Securing means

Abstract

A securing element for attaching a goal net to a goal frame to form a goal assembly, a goal assembly and a kit of parts for a goal assembly are provided. The securing element comprises an elongate body (22, figure 2) having a longitudinal axis (X, figure 2), the elongate body being configured to be releasably locatable in a channel (18, figure 4) formed in the goal frame (4). The elongate body comprises a first elongate portion 24 and a second elongate Portion 26, and the first elongate portion and second elongate portion are each coupled with a body portion 28 to define a slot 30a between the first elongate portion, second elongate portion and the body portion, the slot comprising a slot opening 34. At least a portion of the elongate body is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the slot opening comprises a first width for retaining the portion of a goal net within the slot, and a second configuration in which the slot opening comprises a second width which enables the portion of the goal net to move into and out from the slot. The elongate body is configured such that when the elongate body is located within the channel in the goal frame, the elongate body is maintained in the first configuration.

Description

The present invention relates to a securing means for attaching a goal net to a goal frame to form a goal assembly, a goal assembly and a kit of parts for a goal assembly. Background A goal assembly for use in sports such as soccer typically includes at least two posts, which are usually arranged vertically, and a crossbar, usually arranged horizontally, that are attached together to form a goal frame and define an opening. Such a goal assembly also typically includes a goal net, formed of a mesh structure, that is attached to the goal frame on one side of the goal frame to stop moving objects, such as soccer balls, that pass through an opening, or goal mouth, of the goal frame. In known goal assemblies, the goal net is accommodated within at least one channel formed in at least part of the goal frame and secured to the goal frame by multiple discrete integral flanges formed as part of the channel or clips inserted into the channel. However, the provision of these multiple flanges or clips results in discrete points of attachment between the goal net and the goal frame, increasing the stress on the goal net at the points of attachment and increasing the likelihood of failure of the goal net under load. Additionally, in order to attach the goal net to the goal frame, the goal net must either be hooked around each flange or each clip must be inserted into the channel. Detachment of the goal net from the goal frame will also require unhooking the goal net from the flanges or removal of each clip. This results in a complicated and time-consuming process for attaching the goal net to the goal frame. Some goal assemblies require the goal net to be attached to the goal frame during construction of the goal frame, which makes removal of the goal net for maintenance or storage more difficult due to the need to at least partially deconstruct the goal frame. Finally, newer safety standards prevent the use of any external hooks or similar protrusions to secure the goal net to the goal frame, due to the risk of injury to a person that collides with the goal net. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a means of securing a goal net to a goal frame that is simple and easy to use and install, whilst prolonging the life of the goal net and complying with contemporary safety standards. Statement of Invention The present invention, in at least some of its embodiments, seeks to address at least some of the above-described problems, needs and desires. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a securing means for attaching a goal net to a goal frame to form a goal assembly, the securing means comprising an elongate member configured to be received in a channel formed in the goal frame, wherein the elongate member comprises a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion, and the first elongate portion and second elongate portion are each joined to a body portion to define a slot between the first elongate portion, second elongate portion and the body portion, the slot comprising a slot opening, wherein at least a portion of the elongate body is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the slot opening comprises a first width for retaining the portion of a goal net within the slot, and a second configuration in which the slot opening comprises a second width which enables the portion of the goal net to move into and out from the slot, and wherein the elongate body is configured such that when the elongate body is located within the channel in the goal frame, the elongate body is maintained in the first configuration. The present inventors have found that, by providing a securing means in the form of an elongate body that can be located within existing channels in goal frames, a goal net can be reliably secured to a goal frame in a uniform manner along the length of the channel, reducing the localisation of stress within the goal net. Additionally, by providing a single elongate member for each channel, a goal net can be secured to or removed from a goal frame by the addition or removal of a single component or a small number of components, facilitating the construction and deconstruction of the goal assembly and allowing the removal of the net for maintenance or storage without deconstruction of the goal frame. The first elongate portion can comprise a first protruding member on a surface that is configured, in use, to contact a portion of the goal frame. The second elongate portion can comprise a second protruding member on a surface that is configured, in use, to contact a portion of the goal frame. The provision of a first protruding member and / or a second protruding member can allow for deformation of the elongate body by rotation of the first elongate portion and / or the second elongate portion about the longitudinal axis of the elongate body when the elongate body is located within the channel, to reduce the width of the slot and secure the goal net within the slot. The first protruding member can be located at or towards a distal end of the first elongate portion, relative to the slot, in order to, in use, provide the greatest degree of rotation of the first elongate portion around the longitudinal axis. The second protruding member can be located at or towards a distal end of the second elongate portion, relative to the slot, in order to, in use, provide the greatest degree of rotation of the second elongate portion around the longitudinal axis. The body portion can comprise at least one flange on an external surface thereof that, in use, is configured to contact a portion of the channel. The at least one flange can comprise two flanges arranged on opposing sides of the body portion. The at least one flange is configured to, in use, engage a portion of the channel and provide an interference, or friction, fit between the elongate member and the channel. The first elongate portion can comprise at least one protrusion adjacent to the opening of the slot. The at least one protrusion can comprise a barb. The at least one protrusion can comprise multiple protrusions. Alternatively, the at least one protrusion can consist of a single protrusion which extends along the length of the first elongate portion. The second elongate portion can comprise at least one protrusion adjacent to the opening of the slot. The at least one protrusion can comprise a barb. The at least one protrusion can comprise multiple protrusions. Alternatively, the at least one protrusion can consist of a single protrusion which extends along the length of the first elongate portion. The provision of protrusions at the opening of the slot can, in use, help to secure the goal net within the slot by providing another physical barrier to prevent the goal net from sliding out of the slot. The first elongate portion, second elongate portion and body portion can be integrally formed in order to facilitate the manufacture of the elongate body. