a volleyball pitch 20 is shown, with a net 22 supported by standards or posts 24, 26. A standard volleyball net, has a width of 32′ and a height of 3′ net, the net being arranged such that it is suspended across a court of some 30′×30′ in width and length: the centreline of the court divides the court into two 30 foot squares. The net is hung directly above the centre line at 7 feet 4 inches for women and 8 feet for men. The volleyball standards should be set at 36 feet apart, 3 feet on either side of the sidelines.
Tennis is an Olympic sport and is played at all levels of society and at all ages. The sport can be played by anyone who can hold a racquet, including wheelchair users. However, as will be appreciated, such sports are not as popular as, perhaps they could be, at least in part, due to the fact that the equipment is not readily available for those where land is available to play and/or is too costly or inconvenient to be stored.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a games net to enable a game where a net is required for the playing of games, which net can be quickly and easily erected before play and which net can be quickly and easily folded away after play without the need for assembly or disassembly.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a pop-up net apparatus for a net-based game upon a playing surface, the apparatus comprising a first pop-up frame which is rectangular in shape, having an upper portion and a lower portion and which supports a net and at least a second frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the frames having respective mutual coupling means arranged at least at their respective upper portions; the apparatus being operable in a first, active mode upon the playing surface, wherein the rectangular net frame is supported by means of said at least second frame, whereby to provide a generally upright net for a net-based game; and wherein the first pop-up frame comprises members being capable, in a second, storage mode of being twisted and folded to provide a substantially flat configuration.
According to the invention, there is also provided a pop-up net apparatus for a net-based game upon a playing surface, the apparatus comprising a first pop-up frame which is rectangular in shape, having an upper portion and a lower portion and which supports a net, having an upper portion and having a lower, surface contact portion, and at least a second frame, the frames having respective mutual coupling means arranged bout the respective upper portions to the surface contact portions; the apparatus being operable in a first, active mode upon the playing surface, wherein the rectangular net frame is supported by means of said at least second frame, the rectangular frame being connected at a connection point, at a distance above the playing surface, whereby to provide a generally upright net for a net-based game; and the pop-up frame members being capable, in a second, storage mode of being twisted and folded to provide a substantially flat configuration.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a pop-up net apparatus for a net-based game upon a playing surface, the apparatus comprising two pop-up frames which are rectangular in shape, having an upper portion and a lower surface contact portion. Conveniently each pop-up frame supports a net comprising a banding arranged so as to support the net, which can be a twine made from a material one of a natural fibre and a synthetic fibre or can comprise a transparent plastics sheet or a sheet with a printed net or printed image. Both frames support a net which is secured to the banding that encases the pop-up frame.
The pop-up frames upper portions are secured to each other allowing the two frames to be hinged along the upper portion; the apparatus being operable in a first, active mode upon the playing surface, wherein two frames are separated in the form of a triangle shape. The bottom of the frame is linked together by means of two general rigid rods one at each end encased in a nylon or cotton webbing material and permanently secured to the bottom of one frame. Said encased rod is then secured to the other frame by means of press clip or hook and loop fastener e.g. Velcro. This provides a triangular support at each side of the apparatus and creates a stable, self-supporting net.
Conveniently, there is a fabric tab, preferably having a metal eyelet or similar, located at the each of the four base corners of the support apparatus. This provides the advantage that it will allow for tent-pegs or similar to be used when the apparatus is placed on grass, providing additional stability to the apparatus during use. In the event that the apparatus is placed upon a hard surface e.g. tarmac, indoor wooden floor, concrete, etc. a stabilizing weighted element such as a sand-bag or pouch, secured by stitching, by means of a zip or otherwise to the lower portion of each frame, can be provided to give additional stability. A weighted bag e.g. a bag full of sand may also be placed upon the stabilising rods or ‘stays’ at each end to achieve additional stability for the apparatus during play.
