Foldable sports goal

Abstract

A sports goal frame comprises a folding assembly, the folding assembly including a first member portion 16a, a second member portion 16b and a joint mechanism 50, the joint mechanism including a first

Description

Technical Field The present invention relates to sports goals, in particular foldable sports goals. Background Goals are an essential element to sports, such as football. However, sports pitches are often multifunctional, requiring the goals to be stored elsewhere when not in use. Some goals occupy a relatively large volume when configured for use, and can be reconfigured, for example folded, so as to occupy a smaller volume when not in use. Summary A first aspect of the present invention provides a sports goal frame comprising a folding assembly, the folding assembly comprising a first member portion, a second member portion and a joint mechanism, the joint mechanism comprising a first joint assembly movably attached to the first member portion at a first interface, a second joint assembly attached to the second member portion, and a hinge between the first and second joint assemblies, wherein: the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly are movable relative to one another about a hinge axis of the hinge to move the first member portion relative to the second member portion, and the first interface comprises a roller assembly and a contact surface, the roller assembly configured to roll along the contact surface to move the first joint assembly relative to the first member portion in a longitudinal direction of the first member portion between a first position and a second position. Sports goals, particularly sports goal frames, occupy a relatively large volume when configured for use compared to the volume of components of the frame. The present invention enables folding of the frame, by the folding assembly, so that the sports goal frame occupies a smaller volume than when configured for use. This may be beneficial for ease of transit of the sports goal frame and enable the sports goal frame to be stored in a smaller space than when configured for use. The roller assembly facilitates relatively low friction generation between surfaces of the first joint assembly and the first member portion that are moveable relative to one another, so that the process of collapsing and folding the frame is easier compared to the surfaces sliding against one another. The first member portion may comprise a channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the first member portion, a wall of the channel defining the contact surface of the first interface, the first joint assembly may comprise the roller assembly of the first interface, and the roller assembly may be disposed in the channel and configured to roll along the wall of the channel to move the first member portion between the first position and the second position. The channel may help to restrict lateral and / or rotational movement of the first joint assembly relative to the first member portion so that the frame is more stable when being folded or unfolded. The first member portion may define a hollow recess at an end thereof, the hollow recess extending in the longitudinal direction of the first member portion, wherein the channel may be disposed at a side of the hollow recess and the first joint assembly may be receivable in the hollow recess. The first joint assembly may thus be positioned inside the first member portion, which may reduce a chance of damage being imparted on the joint mechanism, particularly the first joint assembly, during the life of the sports goal frame. The roller assembly may comprise a plurality of rollers configured to roll along the wall of the channel, each roller of the plurality of rollers having the same diameter as each other roller of the plurality of rollers, and being spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction. This may help to inhibit misalignment between the first and second member portions during movement between the first and second positions compared to the roller assembly comprising a single roller. The diameter of each roller of the plurality of rollers may be no more than 1 mm, or no more than 0.5 mm, smaller than a width of the channel. This may help to inhibit misalignment between the first and second member portions during movement between the first and second positions compared to a greater difference between the diameter of the rollers and the width of the channel. In turn, this may reduce a force required to move the first member portion between the first and second positions. The roller assembly may comprise a first roller having a first diameter, and a pair of second rollers each having a second diameter, which is less than the first diameter and less than half of a width of the channel. One of the pair of second rollers may be configured to roll along the wall of the channel, and the other of the pair of second rollers may be configured to roll along an opposing wall of the channel, the opposing wall of the channel defining another contact surface of the first interface. Such an arrangement of rollers may inhibit twisting of the first member portion and / or the first joint assembly about a longitudinal