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a goal assembly comprising a goal frame, a goal net and at least one securing means according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the goal frame comprises at least two posts and a crossbar and wherein at least one of the group comprising the at least two posts and crossbar comprises at least one channel formed in an external surface, wherein the goal net is detachably couplable with the goal frame by locating the at least one securing means within the at least one channel. Each of the at least two posts and crossbar can respectively comprise at least one channel, and the goal assembly can comprise a securing means releasably locatable within each channel. This allows for the goal net to be secured to each of the components of the goal frame. The at least two posts and cross bar can be integrally formed as a goal frame. Alternatively, the at least two posts and cross bar can be joined together to form the goal frame. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts for a goal assembly comprising: • a goal frame comprising at least two posts and a crossbar, wherein at least one of the at least two posts and crossbar comprises a channel formed in an external surface; • a goal net; and • at least one securing means according to the first aspect of the present invention. Description of Figures Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a goal assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a securing means according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of a securing means according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a securing means according to an embodiment of the invention installed in a goal frame. Detailed Description Where the same reference numeral has been used in different figures and / or embodiments, the feature to which it relates corresponds to a substantially identical feature. An exemplary goal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. The goal assembly 2 comprises a goal frame 4 and a goal net 6 attached to the goal frame by at least one securing means 8. The goal frame 4 comprises at least two posts 10 and a crossbar 12. In use, the at least two posts 10 are positioned vertically, with the crossbar 12 positioned horizontally between the two posts 10 to define an opening 14. The goal assembly 2 can also include additional components to maintain the stability and rigidity of the goal frame 4 and / or the arrangement of the goal net 6 in a manner known in the art. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the goal frame 4 include additional support bars 16 to support the goal frame 4 and allow the goal frame 4 to stand freely. Further examples of additional components include additional posts configured to be located behind the goal assembly 2 and secured to the goal net 6 to maintain the arrangement of the goal net 6, and attachment means, such as pins, to attach the goal assembly 2 to the ground or other structures. The goal frame 4 can be provided as a single, integrally formed structure. Alternatively, the goal frame 4 can be assembled from separate component parts that are assembled together to form the goal frame 4. For example, the crossbar 12 can be detachably coupled with the two posts 10 by at least one removable fastening means, such as screws, to allow the goal frame 4 to be assembled and disassembled when required. Alternatively, the crossbar 12 can be joined to the two posts 10 by a more permanent fastening means, such as through welding the crossbar 12 to the two posts 10, which can provide a more rigid structure. Additionally, each of the two posts 10 and the crossbar 12 can be provided as single components, or each of the two posts 10 and the crossbar 12 can comprise subcomponents that are joined together. For example, the crossbar 12 can comprise individual crossbar portions that are joined together to form the crossbar 12, which can allow for more compact storage when not in use. The materials used to form the goal frame 4 are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the two posts 10 and crossbar 12 are each formed from extruded aluminium or extruded aluminium alloy. At least one of the group comprising the two posts 10 and crossbar 12 comprises at least one channel 18 (see Figure 4) formed in an external surface. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the two posts 10 and crossbar 12 respectively comprise at least one channel 18. The channel 18 can extend longitudinally along at least a part of the length of the crossbar 12 and / or the at least two posts 10. Whilst the structure of the channel 18 is not particularly limited, the channel 18 comprises at least two sidewalls and an opening. An example of a channel 18 is shown in Figure 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 18 comprises a substantially rectangular cross-section formed between two opposing sidewalls 46 and a base 48 and comprises an opening 50. The sidewalls 46 also include flanges 52 located at the opening 50 of the channel 18 that protrude into the opening 50. Where more than one of the at least two posts 10 and crossbar 12 comprise a channel 18, each of the channels 18 have the same dimensions and profile to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the goal net 6. The goal net 6 typically comprises a mesh structure 20. The goal net 6 is secured to one side of the goal frame 4 by at least one securing means 8 by locating the at least one securing means 8 within the channel 18. Locating the securing means 8 within the channel 18 can comprise inserting the securing means 8 through an opening of the channel 18. A securing means 8 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The securing means 8 comprises an elongate body 22 having a longitudinal axis X. The elongate body 22 is arranged to detachably couple with the goal frame 4 and comprises a first elongate portion or wing 24 and a second elongate portion or wing 26, and the first wing 24 and second wing 26 are each joined to a body portion 28 to define a slot 30 between the first elongate portion 24, second elongate portion 26 and the body portion 28. The body portion 28 comprises a base 36 and side walls 32 which extend from the base to define a substantially U-shaped slot cavity 30a. The first wing 24 extends along one of the side walls, from an upper portion of one of the side walls 32, outwardly of the slot 30, and the second wing 26 similarly extends along the other side wall, from an upper portion of the other the side wall 32, outwardly of the slot 30. The slot cavity 30a formed between the side walls 32 opens