This arrangement can thus provide a generally upright net for a net-based game; and the apparatus frame members being capable, in a second, storage mode of being twisted and folded to provide a substantially flat configuration without disassembly.
In one alternative embodiment, the pop-up net apparatus comprises two generally triangular support frames, operably arranged either end of a vertical pop-up frame which supports a net. The two triangular end frames providing stability for the centre pop-up net frame. The pop-up net frame is secured to the centre of the base leg of the triangle at each end by means of a press clip or hook and loop tab which act as mutual coupling means, providing the vertical net with a secure framework to prevent movement of the net whilst in use. In the case of the apparatus being over two metres in length an intermediate rigid support rod or rods can be arranged in the centre of the vertical net to compensate for any deflection of the upper portion rod due to its own weight over distance. This support rod operates in the same way as the ‘stays’ for the apparatus in the first embodiment and can be secured to the upper portion of the vertical net frame and secured to the bottom portion of the vertical net frame by means of a press clip or hook and loop fastener or similar.
In another preferred embodiment, the pop-up net apparatus comprises two rectangular frames without a net, encased in a banding and secured to each other along the upper portion of the frames forming a hinge. Secured to the banding along this upper portion is a narrow net in the proportions used for Badminton. The bottom of said net is secured equidistant from the supporting frames by means of a fabric tape or string which when the frames are opened, hold the net central and secure. The two frames when opened employ ‘stays’ to hold the bottom portion of the frames equidistant apart forming a stable triangle shape. Conveniently, eyelets can be provided at each corner providing additional stability with the use of pegs to secure the apparatus to the ground. In the event that the apparatus is placed upon a hard surface e.g. tarmac, indoor wooden floor, concrete, etc. an additional weight pouch can be secured by permanent stitching or by means of a zip to the lower portion of each frame. A weighted bag e.g. a bag full of sand may also be placed upon the ‘stays’ at each end to achieve additional stability for the apparatus during play.
In some embodiments, the second frames may comprise two end frames each operably arranged either side or end of the substantially vertical first pop-up frame. In some embodiments, the two end frames may have mutual coupling means coupling each of the end frames to the upper and lower portions of the pop-up frame. In some embodiments, the two second frames may be of a generally triangular shape, providing a “A-frame” stability to the first pop-up frame.
In some embodiments the two end frames may have an inverted T-shape. In some embodiments, the second frames may comprise one or more central frames arranged between the two end frames to support the middle of the pop-up frame. In some embodiments, the inverted T-shape second frames have detachable elongate feet.
In some embodiments, the one or more central frames may have mutual coupling means coupling the or each central frame to the upper and lower portions of the pop-up frame. In some embodiments, the upper and lower portions of the pop-up frame may comprise rods and the mutual coupling means of the central frames may be slideably mounted on the rods to allow folding of the net. In some embodiments, the mutual coupling means may be secured to the net, for example by a central sleeve sewn into the net. In some embodiments, the mutual coupling means may be brackets. In some embodiments, the inverted T-shape second frames may have detachable elongate feet.
In some embodiments, the frames of the pop-up net apparatus may conveniently comprise flexible rods forming substantially rectilinear elongate members connected at the corners by tubing providing first and second sockets for connection therewith, the sockets being arranged at 90° one with respect to the other by the tube being bent to a right angle. The frames may also be constructed by a continual length of rod joined at the ends forming an overall oval shape although the rectangular shape is more recognisable for the traditional shape of a net.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a plan view of a tennis court;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a game of volley-ball or badminton being played;