axis of the first member portion. The combination of the first roller and the pair of second rollers, and their respective diameters may improve twisting inhibition over either of the first roller or the pair of second rollers in isolation. The second joint assembly may comprise a second roller assembly receivable in the channel and configured to roll along the contact surface. This may help to facilitate alignment of the first and second member portions when the second roller assembly is in the channel. When the first member portion is in the first position, the hinge may be located in the hollow recess and the second roller assembly may be in the channel. When the first member portion is in the second position, the hinge may be located outside of the first member portion and the second roller assembly may not be in the channel. This may permit movement about the hinge in the second position only. That is, in the first position. That is, in the first position, the folding assembly may be rigid and rotation about the hinge may be inhibited, which is beneficial in use of the sports goal frame, whereas, in the second position, rotation about the hinge may be uninhibited, which may facilitate folding of the sports goal frame via the folding assembly. The second joint assembly may be fixed in position relative to the second member portion. This may help to inhibit twisting of the joint mechanism relative to the second member portion. The first interface may comprise a further contact surface and a further roller assembly disposed towards an opposite side of the first member portion to the channel and the roller assembly. The first member portion may comprise a further channel generally opposite the channel, the further channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the first member portion, and a wall of the further channel defining the further contact surface. The first joint assembly may comprise the further roller assembly, the further roller assembly disposed in the further channel and configured to roll along the wall of the further channel to move the first member portion between the first position and the second position. This may provide a generally symmetrical arrangement, which may further inhibit twisting of the first member portion and the first joint assembly about the longitudinal axis of the first member portion, compared to the further channel not being generally opposite the channel. The first joint assembly may comprise a first support member attached to the hinge and configured to support the roller assembly. The first joint assembly may be movably attached to the first member portion such that the first support member is separated from the first member portion. Accordingly, substantially no friction may be generated between the first support member and the first member portion during movement between the first and second positions, which may reduce a force required to move the first member portion between the first and second positions. The second joint assembly may comprise a second support member attached to the hinge. The second support member may be receivable within the hollow recess of the first member portion without directly contacting the first member portion. Accordingly, substantially no friction may be generated between the second support member and the first member portion during movement between the first and second positions, which may reduce a force required to move the first member portion between the first and second positions. The sports goal frame may comprise a pair of side bars and a net support bar movably attached a rear end of one of the pair of side bars about a hinge axis, the hinge axis being parallel to the one of the pair of side bars and positioned to an exterior of the one of the pair of side bars. The net support bar may be movable between a first support position, in which the net support bar is generally normal or perpendicular to the rear bar, and a second support position, in which the net support bar is generally parallel to the rear bar. This may provide a relatively simple assembly to facilitate movement of the net support bar between the first and second support positions. The hinge axis may be positioned to an inner side of the one of the pair of side bars, closer to a lower side of the one of the pair of side bars than an upper side of the respective one of the pair of side bars, the upper side opposite the lower side. This may reduce a volume occupied by the sports goal frame when the net support bar is in the second support position, compared to the hinge axis being positioned on another side of the one of the pair of side bars and compared to the hinge axis being closer to the upper side than the lower side. A distance between the hinge axis and the upper side may be equal to or greater than a diameter of the net support bar. Accordingly, the net support bar may not lie proud of the side bar when in the second support position, which may reduce a volume occupied by the sports goal frame when the net support bar is in the second support position compared to the distance being less than the diameter of the net support bar. Also disclosed is a sports goal frame comprising a cross bar, a pair of uprights