Multi-sport inflatable cage/structure

Abstract

The disclosure generally relates to a system for providing a structure for multi-sport practice and/or training activities. The system can include one or more modules comprising a series of inflatable sections and one or more netting panels releasably coupled to the sections of the one or more inflatable modules. Upon inflation of the inflatable sections, the one or more modules can be erected into a substantially self-supporting structure, which can define an interior practice space configured for performing selected sports practice and/or other training activities therein.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for providing a collapsible, portable structure for multi-sport practice and/or training activities, comprising:
 at least one module comprising a series of inflatable sections connected together; and   at least one netting panel releasably coupled to at least one of the sections of the at least one inflatable module;   wherein, upon inflation of the inflatable sections, the at least one module is erected into a substantially self-supporting structure defining an interior practice space, the interior practice space configured for performing one or more selected sports practice and/or training activities therein.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one module is configured to be connected in series with one or more additional modules to create a variable length structure accommodating the one or more selected sports practice and/or training activities. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one module is connected to the one or more additional modules by one or more module interconnects; and wherein the at least one netting panel is configured to be connectable to one or more additional netting panels of the one or more additional modules. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one inflatable module comprises a horseshoe, semi-circular, square, oval, or rectangular shape, configured and dimensioned to facilitate the one or more selected sports practice and/or training activities. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable sections of at least one module each comprises a substantially airtight, puncture and weather resistant material. 
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 5 , wherein the sections each comprise a polyvinyl chloride impregnated material fabricated into a substantially cylindrical beam. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the netting panel applies a tension to the at least one section of the module, and wherein altering a tension force of the at least one netting panel changes the rigidity of the at least one inflatable module. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a door panel extending across an open end of the interior practice space, and wherein the door panel is configured to provide access therethrough and into the interior practice space. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one netting panel comprises a mesh material having a substantially triangular, diamond, or square shaped pattern, and the at least one netting panel is configured to substantially reduce rebound of objects impacting the at least one netting panel during the one or more selected sports practice and/or training activities. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the inflatable sections of the at least one module comprise a front section, a rear section, a first side and a second side, each of the sections connected to each other, and further comprising netting panels releasably connected to each of the front and rear sections of the module. 
     
     
         11 . The system according to  claim 10 , wherein the front and rear sections each comprise a plurality of spaced beams defining open areas therebetween and connected to each other at a plurality of joints, each having a width of between about 1.5 in. and about 4 in. 
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of joints comprise heat-welded seams. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the inflatable sections of the at least one module includes a pressure release valve. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one netting panel comprises one or more panel seams, a netting material disposed between an inner fabric part and an outer fabric part, and having a reinforcing cording woven therein, one or more grommets attached to the inner fabric part, and one or more attachment devices attached to the outer fabric part. 
     
     
         15 . A module for forming a multi-sport practice and/or training system, comprising:
 a front section, a rear section and at least one side section connected together and each including a plurality of inflatable structural beams; and   one or more netting panels releasably mounted to at least one of the front, rear and side sections;   wherein inflation of the front, rear and at least one side section defines a structural frame having sufficient rigidity and weight to enable the structural frame to be substantially self-supported and comprising an interior practice space configured for performing selected sports practice and/or training activities.   
     
     
         16 . The module according to  claim 15 , further comprising tie down locations arranged along the front, rear and/or side sections and configured for attaching a weight to provide additional stability to the module. 
     
     
         17 . The module according to  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of inflatable structural beams define open areas therebetween and are connected to each other at a plurality of joints, each joint comprising a heat-welded seam having a width of between about 1.5 in. to about 4 in. 
     
     
         18 . The module according to  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of inflatable structural beams of the front and/or side section comprise at least four inflatable structural beams, including first and second inflatable structural beams disposed parallel to each other, third and fourth inflatable structural beams each disposed at an angle with respect to the first and second inflatable structural beams. 
     
     
         19 . The module according to  claim 15 , further comprising a door panel connected to one of the front or rear sections, extending across an opening therein, wherein the door panel is configured to provide access therethrough and into the interior practice space, and comprises at least one rounded interior corner.