FIG. 3 shows a view of a net in accordance with the invention as would be viewed by a player;

FIGS. 3 a, b, 4 c show detail of the construction of the frame;

FIGS. 3c-e show how pop-up frames can be folded;

FIGS. 4a-4b show side views of two variations of a tennis net in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIG. 5 shows how the present invention could be employed as a volley-ball or badminton net;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a pop-up net apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the frame of the pop-up net apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8-12 show parts of the frame of the pop-up net apparatus of FIG. 6 in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.
With reference to FIG. 3 of the accompanying drawings, a first embodiment of the invention is depicted as a tennis net 30, in this case being suitable for junior players, with the height of the net being 0.7 m and the width of the net being 1.8 m for use upon a junior court. The net is supported by a pop-up frame 32, which is arranged to be upstanding by way of an “A-frame” support arrangement in place of vertically oriented posts at each side of the court. The net can comprise a twine, conveniently made from polyester or similar non-elastic synthetic fibres although natural fibres could be employed, such as hemp, with a net size of 40 mm square. Other sizes of net can be employed according to the game being played e.g. badminton may use a 20 mm square net. In a simple yet convenient embodiment, the invention comprises two rectangular net frames that are pegged to the ground so that they remain position where placed, which frames lean towards each other such that they are connected at the top, to define a headline at the top of the net at a height of some 0.7 m, with the headline cable being replaced by the frame comprised of spring steel, carbon fibre or fibreglass rod which is rigid, but can be flexed when twisted such that the frame can be folded upon itself to occupy a much reduced area, suitable for being retained in a bag for transport and storage without disassembly.
With reference to FIG. 3c , the method of reduction of size of a circular band is shown, wherein to fold a ring into three loops, with hands placed on opposite sides of the ring, the two free portions at ninety degree separation are brought together, with the opposite. As you lift up, bring your hands together and grab the opposite sides in one hand. Use your free hand to coax the two opposite sides down and toward each other to form a saddle shape. At both the top and the bottom, push one side over the other and collapse the loops together. This principle is applied to the present invention wherein twisting of the net as shown in FIG. 3d enables a substantially “D-shaped” folded net to be provided as shown in 3 e.
It has been found that whilst certain frame tubes or rods can be moulded—through heat, pressing or by resin injections etc.—so that they are permanently shaped and inflexible, the use of separate right-angle tube connecting members is a more convenient method of defining corners. FIG. 3a shows how a top frame rod 34 is inserted into a recess 35 in a formed tube “L-member” 36, with an upright frame rod 37 being fitted in a corresponding recess 35. Referring to FIG. 3b , about the frame tennis net, banding 38, conveniently made from a soft flexible material such as nylon or cotton webbing is fastened around the frame, to enclose the frame, with the net 39 being fastened at the same time making the frame, the banding and the net a single component. Alternatively the net can be bordered with material first and stitched together with the frame banding. The banding at the top of each frame is securely fastened to each other to enable the top members of adjacent frames to act as one forming a hinge. In a still further embodiment, the net could comprise a transparent plastics sheet, with, for example, lines corresponding to a net, a logo or otherwise printed thereon, but this could make the net less stable and subject to significant loads from relatively low wind speeds, although in a zero wind environment such as an indoor complex, a printed fabric may be used without detriment or a combination of net with a printed fabric border may also be used thus providing an area for branding or advertising to be employed as part of the net.
Referring now to FIG. 4a , there is shown a side profile of the net configured by two net frames 41 and arranged in a triangular/A-frame fashion. The two nets are spaced apart by a further element, a ‘stay’ conveniently constructed by two lengths of webbing 42 a and 42 b enclosing a rod or tube, fastened at facing edges of an underside banding associated with each frame, the two webbing elements being provided with fastening means 43, such as corresponding elements of a hook and loop fastening system or press clip for instance. Such a ‘stay’ ensures that the frames maintain a separation at the base, so that the base of the net is stable. The angle of the net could be changed, by the use of suitable lengths of ‘stays’ so that different net height levels are achieved by the same net arrangement. Associated with the frames/banding are eyelets 44, arranged for the provision of pegs 45 so that, for grass courts, the pegs can be inserted into the ground. Separate weights can be employed to stabilise the net when deployed upon a concrete or tarmac surface, for example.
In contrast, FIG. 4b shows a further preferred system, wherein three frames are provided, with one central or elongate rectangular first frame 41, vertically oriented and supporting a net, whilst the second and third frames 47 are in the shape of a triangle and provide support for frame 41, frames 47 being fabricated from similar rods or tubes with banding only. Second frames 47 are end frames, being provided at each side or end of central frame 41. FIG. 4c shows 120 degree connecting members 48 with rods 34 inserted to form a triangle brace. Vertical net and frame 41 is secured at the bottom to triangle frame 47, centred on the base of 47 and secured by means of press clip or hook and loop 43. This arrangement forms a stable structure and prevents the net 41 from moving during play. Supporting rod strut 49 constructed from rod or tube and banding is permanently secured to the top of frame 41 and temporarily secured to the bottom of frame 41 by means of a press clip or hook and loop fastener and provides central support to a long span of rod when used on a longer net arrangement. The temporary fixing of the supporting rod 49 at one end allows the apparatus to be twisted and folded away for storage. Eyelets 44 and pegs 45 are also provided for securing the apparatus to the ground for additional stability. Weights may be placed on frame 47 for additional stability when used on a hard surface.