into a slot chamber 30b defined between opposing faces 24a, 26a of the first and second wings 24, 26. Whilst the structure of the slot 30 is not particularly limited, an opening 34 to the slot chamber 30b is defined by the spacing between the opposing faces 24a, 26a of the first and second wings 24, 26, at an upper side of the body 22, namely the side opposite the base 36 of the body portion 28. At least the body portion 28 of the securing means is formed of a resiliently deformable material such that the width of the opening 34 can be increased by separating the wings 24, 26. However, by releasing any pulling force upon the wings 24, 26 (which acts to separate the wings 24, 26), the wings 24, 26 are arranged to recover to their original configuration such that the width of the opening 34 recovers to the original width. The opening 34 to the slot 30 opens into the slot chamber 30b which comprises a substantially circular cross-section having a diameter which is greater than the width of the opening 34 and the width of the slot cavity 30a. The elongate body 22 is configured such that, when the elongate body 22 is received in a channel 18 of a goal frame 4, a width of the opening 34 of the slot 30 is maintained to retain at least a portion of the goal net 6 within the slot 30, and thus secure the net to the goal frame 4. This is achieved by sizing the channel 18 to substantially conform with the cross-sectional shape of the elongate body 22. During use for example, the opening to the slot 30 may be increased to allow an edge of the goal net 6 to be passed into the slot chamber 30b. The resilient nature of the elongate member 22 ensures that when the force separating the wings 24, 26 is removed, the opening 34 of the slot 30 is reduced to its initial width trapping the net edge within the slot chamber 30b. In this respect, the securing means is arranged to hold the net along the length of the net edge, rather than at discrete regions of the net. An external face of each of the side walls 32 of the body portion 28 is provided with an elongate flange 38 which extends along the respective wall. As shown in Figure 4, the flanges 38 are configured to engage below the flanges 52 which extend into the opening 50 of the channel 18. As the body portion 28 is inserted into the channel 18, the width of the slot 30 is arranged to progressively reduce until the flanges 32 on the body portion 28 have passed below the flanges 52, at which point the elongate member 22 can recover to its original configuration. Once reconfigured, a neck of the channel opening 50 defined between the flanges 52, is arranged to abut an outer side of the side walls 32 of the body portion 28 and prevent any separation between the wings 24, 26 and thus an increased width of the opening 34 of the slot chamber 30b, to effectively secure the net within the elongate member 22 and thus to the goal frame 4. When it is desired to remove the goal net from the goal frame, the wings 24, 26 of the elongate body can be urged together to cause the flanges 38 on the body portion 28 to move from under the flanges 52 formed on the goal frame 4. Once moved, the elongate body can be lifted from the channel and the wings separated to release the net 6 out from the slot chamber 30b through the opening 34. In an alternative embodiment, it may be desirable to reduce the width of the opening 34 once the elongate member 22 has been inserted within the channel 18, and this may be achieved by locating the elongate body 22 in a channel 18 which is sized smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the elongate body 22. This smaller channel size will act to urge the wings 24, 26 and side walls 32 together to reduce the width of the opening 34. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body portion 28 is configured to be located within the channel 18 that may be narrower in width than the body portion 28. When the body portion 28 is located within the channel 18, the body portion is compressed, narrowing the width of the slot cavity 30a and additionally causing the first and second wings 24, 26 to partially rotate about the longitudinal axis X, further reducing the width of the slot 30 and its opening 34. However, the effect of compression of any part of the elongate body 22 within a narrower channel 18 will provide the same reduction in width of the slot 30 and the opening 34 to retain the portion of the goal net 6 within the slot chamber 30b. At least the portion of the elongate body 22 that configured to be located within the channel 18 is resiliently deformable to allow for compression of the elongate member and a reduction in width of the slot 30. For example, the elongate body 22 may be formed from resiliently deformable rigid plastics. In addition or as an alternative to the selection of the dimensions of the elongate member 22 to ensure the elongate body cannot open within the channel, the first and second wing 24, 26 comprises a protruding member 40 on an underside thereof that is configured, in use, to contact a portion of the goal frame 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second wing 24, 26 are provided with a respective protruding member 40 at a distal region of the underside thereof. These protruding members 40 are configured to engage a portion of the goal frame 4 when the elongate member 22 is located within the channel 18. This portion of the goal frame 4 can be part of the channel 18 itself or, as shown in Figure 4, can be a portion of the goal frame 4 in which the channel 18 is located. The engagement of the protrusions 40 with the portion of the goal frame 4 ensures an intimate fit of the elongate member 22 within the channel 18, and further minimises any flexing of the wings 24, 26 which may act to increase the width of the opening 34 to the slot 30 when secured within the channel 18. In an alternative embodiment, these protruding members 40 may be oversized to causes deformation of the elongate member 22 by rotation of the first and second wings 26 about the longitudinal axis X of the elongate member 22 when the elongate member 22 is located within the channel 18, thereby reducing the width of the opening 34 and further securing the goal net 6 within the slot 30. The location of the oversized protruding members40 will provide a large moment about the longitudinal axis X relative to the slot 30, thereby providing a greater degree of rotation of the first elongate portion 24 and / or second elongate portion around the longitudinal axis X. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second wing 24, 26 further comprise at least one hooked protrusion or barb 42 adjacent to the opening 34 of the slot 30. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second wing 24, 26 comprise a respective barb 42 which extend along the length of the respective wing 24, 26, each barb 42 having a hooked end 44 which is turned inwardly of the slot chamber 30b. When a portion of the goal net 6 is inserted into the slot chamber 30b, the barbs 42 act as an additional physical barrier, engaging the goal net 6 and preventing the net 6 from sliding out from the slot 30. The first and second wings 24, 26 and body portion 28 can be provided as separate components that are joined together to form the elongate member 22. Alternatively, the first wing 24, second wing 26 and body portion 28 can be integrally formed together to form the elongate member 22.

