Collapsible sports goal

Abstract

A collapsible goal frame having a collapsed position and an expanded position formed of a plurality of telescopic members operatively engaged. The goal will collapse to 60 percent or less of its expanded size without the requirement of disengaging any of the members forming the goal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates generally to sports goals. More particularly the device disclosed herein relates to frame supported nets used in games to determine a score by catching a ball or puck. Goal frameworks for impromptu or official sporting events utilizing nets such as soccer and hockey employ a net supported by a metal frame which determines the aperture size for the ball or puck to pass through and be caught by the supported net. [0003] More particularly the present invention refers to a multi-axis, telescopically collapsible and adjustable goal structure that can be easily erected and collapsed without tools within the vertical, horizontal axises and which provides for simple installation and removal, especially in temporary sporting situations in parks, yards, beaches and other areas. In the preferred embodiments to be described herein, the device is easily stored in the collapsed state and then easily reposit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a multi-axis, telescopically collapsible and adjustable goal structure that can be easily erected and collapsed without tools. It provides a simple, easily constructed and easily removable portable version of a goal net that can be easily transported and set up in temporary or informal sporting situations. The goal structure is designed to be easily attached and detached from a playing surface, such as a parking lot or a school field, without damaging the surface. It can be easily collapsed and re-used for multiple sports and events. The goal structure is adjustable in height, width, and length to accommodate different sports and playing fields. It provides a simple and convenient solution for non-professionals and parks and beaches to set up temporary or impromptu sporting events."

Problems solved by technology

The most obvious shortfall of this design is the great likelihood during the excitement prior to the contest of the loss of any of the pins, bolts and other small pieces which would render the device unusable.

In addition, even simple tools such as are employed for the assembly and disassembly may not be available at the time or place of use.

This approach includes the shortfall of the prior design as it potentially requires the use of tools for assembly and has many small pieces that can be misplaced.

The most significant flaw is the need for emplacement of the vertical support rods into the ground.

In many areas such a practice may be precluded by local environmental laws and the use of such a device on a hard surface such as a parking lot would be rendered impossible without damage to the surface.

Once again the use of such a methodology will be compromised through the loss of any of the multiple small pieces like the socket pins and triangular supports used to maintain the attachment and stability of the device.

As a result this approach does not meet the necessary criteria of extended multiple long term use and re-use, easy transport and portability.

Though this approach avoids the prior noted shortfalls in above noted designs, the need for anchoring stakes for affixation of the device to the playing surface precludes use on any but surfaces into which such anchoring stakes can be driven.

Such a flaw would substantially reduce the effectiveness of the device as not all locations provide such surfaces or permit such anchoring stakes to be utilized, for example as in an asphalt parking lot or a tennis court.

Though this design avoids most of the disadvantages associated with the plurality of loose fasteners, hooks and clips and tools for driving or tightening the same and that may also become lost in transit or storage or during assembly of a goal on a turf playing field, the issue of physical attachment to the playing surface is not sufficiently addressed.

As can be seen from the description, either a permanent fastener is required or a soft surface into which stakes or the pointed feet can be driven is required in order to affect proper utilization of the device and that is a defect for general impromptu use where such attributes are not present.

This would require multiple units to be available in order to switch between sports, an unnecessary complication in logistics.

The most obvious failing of this design is the likely high cost of manufacture and assembly of the three way swiveling and pivoting couplings which are key to the design.

Additionally, the need for these components to slide, swivel and rotate combined with the plurality of hinged couplings required to affect proper extension introduces unnecessary complexity to the functional aspects of the design.

However, the device might be provided without the locking components in that it will have a tendency to remain in the expanded form when sitting on a field of play from the effects of friction from the playing surface and the weight of the device.

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