Where the system is used for badminton or volleyball, the frame rods must be of sufficient size to enable the heights to be achieved. It has been found that nets can be supported using a variation of the system of the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 4b , wherein, with reference to
FIG. 5, a net arrangement comprising two outside “pop-up” frames 52 support a reduced height net 51. To prevent the net from flapping, two separate strings or tape 53 of equal length are attached to the bottom of the net at each side. This is repeated at the other end. This centralises the net whilst keeping it taut for play. Conveniently ‘stays’ 42 are positioned at the base of the frames providing stability and fixed spacing. Eyelets 44 enable pegs 45 to further secure the apparatus to the ground where necessary and ‘stays’ 42 provide an anchoring point for weighted bags where the apparatus is used on a solid surface.
FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the pop-up net apparatus 165 according to the invention that has four frames comprising one elongate rectangular first frame 170 which supports the net 172 and three inverted T-shape second frames 174 a,174 b,174 c which support the elongate frame 170 on a surface. Elongate first frame 170 is formed from members or rods 134,137 which are inserted into corner brackets 136,161 and central brackets 162,163. End inverted T-shape second frames 174 a,174 c are formed from upper corner brackets 136, lower corner brackets 161 and rods 137. Central inverted T-shape second frame 174 b is formed from upper central brackets 162 and lower central bracket 163 and rod 137. Lower corner brackets 161 and lower central bracket 163 comprise a pair of elongate tubular legs 160. Brackets 136,161,162,163 act as mutual coupling means to connect elongate first frame 170 to inverted T-shape second frames 174 a,174 b,174 c. Elongate rectangular first frame 170 has an upper portion formed from corner brackets 136, upper central bracket 162 and rod 134 and a lower portion formed from corner brackets 161, lower central bracket 163 and rod 134. End inverted T-shape second frames 174 a,174 c have an upper portion formed by corner brackets 136 and a lower portion formed by corner brackets 161. Central inverted T-shape second frame 174 b has an upper portion formed by upper central bracket 162 and a lower portion formed by lower central bracket 163. The pop-up net apparatus 165 employs a folding leg system that incorporates tubular brackets 136,161,162,163 that are built into the frame 170 of the net 172. The tubular brackets 136,161,162,163 are concealed inside the fabric banding 138 which holds the entire elongate frame 170 together. The rods 134,137 are not fixed to the brackets 136,161,162,163 allowing the rods 134,137 to twist and flex as the net 172 or elongate frame 170 is being folded away for storage.
FIG. 7 shows the construction method of the frames 170,174 a,174 b,174 c. Rods 134 are passed through central brackets 162 and 163. Rods 134 and 137 are inserted into corner brackets 136 and 161 to complete the full frame 170 of the net 172. There may be more than a single set of central brackets 162 and 163 or more than one central inverted T-shape frame 174 b incorporated into the construction of the elongate frame 170 for the net 172, as the net 172 increases in length to meet the requirements of various tennis bodies. It is known that a standard length of net currently needed for tennis nets may vary from 1.8 metres, 3 metres, 5 metres and 6 metres but any length of net may be constructed with a suitable combination of components 170,174 a,174 b,174 c.
The inclusion of central brackets 162 and 163 and the accompanying rod 137 provides stability and structural integrity for the net over the whole of its length. A central sleeve 149 which is fabricated as part of banding 138 encloses central brackets 162, 163 and upright rod 137 and prevents these items from moving along rods 134. Various dimensions of rods 134 and 137 and the tube used in fabricating 136, 161, 162, 163 and 160 may be used based on the overall size of the net.
FIG. 8 shows corner bracket 136 used for the top corners of the frame. FIGS. 9 and 10 show lower corner bracket 161 in more detail with a side and end view. Lower corner bracket 161 is constructed from tube with an angled T section allowing elongate tubular leg 160, also constructed from tube, to be slid over an end of lower corner bracket 161 in a telescopic type manner. When deployed the elongate tubular legs 160 form a stable platform for the net. The construction of elongate tubular leg 160 uses a piece of elastic cord (not shown) which is passed through leg 160 and lower corner bracket 161 with the cord being secured at each end. This allows the legs 160 to be separated from lower corner bracket 161 and folded vertically or horizontally against the frame 170.
The legs 160 are then secured by tucking them into a stitched pocket 164 which is part of the fabric banding of the net 172. Other methods of securing the leg 160 could be employed including but not limited to a Velcro strap. Any number of central inverted T-shape frames 174 b can be employed as net length increases. Each of these central inverted T-shape frames 174 b functions in the same manner and is stowed in the same way. In smaller length nets the use of a central leg support may not be necessary.
Although it is not seen as a necessity the use of a tent peg or stake could be used to secure the legs 160 to the ground in a high wind environment and the use of rubber end caps for legs 160 may also be used to prevent the legs 160 from sliding on a slippery surface such as a polished indoor games court.
FIG. 11 shows the upper central inverted T-shape bracket 162 and FIG. 12 shows the lower central bracket 163 of the central inverted T-shape frame 174 b.
As with previous embodiments the deployment and storage of the net is the same. In this embodiment, central inverted T-shape frame 174 b is fixed in central sleeve 149. Legs are folded and stowed and the net is twisted and folded a number of times until the net is in a flat oval shape for storage.
The present invention provides a simple, easily realisable net system for a number of net-games, such as tennis, badminton and volleyball, whereby a low cost net can be provided, for use in the training of children, in a house-holders garden which cannot be permanently set aside for tennis, for use in an indoor sports complex a park or at a beach. As will be appreciated numerous variations of the present invention are possible.

