Net Repair Device

Abstract

A net repair device is disclosed that provides a support device for pickleball nets that have been worn down or damaged over time. The net repair device comprises a body component that is a flexible, plastic piece that includes a pair of locking tabs that wrap around the top and middle part of the net and the supporting middle rod. The pair of locking tabs interlock and provide stability to the damaged area of the net. The body component offers a place where the supporting rod can sit, restoring the net to proper regulation height so play can continue.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A net repair device that provides a user with a support device for pickleball nets, the net repair device comprising:
 a body component; and   a pair of locking tabs;   wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are wrapped around a top of a pickleball net and secured; and   further wherein the body component supports a supporting rod to restore the pickleball net to proper regulation height so play can continue.   
     
     
         2 . The net repair device of  claim 1 , wherein the body component is a flexible, plastic piece, typically configured in a rectangular shape. 
     
     
         3 . The net repair device of  claim 2 , wherein the body component comprises a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side edges, and opposing top and bottom edges. 
     
     
         4 . The net repair device of  claim 3 , wherein the pair of locking tabs protrude planarly from the bottom edge. 
     
     
         5 . The net repair device of  claim 4 , wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are formed separately and secured together via thermal welding, glue, or adhesives. 
     
     
         6 . The net repair device of  claim 4 , wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are formed as one integral unit, via stamping or laser cut techniques. 
     
     
         7 . The net repair device of  claim 4 , wherein the pair of locking tabs are spaced apart from one another and positioned in a parallel configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The net repair device of  claim 7 , wherein the pair of locking tabs are a same size and shape and mirror each other. 
     
     
         9 . The net repair device of  claim 8 , wherein the pair of locking tabs each comprise a proximal end and a distal end. 
     
     
         10 . The net repair device of  claim 9 , wherein the proximal end secures to the bottom edge of the body component. 
     
     
         11 . The net repair device of  claim 10 , wherein the distal end comprises an enlarged tab component. 
     
     
         12 . The net repair device of  claim 11 , wherein the top edge of the body component comprises a pair of slots. 
     
     
         13 . The net repair device of  claim 12 , wherein the pair of slots are spaced apart and sized and shaped to accept the enlarged tab component of the pair of locking tabs. 
     
     
         14 . The net repair device of  claim 13 , wherein the enlarged tab component is wrapped around or doubles back on itself, such that the enlarged tab component then slides into one of the pair of slots and is secured via an interference fit. 
     
     
         15 . A net repair device that provides a user with a support device for pickleball nets, the net repair device comprising:
 a body component comprising a front surface, a rear surface, opposing side edges, and opposing top and bottom edges; and   a pair of locking tabs which protrude planarly from the bottom edge and comprise a proximal end and a distal end;   wherein the pair of locking tabs are spaced apart from one another and positioned in a parallel configuration;   wherein the proximal end secures to the bottom edge of the body component;   wherein the distal end comprises an enlarged tab component;   wherein the top edge of the body component comprises a pair of slots, which are spaced apart and sized and shaped to accept the enlarged tab component of the pair of locking tabs;   wherein the body component and the pair of locking tabs are wrapped around a top of a pickleball net;   wherein the enlarged tab component is wrapped around or doubles back on itself, such that the enlarged tab component then slides into one of the pair of slots and is secured via an interference fit; and   further wherein in position, the body component supports a supporting rod of the pickleball net to restore the pickleball net to proper regulation height so play can continue.   
     
     
         16 . The net repair device of  claim 15 , wherein the body component is manufactured of a lightweight, durable and flexible plastic. 
     
     
         17 . The net repair device of  claim 15 , wherein the body component is manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof. 
     
     
         18 . The net repair device of  claim 15 , wherein the body component is molded in transparent or translucent plastic to blend into the pickleball net during use. 
     
     
         19 . The net repair device of  claim 15  further comprising a plurality of indicia. 
     
     
         20 . A method of efficiently repairing a pickleball net, the method comprising the following steps:
 providing a net repair device comprising a body component with a pair of locking tabs;   inserting the body component on the supporting middle rod of the net;   wrapping the pair of locking tabs around the top and middle part of the net, drawing the net upwards; and   restoring the net to proper regulation height so play can continue.