Sport and game target net

Abstract

A target is provided for hitting or throwing balls and other objects for sport practice sessions or games. The target includes a plurality of foldable arms with a connected net which can be moved between open and closed positions by pulling and pushing a handle connected to the arms. In the open position, the target forms an inverted umbrella. A front face is attached to the net and has a plurality of openings through which the balls or objects can pass forth.

1 . A golf chipping target, comprising:
 a plurality of arms foldable between open and closed positions, each arm having forward and rearward ends, and the forward ends defining a front plane when the arms are in the open position;   a handle connected to the arms and extending rearward from the arms;   the handle being pushed forwardly to close the arms and pulled rearwardly to open the arms;   a net attached to the arms so as to fold with the arms and forming a concave surface extending behind the front plane; and   a front face adjacent the front plane when the arms are open and having an opening defining a target through which a ball may pass.   
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . The golf chipping target of  claim 2  further comprising a plurality of enlarged, spaced apart openings formed in the net through which a golf ball may pass. 
   
   
       4 . The golf chipping target of  claim 3  further comprising a plurality of pockets attached to the net behind each opening to hold a ball passing through the opening. 
   
   
       5 . The golf chipping target of  claim 1  further comprising a central support bushing slidably mounted on the handle, and the rearward ends of the arms being connected to the bushing. 
   
   
       6 . The golf chipping target of  claim 5  further comprising a plurality of braces each having an inner end connected to the forward end of the handle and an outer end connected to one of the arms. 
   
   
       7 . The golf chipping target of  claim 5  wherein braces move over-center relative to the handle when the handle is pulled rearwardly so as to maintain the open position. 
   
   
       8 . The golf chipping target of  claim 1  further comprising an elongated lower trap extending across a bottom portion of the net adjacent the front plane so as to retain balls behind the trap. 
   
   
       9 . The golf chipping target of  claim 1  wherein the arms open into an inverted umbrella formation. 
   
   
       10 . A target for receiving game objects, comprising:
 a plurality of arms forming into an inverted umbrella and having forward and rearward ends;   a handle for moving the arms between open and closed positions, the forward ends of the arms defining a front plane when the arms are in the open position;   a net attached to the arms;   a substantially planar front face extending across the target adjacent the front plane when the arms are opened; and   a plurality of enlarged openings in the front face for receiving objects projected at the net.   
   
   
       11 . The target of  claim 10  further comprising pockets attached behind each opening for holding an object passing through the opening. 
   
   
       12 . The target of  claim 10  wherein the handle pushes forwardly to close the arms and pulls rearwardly to open the arms. 
   
   
       13 . The target of  claim 10  further comprising a support bushing slidably mounted on the handle, and the rearward ends of the arms being connected to the bushing. 
   
   
       14 . The target of  claim 10  further comprising a plurality of braces each having an inner end connected to the forward end of the handle and an outer end connected to one of the arms. 
   
   
       15 . The target of  claim 10  wherein the arms and braces move over-center when the handle is pulled rearwardly so as to maintain the open position. 
   
   
       16 . The target of  claim 10  further comprising an elongated lower pocket extending across a bottom portion of the net adjacent the front plane so as to retain balls projected into the front face. 
   
   
       17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . The target of  claim 10  wherein the net remains attached to the arms during opening and closing. 
   
   
       19 . The target of  claim 10  wherein the arms are one piece without joints. 
   
   
       20 . The target of  claim 10  wherein the handle extends into the inverted umbrella.