Claims

1. A securing means for attaching a goal net to a goal frame to form a goal assembly, the securing means comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, wherein the elongate body is configured to be releasably locatable in a channel formed in the goal frame, wherein the elongate member comprises a first elongate portion and a second elongate portion, and the first elongate portion and second elongate portion are each coupled with a body portion to define a slot between the first elongate portion, second elongate portion and the body portion, the slot comprising a slot opening,wherein at least a portion of the elongate body is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the slot opening comprises a first width for retaining the portion of a goal net within the slot, and a second configuration in which the slot opening comprises a second width which enables the portion of the goal net to move into and out from the slot,and wherein the elongate body is configured such that when the elongate body is located within the channel in the goal frame, the elongate body is maintained in the first configuration.

2. A securing means according to claim 1, wherein the first elongate portion comprises a first protruding member on a surface that is configured, in use, to contact a portion of the goal frame.

3. A securing means according to claim 2, wherein the first protruding member is located at or towards a distal end of the first elongate portion, relative to the slot.

4. A securing means according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second elongate portion comprises a second protruding member on a surface that is configured, in use, to contact a portion of the goal frame.

5. A securing means according to claim 4, wherein the second protruding member is located at or towards a distal end of the second elongate portion, relative to the slot.

6. A securing means according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body portion comprises at least one flange on an external surface thereof that, in use, is configured to contact a portion of the channel.

7. A securing means according to claim 6, wherein the at least one flange comprises two flanges arranged on opposing sides of the body portion.

8. A securing means according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first elongate portion comprises at least one protrusion adjacent to the opening of the slot.

9. A securing means according to claim 8, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a barb.

10. A securing means according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second elongate portion comprises at least one protrusion adjacent to the opening of the slot.

11. A securing means according to claim 10, wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a barb.

12. A securing means according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first elongate portion, second elongate portion and body portion are integrally formed.

13. A goal assembly comprising a goal frame, a goal net and at least one securing means according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the goal frame comprises at least two posts and a crossbar and wherein at least one of the at least two posts and crossbar comprises a channel formed in an external surface, wherein the goal net is detachably couplable with the goal frame by locating the at least one securing means within the at least one channel.

14. A goal assembly according to claim 13, wherein each of the at least two posts and crossbar respectively comprise at least one channel, and the goal assembly comprises a securing means releasably locatable within each channel.5       15. A kit of parts for a goal assembly comprising:• a goal frame comprising at least two posts and a crossbar, wherein at least one of the at least two posts and crossbar comprises a channel formed in an external surface;• a goal net; and10          • at least one securing means according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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