Apparatus and method for providing a target zone

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing a target zone for an object in motion is disclosed. An apparatus includes an inelastic strand that defines a perimeter of a zone, and at least two elastic strands. Each elastic strand is connected to a point along the inelastic strand, such that when biased outward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands form the zone into a predetermined shape.

1 . An apparatus for providing a target zone for an object in motion, the apparatus comprising: 
 an inelastic strand that defines a perimeter of a zone; and    at least two elastic strands, each elastic strand being connected to a point along the inelastic strand, such that when biased outward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands form the zone into a predetermined shape.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the inelastic strand is a first color, and wherein the at least two elastic strands are a second color that is different from the first color.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the predetermined shape is rectangular.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the predetermined shape is approximately 24 inches in height and approximately 17 inches in width.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the first color is white, and wherein the second color is black.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two elastic strands includes an attachment mechanism for attaching to a support to suspend the zone at a predetermined height.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the at least two elastic strands includes four elastic strands.  
   
   
       8 . A system for providing a target zone for an object in motion, the system comprising: 
 an inelastic strand that defines a perimeter of a zone;    at least two elastic strands, each elastic strand being connected to a point along the inelastic strand, such that when biased outward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands form the zone into a predetermined shape;    a support having an attachment mechanism to which the at least two elastic strands can be connected to suspend the zone at a predetermined height.    
   
   
       9 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the inelastic strand is a first color, and wherein the at least two elastic strands are a second color that is different from the first color.  
   
   
       10 . A system in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the predetermined shape is rectangular.  
   
   
       11 . A system in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the predetermined shape is approximately 24 inches in height and approximately 17 inches in width.  
   
   
       12 . A system in accordance with  claim 9 , wherein the first color is white, and wherein the second color is black.  
   
   
       13 . A system in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein each of the at least two elastic strands includes an attachment mechanism for attaching to a support to suspend the zone at a predetermined height.  
   
   
       14 . A system in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the at least two elastic strands includes four elastic strands.  
   
   
       15 . A system in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the support comprises a pair of posts.  
   
   
       16 . A system in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein the support further comprises a base connected to each post.  
   
   
       17 . A system in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein each post is telescopically adjustable in height.  
   
   
       18 . A method for providing a target zone for an object in motion, the apparatus comprising: 
 defining a perimeter of a zone with an inelastic strand; and    connecting at least two elastic strands to respective points along the inelastic strand, such that when biased outward from the inelastic strand, the at least two elastic strands form the zone into a predetermined shape.    
   
   
       19 . A method in accordance with  claim 18 , further comprising connecting the at least two elastic strands to a support to suspend the zone at a predetermined height and form the zone into the predetermined shape.  
   
   
       20 . A method in accordance with  claim 18 , wherein the predetermined shape is approximately 24 inches in height and approximately 17 inches in width.