attached to the crossbar and configured to support the crossbar above the ground, a pair of side bars each connected at a front end to a respective one of the pair of uprights, and a pair of net support bars each connected at a lower end to a rear end of a respective one of the pair of side bars, the rear end opposite the front end, wherein each of the pair of net support bars is rotatable relative to the respective one of the pair of side bars about a respective hinge axis, each hinge axis being parallel to and disposed at an inner side of the respective one of the pair of side bars, closer to a lower side of the respective one of the pair of side bars than an upper side of the respective one of the pair of side bars, the upper side opposite the lower side. The sports goal frame may enable a simple arrangement and process to move the pair of net support bars to a stowed position. This may help to prevent damage to the net support bars when not in use. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an illustrative example of a sports goal system comprising a sports goal on a sports pitch, the sports goal in a first configuration; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of the sports goal system of Figure 1, the sports goal in the first configuration; Figure 3 shows a schematic horizontal view of a portion of the sports goal of Figure 1, the sports goal in a second configuration; Figure 4 shows a schematic horizontal view of the sports goal of Figure 1, the sports goal in the second configuration; Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the sports goal of Figure 1, the sports goal in the second configuration; Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the sports goal of Figure 1, the sports goal in a third configuration; Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of the sports goal of Figure 1, the sports goal in a fourth configuration; Figure 8 shows a schematic top view of the sports goal of Figure 1, the sports goal in a fifth configuration; Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of a first example of a portion of the sports goal of Figure 1 in the third configuration; Figure 10 is a schematic partial cross-section of Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of the first example of the portion of the sports goal of Figure 1 in the fourth configuration; Figure 12 is a schematic partial cross-section of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an upright of the sports goal of Figure 1; Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an upright of the sports goal of Figure 1; Figure 15 shows a schematic side view, in partial cross-section, of a second example of the portion of the sports goal of Figure 1 in the third configuration; and Figure 16 is a schematic side view, in partial cross-section, of the second example of the portion of the sports goal of Figure 1 in the fourth configuration. Detailed Description The sports goal 10 shown in Figure 1 is, in this example, a football goal and is referred to herein after as ‘the goal 10’. Figures 2 to 14 show various aspects and configurations of the goal 10. The Figures are shown with axes x, y and z. The x-y plane is horizontal and parallel to a sports pitch 2 on which the goal 10 is usable, the x- z plane is vertical and parallel to a goal line 3 of the sports pitch 2, and the y-z plane is vertical and normal to the goal line 3. The goal 10 comprises a frame 14 and a net (omitted for clarity, but removably attachable to the frame 14 in a suitable fashion). The frame 14 comprises a pair of uprights 16, a cross bar 18, a pair of side bars 20, a rear bar 22, a pair of support struts 24, and a pair of net supports 26, each of which are rigid. The pair of uprights 16, the cross bar 18, the rear bar 22, the pair of support struts 24 and the pair of net supports 26 are each substantially straight and have a respective longitudinal axis extending between opposing ends. Each of the pair of uprights 16 and the pair of side bars 20 is formed of an aluminium extrusion extending from a first end to a second end of the respective upright 16 or side bar 20. The first end of each of the pair of uprights 16 is attached to a respective end of the crossbar 18. The second end of each of the pair of uprights 16 is attached to a first end of a respective one of the pair of side bars 20. The second end of each of the pair of side bars 20 is attached to a respective end of the rear bar 22. The pair of net supports 26 each have an upper end, which is not attached to another part of the frame 14, and a lower end, which is attached to a respective one of the pair of side bars 20 towards the second end. The frame 14 is foldable, as will now be described with reference to Figures 2 to 14. The frame 14 being foldable may ease transport and / or storage of the goal 10 when not in use by reducing a volume occupied by the goal 10 compared to when in an in-use configuration, as shown in Figure 1. The following describes features of the goal 10, and an example sequence, for transition the goal 10 from the in-use or unfolded configuration to a folded configuration. It will be appreciated that the sequence may be reversed to transition the goal 10 from the folded configuration to the in-use