Claims

1. A pop-up net apparatus for a net-based game upon a playing surface, the apparatus comprising a first pop-up frame which is rectangular in shape, having an upper portion and a lower portion and which supports a net and at least a second frame having an upper portion and a lower portion, the frames having respective mutual coupling means arranged at least at their respective upper portions;

the apparatus being operable in a first, active mode upon the playing surface, wherein the rectangular net frame is supported by means of said at least second frame, whereby to provide a generally upright net for a net-based game;

wherein the first pop-up frame comprises members being capable, in a second, storage mode of being twisted and folded to provide a substantially flat configuration;

wherein the second frames comprise two end frames each operably arranged either side or end of a substantially vertical first pop-up frame; and

wherein the one or more central frames have mutual coupling means coupling each of the end frames to the upper and lower portions of the pop-up frame.

2. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the two second frames are of a generally triangular shape, providing an “A-frame” stability to the first pop-up frame.

3. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the two end frames are an inverted T-shape.

4. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second frames comprise one or more central frames arranged between the two end frames to support the middle of the pop-up frame.

5. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the one or more central frames have mutual coupling means coupling the or each central frame to the upper and lower portions of the pop-up frame.

6. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the upper and lower portions of the pop-up frame comprise members and wherein the mutual coupling means of the central frames are slideably mounted on the members to allow folding of the apparatus.

7. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the mutual coupling means of the one or more central frames are secured to the net.

8. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the inverted T-shape second frames have detachable elongate feet.

9. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the or each pop-up frame supports a net or comprises banding arranged so as to support a net.

10. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the or each net comprises a twine made from a material which is one of a natural fibre and a synthetic fibre.

11. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the or each net comprises one of a textile sheet and a plastics sheet.

12. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the sheet is printed to define a printed net, a logo or other two-dimensional representation.

13. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more pop-up frames comprise substantially rectilinear elongate members connected at the corners by members providing first and second sockets for connection therewith, the sockets being arranged at 90° one with respect to the other.

14. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein associated with the frames/banding are eyelets, arranged for the provision of pegs so that, for grass courts, the pegs can be inserted into the ground.

15. A pop-up net apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second frames are arranged such that a net depends from the coupled upper portions which enable the supports or second frames to act as standards for a volley-ball or badminton net.