Foldable fielding net

Abstract

A net assembly includes a base having hub and at least three extension arms, wherein the extension arms extend from the base hub to form a polygon. At least one flexible support pole is removably coupled to each of the extension arms of the base, and a net is configured to receive each of the flexible support poles. The net comprises a plurality of panels which define a polygonal cross-section. The net bends each of the flexible support poles such that the each of the poles is in a flexed state and wherein in the flexed state, each of the flexible support poles is adapted to exert an outward force onto the net, thereby exposing each of the plurality of panels of the net.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A net assembly, comprising:
 a base comprising a base hub and at least three extension arms, wherein the extension arms extend from the base hub such that a line extending between adjacent distal ends of the arms would form a polygon;   at least one flexible support pole removably coupled to each of the extension arms of the base; and   a net configured to receive each of the flexible support poles, the net comprising a plurality of panels which define a polygonal cross-section,   wherein the net is adapted to bend each of the flexible support poles such that each of the flexible support poles is in a flexed state and wherein in the flexed state, each of the flexible support poles is adapted to exert an outward force onto the net, thereby supporting the net therebetween and exposing each of the plurality of panels of the net between the flexible support poles.   
     
     
         2 . The net assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises three extension arms forming a triangle. 
     
     
         3 . The net assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the three extension arms form an equilateral triangle. 
     
     
         4 . The net assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein at least two of the extension arms are pivotally coupled to the base hub. 
     
     
         5 . The net assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of the extension arms further comprises at least one shaft, wherein each of the at least one shafts is configured to receive one of the plurality of flexible support poles. 
     
     
         6 . The net assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the base hub further comprises a vertically extending centralized pole. 
     
     
         7 . The net assembly as recited in  claim 6 , wherein an upper portion of the net is coupled to an upper portion of the vertically extending centralized pole. 
     
     
         8 . The net assembly as recited in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of panels is held taut by the flexible support poles.