configuration. The pair of net supports 26 are movably attached, at their respective lower ends, to the respective one of the pair of side bars 20, as best shown in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is a close-up perspective view of the second end of one of the side bars 20 and a lower end of the net support 26 that is attached to the side bar 20, as viewed from outward of the side bar 20, with the net support 26 in a vertical position, corresponding to the in-use configured. Figure 3 is a close-up horizontal view of the second end of the one of the side bars 20 and the lower end of the net support 26, as viewed from inward of the side bar 20, with the net support 26 in a horizontal position, corresponding to the folded configuration. A corresponding arrangement is provided at the other side of the goal 10 for the other net support 26 of the pair of net supports 26, and will not be described separately, for brevity. The net support 26 comprises an upper fixing plate 28 disposed at the lower end of the net support 26. The upper fixing plate 28 is L-shaped, having a first wall that is normal to the longitudinal axis of the net support 26, and a second wall that is normal to the first wall and extends away from the net support 26 generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the net support 26. The upper fixing plate 28 is fixedly attached to the net support 26 at the first wall. Each of the first and second walls has a hollow shaft 30 attached to a free-end thereof. The side bar 20 comprises a lower fixing plate 32 that is L-shaped, having a first wall that lies horizontally on an upper side of the side bar 20, and a second wall that is normal to the first wall and extends vertically downward on the inner side of the side wall 20. The second wall has a length that is greater than a diameter of the net support 26. The lower fixing plate 32 is fixedly attached to the side bar 20. Each of the first and second walls has a hollow shaft 34 attached to a free-end thereof. The upper fixing plate 28 is sized to overlie the lower fixing plate 32 when the net support 26 is in the vertical position. With the net support 26 in the vertical position, the hollow shafts 30, 34 at the free end of the first wall of each of the upper and lower fixing plates 28, 32 are co-axial with one another. A first bolt 36 passes through each of the respective hollow shafts 30, 34 and is held in place by a wing nut 38. In addition, the hollow shafts 30, 24 at the free end of the second wall of each of the upper and lower fixing plates 28, 32 are co-axial with one another. A second bolt 40 passes through each of the respective hollow shafts 30, 34 and is held in place by a nut 42. To move the net support 26 to the horizontal position, the wing nut 38 is unscrewed and the first bolt 36 is removed. The net support 26 then rotates about a longitudinal axis of the second bolt 40, in an inward direction of the goal 10, until the net support 26 is substantially parallel to the rear bar 22, as best shown in Figure 4. The length of the second wall of the first fixing plate 28 being greater than a diameter of the net support 26 means that, in the horizontal position, the net support 26 does not lie proud of the side bar 20. The first bolt 36 may be passed back through the free hollow shaft of the upper of lower fixing plate 28, 30 and held in place with the wing nut 38. This may help prevent the first bolt 36 and the wing nut 38 from being misplaced when the goal 10 is not in the in-use configuration. The pair of uprights 16 are movably attached, at their respective second ends, to the first end of the respective one of the pair of side bars 20. In the in-use configuration, as shown in Figure 5, the pair of uprights 16 are substantially vertical and the pair of side frames 20 are substantially horizontal and lie on the ground. Each of the second ends of the pair of uprights 16 and the first ends of the pair of side bars 20 is chamfered to an angle of 45 degrees, to help seat the upright 16 and respective side bar 20 perpendicular to one another in the in-use configuration. A hinge mechanism 42 is disposed at the junction between each upright 16 and the respective side bar 20 to facilitate relative rotational movement. To move the pair of uprights 16 relative to the pair of side bars 20, the support struts 24 are each detached from the respective one of the pair of uprights 16, and are rotates about a hinge axis at an end of the support strut 24 that is attached to a respective one of the side bars 20 until the support struts 24 lie substantially parallel to the pair of side bars 20. The pair of uprights 16 and the crossbar 18 are then rotated about the hinge mechanisms 42 until the pair of uprights 16 are substantially horizontal, until the cross bar 18 contact a pair of stops 44 that protrude from an upper side of the rear bar 22, as best shown in Figure 6. The frame 14 is foldable again to reach the folded configuration. Each of the pair of uprights 16 and the pair of side bars 20 has a joint mechanism 50 therein to facilitate the further folding of the frame 14, in particular folding of the pair of uprights 16 and the pair of side bars 20 at a predefined distance along their respective lengths. In the pair of uprights 16, the joint mechanisms 50 are each disposed towards the first end of the respective one of the pair of uprights 16, at a predefined distance from the first end. In the pair of side bars 20, the joint mechanisms 50 are each disposed towards the second end of the respective one of the pair of side bars 20, at the predefined distance from the second end. The joint mechanisms 50 facilitate changing a distance between first and second portions of each of the pair of uprights 16 and the pair of side bars 20, as best shown in Figure 7, and subsequent rotation about a hinge 52 of each of the joint assemblies 50 of the first portions relative to the second portions, as best shown in Figure 8. Figure 7 shows one side of the goal 10 as the goal is transitioned between the in-use and folded configurations. Figure 8 shows one side of the goal 10 in the folded configuration. It will be appreciated that the other side of the goal 10 is a mirror image of that shown in Figures 7 and 8. A more detailed explanation of the joint mechanisms 50 is provided herein with reference to the joint mechanism 50 of one of the pair of uprights, and with reference to Figures 9 to 14. It will be appreciated that the explanation is applicable to each of the other joint mechanisms 50 of the frame 14. The upright 16 is an aluminium extrusion formed of a first portion 16a and a second portion 16b, separate from the first portion 16a. The first portion 16a extends from the second end of the upright 16 and the second portion 16b extends from the first end of the upright 16. The second portion 16b has a length of approximately 200mm. In the in-use configuration, the first and second portions 16a, 16b are co-axial with one another and together form a rigid member, the upright 16. A side view of an interface between the first and second portions 16a, 16b of the upright 16 is shown in Figures 9-12. In Figures 9 and 10, the first and second portions 16a, 16b are co-axial and abut one another, as per when the goal 10 is in the in-use configuration. In Figures 11 and 12, the first and second portions 16a, 16b are co-axial with one another but longitudinally separated from one another, as per when the goal 10 is transitioning between the in-use and the folded configurations. Figures 9-12 show one side of the upright 16, but the other side is a mirror of the arrangements shown. That is, the upright 16 and the joint assembly 50 are symmetrical. The joint assembly 50 comprises a first joint assembly 54, which is generally disposed within the first portion 16a of the upright 16, a second joint assembly 56, which is fixedly attached to the second portion 16b of the upright 16, and the hinge 52. The hinge 52 is disposed between and attached to each of the first and second joint assemblies 54, 56, and comprises a pin to permit rotation of the first joint assembly 54 relative to the second joint assembly 56 about a longitudinal axis of the pin. The first joint assembly 54 comprises a first support member 58 and a pair of first roller assemblies 60. The first support member 58 has a generally rectangular outer shape and is co-axial with the first portion 16a of the upright 16. Opposing sides of the first support member 58 each support a respective one of the pair of first roller assemblies 60. Each first roller assembly 60 has a first pair of rollers 61 and a second pair of rollers 62. Only one of the first roller assemblies 60 is described below, for brevity, but the other is identical to that described. The first pair of rollers 61 each has a first diameter, in this example of around 15mm and is arranged adjacent to the other of first pair of rollers 61. A gap of around 5mm is defined between the rollers of the first pair of rollers 61. Each of the first pair of rollers 61 is an equal distance from an end of the first support member 58 that is attached to the hinge 52. The second pair of rollers 62 each has a second diameter, in this example of around 35mm and is arranged adjacent to the other of the second pair of rollers 62. A gap of around 20mm is defined between the rollers of the second pair of rollers 62. The second pair of rollers 62 are each a different distance from the end of the first support member 58 that is attached to the hinge 52. Rotational axes of each of the rollers 61, 62 of the first joint assembly 54 are parallel to one another. The second joint assembly 56 comprises a second support member 64 and a pair of second roller assemblies 66. The second support member 64 has a generally rectangular outer shape and is co-axial with the second portion 16b of the upright 16. The second support member 64 has the same rectangular outer shape as the first support member 58. The second support member 64 is fixedly attached to the second portion 16b of the upright and an end of the second support member 64 that is attached to the hinge 52 protrudes from the second portion 16b of the upright 16 in a longitudinal direction of the second portion 16b of the upright 16. Opposing sides of the second support member 64 each support a respective one of the pair of second roller assemblies 66. Each second roller assembly 66 has a single roller 68 having a diameter that is substantially equal to the diameter of the second pairs of rollers 62 of the first joint assembly 54. Each roller 58 is at a distance of around 25mm from the end of the second support member 64 that is attached to the hinge. The roller 68 of each of the second roller assemblies 66 is coaxial with the roller 68 of the other of the second roller assemblies 66. A cross-sectional view of the aluminium extrusion the first portion 16a of the upright 16 is shown in Figure 13. The aluminium extrusion comprises two pairs of protrusions 70 which extend inwardly into a hollow recess 72 of the first portion 16a. The hollow recess 72 extends along the longitudinal axis of the first portion 16a upright 16. Each pair of protrusions 70 defines a respective channel 74 which extends parallel the longitudinal axis of the first portion 16a of the upright 16. The channels 74 are generally diametrically opposed to one another. The inner walls of each channel 74 define a first contact surface 76 and a second contact surface 78. The first and second contact surfaces are separated by a distance of around 0.4mm more than the diameter of each of the second pairs of rollers 62. A cross-sectional view of the first portion 16a of the upright 16 with the first joint assembly 54 received in the hollow recess 72 is shown in Figure 14. The first support member 58 is received in the hollow recess 72 between the pairs of protrusions 70, and is dimensioned so that the first support member 58 is slidable within the hollow recess 72, in an axial direction of the first portion 16a of the upright 16, without directly contacting the aluminium extrusion. The first pairs of rollers 61 and the second pairs of rollers 62 are each positioned within a respective one of the channels 74 on either side of the first support member 58. Each of the first pairs of rollers 61 are spaced apart by such a distance that a first roller of each of the first pairs of rollers 61 contacts, and is rollable along, the first contact surface 76, and a second roller of the each of the first pairs of rollers 61 contacts, and is rollable along, the second contact surface 78. This small clearance helps to minimise relative axial rotation between the first and second member portions 16a, 16b. Each of the rollers of the second pairs of rollers 62 contacts, and is rollable along, one of the first and second contact surfaces 76, 74, depending on an orientation of the first and second portions 16a, 16b relative to gravitational forces. The other of the first and second contact surfaces is separated from the rollers of the second pairs of rollers 62 by a clearance distance, in this example around 0.4mm. This small clearance helps to keep the first and second member portions 16a, 16b co-axial as the first and second portions 16a, 16b are moved relative to one another to change a distance between the first and second member portions 16a, 16b. The second support member 64 is receivable in the hollow recess 72 between the pairs of protrusions 70, and, having the same dimensions as the first support member 58, is slidable within the hollow recess 72, in an axial direction of the first portion 16a of the upright 16, without directly contacting the aluminium extrusion. Each of the rollers 68 of the second roller assemblies 66 is also dimensioned and positioned on the second support member 64 to be received within a respective one of the channels 74, as will be described herein. Each of the rollers 68 of the second roller assemblies 66 contacts, and is rollable along, one of the first and second contact surfaces 76, 74, depending on an orientation of the first and second member portions 16a, 16b relative to gravitational forces. The other of the first and second contact surfaces is separated from the rollers 68 by a clearance distance, in this example around 0.4mm. This small clearance helps to align the first and second portions 16a, 16b when the first and second portions 16a, 16b abut one another, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. With reference to transitioning the goal 10 from the in-use configuration to the folded configuration, with the uprights 16 and the side bars 20 substantially parallel to one another, as shown in Figure 6, the first and second portions 16a, 16b of each of the pair of uprights 16 and the first and second portions of each of the pair of side bars 20 are co-axial and abut one another, as shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, in which a portion of the aluminium extrusion of the first portion 16a is removed to show the joint mechanism 50, the joint mechanism 50 is within the hollow recess 72 of the first portion 16a. The joint mechanism 50 longitudinally overlaps the first portion 16a, and each of the first and second roller assemblies 60, 66 are disposed within a respective one of the channels 74. Rotation about the hinge 52 is inhibited, and the first and second portions 16a, 16b together form a rigid member. The first portion 16a of each of the uprights 16 and the side frames 20 is movable, in an axial direction, relative to the second portion 16b of the respective upright 16 or side frame 20, as indicated by the arrow A in Figures 7, 11 and 12. In the context of transitioning the goal 10 to the folded configuration, the first portion 16a of each of the uprights 16 and the side frames 20 is pulled apart from the second portions 16b. This causes the rollers of the first and second roller assemblies 60, 66 to roll along the respective contact surfaces 76, 78 of the channels 74. The roller assemblies 60, 66 reduce friction between the joint mechanisms 50 and the first portions 16a of the uprights 16 and the side frames 20 and thus reduce a force required to move the first portions 16a in the axial direction. A maximum distance by which the first portions 16a may be separated from the second portions 16b is limited by a limiting pin 80 fixedly attached to the first support member 58 and a slot 82 in the aluminium extrusion of the first portions 16a. The slot 82 extends in the axial direction and receives the limiting pin 80. Contact between the limiting pin 80 and an end of the slot 82 that is distal from the second portions 16b inhibits further axial movement of the first portions 16a relative to the first support member 58 and, in turn, the second portions 16b. In this example, the slot has such a length that the maximum distance is around 140mm. At the maximum distance, the second roller assemblies 66 are not in the channels 74 and the hinge 52 is positioned between the first and second portions 16a, 16b of the uprights 16 and the side frames 20. The first roller assemblies 60 are still within the channels 74. Rotation about a hinge axis of the hinge 52 is now uninhibited such that the first joint assembly is rotatable relative to the second joint assembly, as indicated by arrow B in Figure 8. Accordingly, the first portions 16a of the uprights 16 and the side frames 20 are movable about the hinge axes of the hinges 50 until substantially parallel to the crossbar 18 and the rear bar 22, to place the goal 10 in the folded configuration. Figures 15 and 16 show an alternative joint mechanism 150 according to another example. The alternative joint mechanism 150 is shown in one of the pairs of uprights 16 of the frame 14, but may also be provided the other one of the pair of uprights 16 and / or in one or both of the side bars 20. The aluminium extrusion of the upright 16 is the same as that described above with reference to Figure 13, and has a first portion 16a and a second portion 16b. The alternative joint mechanism 150 is similar to the joint assembly 50 described above with reference to Figures 5 to 14 and like features have the same reference number, but increased by 100. The number and arrangement of rollers in each of the first and second roller assemblies 160, 166 of the alternative joint mechanism 150 is different to the first and second roller assemblies 60, 66 of the joint mechanism 50. The two first roller assemblies 160 of the first joint assembly 154 of the alternative joint mechanism 150 each comprise three rollers 162, which are aligned with one another in the axial direction of the first portion 16a of the upright 16. Each of the three rollers 162 has the same diameter, in this example around 35mm. The two second roller assemblies 166 of the second joint assembly 156 of the alternative joint mechanism 150 each comprise two rollers 168, which are aligned with one another in an axial direction of the second portion 16b of the upright 16. Each of the two rollers 168 has the same diameter as the three rollers 162 of the first roller assemblies 160, in this example around 35mm. In use, the rollers 162, 168 each roll along one of the contact surfaces 78, 76 of the channels 74 of the first portion 16a of the upright 16. This facilitates movement of the first portion 16a of the upright 16 along the axial direction between the first and second positions, shown respectively in Figures 15 and 16. In the second position shown in Figure 16, movement about the hinge 152 is uninhibited and the upright 16 is foldable about the hinge 152, in the same manner as described above with reference to Figure 8. The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged, for example as listed here. The goal 10 may be for a sport other than football, for example hockey. The roller assemblies may have a different number or arrangement of rollers. The first support member may comprise the channels, and the roller assemblies may be attached to the respective upright or side bar. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A sports goal frame comprising a folding assembly, the folding assembly comprising a first member portion, a second member portion and a joint mechanism, the joint mechanism comprising a first joint assembly movably attached to the first member portion at a first interface, a second joint assembly attached to the second member portion, and a hinge between the first and second joint assemblies, wherein:the first joint assembly and the second joint assembly are movable relative to one another about a hinge axis of the hinge to move the first member portion relative to the second member portion, andthe first interface comprises a roller assembly and a contact surface, the roller assembly configured to roll along the contact surface to move the first joint assembly relative to the first member portion in a longitudinal direction of the first member portion between a first position and a second position.

2. The sports goal frame according to claim 1, wherein:the first member portion comprises a channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the first member portion, a wall of the channel defining the contact surface of the first interface;the first joint assembly comprises the roller assembly of the first interface; and the roller assembly is disposed in the channel and configured to roll along the wall of the channel to move the first member portion between the first position and the second position.

3. The sports goal frame according to claim 2, wherein:the first member portion defines a hollow recess at an end thereof, the hollow recess extending in the longitudinal direction of the first member portion;the channel is disposed at a side of the hollow recess; and the first joint assembly is receivable in the hollow recess.

4. The sports goal frame according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the roller assembly comprises a plurality of rollers configured to roll along the wall of thechannel, each roller of the plurality of rollers having the same diameter as each other roller of the plurality of rollers, and being spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction.

5. The sports goal frame according to claim 4, wherein the diameter of each roller of the plurality of rollers is no more than 1 mm smaller than a width of the channel.

6. The sports goal frame according to claim 2 or 3, wherein:the roller assembly comprises a first roller having a first diameter, and a pair of second rollers each having a second diameter, which is less than the first diameter and less than half of a width of the channel; andone of the pair of second rollers is configured to roll along the wall of the channel, and the other of the pair of second rollers is configured to roll along an opposing wall of the channel, the opposing wall of the channel defining another contact surface of the first interface.

7. The sports goal frame according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second joint assembly comprises a second roller assembly receivable in the channel and configured to roll along the contact surface.

8. The sports goal frame according to claim 7, wherein:when the first member portion is in the first position, the hinge is located in the hollow recess and the second roller assembly is in the channel; andwhen the first member portion is in the second position, the hinge is located outside of the first member portion and the second roller assembly is not in the channel.

9. The sports goal frame according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein:the first interface comprises a further contact surface and a further roller assembly disposed towards an opposite side of the first member portion to the channel and the roller assembly;the first member portion comprises a further channel generally opposite the channel, the further channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the first member portion, and a wall of the further channel defining the further contact surface; andthe first joint assembly comprises the further roller assembly, the further roller assembly disposed in the further channel and configured to roll along the wall of the further channel to move the first member portion between the first position and the second position.

10. The sports goal frame according to claim 9, wherein the second joint assembly comprises a further second roller assembly receivable in the further channel and configured to roll along the further contact surface.

11. The sports goal frame according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first joint assembly comprises a support member attached to the hinge and configured to support the roller assembly; andthe first joint assembly is movably attached to the first member portion such that the support member is separated from the first member portion.

12. The sports goal frame according any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of side bars and a net support bar movably attached a rear end of one of the pair of side bars about a hinge axis, the hinge axis being parallel to the one of the pair of side bars and positioned to an exterior of the one of the pair of side bars, wherein the net support bar is movable between a first support position, in which the net support bar is generally normal to the rear bar, and a second support position, in which the net support bar is generally parallel to the rear bar.

13. The sports goal frame according to claim 12, wherein the hinge axis is positioned to an inner side of the one of the pair of side bars, closer to a lower side of the one of the pair of side bars than an upper side of the respective one of the pair of side bars, the upper side opposite the lower side.

14. The sports goal frame according to claim 13, wherein a distance between the hinge axis and the upper side is equal to or greater than a diameter of the net support bar.

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